So which new GLIAC school have the most success in their first year? Lake Erie or Ohio Dominican.

I expect ODU will have better overall success than LE simply because ODU has an established football program and tradition, while LE is really still in their infancy (this is just their 4th season on football, only the 3rd playing 'varsity programs.)

ODU plays at LE this year, and ODU won at home 52-49 last year. With that close a score, the game may very well go to LE at home this year.

Looking at the schedule, both schools play Findlay, Ashland, Tiffin, Michigan Tech, Hillsdale, Wayne State and Ferris State; Lake Erie also adds Saginaw Valley and Grand Valley (arguably the top 2 teams in the conference), while ODU gets Northwood and U Indy.

It appears ODU has the significantly 'easier' schedule by avoiding SVSU and GVSU, and they are not playing a week one game, while LE takes on Gannon. LE faces a 'buzz saw' with Michigan Tech in week 2, then trips to Saginaw and Hillsdale, and then in week 7 they take a trip to Allendale to face the Lakers. The Lake Erie website professes confidence in the team to "be competitive" against the best in the GLIAC - they will have the chance to prove it.

As far as overall record, I'd peg LE with the potential for wins over Gannon, Ferris, Tiffin and ODU - most likely 2-9 for the year.

ODU could win over Northwood, Ferris, Tiffin, LE and U Indy - my guess is 3-7 overall.

Good luck to both clubs as they enter the GLIAC!

Tigercoach - I agree with your post on most cases. This will be a learning experience for both programs and I too agree that ODU is probably a head of the curve. I like ODU's staff and the transfers they have been able to get in the off season.

Lake Erie has the potential to be dangerous team with their quarterback and receivers. Dangerous...dangerous team.

I will write more about the D2 teams in the near future.

I agree that LE is a dangerous team ...

I've followed their progress and they are building a strong tradition, bringing in athletes (maybe not the biggest, strongest players - but guys that can make plays and want to win) and upgrading their facilities. The seem to have great support from the administration and the community.

If anyone on the schedule 'takes them lightly' they are setting themselves up for possible disaster. This team can put up points, and my sense is that if they "are in the game" they will give a good fight until the final gun and maybe get an upset or two.

I'm looking forward to reading more about both these programs here on OCF and seeing how they fare this season.