FB: American Rivers Conference

[Willie University]

So if UD catches Central on a so-so day (or gets 2 early scores to make Central play from behind), UD might have a shot to run the table.....my concern is field discipline, UD with a lead against a good team hasnt happened too much lately...

oh, and can anyone guess why UD and Loras dont do homecoming each year?? We have Loras for homecoming this year, which will be big!

I'm not allowing myself to think that far ahead.  I just want UD to think about the game right ahead of them and not even think about running the table.  That can be dangerous. 

As far as Loras and homecoming there has been some talk on here of wanting an IIAC rivalry week where everybody plays their rival the same saturday.  I think the league could use that as a marketing tool and really get the whole state talking about the IIAC.  Maybe do that as the last game of the year type thing.  Then schedule homecoming games for the middle of the season. 

I am with Doolittle here.....do NOT look beyond the upcoming weeks opponent. Our conference is such that on any given saturday, any team can win and the minute you start looking ahead is when you get blind sided. As for cornell, isn't it their homecoming this saturday? Prime example, NEVER look past an opponent on Homecoming. If there is one game that every team gets up for, it's homecoming or a rivalry game.

Personally, now that the Spartans are much improved, I prefer homecoming against another opponent since we will be hyped for Loras regardless. In the past of course, the homecoming element + rivalry= a better shot at a win. How times have changed 

Willie U

[DutchHawk]

Looking ahead to the Central game will make it meaningless. Any team can beat any other team every week, especially when your on top. I think one of the reasons Central could be playing so many close games is that every team brings the best they have against them because they have been on the top and its a huge win for whoever happens to beat them. The leaders always have a target on their back. Central needs to bring their best game of the year this Saturday to beat Coe, they always play the Dutch tough.

*I do remember when they beat us at home in 05 and were chanting FTD in the locker room...real classy...that and think of something that William Penn didnt come up with...honestly.

[dutchfan1]

I think Coe is going to be Central's toughest contest to date, but I am much more concerned about the UD game. UD is tough, and they are playing smart -- they are tasting a share of the conference title, and the goal has lit quite the fire. I predicted that UD would be the team to beat this season....... Go Spartains!

WH -- enjoyed watching your sophs play last night. You guys have a well coached team. Best of luck with the remainder of the season!

Coco -- I'd love to spend more time in the PacNW -- you guys were great! After I change jobs and build up some vaction time, I'm booking a trip for sure!

[Ash Park]

A lot of interesting games tomorrow. It will be interesting to see how Wartburg and Coe respond after heartbreaking losses. Has Cornell learned their lesson from last week that they have to do more than just show up? I sure hope so. I wish I could make it to the Central vs Coe game since that should be very very good game to watch, but my heart is purple and I need to support my Rams. Good luck to all teams this week and hope for a injury free weekend.

[Purple Heys]

This is very well could be a trap game for the Spartans.  For all the talk it can still be hard to get a group kids to focus on the here and now...especially after the horror at Storm Lake...

...wait a minute...why do the Beavers play at Storm Lake...is there a Beaver Lake near Simpson?

Anyway, the DBQ's newfound status as contender may have them feeling pretty satisifed and the Rams may be ticked off enough to come out on fire and carried by an energetic Homecoming crowd, play with emotion enough in tripping up the Spartans.

It took a disgruntled cast-off to ruin the plans of King Leonidas and the 300...

[Purple Heys]

I am with Doolittle here.....do NOT look beyond the upcoming weeks opponent. Our conference is such that on any given saturday, any team can win and the minute you start looking ahead is when you get blind sided. As for cornell, isn't it their homecoming this saturday? Prime example, NEVER look past an opponent on Homecoming. If there is one game that every team gets up for, it's homecoming or a rivalry game.

Ummm...isn't that 2 games?

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!!

[doolittledog]

If Cornell is up on Dubuque at halftime tomorrow I'll just find the grounds keepers lawn mower and take it for a ride.  That should do the trick for throwing good mojo the Spartans way. 

Mostly sunny and 63 degrees is the forcast I saw for tomorrow.  That would be a great day for football I think. 

[DutchFan2004]

doolittle,

wow you would do anything to get that mojo working won't you!

[doolittledog]

doolittle,

wow you would do anything to get that mojo working won't you!

With the possibility I might have beer in me added to the fact my wife - aka:the voice of reason - won't be there means I might at least attempt to work the mojo and try to do some lawn mowing to bring the Spartans some good luck.  Hopefully they won't need it tomorrow. 

I am encouraged that Dubuque is 3rd in scoring in the "conference only" stats when 2 of the 3 teams they have played (Wartburg and Coe) rank 1 and 2 in fewest points allowed.  Add to that a strong defense that I think is flying a bit under the radar in the minds of people and I am hopefull for a victory tomorrow. 

[sc_stormchaser]

A lot of interesting games tomorrow. It will be interesting to see how Wartburg and Coe respond after heartbreaking losses. Has Cornell learned their lesson from last week that they have to do more than just show up? I sure hope so. I wish I could make it to the Central vs Coe game since that should be very very good game to watch, but my heart is purple and I need to support my Rams. Good luck to all teams this week and hope for a injury free weekend.

Has Cornell learned their lesson? You're talking like the Rams had been blowing teams out and just thought they would be able to show up and roll BV. Maybe Wartburg could ask that question, but not Cornell. You've won two games by a combine two points. I'm assuming they know they need to show up every week.

[sportsknight]

sportsknight,

Thanks I will listen to the game today.  Are you coming to the game Sat.?  If you can come up and get a brat I think Matt will be there around 10:30 or 11.  We will have enough to get you a good lunch.

I'm doing the sideline reporting tomorrow.  I have to interview a HS coach at about 8:30, but don't have any other obligations between that and the Central game, so I will try to stop by the tailgate.

[Purple Heys]

IMHO, College football has elements of unpredictability that you don't find at other levels.

Midterms/Finals collectively cause distraction, mental fatigue...a sweep of cold or flu through a dorm can weaken physically...Homecoming/rivalry emotion can raise the level of play.

Explain how Stanford, a 41 point dog, beats 'SC, at 'SC...with the 2nd string QB?  How you account for "throw out the records" games?

Who, other than an Augsberg fan, has Wartburg losing last week?

So, where does that happen this week?  I'm hoping at (B)Ash Park.

The Serbian Sackmiester is primed for a big game chasing "Leonidas" Jackson all over the yard.  I'm looking for the Rams to buck up and raise the level of their defensive play and the offense to take better advantage of couple of weapons that have been underutilized to date.

I've always had a lot of respect for Dubuque.  I wasn't shocked by their breakout last year and they have made a nice transition from Belleus without skipping much of a beat.  At the beginning of the year I felt they would miss him, but they have proved otherwise.   Jackson may not have QB conventional stats, but he finds ways to win...look at his Jr/Sr. record, when the offense truly became "his".

Either way the game turns out, I expect an enjoyable afternoon.

[Purple Heys]

A lot of interesting games tomorrow. It will be interesting to see how Wartburg and Coe respond after heartbreaking losses. Has Cornell learned their lesson from last week that they have to do more than just show up? I sure hope so. I wish I could make it to the Central vs Coe game since that should be very very good game to watch, but my heart is purple and I need to support my Rams. Good luck to all teams this week and hope for a injury free weekend.

Has Cornell learned their lesson? You're talking like the Rams had been blowing teams out and just thought they would be able to show up and roll BV. Maybe Wartburg could ask that question, but not Cornell. You've won two games by a combine two points. I'm assuming they know they need to show up every week.

Its possible that BV's previous offensive struggles prior to the Cornell game led the Rams to some ill-advised complacency.

Such mishaps are not limited to conference elite.

[Wartburg Fan]

Walston congarts on the great victory last night against SE Polk.

[NorseFan]

dbljay, are you headed to homecoming tomorrow?  I suppose if you are you would be on the road already.     Have fun for me too man.