BTF

They shouldn't have any problems finding a quality opponent in weeks 1 & 2. Snider, Homestead, Carroll, and Dwenger would gladly accept that challenge.

Absolutely. This is an epic move for the SAC. When it was announced that that new format was being discussed, lots of discussion ensued regarding the possibilities. There's no doubt that the state of Indiana is loaded with marquee programs outside of the SAC to match themselves against. And I get the idea that in-state games gives you a better evaluation of how you stack up against your playoff counterparts. That was the goal. Goal realized. Schedule the games. But the fans do appreciate the border wars..............for what it's worth. Looking forward to seeing who is matching up with who. Keep the updates rolling in!

Maybe I'm not the average fan. I'd jump at the chance to see some Ohio and Michigan football in person. That being said, there are plenty of good quality opponents in Indiana that our SAC schools to schedule games against. And I maintain that Fort Wayne vs Toledo could produce some rivalries 🙂

Maybe Coach Garrett protested being in the small school division, as would 99.99% of Dwenger alumni and fans.

Thanks HHF.

Is there talk of Moore retiring soon?

Hard to argue any of that. But the talent level at ND is up there as well. Not Ohio State good, but pretty darn good nonetheless. Better than anyone not named Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia, and Clemson. If Tyler Buchner has the kind of year everyone thinks he's capable of, Notre Dame will be in the playoff...............as long as Freeman isn't in over his head. I know Freeman has a lot of responsibilities as a head coach, but he may want to take a high proactive role with the defense.

What am I missing here? They had three QB's who could have led them to an 11 win season in 2021. Agree. Freeman not calling the defense was a mistake.

No. All the respect in the world for the Duneland, but I think the SAC holds onto the third position. The SAC will hold it's own. Westfield didn't exactly embarrass Carroll this year. I can't think of the last time Snider didn't at least put up a fight against Indianapolis.

Expose the SAC how?

Exactly like Warren Central. Or any other school from the MIC or HCC.

Agree, still a good opponent though. Hopefully Snider can land a 6a juggernaut for their other opponent. It's good to see that size and speed from the Indy area.

If Oregon can beat OSU on their home turf, I don't see why ND can't. I think OSU will be a little more jacked up for ND than they were for the Ducks though. I'm still not sure how good of a coach Ryan Day is, he has a TON of talent to work with. Anyways, the game in Columbus is winnable in my opinion. I don't think that environment will affect Buchner or Pyne.

Good for Michigan! Hope you're right. Forget it, I just saw that Michigan took Mike Elston.

I'd go see any of those games. Much respect for the Ben Davis program.

All are matchups worth seeing. Not sure I'd drive down to Warren, but I'd probably stay home and see one of the other games. I think other fans would do the same. I think we'll see an increase in overall attendance. Without scrolling back, I don't think that's what they said. I thought they said that they were happy with things the way they were.

Time will tell. The northeast edge of Fort Wayne and southwest edge of Toledo are separated by an hour. I think rivalries between the two cities could become fierce. Plenty of interesting matchups with other Indiana schools loom as well.

Not sure NE8 would do the bigger SAC schools any good. I do like the idea of meeting in the middle and playing some teams of the south.

Good point. I don't know the answer to that question though.

Not bad. I like it. All would be very good matchups. I do think the "big dogs" need to reserve at least one of their games for an Indy foe. For the other foe, definitely someone in that Lafayette, Warsaw/Valpo, South Bend, or Region area. I kind of chucked at the "next two big dogs." I would compromise at "other," but "next" is unacceptable 🙂 Valid. Is was really just a two year home/home. The visitor won both games. The other happened by chance, the state championship.

Warren and Snider had a nice little series there for a few years. 2004 Warren 35, Snider 23 1991 Snider 23, Warren 7 1990 Warren 21, Snider 10

Maybe not a long shot at all. I thought splitting the division into two was a pipe dream, yet we are one year away from reality. I like Carroll as the host. They have better visitor accommodations. And lets be honest, although an older stadium, Spuller would make a great host as well. Spuller gives you more of a college gameday type experience, ample seating on both sides, a great parking lot for tailgating, and 30 seconds off I69. Several hotels, shopping, and restaurants within minutes. Carroll is more of a rural setting.

I like the Luers/Marian matchup. But not so much on Dwenger/St. Joe. They don't seem to be the same program they once were when the Downey's were leading the way. I think Dwenger sets their sites a little higher.

Agree. And I maintain that attendance numbers could go up under this new format. It's like you stated in your article. Playing the same schedule year in and year out gets kind of stale. Actually, VERY stale. And the Sagarin Ratings won't be so jacked up :).

I'm just speculating here. But I'm guessing the third crossover game was stipulated by the coach who wasn't on board from the beginning. Could that have been Luers? Again, just speculating.