FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[Mr. Ypsi]

Tigers, Twins, and Sox all win - but that's one less game for the chasers to catch us!

But, c'mon, it's football Saturday and not ONE post all day?!

While Alma had the only win today, Hope and Adrian (in particular) both acquitted themselves well.  No comments or reports from anyone?

[D306]

Ypsi

I will start with the good news.
Tigers pull out another win, hitting is coming around.
Tigers need to keep the pressure on and beat KC in this series.
The twins series at the end of the year is coming, need the breathing room.
I am confident Tigers finsh strong and keep this lead.

U of M and MSU won , glad to see a good start for both teams.

On to the MIAA Ugly weekend, Trine gets by Manchester thanfully a game I thought was an easy win. Shows good coaching to come back after spotting 14.
Alma pulls a win and the rest of the league took a loss.

I was at the Albion game, Butler is moving the program into full D1 soon. That is the stated goal and the numbers and quality of young players in the program reflects this. Costs were up for parking , and tickets. Local TV, field looked good, Campus was expanding.
On to the game, started with a back and forth series of stops for both teams the first 3-4 series for each team.
Albion rotating QB's and featured backs.  4 - 5 first string starters not on the field for Albion. Rough last week of practice, several injuries not season ending but sitting these players or limited play to 2-3 series then out for game.
Butler is physicaly bigger on the lines, especially with 2 returning starters out on the DL. Butler seemed to capitalize on the misdirection play, and play action passes against the flow. Albion's new high pressure defense was caught several times over presueing, leaving 1 on 1. DB or safety on WR or backs in the flats, with no support over the top.
Pretty solid tackling by Albion. I think as the team understands their defense format better this will improve, there is athletes on defense and it showed, most of Butlers scoring was BIG plays, not a lot of sustained drives.  I know, I know how do you see anything in a score like this? Is what people think.

Offensively Albion rotated QB's and RB's heavy. The starting RB did not see the field, neither did a key WR. QB play looked safe but not in time with recievers, numerous passes just behind WR, WR not finding the balls coming out of the breaks. I expect the timing to improve, looked like a couple times WR / TE did not finish the route or cut the correct way. Balls on other side of the cuts after the break by WR.  Butlers defense was very aggressive, the speed was the difference.
Albion has a good RB with very good speed he got the corner several times.

The new punt format looks a little out of time, small line huge splits with 3 blockers back. Had a punt blocked and another tipped. Assignments up front and wedge need to be understood, 4-5 guys rushers getting back to the wedge prior to the punter getting the ball and ready to punt. Simple numbers 3 wedge 4-5 blitzers add up to trouble. Expect some changes to the splits and possibly a little more size up front on this.

I will attend the Thiel game and expect the modifications and upgrades as well as the majority of the injuried starters to return.  this should supply a better idea what the Brits will look like this year.

[ADAWGISADAWG4LIFE]

When you say full DI do you mean 85 scholarship DI or are you referring to them becoming a full IAA program and beginning to actually offer scholarships unlike they currently do?

[D306]

dawg

Yes I mean the stated goal is to be back to full D1 status like the Basketball team.
35-40 redshirt freshman on the roster.
New coaching staff, field and practice facility upgrades.
Several transfers in.
I was told there are plans for a complete new football stadium.
$8 for parking, $12 per ticket are the new prices so they are building some funds and expectations. You no longer can stand above the field by the parking lot and watch game. The fences are now covered with Plaques and banners that run the full fence.

Spoke with a couple Butler folks, nice guys who commented they are aggressivly targeting full D1. Number of years to acheive this is open to progress, or not know to the guys I spoke with. Not sure how the players are being "motivated" to transfer or come there presently. I will not speculate about Loans, grants etc...
Not looking to infer or suggest anything on the edge of the rules.

I thought Butler was solid, well coached not a lot of unforced errors, especially for first game of the year.
Last Years starting QB was released from the team this week, broke some rules and was suspended from team.  QB who played has a very nice touch, lead WR and had good pocket presence felt the pressure and knew were the safety check down was to get some kind of positive yards.

Take this for what it worth, just conversations I had with Butler Fans, Dads, and supporters Saturday.

[Mr. Ypsi]

My, oh my!  Twins and Sox both lose; Tigers, down 3-1 in the 9th, have Brandon Inge (bad knee and all) hit a grand slam!

It would now take a collapse of historic dimensions to not make the playoffs.

[70_dc_alum]

For those Adrian Fans who cant make the game this week Defiance does a live video broadcast of all home games on their athletics website.  the video is not HDTV but still is not too bad and i thought the announcers did a very good job keeping things interesting compared to most D3 play by play guys.  last week it had a pregame show that lasted about 50 minutes, halftime show and post game...pretty good way to get your D3 fix if you cant make a game.

[Mr. Ypsi]

MIAA Pickems starts this week.  The rules and slate of games is up on the Pickems site (General Football).  This year let's all remind sac that he is a basketball guy!

[sac]

MIAA Pickems starts this week.  The rules and slate of games is up on the Pickems site (General Football).  This year let's all remind sac that he is a basketball guy!

Just to prove to Ypsi I'm multi-faceted (fascinating).......I give this fantastic nugget of knowledge.

Hope has now dropped 17 consecutive non-conference games.   With Carthage, Eau-Claire and Wheaton remaining, my money is on reaching 20.

Need I remind the orange and blue faithful, Carthage dropped 70 on the Dutchmen last year.

[formerd3db]

As you mention, another consecutive non-leauge as well as season-opening loss for Hope.  This is not fun and is getting to be the opposite of that long running consective win streak of Homecoming wins we had for 20+ years.  Ironically, same score as last year's loss to IWU.

Anyway, Carthage will, indeed, be a tough game, even though it is the home opener for Hope.  However, I doubt that Carthage will throw up 70 against us, especially at the Annual Community Day - although I will be very surprised as well as extremely disappointed if that occurs.

Good news is that our punting and kicking game looks good so far this year.  A nice 43 yard average for our man!

RE: Butler - it was good to hear that they are aiming for a return to DI - IMO, they should do that in keeping with their other sports.  Sounds like they are markedly improved and well on the way to building a nice foundation for the goal.  For sure, if they intend to return to that level. they need to build a new football stadium after "ransacking" and basically dismantling the old Butler Bowl (which, admittedly, was apparently in need of much repair).  No upset by Albion and no just "squeeking by" Albion by Bulter this year.

[Raider 68]

As you mention, another consecutive non-leauge as well as season-opening loss for Hope.  This is not fun and is getting to be the opposite of that long running consective win streak of Homecoming wins we had for 20+ years.  Ironically, same score as last year's loss to IWU.

Anyway, Carthage will, indeed, be a tough game, even though it is the home opener for Hope.  However, I doubt that Carthage will throw up 70 against us, especially at the Annual Community Day - although I will be very surprised as well as extremely disappointed if that occurs.

Good news is that our punting and kicking game looks good so far this year.  A nice 43 yard average for our man!

RE: Butler - it was good to hear that they are aiming for a return to DI - IMO, they should do that in keeping with their other sports.  Sounds like they are markedly improved and well on the way to building a nice foundation for the goal.  For sure, if they intend to return to that level. they need to build a new football stadium after "ransacking" and basically dismantling the old Butler Bowl (which, admittedly, was apparently in need of much repair).  No upset by Albion and no just "squeeking by" Albion by Bulter this year.

Former 3db,

We lived in Western Michigan in the latter part of the mid-nineties. Although a Buckeye and a MUC alum and player, I could not undertand why the MIAA conference did not have some dominate teams. I followed MSU after OSU and met several people from MIAA schools. The people and many of the schools were great.

Any thoughts why the programs are not like many in the OAC? Not all the best players all go to MSU and U of M.

[Mr. Ypsi]

As you mention, another consecutive non-leauge as well as season-opening loss for Hope.  This is not fun and is getting to be the opposite of that long running consective win streak of Homecoming wins we had for 20+ years.  Ironically, same score as last year's loss to IWU.

Anyway, Carthage will, indeed, be a tough game, even though it is the home opener for Hope.  However, I doubt that Carthage will throw up 70 against us, especially at the Annual Community Day - although I will be very surprised as well as extremely disappointed if that occurs.

Good news is that our punting and kicking game looks good so far this year.  A nice 43 yard average for our man!

RE: Butler - it was good to hear that they are aiming for a return to DI - IMO, they should do that in keeping with their other sports.  Sounds like they are markedly improved and well on the way to building a nice foundation for the goal.  For sure, if they intend to return to that level. they need to build a new football stadium after "ransacking" and basically dismantling the old Butler Bowl (which, admittedly, was apparently in need of much repair).  No upset by Albion and no just "squeeking by" Albion by Bulter this year.

Former 3db,

We lived in Western Michigan in the latter part of the mid-nineties. Although a Buckeye and a MUC alum and player, I could not undertand why the MIAA conference did not have some dominate teams. I followed MSU after OSU and met several people from MIAA schools. The people and many of the schools were great.

Any thoughts why the programs are not like many in the OAC? Not all the best players all go to MSU and U of M.

Michigan has some of the best programs in d2 - especially perennial title winner/contender Grand Valley.  I suspect that there may be no other state that has quite the siphoning of otherwise d3 talent to d2 that Michigan has.  And, of course, there are the d1 MAC schools - MIAA doesn't lose to specifically UM and MSU (those guys wouldn't be d3 anyway - not even at MUC! ).

[Raider 68]

As you mention, another consecutive non-leauge as well as season-opening loss for Hope.  This is not fun and is getting to be the opposite of that long running consective win streak of Homecoming wins we had for 20+ years.  Ironically, same score as last year's loss to IWU.

Anyway, Carthage will, indeed, be a tough game, even though it is the home opener for Hope.  However, I doubt that Carthage will throw up 70 against us, especially at the Annual Community Day - although I will be very surprised as well as extremely disappointed if that occurs.

Good news is that our punting and kicking game looks good so far this year.  A nice 43 yard average for our man!

RE: Butler - it was good to hear that they are aiming for a return to DI - IMO, they should do that in keeping with their other sports.  Sounds like they are markedly improved and well on the way to building a nice foundation for the goal.  For sure, if they intend to return to that level. they need to build a new football stadium after "ransacking" and basically dismantling the old Butler Bowl (which, admittedly, was apparently in need of much repair).  No upset by Albion and no just "squeeking by" Albion by Bulter this year.

Former 3db,

We lived in Western Michigan in the latter part of the mid-nineties. Although a Buckeye and a MUC alum and player, I could not undertand why the MIAA conference did not have some dominate teams. I followed MSU after OSU and met several people from MIAA schools. The people and many of the schools were great.

Any thoughts why the programs are not like many in the OAC? Not all the best players all go to MSU and U of M.

Michigan has some of the best programs in d2 - especially perennial title winner/contender Grand Valley.  I suspect that there may be no other state that has quite the siphoning of otherwise d3 talent to d2 that Michigan has.  And, of course, there are the d1 MAC schools - MIAA doesn't lose to specifically UM and MSU (those guys wouldn't be d3 anyway - not even at MUC! ).

Mr. Ypsi,

You are right, I forgot about the top level D2 programs there including Grand Valley being the top one. Are they poised for another title this year?

We, like you have many D1 programs in the MAC that attract the many athletes that do go to OSU. That said, what school in the MIAA can be a playoff contender this year?

[Mr. Ypsi]

As you mention, another consecutive non-leauge as well as season-opening loss for Hope.  This is not fun and is getting to be the opposite of that long running consective win streak of Homecoming wins we had for 20+ years.  Ironically, same score as last year's loss to IWU.

Anyway, Carthage will, indeed, be a tough game, even though it is the home opener for Hope.  However, I doubt that Carthage will throw up 70 against us, especially at the Annual Community Day - although I will be very surprised as well as extremely disappointed if that occurs.

Good news is that our punting and kicking game looks good so far this year.  A nice 43 yard average for our man!

RE: Butler - it was good to hear that they are aiming for a return to DI - IMO, they should do that in keeping with their other sports.  Sounds like they are markedly improved and well on the way to building a nice foundation for the goal.  For sure, if they intend to return to that level. they need to build a new football stadium after "ransacking" and basically dismantling the old Butler Bowl (which, admittedly, was apparently in need of much repair).  No upset by Albion and no just "squeeking by" Albion by Bulter this year.

Former 3db,

We lived in Western Michigan in the latter part of the mid-nineties. Although a Buckeye and a MUC alum and player, I could not undertand why the MIAA conference did not have some dominate teams. I followed MSU after OSU and met several people from MIAA schools. The people and many of the schools were great.

Any thoughts why the programs are not like many in the OAC? Not all the best players all go to MSU and U of M.

Michigan has some of the best programs in d2 - especially perennial title winner/contender Grand Valley.  I suspect that there may be no other state that has quite the siphoning of otherwise d3 talent to d2 that Michigan has.  And, of course, there are the d1 MAC schools - MIAA doesn't lose to specifically UM and MSU (those guys wouldn't be d3 anyway - not even at MUC! ).

Mr. Ypsi,

You are right, I forgot about the top level D2 programs there including Grand Valley being the top one. Are they poised for another title this year?

We, like you have many D1 programs in the MAC that attract the many athletes that do go to OSU. That said, what school in the MIAA can be a playoff contender this year?

Just after I hit 'send' it occurred to me that the MAC is more an Ohio conference than a Michigan conference, but the MAC probably has only slight overlap with d3 on recruits.  I'd imagine that most MAC recruits plan on a scholarship (with only slight exceptions for family ties).  MIAA schools get occasional players who saw the hand writing on the wall at MAC schools, but the basic competition is d2 (and NAIA) schools.  Often the economic difference is not that drastic, but the allure of 'athletic scholarship' can be big for an 18 year old's ego.

I really don't follow d2 - I'd assume that it is still GVSU and Saginaw, but I just don't know.

As far as the MIAA, after last year one has to assume that Trine is the favorite.  Adrian is certainly a contender (I'll be very interested in their game Saturday), and Hope should never be counted out (they have a habit of going 0-fer on the non-con, then winning the conference).  We can assume that Calvin is not a contender.

[sac]

You are right, I forgot about the top level D2 programs there including Grand Valley being the top one. Are they poised for another title this year?

GVSU is currently ranked #1, SVSU #13, Ashland #17 from the GLIAC

coincidently  GVSU hosts SVSU this weekend

[miaafbfan]

We can assume that Calvin is not a contender.

Indeed we can.    Trine is the favorite, but in addition to them, Hope, Adrian, and Alma look like the most likely contenders this year.