Now that the crossover games are over, we start to get into the really interesting games. Not only are we going to start seeing some match-ups that are more "rivalry-based" in nature, but we will also see how a few clubs with solid records react to increased levels of pressure. They have seen some potential begin to form for them...can they continue their winning ways and make a push toward the post-season? The next three weeks or so should tell us a lot.

Notre Dame (0-3, 1-3) at Findlay (2-1, 2-1)

A couple of explosive offensive performances by Notre Dame opened some eyes to start the season...and then the tape started to build-up. Since their eye-popping totals of weeks one and two, the Falcons have struggled in their last two outings as opposing defenses have started to figure out how to slow down the ground attack and force them into passing sooner (and more often) than they'd like. If the Falcons want to get back onto the winning side of things, they'll have to find a way to establish the run early and often against Findlay on Saturday. Tech was able to do that last week, but let's not confuse Tech's run game with Notre Dame's...not close to the same style, nor the same type of offensive line talent doing the shoving up front.

Speaking of Findlay, the Oilers high-ride after their Saginaw win was short-lived as they were handled solidly by Tech a week ago. Outside of a few key players like Belton, Williams and White, there is a TON of youth on this club and last week's loss will be a fantastic learning/growth experience for them. Learning how to play outstanding ball every week is a tough lesson to learn, and that message was likely received loud and clear by Findlay's players after last week. With the wounds of that loss so fresh, I seriously doubt that they are even looking at NDC's record...bad news for the Falcons.

Look, even if Notre Dame manages to get some good things going on the ground early (given their 14-point per game output the last two weeks, I have my doubts), their defense has been so atrocious I just don't see them getting enough stops in order to keep this thing close. After a "less-than-stellar" outing a week ago, I think Findlay comes out re-focused and puts a big number up in this one. Heck, even without the re-focus, they're facing a D that is the most porous in the nation yielding more than 59 points per game. Findlay may not post a 60-spot, but they should have plenty to post what really matters...a "W". Findlay 56, Notre Dame 21.


Wayne State (2-1, 2-1) at Northwood (3-0, 4-0)

While they haven't beaten anyone especially impressive just yet (their four prior opponents have a combined three wins this year), there's no getting around the fact that Northwood is 4-0. Heck, winning the games you're supposed to is a part of the deal and The Woodies have absolutely held up their end of that bargain. Now, however, is when the tests begin...and this may well be a test they can pass, as the Northwood defense has been much improved this year while the Wayne offense, well, kinda hasn't.

Settle down, Warrior fans...I know that you finished the Lake Erie game with a quarter's worth of wild fury. And I also know that you cruised a week ago against Malone. But let's face it, it took seven quarters of the season for the offense to do anything of consequence, and they still only put up 343 yards a week ago against a bunch that was allowing well over 400 yards per game coming in. I really think that the losses of Long, Khoury and Burrell are having the biggest impact on this team, and this is the part of the schedule where we'll really see if the new guys stepping in to take their place can start to round into form.

So, for me the first question is whether or not Wayne's D can slow down The Woodbone. Wayne's rush D has been pretty solid thus far but facing the option is always its own unique trial, and given how Aaron Shavers has been orchestrating the NU offense this year I'm inclined to think that there will be at least two big plays by Northwood in this one, and they likely go for scores.

The other big question I have is whether or not the Wayne offense will finally put together a consistent, polished performance. Northwood's D is better this year, yes, but they haven't exactly been tested thus far. While I wouldn't classify Wayne's offense as "high-octane" necessarily, it's still going to be more talent-laden than what Tiffin and Quincy were bringing to the party. We'll know a lot more about just how good Northwood's defense is after Saturday.

In the end, I think this game comes down to tempo...and which team will does a better job of dictating it. Neither team is really built to come from behind, so if one club is forced to pass "en masse" it is actually a disadvantage to them. That said, I do give an edge to Wayne at receiver so if the Warriors are the ones that fall behind I'd like their chances of overcoming a deficit more than I would Northwood's. That's the edge I'll take. I'm going Wayne 27, Northwood 24...but I have a gut feeling (that I'm ignoring) that Northwood will make my pick look dumb. I guess we'll find out!


Tiffin (0-3, 1-3) at Malone (0-3, 0-3)

With all due respect to the parties involved with this one, we have our first "it's on the schedule...we have to" of the season. Actually, I'm really only basing that statement on the records of these two outfits. If you really look lose, Tiffin has actually been more proficient and competitive this year than they have in the last couple. QB James Capello has made some plays, and guys like D1-transfer WR Obadiah Dykes and RB Dominque White have helped the Tiffin O show some signs of life.

Despite having the GLIAC's leading tackler in DeMarco Donaldson, Malone's defense really hasn't slowed anyone down. Of course, Donaldson's had to make a lot of plays because he and his mates are constantly on the field...Malone is last in the GLIAC in total offense.

When looking at the match-up, we circle back to my opening sentence. Neither team scores much, runs the ball particularly well, or is able to stop opponents all that well. The one advantage that Tiffin has is that their passing game is far more proficient than Malone's, and I like that to overcome the fact that they'll be on the road. Malone puts up a fight, but Tiffin takes it. Tiffin 22, Malone 20.


Northern Michigan (0-3, 1-3) at #13 Hillsdale (3-0, 3-1)

Despite their opening loss against a tough opponent, there are few teams in this league that have been more solid or consistent through the first month than Hillsdale. The Chargers have sinced chewed up their three Southies, and have the good fortune of opening their North slate against that division's only under-performer. Northern Michigan has had its struggles with a young coaching staff, a redshirt-freshman quarterback, and a team that is pretty inexperienced in general. Add to that their strange inability to play with any consistency on the road and this could be a long season for the Wildcats.

Northern HAS to find a way to get a couple of quick, early scores. If Anthony Mifsud and the Charger offense are allowed grind clock and put together 10+ play scoring drives in the first half (especially from in front), this one will be over fast. Northern simply hasn't shown the firepower thus far to be able to come back from any real deficit, and certainly not the ones that they have seen in their three GLIAC tilts thus far. Making matters worse, the 'Cats have only posted 21 first-half points through three games. Given that, I'm not liking their chances to get those "quick-and-earlies" I mentioned previously.

Look, barring some sort of bizarre haze/funk, I just don't see Hillsdale allowing this to be close. Joe G has taken over the GLIAC rushing lead in conference play (and somehow it has been done rather quietly), so he's right on pace with the type of production we would all expect. Look for him and his first string offense to have their typical day at the office...well, OK, maybe it's a casual Friday where they go home early. Hillsdale 52, Northern 17.


#3 Grand Valley (3-0, 4-0) at #22 Michigan Tech (3-0, 3-0)

The most casual of glances at this affair would likely earn it "Game of the Week" status: Perennial league performers, both unbeaten, both ranked. Darn near anyone can see those features. What makes this game even more interesting for the rest of us clowns that like this stuff a bit too much are all of the underlying aspects: Road games are always tougher at Tech, even for the long-mighty Lakers who got beat the last time they were there. In addition, Grand Valley has their mysteriously underperforming defense, which has been overshadowed only by their potent offense. But now, with the lead in the North and a launching pad toward the season's second half on the line, the Lakers must make the trip without several key players as injuries have besot their starting line-up
over the past two weeks.

That last story makes the timing of this trip pretty lousy for GV. Few teams are as well-prepared weekly as the Huskies, and while Tech hasn't been totally "tested" thus far their performances to this point have been three solid ones in succession. They have yet to trail this season, and just when clubs think they might be able to work some adjustments after halftime they've been dropped-kicked by the Huskies 42-7 in the third quarter. Tech has been getting out in front of everyone so far, and then stepping on their throats even more in the second half. QB Tyler Scarlett is playing top-end ball in his second year at the helm and has helped the Husky offense use a committee-based ground game, despite their past penchant for having an all-league RB. Defensively, Tech has been better than expected given that they lost eight starters from last year, including two NFL-caliber ends. In fairness, the offenses the have faced thus far haven't been fantastic (the best was Findlay's), but the Huskies have more than done the job in slowing down their opponents.

So, while GV's offense will be without its starting QB and top-two RB's in this one, don't expect the Lakers to be shut down. Isiah Grimes threw for 300+ a week ago in his first start, and the Laker O-line is pretty healthy and has played extremely well so far. Plus, very few defenses in this league can contain Charles Johnson for 60 minutes and the Lakers have capable depth at RB that can get some things done. This is the best defense they have seen so far, but I don't expect GV to simply fall apart because of it.

Where I see a big advantage for the Huskies is with their offense. Tech is built to run the ball, control the clock, and be efficient on offense...and they do those things very well. Conversely, the Lakers have given up 600 yards+ twice already this year...something that hadn't happened once in more than ten years prior. While the secondary has actually played pretty well, GV's front seven has had struggles in pass pressure and in stopping the run. At least two starters from that front seven will be missing this weekend, so I have a hard time seeing those issues getting resolved here, especially against a very good Tech O-line. The Huskies RB committee should be able to be effective, and as long as Scarlett avoids any major mistakes, this should be Tech's game for the taking. Tech 34, Grand Valley 31.


Lake Erie (0-3, 0-4) at #19 Ashland (3-0, 4-0)

I wondered last week whether or not Lake Erie would be up to the challenge of a ranked opponent (Saginaw Valley) after blowing a big fourth quarter lead the week prior at Wayne. While The Storm tried to hang tough, the ultimate answer was "they weren't". The problem? A defense that simply can't stop the pass. The Storm is yielding upwards of 391 yards per game via the air, and it has led to them allowing 35 points or more in every game this year.

That's going to be a problem once again on Saturday, as they'll pay a visit to Ashland. Eagle QB Taylor Housewright has been on a tear of late, making easy work of AU's last couple of opponents...who really aren't good at stopping the pass either. Housewright has completed almost 74% of his passes for just shy of 700 yards and eight TD's over the last two weeks. While LEC hasn't given up major passing yards every week, when they have faced teams that have good QB's and some WR's who can make plays they have been porous...Ashland brings those traits to the table, so it looks like a long day for the Storm defense.

These are two teams that are heading in opposite directions at the moment. Lake Erie had hoped to at least be .500 thus far, but their offense just hasn't made enough plays to win and their defense hasn't been able to hold leads when they've had them. As for Ashland, they have really been the most impressive team in the GLIAC thus far. They have multiple quality wins, and have done a great job of playing mistake-free football. They have a couple of big dates coming up on their schedule, but so far they have appeared to be up for any test they'll face. Shouldn't be a problem here either. Ashland 39, Lake Erie 16.


Walsh (0-3, 1-3) at Ohio Dominican (1-2, 2-2)

Despite playing hot at the end of last year and finishing 7-4, there's no shame in being 2-2 for Ohio Dominican at the moment. Their two losses came against teams that have combined to lose only once thus far, and they darn near stole one at Grand Valley last week after entering the fourth quarter down by 20 points. The Panthers may not feel great about only being .500 at this point, but they have a solid defense and an offense that is improving with a first-year starter at QB.

While Walsh's 0-3 opening in the league was likely in-line with expectations, they have shown that they aren't a pushover. No one has really "blown them out", and their defense (much like ODU's) actually stacks up favorably in the GLIAC. The Cavalier defense rates in the top half of the league in every major category, which is even more impressive when you consider that they have generated only five takeaways in their first four games. Part of this equation might be that teams are getting ahead of them and slowing down the game's pace a bit, but I wouldn't call that pervasive. They held Northwood in check throughout their game, and did the same to Ferris last week. In fact, one could argue that they probably should have knocked-off the Bulldogs. If not for two fourth-quarter fumbles that netted FSU 14 points, the Cavaliers were controlling the game by slowing down the Ferris offense and controlling the clock. It might have been a loss, but that effort has to help Walsh's staff feel better that they can compete in this league.

This one may well end up being a defensive struggle. Whether it does or it doesn't, I like ODU. They're at home, and while their passing game isn't overwhelming it is at least serviceable. That same can't be said for Walsh, who is completing a league-low 38% of their passes this season. Without solid offensive balance or the ability to come back if they're trailing, I just don't see them doing enough to knock-off the Panthers. Ohio Dominican 24, Walsh 14.


Ferris State (2-1, 3-1) at #17 Saginaw Valley (2-1, 3-1)

Both of these clubs started 2-0, got bounced in Week Three, and responded with wins this past Saturday. We just talked about how Ferris's win last week was less than impressive, so they may have a few question marks in their minds as they visit Saginaw...especially considering the Cardinals responded to their loss with an aerial fireworks display that simply overwhelmed Lake Erie. I mentioned earlier that Lake Erie's pass defense is the worst in the league. Well, just above them in the pass defense rankings is Ferris, and after what Jennings and Janis did a week ago they have to be licking their chops at the prospect of a repeat performance.

If Ferris wants to avoid having their secondary torched as it has more than once this year, they are going to have to find a way to do something that no one else has done this season: Sack Jonathon Jennings. The SV signal-caller has essentially avoided pressure, and the Cardinal offensive-line is the only one in the GLIAC that can boast not having yielded a sack this year. Ferris has done a pretty good job of getting some heat on opposing QB's through four games, but they must find a way to take things up a notch and get Jennings running for his life, on the ground, or turning the ball over. If he's allowed any kind of time, he's going to keep finding Jeff Janis (already has 37 times in four games) and the Dawgs will be forced to play from behind. Not saying that they can't do this, but it's hardly their (or anyone's) preference.

Another key for Ferris to win Saturday is to run the ball. Findlay showed everyone the blueprint for how to beat Saginaw, and the Bulldogs have displayed a ground game that can get them started on the right path. I haven't received any word that Skyler Stoker isn't healthy, but he only posted eight yards on nine attempts last week. Stoker is as talented as perhaps any back in this league, so for him to have his production limited in such a fashion is something FSU simply can't have every week and hope to be successful. The Bulldogs must get him going and get good production from QB Jason VanderLaan on the ground as well so they can eat up clock and limit SV's possessions.

While I think Ferris makes this game competitive, their inability to stop the pass is going to be too much to overcome...especially considering how much the Cardinals love to throw it. Also, Ferris wants to run the ball on offense and SV is near the top end of the league in stopping the run. When all is said and done, I just don't see the Ferris offense being able to keep up with the Saginaw O for four quarters. Saginaw Valley 35, Ferris 27.