Over my years of writing this column, I have often spoken about how college football is a topsy-turvy world. Something that appears rock solid one week can elicit bewilderment the next. Case in point, five of the top eight teams in our Top 25 rankings took it on the chin last weekend. As if that weren't interesting enough, those who follow the GLIAC have seen Grand Valley drop two straight for the first time since 2004, get off to its worst start since the 2000 season, and fall out of our poll for the first time in roughly a decade. There are no absolutes in football, that's for sure, and those who think there are invariably receive rude awakenings to the contrary. With all of that said, there are still eight weeks remaining on the slate, and teams who find themselves where they weren't expecting or hoping (Grand Valley and Ashland come to mind first for me) still have some time to turn things around. They better get started quick...



#21 Hillsdale (2-0, 2-1) at Lake Erie (0-2, 1-2)

After getting dumped in week one, the Chargers have found a way to win a pair of close games with wild finishes against quality opponents. They head to the shores of Lake Erie to take on a Storm outfit that has struggled mightily after getting the season off to a winning start against Gannon just three short weeks ago.

Hillsdale Keys:
- Give Joe a Break - I've chronicled how important Joe Glendening is to HC's offense. With that in mind, giving the kid a break might be in order. Anthony Mifsud has definitely settled in at the controls of the Charger offense, and the Lake Erie defense appears to be struggling in much the same way it did in 2010. Glendening had 40 touches last week, and while the kid can make plays his per carry average is down significantly over a year ago...not to mention he's on pace to risk being dinged once again down the stretch. I'd look for other ways to move the ball in this one, especially considering other options should present themselves against a sub-par defense. This is a good game to get some other guys some reps and to keep your top weapon healthy.
- Avoid the Steamroller - In other words, "don't come out flat". It wouldn't be a surprise, as Hillsdale just notched two huge wins at home against big rivals in last-minute thrillers. Jumping on a bus to Cleveland (and beyond) could certainly bring on a case of the blahs. Make no mistake, LEC can be dangerous...they darn near nipped HC at Muddy Waters a year ago.

Lake Erie Keys:
- Keep it in front of You - Despite some new personnel, Hillsdale is still Hillsdale...they run the ball, complete tons of high-percentage passes, and control the clock. Lake Erie must keep the plays in front of them, make sure tackles, and find a way to get off the field on third down. If they don't, the D will get gassed and big plays late will result. HC does this almost every week, so The Storm must be ready.
- Where's Sean? - I've been all about Sean Bedevelsky coming into the year, and after two games he's not been the threat he was a year ago. Granted, his first game was at Tech, but he really didn't do a whole lot against Saginaw Valley last week either. As he goes, so go The Storm...LEC needs its primary playmaker to get things going.

Prediction:
Hillsdale struggled against LEC last year, holding off The Storm 42-37 in a wild one. Despite the struggles LEC has had the last two weeks, I really think the Chargers need to have their guard up here. One has to wonder how much emotion HC will have left to be "up" for this one, especially on the road. I'll take Hillsdale simply because I haven't seen any real life out of LEC just yet, but I still contend that the Chargers should tread lightly. Hillsdale 34, Lake Erie 24.


Indianapolis (1-1, 2-1) at #22 Michigan Tech (1-1, 2-1)

After knocking off Grand Valley for just the second time in 22 tries, the Greyhounds will try and notch their first road win of the season. Earning that win won't be easy as they will venture to Houghton to take on a Tech club that is tough at home to begin with, but will likely be even more so as they look to rebound from their 27-10 loss at Wayne State last weekend.

UIndy Keys:
- Run, er, Pass of the Mill - UI quarterback Chris Mills has thrown for 318 yards and three TD's per game the last two weeks. He'll face a tough task this week against a terrific Tech pass rush, but if he can get the ball out quickly and avoid mistakes I'd look for him to have another big day.
- Force Mistakes - Wayne finally made MTU QB Tyler Scarlett look inexperienced last week. The 'Hounds need to do the same in this one to have a shot at Sherman Field.

Tech Keys:
- Pound it - While UIndy's D has been solid thus far, they have been allowing 160 yards plus per game on the ground. If Akeem Cason and Cedrick Barber have good games, Tech should control the ball and make it tougher for the UIndy offense to get a rhythm going.
- Channel the Anger - Last week's result in Detroit was not only a loss for Tech, but a rather convincing one at that. While the Huskies did some things well, they lost the turnover battle and gave up several big plays. They need to dial-it-in this week and take out their frustration on the visitors from Indiana.

Prediction:
While I think Indianapolis is a team on the rise under Bob Bartolomeo (they'll rule the GLVC next year), the Upper Peninsula is just a death trap for most clubs. Add to that a Tech outfit that has to feel like they fell short of expectations last week, and I think coming back across the bridge with a win just isn't in the cards. Tech 27, UIndy 21.


Ferris (1-1, 2-1) at Tiffin (0-2, 0-3)

After dropping a close one at Saginaw two weeks ago, Ferris bounced back nicely against an improving Ohio Dominican club this past Saturday. Things should continue to look up for the Bulldogs as they venture to Tiffin to face a Dragon bunch that seems to be falling further and further behind the rest of the league.

Ferris Keys:
- Finish Drives - Despite dominating last week to the tune of 617 yards of total offense, Ferris only scored touchdowns on three of its eight trips into the red zone. While they scored on each of those eight trips, and it is certainly a luxury to know that place kicker Victor Bodrie has five-for-five games in him, sooner or later not punching it in is going to get you beat. Maybe not against Tiffin, but sooner or later...
- Do the Work - Let's face it, Tiffin simply isn't a formidable opponent at the moment. It's still no reason to take them lightly, especially at their place. Get off the bus, do the work, and notch the W like you should.

Tiffin Keys:
- Stop Somebody - TU's defense has had it struggles over the last couple of years, and they appear to be continuing. They'll get a Ferris outfit that seems to really be settling into the new system that OC Chris Boden installed a year ago. Gotta get some stops...that's all there is to it.
- Hang Around - While the D is struggling, TU's offense actually appeared to take a step forward last week. While Findlay's defense isn't the most imposing, the Dragons had almost 400 total yards and managed to put some points on the board. Who knows? If Tiffin can cash in when they get chances and force the Bulldogs to kick a bunch field goals like they did last week, who knows?

Prediction:
While the Tiffin offense did show some life last week, I just don't see it being enough this week. Ferris 45, Tiffin 14.


Northern Michigan (2-0, 3-0) at Ashland (1-1, 1-2)

It's easy to say that nearly every team in the GLIAC has a lot riding on this weekend's games. That statement, however, is absolutely true for both of these clubs. Northern is looking to keep things going after a fast start as they head into the meat of their schedule, while Ashland is trying to avoid a second consecutive 1-3 start and the near impossibility of a playoff spot that comes with it.

Northern Keys:
- Tha Carter, Part IV - You might be asking, "Is this joker/old guy writer really a Li'l Wayne fan?" Uh, not exactly. That said, NMU's Kopach needs to be sharp in this one. Kinda goes without saying since there really hasn't been anyone that has done as much as he has for the Wildcat offense. Yes, Prince Young did have a great day on the ground last week and may have established himself as Northern's primary ball-carrier, but keep in mind he did that against Northwood who can't stop the run. Plus, the 'Cats will get an Ashland D that held one of the league's best (Joe Glendening) to 3.1 yards a tote last week. The Eagle defense can stop the run, so the playmaking is likely going to come down to Tha Carter.
- D must pass the Test - Despite the fact that they'll likely be without D.J. McCoy yet again this week, the Ashland offense is still the most polished that the 'Cats will have faced thus far. How they react to the Eagles moving the ball (and they will) could be the story here. NMU must not let Ashland finish drives and score points. If they do and it becomes a shootout, I'd take my chances with Ashland. Northern must control the pace.

Ashland Keys:
- Taylor Made - Junior quarterback Taylor Housewright, while only going 1-2 thus far this year as held the offense together quite well considering he had no proven wideouts, and lost his All-GLIAC ball carrier (D.J. McCoy) to injury in the first half of the first game. If he can avoid the pass rush Northern will throw at him, he should be able to hit for some big plays down the field against the Wildcat secondary.
- Born of Frustration - The Eagles absolutely had higher expectations than to be sitting at 1-2. But, despite forgetting to get off the bus for most of the Bloomsburg game and losing a heartbreaker last week to Hillsdale, the Eagles have been in every game and more than competitive. They can't let their disappointment cloud their focus on the task at hand. They're getting another solid club this weekend, but one that struggles away from home...that favors AU, and they need to go out and execute.

Prediction:
For me, this game comes down to two things. First, Ashland is better than their 1-2 record and they could just as easily be 3-0 right now. Second, and I know Northern fans are tired of hearing about it, the Wildcats just don't look or feel the same away from home. They barely nipped (an admittedly better) Findlay two weeks ago on the road, and they have to make almost an identical trip this week. I like the Eagles at home. Ashland 29, Northern 23.


#7 Wayne State (2-0, 3-0) at Ohio Dominican (1-1, 2-1)

The Warriors passed their first tough test of the season with flying colors. They still have a few tough games ahead of them, but this week might not be so bad as they'll face an ODU bunch that struggled against Ferris a week ago yielding more than 600 yards of offense.

Wayne Keys:
- Not just Warriors, ROAD Warriors - This is Wayne's first game away from Adams Field. The routine will be a bit different and the crowd not as friendly, but WSU needs to remember that they are the favorite in this one and go out and handle their business.
- Re-track the Mick - After two excellent performances, Mickey Mohner looked a bit more pedestrian at quarterback last week. Granted, it was against arguably the toughest defense in the league. Nothing gets you back in the flow like facing a defense that is last in the league against the pass. Bombs away!

Ohio Dominican Keys:
- More than 'Noff - While ODU has managed to post a couple of W's this year, this is easily the best defense they will have faced. Running back Mike Noffsinger has posted three straight 100-yard efforts to start the season, but the Panthers will need production from more than just him if they want to win this one.
- Big Play...No Way - The Panthers have to figure out how to avoid the big play against Wayne. It's the one thing they do as well as anyone in the league, and has been a big part of how they've scored this year...and it's in all phases, offense, defense, and special teams. ODU needs to be sound in their assignments and tackling, and avoid mistakes on offense to keep this trend from continuing.

Prediction:
I wouldn't be surprised to see Wayne be a bit sluggish in this one. They haven't left Detroit yet this year, and they are coming off a big one over one of the teams that beat them last year. If they do start out "less than crisp", I certainly wouldn't expect them to end things that way. The Warriors are too talented and should handle the Panthers. Wayne State 42, Ohio Dominican 14.


Findlay (1-1, 1-2) at Grand Valley (0-2, 1-2)

I said it earlier, but I'll mention again that the Lakers are certainly in some rough seas for the first time in about a decade. I can go into a diatribe about what has caused it and what it all means, but the bottom line is that we're only three games into the season and there is still a lot in front of them. What lies before them immediately is a trip home to face a Findlay bunch that got its first win last week against Tiffin. That's not saying much, but it does help the coaching staff to continue to build after they dropped a pair of heartbreakers to open the season.

Findlay Keys:
- Sling It - While the Oilers have the league's top rusher in Monterae Williams and a specimen of a quarterback in Clay Belton that can beat folks with his legs, Grand Valley seems to be inexplicably incapable of stopping opposing passing attacks. I'd let it rip until they prove otherwise.
- Stay off the Ropes - After dropping a pair of tough roadies, the Laker faithful have to be hoping that GV will return home and come out all kinds of ticked. If GV does come out ready to go, Findlay's going to have to respond and hang in there. If they can avoid getting put away, UF will have their chance as the Lakers have shown an inability to close people out after having fourth quarter leads in each of the last two games.

Grand Valley Keys:
- Who are You? - For the better of the last ten-plus seasons GV has come out the locker room, jumped on teams, suffocated them, and then let their twos and threes clean things up from there. This team just doesn't seem ready for that, as they have fallen behind in the first half and had to play furiously in the third quarter to get back into games. This is hard to fathom, as I don't think anyone would consider the Lakers to have been "out-manned" by anyone they have faced thus far. So what is this team going to be? One that doesn't play with fire and has to struggle through the year, or a team that uses its advantages and plays with a killer instinct early and often?
- Defense has to Improve - From front to back, the defense simply has to be better. Despite corralling opposing ground games somewhat effectively, the pass rush hasn't done enough thus far and the secondary has been, well, "not good". There's a ton of talent on this group and head coach Matt Mitchell has been the mastermind behind several great defenses during his time in Allendale. They have to improve...and fast, as Findlay can run the ball, and Belton has the skills to hit for big plays.

Prediction:
I'll be honest...I am completely at a loss as to what to think here. I mean, at face value Grand Valley has lost two games by a total of four points. The offense scored 30+ in each, and they led both of them in the fourth quarter. While that's hardly a "sky is falling" scenario, their inability to close out games (let alone dominate in the fashion to which they are accustomed) sure makes one question what the psyche of this team is right now. Add to that an overall "clunkiness" on both sides of the ball and it's hard to guess what GV will actually do on Saturday. Findlay has played some tight games and has to have a lot of confidence coming in, and I absolutely believe they can give the Lakers all they want. I still don't see them having the ponies necessary to win this, but I thought that each of the last two weeks and look where we are. Grand Valley 35, Findlay 27.


Northwood (0-2, 1-2) at Saginaw Valley (2-0, 2-0)
"The Axe Bowl"

This is one of the most heated rivalries in this league. Despite the games not having major GLIAC implications over the last few years, they have still been wild affairs that are seldom decided prior to the waning moments. Each of the last three meetings has been decided by five points or less, and the favorite typically has not had much of an advantage. It's a "throw out the records" kinda deal with these two.

Northwood Keys:
- Defense must step Up - Especially against the run. The Cardinals already had Ronnie Lark doing damage and now Tim Hogue has stepped up (yes, that Tim Hogue Ferris fans) with production of his own, giving SV one of the more imposing 1-2 ground game punches in the league. The Woodies are last in the league in total defense, and next to last against the run. Look for the Cardinal backfield (including QB Jonathon Jennings) to run wild if NU doesn't pull up the boot-straps.
- Put it Up - Look, I know that The Woodbone is an option offense. Whatever. You've got a QB in Aaron Shavers that can throw it, proven pass-catchers like Quilan Mathis and Ashton Gulvas, and a SV pass defense giving up more than 257 yards per game. Throw the ball! NU had more than 250 yards passing last year, and that balance led them to victory. Gotta do the same here.

Saginaw Valley Keys:
- Keep it Rolling - The Cards have looked sharp thus far, and will need to here as this rivalry truly evens these teams out. Avoid turnovers that can keep NU in the game will be step one, and not allowing The Woodbone to control tempo will be step two.
- Defense must do the Job - I think the SV offense, while mistake-prone thus far, will do enough to win. The question is whether or not the defense will do its part. They've given up some yards this year and have been far from dominant in their first two outings. They'll get a struggling NU group that will be ready to go and is always difficult to prepare for given the unique nature of their offense. They must not let NU do what it wants on O.

Prediction:
I think Saginaw has too much in this one as these are two teams headed in opposite directions. I think the rivalry keeps it close, but SV returns the favor from last year. Saginaw 30, Northwood 26.




It's hard to believe we're already past the quarter poll. The coming weeks should shed a lot of light on what teams are really brining to the table for 2011. Obviously, I'll be keeping a keen eye on how Ashland and Grand Valley respond to their slow starts, and I'll also be watching to see if Northern, Saginaw and Wayne can keep it rolling. Plus, teams like Ferris, Hillsdale, Indy and Tech, Indy have things pointed in the right direction and could have a lot to say about how the standings shake out as we head into November. The next month should be a lot of fun.