Almost a perfect week last week. Honest to God, once I realized that I had misread the schedule (yeah, bright guy over here) and realized Wayne was AT Ohio Dominican and not at home I logged in to change my pick. Nitzche's "the first reaction is usually the correct one" hit me, and I chickened-out on executing the alteration. Oh well. Thanks again to svsu for running the game for us this year. Far to kind of you!

Not like this week is super easy. Why start with simple picks now! That's what makes the league great, right?


Northwood vs Walsh

While neither of these teams has had much to shout about this year, The Woodies have at least shown some signs of life in most weeks. Walsh's average margin of defeat is just short of 28 points per game...Northwood has been decidedly more competitive, and has actually been pretty good on defense. While it's tough on the road in this league, I like the Woodies. Walsh simply doesn't score enough points for me to feel like they have a legit shot. In fact, if they score less than 16 points on Saturday, they will set a new GLIAC record for lowest points-per-game average in a season. Ouch.


Ashland vs Ohio Dominican

Wow...this one's interesting. ODU, definitely wants to say something in their last league game, and the Eagles need this one badly to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. The Panthers have quietly fashioned a pretty nice season for themselves, including knocking off a good Wayne club last week. Ashland's two losses both have come on the road, but they've also got a win at Ferris to their credit. This club CAN do well on the road...but will they here? While I think ODU has a bit of a "hot" streak going and has figured a lot out since earlier in the year, their offense is no where near as potent as Ashland's. Both D's are very solid, but if AU's offense performs anywhere near their capability I like their chances to dictate tempo to ODU...something they are not as comfortable with. Eagles in a close one.


Lake Erie vs Hillsdale

Lake Erie has had it rough enough this year, but now word has been getting out that roughly a third of the team quit this week. Regardless of what happened or didn't, I didn't like their chances of going to Hillsdale and getting a win. This is a Charger team that really has improved over the course of the year and can get themselves to .500 with a victory. I think they roll here.


GVSU vs Wayne State

A few weeks ago, I looked at this game and thought it could be a real barn-burner with a WHOLE LOT on the line. While GV hasn't looked particularly dominant the last few weeks, they have still held up their end of the deal and notched victories. Wayne hasn't fared so well, dropping a pair of roadies to two of the league's better clubs...as a result, they're basically out of the playoff picture entirely and are now simply trying to derail GV's dreams of an unbeaten regular season. While GV's seemingly disheveled play gives me pause (particularly on the road), I still have to favor them here. While Wayne has the physicality to play with anyone (including the Lakers), they need of their offense to stay on schedule hampers them in a four quarter battle like this. If the game stays tight, it can go either way. If GV manages to notch a multi-score lead, I don't see the Warriors possessing the offensive "punch" to overcome it.


Saginaw Valley State vs Ferris State

If SV isn't hungover from their Instant Classic with GV last week, I actually like them to make this game entertaining and competitive. And, if Matt McKoy can play I think the Cards have the back end on D to avoid the back-breaker type big plays Ferris loves to inflict on teams. That said, the Bulldogs are at home and pretty well seal themselves a playoff berth with a win. Too much at stake for them, and not enough for SV. Spoiler makes a run at it, but Ferris prevails.


Findlay vs Michigan Tech

One can talk themselves around in 38 circles on this one. Findlay has played the toughest schedule in the league, so their record belies how good they are. Tech has underperformed offensively for nearly the entire season. Tech is at home, but they only "remembered" how to close out and win ball games (seemingly) a couple of weeks ago. Wow...who takes this? Nothing would surprise me in this one, but I have a hunch that Tech has figured some things out. Plus, they haven't had to leave the UP since October 22nd. UF's talent is better top to bottom and I actually think they should win this game...but I just can't stay away from the Huskies at home.


Northern Michigan vs Tiffin

Antonio Pipken in his final game, at home, and against one of the league's softest defenses. Things look pretty good on that set-up alone. Add in the Troll Effect, and I'll be pretty surprised not to see the Dragons win this one big. TU in a romp.


It's been another great season! Love being a part of the GLIAC, that's for sure. New look for the league next year, but I think in the long run it could be a good thing. Can't wait to find out! Be sure and track this week's action at the GLIAC Week 11 GameDay HomePage.