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Juggernaut down. Stand by.
So how do I explain this roadblock?
49-21.
Kill the juggernaut completely? Hop off the train that was destined for a conference title? I guarantee we could rally up the train for an attractive price; only two games left on the sleight. You think we should carry the emotional bruising and keep on pushing for a playoff spot?
Oh, how unfaithful some have become – one loss to a rival and believers have taken “28” steps back.
The MIAA crown is up for grabs and all behold, week 10 has arrived.
Now, this juggernaut has stopped momentarily to work out the kinks. This ride has taken a different route but the destination remains clear. Think of it as a family road trip to Florida; no matter how long you wait, at some point the kids are going to want a “potty break.”
The Comets are taking a potty break.
Pardon me, Travis; didn’t you say that Olivet would finish the season undefeated?
I mean, yea.
Actually, to be clear -- quoting from your column of Oct. 12 – in response to beating Adrian, didn’t you say, “a perfect season it shall be.”
Well I mean, yea.
And?
And I was wrong. So sue me.
I think it’s important to remember what exactly the juggernaut wanted to accomplish before the season.
“The Olivet Comets will win the MIAA title in 2015.”
That quote was written seven weeks ago and as of today, the train stays the course.
Highest point differential, check.
Fewest points allowed, check.
Second in points… (Bona – 300-plus yards, five touchdowns vs. Olivet…)
So, what now? Jump on the Briton bandwagon?
Marshall, Michigan is jumping on it. Just look at every other house in the suburbs, hanging over porches, a yellow “A” in the middle of a florescent purple flag.
An offense that could resemble the 2012 Oregon Ducks and a defense – aside from last week’s fluke – where half the season they can’t keep opponents below 40.
On the other side of the spectrum, Olivet was held below 31 points and hadn’t given up 40-plus all year.
So, in simpler terms, Albion showcased their best performance of the year and the Comets displayed their worst.
But with that being said, jumping on the bandwagon for a team north of Springport will not be guaranteed.
Albion, Olivet and Trine currently stand at one loss in the MIAA. With two weeks remaining in the regular season, it’s still too early to predict who’s going to represent the conference.
Looking ahead:
Trine – Hope, @ Adrian
Albion – Alma, @ Aurora
Olivet - @ Wisconsin Lutheran, @ Alma
Trine has two league games remaining, while the Britons and Comets will play one matchup out-of-conference.
The old saying applies to each team listed, “You control your destiny.”
… kind of.
If all three schools win out or lose the following two weeks, resulting in a three-way tiebreaker, it’s in the hands of the MIAA to determine a champion. But if it comes down where two teams have the same league record, head-to-head matchup breaks the tie.
Keys to remember:
1. Keep feeding Damorria Lilly the rock – another 100-plus rushing performance (two in his last three games).
2. Jason Barbosa was held without a catch last week, actually… he was never targeted. Yes, you read that right: your career leader in receptions and receiving yards in school history was never looked at in week nine. Find him early and often in week 10 and 11.
3. You’re crazy if you think this defense is debunked after one game. The best run defense in the MIAA.
For those of you, who have decided to refund your ticket or hop on the Briton bandwagon, do as you please.
I’ll be exiting the train two weeks from now in Alma saying, “I told you so.”
Courtesy photo from Olivet Comets