FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[Raider 68]

I agree with your picks and reasoning DAWG.  Also, were it not for our supporting our respective alma mater MIAA teams, the game to have been going to in person today would be The Monon Bell Game at DePauw vs. Wabash.  Probably about 11,000 in attendance expected there.  Regardless of where you, I and our colleagues will be today, it appears it will be a very nice day weatherwise for football to wrap up the season for most of the DIII teams.  I'll bet, however, that the playoffs will have some cold, rainy (and perhaps maybe some snow flurries) weather at some point!

former3db,

I hope you are wrong about your last weather sentence!!

[ADAWGISADAWG4LIFE]

formerd3db:

I agree, alma maters aside I would like to attend some of the more notable DIII games in the country and as you said its a beautiful day for football went for a run this morning and it was brisk but has rounded into a beautiful day, suns shining, the birds are singing kick off is at 6pm for the Bulldogs so it should be a good atmosphere for a game!

[sac]

its like......the best November ever man.

the scores so far.....

Albion 60, Alma 10
Hope 45, Kalamazoo 33
Trine 36, Kentucky Christian 21

[formerd3db]

Raider 68:
Yes, actually I hope I am wrong about that too!  Congrats on your Mount Union's fine season so far - they smashed Marietta today.  I'll say good luck to them in the playoffs, however, they probably won't need it.

DAWG:
Glad you enjoyed the run this AM.  Indeed, it was a beautiful day.  You are probably at the game right now, which is probably in the second half already.  I doubt Adrian will have much trouble with Olivet.

Well, as far as the other games today:  I was totally dumbfounded about the Alma-Albion score.  Albion simply smashed Alma, which I am surprised after seeing Alma against us last weekend and, of course, us having beat Albion.  My brother went to the Alma game (his alma mater) and texted me during that time (which was about the 3rd quarter of our game) and when he related to me what was going on at Sprankle-Sprandle Stadium, I couldn't believe it - neither could he.  He said that mistakes, turnovers, etc., were killing Alma.   Not a good way to go out of the season, especially after last week.  However, I guess that is how the season has been going for Alma, similar to Hope's.

Regarding Hope's game, the final score was not really indicative of the game.  While both teams combined for over 1,000 yards, Hope pretty much dominated Kazoo.  The only aspect was in the 4th quarter, I felt that our defense let down a bit and Kazoo scored twice, moving the ball quite easily down the field.  Unfortunately, again, our secondary had a tough time.  I will give Kazoo credit as they didn't give up and showed some signs that they have a base for improvement, as many people have commented on earlier this year.  They just need a few more key players.  BTW, two of the hardest hits I've seen in a long time in a small college game occurred today - both by Hope players on Kazoo players.  As for Hope, it was a nice, positive way to go out of this season for Coach Kreps, his staff, and the team, especially, the seniors - always nice to win the last game of one's career.  It was obviously not exactly the season we wanted for the 100 Years Celebration of Hope College Football, but..."that's the way it goes".  Anyway, for Hope, it is now looking on to 2010.

Trine won quite easily it appears and as I mentioned, that is a good start in gearing up for next weekend's playoff game.  We'll see tomorrow who they draw.  Although the season is done for the rest of our MIAA teams, let's have you all keep this board going in the off-season.  We've had some great discussions and posts on here and perhaps the most activity we've had in a couple of years or so.  Thanks everyone.

[formerd3db]

I forgot to add that congratulations are in order to Hope's RB Tim Elzinga who went over the 1000 yard rushing mark for the season today.  He finished with 1038 rushing yards according to the MIAA stats and that, indeed, is a tremendous accopmplishment for a 10 game season.  Of course, one can't do that without a great offensive line in front of him and certainly credit is due to those guys up front who blocked for Elzinga.  So congratulations - that is great.

[D306]

Alma had numerous bad plays today, unsportsmen conduct calls, roughing the kicker.
I also think Albion running game has been improving all year the last 2 weeks, Clinton Orr has been healthy after missing some games and it shows 187 yards or so last week 305 yards today from a freshman running back. Multiple 50+ yard TD's both weeks, 90 yard TD today.

I did not understand the Alma defensive plan, run blitzed numerous times. The zone blocking from Albion, good vision and pateince lead to these long runs from both RB and FB. Clear the initial wave of players and it was a foot race to the endzone Orr is extremely fast no chance to catch him if he is in full stride.

Albion's defense has been strong all year, and playing with a lead the last 2 weeks let the defense cut loose, leading to pressure, sacks, hurried throws and several interceptions even another pick 6.

Great weather and family day at Albion, large crowd.

[formerd3db]

D306:

Thanks for the further "rundown" on the game.  Yes, it was nice to see that such a good (larger) crowd was at Albion (about 3200), especially and also somewhat surprising, since this was the season finaldespite their season record and less attendance at their earlier home games of the season. 

[Raider 68]

I forgot to add that congratulations are in order to Hope's RB Tim Elzinga who went over the 1000 yard rushing mark for the season today.  He finished with 1038 rushing yards according to the MIAA stats and that, indeed, is a tremendous accopmplishment for a 10 game season.  Of course, one can't do that without a great offensive line in front of him and certainly credit is due to those guys up front who blocked for Elzinga.  So congratulations - that is great.

former3db,

Great wins for Trine and your alma mater, Congrats!!!!!!!!!

[ADAWGISADAWG4LIFE]

Adrian wins 45-20.

Rumor is that Lyall and the staff will be dismissed, further information coming as the situation updates but there are some shady circumstances surrounding the decision etc.  I have a post prepared but would like to get it confirmed before I let fly.

[formerd3db]

Hey DAWG:

Rumors to that sort have been reported for the past 3-4 years or so, as you well know.  We've heard some rumors "from the back of the room" from some unknown people who have suggested that Kreps be let go at Hope also, which would be a huge, misguided mistake.  I believe the same applies to Lyall and his staff at Adrian.  People have to look at more than the W-L record of a coach - and more to what he has contributed to the lives and development of his players as persons for their future lives.

Of course, everyone wants to win, but if that is the all important aspect at DIII (which it obviously isn't nor should ever be), then even the smallest of DIII schools who traditionally have terrible seasons should be firing their coaches with regularity.  That usually doesn't happen, although some might suggest that is because it is difficult to get coaches to take those jobs with the exception of younger upcoming coaches just starting their careers and who want/need that first head coaching position.  On the other hand, at some DIII schools it has happened as is well known (and several examples can be cited in the OAC and MIAA even in the last couple of decades).  IMO, I think that overall, for someone like Lyall, who has been there for many years, just to use that as an example, should be left to finish out their career as head man i.e. step down at their own decision, unless they have done something egregeous, which to my knowlegde he has not.  Of course, critics will point out that there comes a time to make a change, to change attitude and direction, however, IMO (from what little I know about the situation at your Adrian), that doesn't/shouldn't wash - unless, again, there is some underlying event that has occurred.  Yet, as we all know, politics can and does at times rear its ugly head even at DIII.

One last aspect (and this is just some friendly advice as a friend and fellow poster); if I were you, I would not post "your posts/comments" until after any potential announcement is made, and even then, make sure you note which part of it is your own personal opinion as well as make sure any info you post about any underlying "subterfuge" - if any occurred at all - is for sure the the truth.  You do not want to be accused of slander/liable, etc.  Anyway, we'll await to see what happens.  It is late, uh, I mean early AM, so "I'm out for now until later today"!

[hope1]

nice to see hope win there final game this year  and would to say good luck in the playoffs to trine hope they can go far in the ncaa playoffs

[ADAWGISADAWG4LIFE]

formerd3db:

I wouldnt post anything further until I had confirmation, still waiting on that.

[BOYA87]

As I sit here waiting for 230 to arrive and the D3 selection show, I saw on D3.com that Trine is projected as a 7 seed.  I was a little suprised at that but hopefully when the decision is announced it is more favorable!

[BOYA87]

Looks like Trine will be traveling to Clevelend to take on Case Wester.  I've been trying to find any info on them that I can online, but does anyone have a take on them?  They are obviously very good with a 31 regular season game winning streak and ranked 9 in the nation.

[formerd3db]

Looks like Trine will be traveling to Clevelend to take on Case Wester.  I've been trying to find any info on them that I can online, but does anyone have a take on them?  They are obviously very good with a 31 regular season game winning streak and ranked 9 in the nation.

You should go over to the other boards (CWRU's and perhaps the UAA also) and ask some of the regular posters there.  I'm sure they will share with you some info.