Michigan Dodgeball Cup Prediction

By Daniel Fernald

The Michigan region has historically been the cream of the crop in the NCDA with the Michigan Dodgeball Cup (MDC) winner often going on to become National Champions. Even with no team in the league this year cementing themselves as favorites, we will definitely seem some top contenders in this year’s edition of the MDC.

As for my prediction, it is hard to see some of the smaller programs, SVSU, CMU, and WMU, making that leap to contend with GVSU and MSU. However, we could still see some interesting matches towards the bottom of the Michigan Region standings. SVSU, CMU, and WMU will all be making their first appearances in 2025 with their last match ups coming in November. SVSU cemented themselves as the third place team in Michigan. Multi-time All-American, Cole Machiela, continues to lead SVSU into the middle tier of the league. The Cardinals have struggled this season to compete with the upper echelon teams and that trend will likely continue at this year’s MDC. At the bottom WMU and CMU will battle it out. Western Michigan captain Matt Barnett stated, “I expect us to keep every game we’re in competitive” but also alluded to using MDC as an opportunity for growth. WMU has consistently been handled by the upper teams in the region this year. MDC presents a huge opportunity for the Broncos to flip the script with strong performances against SVSU, MSU, and GVSU while maintaining their edge over CMU. For CMU, the goal should be to keep worrying about building experience and not get too focused on knocking off a top team. The Chippewas could position themselves in a great spot for Nationals with some improved results this weekend.

What is more than likely to be the MDC Championship, long-time rivals, MSU and GVSU, have one goal in mind on Saturday. As stated by MSU captain Alec Deen, “It’s as simple as keeping the cup in East Lansing”. MSU will look to move past their last couple performances vs GVSU and defend their home turf to keep the cup. The Spartans have a great blend of experienced, All-American talent and upstart rookies. If they are to defend their title and build momentum for Nationals, Luke Foco and Andrew Girling will need to step up big time with clutch plays to knock off the Lakers. For GVSU, Aidan Jacobs has done a great job filling big shoes from last years squad and cemented himself as a leading National Player of the Year candidate. The Lakers have definitely had the upper hand over MSU of late, but MDC will be an entirely different atmosphere being in East Lansing. Bringing the MDC trophy back to Allendale will be huge first step in GVSU’s path to retaking the NCDA crown.

My Predicted MDC Standings:

1. MSU
2. GVSU
3. SVSU
4. WMU
5. CMU