Where is the Talent?
I have been around the IBC for 9 years and over that time I have seen a dramatic decrease in the overall talent of the players.  There are no Jamie Lee's, Frank Carter's, Jeremy Benson's, Mike Gardner's (to name a few) in this league anymore.  I went to the AU-BU game and there wasn't one game breaker on either team.  How can the coaches at the IBC compete in recruiting with the CCIW, WIAC, and IIAC.  Those conferences provide in most cases, better facilities, better educations, real college environments, and a great competative balance.  I know this is the last year for the IBC.  The questions looms.  Will the new leagues be any better?  Or is this a lateral move for the IBC schools?

Kyle Pearson should have been 1st team all region.  Teams game plan to stop him and he still had 89 receptions and over 1000yds.  I know Luther's record was bad, but he was not.  I know "to the victor go the spoils," but KP has dominated for 3 years.  He was screwed last year being named 2nd team IIAC when he lead the league in receptions.  He had 20+ more catches than Dusty Kain.  Now he gets the shaft this year! 

Congrats KP on the Aztec Bowl nomination!

He was being sarcastic.  He was providing many cases in which the playoff format is successful

Fatal,
If we (AU) want to be considered a good team, we can't use the IBC as our measuring stick.  If you look at CUW this year, everyone talks about the wins over NC and Simpson.  Those wins against teams from top leagues carry more weight than running the table in the IBC.  I don't agree that the competition in the league has leveled out.  I think that many of the IBC are not as competative as they use to be.  You don't the All-American type players that you saw 2 to 8 years ago.  Back then everyone (even CUC had a rediculous kicker) had at least a few of those type players.  Recruiting has become tougher.  From an AU perspective, they have raised the admissions requirement but have done nothing to improve the facilities.  I know it is comming, but nothing yet.  So now they are trying to recruit the same kids as NC and Augie without anything visable to show that they are on the same level.  That is tough for the coaching staff to overcome.  BU has improved facilities, but the lack of a consistent coaching staff has hinderd the development of their program.  Mac, EC, and Greenville have it tough because they have poor facilities and a smaller recruiting base (not being close to a city).  CUC being a Missouri Synod Lutheran school makes it tough to recruit because of the religous expectations of the student-athletes.  CUW ans Lakeland have to recruit against the WAIC schools who are cheaper, bigger, and have a ton of tradition and name reccognition.

The FSU comparison was a little over the top.  Being an AU guy you have to understand where I an comming from.

Twisted is right on.  Us AU grads have extremely high expectations for the program we helped build.  To be a second place team in one of the worst leagues in the nation means absolutely nothing.  It doesn't equal a trip to the playoffs, it doesn't give you a national ranking.  All it gives you are if's and we could have's.  From what I saw from the Spartans, they are on the up-swing.  However, the goal for the program should be an undefeated season and an undisputed conference title.  Not a 5-4 with a second place finish.  Those are the expectations that the alumni have for this program.  Is it realistic?  Maybe not.  Is it realistic that Florida State wins the national title every year, no.  But, are those the expectations of the fans and alumni?  Yes.  Sorry, but those are the pressures that the current AU players and coaches have to try and live up to.  Good luck against Valpo.  A win this weekend would be a great way to end the year and start the off-season.

I have said several times that the Spartans are improving.  Are they a "good team" yet?  I still say, not yet.  Should they be proud of what they have done this year and Coach Duncan has done a solid job of coaching.  Finally, no one is talking s--t about the Spartans.  I am giving my opinion.  In my opinion they are a couple Bryon Megli, Kip Daniels type players away from being a good team.  Are they good enough to finish 5-2 in the IBC? Yes.  Does that give you nation recognition?  No, not in this league.  One thing Coach Scott taught me is to always speak your mind, even if it pisses some people off.  Wasn't trying to do that, but if it happens, it happens.

sorry about all the bold print.  I was a member of the AU team that won 3 straight IBC titles (21-0) in league play.  We were 1-8 in non-conference games, but we played the best of the best.  Every team we played was either 1st or 2nd in their league.  The CCIW, Pioneer, MIAC, and an NAIA school.  Tough comp.  We never lost by more than 10 (except Valpo).  Not like Rockford or Cornell.

lil sparty,
I speak the truth.  Just cause the Spartans have one 4 in a row doesn't change the fact that they are still a below average D3 team.  If you think differently than you have not been around D3 football very long.  To be in the middle of the pack in this league translates into not very good! .  And I say middle of the pack because at this point there is CUW and then everyone else (CUC and EC are bottom feeders).  Look at the combined record of the teams you have beat the last four games.  I'll save you the trouble (11-28).  It kills me to see the once mighty Spartans program where it is right now.  Are they getting better, the answer is yes!!  Are they good, the answer is no!!   

There are no ghetto's in IOWA, anywhere!!!!  There may be some run down neighborhood's, but definately no getto's. 

It is a shame that Zach Sweers won't get the awards that his stats deserve.  I know Luther has a poor record this year, but the kid is averaging over 300 yds total offense.  He is by far the best QB in the league and possibly the best offensive player.  I firmly beleive "to the victors go the spoils."  Its just to bad the Norse couldn't win a couple of the close ones. 
The norse are the only team in the league that plays to the level of their competition every week. 
I coached at Luther for the first four years of the Hefty era.  I also played for Hefty at Aurora University and I can say without a doubt the Norse will not be kept down.  I love IIAC football.  I don't care what anyone says, this is one of the top 3 conferences in the country (top to bottom), and I tell kids in Illinois that all the time.  Good luck to all IIAC teams (hopefully they get 2 reps in the playoffs

Where did all the CUC fans go?
Only one game in the IBC worth discussing.  The GV and CUW could be a good one if:  GV defense can play assignment football.  GV o-line can contain the CUW front four.  The CUW qb is forced to throw the ball.  If the CUW running game is clicking this one could be over by the half.
BU / Mac could finish with only one score on the board.
The other two games will be very one-sided.
CUW over GV 42-14
BU over Mac 7-3
AU over EC 35-3
LC over CUC 56-7   

Jaybird,
Sometimes people need to be give a little dose of reality.  All we heard all week is how improved the CUC team was and how they were so close to turning the corner with the program.  I have watch AU twice this year and they are a far cry from what I would consisder a good football team.  They have some young talented players, but they have some growing to do. 
CUC fans need to keep supporting there team.  However, they need to be more realistic with the current situation.  They are getting better and will continue to do so.  Just pull off one upset before you start predicting them (especially if you are a current player).  That's all I ask. 

7400west,
You really need to get out and watch other D3 teams besides the IBC teams.  Go watch a CCIW (North Park doesn't count), WIAC, or IIAC game and see the difference.
Rockford = no good (and they beat my Spartans this year)
Wis Lutheran = no good (lost to Rockford)
The UMAC could be worse than the IBC.
It is sad to say but the only team in the IBC that is even remotely good is CUW.  The new conference will make travel easier, but it is not an upgrade in quality teams.  
Just playing better when you are historically one of the worst teams in D3, still makes you garbage.

Pat, I know post like this hurt my karma.  But, I am tired of these guys posting with out doing their homework.

Actually Fatal, Twisted is usually pretty funny.  This time he has pushed it a little to far (common mistake for twisted).

Twisted, why try to dis Pat?  What he does for D3 is awsome. 

Just once I would like to see some insightful post's and a little realism from the fans.

Here is some realism:
CUW is the only quality team in the league and they won't win a playoff game.  CUC is a long, long, long way from being any good.  AU has fallen off the face of the earth. Mac has no discilpine.  BU will be ok in 2 years (and a new offensive scheme).  Eureka should drop football.  Ryan Mauri was the Lakeland team.  I have nothing to say about Greenville other than, everything south of I-80 sucks.   

Twisted,
Look what you have started.  I know Mr. Langston said it first, but you jumped all over it.  This is the only conference page where you will find absolutely ridiculous posts.  The season is winding down and all you yahoo's can talk about is things that are "gay."  And I'll be damned if that isn't "gay."  (had to throw one in there).

Went to the AU-BU game.  Both teams are BAD, young but BAD!!!!!  I have been away from the IBC for a few years and I am amazed at the decline in talent.  AU got a safety in the second quarter and I was convinced that the game would end 2-0.  AU is very lucky that BU backs don't like to hang on to the ball.  BU needs to install some 5 step drop passing plays into there O.  Play-action doesn't trick anyone on 3 and 25.  And all that pointless shifting, needs to be scrapped.  AU and there pistol O, key the tailback because the fullback doesn't get the ball.  On the plus side AU's young QB has some talent.  He just needs his WR and backs to catch the ball when it hits them in the hands