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.