FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[OC_SID]

Coach Lou Holtz delivered the commencement address for my son's graduation at Trine yesterday.  Have to admit it was pretty entertaining.  Coach Bobby Knight did it last year.   

I just got back from hearing Lou Holtz speak during a session at our CoSIDA Convention here in Marco Island, Florida. His speech was very good and told some very good jokes!!

[ThunderHead]

::UHG::

I just found out tonight I mightt have to "re-locate" to AZ for the fall, due to our companies developing product line.

I hate the thought of missing Trine football in person - and just B1G Football in general.

Then to top it off - the noon games would start at 9am over in AZ.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed this does not happen, I'm to old for this anyway.

Go Trine!!!

[Mr. Ypsi]

Good luck, TH!

'Proper' tailgating before a noon game is bad enough; 'proper' tailgating before a 9am game is a sign of trouble!

[Joe Wally]

Welcome to Pac-10 football, TH.

[cave2bens]

::UHG::

I just found out tonight I mightt have to "re-locate" to AZ for the fall, due to our companies developing product line.

Been done before - migas, "breakfast" burritos, and tamales aren't all that bad as tailgating fare.     The challenge, here, is coming up with "midnight munch" with the heavily buffered radio coverage...

Cheers!   

[Diezel1]

Question for the Trine guys:  I see lots of talk for the QB position- which I understand given last year's performance. However, in watching the UWW game, I felt the weaknesses for Trine were the Defense (inability to stop the run especially but not only) and the lack of a running game. 
Do you feel Trine will be improved in these areas?   

Emma,

I'm sure everyone's run defense and rushing attack looks like a weakness when playing UWW. That is what happens when you play a team as good as they are. But Trine ran for over 230 yards/game last year while only giving up 117 yards/game on defense and I think those numbers will be similar this year.

[emma17]

Diezel- good point on UWW - so let's take them out of the picture and consider other teams Trine would have/could have played in last year's playoffs- North Central, Wesley and Mt Union. North Central and Mt Union are similar teams in style- to each other and to UWW.  Do you feel Trine will be improved in the areas mentioned to compete with these style/caliber teams?

[Uncle Rico]

Diezel- good point on UWW - so let's take them out of the picture and consider other teams Trine would have/could have played in last year's playoffs- North Central, Wesley and Mt Union. North Central and Mt Union are similar teams in style- to each other and to UWW.  Do you feel Trine will be improved in the areas mentioned to compete with these style/caliber teams?

I think Trine would have competed VERY favorably with most if not all of those teams you mentioned, last year.  I thought they played fairly well on the road against UWW.  If not for the fumble near the end zone towards the end of the game, the score MIGHT have been even closer.  Then, an on-side kick, etc.. etc...  Shoulda...woulda...coulda...I know. 

Trine will be returning their senior multi all conference running back.  They will be returning most of their linebackers and secondary.  I am not sure about the o-line and d-line yet, but they have very good depth.   Whomever the QB ends up being may not have a great deal of game time experience but all of the contenders have had very good reviews and are coached up very well.   I do not think Trine will have the let down that others believe, in spite of losing Watt.  The recent sucess has brought in some very strong recruiting classes from all that I have heard.

[Diezel1]

Emma,

I think they will be improved in those areas. Each year the coaching staff has done a great job bringing in better athletes which is helping the program get better. They are continuing to build a program that they believe will compete with the UWW's, Mt. Unions, and NC's. Every year is a stepping stone in that direction and so far they have done that. I know the coaches don't believe in moral victories but to go from 0-10 in 2005 to only losing by 14 last year at UWW means things are headed where they want to be. In 2011, for Trine to be succesful, I think there will be added pressure on the running game and the defense as a whole until the new qb gets settled in

[BOYA87]

I think your last point is a very good one Diezel.

It is very difficult for any team to play ever aspect of the game to the very best potential or to have the best possible recruites in every position accross the field.  Every team has these weaknesses and I'm sure if we look at game film close enough we will even find some of those in UWW, Union, and N Cent.  When Trine first started their transition and during their first 10-0 season they relied heavily on the defense.  The offense had some very young talent so the defense was much of the reason for eaking out many close games and getting a young offense great field position.  With the maturing of Eric Watt and the offensive specialty positions, and losses at key positions on defense the power of the team seemed to switch more to the offensive side for the next couple years (lets not forget about the defense, they continued to be stout and give the offense great opportunities.)

I would not be suprised to see a similar shift in this just like Deizel said.  A higher emphasis and dominance in the running game for the offense to help ease the pressure on a new/young quarterback, as well as beefing up defensive positions and depth to make it strong across the board to allow a great support for the offense.


What is great is that the more Trine improves the less drastic these transitions become.  Still expect Trine to be strong in the passing game because thats what better recruiting allows you to do but I do expect them to have a more balanced attack.  I think the coaching staff is going to have all the weapons they need to fire away on some great game plans!

[ThunderHead]

As far as west coast tailgating: blah. I do have some friends in the PAC 10, and they think I'll really enjoy the style of play out there, but still, I'm quite attached to B1G play, and have come to really enjoy the teams and programs.

I'll also obviously miss Trine games, I am really looking forward to the product Coach Land will put on the field this year.

Gosh Dang it, - glad they stream.

Go Trine!!!

[Ralph Turner]

Good luck, TH!

'Proper' tailgating before a noon game is bad enough; 'proper' tailgating before a 9am game is a sign of trouble!

And if you have ever lived in Hawai'i, then you have had the NFL Today for breakfast!  

It is really weird having all of the NFL games over by 2pm, except for Sunday Night Football!

[cave2bens]

It is really weird having all of the NFL games over by 2pm, except for Sunday Night Football!

It is pretty bizarre catching the last two minutes with morning coffee in Afrika as well. 

[emma17]

Boya, Diezel and Uncle,
I'm glad to hear it.  I became a Trine fan at the UWW game last year as I thought they were a heck of a team.  So often you see teams that become identified by one aspect of their game and they don't seem to get better in the areas that are needed for deep playoff runs. 

[BOYA87]

glad to here your on board emma!  are you a UWW fan as well or just happened to check out that game last year?!