FB: American Rivers Conference

[MNbeev]

Coe should have a pretty good match up.  Word is that the Gustie #1 back tore his ACL in practice last week.  Gone for the season, and this kid was a stud to.  But hey I am always hoping for an IIAC win.

[Floyd in Iowa City]

Congrats to the Dutch, Knights, Storm and Spartans on their wins. My sympathies to the Beavers and Rams on their gut wrenching losses. No such problem in Decorah yesterday.
The Norse offense in the first half, was more anemic than even the most skeptical poster could have guessed. One first down and around thirty yards of offense. The special teams were not very special, missing two field goals, bouncing a long snap off the punters personal protecter, and giving up a long kick off return. The defense looked pretty good in the first half, but could get no help from the offense and special teams what so ever.
The offense and special teams played better in the second half, but the defense reverted to their old ways, of not being able to get off the field in 3rd down situations or making key red zone stops. Add it all up and you lose handilly to an average team.
At the end of the day, I think I'm more disappointed in the defense than the offense. They only gave up 260 yards of offense but, this was not the Ole offense of the past few years. It's was probably, in hind sight, fair to expect the O'line to struggle adjusting to a zone blocking scheme and a new offense.
There were some bright spots and things to build on, just not many come to mind at the moment. The Freshman QB has talent, and may turn into a very good one. Starting a Fresman QB is like going on a series of blind dates. You never know when you are going to get the good, the bad or the ugly. You just know that eventially you will get all the above.

Thunderbolt,

Any news why Barclay is handling the kicking duties?  Was he better in camp than the returning sophomore?  I never have heard much news about kickers over the years.  I hope Barclay has a nice year for the Norse Wrestlers!

I did not go to Saturday's game, but it sounded disappointing as the Ole Offense is way down (according to some around Northfield).  The photos of the game also don't look good, as I don't see the player numbers on the side of the helmets. 

The coaching staff can't always control what players decide not to return, but they sure can control how the helmets look!  To screw with the Norse Football uniforms is just dumb.  The uniforms were not the problem with the Hefty regime!

The Norse could use that Waldorf game now as it doesn't appear like they are ready to play Simpson in two weeks.

[doolittledog]

Congrats to the Dutch, Knights, Storm and Spartans on their wins. My sympathies to the Beavers and Rams on their gut wrenching losses. No such problem in Decorah yesterday.
The Norse offense in the first half, was more anemic than even the most skeptical poster could have guessed. One first down and around thirty yards of offense. The special teams were not very special, missing two field goals, bouncing a long snap off the punters personal protecter, and giving up a long kick off return. The defense looked pretty good in the first half, but could get no help from the offense and special teams what so ever.
The offense and special teams played better in the second half, but the defense reverted to their old ways, of not being able to get off the field in 3rd down situations or making key red zone stops. Add it all up and you lose handilly to an average team.
At the end of the day, I think I'm more disappointed in the defense than the offense. They only gave up 260 yards of offense but, this was not the Ole offense of the past few years. It's was probably, in hind sight, fair to expect the O'line to struggle adjusting to a zone blocking scheme and a new offense.
There were some bright spots and things to build on, just not many come to mind at the moment. The Freshman QB has talent, and may turn into a very good one. Starting a Fresman QB is like going on a series of blind dates. You never know when you are going to get the good, the bad or the ugly. You just know that eventially you will get all the above.

Thunderbolt,

Any news why Barclay is handling the kicking duties?  Was he better in camp than the returning sophomore?  I never have heard much news about kickers over the years.  I hope Barclay has a nice year for the Norse Wrestlers!

I did not go to Saturday's game, but it sounded disappointing as the Ole Offense is way down (according to some around Northfield).  The photos of the game also don't look good, as I don't see the player numbers on the side of the helmets. 

The coaching staff can't always control what players decide not to return, but they sure can control how the helmets look!  To screw with the Norse Football uniforms is just dumb.  The uniforms were not the problem with the Hefty regime!

The Norse could use that Waldorf game now as it doesn't appear like they are ready to play Simpson in two weeks.

I believe the Norse play Dubuque in 2 weeks. 

[Floyd in Iowa City]

Congrats to the Dutch, Knights, Storm and Spartans on their wins. My sympathies to the Beavers and Rams on their gut wrenching losses. No such problem in Decorah yesterday.
The Norse offense in the first half, was more anemic than even the most skeptical poster could have guessed. One first down and around thirty yards of offense. The special teams were not very special, missing two field goals, bouncing a long snap off the punters personal protecter, and giving up a long kick off return. The defense looked pretty good in the first half, but could get no help from the offense and special teams what so ever.
The offense and special teams played better in the second half, but the defense reverted to their old ways, of not being able to get off the field in 3rd down situations or making key red zone stops. Add it all up and you lose handilly to an average team.
At the end of the day, I think I'm more disappointed in the defense than the offense. They only gave up 260 yards of offense but, this was not the Ole offense of the past few years. It's was probably, in hind sight, fair to expect the O'line to struggle adjusting to a zone blocking scheme and a new offense.
There were some bright spots and things to build on, just not many come to mind at the moment. The Freshman QB has talent, and may turn into a very good one. Starting a Fresman QB is like going on a series of blind dates. You never know when you are going to get the good, the bad or the ugly. You just know that eventially you will get all the above.

Thunderbolt,

Any news why Barclay is handling the kicking duties?  Was he better in camp than the returning sophomore?  I never have heard much news about kickers over the years.  I hope Barclay has a nice year for the Norse Wrestlers!

I did not go to Saturday's game, but it sounded disappointing as the Ole Offense is way down (according to some around Northfield).  The photos of the game also don't look good, as I don't see the player numbers on the side of the helmets. 

The coaching staff can't always control what players decide not to return, but they sure can control how the helmets look!  To screw with the Norse Football uniforms is just dumb.  The uniforms were not the problem with the Hefty regime!

The Norse could use that Waldorf game now as it doesn't appear like they are ready to play Simpson in two weeks.

I believe the Norse play Dubuque in 2 weeks. 

You are correct sir!  Let me restate as Luther does not appear to be ready to play Dubuque in two weeks or Simpson in three weeks.  I am not sure that they are ready for Cornell, Waldorf, or even a Grinnell (Pioneers are not on the Norse schedule) as far as things look after one game.

It is easier to remember the schedule when you are optimistic.

The Ole Defense even in the good years has not reminded me of the Wartburg Defense.  If Luther can keep the QB healthy, the good news is that he may really improve.

[AO]

What am I going to see from Simpson this weekend in St. Paul?  This match-up seems pretty even on paper.  

[ShowMe]

ShowMe still has a little crow stuck in his throat.

The doctor said he should be alright soon.

It's nothing a little winning can't handle

He still believes strongly in his Rams

While he's down, he mixing a 55 gallon barrel of Kick A$$ for Cornell

[Thunderbolt]

           Floyd

I guess he come forward after the Soph. was injured in camp. He has one heck of a leg. Distance will not be his issue. I miss the numbers on the helmets also.
The bye week coming here probably does help the offense, as they need to figure some things out. I'm sure some of the play calling early had a lot to do with just getting the QB settled in, but didn't show much imagination. In the first half, it wouldn't have mattered who you handed the ball to, there just wasn't anything there. I'm glad they did start having some success late in the game and have a few things to build on.
The defense just looked a little slow to me. From what I've heard, it's not for lack of conditioning! For as bad as it was, and it was worse than the score or stats would indicate, a defensive stop here and an offensive conversion there and we're whistling a different tune. They will need to improve a bunch in two weeks to compete with the Spartans.

[Thunderbolt]

 Yes SportsKnight, I nearly left at half time to secure accomidations in Forest City.

[5 Words or Less]

Here's an interesting statistic

Penalties: Number-Yards
Grand View ... 2-7     
Simpson ... 8-94

[Purple Heys]

Anyways I think we have a couple really interesting match ups this week. 

Carleton vs. Cornell.  Both teams are bottom have teams in their own conferences.  Carleton did win a conference game last season and Cornell did not.  Having the game in Mt. Vernon should help the Rams.  I am really interested to see how the Rams come back after the loss.  I think this is a pivitol game in their season.  A loss here and even a conference win will be overshadowed. 


Whats everyone else thinking?

Cornell just needs to totally wipe out last weekend from their memories and start over.  They aren't as bad as their result indicates.  That said, I think they will need to play mistake-free to get some results.  Or have ShowMe give them pre-game and half-time pep talks!!!

If Cornell can avoid cramping up at the key positions that locked up in the 2nd half, that, along with the strategic application of butt paste (inside joke to Jr. and roommies), I think the Rams will sack up and show they are a different and better team.

I think that things that they would have like to have been able to do in the second half, weren't available to them because the featured players were physically unable to be on the field...hopefully that detail of hydration and electrolyte intake will be resolved.

Cornell is not deep enough to overcome even temporary personnel deficiencies...

It is a new week and hope springs eternal.   

[Airborne Dutch]

Not that I am complaining, but how does Central drop a spot in the D3 poll. Wabash jumped two spots and didn't even play. How does that work?

[Purple Heys]

I went on record before and will repeat for emphasis:

Look out for Dubuque...

They play loose, they play fast, and they already look to be on the same sheet of music.

Rockford won't scare anyone, no doubt...and the kicking game is a chink in the Spartan armor.

QB Hansen already has a good feel although he sometimes holds the ball too long.  He has his pick of receivers and he displayed good touch...better than Jermar.  The RB runs hard.

On defense they played with energy and took it up a notch when they sensed hesitation on Rockies.

Redlands is on their first game...Dubuque has one under their belt.  Advantage DBQ

Redlands is at home and it will be hot and dry even though it will be 9:00PM for the DBQ players.  Advantage Bulldogs.

Maynard is a defense guy, Brautigam is an offense guy.  Both know how to use their resources.  This is a toss-up.

Redlands wins IF:  They can contain the DBQ speed and control the football.  They consistent run the football and wear on the DBQ front four.  If they can put pressure on Hansen and force the DBQ offense into pass situations, Redlands can blitz and make Hansen cough up the ball or make a bad decision.  Redlands must take advantage of UD's poor kickoff depth.  Also the short grass turf with the sloping sidelines might cause Spartan slips and perception errors on out routes.

DBQ wins IF:  They can dictate the pace of the game.  A fast pace does not suit the Bulldogs...Ted Runner Stadium is a fast putting green grass track, favoring the Spartans...as long as they don't slip.  If they can control the Bulldogs running game and pin their ears back and pressure the QB, Walton may take one to the House.  If Hansen stays composed, because he will be seeing more pressure this week, the DBQ receivers can get open.  Redlands will try to punish the runners, so DBQ has to keep them off-balance

[Purple Heys]

Not that I am complaining, but how does Central drop a spot in the D3 poll. Wabash jumped two spots and didn't even play. How does that work?

A very unconvincing 41-0 win   

[doolittledog]

Not that I am complaining, but how does Central drop a spot in the D3 poll. Wabash jumped two spots and didn't even play. How does that work?

I wonder if it has anything to do with the IIAC losing some respect for going 4-5 in non-con games last weekend???

Or it could be east coast bias  

[Airborne Dutch]

I guess so. Not that Lakeland was a powerhouse, but its gotta be better than an open date. Of course, barring a shakeup in the top 10 and we move up without even playing, my whole line of thinking becomes null and void.