FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[BOYA87]

Has anyone seen the extended forecast for Saturday's games?  Just curious.

Also, for you Trine guys, I will be at the game on Saturday with our Hope team and perhaps might have a chance to meet some of you at halftime, if my official team duties don't consume me.  I think it will be a good game and I'm also looking forward to seeing Trine's new stadium and synthetic turf.  Last time we were there it was a "mud-bowl".

Well there might be rain Saturday but at least it wont be another mud bowl!  I remember that game and Shive Field was never the same after that.  The turf is great but as you will notice the midfield "T" faces the visitors stands.  Thats because they still plan to build an all new building to that side with a new home side stadium with press box and even locker rooms and coaches offices in it.  I know that project got pushed back a little bit so Im not sure when they plan to start it.  But also as Diezel said, they just had lights installed!!  the first night game at the stadium will be between 2 of the local high schools on October 9th.

but enough about the field, football is football no matter what type of surface.  I think it will be a good game tomorrow.  Hope is known for being a heavy pass team and Trines defense is usually very strong against the run but employes almost a "bend but not break" style with their pass defense.  Again I think the key for Trine comes down to getting pressure on Hopes quarterback. 

as far as the rain affecting the teams, I think Trines offense is better suited to handle the wet weather as opposed to Hope.  Trine is usually pretty balanced with their attack but has so much depth at running back that they could run the ball literally every play.  Being a former reciever I hope they dont, but the capability is there. 

Formerd3db, come on down to the tailgate at halftime if you want a beer!  I'll have one waiting for you!

[Diezel1]

As Boya said Trine's offense is pretty balanced.  There offensive averages are about the same passing as they are rushing.  Trine's qb is always a running threat when throwing, giving the offense another chance to pick up rushing yards.  I think Hope has good running backs that will allow them to run the ball but IMO plays into the strength of Trine's defense.  Last year Hope's passing game gave Trine a lot of problems so once again IMO Trine is better suited to play in the rain than Hope

[formerd3db]

BOYA87 and Diezel1:

Thanks for the detailed info and your opinions.  I agree with you in the assesments.  I think Hope has a chance for the upset, however, if Trine decides to engage its passing game more, Hope could be in trouble because our secondary has been having a difficult time on several occasions.  Also, as you say, football is football regardless of the weather, although it will be nice to have the synthetic turf.  This will be two consecutive games on such surface for Hope.  I'm looking forward to seeing your "new digs" at Trine.

I will dress warm; also BOYA, I will look forward to meeting you at halftime if I can make it over there - thanks for the invite, you are most kind.  You guys drive safe and also, don't forget to dress warm!

[RuleBritannia]

MIAA Capsules

Albion-Olivet: The oldest rivalry west of the Alleghenies renews itself tomorrow afternoon in the 109th meeting between these two teams. I haven't been too impressed with Olivet thus far this season. I think Albion, which has had two works to prepare and get healthy, is hungry for a win, and they will get one tomorrow.

Albion 35 Olivet 0

Kalamazoo-Adrian: This is the most intriguing game of the day for me. Just how good is Kalamazoo? I think they're pretty good and they're going to upset some people in the MIAA this year, that starts tomorrow.

Kalamazoo 35 Adrian 31

Trine-Hope: This match up features last years MIAA champion against the team I think has the most talent in the league this year. I think the game will be close, but I think the Dutchmen will avenge last years loss and prove their a force to be reckoned with in the conference.

Trine 24 Hope 33

[formerd3db]

MIAA Capsules

Albion-Olivet: The oldest rivalry west of the Alleghenies renews itself tomorrow afternoon in the 109th meeting between these two teams. I haven't been too impressed with Olivet thus far this season. I think Albion, which has had two works to prepare and get healthy, is hungry for a win, and they will get one tomorrow.

Albion 35 Olivet 0

Kalamazoo-Adrian: This is the most intriguing game of the day for me. Just how good is Kalamazoo? I think they're pretty good and they're going to upset some people in the MIAA this year, that starts tomorrow.

Kalamazoo 35 Adrian 31

Trine-Hope: This match up features last years MIAA champion against the team I think has the most talent in the league this year. I think the game will be close, but I think the Dutchmen will avenge last years loss and prove their a force to be reckoned with in the conference.

Trine 24 Hope 33

Good synopsis RBritannia.  The Kazoo and Hope games do have a good chance for upsets.  I think you are also right on regarding the Albion/Olivet game.  Olivet is having a rather disappointing and surprising year so far.  The 109th meeting (starting way back in 1884 when the two teams met twice that year) is, indeed, a great continuation of an historic rivalry.  Although I believe, as you do, that we'll not see a close 10-5 score as occured during one of those first meetings and again a couple of years ago!

[ADAWGISADAWG4LIFE]

Adrian 7 Kzoo 0.  Kzoo has the ball in Adrian territory, Adrian applying pressure with only 3 DL.

[ADAWGISADAWG4LIFE]

Adrian final Adrian 62 Kzoo 15.  Anyone at the game today to give any insight?

[formerd3db]

I was sure wrong about Kazoo.  Adrian is always tough, however, this year it appeared they might be vulnerable and that Kazoo was on the rise as a potential serious challenger in the MIAA race.  But alas, Kazoo is back to their usual performance.  I'm sure they look to bounce back against Olivet next week at "The Big O's" Homecoming in Olivet.

Speaking of the latter, Olivet did as expected.  Albion seems to have handled them easily.  I was surprised that only 2017 were in attendance at Albion however.  Albion will be primed to unload on Hope at our Homecoming next weekend in Holland.  Hope and Olivet are both now 0-5 - unbelievable almost.

Now to the Trine/Hope game.  I was very impressed with Trine's line size, speed, and their RB and QB.  The only aspect they need to improve on is eliminating the "cheap shotting" in tackling - that was a continuous negative yesterday.  Aside from that, a great attendance for Trine's Homecoming - great to see all the stands filled including the endzone bleachers section as well as standing room only all the way around the field.  Synthetic turf looked great and was nice - new lights great also.  The only aspect that I think might be a nuisance next year is when Trine switches the home stands to the current visitor's side when they redo the stadium.  The wind and rain will be blowing right into the home crowd faces as it is a SW - NE usual wind direction with the field lined up NW - SE.  BTW, sorry I missed meeting you Trine guys ABOY and colleagues - my duties keep me busy at halftime.  Nonetheless, I hope you enjoyed your Homecoming win and tailgates.  Those are obviously always nicer when you win!

As far as other aspects of the game, Hope could have won the game, but failed to control.  Costly mistakes, particularly on special teams hurt.  QB Feys has found his touch in passing, throwing several precision completions including for a TD - except his INT throw directly to the Trine player (I forgot if it was a LB or DL) in the mid-4th quarter was the "death bell".  Except for our Hope's loss ( , it was a pretty nice day -  the weather, which did a "Jeckyll and Hyde" all day going from sleet/heavy rain, terrible wind to very nice sunny/cloud scattered nice fall weather and changing about every 10-15 minutes in real time.  Nice campus at Trine with preservation of the old buildings, yet great additions with the new ones.  Angola a nice town as well - seems to be more busy than Alma or Albion - many neat preserved old buildings, Victorian houses, antique stores with new commercial and housing developments.  I like the addition of Trine to our MIAA, except when they beat us!

Hope will need to try and focus now - tough Homecoming game with Albion next weekend, which could spoil the 100th Year Football Season special celebrations and other activities going on campus around the game.  Hope appears heading in the same direction as last year, although I hope not.

   

[ADAWGISADAWG4LIFE]

No offense to Kzoo, but I was shocked to see the number of people picking them over Adrian.  Adrian has abosrbed two losses to tough teams, Capital and Lake Erie and has played both of them tough.  Kzoo is Kzoo and this is not meant to be disparaging.  Their 3 wins came against three teams that combined going into last week were 0-9 and the team that beat them (Denison) had one win, that being over Kzoo.  Ive seen it before, go back to I believe 2001 Kzoo started 4-0 and was receiving some love from this site, and i believe was close to entering the top 25 and went on to lose all 5 league games that year.  It is the same issue every year, Kzoo has some good players but lacks the depth overall to bang with some of the higher notch MIAA teams.  Good coaching which they have in spades has kept them in many games in the past and they are very adept at playing spoiler but they have some inherent problems.  The main one being the size of recruiting classes which they bring in which from what I know are usually in the 15 player range which leaves little room for error in who you bring in.  The commitment from the top down does not seem to be present from K.  A lot of people will cite their academic standards and tuiton for the recruiting, but many schools have success with high standards and high costs, Depauw comes to mind off the top of my head.  I cant say K isnt capable of winning against top teams as i have experienced it first hand in both my junior and senior years, my senior year a Kzoo loss kept us from a split MIAA title and also a possible second MIAA team making the playoffs.  They arent a team to sleep on by any stretch as they can come up to bite you and do some damage and I think they can win around 3 MIAA games this year which would be great to see but Adrian coming off the Lake Erie loss had something to prove and Kzoo was simply the next team on the schedule.  Sorry to go off on a tangent I just looked back at the pick 'ems and a little of the old black and gold decide to come through.

[altor]

Is Hope the best winless team in the nation right now?

Five losses by a total of 32 points to teams that are a combined 16-4.  My computer has them 93rd in D-III, which is the best of any 0 win team at this point in the season.  Probably little consolation for the Flying Dutchmen, however.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Is Hope the best winless team in the nation right now?

Five losses by a total of 32 points to teams that are a combined 16-4.  My computer has them 93rd in D-III, which is the best of any 0 win team at this point in the season.  Probably little consolation for the Flying Dutchmen, however.

It's even more dramatic if you factor in that two of their opponents played each other yesterday (IWU 42, Carthage 16).  Against everyone except each other, Hope's opponents are 15-3!

Fortunately I have almost three weeks to figure out Adrian @ Hope - except perhaps that game, I predict they will run the remaining table.

[BoredatWork56]

A few thoughts about ths weekends action:

Trine over Hope.  Good game from the Thunder infront of a packed house despite the weather.  It looks like they return an offense that is as good if not better than the confrence champion team of a year ago.  A lot of young talent that I expcet to get better as the season progresses.  The defence on the other hand looked suspect at times. Looked solid up front with the DL and LB's plying the run, but the LB and DB's still struggle stopping the pass.  It looks like the D will be asked to hold opponents just enough to let the potent offense win games.  Hope on the other hand will win some games.  They are better than their recond would suggest, and I would expect a much better record in the second half of the season.

Adrian over Kzoo.  A battle of a couple of teams with misleading records.  I believe Kzoo was exposed to be a team that ran up big numbers against some very weak teams.  I like the way the program is heading,  it looks like they are still a year or two away.  Adrian showed that they are still going to be a serious player in the league after a couple of loses to some good non conference teams.  I dont agree with running up 60+ points on an opponent, unless your second and third string are still scoring.  I have been on the wrong end of a game like that, and believe me, the Kzoo players will not forget about this in the future matchups with the bulldogs.

Albion over Olivet.  Its good to see Albion get on track with a win, and to see a defence who was highly touted in the off season, pitch a shutout.  As far as Olivet, I would be suprised to see them win a game.  havent seen many positives out of the Comet camp.

[section7]

Is Hope the best winless team in the nation right now?

Five losses by a total of 32 points to teams that are a combined 16-4.  My computer has them 93rd in D-III, which is the best of any 0 win team at this point in the season.  Probably little consolation for the Flying Dutchmen, however.

This is all so sad.  Comments about Hope being the "best" 0-5 team in the country.  Wow, where have the good 'ol days gone.

In the words of Herm Edwards, "YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME!"  We can talk all we want about the schedule, the opponents records, wah, wah wah.

We are 0-5 period!  And may I say without getting bashed to badly, soon to be 0-7 after Albion and Adrian.

As I said, a few weeks ago, time for some changes and I bet they will be coming about December.

[D306]

Great weekend in the MIAA

High scoring game with Adrian and Kazoo 62 points is hard to do.
Kazoo really had a let down after a solid non conference.
Defense wins games the wide open offense with no ball control really puts the defense in a bad spot. Adrian defense really must have had great pressure on Kazoo with the turnonvers and time of possesion.

Hope and Trine from what I read must have been a great game. Competitive and intense crowd. Trine continues to put points up, aggressive play calling and young team with skill players performing. Hope continues to have defense backfield issues. The question is it players in specific or is it time for a change in format or base defense? The league seems to be more wide open on the offensive side, I think pass pressure and defense are key. Unless a team is running downhill all day a 3-4 or hybred line and more speed from LB and DB is the key now in the MIAA.
This is not a only a Hope issue but accross the board in the league.


I attended the Albion Homecoming. Decent crowd on the Albion side surprised at the lack of Olivet fans. Rain and Homecoming seemed to delay the attendance until well into the 1st quarter. I think there was alot of "freebie" tickets which may not be part of the official count. I was expecting a bigger crowd with Homecoming and first MIAA league game. Might be due to of a couple below par seasons recently.

Olivet at Albion. I think the BYE week was very good to Albion. QB whom was playing his 2nd game as a starter certainly controlled tempo and pace of offense more effectivley.
2 RB's came back for the first time with playing time after pre-season injuries. Both RB put up good numbers, nice rotation of fresh RB coming into and out of line-up. The Brits used multiple sets which increased the options and assignments for the Olivet defense.
Defensively Albion got 2-3 starters back, DL and DB both returned Starters who were injuried. The DL played extremely well controlled the line of scrimmage. Pressure on both Olivet QB's lead to turnovers.
The line play (BOTH SIDE OF THE BALL) I believe is Olivets biggest issue presently, I felt the Lineplay from Albion was the reason for the Albion win.
I expect another starter possibly 2 back for Albion next week at Hope.
The Brits are getting back to full strength and also getting comfortable with the changes to the offensive and defensive base systems.
I expect a very good game in Holland. Hope is a solid team and has been on the wrong side of a couple close competitive games. They will win several MIAA games this year.
If the Brits are to win this game they will have to control the time of possesion Hope has a effective offense. 30 some odd points VS Trine at Trine is quality offense.

Say your prayers for the Tigers, need to pull a win in the "Hanky Dome" Tuesday.

[Diezel1]

Is Hope the best winless team in the nation right now?

Five losses by a total of 32 points to teams that are a combined 16-4.  My computer has them 93rd in D-III, which is the best of any 0 win team at this point in the season.  Probably little consolation for the Flying Dutchmen, however.

This is all so sad.  Comments about Hope being the "best" 0-5 team in the country.  Wow, where have the good 'ol days gone.

In the words of Herm Edwards, "YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME!"  We can talk all we want about the schedule, the opponents records, wah, wah wah.

We are 0-5 period!  And may I say without getting bashed to badly, soon to be 0-7 after Albion and Adrian.

As I said, a few weeks ago, time for some changes and I bet they will be coming about December.

Section,

After watching the game saturday at Trine I dont see Hope going 0-7.  They are a talented team that just needs to eliminate a couple mistakes a game.  One major mistake was at the end of the second quarter when  Trine broke a long run and capitalized with a long field goal which ended up being the difference in the game.  But they are a good team and it would not suprise me if they win 4 games in conference. Which from an overall standpoint doesn't give them a good overall record but would keep them in contention for the conference championship and thats really all that matters.