FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[altor]

Not a bad record in predictions today by the D3fb.com staff! Essentially right on most of those; only exceptions as to a few surprises:

Pat was the only one who picked Thomas More to win
Pat was the only one to pick Bethel
Pat and keith took Wheaton
Pat and Keith took Alfred to win
Ryan picked Delaware Valley (I, too, thought Salisbury might win that one)
Ryan and Keith pick Trine
All three picked Hampton-Sydney but they lost

The rest of the picks were as expected. Not bad you guys.

Selection committee went 11-5 (lost three #3s, best round 1 since 2007).
d3football.com poll went 14-2 (best since 2006).
AFCA went 12-4 (best since 2007).
My computer went 15-1 (picked Wartburg, best since I "wrote" it in 2006).

In short, there simply weren't the upsets today that we've seen the last couple years.

[Pat Coleman]

Great game Thunder! You "weathered the storm" in the second half and showed a lot of mental toughness with some huge 3rd down conversions by the offense - whata catch by Nash in the 4th quarter, and made some great defensive plays to close out the game. Killingbecks interception was HUGE!

I guess the SOS didn't matter as much in this one as you thought, huh Pat?

I don't believe I pinned my pick solely on SOS. That's the NCAA that did that, 28. In fact, I gave my reasoning in the predictions column, if you read it.

So, let's say for argument's sake that Trine loses to UWW next week. What will we have learned about Trine?

1) Trine is better than DePauw.
2) Trine is not better than UWW.

So where in that span of about 35 teams should a voter place them?

Obviously, I'm getting ahead of myself. But I'm just pointing out that for the second year in a row, Trine has beaten an unranked team in the first round of the playoffs. It just doesn't show much. In a 32-team playoff, there must be some unranked teams, and you don't necessarily garner a lot of respect by beating them.

[Uncle Rico]

"for the second year in a row, Trine has beaten an unranked team in the first round of the playoffs. It just doesn't show much. "

Wasn't Case Western ranked #10 last year going in to the playoffs?

The way I look at it, in a playoff setting, Trine has twice traveled to the higher seeded conference champion homes of a 9-1 team and a 10-0 team and beat them.  

I think it shows a little something.  And the fact that Trine beat an unranked opponent that some people thought would beat Trine indicates that some people have underestimated Trine perhaps a little.  Of course, those people would not admit it.   

[formerd3db]

Hey Uncle Rico:

What time did you get back from the game last evening (how far a drive?).  Also, how far a drive will it be to UWW for you and yours?  (I'm too lazy to "google" that right now!).  Anyway, congratulations on the win.  What did your son think about the game and the experience?

[OC_SID]

I know this is a college football board, but I would like to post something about the Olivet High School football team.

The Eagles have advanced to play in the MHSAA Division V state championship game next Saturday at Ford Field. Olivet has played its four playoff games on the road.

[Pat Coleman]

"for the second year in a row, Trine has beaten an unranked team in the first round of the playoffs. It just doesn't show much. "

Wasn't Case Western ranked #10 last year going in to the playoffs?

The way I look at it, in a playoff setting, Trine has twice traveled to the higher seeded conference champion homes of a 9-1 team and a 10-0 team and beat them.  

I think it shows a little something.  And the fact that Trine beat an unranked opponent that some people thought would beat Trine indicates that some people have underestimated Trine perhaps a little.  Of course, those people would not admit it.   

Bah, you're right about Case -- I got my years crossed. But beating someone you're supposed to ... it shows I was wrong (hey, I couldn't get ALL 16 games right) but it doesn't validate No. 12 as a ranking either.

Not all conference champs are created equal, Rico. There are 23 of them, for goodness sakes! (And more if you count the four-team UAA.)

[Uncle Rico]

Hey Uncle Rico:

What time did you get back from the game last evening (how far a drive?).  Also, how far a drive will it be to UWW for you and yours?  (I'm too lazy to "google" that right now!).  Anyway, congratulations on the win.  What did your son think about the game and the experience?

It took about 5 hours to drive back from DePauw.  It always seems longer coming home than going to the game.     We are estimating it to take about 7 hours to get to Whitewater.  DePauw had a very vocal crowd.  Our son was very impressed with their running back.  He said he was a tough back to bring down. 

In a sense I am glad Trine had a close one on the road.  A wake up call, a little pressure under fire.  Hopefully they learned not to let up when you get a lead.  It was a good test for them.

[BOYA87]

Pat,

I guess my thinking is that if this DePauw team was a team that Trine was SUPPOSE to beat...then why did we get a road game and why did you pick us to lose!?!  2 years ago when this Trine team had their first 10-0 season ever all you and DIII.com had to say were great things and wrote some really nice articles about us!  Now all of the sudden our consistency has made everyone all of the sudden say "oh they just have terrible SOS.  This team isnt anything special!"

Now I know your just trying to do your job and I wont be mad at you for picking UWW to win this weekend like almost everyone will.  But dont be suprised when this Trine team comes out and looks like a team worthy of national recognition and dont be suprised if come Saturday you find yourself eating your words.

[badgerwarhawk]

Regardless of their SOS nobody here in WARHAWKLAND is taking Trine lightly.  Well some of our fans may but I know for certain none of our players and/or staff will be.  All of our staff were noticeably missing from the celebratory get together after the Franklin game and it wasn't because they went home to rest. 

We look forward to your arrival Friday.  Have a safe trip and let's get it on Saturday noon.

If anyone from Trine has any questions about our area feel free to pm me or just post them here.  I'll be happy to clue you in if I'm able.

[John 316]

I am new to post on the boards but have been following them for the last 4 years. It's been interesting to read the conversations between everyone each week. So, for my first post I want to Congratulate Trine for their great season and the 45-35 win in the first round.....emphasis on win and securing another week in the playoffs. As for UWW.....buckle up for the Thunder is coming to Wisconsin.

[formerd3db]

Welcome to the board(s), John 316.  We'll look forward to your sharing your opinions/comments in the discussions here in the future.  BTW, love your posting name.

[John 316]

Thanks for the welcome....as far as the name I always wanted to do that at an NFL game...but thought this was the next best thing! 

[sac]

I know this is a college football board, but I would like to post something about the Olivet High School football team.

The Eagles have advanced to play in the MHSAA Division V state championship game next Saturday at Ford Field. Olivet has played its four playoff games on the road.

I'm throwing my support behind the Ishpeming Hematites in Division VII, the lone U.P. representative in Detroit this weekend.  They'll be playing Hudson, who at one time or other held the record for most consecutive wins in the State of Michigan.


Mid-Michigan teams don't seem to make it to Detroit very often, what Olivet HS has done is pretty cool.

[02 Warhawk]

Regardless of their SOS nobody here in WARHAWKLAND is taking Trine lightly.  Well some of our fans may but I know for certain none of our players and/or staff will be.  All of our staff were noticeably missing from the celebratory get together after the Franklin game and it wasn't because they went home to rest. 

We look forward to your arrival Friday.  Have a safe trip and let's get it on Saturday noon.

If anyone from Trine has any questions about our area feel free to pm me or just post them here.  I'll be happy to clue you in if I'm able.

Yea, how does one get a job in the press box rather than sitting in the cold during the game   .

[Raider 68]

Thanks for the welcome....as far as the name I always wanted to do that at an NFL game...but thought this was the next best thing!  

Welcome John 316 to the MIAA board +k to you. I was adopted on this board by Formerd3db, all great posters!