We warned everyone back before Labor Day...we love these football seasons, but boy do they go by fast! Saturday marks the midway point already, and there are still a lot of things to be decided. While Wayne and Hillsdale have avoided (league) blemishes to this point, they still have some tall tasks (including facing each other) remaining. As for the rest of the league, playoff opportunities are still alive for a few teams, but most of them still have to play each other (and many still have to play a potentially lurking Grand Valley) so getting trough the rest of their slates won't come easy. Here's a look ahead to Week Six's action:


Lake Erie (0-4, 1-4) at #4 Wayne State (4-0, 5-0)

After back-to-back roadies, the Warriors return to the The Jewel of the Lodge to host Lake Erie. We didn't have The Storm rated as someone who would be in GLIAC contention this year, but we didn't think they would struggle the way they have thus far either. Coach McNellie and the boys would love nothing more than to hand the league's remaining unbeaten it's first blemish on the season.

Lake Erie Keys:
- Big Plays via the Air - Wayne has pretty well stuffed the run all year. Where they have given up some yardage is via the air. Part of that is because they are ahead a lot, and part of that is because they gamble a bit in pass coverage. Sometimes that's good (they lead the league in picks), sometimes it's not (12th in the league against the pass). If Sean Bedevelsky can get some big plays going without getting picked off, The Storm can score some points. They'll have to, considering their defense hasn't really stopped anyone in the GLIAC yet.
- Hang Around - Wayne's last two victories have been by seven points or less, and the defense allowed 26 points per game in those efforts. The idea that LEC can score some points in this one isn't far-fetched, and they'll need to try and match scores and hang around late to have a chance. If the game is within 10 points heading into the fourth, who knows?

Wayne State Keys:
- And the Toney goes to... - Sophomore running back Toney Davis has been solid as Josh Renel has fought off a few knicks over the last couple of weeks. He has 277 yards and three scores on the ground over the last two games, and is likely to be the main guy again Saturday as Renel gets healthy. Look for him to have another solid day against an LEC defense allowing more than 198 yards rushing per contest.
- Avoid the Trap - Back home, struggling opponent, and a tough stretch up ahead (the next three weeks are at Ashland, at Hillsdale, home for Saggy)...boy, this smells like a trap game. WSU needs to stay focused and get it done against an opponent that's unhappy with what it's done thus far and would love to make a point with this game.

Prediction:
While we think LEC can keep it interesting, it's hard to say for how long. While Wayne sometimes struggles to deliver the knock-out blow against lesser opponents, they don't show those issues as often at home. Wayne 37, Lake Erie 24.


Indianapolis (2-2, 3-2) at Northwood (0-4, 1-4)

It's been an "every other week" thing for UIndy thus far. Last week as an "on" week as the Greyhounds knocked off Findlay...can they buck the trend and get a second straight win? Northwood's dropped a couple of close ones, and are hoping to make sure that they keep the visitors "on their pattern".

Indianapolis Keys:
- Stick with what Works - UIndy is tops in the league passing offense AND passing defense. It's probably a safe bet that the passing game will get used plenty when UI has the ball, and Northwood might be trotting out its back-up QB again so staying tops in pass defense shouldn't be a problem.
- Improve what Doesn't - While the air attack has been good, the UIndy ground game hasn't been especially strong. Northwood gives up a pinch under 200 yards per game, so if UI is looking for a chance to work on things and improve this would be one.

Northwood Keys:
- In the Grill of Mills - UIndy quarterback Chris Mills is throwing for more than 252 yards per game and has yet to be intercepted. If the Timberolves want to slow down the UIndy offense and force some mistakes, they need to make sure he's looking out of his ear-hole as he's watching his passes go downfield.
- Find some O - The Woodbone only mustered a buck-62 of total offense last week. Not gonna get that done most weeks. The injury to quarterback Aaron Shavers certainly hurts, and if he can't go Saturday it'll be interesting to see if another week of getting first team reps for Josh Sinagoga helps the offense move the ball any better. They should have their chances to score, as UIndy has actually allowed more points per game in GLIAC play (32) than their yardage stats would indicate.

Prediction:
While the trends and stats favor the Greyhounds, they need to be on alert here. Northwood has lost their last two games by a single score, and had last minute drives to tie/win in each. While they've struggled on offense of late, the NU defense has kept games tight and UIndy needs to close The Woodies out if they have the chance. We think they will, especially with the question marks NU has on offense. Indianapolis 33, Northwood 20.


Ferris State (3-1, 4-1) at Findlay (2-2, 2-3)

Much like last year, Ferris is once again off to a fast start. They look to keep things going against an improved Findlay group that returns home after stumbling last week in Indiana.

Ferris Keys:
- Keep it Clean - The Bulldogs are tops in the league thus far in turnover margin at +8. They have kept it quite clean in terms of not turning the ball over, and we think their offense has more balance than Findlay's and they should be able to score if they keep that trend going.
- Stuff It - When we talk about Findlay, we almost always talk about Monterae Williams and the Oiler ground game...the junior RB is averaging more than 128 yards per game, so it stands to reason. I do what I can to stuff the UF ground game, and take my chances with their passing attack that is in the bottom half of the league and hasn't really been all that consistent.

Findlay Keys:
- Balance the O - UF's ground game is basically above reproach. Where they haven't had as much success is throwing the ball. QB Clay Belton and crew have only been able to connect about 51% of the time when throwing, and they need to consistently complete passes more often if they want their offense to consistently score more points.
- Keep it between the 20's - Findlay's defense is dead last in the league in the red zone, yielding points 95% (75% are TD's) of the time when the opposition gets inside the 20. Bending but not breaking doesn't seem to be working for them, so being a bit more rigid in the middle of the field might help keep the Bulldogs off the board.

Prediction:
This should be a good contest. Both clubs have great ground games (Williams leading Findlay, and Skyler Stoker for Ferris), but we think the edge here goes to Ferris...namely due to quarterback Tom Schneider's proven efficiency in the passing game. That balance is why Ferris is currently tops in the league in total offense, and its something that Findlay hasn't displayed yet. Ferris 29, Findlay 23.


Saginaw Valley (3-1, 3-1) at #21 Michigan Tech (3-1, 4-1)

For the second week in a row, Saginaw Valley finds themselves in the league's highest-profile contest. The Cardinals dropped a heartbreaker a week ago to Hillsdale, and now have to head to the U.P. for a date with Michigan Tech...hardly an easy way to heal the wounds of the season's first loss.

Saginaw Valley Keys:
- Got off the field on Third Down - We talked about this last week when the Cards faced Hillsdale, who likes to grind it out and keep opposing defenses on the field. The only team that possesses and grinds the ball more in the GLIAC than Hillsdale? Tech. Tough task once again for the SV defense, especially if they allow 69% third down efficiency like they did against the Chargers last week. Not giving their offenses frequent chances could prove even more problematic in this one as Tech's defense has proven more stout that Hillsdale's thus far.
- Judging Jennings - Entering the weekend, Justing Jennings is the highest-rated starting quarterback in the GLIAC. This will be his first major road test since taking over as the starter late last year, not to mention the strongest defense he'll have faced during 2011. His ability to keep the offense moving as he has through four games will be crucial.

Michigan Tech Keys:
- Battle in the Air - Air supremacy will be a key factor in this one, especially when SV has the ball. The Cardinals roll into Sherman with the second-rated passing attack in the GLIAC, but the Huskies boast the #2 pass defense. Defending home turf and forcing Jonathon Jennings into mistakes will be pivotal.
- More air Time - When Tech has the ball, look for them to possibly throw it a bit more than usual. The Huskies may just look to take advantage of a SV secondary that is in the bottom half of the league against the pass and has yet to post an interception this year.

Prediction:
For the second straight week, we think the Cardinals are going to be in the middle of a wild one. While we think they can win, the sledding will be tough on the road at Tech where the Huskies have a decided advantage. Toss in Tech having one of the league's top-rated defenses, and we have a hard time not picking the home-standers. Tech 24, Saginaw 18.


Grand Valley (1-3, 2-3) at Northern Michigan (2-2, 3-2)

Well, so what are we looking at here? Grand Valley looked a little more like most would expect them to last week in throttling Tiffin, but what does that really tell us? Did they finally clean up their act and get the Louie Schooner back on course or was it just a matter of simply having Tiffin overmatched? We're willing to be that Northern smells blood in the water like the rest of the league, and they are hungry for a big bit of the Lakers...especially after nearly handing Wayne their first loss a week ago.

Grand Valley Keys:
- Stepping up the Secondary - We have talked about how the Northern ground game has struggled a bit with its identity, and that its only consistent performer thus far has been QB Carter Kopach. And, upon closer inspection, the Laker run stop has actually been pretty solid thus far sans a few big plays. Where GV has struggled is in the pass game, allowing more than 220 yards per outing thus far. Northern WR's like Christian Marble-King and Julian Gaines have shown the ability to hurt teams in the passing game, especially with big plays. The Grand Valley secondary needs to be ready to guard these guys up...the return of saftey Zach Breen should help.
- Consistency - For pretty much the first time this year, GV showed it on both sides of the ball last week. They need to keep this going, as any trip to the SuperiorDome is a tough one, and Northern absolutely has the talent to win this game. If the offense can avoid the turnovers and get good protection for Heath Parling, we think they should be able to start showing this as a trend.

Northern Michigan Keys:
- Force the Issue - After digging a massive hole against Wayne last week, the 'Cats used five turnovers to claw their way back into the game. The Lakers are still last in the league in turnover margin, so forcing mistakes is a terrific way change field position, keep the crowd frenzied, and force GV to question themselves in the "here we go again" fashion.
- In the Running - We realize that the poor NMU ground attack has no individual source of blame. With that said, it's still a major problem for the O in general that some weeks they seem to be able to run it, and others the ground game is almost non-existent. We've talked about consistency for the Lakers, and the 'Cats could use a little too as passing lanes for the Northern playmakers are that much more open if the back end of the GV defense has to honor the run.

Prediction:
It's hard to like GV heading into this one. Dating back to late last October, the Lakers have lost four of their last five on the road and they simply have not looked like a solid bunch outside of one of their five games thus far. Add in the trip being to one of the greatest home-field advantages in the league, and the fact that they have turned the all over like it's their job thus far and it's pretty much case-closed...right? Well, maybe...and maybe not. Look, at the end of the day Grand Valley is still the more talented of the two teams and that's hard to argue/ignore. From there it's a matter of whether or not they're going to play statement football from this point forward and try to muddy the GLIAC's playoff waters. None of that happens if they don't get it done Saturday. Both clubs are desperate, as Northern is trying to avoid erasing its 3-0 start, but GV should play like it has something even bigger to prove...which it does. Grand Valley 31, Northern 24.


Ohio Dominican (1-3, 2-3) at #19 Hillsdale (4-0, 4-1)

After an 2-0 start, ODU has come back to earth a bit by dropping three straight. Conversely, an opening weekend loss for Hillsdale has turned into a four-game win streak that has included multiple last-second heartstoppers. If any team in the league has proven thus far that they know how to win close games, it has definitely been the Chargers.

Ohio Dominican Keys:
- More than e'Noff - We talk about ODU RB Mike Noffsinger a lot, but he's a proven playmaker who has been clawing his way up the list of great backs in this league. With that said, the Panthers need to show a bit more on offense than just him. Last week he was held in check and Tech won easily. The passing game needs to get going.
- Disruption - Hillsdale loves to get a rhtyhm going on offense and basically put you to sleep from there. ODU has to find a way to force some early turnovers, or get a couple of big plays for a loss to derail what the Chargers want to do. If Hillsale is able to churn out first downs and score with some ease early, this one won't last long.

Hillsdale Keys:
- Run Stop - If the 'Dale defense has had a weakness this year, they have been prone at times to allowing some numbers on the ground. ODU is a run-first group and they have proven they can move the ball against decent defenses. The Chargers need to keep Noffinger and the shifty QB Jeremy Fudge in check.
- Do what you Do - Hand it to Glendening, spread the passess around. The offense has definitely been clicking, so there's no sense in doing anything unusual...especially against an over-matched opponent.

Prediction:
It's Homecoming at Hillsdale, and the faithful should see a favorable result. While the HC offense does start with Joe Glendening running the ball, the Chargers have completed passess to at least nine different receivers in every game this year...ten different in the last three games. That kind of balance should play plenty well against the league's worst pass defense. Hillsdale 45, Ohio Dominican 21.


Ashland (3-1, 3-2) at Tiffin (0-4, 0-5)

The Eagles take their two-game win streak over to Tiffin to face a Dragon bunch coming off a rough go up in Allendale.

Ashland Keys:
- Get the Passing Game Going - While Jordan McCune and the ground attack of been working, the Dragons are generating less than two sacks per game and haven't had much luck in man coverage (which they seem to like to do a lot). If Taylor Housewright and his receivers needed an opportunity get things going, this is it.
- Don't look Ahead - The Eagles have a big game at home next weekend against Wayne State. The value of that game diminishes greatly if they don't handle thier business in this one and get to 4-1 in the league.

Tiffin Keys:
- Bootstraps - The Dragon defense needs to pull'em up and make some plays. Grand Valley's two's and three's played nearly all of the second half last week, but they moved the ball very effectively against a bunch of the TU first-teamers. Ashland has had its issues with a clunky offense lately, and Tiffin can stay in this one if they can get stops.
- QB Questions - James Capello was doing some things over the last few games before getting dinged last week and having to be spelled by Dan Pitts. It's not clear yet who will start this one, but whoever it is needs to find a way to help the Dragons score some early points and put some doubt into the minds of the Eagles.

Prediction:
Both teams are on streaks...and we expect each to continue. Ashland 40, Tiffin 14.