FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[CometFan]

As a recent Olivet Alum, I will confirm that yes, indeed, Coach Livedoti has stepped down as the head coach of the college, in pursuit of retirement.  There will be interviews soon for the head coaching position, becareful what you believe out here because the rumor mill is in full force in small town Olivet.  In my opinion, coach Sparks is the best candidate for the job, great defensive coordinator, motivator, role model and leader.  His love for the game is truly what the team needs to get back in championship form.  Congrats and good luck to Trine this weekend, do us proud!!  Witt's D is tough, but im sure you guys got something schemed up for them.  Another congratulation goes out to Hakeem Yakabu, Ryan Patten and Alex Hill (all from OC) representing the MIAA in the d3 senior classic game next saturday! Represent us proudly and greatly (probably the only positives out of the comets season)!  Also, congrats I believe to Jimmy Semelsberger and Luzack from Kzoo for their invites as well (sorry about the spelling on their names). 

[Raider 68]

Like was said earlier this week, this game is one with an explosive offense and a stringent defense.  I believe the term that has been used to describe such a game is "an unstoppable force VS an unmovable object" and I think that is a fitting set-up for this weekends game. 

The keys for a Trine victory I think comes at the hands of the offense.  Their game against Case Western showed a great formula for success.  Establish the run game early which opens up big opportunities in the passing game.  However with such a tough defense this could be a difficult task so Trine needs to take advantage of every opportunity they get.  If they get in the red zone they HAVE to get 7.  If their defense gets them a turnover they HAVE to reward them and turn it into points.  I think creative play calling and big plays could mean the difference in this game.  I am sure we wont see the methodical drives like we saw last week so this game could very well come down to a couple of big plays.  No turnovers, no penalties, and I think Trine will put themselves in a great opportunity to win this game.

Thanks for your continued posting with us Raider

BOYA87,

Good analysis! Thanks

[Old Raven]

 The Trine boys better get fired up.  Giving up 30+ points will not work against Witt.  You guys need to win this game damnitt!!!!

[70_dc_alum]

I will give my rookie view on the scheduling topic, although it might not be as insightful as you veterans formerd3   I think it is extremely important for teams to challenge themselves in their outside competition.  For one, this really gives your team a good measure of where you stand nationally as well as personally.  I have always loved "The Big Game" and for some schools that don't make the playoffs or compete for a conference championship often these non-conference "Big" games could be the only ones they get.

However, I think in Hopes case it is a positive thing that they lighten the schedule.  It seemed that they made their first 4 games much harder on themselves than it needed to be.  Yes, these non-conference games should challenge your team but they should not destroy it.  Lets face it, these games are as close to a pre-season as any college season will have.  It is a chance for your team to further evaluate new players and make sure everyone is in the right spot.  It is a chance to put your offense and defense into full motion and see if there are any holes.  It is essentially "practicing" you for the conference season (because without success in the conference, there is a slim chance for a playoff run.)

Take this last year for example, Hope played well against their tough non-conference schedule but not well enough to get a win.  Although they start their season 0-4 they are still positive with heads up because those were some damn good teams they competed against.  However as soon as that first conference game comes they drop to 0-5.  This can really punch a team in the gut and take the wind out of their sails.  They are now only 1 game into the conference season and yet they stand ZERO chance of a winning season.  This do can do real damage to a teams psyche.

And so Im in support of scheduling a difficult team or 2 in the non-conference schedule, but I don't think you should allow the team to get "beat up on" by the non-conference schedule.

BOYA87:

You younger guy's opinions are just as important.  Anyway, I agree with you.  While this year we (Hope) only lost by a few points to the non-conference teams (and probably should have won at least two of those games), I think that scheduling two "upper tier" non-conference teams and two others that a team would have a good chance of winning is the best route to go, at least for now (although, unfortunately, sometimes a team can find ways to lose those "easier" games. such as Hope seemed to do this year).  You also have to have the talent on the field and some of the teams this year need to improve in that area IMO.  While this last statement may seem like and an obvious and unnecessary one, I'm talking about having better "upper tier" players rather than just "good fooball players".  There is indeed a difference and, by that, I mean there are some good high school football players who are not really good enough to play even at the small college level and there are some really very good players who are not either and/or just don't pan out even at that level.  Attitude has alot to do with it and, unfortunately, in some cases, I've seen that "zeal" lacking in some of "today's" players on many college teams.  While losing is frustrating, some people don't rise to the occasion and just give up and "go through the motions".  Just MO.  

Question when did Hope schedule all of these tougher non-conference games?  was it earlier when there was no automatic bid for the MIAA champ and Hope was better and needed a tougher schedule to have a chance at the postseason?  would make sense although i am not sure you have to lock in your schedule several years in advance like 1A since there are 2x as many teams in D3

[sac]

I will give my rookie view on the scheduling topic, although it might not be as insightful as you veterans formerd3   I think it is extremely important for teams to challenge themselves in their outside competition.  For one, this really gives your team a good measure of where you stand nationally as well as personally.  I have always loved "The Big Game" and for some schools that don't make the playoffs or compete for a conference championship often these non-conference "Big" games could be the only ones they get.

However, I think in Hopes case it is a positive thing that they lighten the schedule.  It seemed that they made their first 4 games much harder on themselves than it needed to be.  Yes, these non-conference games should challenge your team but they should not destroy it.  Lets face it, these games are as close to a pre-season as any college season will have.  It is a chance for your team to further evaluate new players and make sure everyone is in the right spot.  It is a chance to put your offense and defense into full motion and see if there are any holes.  It is essentially "practicing" you for the conference season (because without success in the conference, there is a slim chance for a playoff run.)

Take this last year for example, Hope played well against their tough non-conference schedule but not well enough to get a win.  Although they start their season 0-4 they are still positive with heads up because those were some damn good teams they competed against.  However as soon as that first conference game comes they drop to 0-5.  This can really punch a team in the gut and take the wind out of their sails.  They are now only 1 game into the conference season and yet they stand ZERO chance of a winning season.  This do can do real damage to a teams psyche.

And so Im in support of scheduling a difficult team or 2 in the non-conference schedule, but I don't think you should allow the team to get "beat up on" by the non-conference schedule.

BOYA87:

You younger guy's opinions are just as important.  Anyway, I agree with you.  While this year we (Hope) only lost by a few points to the non-conference teams (and probably should have won at least two of those games), I think that scheduling two "upper tier" non-conference teams and two others that a team would have a good chance of winning is the best route to go, at least for now (although, unfortunately, sometimes a team can find ways to lose those "easier" games. such as Hope seemed to do this year).  You also have to have the talent on the field and some of the teams this year need to improve in that area IMO.  While this last statement may seem like and an obvious and unnecessary one, I'm talking about having better "upper tier" players rather than just "good fooball players".  There is indeed a difference and, by that, I mean there are some good high school football players who are not really good enough to play even at the small college level and there are some really very good players who are not either and/or just don't pan out even at that level.  Attitude has alot to do with it and, unfortunately, in some cases, I've seen that "zeal" lacking in some of "today's" players on many college teams.  While losing is frustrating, some people don't rise to the occasion and just give up and "go through the motions".  Just MO.  

Question when did Hope schedule all of these tougher non-conference games?  was it earlier when there was no automatic bid for the MIAA champ and Hope was better and needed a tougher schedule to have a chance at the postseason?  would make sense although i am not sure you have to lock in your schedule several years in advance like 1A since there are 2x as many teams in D3

I don't believe Hope has ever scheduled with the NCAA tournament in mind.

[BOYA87]

On the topic of our previous discussion about this past weeks game being a BIG win for Trine and the MIAA, there was a nice article posted today on D3 that includes Coach Lands view on the importance of the win.  It was a nice article.  I recommend checking it out.

[formerd3db]

Raider 68:

I agree with BOYA87 who has given a good analysis as you mentioned.  Indeed, as Witt's defense is a solid one, I think the key for Trine is definitely their offense.  They will have to match scores on every opportunity they get and try to be in position to either be ahead near the end or at least in a position to win it with a score if they are behind.  If they fall behind by a fair margin, while not impossible (because Trine is a good team), it will, IMO, be very tough to come back and win it.  Obviously, though, I am rooting for them!

CometFan:
Thanks for the further update info on the Olivet situation.  As I mentioned earlier, I knew (at least it was my opinion) that Coach Live would be thinking of retirement in the near future, yet still I thought he might go another year or so.  It will be interesting to see who they choose, although I agree with you, they have some very qualified people on their own staff.  In that regard and IMO, it isn't necessary at this time for them to go "outside" for their choice.

70_dc_alum:
Hello friend.  Sac has it right in that Hope has never scheduled in light of the NCAA either in the pre-AQ days nor presently.  That being said, they also have scheduled some tougher teams with improving the team overall in the long term as I mentioned, yet rivalry series has played a part in that as well with DePauw, Wabash, etc. as stated previously also.  While these type of series have been an important part of Hope football, Hope has also seen the value of changing series every few years or so for a "change of scenery" if you will.  Keeping these in reasonable travel distance regions is also a factor (the $ aspect included) as it is for most other DIII teams as well.  Also, it is impossible to predict that some teams might be doing better or poor in future years when these schedules are set; although some might debate that point regarding the recent edition of North Park to the series as the latter has not been very good for quite a few years.

I would also just add that, indeed, some DIII teams do lock in their schedule for a few years in advance, just like in DI.  It can, in fact (as it has been for some teams) be a challenge to fill some "open" dates at the "last minute" if that i.e. a series with some team has not been done in advance a few years prior.

Anyway, those are some of my opinions on these various topics.  I wish everyone a very blessed, enjoyable and safe Thanksgiving Day tomorrow with your families and also for the weekend.  Of course, we'll all be looking forward to this Saturday's next round of the DIII playoffs.  Again, I wish Trine and their fans the best of luck in representing us and hopefully we'll have our MIAA representative advancing to the third round! 

[D306]

RE:

locked in schedules and playing a tough out of conference schedule.

Albion has 4-5 more years with Butler as the opening game still left on contract.

Tough way to go, with the current state of Butler football.

Great game for Albion to truely test yourself but record wise this could be another story.

Enjoy the holiday folks take time to catch up with family, especially the "older folks" they live to hear about the kids, and grandkids.

[70_dc_alum]

i would not be shocked to see butler try to get out of that as they are trying to go full scholarship.  they play a few D3 games but i would imagine if they were going to keep 1 on the schedule it would be the Albion game since they have been plaing that one for a long time.

Happy Thanksgiving to all and good luck to Trine

[formerd3db]

You make a good point.  Butler could potentially request being let out of the agreement to play Albion since they are going towards scholarship football.  On the other hand, as you say, they might just leave it to complete the cycle and commitment.  Most schools who transition to a higher level do that i.e. have a mixture of different level teams that have been already scheduled, then gradually replace those with equivalent tier teams as those contract agreements run out.  I would think Butler will do the same.

Speaking of Butler's transition, a good friend and colleague here on these boards was talking with me yesterday about this (and various other topics related to these boards) and he brought up the question as to exactly what level Butler might be "aiming for" at the scholarship level.  By that, I mean, what "level" do you all see Butler as realistically being - similar to the MAC or rather like the FCS teams such as James Madison, Delaware, Indiana State (ISU hasn't been very good lately!), etc.  Also, if Butler is going scholarship level, they will obviously be leaving the Pioneer League.  Just curious as to your thoughts.

I, too, again, wish all of you a most enjoyable, blessed Thanksgiving Day today.  Safe travels to all who have to do that and...don't eat too much turkey and stuffing, etc.   I always say that every year and then end up doing just that - thereby, just sitting on the coach, watching the rest of the Turkey Day NFL games (and/or an old movie) and having that very "heavy bloated" feeling, ugh!!!!   My own fault!

[Diezel1]

Former,

I could see Butler maybe joining the Ohio Valley or Missouri Valley conferences.  Both have teams that are of similar size and are all geographically in the same region.  I dont think joining the MAC would be a good move for Butler right away. Other than Eastern, each team has had pretty solid teams and success on a higher level in the last few years.  Good luck to the Thunder this Saturday and getting some more recognition for the MIAA

[70_dc_alum]

i think it would have to go 1AA.  1A would be brutal.  look at Western Kentucky, they were a power in 1AA and only a couple years off the National Championship, now they are the doormat of 1A.  granted they lost a heck of a coach with dad Harbaugh retiring but the level of competition immediatly changed on them

[formerd3db]

Thanks guys for the replies re: your opinions on Butler.  I would have to agree - probably the MVC is the best option.

As far as tomorrow, all best wishes to Trine and here's hoping they come out on top with a win against a very good Witt team.  It appears the weather will hold out to be decent.    

[hope1]

good luck trine beat witt today

[BOYA87]

10 minutes till kickoff!  Good Luck Thunder!  Trine has pretty much been favored in every game they have played this year until today.  It should be interesting to see how they play with a chip on their shoulder!  Its going to come down to the little things, special teams, field position, penalties, sustaining blocks, and making tackles on the first hit!

GO THUNDER! BEAT WITTENBURG!