Only two weeks to go! I warn everyone each year that this thing goes by in a hurry, but even I am somehow surprised by that fact every season. If you haven't had a chance to get out and enjoy a game in person this year, try and do so over the next few days. These kids work hard and are a lot of fun to watch play the game they enjoy. Let's make sure we support them and have a great day in the crisp, fall air!

Grand Valley (5-3, 6-3) at Northwood (1-7, 2-7)

This rivalry is as old as the GLIAC, but it will be the first time in four years that the Lakers will make the trip east to Midland. Grand Valley looks to continue its current win streak and hang on to its razor-thin shred of a playoff hope. For Northwood, a rough year could be eased a bit if they could knock of their long-time league foe in their home finale.

Grand Valley Keys:
- Dominate Up-Front - In addition to hitting all of their assignments (as is required in defending the option), the Lakers need to clog things up at the line of scrimmage as much as they can. Keeping the dive, keep and pitch are all essential, but the front also needs to get pressure on Aaron Shavers when he does pass. This is a weak spot for the Timberwolves who are in the middle of the league in terms of sacks allowed, but that stat takes on a whole new meaning when considering they have thrown nearly 100 fewer passes this year than any other team in the league. If the Lakers can make NU pass, the protection is shaky and it will make converting third-and-long a nightmare for Northwood.
- Make it Hurt - When GV gets into the red zone, they must score TD's. Despite only winning twice, Northwood has really only been blown out once this year. They give up a fair amount of yardage, but are second in the league in red zone defense. The Lakers must overcome this and cash in on drives.

Northwood Keys:
- Win Field Position - In addition to playing good red zone D, Northwood has kept itself in games by doing a good job with field position. Punter Tony Hite and his coverage team lead the league in net punting average, and NU's kickoff coverage group is one of the top units in the league as well. Special teams can keep Northwood in the game and set up their defense for success. They need to do that in order to win.
- Big Plays on O - On the whole this year, Grand Valley's defense has been pretty stingy...except for a few plays each game. When teams have been able to stay with and/or beat GV, they were shut down most of the game but were able to spring four to eight plays that netted sometimes as much as half of their yardage output for the game. Northwood must get a few biggies and cash them in for points.

Prediction:
While offenses like this have given the Lakers fits, the other teams that run option-style attacks are much more balanced that Northwood. The lack of a true passing threat makes us lean toward the Lakers...not to mention that NU allows almost 220 per game via the air the Laker passing game has been tough to stop over the last month. Grand Valley 40, Northwood 22.


Hillsdale (6-2, 6-3) at Findlay (5-3, 5-4)

Hillsdale got back on the winning side of things last week, but they were hardly overwhelming in doing so as they eeked out a road win at Northwood. The Oilers are hoping this week is their bounce-back week after seeing their three game win-streak end last Saturday at rival Ashland. Both clubs still have division title possibilities within their grasp, so this one should prove to be hotly contested.

Hillsdale Keys:
- Make Clay Uncomfortable - A week ago, Ashland stuffed the Oiler ground attack. Hillsdale must find a way to do the same and put UF into passing situations. Once the run was ineffective, Belton's low-end completion percentage kicked in (not to mention his five INT's) and the Findlay offense wasn't able to put enough points on the board. Hillsdale's D must get the UF QB into a lot of obvious passing situations and apply pressure from there.
- Score, for Pete's Sake - While not having Joe Glendening may have hampered Hillsdale a bit last week (one could argue it didn't as they racked up 424 yards of offense), not finishing drives was a bigger problem. The Chargers had two trips into the red zone that netted no points. When your own offensive strategy limits possessions for both clubs, you have to make your legit scoring chances count. Findlay is far more explosive on offense than Northwood, so a repeat of the red zone woes won't bode well for HC.

Findlay Keys:
- Get off the Field - Findlay is near the bottom of the league in stopping opponents on third down...while Hillsdale makes its living by converting them offensively. This is not a great match-up for the Oiler D and they must do something about it. If they get caught on the field for multiple drives of eight plays or more they will gas quickly and big plays will ensue. UF must find a way to keep the Hillsdale drives short and give more chances to the Oiler offense.
- More Monterae - While UF RB Monterae Williams is still the league's second-rated back, he was basically shut down a week ago and held to 35 yards. The Oilers need him to get going again this week and grind out some long drives for UF's offense. If he has another rough game, it's advantage Hillsdale.

Prediction:
Despite Joe Glendening's status still being up in the air, we still like Hillsdale here. Despite not scoring much last week their offense still moved the ball well. They face a Findlay defense that allows more points and more yards than the Northwood unit they saw a week ago, so we like the scoring production to return for the Chargers. Plus, the Hillsdale defense has quietly been one of the tougher units in the league over the last few weeks. Add it up, and the Chargers should handle things. Hillsdale 30, Findlay 20.


Ferris State (4-4, 5-4) at Michigan Tech (4-4, 5-4)

The guarantee of a winning campaign is the prize as the Bulldogs make the roadie up to Houghton. Both clubs have seen their aspirations for the season fizzle over the last month as each has lost three of its last four games. Righting the ship to close things out and building some momentum for 2012 would be great results for either team over the next two weeks.

Ferris Keys:
- Cash it In - We realize that we seem to be talking about this type of thing a lot, but teams seem to be struggling with scoring chances. A week ago, Ferris had five possessions of eight plays or more that all made it into UIndy territory. Those possessions netted 10 points. With Tech's style of play the Bulldogs will get a limited number of turns on offense. If they get a chance to put points on the board they absolutely must make them count.
- Run stop Return - After being pretty decent against the run earlier in the year, Ferris has been torched of late. The 'Dawgs have allowed more than 209 yards per game on the ground during their current two-game skid. While Tech's ground game isn't overwhelming, it will still beat you up pretty good and keep your offense on the sidelines. FSU needs to get Tech into obvious passing situations and find a way to get pressure on Tyler Scarlett so that he makes mistakes throwing the ball.

Tech Keys:
- Close it Out - Tech's last three losses have come by a combined 13 points. No one during the last month has really done a number on the Huskies, and they certainly played well in a tough environment a week ago in Allendale. If this one is close, they must block out the times they fell short and put this one in the win column. Being at home should help.
- In the End - DE's Todd Storm and Drew Vanderlin are nothing short of impressive. We know that MTU can stuff the run with the best of them, which bodes well for their putting FSU into passing situations. Ferris does give up a sack-and-a-half per week, so look for Tech's All-League pass rushers to be active in this one and try to force Tom Schneider into hurries, scrambles etc.

Prediction: While we think that Ferris can keep this close, we're not sure they will. Tech has a decided home field advantage and the stronger of the two defenses. That typically is a good recipe for a win. Tech 24, Ferris 14.


Ohio Dominican (4-4, 5-4) at Ashland (6-2, 6-3)

We'll admit that it's a little early to tell, but we may just be seeing a budding rivalry between the Panthers and Eagles. The schools are separated by a mere 80 miles along I-71, and with ODU showing significant improvement since last year there could be some battles on the field and along the recruiting trails in years to come. The Eagles need to win to keep their playoff hopes alive, while Ohio Dominican would love nothing more than to spoil AU's aspirations and to guarantee themselves a winning record.

Ohio Dominican Keys:
- Sweet as Fudge - Quarterback Jeremy Fudge needs to be ready to have a big day. The Ashland ground defense is nothing short of stout and if ODU's run-first train gets derailed early the Panther signal-caller will have to be ready to put it up a bunch.
- ...but be Careful - If ODU does decide/need to throw more, they do so at their own peril as the Eagles lead the GLIAC in interceptions. AU loves to feast on opponents mistakes, having generated more takeaways than anyone in the league. ODU can't lose the turnover battle or they'll be in a very tough spot.

Ashland Keys:
- The House is Wright - After battling through a bout with the injury bug, quarterback Taylor Housewright seemed to return to form last week in a nearly flawless performance against Findlay. If he continues to play as he did in that contest, the Eagles should be able to move the ball effectively and put up some points.
- Yet Another Test - For the second straight week, the Eagle defense is facing a GLIAC-top-three rushing attack. They were more than up to the challenge in their last contest, and must repeat that performance here. If Monterae Williams and Clay Belton are able to move the UF offense on the ground, this game will be that much tougher for Ashland. They must keep those two (especially Williams) in check.

Prediction:
On paper, this actually looks somewhat close. ODU runs the ball better than anyone in the league, and Ashland is the second best at stopping it. ODU is in the bottom three in the league defensively, but Ashland is in the same tier when it comes their offense and they have been really inconsistent at times. In the end, we'll take the home-standers who are a bit more experienced in tough games and have a great deal more to play for. Ashland 21, Ohio Dominican 16.


Lake Erie (0-8, 1-8) at Tiffin (0-8, 0-9)

Both schools have green in their color scheme, and they have combined for a single victory this year. Kinda feels like the Kermit the Frog Bowl...'cause we all know that "it ain't easy being' green." That was terrible...yeah, we know. Truth be told, we actually feel for the kids from both clubs. Certainly they're working hard and to go through a season like this is just rough. The battle to at least avoid a winless GLIAC slate kicks-off at 1:30 in Tiffin, Ohio.

Lake Erie Keys:
- Gamble on D - Tiffin has a league worst -20 turnover margin, primarily because they have more giveaways (33) than anyone else. I'd let my DB's take chances on getting picks here because even if they give up a big play or two the offense should have no trouble keeping up.
- Don't go Out like That - After a very solid career, this is the next to last game for a group of seniors that were the first recruiting class in school history. After showing better throughout most of their careers, ending things without a league is not what they want. This is their best chance to get a win...time to cash in.

Tiffin Keys:
- No Giveaways - Tiffin has had enough troubles with turnovers this year, but they suffered seven of them up at Northern last week. Doesn't matter who you play, if your offense can't hold onto the ball you're going to struggle...it's just that simple.
- More Pitts? - Despite being on the hook for four picks last week, Dan Pitts has put up some decent passing numbers. LEC sports the league's worst pass defense, so the Dragons should find some success moving the ball regardless of who gets the start at QB.

Prediction:
The league's two worst defenses do battle...track meet, right? Maybe, but it never fails that these games wind up being 13-10 or something. We don't see that here, namely because Sean Bedevelsky is just too good for his club to score that little against a Tiffin defense that hasn't stopped anyone all year. Lake Erie 45, Tiffin 28.


Northern Michigan (3-5, 4-5) at #24 Saginaw Valley (6-2, 6-2)

The Cardinals made a big jump in the regional seedings this week and appear to have the greatest control over their own destiny the rest of the way. If they win out, they earn at least a share of the GLIAC Title...not to mention having a great chance to be in the playoffs. Doing so is a two-step process for the Cardinals, with step-one coming Saturday when they host Northern. The Wildcats have played better over the last couple of weeks and would love to take out some of the frustration of their disappointing season on the Red-Birds.

Northern Keys:
- Where you Been? - Yes, one of the games was against Tiffin, but the 'Cats have exploded for 90 points the last two weeks...and one of those games was a loss! Northern's offense has been much better of late and it will need to be here as the SV offense has proven it can score on anyone. The NMU D simply won't be able to keep this game close on its own...Carter Kopach and Company must put up at least 21 or more to even be in this one.
- Pressure on Jennings - While many thought the Saginaw Valley offensive line was a question mark entering the year, they have been terrific. The ground game is plenty serviceable, and Jonathon Jennings has been sacked fewer times than any QB in the league. If Northern wants to disrupt the SV offense, they must get Jennings out of rhythm and on the ground regularly. Otherwise, he'll pick them apart.

Saginaw Keys:
- Big Day on the Edge - Northern has had its troubles stopping aerial attacks this year, currently checking in at twelfth in the league in pass defense. They've really struggled against teams with big-play receivers...and, well, that's SV for you. Look for Gallina, Janis and Thrash to have big days.
- No Peeking - After a debacle of sorts last year, Saginaw Valley is on the verge of returning to the playoffs and at least sharing the league title. A down Northern club is no biggie, right? Wrong...SV must not take this one for granted, NOR can they afford to look ahead to their finale at Grand Valley next week. Achieving some season goals AND knocking off the Lakers for the first time in a long time would sweet...but none if it is relevant if they don't take care of business this weekend.

Prediction:
Saginaw has been sharper since their loss at Indy, and Northern just isn't the same on the road. While Northern's offense has been decidedly better the last couple of weeks we're not convinced it's enough to handle a SV bunch that might just be hitting its stride. Saginaw 32, Northern 17.


#22 Wayne State (6-2, 7-2) at Indianapolis (6-2, 7-2)

Five teams are tied atop the league (and two more are only a game back), but this is the only game that actually pits two of the front-runners against each other. Staying the course in the GLIAC is certainly on the line, but the victor will also earn an upper-hand on a playoff spot as the season winds down. The loser could find itself in danger of being one of the first teams out of the bracket. This has to be the biggest game inside Key Stadium in quite a while, and the Greyhounds are hoping that they can gain that homefield edge in this one as a grumpy group of Warriors will visit having dropped two of their last three.

Wayne Keys:
- Where's the O? - After moving the ball on pretty much everyone, the Warrior offense was darn near inept last week. Credit certainly goes to the SV defense for its part, as no one had held the Renel/Davis rushing combo in check, and QB Mickey Mohner had easily his worst day of the season (10 of 30 for 111 yards). Wayne's offense must get back on form and in a hurry, because UIndy has shown they can move the ball against darn near everyone this year and winning a low-scoring affair doesn't seem favorable for WSU in this one.
- Better against the Pass - In addition to the offensive woes, the Wayne defense was less than stellar last week as well...especially the secondary. In fairness, there were several starters missing from the back end of the defense last week. While it looks favorable for many of them to be available Saturday, whoever's back there must be on their game. Jonathon Jennings made his 338 yards and two scores look somewhat easy, and Chris Mills is averaging even more yards passing per week than Jennings. The Warrior defense can't struggle again, or a second straight loss is going to be highly probable.

UIndy Keys:
- Don't let them Run - If the Greyhounds can't contain the Renel/Toney combination, it'll allow Wayne to possess the ball for longer stretches and keep the 'Hound offense on the sidelines. Week in and week out, Wayne just isn't going to beat anyone in the passing game so it's imperative for UIndy to take away the WSU mainstay, which is the ground attack.
- Bliss for Chris - The GLIAC is loaded with good quarterbacks. Grand Valley's Heath Parling is #2 nationally in pass efficiency, while Saginaw Valley's Jonathon Jennings is #3. Not far behind is UIndy signal caller Chris Mills at #9. The Wayne State pass defense hasn't been top-flight this year (tenth in the GLIAC) and got torched again last week. We like Mills to have a big day in this one.

Prediction:
While UIndy hasn't been overwhelming, it's hard to argue with a club that protects the ball (no lost fumbles and only two INT's all year) and has rattled off five straight wins. While Wayne has the talent to win this game, they have dropped two of three and have to go on the road to face a bad match-up (WSU's pass defense vs. UI's passing offense). While this is uncharted territory (playoff and league implications) for UIndy, we like them to hold serve in front of the home crowd. Indianapolis 31, Wayne State 26.


As I mentioned previouisly, I'll take a closer look at the playoff scenarios in a post next week. I've made it my policy not to even hazard any guess prior to Week Eleven and that has worked out well for my sanity! Be sure to check in next week and we'll see what has shaken out at that point.