Olivet has a chance to be a contender in the MIAA this season, but faces a couple of key matchups. Olivet athletics photo

Let’s get this thing going already!

All the hype has been great for the start of NCAA Division III football, but it’s time to kick off the regular season. And, if you’re like me, you can’t wait. Checking out the schedules, I’d like to pinpoint some interesting matchups this fall.

Most will have conference championship implications, but not all. Some are just good rivalry games and some could offer surprises along the way throughout the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association, North Coast Athletic Conference, Ohio Athletic Conference and Presidents’ Athletic Conference.

If you’re wondering who this is – or even if you’re not – I’ve taken over the Around the Great Lakes column this season. I live in the northern Pittsburgh suburbs and have been following D-III football since the turn of the century. I’ve been contributing to this site for three years and look forward to doing even more.

But, enough about me. Let’s check out some games to watch in the Great Lakes Region this season.

No. 19 St. John Fisher at No. 23 Thomas More on Sept. 5: It’s quite an opening to the Regis Scafe era for the Saints. Scafe, who spent 14 years at John Carroll (1998-2012), took over for Jim Hilvert, who posted a 67-19 record in eight years. In addition, Thomas More’s running game takes on a new look with the graduation of star tailback Domonique Hayden. C.T. Tarrant, who rushed for 745 yards last year, takes on the featured role. The Cardinals return 13 starters from last year’s 9-2 team, so this should be an entertaining matchup.

No. 8 John Carroll at St. Vincent on Sept. 5: A difficult test for St. Vincent, which could be one of the surprise teams in the PAC. John Carroll will feature a new quarterback with the graduation of All-American Mark Myers. The Blue Streaks will be tested on defense, too, with the departure of another All-American in linebacker Kevin Cope. Likewise, the Bearcats will debut a new quarterback. This game is the second for St. Vincent coach Ron Dolciato against his former program. He took over the Bearcats in 2014 after spending 24 years as a John Carroll assistant. Last year, the Blue Steaks rolled, 44-0. St. Vincent expects a better result this time around and hopes to take another step up the PAC ladder this year.

Adrian at No. 7 Wheaton (Ill.) on Sept. 12: This is a big nonconference test for Adrian, which has 10 starters back. It’s the Bulldogs’ second of three battles before beginning MIAA play. Adrian hopes to have its quarterback spot settled and running back Emmanuel Stewart on the go. Wheaton is the favorite to repeat as CCIW champ.

Heidelberg at No. 8 John Carroll on Sept. 19: The pressure is on Heidelberg as it opens OAC play on the road against the Blue Streaks. The Student Princes know this is a must-win game in order to stay alive for the postseason since an Oct. 17 matchup with Mount Union looms and two conference defeats spell disaster. Heidelberg’s defense needs to mesh quickly in order for the squad to have a chance. The Student Princes will need an inspired effort all around. John Carroll rolled to a 43-16 win a year ago, but can’t get caught looking ahead.

No. 17 Wittenberg at No. 10 Wabash on Sept. 26: An unusually early matchup between the two heated rivals, who are pegged atop the NCAC preseason poll. Wittenberg has won the last two meetings and last year’s was decided by a touchdown (21-16). The Little Giants hope to break that streak. Essentially the conference championship game, both teams will be figuring out things at this point in the campaign. Wabash’s experienced offensive line and running back Mason Zurek could be the difference.

No. 15 Washington & Jefferson at No. 23 Thomas More on Oct. 3: The Presidents and Saints shared the PAC title the past two years. Washington & Jefferson won the head-to-head matchup, 51-28, at home to secure the conference’s automatic playoff berth. The squad is aiming for its fourth straight PAC title and returns 19 starters. The Saints are motivated after not earning a playoff spot last year.

Adrian at Olivet on Oct. 3: Adrian has dropped games to Olivet late in the fourth quarter the past two seasons. A fumble deep in their own territory in the final minutes doomed the Bulldogs last year in a 28-21 setback. Two years ago, the Comets scored a touchdown with 12 seconds left to post a 21-17 triumph. This marks the MIAA opener for both squads and will figure heavily in the championship race. Adrian was picked first in the MIAA preseason poll, while Olivet was slated third.

Albion at Olivet on Oct. 31: This could be the MIAA championship game if both teams take care of business up to this point. Olivet has 22 starters back and all of them will have this game circled on their calendar since the Britons won, 30-28, on a 37-yard field goal with three seconds left to play last fall. Albion has 13 starters back, but not the man who booted the game-winning kick, Cody Lehman.

No. 10 Wabash at DePauw on Nov. 14: The teams close out the regular season in this meeting, but it will feel like a playoff game for both as they clash in the annual Monon Bell Classic. The two rivals have meet 121 times and the Little Giants own a 59-53-9 advantage. Wabash won last year’s game, 27-3, for the team’s sixth series victory in a row. The Tigers could play the role of spoiler with a victory. They return 19 starters from last season’s 7-3 squad.

No. 2 Mount Union at No. 8 John Carroll on Nov. 14: The two rivals close the regular season for the third year in a row. The past two winners (Mount Union) have claimed the OAC crown. In addition to dashing the Blue Streaks’ conference title hopes with a 31-24 triumph, the Purple Raiders ended their season with a 36-28 win in the third round of the D-III playoffs. Unlike the previous three meetings, this one is at John Carroll. It’s possible both teams could see each other once again in the postseason after this meeting.