FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[formerd3db]

Well, I was "way off" on the Ablion-Butler prediction.  Seems Butler has a long way to go to get to the likes of some of their counterparts in their league i.e. Dayton, San Diego, Moorehead State and even Stephen F. Austin.  I thought, perhaps, that with a new staff Butler would put on a much better showing, but regardless of what level, it does take time to turn things around.  Despite differences of opinions on this subject in past discussions on numerous boards by many people, I still am of the opinion that at it's best, DIAA non-scholarship football is a step above DIII - yet certainly it depends on the particular school and how they want to promote their program.   Although Albion is very good, I'm not sure that a full assessment can be made just yet until they play some better teams (although we could perhaps say that about some of our other MIAA teams).

Other results are about what I expected.  It appears Valpo is back on the rise (although they did win their league a couple of years ago or so), and I did think that WLC would have a better showing against them, even though I picked Valpo.  Tri-State and Manchester?  The latter is improving and again, apparently Tri-State had a better showing i.e. the didn't get pasted at least it appears from the score (admittedly, I do not have any info as to how the game actually went).  Like Butler, it will take a while with a new staff at Tri-State to improve the program.

Hope's final intra-scrimmage was very promising today (wonderful weather).  I thought it was a much better performance by both offense and defensive squads than last year's scrimmage.  Thankfully, no one got hurt (unlike the past couple of years).  Offense looked very good, although there is a battle for the QB position (my inside sources relate that it is between two right now, soph and Sr. as I recall).  Defense should be better than last year; appears a little bigger, but DB's will have to step it up a bit I believe.  However, Defensive coord/DB Coach Ricketts and Coach Vandermeer will have them ready I'm sure.  Overall, I feel more confident for Hope's start than last year, yet as we all know, anything goes - especially when you start out with an AWAY game far away.

[D306]

Albion Butler overview.

Albion looked fast and diverse in Offense. Mixed run and pass well.
Wilson throws a nice ball with a touch. He also can avoid the rush and steps up in the pocket well.
3 very very good WR for Albion, Big TE for Albion is a load. The recieverswent up and caught the ball even in traffic.
Solid running game, wide or between tackles, have some speeed there.

Albion defense was fast to the ball and tough on the power run game.
Defense stepped up each time Butler made a big play and gained field postion.

Albion had a little trouble on punt exchanges coverage and long snap.
Hopefully this can be corrected special teams wins close games.
FG team was solid, no issues on XP or FG.

Butler has good size on the lines, but was being beat off the ball.
Solid LB's for Butler. DB's were too small and not aggressive enough, or the WR from Albion are just that good.
Butler quick slants were effective when run but not much else.

Great start for Albion and a nice day on Campus. Good crowd with the holiday weekend, I am sure a lot of students went home.
traffice coming form eastside of MI was not bad with U of M playing @ 12:00

[bulldogalum]

First off, I'd like to start by apologizing to the Albion Britons.  Clearly, they've got their act together a bit better than I'd given them credit for.  Further, Butler, it would seem, has a LONG way to go before it turns things around.  Congrats to the Brits on a fine win to open the year.

Also, as I was in Adrian today for a friend's wedding, I figured I may as well stop by the new stadium to get a look at it for the first time in a couple of months.  Let me just say, I'm absolutely giddy at the thought of thousands of people filing into that stadium to watch a game there in a week.  It's going to be a special place, and a place I'll get to as frequently as possible to watch the Bulldogs play.

[Flying Dutch Fan]

I'm in Florida on a quick "before the kid goes to school" vacation, and was sure that I would be out of the loop on scores until I checked here.  Imagine my surprise when (while catching a bit of the Michigan/Vanderbilt game on ESPN)  I see the Albion/Butler score scroll by on the bottom.  Pretty cool!!

Congrats to the Brits!!

[bulldogalum]

Yeah, that's always nice.  Butler, being a Division I school, is always reported on the ESPN Bottom Line.

[wlcalum]

It is cool to see your school scrolled across the bottom of the screen. Too bad for the last three years we have been on the loss side of that scroll. 

Good to see Tri State gave em a run for the money, hope they have improved over last year. Albion - keep on rolling, WLC - get it together boys!

[the_wing_t]

Okay, Hope....better bring your BEST Dutch letters to Pella with you next week.  I'll put Jaarsma's Bakery's letters up against ANY you can bring down from up North! 

Hope you all have a safe trip to Pella.....too bad Coach Schipper couldn't be here for the game.  He would have been proud of the meeting between the two.  And you guys are gonna love the new field.....played on it two weeks ago at the Alumni game and it is pretty sweet! 

[bob89]

Finals:  Albion 31, Butler 10 
            Manchester 26, Tri-State 22 

[bob89]

Finals:  Albion 31, Butler 10 
            Manchester 26, Tri-State 22 

[formerd3db]

Yes, it will be a tough game in Pella on Sat.  I agree it is too bad Coach Schipper is gone - he would have loved this one.  With Central having "one under their belt" already, I agree, Hope has to bring their top game.  There is no room for mistakes.  It will be interesting to see what plays out - it is also difficult to believe this is the first meeting ever between the "sister" schools. 

[Grutte Dirk]

Saturday, Sept. 2 Players of the Week

Offensive  - Albion senior quarterback Jake Wilson of Romeo (Romeo HS) completed 20-of-29 passes for 273 yards and a touchdown in the Britons' season-opening 31-10 victory over Butler. He also rushed for 37 yards on seven carries.

Defensive - Tri-State senior linebacker Travis Foster of Monroe, Ind. (Adams Central HS) was credited with 15 tackles, including 2.5 for lost yardage, in the Thunder's season-opening 26-22 loss to Manchester.

Special Team - Albion senior placekicker Sayun Allen of Jackson (Jackson HS) was a perfect 4-for-4 on PATs and he kicked a 32-yard field goal in his first collegiate football game. He was a member of Albion's soccer team his first three years.

[wlcalum]

I've long wondered why college teams do not go harder after soccer players for their kicking ability. Just the average HS soccer player could make some noise in football kicking the ball. Yes it would take practice, but what a way to make a college team. I tell the little guys who are out for HS football to grab a tee and go kick the ball! Want to make the Varsity? Kick the ball! A summers worth of practice could get you a scholarship.

[dc_has_been]

College teams should allow kickers to play soccer & football.  Really all you need a kicker for is probably 2 days a week. 

[scotty]

it would cost the D3 school a bundle...1 less student 

[WLCALUM83]

Soccer and football at the same time?

Several questions.

Which practices would the player attend?

Which games would he play (in the event of Saturday games if the soccer team was at home and the football team on the road, or vice versa?)

Wouldn't being active in both sports at once cut big into an athlete's academic study time?

Just throwing it out there.