FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[79jaybird]

Congrats to Olivet on their first W for 2006.  I was secretly hoping they wouldn't have won, because that makes Elmhurst's job that much more difficult, because Olivet will have the mo factor on their side.  Course, Elmhurst has to get past U Chicago first.  I am looking forward to a good battle next week at Olivet between the 1-1 Comets and 1 (hopefully 2) and 0 Bluejays.
Re:  Thursday Night games... (I am sure this is probably NOT the reason they played this game on Thursday), however in my high school conference, one of the schools we played had a large Jewish population.  They would have Thursday games scheduled on the weeks of Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah,  for religious purposes.   That's the only "other" time I have seen Thursday night games played, other than TV and $$ factors for ESPN.

[WLCALUM83]

To get to 17, I would certainly assume they had 2 TDs, with extra points, and a FG.  And to go from 23 to 33, I would assume a TD, EP, and FG. 

   Two touchdowns, a 2-point conversion after the 2nd, and a FG for the first 17. (bobbled snap on extra point attempt after first TD.) 23-33 is exactly accurate.

[WLCALUM83]

does Olivet even have a kicker?  my Jr year they went the hole year with out kicking an extra Pt.  funny thing is most of thier fakes was out of the PAT formation or the muddle huddle

Olivet does have a kicker--Kyle Zabel.

[WLCALUM83]

End of 1st Quarter:  DePauw 0, Hope 0:
   (If Hank Stram was still around he'd say both offenses have been in "Lawrence Welk" mode--1, 2, 3, punt--1, 2, 3, punt--so far, anyway).

[WLCALUM83]

DePaw 3, Hope 0 approaching midway through the 2nd.

[WLCALUM83]

DePauw 9, Hope 7 (Half)

[WLCALUM83]

End of 3rd:  DePauw 16, Hope 7.

[WLCALUM83]

4:36 left in 4th-- DePauw 16, Hope 14.

[WLCALUM83]

Final:  DePauw 23, Hope 14. 

[formerd3db]

Looks like Hope is in trouble.  When you only get 21 yards net rushing (51 net by your to RB), it is hard to win games - and we have Wheaton next, but it is our place.  Still will be a tough game for sure.  Albion barely gets by Theil (not sure how to judge them as yet); as does Adrian.  Kazoo didn't lose by much either, much closer than I had anticipated; Alma squeeks by in OT.  It also appears that Tri-State is improving.  My underlying feeling is that the non-conf schedules will be "a wash" somewhat and that the "good 'ole MIAA" race will be a shoot-out as usual.

[bulldogalum]

formerd3db:

I tend to agree as to the nonconference results. 

Sounds like Hope is dealing with the same problems as Adrian on offense, although the Bulldogs looked much better offensively this week than they did last.  Add that to the fact that the defense didn't give up any points (Bluffton's TD came on a kickoff return, and we blocked the PAT), and we should at least be close in every game. 

It's always tough to go and get a big win on the road, and Albion did a nice job of that today.  I hear the radio broadcast from Thiel was somewhat less than partial, by the by. 

I think we'll learn quite a bit more in the next few weeks.  I think Olivet is better than anticipated, and Tri State appears to be improved.  As usual, there's not really an easy week in MIAA action. 

As a sidebar, how about the maize and blue today?  Very nice win.

[formerd3db]

bulldogalum:

Good to hear from you, friend.  I agree with you as well.  Olivet just might surprise some people and as always, are a "dangerous team" and "someone to be watched"!   I'll tell you one thing: both Adrian and Hope better "get serious" or they could be in for a long season.

As far as the DI "boys", yes U of M had just a super day today.  Really made all the "nay-sayers" think twice and also that perhaps ND is not as good as some of the pollsters promoted them to be.  However, you know how Mich has a tendency to "blow it" after a big win like that, and of course the MSU rivalry is always "anyone's guess" - a crapshoot! Also, I am not a fan of Weis, however, have to give him credit for being very sportsman like and giving the deserved kudos to Mich.

Speaking of MSU, I was indeed surprised at how they blew out Pitt in the second half.  Pitt just fell apart, kind of like Hope did last weekend and today in the second half.  I believe Pitt is a better team than they showed in the second half today - they'll just have to rebound.  Also, Northwestern (always a favorite of mine despite being a U of M fan as my dad went to the latter) just gets by Eastern Michigan.  Just shows us how far NW has dropped this year.  Although they are above .500 right now, I think they will definitely have trouble in their Big Ten schedule.  No doubt some of that has to be a result of their prev h.c. Walker's unfortunate death this summer.

Anyway, I could discuss more, but alas, it is getting late; too late.  So I will sign off and look forward to talking with you and our fellow MIAA'ers here again soon.  Take care.

[Trailer Dog]

Players of Week #3

Offensive Player of the Week
Alma senior quarterback Josh Brehm of Ithaca (Ithaca HS) accounted for more than 400 yards of total offense as the Scots defeated UW-Eau Claire 33-30 in overtime. He completed 36-of-57 passes for 358 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. He also rushed for two touchdowns gaining 76 yards on 24 carries. He is being honored as player of the week for the fifth time in his career.
Other Nominations: Troy Niblock, Adrian; Tom Pratt, Olivet; Courtney Sanders, Tri-State

Defensive Player of the Week
Hope junior end Matt Rugenstein of Grand Rapids (GR Christian HS) was credited with 7.5 tackles for a loss, including 4.5 quarterback sacks in 23-14 loss to DePauw. He ended with ten tackles, six of them solos, for lost yardage of 32 yards.
Other Nominations: Joel Howland, Adrian; DeRan Thomas, Olivet; Doug VanEerden, Hope; Caleb Barnes, Alma; Ryan Malone, Adrian

Special Teams Player of the Week
Albion senior Jeff Stowers of Brighton (Brighton HS) averaged 41.5 yards per punt with two inside the 20-yard line as the Britons defeated Thiel, Pa. 24-20. He executed a perfect fake punt late in the game gaining 11 yards to keep the drive alive that led to the winning touchdown. He also played the entire game in the defensive backfield intercepting a pass and making five tackles.
Other Nominations: Kyle Lindsay, Adrian; Ken Lackscheide, Olivet; Nathaniel Fitzsimmons, Tri-State

[formerd3db]

Strange, but we haven't heard from any Olivet or Kazoo posters.  Rome, where are you?

Also, to you WLC guys:  Sorry about the 3rd loss.  Tough situation for your team.  I thought they would have a better showing in their non-conf games (except for perhaps DIAA Valpo).  Hopefully, they can rebound going into the MIAA schedule, except, of course, not against Hope!  

[Grutte Dirk]

9-23 projections:
Wheaton all over Hope

So true, this could get ugly. 

Do you see this as a possible turn-around game for the Dutchmen?  Will it push the program in a new and better direction if they can beat the Thunder?  Not just a new direction for 2006, but for years to come?