FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[Uncle Rico]

Sorry you missed me, Deisel1.  I am still here, just trying to work out the kinks of that time travel machine that Kip built. 

People are talking about how the offense is better than last year (true), and that the defense is probably worse than last year for Trine (not totally convinced).  Here are some stats comparing the same opponents from this year and last...

Last year Trine was 246-149 (Points For / Points Against). 
This year Trine is 257-139 (Points For / Points Against).

The defense has given up less points than last year, and that 139 would be even lower except that Trine put in the subs a few times this year (more so than last year).  I admit that these numbers are still awfully close, and it does not really factor in any improvement or decline in the other teams.

Trine strikes me as being very deep, especially seeing all the substitutions they are doing and shuttling players in.

Very excited about the Albion game and Adrian coming up.  The race to the top is still wide open, no looking past the game at hand.  I see it very difficult for the MIAA to get more than one team in the playoffs again, so the best chance any team has is to win the crown.

[Uncle Rico]

Also, I like Boya87 (pronounced boo-yah?) and BoredAtWork's posts.  They are very insightful!  

LetItRain, don't forget about the newly completed Athletic and Recreation Center (ARC).  Nice to see some of those track stars crossing over to football as well. 

http://www.trine.edu/alumni_advancement/alumni_publications/TBolt6-7-2009/arc.html

http://trinethunder.blogspot.com/2009/08/arc-pictures.html

http://www.chooseneindiana.com/news.aspx/2009/6/26/trine-indoor-track-facility-crosses-finish-line

[formerd3db]

Thanks for all the updates guys; very informative.  Now this is very good - we've added two pages to our posts all in about one day!  Talk to you all later in the week.  I'll post my picks sometime by Friday.

[D306]

Being the Homer I am:

Hope over Olivet  - Hope has a solid defense and will put up enough points, Olivet struggling to score continues.

Adrian over Alma  - Adrain defense will slow down the Scots and win to keep the pressure on Trine for next weeks showdown.

Albion over Trine - Home game for the Brits, Albion defense is tough, defensive/special teams points provide the difference in a low scoring game.

Hopefully Albion's 3-4 defensive starters that did not dress or played limited minutes last week return, if so I feel my prediction is solid.  If they do not return and play at some kind of level I think Trine controls the clock with their running game and wins the game.

How is that for "hedging" my bets?

[BoredatWork56]

It looks like I missed most of the good discussions about the Trine facilities and team yesterday, but i will put my two cents in.

I am glad other people on this board find my posts insightful.  I am not very far removed from the Trine program and still talk with several players and coaches.  It has also worked out with me living in south central MI, that most of Trine's away games have been just as close, if not closer than the home games.  I have been at most of them (unlike my counterparts - Diezel and BOYA, What gives guys?)

The people who designed the new facilites probably never watched a game at Shive Field, and never took the weather into consideration. Its those stupid engineers with no common sense  .  The new Football Facility was originally scheduled to be completed at the beginning of the 2008 season, but got postponed due to lack of funds. IMO the University was over budget on the new apartments they were building and had to move some funds to finish them, but that was just the rumor on campus. (or maybe I am just a little bitter  that I wasnt able to use the new building while I was still there  )

As Uncle Rico pointed out, the defense has given up about the same amount of points as last years team.  But the biggest difference is the rush defense.  This years team is still leading the conference with giving up 107 yards per game in conference play, but its not as dominating as last years D was in giving up roughly 30 yards per game.  That D was in the top 5 in the nation most of the season in rushing yards allowed.  I believe that this years D is faster and more athletic, but smaller and younger.  But of late, they have looked much better than earlier in the year.

It was brought up a little yesterday about the MIAA's chances in the playoffs.  The only playoff caliber team we have played this year was Franklin, with a one point loss on the road.  But Franklin showed last week that they are not the class of the HCAC like they were last year.  So all we have to go on is Trine's playoff game against Wheaton last year. Even thought Wheaton snuck into the playoffs, they were ranked as high as 4th last year, and as high as 3rd this year.  Trine played competitive, but their offense struggled. The offense is better this year, so I think with a better draw than a top 5 team, a playoff win isnt out of the question.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves.  They have three very tough games left that they need to focus on or else all the talk about playoffs will be made from the couch instead of the sidelines.

[BOYA87]

I take 1 day off from looking at the boards and I have to spend all morning catching up on my reading!  I guess that's what I get.  A lot of good input and discussion this week!

FormerD3DB,
Don't worry about Diezel1's comments.  He is just bitter towards me from all the times I burnt him on routes when we played together at Trine.  haha

And also I have to comment on your previous post about Marion head coach Ted Karras, and I quote "nephew of the famous Detroit Lion Alex Karras"  I have concerns about the phrase "famous Detroit Lion" that is NOT followed by the name Barry Sanders.  I didn't think there were any other famous ones!      (notice I put many icons to show my playful and joking manner in which this comment is meant) 

[BOYA87]

I also suppose I will throw my 2 cents worth in concerning Trines offense and defense for this year.

I think at the end of last year there were a lot of concerns for Trine on the defensive side of the ball.  They lost so many key players that its natural and acceptable to have this feeling.  Just to name a few of the key players they lost: Corrie Latta DB, Joe Curtis LB, Courtney Pearson LB, Tab McNalley LB, Dan Chase DL, Jeremy Troutman DL.  These guys account for about 22 varsity years of experience.  That is hard to replace!

So if we must compare them to last years team, they still continue to stop the run and they still continue to struggle against the pass.  If there is one major difference between the defense of last year and this year I would say turnovers.  Now, I dont have the numbers to back this up, but from what I have seen this years defense has not created as many turnovers.

I will be honest and say that I was one of those people who had doubts about this years defense, but look at what they have done!  They have put my worries to rest and are doing exactly what they need to be doing to win games.  Keep up the good work Trine D!

[ADAWGISADAWG4LIFE]

Leitrain:

Sounds like Trine is really doing it right, the addition of weight room and dedicated football offices is huge as you can never have a big enough weight room.  Adrian is still operating in one weightroom for the whole campus and it is not the most spacious place on earth, a lot fits in and they get good use out of it, but it would be beneficial for the athletic programs to have an exclusive use weight room, that should apply to all schools.  The football offices will lend even more credence to a program on the rise, kudos to Trine on getting it done.  It appears that Trine poses a real threat of becoming a top notch finisher in the MIAA for years to come with the things they are doing.  Facilities wise it looks as if Adrian and Trine are going to be the lead dogs in the race.  Id love to see the trend continue across the MIAA as it will only strengthen the league.

[Diezel1]

Sorry to those that might have taken my words towards BOYA and BoredAtWork seriously.  I was just doing a little joking with them and probably should have thrown in a couple smiley faces.  And the only time BOYA burnt anyone on a route was when coached called for a water break  .  But in regards to building the new stadium, I would have thought that by now they would have changed the plans so that the home stands would remain where they are.  If I recall correctly, the coaching staff isn't really happy with looking into the sun or having the weather in their faces. In regards to the Trine/Albion game this weekend its going to be a high powered offense against a solid defense.  Trine, in the past, has struggled against solid defenses in the red zone (ie against Adrian and Wheaton last year).  If they get in the red zone and capitalize, I think it Trine will win.  If Albion holds them to field goals and forces a turnover or two then Albion has a good chance to come away with the victory.   

[Raider 68]

Thanks for all the updates guys; very informative.  Now this is very good - we've added two pages to our posts all in about one day!  Talk to you all later in the week.  I'll post my picks sometime by Friday.

Former3db,

So does Trine still look like the MIAA winner with an AQ for the playoffs?

[formerd3db]

Thanks for all the updates guys; very informative.  Now this is very good - we've added two pages to our posts all in about one day!  Talk to you all later in the week.  I'll post my picks sometime by Friday.

Former3db,

So does Trine still look like the MIAA winner with an AQ for the playoffs?

Well, Raider, they are in the "driver's seat" so far and basically control their own destiny.  Yet as our Trine poster/colleagues have said, they aren't looking past any of the remaining three games.  There are four teams that still have a shot at it; Trine, Albion, Adrian and Alma, however, some will be eliminated this weekend.  Sure is a different scenario than what your Mount annually has!   Thanks for contributing to our board even though you are a "Raider" (although you do have those "honorary" Michigan roots as you've shared with us previously )

[Diezel1]

Thanks for all the updates guys; very informative.  Now this is very good - we've added two pages to our posts all in about one day!  Talk to you all later in the week.  I'll post my picks sometime by Friday.

Former3db,

So does Trine still look like the MIAA winner with an AQ for the playoffs?

Raider if you don't mind I can give you some insight on your question.  Trine does hold the inside track to winning the MIAA and becoming the AQ for the playoffs.  However, if they lose one of their next two games there could be a tie atop the MIAA with the tie breaker going to the head to head (I believe that is how it works).  Both Albion and Adrian are tough teams that could "upset" Trine.  IMO, Trine will beat Albion this Saturday and the championship will come down to Adrian vs Trine @ Trine.  Trine has not lost a regular season home game in over 2 years, so it will be tough for Adrian.  So to answer your question, if Trine plays to their potential without any let downs then yes, they will win the MIAA but it won't be an easy task

[formerd3db]

Diezel:
No problem.  I assume you will be going to the game this Sat.  At least Trine/Albion and us (Hope) at Olivet will have the better field conditions with the new artificial turf.

I expect Hope to win this weekend, however, being that it is at Olivet, the latter will be very hungry for their first win this season. (oops, I just gave away one of my picks for the week ).

[Raider 68]

Thanks for all the updates guys; very informative.  Now this is very good - we've added two pages to our posts all in about one day!  Talk to you all later in the week.  I'll post my picks sometime by Friday.

Former3db,

So does Trine still look like the MIAA winner with an AQ for the playoffs?

Well, Raider, they are in the "driver's seat" so far and basically control their own destiny.  Yet as our Trine poster/colleagues have said, they aren't looking past any of the remaining three games.  There are four teams that still have a shot at it; Trine, Albion, Adrian and Alma, however, some will be eliminated this weekend.  Sure is a different scenario than what your Mount annually has!   Thanks for contributing to our board even though you are a "Raider" (although you do have those "honorary" Michigan roots as you've shared with us previously )

If there is a downside to a dominant program, it is the lack of consistant
competition. Mount is kind of like Tiger Woods, in that some year a team
from the OAC will be close, then another year it could be someone else. 17
OAC championhips in a row just confirm like in Tiger's case, his competition
has come from a list of others not just Phil.

I think the OAC is becoming stronger and now you have 2 former Raiders as coaches. For the MIAA, someone needs to step up and set a winning
approach for the long term. If I were coaching in the MIAA, I would make
a trip or two to Alliance and pick Coach Kehres brain. If you want to be the best, learn from the best!

[sac]

If I were coaching in the MIAA, I would make
a trip or two to Alliance and pick Coach Kehres brain. If you want to be the best, learn from the best!

Hope's first lesson didn't go so well.........

2006       Mount Union, Ohio, 49 Hope 0