FB: American Rivers Conference

[Pat Coleman]

Not to rain on the parade, but dominating Eureka doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of Division III. Purchasers of Kickoff know where Eureka is ranked in the Top 238.

[doolittledog]

Not to rain on the parade, but dominating Eureka doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of Division III. Purchasers of Kickoff know where Eureka is ranked in the Top 238.

And that would be somewhere between Grinnell and Blackburn.

But, then again, hope springs eternal...I'll take any positive performance in the pre-season.  Even if it is against underwelming oposition. 

[Pat Coleman]

Pat, I do agree that dominating Eureka isn't saying much, but at the same time to see that Cornell did dominate a team they should dominate is a good thing. The one thing that needs to be put into consideration is also the Defensive Coordinator for Eureka was on Cornell's staff last year in Coach Manning. This means he knew the offense and coaches, and still couldn't stop them.

To repeat an overused cliche, it's not the X's and O's but the Jimmys and Joes. Eureka has a distinct lack of the latter.

[Ash Park]

I am a huge Cornell supporter but sorry Double OT I have to agree with Pat. Playing well against a much much inferior team like Eureka is nothing to get all excited about. That is something that should just be expected. Eureka can not even compare to any team in the Iowa Conference.

Lets not be satisfied with beating up on a team(in a scrimmage) that would maybe (and that is a huge maybe)make it to the playoffs in class 4A here in Iowa.

[youcantseeme]

Man, I wish that the games were here already.  I am tired of waiting.  This will be a long week.

[DoubleOT]

I understand that it shouldn't be something to get super excited about, but what I was saying is that it is a good step for Cornell, b/c even in past scrimmages teams they should have beat up on, they didn't do well against. They are getting to the point where they are playing how they should play. Which I think is a good step....

[Purple Heys]

To repeat an overused cliche, it's not the X's and O's but the Jimmys and Joes. Eureka has a distinct lack of the latter.

Pat, you are so right. 

However, the fact is that this is about Cornell having better Jimmy's and Joe's than last year.  There is no question on that. (Unless you read Kickoff, then you would never know...more on  that later) Their freshman that saw time last year, are a year stronger and experienced.  The strength program is paying visible dividends.  They have a better grip on the offense.  Top half of the IIAC this year?  I don't think so...need a few more Jimmy's and Joe's behind the starters.  But the one's they have, compare favorably to any in the league.  Their depth is their Achilles heel.

Eureka is meaningless other than Cornell performed to expectation.  That was a team they needed to roll up and they certainly did.  I would like to see Cornell tangle with the Pomona's, Claremont-Mudd's, Whittier's and Chapman's.  I know all of these schools well and Cornell would work them too.  Maybe when Cornell slaps around Alma for the second year in row, some minor respect will be gained.

You will note my opinion, biased as it should be, disagrees with the Kickoff ranking of Cornell this year.  Whoever did that review, the guy from St. Louis I believe, obviously didn't take much time to write that capsule.  He looked at last year and took no time to examine what was going on this year, nothing on incoming recruits.  He even mentions a QB that isn't even in school.

Defend him you probably will, but if you look at K-Mack's version from last year and compare it to this year...you'll see the quality in this year's version ain't there, the same can pretty much be said about all the IIAC previews.  I love Kickoff as a whole...I know you guys work your collective a$$es off, but I was mildly disappointed, I mean, couldn't you have at least got somebody from Iowa to write about Iowa football.

Go Rams!

[Klopenhiemer]

I heard that BV's scrimage with Iowa Central was cancelled due to all the heavy rains in that portion of the state.  I am also under the impression that the ICCC team helped sandbag some problem areas.  Did this ever get played and does anyone have any reports out of the Beaver camp?

[Pat Coleman]

I mean, couldn't you have at least got somebody from Iowa to write about Iowa football.

Feel free to recommend someone. We didn't get any good recommendations.

By the way, Keith is not from Iowa.

[DutchHawk]

I dont think dominating Alma, a team you beat last year will gain you any extra respect. After all you did beat them last year so what does beating them this year prove. I think youll have to beat any IIAC team to begin getting respect.

[Ralph Turner]

I mean, couldn't you have at least got somebody from Iowa to write about Iowa football.

Feel free to recommend someone. We didn't get any good recommendations.

By the way, Keith is not from Iowa.

But he spent a "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" weekend in Iowa last year...

here and here. 

That is dedication to the job! 

[Golden Norver]

I heard that BV's scrimage with Iowa Central was cancelled due to all the heavy rains in that portion of the state.  I am also under the impression that the ICCC team helped sandbag some problem areas.  Did this ever get played and does anyone have any reports out of the Beaver camp?

I am fairly certain it was never played

my outlook on BV
http://www.nickannstreet.com/blog/?p=155#comments

[Pat Coleman]

Thanks for joining the board, GN. Good luck.

[MNbeev]

BV did not play there scrimmage with ICCC...This could be trouble for the beavers this year.  If I remember correctly, and correct me if I am wrong.  The beavers didn't have a scrimmage 3-4 years ago and it turned out to be a big mistake, they were not ready to play their first game.  I hope this isn't the case against BU, it would be nice to finally beat the Royals.  After reading the "beaver outlook" above and finished up talking to some players from BV, there is high expectations for the team this year, and for some of the newcomers that might see some time on the field this year.  There could be some surprises this year in the IIAC if the beavers get the ball rolling in the right direction! 

GO BEAVERS

[Purple Heys]

I dont think dominating Alma, a team you beat last year will gain you any extra respect. After all you did beat them last year so what does beating them this year prove. I think youll have to beat any IIAC team to begin getting respect.

DutchHawk:  As it pertains to just football, you are right.  I think Cornell is a better football team than Alma.  That's a statement I believe relative to the state of the two teams today not last year.   I could actually care less about the rankings.  Respect is an earned commodity.

But my point to Pat was speaking only to the rankings, which is about a subjective level of respect a given team or league has.  In Cornell's case, take away Brehm from Alma this year and consider the benefit of the returning players Cornell has and I think it is kind of obvious who should outrank who.  But that's the fun of these things and it gives a great reason to have discussion boards that draw participation across the country.

Back to the IIAC, top to bottom I think it is one of the better leagues.  We may not have the Best of the Best at the top...but I do think we have the Best of the Worst at the back end.

You guys figure that one out...