FB: American Rivers Conference

[sportsknight]

Question:  can't Wartburg audio stream or video stream on something other than the local FM station? Or make its quick stats work?

Actually Wartburg was transferring their fiber-optic cable this weekend.  They basically shut the campus down electronically yesterday afternoon and are hoping to have everything back up and running by Tuesday.  That would also be the reason I can't listen to the Wartburg basketball webcast right now.

As for today's game, it was without question the most complete game the Knights have put together all year.  Yordi did a great job keeping the Pointers off balance with a lot of short routes before going up top for some big gains.  He also ran the ball pretty well, and Harvey showed up at a good time late in the 4th to help seal the deal.

The defense looked a little vulnerable against some run plays (especially ones similar to the plays that Dubuque ran successfully two weeks ago), but did a good job taking away some of UWSP's passing options, thus forcing the Pointers into some situations they clearly weren't comfortable with.  Special teams also had a good day.

What also impressed me a lot was the great showing by Wartburg's fans.  We had just as many supporters there as UWSP did, if not more.  Definitely took the "home field advantage" away and you could tell the Wartburg players were feeding off of that energy.  The Knights were hitting harder, and just looked like they had something to prove.  UWSP came across soft to me.

All in all, it turned out to be a pretty long day - left Cedar Falls about 4:45 this AM and just got back about 40 minutes ago - but a Wartburg win made it that much more tolerable.  Even though we had to drive through a little snow on the way there, it was great pulling into the tailgating area and seeing so many Wartburg supporters on hand.  I'm not sure what went over better:  my butterfly chop sandwiches or Walston's chili.

[sportsknight]

One more thing:  Next Saturday's game against Monmouth is also a very winable game for the Knights.  Wartburg beat the Scots in '06 and '07, and couple that with the facts that Wartburg already has the tape from Loras' game against Monmouth earlier this year and a former Knight is the defensive coordinator at Aurora, and the Knights should be very well prepared for next Saturday.  No classes during Thanksgiving week won't hurt either.

[davedevine]

I won't lie, I was a little worried about WB coming out flat today because of the bye week.   I'd be willing to bet that happens for a fair amount for teams.  It was big for them to go up 7-0 from a confidence stand point.

a few stats that jump out to me as keys to today's win:

+2 TO margin
WB had 1 penalty
defense held SP to 5-14 on 3rd down-35% is  pretty impressive for a playoff game

Lastly, Big props to the O-Line and freshman rb Harvey  for converting 3rd & 3 with 2:30 left in game- that sealed the deal so WB didn't have to punt again 

[davedevine]

I didn't realize that SP was 3-4 on 4th down so that negates how excited I was about them being 5-14 on 3rd down. 

[kohawkfan]

One more thing:  Next Saturday's game against Monmouth is also a very winable game for the Knights.  Wartburg beat the Scots in '06 and '07, and couple that with the facts that Wartburg already has the tape from Loras' game against Monmouth earlier this year and a former Knight is the defensive coordinator at Aurora, and the Knights should be very well prepared for next Saturday.  No classes during Thanksgiving week won't hurt either.

Anyone know for certain the location of next week's W'burg/Monmouth game?  Heard a rumor that if it's a home game for W'burg they are going to play in the UNI dome.   Any one know about this?  

[Newshound]

The game will be at Monmouth. Kickoff at noon. This is accoridng to several members of the Wartburg staff.
The UNI-Dome isn't available because UNI will probably need it for an FCS playoff game next Saturday.

[kohawkfan]

The game will be at Monmouth. Kickoff at noon. This is accoridng to several members of the Wartburg staff.
The UNI-Dome isn't available because UNI will probably need it for an FCS playoff game next Saturday.

Thanks for the info,  Newshound.

[Walston Hoover]

Just got back from SP--WOW- That could easily be the biggest win in school history. I don't think many outside the faithful orange and black gave the Knights much of a shot.
I was very dissapointed with SP. I expected a lot more out of the mighty WIAC champs.
THeir team was extremely flat from the beginning. Just felt like the KNights were in control literally from the start.
Had to be deflating to their players to run out of the locker room and feel like you're playing a road game.
HUGE following of the KNights fans today and no doubt held the Pointers hostage on their own field.

[Newshound]

Wartburg was very, very solid Saturday. You can tell the offensive line is starting to come around. Even though they couldn't run the ball a lick for 3 1/2 quarters, when they needed to to milk the clock on the final drive, they really stepped up.
Bauder had his best game as a Knight with 9 catches for 138 yards.
As many mentioned, defensively they gave up some yards in the running game, but you never got the sense that Stevens Point was ever comfortable with its offense.
Wartburg coaches did an excellent job in prep work for this game. With the amount of blitzing Stevens Point does, they really made them pay with the rocket screens. Defensively, they flustered Stevens Point's big offensive line with its stunts and movement. Eight false starts/illegal procedure penalties for Stevens Point in the game.

[Thunderbolt]

 Congrats to the Knights on their big victory. I'm glad you all made it back safely. Good weather and good match ups sounded like the difference in the game. Sounds like more of the same next week. If the weather is fit to throw the ball, the Knights should be fine. Much like today,  Monmouths strength on offense plays into the Knights strength. I'll chalk up the,"UWSP team looked soft," stuff in a 6 point win to getting a little caught up in the moment. Hope you have a chance for the same next week. And I'll set aside another 3 hours of my life to be a Knight fan again.

[Thunderbolt]

And Dubuque may have suffered a similiar fate, had they not been playing Galena or Rock Grove or who ever Waldorf.

Rock Grove? - you actually know where that wide spot in the road is?

Absolutely. Half way between Orangeville and Durand. Right LC?

[TheOne89.1]

What a game today!  I had a tough time directing the basketball game at work tonight with no voice left after cheering on the Knights.

It was true, looked as if Wartburg had more of a following there than UWSP (all out hunting?)  For the fans that were there they certainly seemed to be sitting on the hands and not making much noise.

All around Wartburg came up big when they needed to.  Really came out of the gates firing on all cylinders to score the first TD.  Slowed down a bit after a small injury timeout to the head ref.  Hope everything was OK with him...definitely looked like an ACL or broken leg bone of some sort.  Just wrong place at the wrong time.  Interesting they didn't get a backup referee to fill in.

UWSP did give the Knights some tense moments.  A few of the fans would refuse to let others mention the name "Monmouth" until Yordi was in victory formation.  Hopefully I can get away from work next Saturday for the trip to IL.  If not will there be a for sure yes or no on KWAR streaming online?  AEN anyword on that?  Are there any other radio stations on the Knights Radio Network?  I used to be able to pick it up in NE IA even the southern edge of SE MN, maybe KWAY still carries the games...do they webcast?

Time for another win, this was typically the round Wartburg made that long trip to Oregon.  Hopefully the Knights will get to see what it's like to play in December.

[warthog]

Great job, Wartburg! Way to represent the IIAC.

Warty, did you make it to the game? Will you go to Monmouth?

Coco:  Yes I was there.  I left home this morning at 3:00.  Drove to Waverly to pick up Little Warthog, then on to Stevens Point.  Got there about 45 minutes before kickoff.  We had just enough time for a brewsky in the parking lot with Walston Hoover, 89.1, sportsknight, etc.  I walked back in the house at 11:30.  The round trip was 20 1/2 hours and 895 miles.  Made for a long day, but the win was worth it.  I've been up for 23 straight hours, so I better get to bed.

Oh yes, I'll be in Monmouth.  It is just across the Mississippi and a few miles south.  Our house to the stadium takes about 45 minutes.

[coco]

Geez, what a long day, but a great win!
I remember that Illinois is just across the river, but I don't know the geography there, and didn't know far far Monmouth is. Heck, that's lots closer than a home Wartburg game for you.

[The Roop]

Just got back from SP--WOW- That could easily be the biggest win in school history. I don't think many outside the faithful orange and black gave the Knights much of a shot.
I was very dissapointed with SP. I expected a lot more out of the mighty WIAC champs.
THeir team was extremely flat from the beginning. Just felt like the KNights were in control literally from the start.
Had to be deflating to their players to run out of the locker room and feel like you're playing a road game.
HUGE following of the KNights fans today and no doubt held the Pointers hostage on their own field.

WIAC crowds tend to believe that the universe revolves around them, so they don't show up unless a national championship is on the line. Being a MWC fan I can't wish you any luck next week but at least your road trip(s) won't be as long. Nice win for Wartburg on the road.