FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[sflzman]

I believe Finlandia is adding NCAA football too....interesting to see how they'll be at that....

[formerd3db]

I believe Finlandia is adding NCAA football too....interesting to see how they'll be at that....

Yes, we discussed that on this board earlier this spring, although, understandably, you wouldn't have known that since you hadn't joined as a poster here until recently.  Anyway, I agree with you in that it will be interesting to see how they handle it.  The general consensus here was that they would probably concentrate more on recruiting in Wisconsin and perhaps even Minnesota a bit, although no doubt they may get their share of Michigan recruits even though it is a very long way up there to the UP.  Michigan Tech and Northern Michigan seem to do quite well with recruits from down this way in mid and lower Michigan, although Finlandia will be DIII non-scholarship so it might be slightly more difficult.  On the other hand, perhaps not since tuition there is probably not as high as the other DIII schools down this way (of course, that is my assumption as, admittedly, I have not checked the college's website to see what it actually is for this year).  With an enrollement just over 500, they'll be like some of the smallest DIII schools playing football, so again, it will be interesting to see how that plays out.  I don't expect big attendence to their games, but then again, who knows at this point?  They have a DIII hockey program and a basketball team, so like those teams, I'm sure they'll play some of the smaller schools downstate here.

[Raider 68]

With 4 weeks left, it appears that the North Region will be a tough one and that Trine will have some real competition. A few good teams come to mind, Ohio Northern, North Central, Case Western Reserve, Wittenberg. It will be interesting to see how the teams are bracketed. 

But, now back to the regular season! The thought of the playoffs should make it more interesting for MIAA and Trine supporters!

[BOYA87]

thoughts of playoffs already?!?!  too many games left in the season for that talk!  But yes the north region always seems to be stacked with talent in the playoffs.  whatever team gets the automatic bid from the MIAA never has an easy game in the first round.

Now I know ranks are just numbers and nothing else but it was very exciting when Trine became ranked for the first time ever 3 years ago.  Should they continue to win in the MIAA does anyone forsee them rising any higher than 15 in the D3 polls or is the strength of schedule simply not there to support a higher bid?!  just a thought for discussion

[Uncle Rico]

True...way too early to talk playoffs.  I recall Hope and KZoo have given Trine some very close matches.  One slip up and the conference title and a good playoff start are in real jeopardy.  The only game that matters is the one on Saturday.  Trine still has to earn that playoff spot before they can think about regional pairings.

Regarding rankings, Trine could win their next few games by 50 each week, and they still won't get higher in the D3football.com polls unless a bunch of teams above them lose, as well as the ones below them.

[sflzman]

I believe Finlandia is adding NCAA football too....interesting to see how they'll be at that....

Yes, we discussed that on this board earlier this spring, although, understandably, you wouldn't have known that since you hadn't joined as a poster here until recently.  Anyway, I agree with you in that it will be interesting to see how they handle it.  The general consensus here was that they would probably concentrate more on recruiting in Wisconsin and perhaps even Minnesota a bit, although no doubt they may get their share of Michigan recruits even though it is a very long way up there to the UP.  Michigan Tech and Northern Michigan seem to do quite well with recruits from down this way in mid and lower Michigan, although Finlandia will be DIII non-scholarship so it might be slightly more difficult.  On the other hand, perhaps not since tuition there is probably not as high as the other DIII schools down this way (of course, that is my assumption as, admittedly, I have not checked the college's website to see what it actually is for this year).  With an enrollement just over 500, they'll be like some of the smallest DIII schools playing football, so again, it will be interesting to see how that plays out.  I don't expect big attendence to their games, but then again, who knows at this point?  They have a DIII hockey program and a basketball team, so like those teams, I'm sure they'll play some of the smaller schools downstate here.

Yes their basketball team has been average to slightly above the last couple of years....soccer not so much.

A couple of years ago alma beat them in soccer 18-0....

[LetItRain]

Regarding rankings, Trine could win their next few games by 50 each week, and they still won't get higher in the D3football.com polls unless a bunch of teams above them lose, as well as the ones below them.

I agree with Uncle Rico on this one.  The perception is that Trine has a weak schedule so it doesn't matter how well we play against whom.  I honestly believe we'll hover around 15 for the rest of the season (assuming we keep winning).  We just have to 1) win the conference (top priority) and then 2) prove ourselves worthy of being in the playoffs.

Nice to see the AFCA poll has Trine ranked at #8 this week.

[BoredatWork56]

former,  unfortunately I will not be at the Trine-Hope game this weekend (I have a wedding to attend ) but I am sure our paths will cross in the future.

As far as the rankings go, I don't foresee Trine moving more than a couple spots between now and the end of the year.  The MIAA still doesn't have the respect nationally to warrant a top 10 team, no matter how good this Trine team might be.

The good thing, however, is that the d3 top 25 polls have no correlation between regional rankings and playoff seeding.  I recall a 20th ranked Trine team garner a 2 seed in the 2008 playoffs.  With the north region being so strong, there is a good possibility that a top team (Mount Union) might move to a different region, freeing up a higher seed.  Hopefully Trine can take care of business, because there are four more big games before they should even think about playoffs.  But that's what the boards are for, right?

[Pat Coleman]

former,  unfortunately I will not be at the Trine-Hope game this weekend (I have a wedding to attend ) but I am sure our paths will cross in the future.

As far as the rankings go, I don't foresee Trine moving more than a couple spots between now and the end of the year.  The MIAA still doesn't have the respect nationally to warrant a top 10 team, no matter how good this Trine team might be.

The good thing, however, is that the d3 top 25 polls have no correlation between regional rankings and playoff seeding.  I recall a 20th ranked Trine team garner a 2 seed in the 2008 playoffs. 

And losing to No. 25 Wheaton in the process, which doesn't speak much for the relatively quality of the NCAA seedings vs. our poll.

[dc_has_been]

When your nonconference games are against teams that are currently are 7-18 and two of those wins are coming from Kzoo it is hard to give that team a high ranking.  Plus, like the HCAC, why should the MIAA have the respect nationally?  If Trine is the real deal, then they will prove it come playoff time and not have to worry about what their ranking is.

[BoredatWork56]

When your nonconference games are against teams that are currently are 7-18 and two of those wins are coming from Kzoo it is hard to give that team a high ranking.  Plus, like the HCAC, why should the MIAA have the respect nationally?  If Trine is the real deal, then they will prove it come playoff time and not have to worry about what their ranking is.

Dont get me wrong, I am not saying that the MIAA deserves national respect, i am just saying that they don't have the national respect to have a team ranked any higher than they are now.  The non-conference schedule, combined with a weak (relatively speaking) conference will do that to you.

My point was that this Trine team might be the one to start to change the national view on our conference.  Check out some of these rankings, keeping in mind that Trine hasn't played the toughest schedule.  They are still quite impressive

Trine is ranked in the top 25 nationally in the following categories: (overall ranking in parentheses)

Rushing Offense (10)
Total Offense (4)
Scoring Offense (3)
Rushing Defense (24)
Total Defense (11)
Scoring Defense (4)
Punt Returns (22)
Turnover Margin (2)
Passing Efficiency (2)
Sacks (7)
Tackles For Loss (16)

Impressive, no matter who you play.  The rest can be found here: http://web1.ncaa.org/football/exec/rankingSummary?year=2010&org=30037

And just as a point of reference, Mount Union is ranked in the top 25 in 9 of the same categories, with the highest overall ranking of 7th. (I know, I know.  The level of competion is different, just throwing it out there as a discussion point)

[Uncle Rico]

When your nonconference games are against teams that are currently are 7-18 and two of those wins are coming from Kzoo it is hard to give that team a high ranking.  Plus, like the HCAC, why should the MIAA have the respect nationally?  If Trine is the real deal, then they will prove it come playoff time and not have to worry about what their ranking is.

I don't think anyone is disagreeing with you.  With the perceived reputation that the MIAA has, wins over the MIAA teams aren't going to boost Trines rankings unless they are coupled with some major upsets against those ranked higher.  Plus, I admit to getting too hung up on the rankings anyway.  If rankings were always held true, Wheaton wouldn't have won a couple years ago (as Pat noted) nor would Trine have beaten Case Western in the playoffs last year.  Oldest cliche in the book..."that's why they play the game!"

[dc_has_been]

Bored,
I think Trine needs a little more help from at least one or two other schools to help get some respect as a conference.  The HCAC is having the same problem and we can't even get one team in the top 25.  Not enough fire power to get notice.  Look at the OAC, NCAC, ASC, MIAC, CCIW, and so on.  All those conferences always have two or more teams that can contend with pretty much anyone (excluding Mount Union & Whitewater).

[DBQ1965]

Last week I was thinking a drive down from Grand Rapids to see the Hope-Trine game and a battle between two teams unbeaten in conference play might be interesting.   The Albion took some of the shine off that game.  Is it still worth it?

[formerd3db]

Last week I was thinking a drive down from Grand Rapids to see the Hope-Trine game and a battle between two teams unbeaten in conference play might be interesting.   The Albion took some of the shine off that game.  Is it still worth it?

I would say yes.  With the strange unpredictable play of all these MIAA teams so far this year (except for Trine, of course), as we've all discussed, anything can happen as has been shown in previous years.  Also, it is Homecoming at Hope and, aside from Hope self-imploding, the Homecoming incentive just might be an emotional boost for Hope to play a tough game against Trine.  As our Trine posters have mentioned, Hope has always seemed to give Trine a tough time, although I will say, it could just as easily become a "blowout" if Hope doesn't show up to play.

So my own personal (obvious ) bias aside, I think you should come down to see the game.  Besides, if it turns into an ugly rout, you can always leave early and enjoy a very nice relaxng dinner at one of downtown Holland's neat atmosphere restuarants.  Seriously.  

Anyway I am hoping for a very interesting game (and a Hope upset), even if our Trine colleagues are not!