Will things be any different in the GLIAC this season as three-time defending conference champion reloads for yet another run at the national title? The Grand Valley State Lakers have four national trophies this decade and missed the finals by just one game last year after taking two straight titles.

Mother Nature a Laker fan?

It seemed even Mother Nature herself had it planned that GV would breeze through the conference in 2007 when the closest match-up of the year vs. Ashland was cancelled during the game due to inclement weather. It is true that the Lakers always find a way to replace stars and continue to perform on the highest level nationally. This season will include an All-GLIAC regular season schedule as they return Harlon Hill Trophy finalist QB Brad Ichiek and All-American Dan Skuta (DL). However, a semi-final loss last year proved the Lakers were not invincible and there are at least a couple of conference teams to challenge them.

Other Contenders

Ashland will be one of the strongest to vie for the conference title. A playoff participant last season, they return several All-GLIAC honorees including quarterback Billy Cundiff and running back Dawon Harvey. They open up the year against Bloomsburg of the PSAC before the conference schedule, which includes taking on Saginaw Valley State and GVSU in consecutive weeks. The Eagles will also look to avenge their only conference loss last year when they host Hillsdale.

SVSU had some off-season adversity as their veteran coach was fired. The scandal prompted self-imposed scholarship reductions and forfeiting four conference games last year. However, the Cardinals have a praised coaching staff in place and will attempt to heal the wounds of last season with the return of several All-GLIAC selections including special teams standouts Jeremy Burr (PK) and Kurtis Fournier (P) along with John Jacobs (LB) and Mike LeVand (LB) on defense. SVSU will only have one game to get game-ready and become a cohesive unit before facing off with archrival Grand Valley.

The Huskies of Michigan Tech will be led by All-GLIAC Honorable Mention Keith White (WR) and returning starting QB Steve Short. Also helping to lead the offense will be senior running back Marvin Atkins. The defense will be the unit that has to be reloaded for MTU to have a fifth consecutive winning season and challenge for the GLIAC title. Northwood, a 2006 playoff participant, will also look to have another successful year and will be led by All-GLIAC selections Torris Childs (RB) and Leroy Goulbourne (LB). Powers-from-the past Ferris State and Hillsdale could also stir up the standings by playoff time.