FB: American Rivers Conference

[Klompen]

I forgot, anybody with me on trashing DLD's lucky lawn mower before next year?   

[notlongago]

I forgot, anybody with me on trashing DLD's lucky lawn mower before next year?   

I don't think it's mower, I think it's the act of mowing, so I doubt it will help much.

[doolittledog]

to DLD and Willy, on the Central QB fumble in the second half that Dutch Radio repeatedly commented on being the only play of the game not shown on replay, was he down beforebthe ball came out?  Either way we didn't make the plays we could have to win the game, but since I wasn't there, I'm curious about your non-blue shaded opinion.

We had a good view and it was a fumble.  We were worried, thinking that if none of the refs could see the ball come out that they might rule the QB down.  I am glad the refs got the call correct, because it was a fumble. 

I am considering watching the replay tonight because I would like to count the number of drops...by both teams...where the receiver had the ball in their hands and dropped the ball.  I don't know if the wind was causing problems but I felt bad for each teams QB's out there.  That said, receivers from both teams also made some fantastic receptions. 

I'll have to look at the drive chart, but I believe Central had 3 trips into the red zone and came away with 3 TD's.  Dubuque had 5 trips into the red zone and came away with 1 TD, 3 FG's, and 1 missed FG.  And on a 6th drive turned the ball over on downs at about the 22 of Central.  Central certainly had some what ifs to talk about later, but UD has some what ifs from today as well. 

[notlongago]

to DLD and Willy, on the Central QB fumble in the second half that Dutch Radio repeatedly commented on being the only play of the game not shown on replay, was he down beforebthe ball came out?  Either way we didn't make the plays we could have to win the game, but since I wasn't there, I'm curious about your non-blue shaded opinion.

We had a good view and it was a fumble.  We were worried, thinking that if none of the refs could see the ball come out that they might rule the QB down.  I am glad the refs got the call correct, because it was a fumble. 

I am considering watching the replay tonight because I would like to count the number of drops...by both teams...where the receiver had the ball in their hands and dropped the ball.  I don't know if the wind was causing problems but I felt bad for each teams QB's out there.  That said, receivers from both teams also made some fantastic receptions. 

I'll have to look at the drive chart, but I believe Central had 3 trips into the red zone and came away with 3 TD's.  Dubuque had 6 trips into the red zone and came away with 2 TD's, 3 FG's, 1 missed FG and on a 7th drive turned the ball over on downs at about the 22 of Central.  Central certainly had some what ifs to talk about later, but UD has some what ifs from today as well.

Every team in any competitive game has a number of what-ifs. In the end it ends the way it should. Today it appeared central had more talent, were less disciplined, were less focused, out coached, and generally outplayed...A recipe that usually spells blowouts against decent teams. The Dutch are lucky the score was respectable.

[doolittledog]

Dubuque fans are still in a good mood after this afternoons game.  So Willie is driving me, DBQ1965, spurrier...and Duhawkin over to East Dubuque to take in the festivities one takes in over there 



Ok, not really.  I'm at home watching the replay.  But maybe next weekend

[putmeincoach]

to DLD and Willy, on the Central QB fumble in the second half that Dutch Radio repeatedly commented on being the only play of the game not shown on replay, was he down beforebthe ball came out?  Either way we didn't make the plays we could have to win the game, but since I wasn't there, I'm curious about your non-blue shaded opinion.

We had a good view and it was a fumble.  We were worried, thinking that if none of the refs could see the ball come out that they might rule the QB down.  I am glad the refs got the call correct, because it was a fumble. 

I am considering watching the replay tonight because I would like to count the number of drops...by both teams...where the receiver had the ball in their hands and dropped the ball.  I don't know if the wind was causing problems but I felt bad for each teams QB's out there.  That said, receivers from both teams also made some fantastic receptions. 

I'll have to look at the drive chart, but I believe Central had 3 trips into the red zone and came away with 3 TD's.  Dubuque had 6 trips into the red zone and came away with 2 TD's, 3 FG's, 1 missed FG and on a 7th drive turned the ball over on downs at about the 22 of Central.  Central certainly had some what ifs to talk about later, but UD has some what ifs from today as well.

disagree - watched the game online - they show the replay - ground caused the fumble - watch and see what you think

[doolittledog]

disagree - watched the game online - they show the replay - ground caused the fumble - watch and see what you think

I'm in the 1st quarter now.  From what I remember, the QB got flipped upside down.  I looked like the ball was starting to run down his arm and took a bounce when hitting the ground.  I'll let you know in another hour and a half or so.

Nice job on the Central website.  On the page where they have the Central/Dubuque write up they have a picture of Central playing Loras 

[Willie University]

UD Coaches show with Head Coach Zweifel and Coach Durnin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngtim0MuNUs&feature=youtu.be

Very complimentary of the central program. Big game this weekend! Rain or shine, can't wait for kickoff!

BTW, where has Warthog been all season  He's one wartburg supporter I actually enjoyed 

Willie U

Thanks for posting Stan,s interview.  Hope others might do the same for their schools.

I think the UD vs Central game will come down to DISCIPLINE.  UD is explosive.......but can they avoid becoming implosive ?

The answer is yes, it's was central's lack of discipline that hurt them.

[notlongago]

disagree - watched the game online - they show the replay - ground caused the fumble - watch and see what you think

I'm in the 1st quarter now.  From what I remember, the QB got flipped upside down.  I looked like the ball was starting to run down his arm and took a bounce when hitting the ground.  I'll let you know in another hour and a half or so.

Nice job on the Central website.  On the page where they have the Central/Dubuque write up they have a picture of Central playing Loras 

Everyone I talk to says it was a ground fumble, but I haven't seen a replay yet, but ill take your word on it since you seem to be one of the more level headed posters on here and the people i talked to are central homers. However, it's irrelevant either way, there were 100+ other plays they had an opportunity to get it done and didn't.

But the photo on the central website is last week against Albion, I don't think central typically sends a photographer to away games.

[Willie University]

Dutch need to get their act together during halftime and come back and play a strong second half after giving up 10 pts late in the first half.  Fortunately, penalties and turnovers have only put us down by 6 at the half.  Central coaches will address the problems and hopefully we will get some breaks the second half.  I suppose I could try to say that Central should be ahead because UD just got lucky with a lame pick 6, but the truth is that UD got a pick 6 because Central made a bad play and UD took advantage.

This post should have made the MTV show ridiculousness. My take on the game from sitting on the 50 yard line is this: Central has the 2nd best defense in the IIAC. They held the best offense to 3 out 4 field goals and made a lot of great plays. The difference today was exactly what I said in my pick ems would be .... turnovers and ball control. No longer can UD be thought of as a team that can score but can't stop anyone. They virtually stopped a great central rushing attack dead in its tracks and got great pressure on the QB all day. One of the major differences was in the trenches. The Spartans won the war where it mattered most on both offense and defense. True, central fans should be disappointed by their teams lack of discipline that led to penalties and I am sure coach mcmartin will address that. Very uncharacteristic for central teams I have watched over the past 2 decades. I honestly don't think central will lose another game all season and you can blame the loss on dropped passes or whatever but central hasn't played another team as good as UD since UW-Osh Kosh. BTW, this was probably UD's worst offensive performance of the season but I won't make excuses about dropped passes or bad passes and just give credit to central for playing great D today. Now.....Last year, the deflected pass was a FLUKE and central got lucky to get the win. This year, they are a MUCH better team by far but just got beat by a better team.

Pat, put those IIAC predictions in your pipe and smoke them!!! 

Willie U

[Willie University]

On another note, I was surprised by 2 games today. Coe/BV and Luther/Loras. I honestly felt simpson/wartburg could go either way but Coe/BV tells me that BV is definitely much better then their record shows and Coe I believe has a IIAC conference champion hangover. I think they are missing some pieces that make them vulnerable this season.

Luther/Loras score really surprised me to be honest and I agree that Luther COULD pull an upset but I don't think Luther fans should get too excited thinking they are a contender yet. Loras is so one dimensional that if you are a team other then Rockford, you should be embarrassed to get beat by them. Luther, although improved, is going to get brought back to reality real fast real soon 

Willie U

[doolittledog]

Everyone I talk to says it was a ground fumble, but I haven't seen a replay yet, but ill take your word on it since you seem to be one of the more level headed posters on here and the people i talked to are central homers. However, it's irrelevant either way, there were 100+ other plays they had an opportunity to get it done and didn't.

I change my mind every time I watch the play.  At the game it looked like it was coming out early.  On the computer from the side it looks like it is out early.  Seeing the play from the endzone view I go back and forth.  The score scrolled across the bottom of the screen is kind of in the way.  It looks like it could be a ground caused fumble.  The QB does immediately go for the ball, then when he sees the UD players on the ball turns around and motions like the ground caused it.  I will say I have gone from 100% fumble to 50/50. 

My thoughts on todays game are...
Central offense acted like I have always seen them over the past 20+ years.  Professional. Helped players off of the ground and gave them a pat on the helmet to acknowledge a good play.  Not overly emotional on any given play. 

Central special teams were jawing from the opening kickoff. 

Central defense seemed like the Central defense of old in the 1st half and then started trash talking and got 3 personal foul penalties in the 2nd half.  Just very un-Central like from what I have seen in the past. 

Dubuque defense held Central to under 60 yards rushing.  That can't happen to Central too often.  This is a Spartan defense that starts 2 seniors, 2 juniors, and 7 sophomores.  This UD defense has the makings of a very good unit. 

I'm just not sure what to make of the UD offense yet.  Acker ran for over 100 yards against the Dutch defense.  Passing attack that was averaging over 300 yards per game threw for less than 200 against a Dutch D that was more known for stopping the run than a wide open passing attack.  Jury is still out for me as far as the UD offense is concerned. 

[notlongago]

Dutch need to get their act together during halftime and come back and play a strong second half after giving up 10 pts late in the first half.  Fortunately, penalties and turnovers have only put us down by 6 at the half.  Central coaches will address the problems and hopefully we will get some breaks the second half.  I suppose I could try to say that Central should be ahead because UD just got lucky with a lame pick 6, but the truth is that UD got a pick 6 because Central made a bad play and UD took advantage.

This post should have made the MTV show ridiculousness. My take on the game from sitting on the 50 yard line is this: Central has the 2nd best defense in the IIAC. They held the best offense to 3 out 4 field goals and made a lot of great plays. The difference today was exactly what I said in my pick ems would be .... turnovers and ball control. No longer can UD be thought of as a team that can score but can't stop anyone. They virtually stopped a great central rushing attack dead in its tracks and got great pressure on the QB all day. One of the major differences was in the trenches. The Spartans won the war where it mattered most on both offense and defense. True, central fans should be disappointed by their teams lack of discipline that led to penalties and I am sure coach mcmartin will address that. Very uncharacteristic for central teams I have watched over the past 2 decades. I honestly don't think central will lose another game all season and you can blame the loss on dropped passes or whatever but central hasn't played another team as good as UD since UW-Osh Kosh. BTW, this was probably UD's worst offensive performance of the season but I won't make excuses about dropped passes or bad passes and just give credit to central for playing great D today. Now.....Last year, the deflected pass was a FLUKE and central got lucky to get the win. This year, they are a MUCH better team by far but just got beat by a better team.

Pat, put those IIAC predictions in your pipe and smoke them!!! 

Willie U

Still on that fluke kick huh

[Willie University]

Ha ha yeah had to throw that in there 

[Voice of the Dutch]

Congrats to Dubuque on yesterday's victory, the Spartans are a damn good football team, and so is Central.

It was interesting to see the adjustments that each team made to take away the others strengths.  Dubuque brought a lot of pressure from many different places, and that really slowed down the Central run game.  I'm not sure if they were bringing more guys than Central could block, or if there was confusion on the O-Line (probably both, at different times) but Spartan defenders were shooting through the gaps and making plays.  Central played its corners way off the line (which they also did last week against Albion), which allowed Dubuque to convert on short pass after short pass, but also put them in the best position to defend against the deep pass.  As Coach Z promised, Dubuque took plenty of deep shots, early and often, but the Dutch were always in position to make the play.

Anyone who listened to the game on the radio could certainly sense my frustration about the game from Central's perspective.  Because of the pressure that Dubuque was bringing, there were Central receivers open, and Eisler was finding them.  Through the middle of the third quarter, he had seven incomplete passes.  One of them was the pick-6 (absolutely horrible read / throw), but of the other six, FIVE were drops by Central receivers, including 2 that would have converted third downs and one that would have been a walk-in touchdown after a blown coverage early in the third.  Those mistakes alone are enough to lose you a ballgame against a good team like Dubuque, but throw in the 3-0 turnover margin and the inexcusable penalties (the 3rd and 15 stop = unsportsmanlike conduct being the most ill-timed), and I'm surprised that Central was even in the game at the end.

Regarding the fumble, the visting broadcast booth is at the 40 yard line on the side of the field that that play took place on, so we were right down the line.  I'll stand by my opinion that it was NOT a fumble, but I only saw it the one time, in live action.  The defender did a great job going from the strip, but Eisler held on tight, and the act of the defender trying to strip the ball from him twisted him around, and it looked to me like he hit down and then the ball popped out.

In the end, the only thing that matters is Dubuque 23 - Central 21.  Central could definitely be 4-0, but they're not.  They've got to sharpen up some the mistakes / turnovers / dumb penalties and gear up for another tough road game at Simpson Saturday!