FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[D306]

D3DB


Congrats to Hope on the Homecoming win today
Nice day in Holland for me and mine except for the Brits loss
We always enjoy the trip and the town. Attended some HC events and all were very cordial to a ragged looking Brit fan.

Good crowd even though it was getting cold with the wind.
Tough day for the FG teams with the wind, and wet.
I felt the big reason for the Hope win was the DL was very good for the Hope controlled play, and generated pressure with a 4 man front not many "blitzes" which helped the DB's with press coverage.

You mention the officiating I felt it was terriable in the game, Officials should not be noticed in the game and have little to no effect on outcomes. Todays crew missed plays big and made 2 critical "calls" that should never been made. Directly leading to points or removing turnovers.
I am not making excuses as Hope was the better team controlled the tempo and won the battles on the line. Fullback for Hope continued to get critical first downs and move the chains. Brits need to score more points if they want to contend for MIAA crown.

Should be a competitive MIAA this year the games across the board should be tight for the top 2-3 teams in the hunt for the MIAA title.

Albion will need to generate some offense, Defense again played well, getting close to 100% healthy still hurting on DL. DB's look to be getting a better understanding of the new system and had no major missed assignments this week that is 2 weeks in a row after a rough start to the season.
Brits need to win out the rest of the schedule and get some help from Adrian in 2 weeks VS your Hope squad.

Well off to Mass here in Holland ( we visit a different church on every trip) a late breakfast, then back to east side of state.

[formerd3db]

D306:

Thanks for the congrats.  As always, I appreciate your comments/opinions/contributions to the discussions on our board.  I wish I had known you were at the game as it would have been nice to meet you.  I'm sure that all of our colleagues here agree that it is always nice to meet with fellow posters and "put a face with a posting name/real name".

Also, glad you enjoyed some of the activities around HC here, even thought it was "our" Homecoming.  As I mentioned, I, too, had a great time seeing some of my former teammates.  BTW, neat "tradition" you have of visiting a church in the towns you visit for the games.

I am interested to hear about the calls you are referring to.  IMO, (and I was on the sidelines the entire game), there were no crucial calls that led to not getting points.  There was one call that you Albion fans were clearly upset over late in the game; I know of one ruled incomplete pass on an Albion drive, however, the ball was clearly trapped.  I can point out to the roughing the kicker call against Hope on Albion's kicker, however, Hope's punt returner was not given enough room to field the ball on that and IMO, there should have been a penalty on that thereby having "offsetting calls" and a repeat fourth down rather than Albion getting a first down.

Regarding other calls, there were several missed holding calls for both teams by the officials and, on at least two that I witnessed right in front of me (a third that was complained by one of our coaches of which I did not personally witness), Albion players should have been called for deliberatly blatant personal fouls (head swipes/head shots) in making tackles on the Hope runner/receiver.  However, all that being said, we all know that officials do miss some call, yet my point is simply that, compared to the last 4 years and particularly the last two, the officials were very consistent yesterday for both sides, the calls that were missed were AND, the officials were not blatently, consciously ignoring rules that should be enforced especially with respect to safety rules (aside from the two missed personal fouls I alluded to above - the officials did say that those were "warning or talk-to incidents to which I totally disagree as did our coaches - then again, we are biased ).  I will say and agree with you that yesterdays crew was not quite as good as the other one's we've had so far this season at least at our home games and the MIAA game at Trine last week, but again, they were not "out of control" like some particularly last year in all of Hope's MIAA games as well as their non-conference home games.     

So that is my opinion regarding that subject.  Also, I will just add that I did not perceive your comments on the subject as excuses or "sour grapes" - you did not come across that way.  Certainly, there are going to be some calls in any game that either side will have a question on, but again, my point was that these were minimal and the level of officiating has been tremendously improved in the MIAA games I have seen that last 4 years and certainly including the Albion/Hope games during that period both at your place and ours.

Anyway, by the time you read this, I hope you had a safe journey home today.  Best of luck to your Britions for the remainder of the season.  This may turn out to be quite interesting to see "who disrupts who" for the MIAA title.     

[BoredatWork56]

A few thoughts on the Trine - Alma game:

Trine's offense showed its versitility by dominating Alma's defence on the ground and through the air.  The runshing attack was very impressive, compiling over 300 yards on the ground.  They did in in a variety of ways with a variety of different players.  13 different rushers got a chance to carry the ball as the reserves played the majority of the second half.  Trine showed that it could run inside and outside.  They also showed more option than they had all year.  Watch for more of this in the future.  They have some athletes that can get to the edge and can do some damage.

We all knew Trine had a good running game, but their passing game was equally impressive on Saturday.  They threw for over 200 yards and 4 touchdowns, but most of that was in the first half, as they kept it on the ground for most of the second half.  Overall, the offense was clicking, even with backups.  They didnt punt until halfway through the 4th quarter.

The Defence played perhaps their best game of the year.  The key to holding Alma was getting pressure from the front three.  McGrady was on the run most of the game and was forced to throw the ball into the stands several times.  The fact that Trine could drop 7 or 8 and still get pressure made it a long day for the Alma O.

If Trine keeps clicking on both sides of the ball like they did Saturday, they are going to be hard to beat the rest of the way out.

[Uncle Rico]

I admit I was very worried about the Alma game, but the coaches changed up the pass defense and they played MUCH better.  There seem to be a LOT of weapons on offense as well.  Still a long road ahead, however.   

[D306]

D3DB

Yes we have had the "tradition" for years of attending Sunday or Saturday night services in every city we see a game at. I started this in my HS years with a few priests and continued through all my playing days.
We also do the same for my Daughters games presently, as well as when my son played college ball.

There certainly was a few calls that went both ways and I do not like to get "hung up" on them. The "points" came from the Interference call late in the first half on Albion. Hope WR ran a corner route or fade ( not sure as he broke it off and stopped) then as the DB came up on the WR's cut the pass was 10 yards over their heads into the endzone and they bumped. Uncathcable ball the WR could have been alone in a flat out sprint and he had no chance to catch that ball. The ensuing couple plays lead to the late in the quarter TD instead of Hope punting it away.
Sounds as you may have an opportunity to possibly see the game films, if I am incorrect I apologize but it was not even close from my vantage point.

That is my last comment on officiating or calls relative to this game because I always feel arguing calls or pointing them out after the game is "whinning" As we were always told by our coachs "shut-up" overcome it and score more points.
I only commented as a reply to your mention of the officiating in this game in particular.
I can not speak for the officiating in prior years you mentioned in your reply, as I have just started to follow the MIAA the last few years with my return to Michigan and "business" with the Colleges around the state. I know a few families that have players on Albion so this is why I attend/root for them in particular. You know us "old" guys it is always back in the day and we can not give up the sport. I truely enjoy watching any sport and stop on my travels to watch a random game at a HS if my schedule allows during the midweek.
I have always been a fan of the D3, MIAA, and Private colleges such as Hillsdale.
I believe these colleges offer a superior education, values, opportunities to lead and make an impact that is lost at larger universities. ( That said my daughter attends a very large university  for a good reason though )

Good luck to Hope as I said before Hope deserved the win, I make no excuses for Albion. 6 points does not cut it, offense has to step it up.

[Raider 68]

Regarding today's scores:

1) For once I picked them all correct! , although that probably wasn't hard for today

2) Trine's smashing of Alma was a surprise.  Alma will have to regroup hard now. 

3) Hope finally "finished one".  As Coach Kreps commented after the game, "it was not a pretty win, but we'll take it"!  A great Homecoming crowd, weather was good, although got very cold in the second half and the sun disappeared.  Hope's offense did not have a great game today - almost completely opposite of last week's performance.  Our defense came through at the end with a big stop (D-Line did a tremendous job today), although our secondary is still having major problems.  I was impressed with Albion's punter; our Hope punter did a fine job today as well.  Albion moved the ball well at times, but is just not anywhere near their best/better teams of the past. 

4)  Kazoo at Olivet - as expected.

5) IMO, the overall officiating this year in the MIAA (at least so far) has been good - a great improvement over what it has been the last 4 years.  Still a few missed and/or non-calls, however, no one is perfect and it is good to see the improvement, especially the consistency in calls.

Hope has the "bye" next weekend; a good chance to rest up before Adrian invades Holland.  I'll be interested to hear all of your comments regarding the other games today

Former3db,

At the halfway point of season, How would you rank the finish by teams for the MIAA?

Who will win it all and can they go deeper into the playoffs?

[BOYA87]

thats a great question and a good time of the season to ask it at the halfway point.  I think overall in the MIAA teams are becoming more competitive in general both with eachother in the MIAA and in their non-conference schedule (I know many teams struggled in their non-conference schedule but Hope played some good games against some very strong teams)

As far as placement goes I would put them like this:

1. Trine
2. Adrian
3. Hope
4. Alma
5. Kalamazoo
6. Albion
7. Olivet

as a former player I know the importance of taking ever opponent seriously and not overlooking any game.  However as a fan I cannot help but be anxious for another match-up of Trine and Adrian at the end of the season for the championship!  Last years game was...epic!  and both teams look just as strong if not stronger than last years. 

I think Trines offense has the depth and potency to put up big numbers against any team even in the cold climate of the playoffs should they make it.  Their defense however lost so many influential starters from last year and they are still trying to catch up.  However this last week Trines defense played lights out against an always dangerous Alma Scotts Offense.  I think they have found their rythme and are going to be playing with a great amount of confidence from here on out.  I think this creates a dangerous combination for a playoff run should the opportunity present itself.  Trines one downfall, a loss to Franklin which would hurt their seeding. 

[formerd3db]

D306:

Thanks for the follow-up and sharing of your experiences.  I couldn't agree with you more!  As far as that call you discussed, I will make only a few more comments as well.  First, I know what you mean about people "whinning" about officiating.  I guess we all do it on occasion, however, I will say again that I did not think you were doing that at all.  I see nothing wrong with any of us discussing any particular call in any game as long as people don't "cross the line", start making it personal against anyone and/or as long as it is done in a civil and constructive manner.  Of course, as you astutly point out, there comes a time to "move on" in such because we all know that the call can't be changed.

Secondly, I remember the call you mention.  I think it is as you describe, with one exception - I believe (as did our coaches and what one official had explained) that the interference call was on the Albion DB before the bump that you describe - he actually slightly held the WR before the ball was over them.  Indeed, it was eventually an uncatchable ball, but the first contact occured before that and, thus, regardless if it was an uncatchable ball, the latter is irrelevant since it occured after the initial infraction.  In that vein, from my/our vantage point, it was the correct call.  I believe everyone was focusing on the "end outcome" i.e. the bump portion and "overthrown" ball that you have correctly described, but people missed the earlier bump/hold which was milliseconds before the final portions of that play.  Anyway, enough said on this topic!

Thanks for the well-wished to us (Hope) for the remainder of the season.  Same to you and your Albion.  Talk to you again here on the board soon.

[formerd3db]

Raider 68:

I agree with BOYA87 - that is a great question.  However, it is, obviously, also a tough one to answer.  It always is at this time in the MIAA race because we've always seemed to have it "come down to the wire" in recent years.

Right now, I'd have to agree with BOYA87's list rank in answer to your question, with the exception that I think either Hope or Alma could be interchangable in the order he listed.  I see Trine as the favorite, but Adrian could be a surprise team in there as well.

As far as the eventual playoff situation for our MIAA AQ, as you know, we've been frustrated in not having one of our MIAA teams make it past the first round since Albion's 1994 National Championship win in the Stagg Bowl.  I think that either Trine or Adrian, should they win the MIAA title, would have a good chance of breaking that streak this year, although, for sure, that depends on who they would be paired with.  If they were to get a team that is not quite the calibur i.e. powerhouse that Mount Union and/or Wheaton are this year, then I think they would have a good chance, no disrespect to any of the other teams that would be in our region for the first round.

Indeed, it will be interesting to see what plays out.  I'm sure that your Mount Union will be on their way to another Stagg Bowl game.  Thanks for occasionally contributing to our board - much appreciated.  I think I speak for our colleagues here (if I may) that it is always great to have posters from other boards from time to time.  Besides, we are woefully behind your OAC board and need all the help we can get, although our guys do a nice and fun job of posting IMO.

[Raider 68]

Raider 68:

I agree with BOYA87 - that is a great question.  However, it is, obviously, also a tough one to answer.  It always is at this time in the MIAA race because we've always seemed to have it "come down to the wire" in recent years.

Right now, I'd have to agree with BOYA87's list rank in answer to your question, with the exception that I think either Hope or Alma could be interchangable in the order he listed.  I see Trine as the favorite, but Adrian could be a surprise team in there as well.

As far as the eventual playoff situation for our MIAA AQ, as you know, we've been frustrated in not having one of our MIAA teams make it past the first round since Albion's 1994 National Championship win in the Stagg Bowl.  I think that either Trine or Adrian, should they win the MIAA title, would have a good chance of breaking that streak this year, although, for sure, that depends on who they would be paired with.  If they were to get a team that is not quite the calibur i.e. powerhouse that Mount Union and/or Wheaton are this year, then I think they would have a good chance, no disrespect to any of the other teams that would be in our region for the first round.

Indeed, it will be interesting to see what plays out.  I'm sure that your Mount Union will be on their way to another Stagg Bowl game.  Thanks for occasionally contributing to our board - much appreciated.  I think I speak for our colleagues here (if I may) that it is always great to have posters from other boards from time to time.  Besides, we are woefully behind your OAC board and need all the help we can get, although our guys do a nice and fun job of posting IMO.

Former3db,

Thanks for your informative and kind thoughts. While as an alum and former
player at Mount Union, I have ties to " The state up North" as Woody used to say. Having lived in Michigan for three years in Portage and followed MSU a little, Our son played soccer for Portage Central which was (maybe still is) a premier program. We liked Michigan and on top of that, I am also a Central Michigan graduate( MBA). I also worked with the head of enginnering for a former employer who had two children graduate from Hope.

Based upon our good experience there, I hope that the MIAA does well
and thus my inquiries.

[BOYA87]

Formerd3,

I agree that Alma and Hope are interchangeable in this case.  I actually had Alma ahead of hope but after seeing how they performed against Trine this weekend I think Hope has a better chance to compete in the MIAA.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Formerd3,

I agree that Alma and Hope are interchangeable in this case.  I actually had Alma ahead of hope but after seeing how they performed against Trine this weekend I think Hope has a better chance to compete in the MIAA.

Agreed.  In fact, I expect Hope to win out, with the possible exception of when they host Adrian - I'm not ready to commit on that game yet.

[Diezel1]

Formerd3,

I agree that Alma and Hope are interchangeable in this case.  I actually had Alma ahead of hope but after seeing how they performed against Trine this weekend I think Hope has a better chance to compete in the MIAA.

Agreed.  In fact, I expect Hope to win out, with the possible exception of when they host Adrian - I'm not ready to commit on that game yet.

IMO, the bye week couldn't come at a better time for Hope.  It gives them an extra week to figure out Adrian and come up with a solid game plan.  I dont think Adrian is a good as the teams Hope played in their non-conference schedule so I think the edge has to go to Hope.  And if Hope does win, it creates a possible three way tie for the championship

[miaafbfan]

Having seen Alma when they hosted both IWU and Trine, I'd place them about 4th or 5th in the MIAA.  The two Alma wins so far this year are against some pretty weak teams.  They did play UW-River Falls tough, but RF is at the bottom of their conference, albeit one of the toughest in the country.  I've been watching the Scots for a few years now, and haven't ever seen them dominated at home like they have been this year.  Their offense is one-dimensional (more than usual), and their defense looks weaker than in years past.  McGrady looks pretty good, though.  Too bad it's his senior year.  With some younger players in key positions this year gaining experience, next year might have promise.  But the Scot-gun relies so heavily on the QB, and who will fill McGrady's shoes next year?  Looks like a lot of uncertainty.  We'll know more  about this year when Alma plays Kalamazoo.  These teams look similar in many ways.

[Diezel1]

Very interesting match up with Kzoo and Alma facing off this weekend.  Alma is tough against the pass and Kzoo is ranked as the second highest pass offense in the nation.  Kzoo gives up over 400 total yards of defense a game.  My uneducated guess would say we are lookin at a 100+ point game between the two this weekend.  Should be a heck of an offensive explosion