Well here it is, gang...2011's last hurrah for the bulk of the league. While we usually see some surprises each year, we're not sure anyone was expecting the bizarre, muddled mess that the league race became this year. As we enter the last weekend of play, SIX of the league's fourteen teams are either on the lead or within a single game of it. In addition, NINE of the GLIAC's fourteen clubs guaranteed themselves at least a .500 finish in conference play, and a tenth can join them with a win on Saturday. How often do you see something like that? Of course, the league champ (or champs) this year will have at least two losses, which hasn't happened since 1999. Theoretically, it is actually possible that there could be a log-jam of six three-loss times that finish atop the standings...but we wouldn't bet on it. Here's a look at the final, full slate of this year's ride:

Findlay (5-4, 5-5) at #17 Wayne State (7-2, 8-2)

Fresh of their big win at Indy, the Warriors return to Motown to face a Findlay group that has had a better season than many expected despite it fizzling of late with back-to-back losses. The Oilers would love to stun Wayne and notch a winning record for the year, while WSU is focused on maintaining at least a share of the GLIAC title...not to mention earning the program's first ever playoff berth.

Findlay Keys:
- Belton out the Hits - While Findlay's ground game has been terrific most of the year, they have struggled the last couple of weeks. Monterae Williams has had back-to-back outings that weren't great and there may be some lingering injuries contributing to that. All that said, Wayne comes in with the league's top rush defense so the sledding gets no easier for the Oilers. The UF passing attack needs to be ready to go and that starts with QB Clay Belton. He needs to have a big game.
- Tough up Front - Wayne controlled last week's tilt with Indianapolis (especially in the second half) by grinding things out on the ground. This is likely going to be what the Warriors want to do here as well, so UF needs to force Wayne into as many passing situations as they can. This starts with not getting road-graded in the ground game.

Wayne State Keys:
- Renel and Davis - If these two Warrior RB's have a solid day, it's going to be tough for Findlay to keep up. Wayne getting things going on the ground sets up everything else they want to do, so stick to what works and be effective grinding clock and keeping the chains moving.
- FINISH - There's no doubt that Wayne has done a better job of closing out some games than others. This is the biggest and most important one of their year, and a playoff berth is almost certainly on the other side...IF they complete the job.

Prediction:
Both teams are run-first outfits, but Wayne's defense is better...not to mention far more consistent as they allow nearly 11 fewer points per game than Findlay. We like Findlay to make it interesting, but WSU to prevail at home. Wayne 28, Findlay 21.


Indianapolis (6-3, 7-3) at Ohio Dominican (5-4, 6-4)

We just talked about Findlay being a surprise in the last preview, and this tilt pits two more of the league's surprises from 2011. While UIndy has almost always been one of those clubs that hovers between 4-7 and 7-4, they claimed a big win over GV this year and can break through to the eight-win plateau. The 'Hounds will make the jaunt west along I-70 to Columbus to tackle perhaps the GLIAC's biggest surprise this year, Ohio Dominican. The Panthers have already notched a winning record for the year as well as a .500 mark in the league...but they may want to send a message to the GLIAC that they're here and they are serious, and having a winning conference record will broadcast that message loudly.

UIndy Keys:
- Stop the Run - They didn't do it last week against Wayne, especially when the game came down to crunch time. They'll get the GLIAC's #2 ground attack in this one and have to do a better job of slowing it down.
- Offensive Balance - UIndy struggled last week against the Wayne defense. While Chris Mills still threw for 269 it was a much tougher go as the ground game wasn't working and Wayne knew what was coming in a lot of circumstances. ODU doesn't stop the run nearly as well as WSU does, so look for the Greyhounds to try and establish their rushing attack a bit more in this one.

Ohio Dominican Keys:
- Test the Sirens - The air-raid ones, that is, as they may be needed. The Panthers are #12 in the league against the pass and will be facing the league's top aerial attack. The ODU defense must find a way to keep the big plays to a minimum and not let UIndy's passing game garner more than 275 yards. If UIndy gets 275 in the air and 125 on the ground, things could be tough. The defense will be tested Saturday.
- Big Day for the 'Noff - Senior running back Mike Noffsinger already holds the school record for rushing yards...and he needs to extend that record in a big way on Saturday. UIndy gave up a pair of 100-yard rushers last week, and he needs a big day (perhaps along with QB Jeremy Fudge) in this one.

Prediction:
While we think ODU certainly has what it takes to win this game, we like UIndy's potent offense to be too much for them. In addition, the ODU ground game is not the same power-style game that WSU employs, so we're not sure if the ground game will have as big an impact against the 'Hounds this week. Indianapolis 31, Ohio Dominican 27.


Michigan Tech (5-4, 6-4) at Northern Michigan (3-6, 4-6)
"The Miner's Cup Game"

This might just be the most intense rivalry in the GLIAC, but many aren't aware of that with the two schools residing in the far corner of the league's geography. These two do NOT like each other and to classify the feelings these two harbor toward the other as "frosty" might even be an understatement. While both clubs aren't where they were hoping when the season began, finishing things off with a win against their arch-rival would sure go a long way to easing any disappointment they might be feeling about the season.

Tech Keys:
- Run the O - Tech loves to control clock, keep 3rd downs manageable, and use an efficient passing game. With Northern's defense ranking in the lower half of the league in most categories (including next to last against the pass) and the conditions slated to be "mild" inside the dome Tyler Scarlett and Company should have few issues doing what they want on offense. No reason to do anything funny here.
- Spy on Carter - The Tech defense is one of the league's best, and they NMU offense starts with their senior QB Carter Kopach. Keeping an eye on him and not allowing him to make big plays should keep the 'Cats under wraps.

Northern Keys:
- Tons of Pressure - Northern's defense hasn't generated an overwhelming pass rush this year, but Tech has not been exceptional in pass protection either. The Wildcats need to hurry Tyler Scarlett's throws and get him on the ground as much as possible. This can have a ripple effect on the rhythm of Tech's offense and the 'Cats need that disruption to happen.
- Home in the Dome - Despite dropping a couple of home dates this year, the Wildcats still enjoy one of the biggest home field advantages in the league. No doubt that the Dome will be rockin' in this one with a rivalry game, so NMU needs to be up for this one and take advantage of the 12th Man.

Prediction:
We can't overstate the heated nature of this rivalry, and that aspect alone often means that the records have to be tossed out. While we certainly buy into that concept, the bottom line here is that Tech's defense allows nearly 13 fewer points per game. That's just too much to ignore, and will likely be too much for the 'Cats to overcome. Tech 30, Northern 20.


Ashland (6-3, 6-4) at Lake Erie (1-8, 2-8)

Much like the two UP teams, this Ohio-based contest pits a couple of clubs that are disappointed with how the year turned out. Seemingly in position for a playoff berth a week ago, Ashland fell down against ODU a week ago and saw any post-season hopes evaporate. For Lake Erie, this entire year has been a debacle as they sandwiched their two wins around eight straight losses. Both clubs should play like they have something to prove tomorrow, especially the LEC boys who likely haven't forgotten the absolute drubbing they received in Ashland a year ago.

Ashland Keys:
- Pick it Back Up - Considering the egg they laid a week ago, it's hard to figure AU for another stinker in this one...especially running the ball. Ashland has been great at that this year, yet only mustered 75 yards a week ago. Gotta get back to basics here and execute.
- Control Sean - Playmaking quarterbacks have done some things against the Eagles this year, and Sean Bedevelsky certainly falls into that category. Ashland must keep him from taking over the game.

Lake Erie Keys:
- Bring the Heat - Ashland has struggled with pass protection this year, yielding the second highest sack total in the league. The Storm needs to get after Taylor Housewright and force him into poor decisions and mistakes.
- Try and Keep Up - The LEC offense hasn't been as consistent this season and they'll need to be in this one, primarily because their defense has had so many struggles stopping folks. If the D can't keep The Storm in the game, Bedevelsky and Crew will have to pick up the slack.

Prediction:
While we would love to pick Lake Erie in an upset, we just don't see Ashland struggling on offense two weeks in a row...especially against a Lake Erie defense allowing 38 points per game. Ashland 27, Lake Erie 24.


Hillsdale (7-2, 7-3) at Tiffin (0-9, 0-10)

While we don't want to be disrespectful to Tiffin, it is kinda hard to pump this one up. Another dismal campaign has mere hours remaining for the Dragons, but they do have the hopes of things improving with their new coaching staff and perhaps a return to health of their quarterback who, at times this year, showed he could make plays. As for Hillsdale, their playoff hopes are still alive and a win is a must to have a shot at seeing their name in the bracket Sunday afternoon.

Hillsdale Keys:
- Nothing Funny - Run Joe, run him often. Tiffin has the league's worst run defense by quite a margin. No reason to do anything silly here. Stick with what works.
- No Sleeping - All the Chargers needed last year was a win over TU to make the playoffs, and they struggled to a five-point win that wasn't decided until late. No one wants to go winless and if they let the Dragons hang around, they may get something (namely an L) that they don't want.

Tiffin Keys:
- Come out Swinging - The Dragons may know early on if they have a shot. If they can make a couple of plays early and catch Hillsdale napping you never know, but they must make any chances they have count.
- Keep Capello in the Game - When the TU quarterback has played this year he's shown he has skills. The problem is that the Dragons haven't been able to keep him healthy. He can be a difference-maker here if they can keep him up-right.

Prediction:
Hard to see Tiffin keeping this one close two years in a row, especially with this year's defense that is, well, not good (giving up more than 52 points per game). Hillsdale 48, Tiffin 17.


Northwood (1-8, 2-8) at Ferris State (4-5, 5-5)

The Bulldogs have a legit shot at .500 in the league, and perhaps more importantly their first winning record since 2008. They'll try and finish their winning slate off at home against a Northwood group that has struggled with a lot of things this year, not the least of which is a massive rash of injuries at the quarterback position.

Northwood Keys:
- Who's gonna chuck It? - Aaron Shavers went down again last week against Grand Valley, and #3 QB Dan Nugent went the rest of the way. Not sure who will be running the O in this one, but somebody has to find a way to not only run the option but to try and get some passing game going. NU has been held without a completed pass twice in the last three weeks, and a repeat of that will make a road win nearly impossible.
- Defense get back On Track - The Timberwolves are in the top half of the league in several defensive categories, but allowed 28 points in the first half last week against GV. They must do a better job of keeping NU in the game in this one, especially if the playmaking at quarterback is compromised again.

Ferris Keys:
- Big Play Duo - This is the last go-around for Tom Schneider and Mike Ryan. They have been the authors of dozens of big plays in their Bulldog careers and they need to make this last one count. At home against a team that doesn't move the ball all that well they should have plenty of chances.
- Assignment D - Of course this is the nature of defending the option. Ferris needs to hit the dive, keep and pitch on every play and avoid big chunks of yardage for NU. If the T'Wolves get any kind of momentum going on offense their chances improve. FSU needs to take that away.

Prediction:
While Northwood has won the last two in the series, there are just too many questions on offense for them. Ferris should defend Top Taggart and close out the season with a winning record. Ferris 24, Northwood 13.


#19 Saginaw Valley (7-2, 7-2) at Grand Valley (6-3, 7-3)
"The Battle of the Valleys"

From 2001 through 2007, this game was circled on just about every GLIAC fan's calendar. While the rivalry hasn't lost its luster, it's been a while since there has been perhaps the entire season riding on the result. While this year's version isn't quite what many might have predicted given Grand Valley's early season woes, there is still plenty at stake in this one. Saginaw can lay claim to an outright North Division title and at least a share of the overall GLIAC crown...not to mention they may have the safest "win and you're in" scenario of any GLIAC playoff hopeful. For the Lakers, an eleventh straight playoff appearance seems unlikely but they can still share a division title and certainly play spoiler for the Cardinals. On top of that, this is the final game to be played on the original Prescription Athletic Turf (aka natural grass) surface inside Lubbers Stadium. A new surface will be down prior to 2012 and the field where four national titles were born isn't one that the Lakers want to send out on a sour note.

Saginaw Valley Keys:
- Big Day on D - While the Cardinal defense has done pretty well during most of the year, this will likely be their stiffest test. The Laker offense is tops in the league in scoring, rushing, and total offense. Containing the GV playmakers will be a tall task in this one, and it starts with slowing down the GV running game. The Lakers can sling it, but they are balanced and love to establish the ground game to facilitate everything else. The Cardinal offense will have some success, but their defense must get some stops because their chances in a track meet might be at best 50/50.
- Jennings to ? - Cecich, Janis, Thrash, Gallina...the Cards have a ton of viable pass catchers. The Laker pass defense has had its struggles at times this year due to a sometimes streaky ability to get quarterback pressure combined with struggles in man coverage. The SV QB needs a big game and he has the playmakers to get the ball do in order to do so.

Grand Valley Keys:
- Execute, Execute, Execute - When GV has struggled this year, it has been primarily due to slow starts on offense and turning the ball over. Those problems haven't been as pervasive during their current six-game win streak, and can't manifest in this one. The Saginaw defense has been prone to giving up some points so the Laker O won't be shut down completely. If they can play mistake-free and score early and often it gives them their best shot, especially if the D has a hard time getting stops.
- Pressure on Jennings - Saginaw QB Jonathon Jennings is the least-sacked QB in the league. The Cards like to get the ball out quick or roll the pocket to help facilitate this, so the Lakers need to find a way to still be in his grill as often as possible. A few hits/sacks and some bad decisions could lead to turnovers. Anything that generates more chances for your offense will be a good idea in this one.

Prediction:
It's hard to ignore that these clubs look an awful lot a like. They have potent offenses, and defenses that have looked great at times and iffy at others. They are led by the two top-rated quarterbacks in the country in terms of efficiency (GV's Heath Parling is #1, SV's Jonathon Jennings is #2). Both teams lost to Hillsdale and Indianapolis. We could probably go on for a while. In the end, while GV seems a bit better statistically in a few areas there's little getting around that SV's schedule was a good bit tougher. Add to that the Lakers having won seven straight and the Cards hating the daylights out of that and this one looks pretty even to us. We've gone the entire season without a GLIAC Coin-Flip Special, so here it goes...heads SV, tails GV: Tails it is...Grand Valley 31, Saginaw Valley 30.