FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[Raider 68]

Lets not be too quick to put MU and UWW back in the Stagg Bowl so quick!  You gotta look deep into each matchup and I think I have found an upset.  Linfield will be playing at UWW this Saturday and after much deliberation and research I think I have found the 1 common denominator that makes for a championship DIII team...their colors!  Linfield also has purple as their primary color which I think gives them a great chance to be amoung the other elite teams in DIII(Mount Union=Purple, UWW=Purple).  So watch for an upset and a new team wearing purple in the Stagg Bowl this year!  I think after Tri-States name change to Trine and color change, that they would have been better advised to put purple on those uniforms somewhere if they ever want to win a national championship!  That is obviously what seperates MU and WWU from the others.




::)I hope you all take this post as light hearted as I meant it to be

BOYA87,

You may have a good point that maybe another purple team arrives at the Stagg Bowl. However, I would not put too much money on that happening!

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

Alfred lost to Albright.

If that's the only exception (and assuming Wesley doesn't shock the world at Alliance on Saturday), we stand at:

6 of 32 playoff teams wear purple.
1 lost of a non-purple team.
4 lost to a purple team.
1 took home walnut-and-bronze.

Or, an alternative accounting:

Purple teams went 0-1, 1-1, 2-1, 3-1, 4-1, and 5-0!

Or, purple: 15-5; all other colors: 16-26.

I think I'm ready to sign on to this conspiracy theory! 8)

That is why TCU is being kept out of the BCS Championship Game.  They don't want to have to admit to the conspiracy!

[formerd3db]

You guys are aweful quiet on here!  I assume you are all busy with your jobs as well as trying to finish your Christmas shopping!   What, no opinions on the ND coaching selection and process?  Also, what goes, do you think this weekend in both the DII Championship with Grand Valley State as well as our DIII semi-finals?

[sac]

ND made the hire they should have made 5 years ago.


GVSU will win, and Chuck Martin won't have to run across the field to tell the other coach he won't call t.o. to stop the clock in the final minute.

Mt.Union/Whitewater.

[Raider 68]

You guys are aweful quiet on here!  I assume you are all busy with your jobs as well as trying to finish your Christmas shopping!   What, no opinions on the ND coaching selection and process?  Also, what goes, do you think this weekend in both the DII Championship with Grand Valley State as well as our DIII semi-finals?

former3db,

Who do you like in these games and Why?

Mount Union/Wesley

Linfield/Whitewater

[formerd3db]

You guys are aweful quiet on here!  I assume you are all busy with your jobs as well as trying to finish your Christmas shopping!   What, no opinions on the ND coaching selection and process?  Also, what goes, do you think this weekend in both the DII Championship with Grand Valley State as well as our DIII semi-finals?

former3db,

Who do you like in these games and Why?

Mount Union/Wesley

Linfield/Whitewater

Raider68:

I agree with what beenhit2hard said over on your OAC board tonight in that Wesley has the potential to play tough against Mount and quite possibly if they played their best game ever, could upset them.  However, I don't think that will happen.  While they are a very good team (and perhaps similar to the Rowan team the year they upset Mount), my "gut feeling" is that Wesley will falter as they did last year and Mount will win by a handy score.

As far as the other semi-final game, both Linfield and Wis-Whitewater are very good teams as well.  I'm not sure because we all know how that old cliche goes in that "anything can happen in the playoffs".  I like both teams, and while some people would like to see a different match-up this year (no offense intended to our Wis-Whitewater fans/colleagues), my "gut feeling" is that it will once again be Mount Union/Wis-Whitewater in the Stagg Bowl.

How about you?

[Raider 68]

You guys are aweful quiet on here!  I assume you are all busy with your jobs as well as trying to finish your Christmas shopping!   What, no opinions on the ND coaching selection and process?  Also, what goes, do you think this weekend in both the DII Championship with Grand Valley State as well as our DIII semi-finals?

former3db,

Who do you like in these games and Why?

Mount Union/Wesley

Linfield/Whitewater

Raider68:

I agree with what beenhit2hard said over on your OAC board tonight in that Wesley has the potential to play tough against Mount and quite possibly if they played their best game ever, could upset them.  However, I don't think that will happen.  While they are a very good team (and perhaps similar to the Rowan team the year they upset Mount), my "gut feeling" is that Wesley will falter as they did last year and Mount will win by a handy score.

As far as the other semi-final game, both Linfield and Wis-Whitewater are very good teams as well.  I'm not sure because we all know how that old cliche goes in that "anything can happen in the playoffs".  I like both teams, and while some people would like to see a different match-up this year (no offense intended to our Wis-Whitewater fans/colleagues), my "gut feeling" is that it will once again be Mount Union/Wis-Whitewater in the Stagg Bowl.

How about you?

Former 3db,

Thanks for your response and I agree with your assessment!

Let's see how it plays out. but by 4 PM I think Mount and "that other team up North" will be in VA.

[formerd3db]

ND made the hire they should have made 5 years ago.


GVSU will win, and Chuck Martin won't have to run across the field to tell the other coach he won't call t.o. to stop the clock in the final minute.

Mt.Union/Whitewater.

Sac, in reply to your replies:

...and the one that Michigan State should have made also 3 years ago.

I agree.

I agree.

Right now, I'm watching a pretty good FCS semi-final game William & Mary @ Villinova.  Looks like 'Nova, the higher ranked team and who had beaten W & M in the regular season back in October, might be in jepordy of not making it to the national championship game next Friday.  Surprising somewhat since 'Nova beat New Hampshire last weekend.  On the other hand, neither of these teams have been to the title game so it will be good to see that one of will, indeed, do so this year.  

[formerd3db]

Raider68:

Thanks for yours!  Are you going to the game tomorrow?  If so, you'd better dress warm.   I'd love to be going to the Stagg Bowl next weekend, however, we're having an early Christmas with my brother and some of our family as I have to work for actual Christmas weekend, while the other portion of our family won't be here until New Year's so we'll have the remaining Christmas holiday with them.  So it looks like I'll have to plan for next year.  The one good thing about all that is at least I'll be very warm and comfortable, having snacks, sitting in our family room watching the Stagg Bowl on HD TV and not freezing outside in Salem Stadium!   Plus, I won't have the 10 hour drive back home!

[formerd3db]

I spoke too soon when posting last night while watching the FCS semi-final game of William & Mary @ Villinova.  'Nova was getting killed in the first half and couldn't do anything against W & M, although they were still in the game with the score only being 10-0.  Offensive line of  W & M was blowing open some big holes (although there was a lot of offensive holding going on that wasn't being called - yet they started calling it late in the second half).  'Nova came back to score and held on for a 14-13 win.  As the ESPN announcers said, it was not a "pretty win", but nonetheless a win for 'Nova and it was a good to see a close, exciting game in the semi's of the FCS playoffs for once.  Now, if 'Nova can pull off the win in the national championship game next Friday night now annually held in Chattenooga, TN (nice stadium complex there for the Univ. of Chattenooga) then it will have come "full circle" for 'Nova in their (hi)storied football program since bringing it back 25 years ago after dropping it for a year.  The other semi-final is today with Appal. State (yes, you remember them from U of Mich's loss to them 2(?) years ago) vs. a very good Montana team.  Should then be a good national championship game next week whoever wins that one.

As far as today, we'll be watching to see if our Grand Valley State can win another national championship in the DII title game today in Florence, AL.  GSVU is becoming like Mount Union in DIII (especially if they win this one).   Although obviously not a given, I think they have a good chance in winning today.  We'll see. 

[Raider 68]

Raider68:

Thanks for yours!  Are you going to the game tomorrow?  If so, you'd better dress warm.   I'd love to be going to the Stagg Bowl next weekend, however, we're having an early Christmas with my brother and some of our family as I have to work for actual Christmas weekend, while the other portion of our family won't be here until New Year's so we'll have the remaining Christmas holiday with them.  So it looks like I'll have to plan for next year.  The one good thing about all that is at least I'll be very warm and comfortable, having snacks, sitting in our family room watching the Stagg Bowl on HD TV and not freezing outside in Salem Stadium!   Plus, I won't have the 10 hour drive back home!

former3db,

Sorry W & M lost, we have ties to Virginia and well as Michigan. For one, we have been a long standing members of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

We live about 20 miles from the Mount campus in Alliance. I will be leaving for the game soon, but fighting a bad cold. My wife has the same, but is not going to the game. I am the "diehard". Let you know how it went when
I return.

GO Raiders!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Raider 68]

Raider68:

Thanks for yours!  Are you going to the game tomorrow?  If so, you'd better dress warm.   I'd love to be going to the Stagg Bowl next weekend, however, we're having an early Christmas with my brother and some of our family as I have to work for actual Christmas weekend, while the other portion of our family won't be here until New Year's so we'll have the remaining Christmas holiday with them.  So it looks like I'll have to plan for next year.  The one good thing about all that is at least I'll be very warm and comfortable, having snacks, sitting in our family room watching the Stagg Bowl on HD TV and not freezing outside in Salem Stadium!   Plus, I won't have the 10 hour drive back home!

former3db,

Sorry W & M lost, we have ties to Virginia and well as Michigan. For one, we have been a long standing members of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

We live about 20 miles from the Mount campus in Alliance. I will be leaving for the game soon, but fighting a bad cold. My wife has the same, but is not going to the game. I am the "diehard". Let you know how it went when
I return.

GO Raiders!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Former3db

Here is my take on the game;

1. A good crowd with sun and some wind, but a nice crisp day for a
    semi-final game.

2. Wesley was the size of Central Michigan, with speed and a lot of
    Swagger.

3. The keys to Mount's win were:

     - controlled the line of scrimmage
     -  4 turnovers (3 pics, 1 fumble)
     - controlled the tempo, even though lost starting QB in Qtr 1
     - second half surge by All- America WR who took over as QB
       (Cecil Shorts) top offensive player in North region this year
     - Defense held Wesley to only 1 of 5 in 3rd down conversions

4.  They will be ready for the Stagg and so will Kurt Rocco, Now UWW
      has something to think about with Shorts.

5. My personal prediction for the Game was Mount 31-14, so at 24-7
    I was close.

I hope you can watch the Stagg, and all the best to you and your family
for the Holidays!

[formerd3db]

Raider68:

Thanks for yours!  Are you going to the game tomorrow?  If so, you'd better dress warm.   I'd love to be going to the Stagg Bowl next weekend, however, we're having an early Christmas with my brother and some of our family as I have to work for actual Christmas weekend, while the other portion of our family won't be here until New Year's so we'll have the remaining Christmas holiday with them.  So it looks like I'll have to plan for next year.  The one good thing about all that is at least I'll be very warm and comfortable, having snacks, sitting in our family room watching the Stagg Bowl on HD TV and not freezing outside in Salem Stadium!   Plus, I won't have the 10 hour drive back home!

former3db,

Sorry W & M lost, we have ties to Virginia and well as Michigan. For one, we have been a long standing members of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

We live about 20 miles from the Mount campus in Alliance. I will be leaving for the game soon, but fighting a bad cold. My wife has the same, but is not going to the game. I am the "diehard". Let you know how it went when
I return.

GO Raiders!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Former3db

Here is my take on the game;

1. A good crowd with sun and some wind, but a nice crisp day for a
    semi-final game.

2. Wesley was the size of Central Michigan, with speed and a lot of
    Swagger.

3. The keys to Mount's win were:

     - controlled the line of scrimmage
     -  4 turnovers (3 pics, 1 fumble)
     - controlled the tempo, even though lost starting QB in Qtr 1
     - second half surge by All- America WR who took over as QB
       (Cecil Shorts) top offensive player in North region this year
     - Defense held Wesley to only 1 of 5 in 3rd down conversions

4.  They will be ready for the Stagg and so will Kurt Rocco, Now UWW
      has something to think about with Shorts.

5. My personal prediction for the Game was Mount 31-14, so at 24-7
    I was close.

I hope you can watch the Stagg, and all the best to you and your family
for the Holidays!

Raider68:

My ramblings:

1) See my post over on your OAC board re: Rocco.

2)Glad you had a good time at the game, and, of course, congratulations that your alma mater won.  Sounds like it was a good game.  While you were pretty much right on with your prediction and, I also suspected that Wesley might not have just enough "guns" to pull the upset, I'm still somewhat surprised that if they were the size of Central Michigan as you mention (which I don't doubt at all since you were at CMU in the past and familiar with them) that Wesley didn't have the power to overwhelm and beat Mount.  That tells me even more about how good Mount teams are, although I know that from having seen them play in the last 10 years.

3) I will, indeed, watch the Stagg on ESPN.  Watched GVSU self-destruct today in their championship game, although Northwest Missouri State, indeed, deserved to win the game.  It nice for them and their coach to get the "monkey off their back" after losing the last 4 consecutive DII title games, including two to GSVU - although NWMS has won two DII titles themselves the last back in 1999 with this same current head coach, prior to this third one today.

4) For sure a disappointment for Coach Martin, his team and the players.  I thought that GSVU looked very disheveled out there today.  While they played with great determination in the second half and almost tied the game, they just didn't quite have it.  Too many miscues, no sharpness.  Also, I am not a fan of these offenses that have the team almost get set, then everyone steps back, looks over to the sideline, gets the play (or its check-off), then returns to set and then the play.  In a situation like today's game, it many times makes for too much confusion, too rushed and loss of value seconds on the clock, especially if you are trying to play "catch-up" and not having your "A game" performance for that particular day like GSVU was today.  Critics will argue that the good teams can do that i.e. it's like running a great "2 minute" mode, and while that is true many times, IMO overall, it doesn't run smoothly many other times.  It's not my personal choice of style, but then again, I've been accused of being "old school" and still living in the '70's

5) Speaking of games, it looks like it will be a good FCS National championship next Friday (the night before the Stagg) as I mentioned.  The Montana/Appal St. game is pretty good right now.

6) Predictions for tonight's Heisman?  I would like to see the Stanford guy win it.

7) It was also great to see Wayne State's RB win the Harlan Hill Trophy in DII.

Also, thanks for the holiday well-wishes and I wish the same to you and your wife and family.  My wife has a nasty cold right now as well, so I hope all of you get better soon.  That is no fun.  (I'm telling my wife to stay away from me temporarily so I don't get her cold!!! )  Again, hope you have a great time at the Stagg Bowl. Talk to you later.

[DBQ1965]

Yesterday I told my wife that if GVSU won another national champtionship, Coach Martin would move on to be the DC at ND ... and if they lost, he would be back at GVSU to take another shot at it.  Now we shall see.

[70_dc_alum]

The App St vs. Montana game was one of the best games i have seen in a long time.  a night game in Montana, mid December, during a winter storm warning, and about 1000 fans with no shirts on (including girls in sportsbra) and it is below 0.  that place was going crazy one of the best atmospheres i think i have ever seen.   the only way you could tell the student section was the ratio of shirtless bodies increased but the whole place was going nuts.  too bad for AppSt the WR dropped the tying TD.  would have loved to seen that one go to OT.

you think TV mad the call for it to be a night game when it would be bitter cold or did the host site get to choose.  i know the boys from north carolina must have been thrilled!