FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[DBQ1965]

sac (and all):

Yes, "yikes" regarding the Albion game.  I'm not sure what is going on with Albion.  They barely beat Kalamazoo and now Olivet.  With Hope smashing Kalamazoo last weekend and then the rather depressing loss against Trine yesterday, I don't know what to make about the Albion/Hope game in two weeks, other than to say we never play well down there at Albion. 

Speaking of the Hope game yesterday (and perhaps DBQ1965 might add his perspective for us), as I mentioned, it was a very disappointing loss, perhaps the most disappointing of the year.  Hope and Trine traded scores quite freely throughout the first half.  Trine taking a very bold chance with an onsides kick to start the game and with 6-7 minutes into the game and the score already 7-3, I knew it was going to be a potential scoring fest. However, Hope fell apart in the second half.  I think the momentum changer was obviously the horrible wrong call by the officials of the TD that was scored by our QB on the 1 yard line.  While I give Trine credit for a great goal line stand, Hope actually had scored twice i.e. on those last two plays.  He was clearly in the endzone without question -absolutely- and it was simply a very poor performance by the officiating crew. 

Now before anyone accuses me of saying that the officials cost Hope the game, I will make it perfectly clear that I am not saying that.  It was just a momentum changer and Hope did not execute thereafter like they should have.  Again, mistakes are costly as we all know and the Trine 93 yard TD on the fly pass on a 3rd and 4 in their own redzone is inexcusable - DB's simply cannot have a receiver run right by you.  After those plays, Hope's enthusiasm faded away and you could see that they were just going through the motions.

One last comment about the officiating - not a very good crew.  For veteran officials, they did a very poor job.  The Head Referree even at one time wasn't even blowing his whistle to stop plays but rather running to the pile and screaming..."it's over, it's over, it's over"- what's with that?  Some of them were, shall I say combative to staff on the sidelines as well and for no legit reason.  But...I'll stop as this is not "sour grapes", but rather simply an observation.  I thought the officiating had improved a bit last year and the first part of this year after very poor officiating for 4 years prior to that, however, I have now changed my mind.  Officiating is a tough, tough job, however, those who choose to do it need to know the rules and be consistent.  Enough said.

Also, for the Trine fans here, Trine is a much better team than many people have been saying.  Obviously, I have not seen them play earlier this season, however, even though they alternated scores with Hope yesterday in the first half, they steadily eventually manhandled Hope.  They are very fast and their line is huge.  Their #77 was bigger than any of our own linemen alone and #71 was even bigger than #77!  Those guys are DI size linemen and very good.  Anyway, I think that Trine will only continue to improve for next year and will be back as among the main contenders for the MIAA title.

Had Hope won yesterday's game, assuming Albion might beat Adrian next week, that would have meant the championship would be on the line at the Hope/Albion game Nov. 10th - a somewhat strange thought until yesterday evening.  However, it was not to be.  Hope has to regroup now and play for a final win for the seniors, although as I said, now.   

Finally, I will only say...

1) The Detroit Tigers are done.  Very disappointing performance in the World Series and it is sad to see them lose a second World Series in 6 years.

2) Michigan needs a new offensive coordinator/offensive staff.  Their play calling is horrid - simply horrid - for a second game in a row.

3) Michigan State, while a great win for them yesterday, was very, very lucky to win that game.  They have a great defense, however, the offense is mediocre still and while it was a great old fashioned Big Ten "smash mouth" game, Wisconsin blew the win for themselves.

4) Oklahoma also blew their chance at beating Notre Dame.  I still don't think ND is as good as some people say/think they are, but...they said that about Michigan last year and who can argue with an undefeated record so far?  Neat to see Florida lose yesterday and...how about that Northwestern?  7-2 (and they really should be at least 8-1).  "Go 'U Northwestern, march right down that field..." 

Later friends, I'm off to church!  Everyone have a blessed and great day.

If you like offense, the Hope-Trine game gave you plenty ... some great pass receptions on both sides and some terrific running by backs on both teams.  I thought Hope's fortunes turned on several plays ... (1) the Hope back on the return team not handling the opening kick-off and giving Trine an early opportunity, which the Thunder used.  (2) Hope throwing an interception after getting great field position following a Trine kick-off from the 20 thanks to a "celebration" penalty. (3) Hope's failure to score on  the Thunder's goal line stand ... I was standing even with the goal line (up on the visitor's side) and from my vantage point it didn't appear the ball got across the goal line.

As far as the officiating was concerned, it was spotty at best.  During pre-game warm-ups, the two die-hard Trine fans I was sitting next to groaned audibly when the officials came out on the field.  One fan complained about the Referee who he said had screwed Trine in an earlier game and had it in for the Thunder.  I too noticed the absence of consistent whistles.  Plus I thought the celebration call against Trine was "bush."

All in all, as a D3 fan, I got my money's worth.  Still, I felt bad for Hope ... though somewhere in the 3rd quarter they did seem to lose enthusiasm for the game.

By the way, the brats with peppers and onions were great!

[sac]

2) Michigan needs a new offensive coordinator/offensive staff.  Their play calling is horrid - simply horrid - for a second game in a row.

I forget exactly now but read this morning this is the first time Michigan has gone two games in row without scoring a TD since 1961 or 62, that team went 2-7.

If anything yesterday demonstrated perfectly that you always recruit a QB, every year, regardless of your depth chart..........also think twice about converting your best backup QB into a WR. 

[formerd3db]

DBQ1965:

As always, thanks for your observations/comments.  I pretty much agree with your assessments...with one exception.  Regarding the Trine goal line stand, Hope indeed scored on both those plays that were called non-scoring.  I had a much closer view than you as I was standing right down there by the goal on Hope's side (the ball was closer to Hope's hash-side of the field) and clearly saw both plays - no question he scored.  Heck, when they pulled him out of the pile on the second attempt, Atwell was clearly 1 1/2 yards into the endzone (he did not crawl further before the pile was unveiled) -so there was no way he didn't score.  In the first attempt, the ball clearly broke the plane.  Those were simply two blown calls by the officials.

That said, it was a momentum changer, however, as I mentioned, IMO, that did not lose the game for Hope.  You are right, just too many mistakes to overcome. Hope's special teams did not come through either (with the exception our field goal/extra point kicker) as the kickoff and kickoff return teams had poor tackling, were out of position, overran plays and simply did not make the stops when they needed during those portions, giving up way to much yardage.

Anyway, I agree with you about the excessive celebration penalty-a bogus call on the part of the officials.

Finally, in regards to your BTW, I am sorry I missed the brats!  I really wanted to get one at halftime, but was busy with team duties.  

[formerd3db]

2) Michigan needs a new offensive coordinator/offensive staff.  Their play calling is horrid - simply horrid - for a second game in a row.

I forget exactly now but read this morning this is the first time Michigan has gone two games in row without scoring a TD since 1961 or 62, that team went 2-7.

If anything yesterday demonstrated perfectly that you always recruit a QB, every year, regardless of your depth chart..........also think twice about converting your best backup QB into a WR. 

I agree with you about the QB recruiting.  Yet at the same time, I think you'd have to agree with me about Michigan's offensive play calling the last two games.  Horrid, simply horrid.  They need to go back to the power I, mis-direction and play-action run/pass type of offense.  Michigan's offensive coordinator just hasn't mixed it up enough of recent as well as they need to take a chance sometime and pull out some trick plays. Michigan's line is big, however, you can't continue to try and jam through there with people keying on Robinson - as good and quick as he is, it's not going to work all the time and they need to get him outside for options of then running or throwing, IMO.

[DBQ1965]

DBQ1965:

As always, thanks for your observations/comments.  I pretty much agree with your assessments...with one exception.  Regarding the Trine goal line stand, Hope indeed scored on both those plays that were called non-scoring.  I had a much closer view than you as I was standing right down there by the goal on Hope's side (the ball was closer to Hope's hash-side of the field) and clearly saw both plays - no question he scored.  Heck, when they pulled him out of the pile on the second attempt, Atwell was clearly 1 1/2 yards into the endzone (he did not crawl further before the pile was unveiled) -so there was no way he didn't score.  In the first attempt, the ball clearly broke the plane.  Those were simply two blown calls by the officials.



That said, it was a momentum changer, however, as I mentioned, IMO, that did not lose the game for Hope.  You are right, just too many mistakes to overcome. Hope's special teams did not come through either (with the exception our field goal/extra point kicker) as the kickoff and kickoff return teams had poor tackling, were out of position, overran plays and simply did not make the stops when they needed during those portions, giving up way to much yardage.

Anyway, I agree with you about the excessive celebration penalty-a bogus call on the part of the officials.

Finally, in regards to your BTW, I am sorry I missed the brats!  I really wanted to get one at halftime, but was busy with team duties.

You had a better/closer view of the goal line stand than I did then so I'll take your word for it.  Whatever "oomph" Hope had left died on the field then.  It had to be disappointing for the Hope faithful in the stands. 

Maybe there can be some redemption against Albion.  I saw the Albion-Wheaton game and there were two different Britons teams that day.  If the team that beat Wheaton shows up, Hope is doomed.

What are your "team responsibilities" for Hope?

[sflzman]

No negatives from the Scots to report about this week! I really didn't see a single bad thing from their performance this weekend! 

[formerd3db]

DBQ1965:
And I will certainly take your word about Albion as you've seen them play.  Your assessment is kind of what my "gut feeling" is from simply what we've read/heard about them here on the boards during the season, although that hasn't been much from the Albion faithful here, especially in recent weeks for some reason.  Also, I will "PM" you to answer your other question.

sflzman:
I think that Alma will have a good chance at winning a second game this year against Kalamazoo as Kazoo has pretty much self-imploded the last 4 weeks (although they almost beat Albion).  Yet, I think that Trine will just be too strong for your Alma team in the season final.  Stranger things have happened, however.

[ThunderStorm_3peat]

things no one ever says "Michigan should go back to the power I" -_-

[AlmaFan27]

No negatives from the Scots to report about this week! I really didn't see a single bad thing from their performance this weekend! 

The creativity of the offensive play calling was the same this week, as the prior weeks.  just sayin....   

[adidas28]

sac (and all):

Yes, "yikes" regarding the Albion game.  I'm not sure what is going on with Albion.  They barely beat Kalamazoo and now Olivet.  With Hope smashing Kalamazoo last weekend and then the rather depressing loss against Trine yesterday, I don't know what to make about the Albion/Hope game in two weeks, other than to say we never play well down there at Albion. 

Speaking of the Hope game yesterday (and perhaps DBQ1965 might add his perspective for us), as I mentioned, it was a very disappointing loss, perhaps the most disappointing of the year.  Hope and Trine traded scores quite freely throughout the first half.  Trine taking a very bold chance with an onsides kick to start the game and with 6-7 minutes into the game and the score already 7-3, I knew it was going to be a potential scoring fest. However, Hope fell apart in the second half.  I think the momentum changer was obviously the horrible wrong call by the officials of the TD that was scored by our QB on the 1 yard line.  While I give Trine credit for a great goal line stand, Hope actually had scored twice i.e. on those last two plays.  He was clearly in the endzone without question -absolutely- and it was simply a very poor performance by the officiating crew. 

Now before anyone accuses me of saying that the officials cost Hope the game, I will make it perfectly clear that I am not saying that.  It was just a momentum changer and Hope did not execute thereafter like they should have.  Again, mistakes are costly as we all know and the Trine 93 yard TD on the fly pass on a 3rd and 4 in their own redzone is inexcusable - DB's simply cannot have a receiver run right by you.  After those plays, Hope's enthusiasm faded away and you could see that they were just going through the motions.

One last comment about the officiating - not a very good crew.  For veteran officials, they did a very poor job.  The Head Referree even at one time wasn't even blowing his whistle to stop plays but rather running to the pile and screaming..."it's over, it's over, it's over"- what's with that?  Some of them were, shall I say combative to staff on the sidelines as well and for no legit reason.  But...I'll stop as this is not "sour grapes", but rather simply an observation.  I thought the officiating had improved a bit last year and the first part of this year after very poor officiating for 4 years prior to that, however, I have now changed my mind.  Officiating is a tough, tough job, however, those who choose to do it need to know the rules and be consistent.  Enough said.

Also, for the Trine fans here, Trine is a much better team than many people have been saying.  Obviously, I have not seen them play earlier this season, however, even though they alternated scores with Hope yesterday in the first half, they steadily eventually manhandled Hope.  They are very fast and their line is huge.  Their #77 was bigger than any of our own linemen alone and #71 was even bigger than #77!  Those guys are DI size linemen and very good.  Anyway, I think that Trine will only continue to improve for next year and will be back as among the main contenders for the MIAA title.

Had Hope won yesterday's game, assuming Albion might beat Adrian next week, that would have meant the championship would be on the line at the Hope/Albion game Nov. 10th - a somewhat strange thought until yesterday evening.  However, it was not to be.  Hope has to regroup now and play for a final win for the seniors, although as I said, now.   

Finally, I will only say...

1) The Detroit Tigers are done.  Very disappointing performance in the World Series and it is sad to see them lose a second World Series in 6 years.

2) Michigan needs a new offensive coordinator/offensive staff.  Their play calling is horrid - simply horrid - for a second game in a row.

3) Michigan State, while a great win for them yesterday, was very, very lucky to win that game.  They have a great defense, however, the offense is mediocre still and while it was a great old fashioned Big Ten "smash mouth" game, Wisconsin blew the win for themselves.

4) Oklahoma also blew their chance at beating Notre Dame.  I still don't think ND is as good as some people say/think they are, but...they said that about Michigan last year and who can argue with an undefeated record so far?  Neat to see Florida lose yesterday and...how about that Northwestern?  7-2 (and they really should be at least 8-1).  "Go 'U Northwestern, march right down that field..." 

Later friends, I'm off to church!  Everyone have a blessed and great day.

If you like offense, the Hope-Trine game gave you plenty ... some great pass receptions on both sides and some terrific running by backs on both teams.  I thought Hope's fortunes turned on several plays ... (1) the Hope back on the return team not handling the opening kick-off and giving Trine an early opportunity, which the Thunder used.  (2) Hope throwing an interception after getting great field position following a Trine kick-off from the 20 thanks to a "celebration" penalty. (3) Hope's failure to score on  the Thunder's goal line stand ... I was standing even with the goal line (up on the visitor's side) and from my vantage point it didn't appear the ball got across the goal line.

As far as the officiating was concerned, it was spotty at best.  During pre-game warm-ups, the two die-hard Trine fans I was sitting next to groaned audibly when the officials came out on the field.  One fan complained about the Referee who he said had screwed Trine in an earlier game and had it in for the Thunder.  I too noticed the absence of consistent whistles.  Plus I thought the celebration call against Trine was "bush."

All in all, as a D3 fan, I got my money's worth.  Still, I felt bad for Hope ... though somewhere in the 3rd quarter they did seem to lose enthusiasm for the game.

By the way, the brats with peppers and onions were great!

I don't think you were sitting next to me but I too groaned when I saw the officials come out on to the field. That crew is simply not good and should not be doing High School varsity football let alone college games.

Am I wrong in assuming that Adrian has wrapped up the automatic qualifier for the MIAA, They are undefeated in league play and with one game left against Albion the worst they do is end up with one league loss, which would tie them with Trine and Albion if either or both of them win out. I believe the tie breaker is the team that hasn't gone to the playoffs the longest, which would be Adrian. Again, I am assuming here and I know what that can do.

You definitely missed out, the brats were awesome!

[sac]

103.  Adrian
106.  Albion
113.  Trine
157.  Hope
172.  Kalamazoo
215.  Alma
233.  Olivet

This week's massey

97.    Adrian
106.  Trine
116.  Albion
163.  Hope
178.  Kalamazoo
214.  Alma
230.  Olivet

Got one in the top 100.  Rejoice!


Saturday, October 27
Adrian at Albion 1 p.m.
Olivet at Trine, 1 p.m.
Kalamazoo at Alma, 1 p.m.

Probability of victory
Adrian 57%.....its got to be higher?
Trine 100%
Kalamazoo 68%

[formerd3db]

things no one ever says "Michigan should go back to the power I" -_-

Oh, but I wish they would, my friend.   I think they would do very well with it, even in this modern era.

[formerd3db]

103.  Adrian
106.  Albion
113.  Trine
157.  Hope
172.  Kalamazoo
215.  Alma
233.  Olivet

This week's massey

97.    Adrian
106.  Trine
116.  Albion
163.  Hope
178.  Kalamazoo
214.  Alma
230.  Olivet

Got one in the top 100.  Rejoice!


Saturday, October 27
Adrian at Albion 1 p.m.
Olivet at Trine, 1 p.m.
Kalamazoo at Alma, 1 p.m.

Probability of victory
Adrian 57%.....its got to be higher?
Trine 100%
Kalamazoo 68%

sac:

I think that could change Saturday.  Adrian is good, yet while Albion has not been playing perhaps as well they should or could, they find a way to beat people and I think they have a good chance of beating Adrian.  As DBQ1965 astutely mentioned, it depends on which Albion team shows up this Saturday.  IMO, the % prediction listed is probably about right, and probably because of how Albion has that knack of finding a way to win (wow...do I hate admitting that!!! )

P.S.  I'm glad I'm not the only person who thinks Michigan's offensive play calling has been horrendous.  I know there are others here who think so as well, yet I was glad to hear Huge (of the Huge Show i.e. Bill Simenson on sports radio) over in Grand Rapids mention that today on his pre-show previews.   He was posing the question many of us have had...i.e. "what's up with Al Borgess -what on earth is he thinking??? )

[formerd3db]

No negatives from the Scots to report about this week! I really didn't see a single bad thing from their performance this weekend! 

The creativity of the offensive play calling was the same this week, as the prior weeks.  just sayin....   

Sounds like they are taking/following a page out of Michigan's offensive coordinator's (A.B.) playbook!

[sac]

P.S.  I'm glad I'm not the only person who thinks Michigan's offensive play calling has been horrendous.  I know there are others here who think so as well, yet I was glad to hear Huge (of the Huge Show i.e. Bill Simenson on sports radio) over in Grand Rapids mention that today on his pre-show previews.   He was posing the question many of us have had...i.e. "what's up with Al Borgess -what on earth is he thinking??? )

square peg, round holes as opposed to the round peg, square holes of the other guy whose in Arizona.  There was actually nothing wrong with Michigan's offense right up to the point Robinson got hurt.  Its Nebraska on the road, at night its not supposed to be easy.

Wait till next year when its a true Fr. QB and up to four new offensive lineman.  Fun!