FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[Pat Coleman]

I don't share the optimism on Alma as an at-large but I do think Albion has a reasonable chance if they lose, depending on what else happens on Saturday.

[sac]

I don't share the optimism on Alma as an at-large but I do think Albion has a reasonable chance if they lose, depending on what else happens on Saturday.

Same

[formerd3db]

Some general thoughts...

Too bad that the very nice typical fall weather we experienced here today (high 60s/low 70s, very light wind, blue, sunny skies) will very likely not be present on Saturday for the MIAA championship game at Alma College. The current predicted weather for Saturday is cold temps (38 degress), windy, with snow and also some slight possible rain. Unless that forecast changes, which is unlikely, I fear that the weather will have a big impact on the game.

The weather may also affect the attendance at the game. The last time the MIAA fb championship was played between these two teams with a somewhat similar situation as to this year was in the late '90s. That game, played at Alma's Bahlke Stadium (4,700 capacity), had nearly 9,000 spectators in attendance. I would love to see that happen again on Saturday, however, I think it may be less likely due to the weather. I hope I'm wrong!

Lastly, I agree with Pat and sac. If Albion loses and it is a very close game, I believe they have a good chance at getting an at-large bid. Yet, as we all know, the NCAA committee has been unpredictable over the years. This is an obvious conclusion, but I will say it anyway! I believe the game is either going to be a blow-out or a very close game!   Dress warm all you die-hard alums and fans who will be going to the game!     

[sac]

We all know you meant atypical weather.

I moved my lawn today and I have seeds that have sprouted.

[formerd3db]

We all know you meant atypical weather.

I moved my lawn today and I have seeds that have sprouted.

I stand corrected, my friend! You are right! I looked at a photo yesterday that my wife took here two years ago and we had snow.

I took care of putting away our lake house "toys" and that last lawn mowing of the year three weeks ago and last week, respectively!

[monsoon]

Congrats to Alma!

[formerd3db]

Fantastic game today at Alma. A classic for the MIAA history archives. HUGE crowd, both home and away sides overflowing as well as endzone bleachers-standing room only with fans lining around the entire perimeter of the field like 3-4 deep. I will be intetested to see what the final total attendance was. The weather cooperated- overcast, slight wind with 40 degree temp, but no precipitation. Very comfortable if you dressed warm (which I did!)

Alma is "the real deal." I think most people (except the Alma fans and team, of course) thought that Albion would win the game. It was a back-and-forth game. At times, Albion's big def line kept jamming Alma's running game, but the RBs, QB, and O line kept their poise and played thru that. Alma's only problem was giving up two long bomb TDs- the dbs will need to avoid that in the playoffs. Were it not for that, Alma wins easier. But it still could have gone either way right up to the last min-Alma could have sealed it by getting one more first down. But they had to punt before an interception by them at the end clinched it, ending Albion's attempt at a final seconds steal for a win. Albion hurt itself by several personal foul/ unsporsmanlike penalties, although Alma had a couple as well. A big key was Alma's fantastic goal line stand near the end of the first half, jamming/stopping Albion at the 6 inch line! As a former def player myself, I loved that series.

Yes, congrats to Alma. If they play like today, I think they will have a good chance at a first round win.

[sac]

Congrats to Alma.

Has to be one of the more surprising MIAA Championship seasons, at least that I can recall.  Scots were picked to finish 6th in the pre-season poll.

[TUAngola]

Congrats to Alma.

Has to be one of the more surprising MIAA Championship seasons, at least that I can recall.  Scots were picked to finish 6th in the pre-season poll.

One of the big differences for Alma has been the emergence of freshman QB Carter St John.  When Alma played their first conference game at Trine and won fairly handily I'm sure that gave notice that the Scots were for real.  I thought St John was outstanding in the Trine game, he makes all the right throws and with accuracy.  To me he should be the MIAA offensive player of the year.

[TUAngola]

NCAA bracket is out.  Albion was left out unfortunately.  It's too bad as they had an outstanding season.  Alma will host MSJ in the first round.

[formerd3db]

NCAA bracket is out.  Albion was left out unfortunately.  It's too bad as they had an outstanding season.  Alma will host MSJ in the first round.

Tell that to Johns Hopkins!

[formerd3db]

One last observation...I see where the Box Score listed yesterday's attendance at Alma's Bahlke as 4405. No way! That stadium seats 4,700 at capacity. All the permanent stands on both sides were completely filled (and plus that), with people standing 3-4 deep all the way around the field, including the endzones. Even the endzone smaller bleachers were full as was the hill above them. I'd say it was more like 5,000.    

[miaafbfan]

Congrats to Alma on winning in the first round!  Things looked a bit "iffy" at halftime, but as the second half went one and weather conditions worsened, Alma looked better and better. 

[Captain_Joe08]

Alma gets Aurora next who finally delivered the NACC their first ever playoff win over UW-Whitewater.

[TUAngola]

Congratulations to Alma yesterday!  They get another home game next Saturday against Aurora who upset UWW.