FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[Mr. Ypsi]

Adrian - Trine will definitely be the game to watch in the North Region.  I know this may be no surprise but I am picking Adrian to beat the Thunder!  Adrian is on a roll their defense looked solid against Alma yesterday and their offense is absolutely unstoppable.  McGrady did give Adrian some fits at times however.  The Scots managed to sneak in a late score against Adrian's second string defense.  But all in all I expect a great game between the Thunder and the Bulldogs Saturday.  Besides Capital, Adrian has rolled through most of its competition this season, hopefully that trend continues!  Good luck to all!

Perhaps a tad provincial, since the North Region also has (6-2, 4-1) Augustana @ North Central (8-0, 5-0) for the CCIW AQ and (8-0, 7-0) Mount Union @ Otterbein (8-0, 7-0) for the OAC AQ!

But, considering this is the MIAA board, we'll let it slide!

[ACRULZ]

i"m just a tad biased!!!!   

[DBQ1965]

Some Random (IMHO) Thoughts Post-weekend of Nov 1st games:

1) Hope finally breaks the losing streak, thus avoiding the potentially longest losing streak in the history of football at our school.  Vert nice fall weather for a game, especially for Nov 1st, mediocre crowd (although not unexpected given the circumstances of the season to date ).  Hope played much better obviously than in past weeks, however, still "not quite there yet".  Missed passes by inches, some poor tackling fundamentals still haunting them, which seems to be the "story" of the season.    While the players (and coaches, of course) were very happy to get the win, they seemed to be just going through the motions at times and no enthusiasm or hustle - walking back to the huddle, walking to and from time-outs - i.e. just "no zip", and some inadvertant comments overheard that many just want to get the season over with .  This is understandable to some degree, although to their credit, they did not give up.  A nice win for them and there were some positive aspects i.e. the kicking game much improved (see Hope's website for recap of the game in these regards).

I will say that, overall, Olivet is not a bad team from what I witnessed and they hit hard, have good size and speed for the most part, yet just didn't play that good and missed some opportunities.  But they are having the kind of year Hope is and seem to be reverting back to "their usual mode of operendi" in past history.  Kind of ironic in a sad sense that the two teams who tied for the MIAA championship last year both have only 1 win so far this year.  Then again, that's just the way it goes sometimes.

2) As some of our colleagues have commented already, Trine has seemed to start putting it more together, at least yesterday when blowing out Albion, the latter being a solid team as evidenced when we (Hope) played them at Albion.  A slight surprise there after Trine having a pair of close wins the past few weeks - yet as I said before, Trine made those games close when they should not have been as Trine was blowing people away in much of the game action.   They just made some mistakes to make it close.

3) In relation to #2 above, as has been mentioned by others as well, Trine-Adrian will make the decision.  It obviously comes down to who wants it the most.  It will be a tough challenge for Trine being that it is at Adrian's home turf.  I could see this one going either way, but have the feeling that the home advantage gives Adrian the edge; also Adrian seems to be on a crescendo i.e. toward a peak.  On the other hand, I would not count Trine out.  This will be a neat game to watch.

4) More re: Adrian.  I am slightly surprised that they are managing well less than 2000 people in attendance for home games, especially since they are in the race and having only 1 loss.  Even at their Homecoming vs. Kazoo, there was only just over 3300 in attendance.  Perhaps this will change with the league title up for grabs this weekend.

5) Alma comes to Hope and while the former was blasted yesterday, it will still be a tough game for Hope even with it being on Hope's home field.  Alma's aerial attack is always an "artillery attack" and given Hope's difficulties in the secondary all season long, it could be a tough afternoon.  Hopefully, (for us Hope fans , they will step up to the occasion and at least contain Alma in that regard.  Yet Hope's offense will need to play like they did yesterday as well as the kicking game could be a factor in regards to winning the game. 

6)  I hope the weather will hold out to be nice for the final two weekends of the regular season, but that is always uncertain at this time of year in November.  I guess we've been blessed in that regard this past month - well, actually all season to be sure.

It is good to see some new posters on our board joining in with our veterans and some good discussions.  Thanks for sharing everyone and we'll look forward to more of it for the remainder of the season and the playoffs, of course, with regards to which team ends up representing our MIAA.  It just might be the year that our representative team wins a first round game since Albion's 1994 national championship season.  But...still two more games to go before worrying about that.

Good analysis of the Hope - Olivet game.  Since Saturday's weather was too good to waste, I drove down to Holland to watch the game ... wondering I would see 0-8 history being made. 

Having seen the Hope -Trine game earlier in the season ... this wasn't my first look at Hope this year.  By the end of the 1st quarter, I could see why the combined record of these two teams was 1-14.  Hope still didn't look all that impressive ... but did show some promising young talent which bodes well for next year.  Olivet didn't show much offensive spark ... played respectable defense marked by several critical letdowns which put Hope in command of the game.  I had the feeling the Comets weren't playing with much, if any, emotion.

D-III football may not have all the "hoorah" of D-I ... but it still is great fun to watch ... and a bargain in the process.

[D306]

Congrats to Trine and Adrian setting up a very big game for the league.
Undefeated Trine vs. 1 loss Adrian. Both teams undefeated in league play.

I will go with Adrian as the defense seems superior to me, both teams can score and run diverse offenses. The Adrian defense is faster and more aggressive, they have held everyone down on points against. Trine has been up and down defensively. Last but not insignificant point: Game is at Adrian.

Well I have to comment on the SAD performance of the Brits VS Trine.
First nice new field and Dorms, really like whats happening on the Campus.

Trine came right out and moved the ball vs. Albion.
Speed was the biggest difference I saw.
Albions defense which has been pretty solid considering they play ~70 plays a game due to lack of consistent offensive attack.  Albion Really felt the loss of 2 Defensive Line regulars, lost another regular to a ACL injury in the first half.
Trines speed seemed to get the corner all to easy. The WR speed also lead to crossing patterns wide open in the middle of soft zone.
Dominate performance all around.
Albion lost their QB who was hurting since the Adrian game and struggled to throw early in game. After another sack they made the switch at QB. I hope he is OK to play the remaining games of the season, and Albion gets a few of the DL guys back.

Should be a wide open game VS Kazoo who throws alot.

Get out and Vote Tuesday.

[dc_has_been]

Adrian - Trine will definitely be the game to watch in the North Region.  I know this may be no surprise but I am picking Adrian to beat the Thunder!  Adrian is on a roll their defense looked solid against Alma yesterday and their offense is absolutely unstoppable.  McGrady did give Adrian some fits at times however.  The Scots managed to sneak in a late score against Adrian's second string defense.  But all in all I expect a great game between the Thunder and the Bulldogs Saturday.  Besides Capital, Adrian has rolled through most of its competition this season, hopefully that trend continues!   Good luck to all!

Other than Capital, Adrian hasn't played anyone w/ a current winning record. Plus Capital is not the same team as they were the past few years.  I'm not saying Trine is going to win this one, but right now Trine looks to be the better team w/ an unblemished record & a victory over a very good Franklin team.

[WAF78]

Good luck to Trine and Adrian this weekend. Lots of people will be watching this weekend.
Go Trine!

[ACRULZ]

Adrian - Trine will definitely be the game to watch in the North Region.  I know this may be no surprise but I am picking Adrian to beat the Thunder!  Adrian is on a roll their defense looked solid against Alma yesterday and their offense is absolutely unstoppable.  McGrady did give Adrian some fits at times however.  The Scots managed to sneak in a late score against Adrian's second string defense.  But all in all I expect a great game between the Thunder and the Bulldogs Saturday.  Besides Capital, Adrian has rolled through most of its competition this season, hopefully that trend continues!   Good luck to all!

Other than Capital, Adrian hasn't played anyone w/ a current winning record. Plus Capital is not the same team as they were the past few years.  I'm not saying Trine is going to win this one, but right now Trine looks to be the better team w/ an unblemished record & a victory over a very good Franklin team.

I don't see how you come to that conclusion...Adrian has completely outplayed every team that it has come across...with the exception of Capital...Trine has not, i.e. K-Zoo, Hope.  And the way the AC offense is running the football I would have to say that Adrian wins this game.  And with the exception of Franklin, Trine hasn't played much of a schedule either.

And last...yeah I'm almost done...Trine struggles on the road.  And believe me the Adrian crowd will be LOUD!

[formerd3db]

ACRULZ:
Earlier season performances overall don't really matter at this point, except for this just past weekend, which is where both teams have positioned themselves as far as readiness, peaking, etc.  Both are good teams are primed for the game.  As I posted previously, indeed, Adrian may have an extra advantage since it will have the home crowd.  However, just remember, anything is possible and people can lose the big game at home.  Overconfidence is "the real enemy"

D306:

I agree with you regarding Trine regarding their strengths.  Despite their almost losing to Hope, in reality they really outplayed Hope - actually smashed them for most of the game and the two aspects which impressed me the most, as you have pointed out, was their speed and ability to get the corner so fast on the run.  Besides, their QB and passing game was impressive - timing, coordination, well run routes.  Anyway, I think the Trine/Adrian game will be an excellent and close one; unless someone just downright faulters and an unexpected blow-out occurs.  Less likely, howevr, IMO, however,...I've been wrong before

DBQ1965:
Thanks.  I also agree with your own analysis.  Glad you were able to make the game and take in a very nice classic day for small college football.



   

[MIAAfan44]

I listened to the Alma broadcast last week and they seemed to be okay. I didn't have a lot of time.

Who should I tune in this week for the big game? Trine or Adrian? Do they both have radio broadcasts online?

[dc_has_been]

I listened to the Alma broadcast last week and they seemed to be okay. I didn't have a lot of time.

Who should I tune in this week for the big game? Trine or Adrian? Do they both have radio broadcasts online?

http://88xradio.com/sports.php

[ACRULZ]

D3DB:

I understand what you are saying but, K-Zoo and Hope both had chances to win those games.  Adrian has looked dominant in every MIAA game they have played, thats my point.  Yes Trine may have made mistakes to keep those teams in the game, but hey, that is part of the game, take advantage of your opponents miscues.  Like I said before I don't think it will be a blow-out, it will be a close game, but I think Adrian is just too tough at home right now, especially with their offense on track.

[Mr. Ypsi]

I say we up the ante on Saturday's showdown - if Trine wins the Michigan IAA has to officially rename itself the Michigan-Indiana IAA. 8)

[Afterall, the CCI eventually became the CCIW. ]

[riverrat6806]

I don't think that overconfidence will be a problem in the Adrian camp this week.
This team knows what they want, and will do all they can to win it all.
In past years Adrian has been a choke team. I just dont see this happening this weekend.
Look for a BIG win over Trine.
Adrian does not have a problem running up the score this year it seems.

[OC_SID]

I listened to the Alma broadcast last week and they seemed to be okay. I didn't have a lot of time.

Who should I tune in this week for the big game? Trine or Adrian? Do they both have radio broadcasts online?

I listened to the Alma broadcast last week and they seemed to be okay. I didn't have a lot of time.

Who should I tune in this week for the big game? Trine or Adrian? Do they both have radio broadcasts online?

http://88xradio.com/sports.php

I also recommend Trine's broadcast ... Aaron Coyle does an excellent job ... As a matter of fact, I always listen to the archive of our games, whether it's football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, etc., against Trine ... Aaron always mentions something about one or more Olivet athletes that I had never been told.

[Uncle Rico]

I listened to the Alma broadcast last week and they seemed to be okay. I didn't have a lot of time.

Who should I tune in this week for the big game? Trine or Adrian? Do they both have radio broadcasts online?

I listened to the Alma broadcast last week and they seemed to be okay. I didn't have a lot of time.

Who should I tune in this week for the big game? Trine or Adrian? Do they both have radio broadcasts online?

http://88xradio.com/sports.php

I also recommend Trine's broadcast ... Aaron Coyle does an excellent job ... As a matter of fact, I always listen to the archive of our games, whether it's football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, etc., against Trine ... Aaron always mentions something about one or more Olivet athletes that I had never been told.

I will second OC_SID's comments.  Aaron Coyle and Tyler Benner do an awesome job.