Man, was last week wild! An insane finish at Tech followed by another one at Hillsdale (the second in a row for both Saginaw Valley and Hillsdale) were the weekend's highlights. We have several tilts this weekend featuring clubs within a game or two of division leads and all hanging on to playoff aspirations. Ahh, the second half the season. This is where things start to get sorted out...or muddied even further. That's what makes it great...no?


Hillsdale (4-1, 4-2) at Michigan Tech (3-2, 4-2)

Both clubs had one loss on the season and were ranked in the Top 25 a week ago. Now? Not so much...and that's despite each scoring 41 points or more in their respective contests. Offensive ouputs like that should almost always earn you a victory, but both the Chargers and the Huskies found a way to get saddled with an "L". Those results suddenly make this match-up far more interesting as playoff hopes will likely be dashed for whichever team doesn't come out on top.

Hillsdale Keys:
- Step it up on D - We all know that the Chargers will move the ball and score points, but we'll see how well that goes against a stout Tech defense. Saginaw Valley exposed some holes in the Huskies last week so I think HC will be able to put up some points, but the defense will have to find a way to slow down a Tech offense that is surprising folks at almost 30 points per game. Shootouts almost always favor The Dale, but it might not this Saturday up at Sherman.
- Living Dangerously? - Every Hillsdale game this year has been decided by single digits, with all but one of them sporting a margin of six points or less. Obviously, the Chargers have managed to win two out of every three of these so closing out nail-biters is something they know how to do (but apparently forgot briefly a week ago). Keeping roadies against tough opponents close is usually a good idea, but how many more tight ones can the Chargers pull out? HC might want to try and put this one away early if they get the chance.

Michigan Tech Keys:
- Dance with who Brung Ya - We have to wonder what happened to the Tech defense last week. A tip of the cap to Saginaw Valley for doing a number on the Huskies at their own joint, but based on how MTU had shut down some other potent offenses we were stunned to see them allow the scoreboard to be lit up like that. Hillsdale can do the same, so the defense needs to get back to basics and hold down the fort they way the have all year. They'll need to start by stopping the run, as Joe Glendening has notched more than 500 yards on the ground over the last two games for Hillsdale.
- Work the Ground - Hillsdale is third in the league against the pass. We like the Huskies to pound it with the rushing attack and keep the ball out of the hands of Anthony Mifsud and Glendening.

Prediction:
What are we supposed to do with this one? Both clubs possess the ball like made (they are one and two in the league in time of possession), and can score in bunches when necessary. Tech's defense appeared to be the more stout of the two units, but got lit up a week ago on their home field. To us, that's not something we'll see repeated. While Hillsdale has the ability to win a tight one late, this might be the first game of the season where they just don't have the steam or moxy to pull one out late. We'll take Tech at home. Michigan Tech 34, Hillsdale 25.


Northwood (0-5, 1-5) at Tiffin (0-5, 0-6)

Well, not much to think about this one other than "something's gotta give". It's rare in the GLIAC to see a pair of winless outfits facing off this far into the season, but we'll be treated to it this year when Northwood rolls into Tiffin to see who can ensure they avoid a winless league campaign.

Northwood Keys:
- Back to what'cha Know - In its heyday, The Woodbone was the perennial league-leader in rushing yardage. It's been a few years now since that was the case, but we like NU to get the ground attack going again this week against a Tiffin rush defense that is allowing more than 282 yards per game.
- Cash In - Northwood is last in the league in red zone offense, cashing in only two-thirds of the time. If they don't score from long distance, they need to make sure and finish drives when they get in tight on the Dragons.

Tiffin Keys:
- The Pitts? - Normally that phrase means something unfavorable, but quarterback Dan Pitts has actually played quite well since James Capello started dealing with a nagging injury. Pitts has been seeing first team reps since the Grand Valley game a couple of weeks ago and it showed last week as Tiffin moved the ball relatively well against Ashland. While it didn't translate to points against the Eagles, it just might in this one.
- Stop somebody...PLEASE - Tiffin is giving up more than 55 points per game. What else can we say?

Prediction:
We actually think that Tiffin has the offense to make this one interesting, and maybe even win it. Our issue is with their defense. As mentioned, they're yielding 55+ per game...including 70 each of the last two weeks. Hard to give the Dragons the nod until we see them hold someone under, well, 40. Northwood 41, Tiffin 31.


#4 Wayne State (5-0, 6-0) at Ashland (4-1, 4-2)

One (if not THE) best starts in school history is what we are witnessing from Wayne State. While they have handled their business and really haven't been challenged (other than when they turned it over five times at Northern), one knock that some might find against them is that their only truly impressive win came against Tech. Any wins they get from here on out will absolutely validate their pedigree, as their remaining five contests are all against teams that are presently at .500 or better. Add to that the fact that three of those five games are on the road and we are definitely into the meat of the WSU schedule. Their first challenge is a trip to Ashland to take on an Eagle bunch eager to prove that their two losses in the first three weeks don't define who this club really is.

Wayne State Keys:
-Bring the Heat - Despite the 4-2 record, there have been times where the Ashland offense hasn't exactly been consistent. The easiest way to force that trend to continue is to make sure the quarterback is under constant duress. While it's true that Taylor Housewright has the legs to make some plays on scrambles, we think it's worth the gamble of him getting away to make sure he takes some knocks and the passing game doesn't get on track.
- Big Bucks - While Wayne's run defense has been quite strong most of the year (still second in the league), in their last two games against teams from the Buckeye State they have allowed 200+ on the ground. Admittedly, both of those clubs were more zone-read/option type offenses, and while Ashland's base offense is much more of a pro-style/spread don't think for a second that Coach Owens isn't smart enough to add a wrinkle or two to exploit WSU's weakness. And, with Housewright, McCune and the rest of their backs the Eagles have the talent to do it. Wayne should be ready to possibly get some run looks they haven't seen on film from the Eagles.

Ashland Keys:
- Defense hang in There - While defense has been a knock on AU for a few years, this Eagle unit is near the top of the league in most categories and is actually very similar (at least statistically) to Wayne. Wayne's offense has gotten more potent week-by-week, so this will be a test. If the Eagle D can take a few punches (WSU thrives on big plays) and keep this close, then AU's chances (especially at home) improve significantly.
- All Phases - While Ashland does lead the league in turnover margin, the category Wayne seems to dominate in is "sudden-change big plays". Almost every Wayne game has at least one score on some type of return: blocked kick, fumble, interception, kickoff, punt...you name it, the Warriors are always looking for a way to get to the end zone on these types of plays. Ashland MUST avoid allowing the Warriors to be this opportunistic.

Prediction:
What the heck do we do with these two? For us, while Wayne has earned where they sit we still feel like they let teams "hang around" a lot. That either means that the Warriors are are just really friendly and good sports, or perhaps they are a great but not a dominant team. On the other hand, Ashland has played everyone tough (their two losses were by a touchdown or less), but the passing game has been very lackluster and we still don't know what to make of that 6-3 game at Northwood...just what WAS up with that one anyway? We really think this game is Ashland's for the taking, but until we see proof that they can/will take these games it's tough to take that weak passing game against a Wayne unit that is looking to score on every plays...whether they have the ball or not. To us, this one is truly a coin-flip. Wayne 29, Ashland 28.


Northern Michigan (2-3, 3-3) at Ferris State (3-2, 4-2)

Both clubs had their fast starts grind to a halt a week ago. Northern has followed it's three-game win streak out of the gate with a three-game skid, while Ferris took a punch in the mouth last week from a back-up quarterback gone-wild at Findlay. Staying near the top end of the GLIAC north is on the line for a pair of clubs who enter the tougher parts of their respective schedules (each has four games remaining against teams that are .500 or better).

Northern Keys:
- Defense must start Fast - In each of their last two games, the 'Cats spotted their opponents three touchdown leads by early in the second quarter. It's pretty hard to dig out of holes like that every week. The Northern D seems to be giving up points in bunches of late, and they need to get a string of early stops if they want to keep the Bulldogs from putting them in a similar situation.
- Someone...Anyone? - ...interested in helping make sure quarterback Carter Kopach isn't the only rushing threat? Prince Young has looked serviceable in this role at times, but in the last two games combined he's only totaled 91 yards. That's not a knock an him, but rather a knock on the Wildcat ground game that without their QB getting some things done might be non-existent (currently 12th in the GLIAC in rushing). The Wildcats MUST find a way to make some progress running the ball.

Ferris Keys:
- Offense Start Fast - While Northern's D has struggled early the last couple of weeks, the Ferris offense seemed to sleepwalk in the early going at Findlay. Their seven first-half possessions netted five punts (most on three-and-outs) and two interceptions. Kinda hard to put pressure on an opponent with that kind of malaise. We give credit to the Bulldogs for lighting things up in the second half, but we think this is a game that favors FSU if they don't let Northern hang around. Put the hurt on'em early.
- No peeking! - It's a big rivalry game for the 'Dawgs next weekend at Grand Valley. The consesus around the league is that while the Lakers seem to have straightened some things out, they are still somewhat vulnerable. It's been a lot of years since Ferris has knocked off their arch-rival, but they need to focus on the next game on the slate...which is this one.

Prediction:
The Ferris offense has been much more consistent than what they showed a week ago. In addition, they struggled defensively with a back-up QB they hadn't seen on film and who changed the Findlay offense a bit. We like the 'Dawgs to bounce back in this one, especially against a Northern club that seems to be on a very slippery slope at present. Ferris 33, Northern 24.


Ohio Dominican (2-3, 3-3) at Findlay (3-2, 3-3)

"Ohio Dominican at Findlay in Week Seven will pit two .500 teams coming off of wins against teams with winning records". If we had thrown that prop-bet at you prior to season, how many of you (folks in Columbus and Findlay excluded) would have jumped on it? Neither would we, so that's what makes this tilt so cool. Two teams on the rise will go at it try and stay within shouting distance in the GLIAC South.

Ohio Dominican Keys:
- Balanced Attack - While the ground game was working once again for the Panthers against Hillsdale, quarterback Jeremy Fudge did hit for a buck-84 last week and fashioned some big plays via the air to key their comeback win. ODU needs that balance again this week, especially in an effort to keep their offense on the field. UF's offense has gotten better week-by-week so keeping them on the sidelines is crucial.
- What do we do Now? - The Panther defense gave up 262 yards and four scores on the ground last week to Joe Glendening. The only other back in the league that is putting up numbers close to that is who they'll see this week: Monterae Williams. Williams is second only to Glendening in the GLIAC in rushing and is coming off a 170-yard, three TD rushing performance of his own against a decent Ferris defense. The ODU D needs to figure out how to stop the run, and quick.

Findlay Keys:
- No QB? No Prob. - Clay Belton was knicked-up early last week, but freshman D.J. Marrah proved more than up to the task as he tossed two TD passes and ran for another in the starter's stead. We're not sure who will get the nod in this one, but it sure looks like either one is plenty capable.
- No Gimmes - Findlay held off a late surge by Ferris last week, while ODU won their game on a frantic comeback. If Findlay has a lead late in this one (and we think they will), they need to avoid the turnover/big play that can let the Panthers back into the mix. If you get them on the ropes, throw the knock-out punch.

Prediction:
This one is actually pretty simple in our eyes...Monterae Williams is one of the best backs in the league, and both potentialy QB starters for Findlay have proven running ability. Ohio Dominican is next to last in the league against the run. There you go. Findlay 26, Ohio Dominican 20.


Saginaw Valley (4-1, 4-1) at Indianapolis (3-2, 4-2)

The Cardinals come into this one riding high after their thrilling, overtime win at Tech. As for the Greyhounds, they are also carrying some momentum as they have won two straight and are fresh off a thrashing of Northwood. When two high-scoring offenses get together like this, it's funny/ironic how often you end up with a 13-10 result. Something tells me that won't be the case in this one.

Saginaw Valley Keys:
- Keep on the Throttle - QB Jonathon Jenning has this offense humming. If there's something we've noticed however, is that it seems as though the Cards can't put the knock-out blow on folks...especially late. Fourth quarter leads against Tech and Northwood were barely held, and one against Hillsdale wasn't. If SV has an advantage in this one, they need to find a way to finish the 'Hounds off.
- Defense must Step Up - Especially against the pass. UIndy is leading the league in passing, while the Cardinals twelfth in the league in stopping it. The Greyhounds are going to move the ball in this one, so finding a way to bend a not break is a must for the Saginaw defense.

Indianapolis Keys:
- Get Jennings on the Ground - A tall task, as Saginaw Valley is allowing the fewest sacks in the league. Even taller when on considers that UIndy is somehow leading the league in pass defense despite not putting a great deal more pressure on opposing quarterbacks than anyone else. We think the 'Hounds can get to Jennings, but just getting to him isn't enough. They need to find a way to register at least four sacks and force a fumble or two out of the sophomore signal-caller.
- Keep the Ball - Both of these clubs do a good job of converting on third down and keeping their drives moving. However, UIndy has shown that their defense is a bit more proficient and getting itself off the field on third down that the Cardinals are. This trend must continue...keeping the ball out of the hands of Jennings and Company is a must.

Prediction:
The Cardinals are 4-1, but this is in spite of the fact that they're allowing more than 29 points per game (more than 39 points per over the last two weeks) and have had a ton of trouble stopping the pass. Case in point, SV's first interception of the year came in overtime this past week at Tech. That's about half their season without an interception, and that one came from a linebacker...not the secondary. That spells trouble to us, as UIndy QB Chris Mills has yet to throw a pick this year. UIndy 42, Saginaw Valley 37. (Sorry, Chris...didn't mean to jinx you...watch the poor guy throw four for them now...)


Grand Valley (2-3, 3-3) at Lake Erie (0-5, 1-5)

While this season still appears to be one of unmet expectations in Allendale, give credit to the Lakers for finding a way to keep grinding and reversiving their three-game losing skid. Back to back throttlings of Tiffin and Northern have Grand Valley back on track and they'll head to the shores of Lake Erie to face another group that is fallling short this year. The Storm notched an opening win without their best player, but have struggled since. A win against GV would sure go a long way to easing some of the hurt from their current five-game tumble.

Grand Valley Keys:
- Assignments - The Lakers struggled with them against Lake Erie a year ago, and The Storm kept things tight in Allendale for a half. Grand Valley's defense must not let Sean Bedevelsky make plays, or the afternoon could be a long one.
- Clean-Up...Aisle Six! - Grand Valley had its first game of the season a week ago where they won the turnover battle...a sparkling +5 performance at Northern that saw the GV offense minimize mistakes, AND the Laker D final cash in on some opportunities (four INT's, one returned for a TD). If the Lakers can continue this type of play, they'll be in good shape...especially against LEC's option-style offense that is often prone to putting the ball on the deck.

Lake Erie Keys:
- D must Improve - We have chronicled the fact that the Lake Erie offense seems to lack the punch that it did last year. While they appear to be getting things going a bit over the last couple of weeks, the Storm defense is not keeping up. They are next to last in the league in scoring and total defense. That's not a good combination against a Laker club that posted 112 points over their last two games.
- No Fear - The Storm played the Lakers as if they weren't afraid or impressed a year ago. If GV is still weak and there is still "blood in the water", LEC needs to get out fast on the Lakers and play with a similar swaggar. Grand Valley has played with a great deal more confidence and proficiency the last two weeks, and The Storm must find a way to match that.

Prediction:
Grand Valley has certainly looked much more like themselves the last couple of weeks. While we don't think they'll shut down the LEC offense entirely, it's hard to see a scenario where the Laker offense won't be able to score plenty of points. We like the Lakers to keep their resurgence going. Grand Valley 49, Lake Erie 24.