Hey Gang.

My apologies for not having posted anything sooner. This week has been insane with my "real job" (believe me...like most of us I'd get rid of it if I could), with the craziness getting started this past Saturday night when I entertained some clients in Ann Arbor for the Notre Dame/Michigan game. That was a wild and unique experience, to say the least. Was it work? Yes...but I'll also be honest and say it was pretty fun! By the way...anyone recognize this fella?

(Sorry...there is supposed to be a picture here...)

Of course, the results from the GLIAC were wild last week as well. Three of Week Two's games were won in convincing fashion by Tech, Wayne and ODU. ODU?. Yep, ODU...congrats to the Panthers for continuing their great start. The remaining four contests, however, were all decided by a touchdown or less...including a pair of multi-overtime affairs. Crazy indeed. I'll get back to providing a recaps again next week. Returning to the social calendar of an old man and not being out until 4:00 am on Saturday night (or Sunday morning depending on how you look at it) should help get things back in order.

With all of that (sorry...that's probably plenty more insight into my life than anyone wants), let's look ahead to this Saturday's tilts. At face value, there aren't any real "duds" as there are several rivalry games as well as contests that pit potential playoff teams that may not be able to afford another loss.


Tiffin (0-1, 0-2) at Findlay (0-1, 0-2)

These bad/ugly news? These two clubs are a combined 2-24 dating back to the beginning of last season. The good news? Well, one of them will notch a victory for the 2011 campaign and end the lengthy schneids that each is on. It always means a lot when these two get together, as as they are only about 25 miles apart along US-224.

Tiffin Keys:
- Run the Ball - Yes, it was tough against Wayne but notching another 33 yard performance (which includes five sacks of James Capello) isn't going to get it done. The Dragons need to find a way to control the middle, as well as the tempo.
- Kick Coverage - For the second straight week, Tiffin gave up a kickoff return for a touchdown. I get wanting to keep your defense fresh, but this really isn't the way to go about it. This piece needs to get fixed, and fast.

Findlay Keys:
- Cut back on the Mistakes - Findlay moved the ball like mad against Northern, but four Clay Belton interceptions, six penalties, and only converting 24% of their third downs erased the 150+ yard advantage UF had in total offense. The Oilers need to clean things up and cash in on drives.
- Give'em a Belt - Clay Belton has definitely had some growing pains in his first couple of games as a starter. By the same token, he's been a solid playmaker and has taken the pressure off of Monterae Williams as the primary offensive option. Having him continue to progress should net the Oilers benefits.

Prediction:
Tiffin kept this one competitive a year ago, but I think Findlay's offense is already light years ahead of last year's group. I just don't see Tiffin keeping up . Findlay 37, Tiffin 24.


#19 Michigan Tech (1-0, 2-0) at #13 Wayne State (1-0, 2-0)

While there are several big GLIAC games this weeknd, this one probably has the brightest spotlight on it...and with good reason. Both clubs had impressive playoff resumes a year ago, but found themselves just barely on the outside of the festivities. Each returns a bevy of starters from last year's successful outfits, and through two weeks they have been decidedly impressive. The winner of this one will overcome their first hurdle toward having the inside track on the GLIAC and the playoffs. There is PLENTY at stake.

Tech Keys:
- Is he really a Freshman? - Tyler Scarlett sure hasn't played like one thus far. He's led a Tech offense that has been balanced, consistent, and relatively mistake-free. The Warriors will come at him with the easily the best defense he'll have seen in his young career, but if he can keep his cool and keep the chains moving for the Huskies it will definitely help on the road.
- Bridge Crossing - Speaking of being on the road, the UP teams just don't seem the same on the south side of the Straights of Mackinaw. Admittedly, Northern seems to struggle with this more than Tech does, but there are numerous examples of Tech coming out flat in roadies. MTU needs to come out solid early, as Wayne likes to jump on folks quick and the Huskies can't afford to be digging out of holes...especially away from home.

Wayne Keys:
- Get off the Field - Tech has been terrific at controlling the temp of games thus far, holding the ball for more than 39 minutes per game thus far. The Warrior defense needs to get off the field on 3rd down, as well as rattle the Husky skill players by laying some big hits and generating some turnovers.
- Take the Punch - While the Warrior D needs to make things happen, the WSU offense needs to be ready for a Tech defense that is intent on doing the same. Wayne has run roughshod over a couple of defeneses that were easily overwhelmed. That won't happen this week, as Tech's D has picked-up right where it left off last year and appears to possibly be even better. Mohner, Renel, Burrell and company need execute cleanly and not expect everything to run like clockwork in this one.

Prediction: In all honesty, I have NO idea what to think here. Tech's defense has been ridiculous thus far, as has Tyler Scarlett. Conversely, Wayne has also been nearly flawless, and the overall quarterback play they have received from Mickey Mohner has been better than the Warriors have had in years. I'm taking Wayne at home (again, the UP teams seem to struggle south of the Bridge), even though Tech's defense alone could win them this game. Wayne 20, Tech 19.


Northwood (0-1, 1-1) at Northern Michigan (1-0, 2-0)

The Timberwolves will hit the road for the first time this year. Unfortunately, they'll head to Marquette to face a Northern club that is always better at home and is looking to keep things going after giving up a late lead and barely escaping from Findlay with a win last week.

Northwood Keys:
- Gotta find some O - I know it's only two games, but thus far The Woodbone is last in the league in total offense. Obviously, this needs to get corrected quickly if NU hopes to be competitive and stay in games.
- Maybe try Quilan? - I realize that part of the reason he has so many big plays is that the NU offens is run-based which sets things up for him, but he is once again over 22 yards per reception this year...but he's only caught six passes. With a guy like that on the edge, I'd sure want to get him the ball more than three times per game.

Northern Keys:
- Run the Ball - I said going into he season that the lack of a running game for Northern would be a concern. Outside of their quarterback Carter Kopach making things happen, they aren't getting much production on the ground. Northwood is last in the league in defending the run, so now is the time to figure out how to get your ground game going without your quarterback having to to take unnecessary punishment.
- No Letdown - At face value, Northern should win this game pretty easily. And yet, for some reason, they let teams that they have overmatched hang around a lot...even at home at times. I would jump on NU quick and put them away early. Northern has won two exciting games that were decided late, so they need to be ready to go here and not have all of their emotion already sapped.

Prediction:
From what I have seen so far, these are two teams that appear to be headed in opposite directions. Without some help from the Wildcats, I just don't see Northwood heading home with a win. Northern 31, Northwood 21.


#14 Grand Valley (0-1, 1-1) at Indianapolis (0-1, 1-1)

For the second straight week, the Lakers hit the road to face a team that has consistently given them a hard time over the last few seasons. Fits or no, Grand Valley has typically fared well in these situations...partially because they almost always have an advantage in athleticism, but also because they are used to having the target on their back and their experience kicks in. We'll see how things go as the Lakers have another issue to deal with in this one: Their first loss prior to October since the 2000 season. It's been that long since GV has had their playoff backs to the wall this early in the slate. What effect will that have? I'm sure Indianapolis has plans to ensure that it freaks the Lakers out so they can GV back to Michigan with a second straight loss.

Grand Valley Keys:
- Stop the Sleepwalking - Despite winning easily in Week One, the Lakers weren't exactly crisp in how they went about it. That lack of edge cost them dearly last week, as the offense was sluggish and the defense, while effective at times, gave up four plays of 40 yards or more. Those four plays netted nearly half of HC's total offense on the night. GV needs to be ready to go on both sides of the ball.
- Secondary is Primary - In addition to giving up big plays, the GV secondary seemed to struggle with their man coverage and were one of the main reasons HC was able to convert so many third-and-longs. The Laker front seven generated four sacks and held Joe Glendening to 2.8 yards per carry, so for the most part they more than held up their end of the deal. GV's back end is extremely talented, and comparitively experienced...they need to start consistently playing like it, because UIndy's strength is throwing the ball.

Indianapolis Keys:
- Run it Enough - While the Greyhounds have to feel confident that Chris Mills and Company can throw against the Lakers, they won't have as easy a time if they don't at least have the threat of the run to keep GV honest. Not to mention, this will be a test of the UIndy front as the Laker pass rush has been solid through two games. Fiechter and McLaurine need to have good games, and not put the bulk of the ground work on Mills.
- Hang Tough - One would have to presume that Grand Valley will come out focused and ready to go in this one. If they do, UIndy needs to whether the storm and keep things close. It's been a while since GV has shown that they are capable of putting quality teams away early, so the 'Hounds aren't necessarily "out" if they get down early.

Prediction:
I try not to read too much into a single game. Case in point, is GV's secondary really that poor? Will Heath Parling really go 9 for 21 again? Will Grand Valley as a whole execute poorly and look listless for yet another week? I don't mean any of those statements to slight Hillsdale...they played great and deserved to win. With that said, the Lakers didn't appear "out-manned". Rather, they appeared willing to let tempo get dictated to them. This seemed to happen at points last year as well, and we'll learn very quickly if and/or what Matt Mitchell and his staff intend to do about it. While I think UIndy can win this one, you'll have to forgive me for not buying that the Lakers drop two straight. Grand Valley 28, UIndy 17.


Saginaw Valley (1-0, 1-0) at Lake Erie (0-1, 1-1)

The Cardinals got off to a solid start in their opener last week, knocking off a Ferris club that already had a game under their belt and had upended the them a year earlier. SV's first trip to Lake Erie College is ahead of them, and they'll face a Storm team that has to be disappointed with the trouncing they received a week ago in Houghton.

Saginaw Valley Keys:
- No Help - Lake Erie's defense, at least after last week, doesn't appear to be as improved as we may have thought in comparison to last year. Saginaw moved the ball like mad last week, but did turn it over three times. Jonathon Jennings and Company need to avoid the turnovers and they should be fine.
- Defensive Improvement - Despite the win, the Cardinals gave up more than 400 yards of offense, including 315 passing yards against a team that is very much a "run-first" club. The offense should hold up its end of the deal in this one, so the SV D needs to chip in.

Lake Erie Keys:
- Get Sean on Track - Star quarterback Sean Bedevelsky had it REALLY rough last week at Tech. While it was his first start of the season after sitting out Week One, he's a four-year starter and shouldn't be sluggish like that. I get that Tech's defense will do that to folks, but this kid has carved up great D's before. I'd look for him to be a bit more like himself in this one.
- Force the Issue - The quarterbacks at SV under Jim Collins have been great athletes and excellent playmakers, but they have also been mistake-prone. Jennings threw two picks and put one ball on the deck (that SV got back) last week, and nothing deflates an offense like turnovers. The LEC defense needs to get the Cards off their rails and make them press.

Prediction:
Based on what we've seen so far, this looks like a game Saginaw Valley should win. However, I have a weird hunch that Lake Erie is going to get it done at their own place. I'm rolling with The Storm in an upset special. Lake Erie 41, Saginaw Valley 38.


Ohio Dominican (1-0, 2-0) at Ferris State (0-1, 1-1)

Ferris has played two solid games in a row, and yet they're still looking for a way to get back on track after being dumped at Saginaw last week. As for Ohio Dominican they have already matched their win total from a year ago, and have been relatively impressive in doing so.

Ohio Dominican Keys:
- Throw it a Bit - The Panthers have made their living thus far on the ground, but Ferris has shown they can be had for some yardage via the air. ODU would do well if Jeremy Fudge has a solid game throwing the ball, and bringing a bit more balance to the equation.
- Stopping Stokler - Ferris running back Skyler Stoker has been fantastic so far this year...both on the ground, AND catching passes out of the backfield. The Panthers need to try and find a way to keep him in check and make Tom Schneider find a different "favorite target".

Ferris Keys:
- Nix the Noff - Much like Stoker has been great for Ferris, ODU's Mike Noffisnger has been nearly unstoppable through the first two games. He's second in the GLIAC only to Findlay's Monterae Williams in rushing thus far, and has found the end zone four times. The Bulldogs need to find a way to slow him down...and not let Jeremy Fudge get any momentum either, as he can beat you on the ground as well.
- Shake it Off - For the second straight week, Ferris overcame a 10-point deficit in the second half. This time, however, they allowed their opponent to respond late and weren't able to climb back to the lead. The bottom line is that they have played solidly, moved the ball effectively, and they have a long way to go yet this year and have proven they are improved over last year. This is a game they should win, so they need to come out strong and play like it.

Prediction:
There is no ignoring what ODU has done thus far. However, they have also had the advantage of playing a couple of clubs that aren't especially solid against the run and they have taken advantage. I think they get a solid test this week, and will have to take that test on the road. Advantage Ferris, but the Panthers will keep it interesting. Ferris 26, ODU 20.


Ashland (1-0, 1-1) at Hillsdale (1-0, 1-1)

The Traveling Trophy is up for grabs, as both clubs enter the game having faced eerily similar results thus far. They both lost close road games in week one, only to return home and rebound for victories in another round of tight contests in week two. The Eagles fought off a pesky (and probably better than people think) Indianapolis club, while Hillsdale dumped Grand Valley at Muddy Waters for the second time in three seasons. There is no love lost between these two, and on a weekend where there are plenty of great match-ups in the GLIAC this one might prove to be the most physical and emotional on the field.

Ashland Keys:
- Don't fall Asleep - Hillsdale is once again up to its old tricks...a methodical offense that pounds the ball on the ground and uses short, safe passing to keep your defense on the field. They wear you down, keep your offense out of rhythm, and then pop you for a big play when you're not sharp. The Eagle defense needs to get off the field on third down, not let the Chargers dictate tempo, and avoid giving up big plays.
- Offensive Improvement - I realize that not having D.J. McCoy hurts, but Jordan McCune has proven quite serviceable as a workhorse back in McCoy's stead. Housewright can run it as well, so the ground game appears to be in working order. What isn't holding up its end of the deal thus far is the AU passing game, which is next to last in the league at only 141.5 yards per game. Ashland needs this to pick up and provide balance to the attack, or they could struggle.

Hillsdale Keys:
- Keep improving the D - Despite giving up more points last week than they did in Week One, the defense did more playmaking against Grand Valley. They generated turnovers, and got off the field consistently on third downs. Plus, they found a way to get into Heath Parling's head as well leading to an ineffective day from the Laker quarterback. The Chargers need to do the same with Taylor Housewright, who is the primary playmaker for the Ashland offense.
- Drink a ton of Water - Trying to avoid the hangover here. Knocking off a Top Five team never gets old, even if it seems to be a bit of a habit for HC. They need to come out focused and ready to rock in this one...'cause the Eagles definitely will.

Prediction:
The Chargers have won three of the last four in this series, and are pretty tough at Muddy Waters. Add to that an Eagle offense that has struggled to move the ball via the air, and I like Hillsdale to take this one. They'll get a battle from the Eagles, but I think they have answered more questions in the early part of this season than Ashland has. Hillsdale 24, Ashland 20.


This Saturday should be extremely entertaining, and there are several seasons that could take turns for the better or the worse. Hard to believe that we're that loaded with turning points this early in the year, but that's the GLIAC for you. Enjoy the games.