Well, HenDawg...many thanks and kudos to you for stepping up. Hopefully we can all make it through the season with this. To be honest, svsu did a great job last year...except I don't think he ever posted the final standings. Did I miss that?

In any case, welcome back Friends! Glad we can all get together and take another ride together following the GLIAC. Should be fun. Am short on time and it's hard to know everything we would need heading into these, so the notes might be a bit light. Let's see what we have:

Findlay @ Tiffin

Honestly, this to me is the toughest game to pick. Yeah, I know that Tiffin lost Antonio Pipken, but the Dragons still have several key skill guys back (Charles Holland is no joke) and I think they'll be able to move the ball a bit better than people think. That said, I just don't know if their defense will be able to get enough stops against Rhys Gervais and Company. As much as I hate picking against league teams, history (the Oilers are 24-1 all time vs. the Dragons) simply isn't on our side.


Truman @ Michigan Tech

So, while there is little denying that there is a bit of a homer pick going on here (Tech did lose its QB, it's head coach, and several key contributors), I pretty much don't care. First, there just isn't any denying that playing at Tech is just tough. Second, Tech was probably a bit better last year than their record would indicate. Finally, while Truman went 8-3 I would respectfully submit that it just wasn't the same as posting a record like that in this league. Take umbrage if you must, but it's what it is. Playoff records, etc. bear it out. On top of that, I saw Truman in person last year and didn't see a club that could get near 8-3 playing GLIAC teams every week. Can they win this one? Of course they can...I just don't think they will. Give me the Huskies and an opening win for Coach Olsen and Company.


Ashland @ Indiana

This is the game of the week in the GLIAC for me. The QB play in this one should be terrific...Ashland's Travis Tarnowski is a proven winner and an elite field general, while IUP's Lenny Williams may possess as much or more overall talent as anyone in the country at the position. Williams did miss the latter portion of 2016, but I wouldn't expect rust to be a factor. For me, I actually like Ashland because they have a track record of playing well in big early season games, and their D often has a lot to do with that. And, while the Eagles have to replace a couple of REALLY good players on O, their departure may allow them to be a bit unpredictable in how they call things...their QB undoubtedly has the full playbook at his disposal, and I like the Eagles to be tricky to defend in the early part of the season as a result. This is certainly a trial-by-fire for IUP's new head coach, and while he's no stranger to the program or coaching this is a big ask for his first job at the helm. Eagles in a tight one.


GVSU @ Indianapolis

After dominating the GLVC in each of their first four seasons in the league, the 'Hounds had some tough sledding last year finishing 6-5. Losing your starting QB (among other key contributors) will cause anyone issues, and despite the adversity UIndy did still find a way to win their last four games to finish strong. QB Jake Purichia is back, and he has his top rusher and top receiver alongside as well. The Greyhounds almost always played GV tough when they were in the GLIAC, and I doubt we'll see anything different here. That said, the Lakers have nine starters back on O and that includes the guy who led the country in rushing last year in Marty Carter. This game should be pretty entertaining, but my hunch is that GV simply has too much firepower.


Concordia @ Davenport

Look, are NAIA opponents typically on par with their NCAA counterparts? No...not typically. Can some of those clubs do some things? Let's not be foolish enough to dismiss the premise. NAIA clubs offer schollies too, so it's not like they don't have anyone who can play. Concordia has two senior QB's and a 1,000 rusher back from a team that went 7-4 last year, and they'll get a DU squad with a new coach and entering only its second year of varsity play. All of that said, I think DU has some athletes that are going to surprise some folks, and I have mentioned before that sleeping on these guys is done at one's own peril. It won't be easy, but Coach McEwen gets things off on the right foot.


SVSU @ Alderson Broaddus

While I'll tip my cap to anyone that goes 9-2, I may also reserve the right to still give it a "m'eh". Don't get me wrong, I think the Battlers will be ready for a fight in this one. That said, Saggy should be tough to deal with this year. They've bumped up the win totals over the last couple of years, and they have a TON of guys (particularly on offense) that are now upperclassmen with multiple years of starting under their belts. Tommy Scott may be one of the better RB's they have had in a while, and the Cardinals seemed more physical to me last year as the season progressed.


Northwood @ Siena Heights

I have to admit, I'm kinda interested to see what The Woodies put together this year. It's been a while since they were title-hunt relevant in the GLIAC, but they were better and more competitive last year than their record may indicate. September offers no breaks, as four of their first five games are on the road and the only home date in that mix is against Ashland. That said, they should be able to handle a Saints club that mustered a 5-5 mark a year ago and only scored 20 points per game.


Wayne St @ Walsh

Pretty stoked for the Warriors getting to play in the newly renovated stadium at the Hall of Fame. That's boss! Don't be surprised if they aren't asked back, however. I fully expect Wayne to be less than gracious as the guests of their former league-mates. Look for a big rushing total from Wayne and a contest that isn't particularly interesting in the second half. Walsh nearly set a record last year for GLIAC scoring futility...that doesn't get cured overnight.


Have a great Labor Day everyone. Happy New Year to college football fans everywhere.

Be sure to keep track of all the league action at the GLIAC Football GameDay Homepage, and by following along on Twitter @GLIACFootball.