FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[Pat Coleman]

Hope92:

If Hope were to end up ahead of Wittenberg why wouldn't they be ranked ahead of them in the regional rankings already? They're at least two spots behind.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Hope92,

Something Pat did not include:  Witt only has TWO in-region losses (Dayton doesn't count).  Since Witt plays Hiram on Saturday, I wouldn't count on a third loss!

[Oval]

I think we all would like to see Hope win a couple games and they sure have the talent to do so.

I don't understand this talent idea.  The Flying Dutchmen haven't won a non-MIAA game in 2006....Central, DePauw and Wheaton all beat Hope.  Do you see those three teams as going into the 3rd round of the NCAA's?

[79jaybird]

In the Midwest, I think each team will go as far as Mt. Union.  The Purple Raiders aren't going to be beat in the first 2-3 rounds (if any) in 2006.

[formerd3db]

I think we all would like to see Hope win a couple games and they sure have the talent to do so.

I don't understand this talent idea.  The Flying Dutchmen haven't won a non-MIAA game in 2006....Central, DePauw and Wheaton all beat Hope.  Do you see those three teams as going into the 3rd round of the NCAA's?

Oval:
Have you seen Hope (or any of those teams) play?  Indeed, Wheaton is a very, very good team and I was impressed with them (as I posted "way back" after the Hope/Wheaton game).  However, with a few breaks, Hope could have very well beaten them; but they just did not play well enough to do so that day - Wheaton deserved the win.  Hope's offense was playing better at times in some aspects then as opposed to the last couple of weeks in other aspects.  As many of people have said using that old but very true cliche, it all comes down to "any given Saturday".  Pontentially, with some luck, of the 3 you mention, I think Central and Wheaton could go that far.  Yet, as everyone not doubt agrees, history and current "talent" is on Mount Union's side.   We shall see...I'm just happy that we (Hope) got to the first round of "the dance".

[bulldogalum]

Anyone who would suggest that Hope has no playoff game against anyone other than Mt. Union is bonkers.  That's not to say that Hope would win, but they've been playing very well on defense, and if they can play somewhat better on offense, they're going to be a handful for just about anyone.

[D306]

I think depending on the match-up Hope can and will win a Playoff game.
Hope is playing good defense presently, avoid the turnover and they can beat many teams.

All bets are off if they play Mount Union, that is a whole different class of team.

Brings up the posts about why MIAA teams struggle in playoffs, I concur with the comments about the large number of D2 and D3 colleges in the area. A big draw on talent spread out too thin.

I also think many young men make the mistake of being a "redshirt" or player waiting for a chance in D2, in the misunderstanding that all D2 and D1 non scholarship teams are a better level of play.

There are some very talented D3 players and teams.
I think numerous young men come to D3 because, the education and personal contact with Professors leads to a better Academic experience.

[ACRULZ]

Hope will NOT win a playoff game.  First they are more than likely going to play Mt Union and second they are the best team in the MIAA but nationally they are definitely every bit of an 8 seed.  We have to remember Hope has won a lot of close games this year on luck, luck doesn't last forever.  Against Albion Hope was in a tight one and I believe Albion blew that game.  Against Adrian Hope caught some breaks and pulled it off.  Hope had 5 first downs against Olivet..etc.  All season long Hope has pulled off wins even though in those games they were not, talent wise anyway, the better team.  Hope cannot play like that in the playoffs and expect to win...especially not against a team like Mt. Union.

[formerd3db]

ACRULZ
Are you a "Hope hater" or something like that?   Not sure I agree with you on the talent issue.  Nonetheless, your post concurs with the rest of our opinions in that it takes "some breaks/luck" to win some games at times.  It could happen for Hope in the playoffs, although as I think we all agree, that will be difficult if Mount Union is the opponent.  Regardless, I hope you are pulling for your MIAA respresentative in the playoffs.  Your negativity against Hope is not helpful.  We root for whatever MIAA team respresents the league in the playoffs.  I went to last year's Albion playoff game and supported them (even though they are arch rivals) - while they did not play well enough to beat Wabash, it wasn't a blow-out either and with a few of those "breaks" you talk about, it could have occurred.  Yet, it didn't and that's history.  Give us a "break" and point some "Hopeful" support for the playoffs please.  

[ACRULZ]

ACRULZ
Are you a "Hope hater" or something like that?   Not sure I agree with you on the talent issue.  Nonetheless, your post concurs with the rest of our opinions in that it takes "some breaks/luck" to win some games at times.  It could happen for Hope in the playoffs, although as I think we all agree, that will be difficult if Mount Union is the opponent.  Regardless, I hope you are pulling for your MIAA respresentative in the playoffs.  Your negativity against Hope is not helpful.  We root for whatever MIAA team respresents the league in the playoffs.  I went to last year's Albion playoff game and supported them (even though they are arch rivals) - while they did not play well enough to beat Wabash, it wasn't a blow-out either and with a few of those "breaks" you talk about, it could have occurred.  Yet, it didn't and that's history.  Give us a "break" and point some "Hopeful" support for the playoffs please.  

LOL!  I didn't mean for it to come off that way however I was just looking at it realistically.  I do "hope" for the MIAA rep to do well in the playoffs.  I just do not want any false "hope" out there either.

[formerd3db]

ACRULZ
Are you a "Hope hater" or something like that?   Not sure I agree with you on the talent issue.  Nonetheless, your post concurs with the rest of our opinions in that it takes "some breaks/luck" to win some games at times.  It could happen for Hope in the playoffs, although as I think we all agree, that will be difficult if Mount Union is the opponent.  Regardless, I hope you are pulling for your MIAA respresentative in the playoffs.  Your negativity against Hope is not helpful.  We root for whatever MIAA team respresents the league in the playoffs.  I went to last year's Albion playoff game and supported them (even though they are arch rivals) - while they did not play well enough to beat Wabash, it wasn't a blow-out either and with a few of those "breaks" you talk about, it could have occurred.  Yet, it didn't and that's history.  Give us a "break" and point some "Hopeful" support for the playoffs please.  

LOL!  I didn't mean for it to come off that way however I was just looking at it realistically.  I do "hope" for the MIAA rep to do well in the playoffs.  I just do not want any false "hope" out there either.

No offense taken!  We thank you for the support.  But of course, you know that we have to give it "that old college try" and go into the game with the belief we can win.  Just as any team would/should.  Strange things have happened i.e. the unexpected - look at Rutgers beating Louisville last evening!

[formerd3db]

Although they probably won't see this because they shouldn't be on this site (uh, check that, perhaps better said they could see this yet should not be posting during the season ), I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all the senior football players on all the MIAA teams the very best in their last games (last regular season game for those at Hope).  This is a time of mixed emotions because it is a celebration of (usually) 4 years of hard work, dedication, commitment for not only themselves but the spirit of their respective school and all that collegiate football stands for, while on the other hand is a melencholy time since it will be most likely the last time they "pass this way".  So, again, good luck and God Bless all the senior players and their families in the MIAA for tomorrow's finale.

[formerd3db]

Looks like we're going to be playing in that "lake effect" snow/rain/sleet weather phenonm that WLC is accustomed to!  I'm about to leave for the game @ Hope and "Hope" to stay dry and warm today!  Good luck to all the teams today - except WLC, of course as we want to finish this and "run the table" after that 0-3 start.   For those of you going to games, dress warm and stay dry!

[79jaybird]

Mr. Ypsi is right that with the upgrade to Carthage's Pressbox, every CCIW could host a NCAA Playoff Game if they were to earn a playoff game.  I still feel bad for that Carthage Team that had to go on the road, when they should have had the home game.
Recruiting is tough, especiall in your state because the D-II in your state is probably the best D-II football in the nation.  So after D 1, 1AA, and D-II has picked the "ripe" ones, there is only a handful left.  I think Division III is head and shoulders above the others, but recruiting and $$$ doesn't always agree with this.
I know Elmhurst Coaches spent a lot of time recruiting the Mt. Pleasant and Central Michigan Area heavily.  2006 Michiganders include QB Mike LaFleur, WR Blake Veldhuis, WR Lex Cisler, WR Matt Long, and WR Graeme Jarrell.  Going back a few years we had an All-Conference MLB  Dallas Till who was our leading tackler all 4 years he played.

[WLCALUM83]

It's a good bet that Hope's starters don't go the whole game. No point in getting key personnel hurt this game.