2016 Around the Midwest columns
November 14, 2016
Uncharted territory
Rose-Hulman is in the playoffs for the first time in the program's 118-year history. The Fightin' Engineers also have to plan practices around final exams for the first time, a welcome obstacle. More on RHIT and the other Midwest playoff entrants.
November 8, 2016
Grinnell's super stopper
The Pioneers are searching for their first win of the season, but have the nation's leading tackler. Sophomore Ryan Slager's numbers are not just the product of a struggling defense, and the Pioneers have two more years to build around him. More in Around the Midwest.
November 2, 2016
The waiting game
Wheaton's loss to North Central cost the Thunder control of their playoff destiny. With at least two games to play, the Thunder know that they have business to take care of before they can sweat their case for an at-large bid. More in Around the Midwest.
October 26, 2016
No time to enjoy, no time to look ahead
Rose-Hulman finally defeated Franklin, a benchmark victory for the program. But, the Fightin' Engineers need to defeat Bluffton this week to even have a chance at the HCAC title. More in Around the Midwest.
October 18, 2016
Muskies reel in big win
Lakeland dug deep to notch a crucial road win over Benedictine. The offense keeps finding new playmakers, while the defense is finding its footing. More on the defending NACC champions in Around the Midwest.
October 11, 2016
Sears has Eagles flying high
Benedictine's first year head coach has the Eagles positioned to win the NACC and return to the playoffs for the second time in three years. First, Benedictine must get past Lakeland this Saturday. More on the record-setting 2016 Eagles in Around the Midwest.
October 3, 2016
Tired of being on the outside looking in
The past two years, North Central had an argument as the best team not to make the playoffs. Narrow losses to strong competition are still losses that kept the Cardinals from joining the postseason. They are hungry to return to the playoffs in 2016. More in Around the Midwest.
September 27, 2016
Barnes is Fighting Scots' Braveheart
Monmouth's suffocating defense is led by a senior who has worked hard to become one of the nation's top tacklers. Matt Barnes gets the job done for the 4-0 Fighting Scots. More in Around the Midwest.
September 20, 2016
Finally healthy and running wild
Lake Forest's Joey Valdivia struggled to stay on the field in his first three seasons. He's off to a breakneck pace in 2016, hoping to stay on the field to complete an impressive senior campaign. More in Around the Midwest.
September 13, 2016
Grizzlies bear down for HCAC play
Once again, Franklin is favored to win the HCAC. Once again, the Grizzlies challenged themselves with a grueling non-conference slate. Now it's time to see how those tests pay off. More in Around the Midwest.
September 5, 2016
Beloit running back: the next generation
Mason Dixon is chasing Beloit's rushing records, many of which are held by his father, Steve. The Buccaneers seniors has nine games left to rewrite the record book and earn bragging rights at home. More in Around the Midwest
August 29, 2016
10 games to watch in 2016
Every fan hopes to watch more than ten games this season. But, if you want to pay attention beyond just your favorite team, these are the marquee regular season matchups that columnist Clyde Hughes is excited about.