Week One is in the books, and already people are freaking out.

Folks aren't upset over things that would bum many of us out. No one is lamenting that now that the season has begun it will go by fast and "be over before we know it!" There aren't expressions of sadness that the warm September weather will soon give way to chills of October and the winds of November. Nope. Our message boards are teeming with people crying: "Holy crap, my team stinks...we should fire everyone"; or the ever popular "I told you we'd be great...y'all betta recognize!" type of stuff. Look, I can appreciate fanbases being dismayed or excited at this point and trying to forecast how the rest of their season is going to play out. But I'll remind everyone that it's only been ONE GAME. Football is a week-to-week sport, and teams can look completely different from one game to the next. I'm not saying that anyone's guts aren't right heading into Week Two, but let's not have anyone get too far ahead of ourselves. Football seasons are a process, and 2011's has only just begun.

All right, hopefully we have everyone back in from their respective ledges (yeah, right) and can talk about what we're looking at on the field this Saturday:

Ohio Dominican (1-0) at Northwood (1-0)

Both clubs got week one wins behind defenses that performed better than expected. They gave up yardage, but managed to keep their opponents from scoring. I've long said that yards don't count...points do, so that's at least one step in the right direction. The next chance to prove that these defenses are truly better comes on Saturday.

ODU Keys:
- Jump out quick - Northwood's offense can be potent, but it isn't geared for comebacks. Option attacks are much more effective when they control tempo and are playing tight or on a lead. The Panthers can derail that by getting out to an early advantage.
- Spy on Mathis - ODU runs an offense that bears some remote similarities to Northwood's, so stopping the run should be something they are somewhat suited for. What they don't appear suited for at this point is stopping the pass, as they allowed 300+ yards via the air against St. Joe's. No one will confuse Northwood with a team that can/will throw for that much, but they do have a big playmaker in Quilan Mathis. Getting lulled to sleep by the run game can't happen, or Mathis will torch the ODU secondary for big gains. Mathis has had stat lines of two catches, 100+ yards and two scores before. The Panthers can't let that happen.

Northwood Keys:
- Show some balance - I harp on The Woodies about this every year, but it still rings true. They only had 55 yards passing last week, and that might work once or twice but it won't consistently win you games throughout the season. Plus, it appears ODU's secondary is prone to allowing some yards.
- Bend a little less - Findlay had seven drives end on Northwood's side of the field last week. NU did a great job of bending and not breaking, but at some point that formula might not keep opponents off the board.

Prediction:
The Fudge/Noffsinger/Purcell ground game that ODU will take up to Hantz is solid, and Northwood did allow 200+ on the ground last week. With that said, I have to lean toward the Timberwolves at home. Yes, ODU had a great offensive output last week, but St. Joe's defense is not as tough as Findlay's in my estimation. Don't be surprised if this one isn't decided until late. Northwood 34, Ohio Dominican 30.


Northern Michigan (1-0) at Findlay (0-1)

Last weekend, both of these teams had chances to win their games late. Northern rose to the challenge at home, stuffing Mankato's last minute quest for a tying touchdown. Findlay saw two late drives by their offense into Northwood territory net nothing, and the Rob Keys era began with a tough road loss.

Northern Keys:
- Pressure Belton - Findlay's highly-touted quarterback Clay Belton has a ton of talent. He didn't exactly get on track last week against Northwood, and the 'Cats need to make sure he doesn't this week either. Findlay will get their rushing yards, but keeping the passing game grounded will make it harder for the Oilers to score points.
- Consistency - I harp on this with Northern, but until I see differently it's hard not to...the 'Cats are simply not the same team once they hit the road. I think bring the more talented team into Findlay, and they need to show it.

Findlay Keys:
- Find the passing Game - UF has proven they can run the ball the last couple of years. The sledding might be a bit tougher in this one as NMU's ground D is strong, but I don't think their pass D is as tough so if Clay Belton can dial-in his accuracy, UF should be able to move the ball via the air. He had a halfway decent day yardage-wise last week and completed less than 50% of his passes, so finding his targets a bit more should make a big difference.
- Nickels and Dimes - Northern has talented targets in the passing game, so UF needs to find a way to force the Wildcats into running situations. If they can do that, they then need to keep Carter Kopach from beating them on the ground. It's been more than a year since NMU has had a clear-cut playmaker in the backfield, outside of Kopach. Findlay has to find a way to make someone other than Kopach be the primary sparkplug for the offense.

Prediction:
Again, Northern is more talented and more polished on both sides of the ball. As long as Carter Kopach is healthy, the 'Cats are going to be in games. I think they win, but it may prove to be closer than what the talent differential should create. Northern 26, Findlay 20.


Tiffin (0-1) at #16 Wayne State (1-0)

This one got ugly last year, with Wayne State trouncing the Dragons at their place by 49 points. We knew that Wayne was going to be amped for the season, and they definitely proved it last week. I think the only real questions are how quickly will this one get out hand, and do the Warriors score 60 points for the second straight week?

Tiffin Keys:
- Protect Capello - You've got a new leader for the offense, who had solid rushing game last week in addition to throwing the ball 55 times. The Dragon offensive line has to get it together and keep this fella upright, or he can't make plays.
- Try and Keep Up - Wayne's defense, despite being very solid, showed down the stretch last year and even a bit last week that they can be had for some points. I can't see TU slowing down the Warrior O, so the Dragons are gonna have to try and get some big plays and find a way to keep this one close.

Wayne State Keys:
- No Hope - The Warriors allowed almost 400 yards passing last week. I realize that Urbana was behind and had to throw, but that's still a LOT of yards. I don't know if TU has the personnel to achieve something like that...but why chance it? Keep them frustrated throughout the game and don't let Capello get into a groove...and let's face it, over time he probably will. Make sure it's not this week.
- No Sand Wedge - In other words, stay out of the "trap". There's a big game next week against Tech...a club that is proving to be a league contender, and knocked off the Warriors a year ago. The Warriors need to handle their business this week and ensure that next Saturday's game is as big as it should be.

Prediction:
I know that Tiffin has its issues but I'd like to think that Coach Goff and crew might figure some things out. They may, but I doubt it'll be this week. Wayne 56, Tiffin 17.


Lake Erie (1-0) at #22 Michigan Tech (1-0)

The Storm is coming off a solid victory last week, earned without several of their starters. Apparently, some members of the team participated in an NCAA Bracket Pool this past March, and the College did the right thing by self-reporting, investigating, and resolving the infraction. Ten players (the most notable being starting quarterback Sean Bedevelsky) were suspended for one game, and from what it sounds like the whole thing should now be behind them. Look, I'm can see both sides of this issue...is a $5.00 bracket really a big deal? I suppose not, but it's still student-athletes betting on other student-athletes. That's a huge no-no any way you slice it and they should have known better. I suppose if anything it'll make those players that were held out value their remaining games that much more, and it helps the coaching staff feel good that they have a little more depth than they had previously thought.

As for this game, this pits a terrific playmaker in Bedevelsky against a stingy, nasty Tech defense. Something's gotta give, right?

Lake Erie Keys:
- Harass Scarlett - The freshman starting quarterback for MTU had a solid game at Winona last week, and letting a young guy like that build confidence at a fast rate poses problems. The Storm needs to find a way to rattle him early and often.
- Cash in on Scoring Chances - They could be few and far between, so finishing potential scoring drives is a MUST. Giving the ball back to Tech in their own end or settling for field goals isn't going to get it done.

Michigan Tech Keys:
- Get it in Gear - Yes, Tech won convincingly last week and scored 23 points. That said, their offense wasn't exactly explosive. Lake Erie's defense was excellent last week, and if they have taken a step forward they could make things tough for the Huskies. MTU ran for only 2.9 yards per carry last week, and doing that consistently can keep opponents in games. Akeem Cason and the MTU backs need to find yards in bigger chunks and keep the chains moving.
- Pass the Test - Keeping the chains moving keeps Sean Bedevelsky off the field...but you can't keep the ball away from him for 60 minutes. Tech's defense is fantastic, but LEC has shown they can move the ball against good defenses. The Huskies need to do their thing and not let The Storm's O make big plays.

Prediction:
The notion that Tech is the superior team isn't far-fetched. With that said, I'm really interested to see how Lake Erie performs in this one. It may take their offense a bit to get going with Bedevelsky not having played last week, but I really think they can keep the game close. In the end, MTU shut down the NSIC's top rusher last week and I think they'll find a way to shut down the GLIAC's top offensive threat in this one. Tech 24, Lake Erie 16.


Indianapolis (1-0) at Ashland (0-1)

This game is very interesting to me. UIndy won three of four to close out 2010, got an impressive (but expected) win last week, and has to be confident knowing that they defeated Ashland a year ago. Ashland closed out 2010 on a seven game win streak, only to get dumped on the road in Week One. They did fight back hard to make things close late, but came up short as multiple special teams miscues proved the difference. Add to that the uncertain status of running back D.J. McCoy and a receiving corps that showed its inexperience last week, and the storylines are everywhere.

UIndy Keys:
- Shut down the Run - D.J. McCoy is listed as questionable as of this writing, but Ashland still ran the ball pretty well last week after he left the game. It appears there is more depth at running back for AU than there is at receiver, and I'd look to exploit that. If UIndy can force the Eagles to have to pass, I think it's to the 'Hounds advantage.
- Offense play with Confidence - UIndy's win last year came despite being out-gained significantly. With that said, the Greyhound offense wasn't as experienced or polished last year, nor was there a clear starter at QB. All of those variables are solid now, so Chris Mills and the offense need to go out and make plays.

Ashland Keys:
- Clean up the Mess - Special teams miscues led directly to 17 Bloomsburg points last week. Shooting yourself in the foot like that common during the first game of the season, but can't become the norm. AU still needs to fix these things, and I think they will.
- Better D - Ashland's defense played quite well through most of last year, and really wasn't bad in the losing effort this past week. They're going to get a UIndy club on Saturday that is quite a better than the one they saw a year ago, so they need to make sure tackles, not allow big plays, and generate a few turnovers in case their offense sputters a bit.

Prediction:
On paper, I see a lot of reasons to like UIndy in this one. With that said, I think Ashland is going to come out and play like a team with its back against the wall. In terms of being a playoff hopeful, they likely are and I think that desperation will prove the difference. Ashland 31, UIndy 21.


Ferris State (1-0) at Saginaw Valley (0-0)

Saginaw Valley will be breaking in their recently renovated stadium, which now features newly installed field turf, and a new scoreboard with video. Another new facet to the SV experience is the installation of permanent lights, and Saturday marks their first home game that will be held on Saturday evening. Despite all of this excitement, let's not forget that the Cardinals have yet to tee it up this season. Ferris, on the other hand, will come into University Center brimming with confidence after their week one win.

Ferris State Keys:
- Grind'em Up - Ferris didn't do much via the air last week...and they didn't need to as they ripped off huge chunks of yardage on the ground. Saginaw Valley was 11th in the league against the run last year, so that match-up looks favorable for the Bulldogs.
- Avoid the Swoon - Ferris had stretches last year (and even showed it a bit last week) where they don't move the ball consistently within the confines of a single game. If the Bulldogs can get things going and put SV on the ropes, they need to keep them there and make the Cards play from behind.

Saginaw Valley Keys:
- Force the Pass - Ferris prefers to be a run-first outfit. They have folks who can do things on the edge, but they want to use them on their terms. Saginaw Valley must hold Ferris to 120 yards or less on the ground and make the 'Dawgs throw it at least 25 or 30 times.
- Avoid Distractions - First game of the year, first night game on campus, new turf, new lights, video...all things that can take the focus away from the game. Add to that the pressure of having to turnaround last year's 4-7 mark, and there's a lot that can take your mind away from doing your job. The Cardinals have to find a way to shut all of that out and get things done.

Prediction:
Ferris was very solid last week, and should make the proverbial "big jump" from week one to week two. While Saginaw did, conceivably, have an extra week to scheme for Ferris they have not played a game-action down yet. Add in the distractions I mentioned (sorry, they're there) in addition to having a young quarterback starting, and I just think the Cardinals have more question marks going in than the Bulldogs do. Ferris 28, Saginaw 22.


#3 Grand Valley (1-0) at Hillsdale (0-1)

Over the past few seasons, the team that has been the most consistent in giving Grand Valley fits has been Hillsdale. Those who were there will likely never forget the miraculous finish of last year's game, and the last time the Lakers paid a visit to Muddy Waters Stadium they were sent home with a loss. The Chargers have some questions to answer after last week's loss at Ferris, but can get things back on track in a big way by saddling Grand Valley with an early blemish.

Grand Valley Keys:
- Keep the Balance - Hillsdale had a hard time stopping the Ferris ground game a week ago. GV definitely has the personnel to take advantage of this, but also has a much stronger passing attack than the Bulldogs. Taking what the Chargers give will of course be the Laker game plan, but they should see many more options available if they are hitting Hillsdale via the air as well.
- Say no to Joe - Hillsdale got 224 yards on the ground and another 25 receiving from Joe Glendening in last year's game. The Lakers know that he's going to get his typical 32-38 touches in this one, and they need to keep his average gain as low as possible. Not letting him get going on the ground is imperative, but keeping him in check via the air (especially if GV has a lead) can't be forgotten.

Hillsdale Keys:
- Secondary must play well - Yes, if the run is there GV will take it. With that said, the Lakers passing attack did most of what it wanted last week so the Chargers can't simply fix their run stop and expect that to be enough. Getting some help from the front with pressure on Heath Parling will be important to slowing down GV's passing game as well.
- Dictate tempo - This is something that Hillsdale loves to do. They led the GLIAC in time of possession a year ago, and had a major advantage again last week. Turnovers on the plus-side of the field were part of their undoing, so if they can keep the Laker offense on the sidelines for extended periods of time (and avoid not cashing in on drives) they'll be giving themselves a better shot at knocking GV off for the second time in three years.

Prediction:
Much of the talk around Hillsdale's prospects for this year have revolved around the graduation of Troy Weatherhead and Andre Holmes. While their being gone is certainly significant, I really think the losses Hillsdale felt the most in Week One were on the offensive line. Three fifth-year seniors departed, and the play of the line was not the same as it was last year. This could be a problem on Saturday, as Grand Valley's maligned defensive front from 2010 has several key cogs back, and was very active against Western Oregon. If Grand Valley is able to win in the trenches with their defense, I think it's tough to see Hillsdale avoiding the 0-2 hole. Grand Valley 30, Hillsdale 21.


OK, Gang. We're into league play now and that's when the GLIAC usually gets interesting. I've said for years that you can almost have better luck choosing winners by picking them out of a hat. I don't expect anything different this year. Enjoy the games!