FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[formerd3db]

Uncle Rico:
I think you are pretty much "right on" with your predictions.

Raider68:
I think you are right that this week's determining factor is the Albion/Hope game.  Right now, Adrian is, without question, the front-runner.  Yet, as all of know, the MIAA, despite being a perhaps lesser talented conference overall in recent years (with the exception of Trine perhaps the last 3 years), it is always an unpredictable league race in the last 3-4 weeks.  Obviously, some teams weed themselves out each week, yet it usually seems to come down to a last game "must win" sometimes for the teams.  I guess that is what makes it exciting, rather than those years during the 1990's when Albion simply pounded and smashed everyone!

BTW, did you guys see where Defiance Head Coach Robert Taylor (an Albion grad and former assistant at DII St. Josephs, Indiana) resigned today?  That surprised me somewhat; on the other hand, not.

[sflzman]

I think this could be the best finish the MIAA has seen since the "Championship Game" of Alma @ Adrian a few years back. Albion and Alma both have yet to really "peak" considering expectations (neither has Trine for that matter as they've dissapointed to their high standards), Hope and Kalamazoo are playing above expectations, but how long can that last? Adrian looks strong but has not had to deal a second strong opponent. while Trine is "down", but how "down" can Trine really be though? Olivet is Olivet....

I will put money on two things in the MIAA:

1. Olivet will go winless

2. Calvin will run the table 

[ThunderHead]

Everyone seems in true form today. 

I agree with UR on everything but Trine having an offense that shows up in a "big gut way" . Fact is - even if they do show up, they don't have a very good offense. If they're successful it will be due in large part to a poor Alma defense. I hate to be critical but this isn't an offense that resembles anything decent, especially in the air. (yes I know, we don't have Eric Watt and we have nobody who's any good now, and all the coaches are just spectacular to even get this team to a few wins...) After the Adrian games, 4 picks, 2 fumbles, 150 some yards, ect we follow it up with a passing game that went 10-15 for 71 yards...fantastic.

Now bash me if you want, but just because I am not up to my neck in blue Gatorade doesn't make me a bad guy, I just don't see anything that makes me think Trine's offense has just been "held back" and is waiting to break out. Rather I feel like the early season nobody's they played gave a huge false perception of how good they were.  But that's JMO.

Anyway - my LOCK of the WEEK, Michigan State beats Michigan to make it 4 in a row.    I'll be EL Saturday at what no doubt will be a rocking environment. I'd hit up the Alma game if MSU v UM would have pulled the 3:30 slot, but alas, it's a 12 noon kickoff. Bummer.

[formerd3db]

ThunderHead:
Yes, it's too bad (sometimes) that the Big Ten games have noon starts.  I would have liked to hit Michigan State/U of Michigan if it were a late afternoon game (or evening) were our game not scheduled for a 2 PM start due to it being Homecoming (yeah, I know it is sold out, however, there are always ways of getting some tickets).  BTW, how was your trip to the Northwestern/Michigan game?  My son-in-law said he had a fantastic time - especially since Michigan won! Also, I take it that your job transfer has been delayed since your are still around here, but that is good, especially if you are in the Grand Rapids region?

sflzman:
You are probably right about Olivet going winless, but...maybe, just maybe...   I, however, just hope is not against us (i.e. Hope) .

[ThunderHead]

formerD3db,

Unfortunately my transfer is delayed because the company is having difficulty finalizing the "firing" of the guy who's place I'm taking. So, it's been rough, and though I enjoy Grand Rapids, MI it's not been easy especially on the wife and kid with school going, plus AZ has a different schedule then IN or MI. So I've requested that I not move until possibly after the Holidays to make it easier for them. But with this company, who knows... 

Anyway the NW game was good from a football environment stand point, but really sloppy from a coaching stand point. It was good to catch up with some old friends, and I enjoy Chicago. Good food and good people. It's more enjoyable now because my son is old enough to travel with me for these events, and that's pretty neat from a fathers standpoint.

[formerd3db]

ThunderHead:

Sorry to hear about the delay in your job transfer/move.  I understand how that can be stressful on not only you, but your family.  However, as you mention, it will hopefully get straightened out in the not too distant future.  Yes, the first of the New Year should be brighter for you in that regard.

Also, glad to hear that you had a great time at the Northwestern/Michigan game and in Chicago in general as well.  It is always great to be able to visit with old friends and just kick back and enjoy good food at some great establishment with a good atmosphere.  Moreover, that is neat in regards to your son - those times, as I'm sure you already know, are priceless and "we only get one shot at those".  How neat for you.



Take care and talk to you later.

[BOYA87]

thunderhead, is it that we dont have an offense or that we dont have a quarterback?!  I just feel like that is a pitfall that is easy to fall into when you are more loyal to a player and not the team as a whole.  I just wonder what your opinion would be of this team should Blackport be the quarterback with equal results.

The Trine offensive production has come at a lack of consistent production from the run game, lack of protection from the offensive line, and also a lot of injuries to offensive specialty players, and yes but not least the lack of production of the quarterback.  A lot of it is fixable though but until they find some discipline on the o-line and a leader on that offense that looks at his teammates and says "I will get us this first down, I will make this play, I will get us to the next level" then I think they will continue to struggle!  (I know I used the word "I" a lot in that example of a leader, but this is a team used to having an Eric Watt type player whos talent could hide a lot of mistakes and flaws.  This team needs someone to step up and say that they can be the guy that the team looks to!)

[Raider 68]

formerd3db,

What is the condition of Hope's field ( or should I say the city of Holland's field) and what is the
weather forecast? Those factors could affect the outcome!

[ThunderHead]

Boya,

I think it's the lack of offense in general and that has more then a little to do with the quarterback position. Although I do like Blackport, I think Rausch would be fine too. Do I know that the team would be more productive with another guy at the helm? No, as I've said in other posts, and again, something that you seem to over look, is that when a player struggles, as Ryan has, it's fair to see if a change would bring better results. If it were Blackport or Rausch I would have the same opinion if the results were 4 ints, 2 fumbles, and less then a 50% completion percentage against Adrian followed up by a 10-15 for 73 yard performance against LaGrange.

Yes the run game is dismal, but the passing game isn't helping establish the run game either. I know some suggest the line play is the reason for the performance thus far, and maybe to an extent this true. But generally speaking it's way off base to think that the QB position isn't one that shouldn't be addressed. Because like I've said before, there are plenty of times when Ryan's made mistakes that haven't been forced. IF those mistakes are a result of feeling rushed then it should result in a) throws out of bounds that aren't necessary b) early runs c) hurries. It should not result in Picks and Fumbles. This isn't acceptable in continual fashion at the college level. It shouldn't surprise anyone that any fan says "why not try someone else." If people don't like that, I suggest they stay far away from D1 or D2 football, where the fan bases are larger and the demand for success is greater.

It's nothing against Ryan, it's more about the results, switch the names if you want, my opinion would be the same though.

Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of D3 football, but I get more the a little irritated that people think some programs are "off limits" to questioning. This is JMO, but yes, I think Trine would be better with another QB based on the performance of the program of late. If you can show me numbers within the last two games that show otherwise, I'd be happy to listen. As it stands, its college football - you're only as good as your last game. This is true for players and coaches, this isn't intramural's.

I agree completely that the team needs a leader, but if that's not happening, why not allows someone else the shot? Regardless of who. If the team lacks discipline, especially on the O-Line, that falls on the coaching staff. Trine's come out flat twice, that's in part on the coaching staff as well as the players. 

These are my thoughts, I'm not saying I have all the answers. I'm justing doing what most people do on a message board, discussing things. Please take no offense, it's not intended to cause any. But to the point, I think your point of "a pitfall that is easy to fall into is when you are more loyal to a player and not the team as a whole" is a good point, and although I'm sure you meant it for me  it's a pitfall that I think this coaching staff fell into. It's not the first staff to do this, and it won't be the last, but IMO that's exactly what happened.

[sac]

formerd3db,

What is the condition of Hope's field ( or should I say the city of Holland's field) and what is the
weather forecast? Those factors could affect the outcome!

I haven't seen the field but it has not rained in almost two weeks in most of Michigan (except today in Detroit apparently).  Forecast for Saturday in Holland is for sunny and breezy with a high of 57.  It is supposed to rain a little over the next couple days but I don't think it would be enough to potentially cause the field to tear apart, not with it having been so dry for so long.   Holland High is away Friday night so it will have been a full week without competition.

Here's a photo from last week, looks pretty good to me.  The middle might be torn up a little.

[Raider 68]

formerd3db,

What is the condition of Hope's field ( or should I say the city of Holland's field) and what is the
weather forecast? Those factors could affect the outcome!

I haven't seen the field but it has not rained in almost two weeks in most of Michigan (except today in Detroit apparently).  Forecast for Saturday in Holland is for sunny and breezy with a high of 57.  It is supposed to rain a little over the next couple days but I don't think it would be enough to potentially cause the field to tear apart, not with it having been so dry for so long.   Holland High is away Friday night so it will have been a full week without competition.

Here's a photo from last week, looks pretty good to me.  The middle might be torn up a little.

sac,

Thanks for the information, You are not only a good weatherman, but a good field conditions analyst! +k

[Uncle Rico]

I get more the a little irritated that people think some programs are "off limits" to questioning.

Since you brought it up...I am not sure if that was directed at me, but I do not think that it is off limits to question a coaches or programs decisions publicly on a forum in a level headed way, even if I disagree with the premise or question.  If I disagree with the person being critical of a coach or program, it does not mean I think the coach or program is "off limits," it is simply because I disagree with the premise being presented.  If I disagree with an opinion it is because of what I believe, and should not be merely written off as simple blind faith in the program.   

I think everyone has the right to their opinions, and the right to express it.  Coaches are not always right, and neither are we.  I will continue to express my opinions, and I know you will as well.  That is the way it should be!  That is what makes it all fun!   

   

[ThunderHead]

UR,

I fully agree with your thought, and no it wasn't directed at you.  You and I talk enough where I'd have PM'd you for clarification if I though you were sending off those vibes toward me. I hope you didn't take it that way. 

As with most posters I enjoy reading your thoughts and your opinions. It's good stuff.

[formerd3db]

Yes, I think that Hope's (Holland Stadium) turf has held up quite well so far, although as sac has pointed out, a) there has not been the rain like we had last year during this time and b) of recent, there have not been as many high school and/or jv games played there during this time of October either.  However, I will say that the turf is still not the ideal and I will be among the many that will keep saying that the City of Holland and Hope really need to just go ahead and get the synthetic turf.  My gosh, almost all the high schools in the surrounding area as well as Hope itself for its soccer/lacrosse stadium has the synthetic turf.

[ForeverFootball]

Ok, so I have typed and deleted a few comments.  I am trying to behave.  I just wish I could do that "karma" thingy just for Thunderhead.    He needs at least one....geeesshhh.