FB: American Rivers Conference

[Willie University]

So based on week 1 what is everyone's revised thoughts on the conference race?

I say:
DBQ
Coe
Warty
Central
Simpson
BV
Luther
Loras

Your taking too much away from central for losing to a very good FB team. From the outside looking in, I thought they looked good in the 1st half. Didn't see the 2nd half.

But, I do agree with your ranking of my Spartans 

The wartburg games tells us nothing. Little surprised at such a narrow Coe victory with a mid MWC team  ???and looks like Atwater had a somewhat rough game at QB. BV hung with UWP for a half and I think they are improved. Luther and Loras seem about the same. Simpson looks like a contender again and I think central looks better then last year. I suppose if cornell keeps it close with Coe, they might want to get rid of those fancy cohack gloves.

[Phred]

Of the games I saw, via video and otherwise, at this point I vote for Dubuque to win the IIAC.  Stan was not kidding about his new QB........such a soft touch into receivers hands and a big O line. 

Central was sluggish, Storm could have done better in passing, etc, etc, etc.

Warts had a big win, but..........nobody.  Lora's & Luther have a long way to go.

Stan was right on the QB !  Not so much on the D 1 transfer.....thrown out of the game.

[doolittledog]

So based on week 1 what is everyone's revised thoughts on the conference race?

I say:
DBQ
Coe
Warty
Central
Simpson
BV
Luther
Loras

I see what you're doing there, not biting 

I don't think there are any favorites out there, just a bunch of contenders. 

I think Coe went from being considered THE favorite, to being among the contenders today.  I wouldn't look too much into Atwater if he indeed struggled.  He is a sophomore that just made his 1st collegiate start on the road.  The defense did what they had to do to preserve the victory.   

Central got blown out by Oshkosh last year and this year had a very real chance to get the win.  Even if you did see mistakes from the Dutch, this was week 1.  I only saw bits and pieces of the 1st half and then the last minute of the game, but I think the Dutch made a real statement today. 

Simpson...I know it was Iowa Wesleyan they were playing today...but that was also a statement that the Storm offense is still here and the defense is probably better than a bunch of us on here were hoping they would be. 

I couldn't watch Dubuque, but from listening to the game, their offense seems to still be strong...and the Spartan defense forced 5 turnovers.  I think you have to include Dubuque in the list of contenders.

Wartburg...same as last year.  Next week against Bethel should give us a better idea of what Wartburg will look like this year.  I suspect, like always, the Knights will be up near the top at the end of the season. 

BVU???  They hung in there for a half, and I think looked better than they did last season against Platteville.  Though, if the Beavers start out this season with a bunch of losses, can they turn it around with another winning streak like they did last season?  I don't know. 

Loras and Luther looked like we probably thought they would look like.  Not contenders this season...but hopefully they see some improvement. 

Last year Coe pretty much ran away with the conference.  I think this year it could be anyone of 5 teams between Central, Coe, Dubuque, Simpson, and Wartburg.  And BVU could maybe sneak in there, but at this point I think their tough non-con portion and rough start to the conference schedule will doom them. 

[doolittledog]

Of the games I saw, via video and otherwise, at this point I vote for Dubuque to win the IIAC.  Stan was not kidding about his new QB........such a soft touch into receivers hands and a big O line. 

Central was sluggish, Storm could have done better in passing, etc, etc, etc.

Warts had a big win, but..........nobody.  Lora's & Luther have a long way to go.

Stan was right on the QB !  Not so much on the D 1 transfer.....thrown out of the game.

Was there video of the Dubuque game???

[5 Words or Less]

I was in La Crosse tonight and was impressed with the show that UW-L puts on before the game.  Their marching band of 80 kids put out a good sound, the Public Address announcer was professional and the "sideshow" activities for the students (agility test, football catch, bubble screen and donor recognition) filled the dead spots and kept the large crowd of 3,500 entertained.  It was far superior to anything I've seen from the Iowa Conference.  I sat cheered with the UD faithful even though they thought I was a scout for Wartburg since I was wearing and orange shirt and was writing a lot of things down to help write this post. 

All of the pre-game pizzaz didn't seem faze the Spartans as they came out and methodically marched down the field on their first two drives and lead at halftime 21-3.  UD owned the first half but were flat at the beginning of the second half.  My impressions are as follows:

• Bradshaw is a terrific QB hitting his receivers in stride.  He's fairly slight (6'-2" 175) so his durability is of concern.
• The O-line is huge.  The smallest starter weighs 285 pounds.  UW-L listed their starting O-line with similar weights, but I think they were inflated by 30-50 pounds.  UD's weights looked legit.
• UD's running game worked well between the tackles but UW-L did a good job of containing the edge and prevented Acker and Sanders from turning the corner.
• Bradshaw's favorite WR target is 6'-4" Tyler Rutenbeck - he's fast and has great hands.  These two connected on critical long yardage downs using the sideline fly pattern and Rutenbeck's ability to outfight shorter corners for the ball
• The Spartan defense is smaller, but quick.  The D-line and LB's plugged the middle in the first half and the DB's had enough recovery speed to break up Eagle passing. 
• DL #98 Ryan Arnold moves well and has a motor.
• UW-L was able to gain yards with a hurry-up offense passing into the flat, which questions the defense's stamina
• UD's defense was especially impressive because they effectively played with only 10 men.  The highly touted transfer defensive back is more of a centerfielder than a safety, never coming within 20 yards of the line of scrimmage.  Then again, he never had to come up an stop the run because the DL and LB's were doing such a fine job.

The refs called a good game.  I agree with the spearing of a defenseless receiver call.  True, it's a subjective call, but Darren Myles walked away from the hit pointing to the top of his helmet, nodding while looking directly at Coach Detweiller on the UW-L sideline who was yelling at the refs to make the call.  STUPID.  That was about as dumb as Kyle Acker's taunting.  The kid is on a breakaway 40 yard touchdown run, but for some reason, slows down 3 yards away from the goal line, looks back and points at the feet of the nearest Eagle defender who was trailing 10 yards behind.  No wonder he got benched for most of the 3rd quarter - he's a friggin' senior.  DOUBLE STUPID. 

And that my friends could be the ultimate undoing of UD's season - no one will touch them in the IIAC if they play the way they did during the first half of the UW-L game, but if they get cocky or undisciplined, they'll be spanked.

Sincerely yours,
5 Words or More

[doolittledog]

Awesome write-up 5WOM.  Sorry we couldn't be there, but we will be at the UD/Luther game later this year and hope to see you then. 

I am surprised the UD announcers didn't call it like you saw it.  I've never heard them to be homers and usually call it like they see it. 

I have a feeling Coach Z will get it into his teams head to get away from the taunting and attitude they showed tonight.  They know they have a good team.  Better not to ruin what could be a great season with stupidity. 

Again, thanks for the write-up. 

[D3Dutchman]

Central with the choke. Oshkosh may be in for a rough season in the WIAC. It was not a good central team today that had many chances to put it away.

Yeah, watched it on line.  I'm a little surprised at your perspective to say that wasn't a good Central team?  We have absolutely nothing to compare it to, but they had a highly ranked opponent dead to rights.  A few things worked against the Dutch in the second half...

1.  Two missed field goals.
2.  Terrible PI call in the end zone that gave Oskosh 7.  Dutch defender had position the entire time.
3.  Ticky tack block in the back call on what would have been a pick six (or close to it) in the second half.
4.  Starting QB/RB out for most of the second half. 
5.  Tough tipped ball turned into a pick for Oskosh in the second half. 
6.  Decision to go for a chip shot field goal with under 3 minutes left when your D had been on its heels.  If you don't score, you still have them pinned deep and you likely get better field position and need a TD either way to extend the game.  Poor decision, but then, that's why they make the big bucks 

Lots of excuses, and the loss stings, but to say that was a bad Central team gives the wrong impression I think.  I saw some really nice things from a team that I believe (if they stay healthy) will be a serious contender for a conference championship, and depending on how good UW-O is or isn't, dare I say a playoff run.  The way I see it, Eiseler staying healthy would be very helpful.

I hope you're right but I saw a team that seemed to lack to mental strength to put a team away, and I guess I was just expecting more from a senior heavy team. WAY too many unforced errors. I liked where coach McMartins head was at when he chose to kick the FG: defensive stop and go for the win. Hindsight is always 20/20 though. I personally didn't think the PI call was that bad, but MHO.

Kudos to Oshkosh, they were supremely conditioned physically.

On an unrelated note: does anyone know the rule on horse collar tackles? Any rule allowing it between tackles or something like that?

No, a horse collar is illegal anywhere  on the field.  Either it was a terrible miss by the refs, or he got the back of the jersey rather than the horse collar. 

[NewKnightDad]

Boy a guy is excited about the first game of the season and he gets picked on.  Yes I figured the Knights would roll MacMurray, that didn't lessen the excitement of the day.

Not everything can be about Dubuque and Central and their other worldy ways. 

Time to roll Knights!!!!!!!

Well duh. Haha. I think there were a few 8-man teams last night that could suit up and take out macmurray today.

Of the competitive games today, which is everyone most looking forward to? Obviously I wanna see how much central improved vs Oshkosh, but more interesting will be DBQ and their transfers vs a mid level WIAC team

I agree on the DUH, not sure playing mcmurray is going to do much of anything for the Knights...

But, I really want to see how the Spartans VS Lacrosse, Dutch vs Osh Kosh, and Beavers VS Platteville games go!! Can't wait for kickoff!!

GO SPARTANS!!
Willie U

[notlongago]

Boy a guy is excited about the first game of the season and he gets picked on.  Yes I figured the Knights would roll MacMurray, that didn't lessen the excitement of the day.

Not everything can be about Dubuque and Central and their other worldy ways. 

Time to roll Knights!!!!!!!

Well duh. Haha. I think there were a few 8-man teams last night that could suit up and take out macmurray today.

Of the competitive games today, which is everyone most looking forward to? Obviously I wanna see how much central improved vs Oshkosh, but more interesting will be DBQ and their transfers vs a mid level WIAC team

I agree on the DUH, not sure playing mcmurray is going to do much of anything for the Knights...

But, I really want to see how the Spartans VS Lacrosse, Dutch vs Osh Kosh, and Beavers VS Platteville games go!! Can't wait for kickoff!!

GO SPARTANS!!
Willie U

Dont worry, next week it will be all about Warty and DBQ...ya know, when Warty actually has their first D3 level opponent 

[NewKnightDad]

College is probably different than high school but a horse collar should be called if the defender grabs the inside of the pads or shirt at the collar and brings the runner all of the way down and there is no other defender involved.  So basically it has to be a solo tackle and it can be anywhere on the field.

Central with the choke. Oshkosh may be in for a rough season in the WIAC. It was not a good central team today that had many chances to put it away.

Yeah, watched it on line.  I'm a little surprised at your perspective to say that wasn't a good Central team?  We have absolutely nothing to compare it to, but they had a highly ranked opponent dead to rights.  A few things worked against the Dutch in the second half...

1.  Two missed field goals.
2.  Terrible PI call in the end zone that gave Oskosh 7.  Dutch defender had position the entire time.
3.  Ticky tack block in the back call on what would have been a pick six (or close to it) in the second half.
4.  Starting QB/RB out for most of the second half. 
5.  Tough tipped ball turned into a pick for Oskosh in the second half. 
6.  Decision to go for a chip shot field goal with under 3 minutes left when your D had been on its heels.  If you don't score, you still have them pinned deep and you likely get better field position and need a TD either way to extend the game.  Poor decision, but then, that's why they make the big bucks 

Lots of excuses, and the loss stings, but to say that was a bad Central team gives the wrong impression I think.  I saw some really nice things from a team that I believe (if they stay healthy) will be a serious contender for a conference championship, and depending on how good UW-O is or isn't, dare I say a playoff run.  The way I see it, Eiseler staying healthy would be very helpful.

I hope you're right but I saw a team that seemed to lack to mental strength to put a team away, and I guess I was just expecting more from a senior heavy team. WAY too many unforced errors. I liked where coach McMartins head was at when he chose to kick the FG: defensive stop and go for the win. Hindsight is always 20/20 though. I personally didn't think the PI call was that bad, but MHO.

Kudos to Oshkosh, they were supremely conditioned physically.

On an unrelated note: does anyone know the rule on horse collar tackles? Any rule allowing it between tackles or something like that?

No, a horse collar is illegal anywhere  on the field.  Either it was a terrible miss by the refs, or he got the back of the jersey rather than the horse collar.

[DBQ1965]

As a public service, I suggest anyone coming to Cedar Rapids for the Coe-Cornell "rivalry" game lock their vehicles. 

http://www.mvlsun.com/article.php?viewID=12217

Is it a strange coincidence that the man stealing the pickup and driving under the influence has the same name of Cornell's QB?

[doolittledog]

As a public service, I suggest anyone coming to Cedar Rapids for the Coe-Cornell "rivalry" game lock their vehicles. 

http://www.mvlsun.com/article.php?viewID=12217

Is it a strange coincidence that the man stealing the pickup and driving under the influence has the same name of Cornell's QB?

And that he's from the same home town as the Cornell QB...and a student at Cornell??? 

I suppose a "my bad" won't suffice in this situation

[Fannosaurus Rex]

On my low def computer monitor, Central's jerseys looked the same as always.  Did the new Under Armors  look different to the eye witnesses?

As for the game, I thought Central played well.  They had a couple of lapses and dumb penalties that cost them, just like last year.  It was kind of sad because I couldn't get too excited when Central was going up 17 because I could just kind of sense that once Oshkosh got going, they were going to be much much better, and they were.

[notlongago]

On my low def computer monitor, Central's jerseys looked the same as always.  Did the new Under Armors  look different to the eye witnesses?

As for the game, I thought Central played well.  They had a couple of lapses and dumb penalties that cost them, just like last year.  It was kind of sad because I couldn't get too excited when Central was going up 17 because I could just kind of sense that once Oshkosh got going, they were going to be much much better, and they were.

Yes they are considerably different: white collars, new sleeve design, new number font, white accents, pants have a stripe now, different cuts, materials, etc. They are a good upgrade.

I get your line of thinking, but it doubly disappointing for me becuase the Dutch don't typically lose a game if they go in w/ a half time lead...and to blow a 3 score lead just screams mental weakness and getting out coached.

[Reaper94]

I didn't get a chance to watch the Central game (the old man was there though) but I was able to catch a good chunk of the 2nd half on the radio. From the sounds of it, UWO just had the size and experience to take the game over. My dad seemed to think they had TEs (based on their size) lined up on the outside and the secondary couldn't match up. That being said, despite it being a mark in the loss column, you have to paint this as a step forward for the team. Hanging with the #12 team in the country (one of those damn state schools, as my dad refers to them) is definitely something to build off of. I also may be the only CUI poster to not have commented on the uniforms but I have to say, I like the look. Maintains that same classic style but adds a little bit of modern flair. Very sharp.