FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[dc_has_been]

As far as Defiance  competing in the top three in the MIAA, thats a joke.

[79jaybird]

formerd3db-- I didn't get any phone calls for broken windows or cpu's after the broadcast..  so I guess everything went well. 
Albion ran into a strong Wheaton team that surprised me.  The Thunder's defense, and in particular Andy Studebaker, was unstoppable all night.
Albion's defense gave them opportunities to get back into the game.  In fact, the Britons defense had the Thunder at 3rd and long from their own goalline at one point.  I still think long road trips are hard no matter who's playing.
I hope the MIAA can get back on the right track(s) next week.

[formerd3db]

jaybird:

Glad the broadcast went well.  I didn't think you'd receive any broken windows, tomato throws or your banner ripped in shreds!

Sounds like it was the Albion offense that was the cause of the tough game.  I'm sure they'll rebound.  I am still surprised at the Adrian score; I figured Alma would have a very close game as they did.  Obviously, I'm disappointed in the Hope score as are others "in our camp".

Anyway, on to week #3 (or two for some of our teams )

[coocooforcoekohawk]

Looks like the MIAA was M.I.A. this weekend

[bulldogalum]

Well, I suppose it's time to weigh in on the Adrian game.  I apologize for my tardiness in writing, but it's been a busy couple of days.

First, the stadium.  It's an excellent place to watch a game.  The seats are right on top of the field, and the individual seatbacks are comfortable.  The narrow entryways from the concourse into individual sections give the field a big-time feel.  An interesting note:  From my seats in Section E (about the 42 yard line) I could clearly hear the Defiance coaching staff from their spot in the pressbox.  At times this was interesting, and at other times, infuriating.

The crowd was massive.  There were more students at this football game than I've ever seen at an Adrian athletic event, and I can only hope they continue to show support on that level.  It was really a great atmosphere.  It was also really cool that they had the gameball parachuted onto the field right before gametime.  The postgame fireworks show was also quite nice.

And now onto the game...

The big crowd was looking for a reason to get excited, and early on, some big hits by the defense helped to some extent.  I haven't looked at the time of possession statistics, but it seemed like our defense was on the field for a very long time, and often in poor field position.  In spite of that, the defense performed well.  For the most part, they were aggressive, and made good tackles in big situations.

Unfortunately, the offense did not fare as well as the defense on this night.  Though the Bulldog offense moved the ball the length of the field on several occasions, ultimately they made enough mistakes at bad times to cost them.  Bottom line, you cannot turn the ball over 5 times and expect to win the game, especially when two of those turnovers come on the way into the endzone.  The Bulldogs lost DJ Howard early in the game with what appeared to be a knee injury (no word on just how serious, though), and that clearly hurt their big play potential.  Hopefully they can make a few adjustments heading into next week that will allow them to put some points on the board.

Defiance was a solid football team, and they played like they had something to prove.  I think they cherished the thought of spoiling a team's first game in their new stadium, and they certainly did that.  They would be competitive with any team in the MIAA, there's no question about that.  In spite of that fact, and in spite of last night, I still honestly feel that if Adrian and Defiance were to play 10 times, the Bulldogs would win 8 of them.  These things happen sometimes.

At the end of the day, it was a great night in a stadium that, I am sure, will see many great games over the years.  The defense was tough, and the offense is going to have to improve, but should be able to do so before the conference season starts.  Beat Bluffton.

[70_dc_alum]

i think Defiance being in week 2 helped a bunch.  the DC game last week against Otterbien was almost the exact same.  5 turnovers cost the game and would love a shot at playing them again.

i used to love playing at adrian so i can only imagine how sweet it is with the new stadium.

[formerd3db]

bulldogalum:

Thanks for the info regarding the game.  Must have been great to be there to see the crowd.  Sorry you team lost, but as you and dc_alum relate, "that's the way it goes" sometimes.  Since the MIAA was "0 for" this past weekend, they need to rebound this upcoming one.  I'm sure at least some of the teams will, but as I mention, that doesn't exactly help a ton for the offseason.  As all of us have discussed on here in the past, the MIAA teams need to establish beating their non-conf opponents on a regular basis to help in the playoffs.  Until they do, I'm afraid it will be awhile before we see another team advance since Albion in 1994.  Anyway, on to week #3.

[79jaybird]

formerd3db-- thank you for your confidence in me.  We had a good time and hoped the game would have been closer.  Albion just couldn't muster up those long, profitable drives early that put added pressure on their defense.  I am also sorry to hear that Hope couldn't pull out the W in Iowa.
BTW,  did my package arrive safely in the mail for you?  I hope you enjoy the two pieces of literature inside.  MR 

[BigJ70]

Bulldog Alum,
I too was at the game and enjoyed the stadium and the atmosphere it generated.  It took me this long to muster up a comment here at D3.com because of my disappointment in the outcome of the game.  Here are some observations that welcome comments, especially from a Bulldog alum, and also former 3db as you obviously keep up on what is going on the in the M I 2 A.

-Its obvious to me that Adrian has abandoned the sound running, ball control offense that has been a staple of the good teams in the past.  Even in Coach Lyall's era of winning seasons the dawgs had a meaty back that could control the ball and get some yards on the ground.  We have fallen into the trap of the flashy offense with speed burners all over the place and when a QB has a less than average night we're left with a goose egg on our new scoreboard.

-Our defense is solid but when left on the field all night, any defense will weaken.

-I understand that numbers are important, especially in light of a $6.5 million stadium project...you gotta pay the bills, BUT I counted 150 players on the sideline Saturday night.  I hope we have not sacrificed quality depth with sheer numbers.  Does that make sense?  I hope practices are demanding and players are getting the reps, that's what makes champs.

-I would have saved the fireworks for the first victory, not just the first game.

I hope the Dawgs bounce back against Bluffton.  I hope to be there to give a report next week.  Again any comments are welcomed.  GO DAWGS!

[bulldogalum]

BigJ70:

I'm not sure that Adrian has completely abandoned the ball control running game.  I was certainly disappointed with the run schemes we saw on Saturday, but I never give up on a team after one game.  I hope we can pound the ball and punish defensive lines more as the season continues, that would go a long way to improving the offensive output.

Obviously, our defense spent too much time on the field.  We have to find a way to get them some rest time, or else it's going to be a long season.

Your point regarding numbers is well taken.  However, I think the additional players are the result of an effort to really increase both the quantity (obviously) and the quality of student athletes at the school.  I can't speak as to the number of reps the reserve players get during practice, but I also hope that everyone is given an opportunity to work and improve in their position.

It would have been nice to save the fireworks for the first win, but it would also be impractical.  The game on Saturday, unless I am mistaken, is to be the only night game this season.  So basically, the first home win will end at roughly 4 pm, not exactly prime time for fireworks viewing.  It was a good show, though.  Too bad it had to be accompanied by the sick feeling in my stomach following the loss.

I think they'll bounce back and play well against Bluffton.  Certainly, this game will be largely about pride.  At this point, they're not playing for rankings or anything else, the league isn't starting yet, so there is no league title to worry about.  They just need to play well for themselves.  Hopefully I'll be there as well, and I look forward to a much improved effort.

[DutchFan2004]

formerd3db,


I think Hope ran out of gas.  At the fourth quarter start your defense walked from the sidelines to the other end of the field.  The offense for the Dutch ran to the ball.  After the first scoring drive of the second half your D-line had their hands on their hips and looked gassed.  Just an observation.  You D-line was big but I do feel that they were not in the best shape as they seemed to be slower in the second half. 

[formerd3db]

BigJ70:
Welcome to the board.  Thanks for your comments.  You'll be joining bulldogalum (and DAWG in the off-season) as among our Adrian posters.  Also, in 1999, Adrian did have about 170 players on the roster (that included the J.V.'s).  There have been some extensive discussions over the past 1-2 years on these boards (not just the MIAA board) about roster 3's with varied opinions on that.  Anyway, you make some good points.  We'll look forward to your contributions here.

jaybird:
You are welcome.  Great story, BTW on your email!  Glad the broadcast turned out okay.  I will let you know about your first issue newspaper.  Good luck this weekend.

DutchFan2004:
Thanks for your observations.  Yes, I think we are much bigger in size on the line compared to the last couple of years.  However, you bring up a good point about conditioning.  We'll have to see how that plays out in the next couple of weeks.  Congrats on the win and a nice event in re-dedication to the new stadium to Schippers.  I'm disappointed I couldn't make the trip.  Best of luck for the rest of the season.

[DutchFan2004]

formerd3db,

I was sure impressed the way you guys started.  Your Hope Dutchman took control.  I am not sure if it was partly because we didn't know what to expect and we played a little more loosely than we normally do or Hope's excellent execution on the first two drives.  Your QB could do no wrong.  He had all the time in the world to throw and he found the open guys.  After the second Hope drive the Pella Dutch didn't let Hope move the ball.   I think Hope can do some great things this year from what I saw.  GOOD LUCK THE REST OF THE WAY AND GO DUTCH!

[D306]

I saw the first half of the Albion game this weekend.
Great atmosphere in Wheaton a lot of energy with the game being the first game under the lights.

Wheaton is a good team, great size in all positions, big WR and DB's. Which is something you do not always see in D3.
QB was very mobile and had several big key runs on 3rd down when Albion brought pressure.
The turnovers and mistakes under pressure that Albion had in the first quarter set the tone for the game. Albion was on it's heals early and Wheaton capitalized.
Glad to see Albion settle down and play better in the second half.

Was Wilson (Senior QB ) hurt? did not see him in the game, after what I thought was a good game against Butler.

We will see how Albion responds to a bad game with another tough road game VS Thiel.
I think Albion will respond with a good game.
Great set up for a MIAA run, assuming Albion looks good against Thiel.

[formerd3db]

DutchFan:
Thanks and good luck to your guys also.

D306:
Yes, indeed it will be interesting to see how these teams "rebound" after this past weekend's disappointments.  I think that you are right in that it could be a good set up for an MIAA run for any of them, especially since Hope and Albion meet on Sept 30th.  However, Hope has to deal with Wheaton on the 23rd, so they had better bring their "A" game after seeing how Albion fared.  It will be @ Hope, but will still be a tough one I'm sure.