FB: Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference

[Griz Fan]

Didn't Bob Davie have a better record at Notre Dame than the two that took over for him? And were they not still playing the "Old Notre Dame Schedule" unlike the modern ND teams.

Getting back to defense, there is only one team that has consistently played solid defense year in and year out since 2002 and that is MSJ. Some other teams have stepped up for a year or two, but other than that, the quality of defense in the HCAC has been downright terrible. Almost like they think every game is meant to be 7 on 7 or routes vs air...which brings up the offense of choice for most HCAC teams...the only exception, again, being MSJ (historically). MSJ can win more games scoring 21 points than FC can win giving up 30 per game. Its a fact...MSJ went 37-3 from 2004-2007 and 48-12 betwen 2002-2007 using that concept. Young or not, giving up 30 in a game is terrible. The reason why I bring it up is if that offense has a bad day (turnovers, injuries, playing in poor weather, etc.) they have no defense to back them up. They could easily lose a game they shouldn't.

I understand that there is room for improvement and all in all it's a team sport and it takes both sides to win a game.   I don't think there is anything about FC that is "terrible".   

[SaintsFAN]

Didn't Bob Davie have a better record at Notre Dame than the two that took over for him? And were they not still playing the "Old Notre Dame Schedule" unlike the modern ND teams.

Getting back to defense, there is only one team that has consistently played solid defense year in and year out since 2002 and that is MSJ. Some other teams have stepped up for a year or two, but other than that, the quality of defense in the HCAC has been downright terrible. Almost like they think every game is meant to be 7 on 7 or routes vs air...which brings up the offense of choice for most HCAC teams...the only exception, again, being MSJ (historically). MSJ can win more games scoring 21 points than FC can win giving up 30 per game. Its a fact...MSJ went 37-3 from 2004-2007 and 48-12 betwen 2002-2007 using that concept. Young or not, giving up 30 in a game is terrible. The reason why I bring it up is if that offense has a bad day (turnovers, injuries, playing in poor weather, etc.) they have no defense to back them up. They could easily lose a game they shouldn't.

while I think terrible is not really the correct word to be used here..... how many games do you think Franklin wins in 2009 if they give up 30 points a game? 

BTW.... I think MSJ is terrible... but thats just their campus.  Wish I could say the same about their football team.

I understand that there is room for improvement and all in all it's a team sport and it takes both sides to win a game.   I don't think there is anything about FC that is "terrible".   

[SaintsFAN]

I believe Michigan is in for a surprise when they take the field Saturday.  They made Kaepernick from Nevada (and their entire offense) look ordinary... and not the dual threat QB he has been the last two seasons. 

What, are the Irish going to parade Joe Montana, Tim Brown, Jerome Bettis and other past stars through the tunnel at the Big House?

Michigan's not going to be afraid of the Irish. Sure, Jon Tenuta will have something up his sleeve for Michigan's rookie quarterbacks and will test them 400% more than Western did. But, Michigan's best offensive player (Brandon Minor) is back this week and that will help.

Michigan also shutdown a highly-regarded offense last week.

It'll be a good game, not saying Michigan will win, but it will be close. Michigan's offense is a lot different than a year ago when Threet and Sheridan and the rest of the offense had butter fingers in South Bend.

Agree to disagree here... now if Michigan practiced for 17 hours this past Sunday, then they may have a shot.

[Adam Sayer]

As much as I would like to say, with confidence, that Ohio State can win on Saturday...I don't have much confidence. Call me a bandwagon fan if you must, but this team should be ranked between 12-15...not in the top 10. I will consider this game a moral victory if Ohio State can keep it within 10 points...but I do recognize that USC tends to have moments of lapse...unfortunately those haven't occured outside of conference play.

[wabashcpa]

http://www.pal-item.com/article/20090907/NEWS02/909070314

Looks like Earlham may be joining the ranks of the HCAC.  Not sure this does much for your conference power ranking. 

[GRIZ_BACKER]

Check out this week's "Around The Midwest".  FC gets some early season love.  Even more than regular dose from Sayer, SaintsFan, and the usual cast of characters on this board.   

[altor]

Agree to disagree here... now if Michigan practiced for 17 hours this past Sunday, then they may have a shot.

Aren't they already being investigated for too many practices?

[SaintsFAN]

Yes they are altor!! 8 losses last year with the extra practices..

Get over yourself, Grizzbacker.. Promise me you'll stick around if Franklin somehow loses before winning the National Title this year. 

[GRIZ_BACKER]

Yes they are altor!! 8 losses last year with the extra practices..

Get over yourself, Grizzbacker.. Promise me you'll stick around if Franklin somehow loses before winning the National Title this year. 

I guess you didn't enjoy the article then??  Hey FC might lose this Saturday!!

[Griz Fan]

Yes they are altor!! 8 losses last year with the extra practices..

Get over yourself, Grizzbacker.. Promise me you'll stick around if Franklin somehow loses before winning the National Title this year. 

Seriously?!?!  I thought this was supposed to be a friendly place to post!  I think Grizzbacker was simply showing his team a little love, nothing wrong with that.  I don't think you'll find any fair weather fans with FC...we're going nowhere and no matter what, we're behind them win or lose!   

[GRIZ_BACKER]

Some folks on here can be somewhat curmudgeonly.  Not me.  I love college football and life in general to worry about what somebody from the PAC thinks.  Be careful.  There are those in here that are quick on the negative karma.   . 

Will you be at the touchdown club tailgate tomorrow?  Drop me an email (see profile).  The usual group will there before noon imbibing malted beverages.

It's going to be tough one tomorrow. Butler is the best team we will see this year.  I enjoy a game when you have no clue who will win. Win or lose the food and cold Coors Light will flow and we will have fun.   And do you know why???    Because we love football!!!! 

[GRIZ_BACKER]

http://www.pal-item.com/article/20090907/NEWS02/909070314

Looks like Earlham may be joining the ranks of the HCAC.  Not sure this does much for your conference power ranking. 

it will help yours!!  Lol

[Adam Sayer]

I don't think Kevin took too kindly to your kissing smiley face. He may represent a PAC team, but he's also been on the HCAC board longer than I or just about anyone else for that matter. He's seen people come and go. Many of them come on to tout their team and as soon as their team slips back into mediocrity, they vanish. If you're still on here talkin football in a couple years, good for you. If you're still on here when Franklin has a down year or two...even better. Remember...college football is like a pendulum for 90% of teams. There are good years and there are bad years. FC may be the top dog right now but who's to say RHIT or, god help me, Defiance wins a couple championships. Or even the Lions from MSJ taking back the HCAC crown.

To reply to your comment, it was a good article. Nice to see the kid get the game ball under the circumstances. I know as a player you take it 1 game at a time, but I'm no longer a player...I'm waiting for the 24th.

[SaintsFAN]

god help me, Defiance wins a couple championships.

God help us all if that happens. 

[GRIZ_BACKER]

It's all cool.  FC can beaten for sure.  They coughed up a loss at Trine of their own making last year.  Personally I wouldn't be surprised if they lose to Butler.  Talent wise fc on same page but experience may be the difference.  Butler is making moves to move up to scholarship status and has a lot of big kids.  Good luck to MSJ against Lakeland.   The lions can work on that new spread they will need in conference action.