What an interesting "mess" we have in the MIAA after yesterday's action!
Everyone's comments as to the the "tie-breaker" (if that is necessary) are interesting and legit. Yet, from what I was told yesterday after our game from "the sources who will remain anonymous" is that if all 3 win i.e. Hope, Alma, Olivet, then Hope goes because of the better record of its non-conference opponents. If Alma loses, and both Olivet and Hope win, then Olivet goes since they beat Hope (Alma would have 2 league losses). I think the only way Alma can go is if both Hope and Olivet lose. Regardless, it will be interesting to see what happens.
sac:
In 1999, the MIAA did have the AQ (recall that Defiance was in the league that uyear also - it was their last year in the MIAA), but Alma went by virtue of winning the league tie-breaker, which I can't quite remember, but I belive was either by virtue of the better overall record or better scores/ performance against non-league teams. Alma got hammered by Wittenberg in the playoffs 42-19. The following year, Hope got in by a Pool C bid I believe in winning the conference but not having 7 teams to qualify for the AQ (before Tri-State and Wis-Luth).
Now as to Hope's game yesterday:
Indeed, very disappointing for us "Hope people"
. Hope had its chances to win - missing two scoring opportunities within the "red zone" early in the game and missing a field goal. Also, a dropped INT in the endzone at the end of the game on the play right before Olivet's final TD would have sealed it for Hope. However, that being said, great credit goes to the Olivet team and their coaching staff - neither gave up. Olivet is a good team, very quick and hard hitting. Hope's defense played hard, although did get tired in the third quarter when having had to be on the field for a long time when Hope's offense began to sputter. Once again, however, the Hope pass defense in secondary had a difficult time, although did have two great INT plays, both on long passes, one thwarted a TD, the other was run back a long way for a TD. However, the pass coverage breakdown on the last two Olivet scoring plays (i.e. the TD and the 2 point conversion) were devastating. Hope would have had a chance to try and get into field goal range, had they not fumbled and lost the ball on the ensuing kickoff with Olivet running out the last 35 seconds.
Again, a disappointing loss. Beautiful day for a game, however, and nice crowd. My congrats and compliments to Olivet players and staff. I'm
Hoping, course, Hope, Alma and Olivet all win next week as we would then get the AQ as I understand it (as discussed above).
One final aspect: I, too, would like to thank WLCAlum and his other WLC colleagues for their contribution here on our board during WLC's years as a football member of our MIAA. Class people all the way. As bulldogalum mentioned, I join in wishing you and WLC all best wishes in your new fb league and, yes, please don't be a stranger on our board. We may "drop in" on yours occasionally as well. Again, thanks. One more game against you next week and, please forgive me, but I hope
HOPE wins it!
Other commentsanyone about any of the games, in addition to what you others have posted?
