Game #1: Wayne St. (Mi.) at Saginaw Valley State (October 11, 2012): Another nationally televised game that makes the list as the national runner up takes on an up and coming team in the GLIAC. The Wayne State offense was the focal point of last year’s Cinderella team, but this year the focus will be on the defense. Wayne State is lead by defensive lineman Greg Hasse and LB Ed Viverette. For Saginaw Valley State, it is the complete opposite. SVSU is lead by all purpose QB Jonathon Jennings. The QB had a 65.8% completion percentage, 2924 yards, 29 touchdowns, and add on 416 yards rushing with 7 rushing touchdowns.
Jennings will be the leader of an SVSU team looking to emulate Wayne State’s run of last season.
Game #2: Grand Valley State at Hillsdale (October 27, 2012): Another crucial matchup in the GLIAC featuring two teams ranked in the top 25. It’s homecoming for Hillsdale so the environment will be rowdy. If you have been a fan of DII football then the name Joe Glendening means something special. Glendening is coming off a 1604 rushing yards, 31 touchdown season. The all-purpose back will look to lead his team to another successful season. Grand Valley State has a tremendous player themselves in WR Charles Johnson. A sleeper to be drafted next year is a big play Wide Receiver who accounted for 1030 yards and 15 touchdowns. This game has two superstars in it, so it’s definitely a must watch.
Game #3: Ashland at Ohio Dominican (October 6, 2012): Two middle of the pack teams in the South Division face off in this game. Last season, these two teams finished back to back in the South Division with Ohio Dominican finishing higher. This year the edge goes to Ashland because of their defense. The Eagles are lead by DL Jamie Meder and LB Cody Bloom. These two players combined for 162 tackles and 24 tackles for loss. This game might not have the appeal of a championship on the line, but it is sure to have some impact on the GLIAC standings.
Game #4: Ferris State at Saginaw Valley Sate (September 29, 2012), Ferris State at Grand Valley State (October 6, 2012), and Hillsdale at Ferris State (October 13, 2012): This three game strtch is vitally important to the GLIAC standings. Ferris State might not have what it takes to make a title run in the conference, but it has a talented defense lead by LB Tayo Moss, DL Jordan Morgan, and DB Antwian Windmon. If Ferris State can steal one or two games from these GLIAC favorites then it could cause havoc in the conference.
2012 Predictions:
GLIAC Champion: Grand Valley State
Sleeper: Saginaw Valley State
-Justin Pacovsky
