FB: American Rivers Conference

[AZDutchman]

Central into TOP 25, Wart out

Too bad I don't think we deserve it. I

To be ranked or not to be ranked, that is the question?

I do have to say, I'm kind of surprised that a fan of ones own team doesn't believe that they should be ranked? (nothing personal) Polls and rankings have always been under controversy. There are teams that believe that they should be ranked and their not. I noticed in the thread that there are comments of; this Saturday will tell if Central should be ranked?
I think this is a good boost and will be a good confidence builder for the team. All the hard work during camp and all the planning and execution did pay off for the team. There can be many ways for a coach to look at this. One being, don't look at the rankings, we have work to do. Another being, look your getting the respect from the other teams/coaches.
I do have to wonder if after Central does win this Saturday if people will be saying/writing, why did they only go up to that ranking after beating the #7 team?

So I will leave it with the question,
What is your opinion of the opinion polls?

[Klompen]

Central into TOP 25, Wart out

Too bad I don't think we deserve it. I

To be ranked or not to be ranked, that is the question?

I do have to say, I'm kind of surprised that a fan of ones own team doesn't believe that they should be ranked? (nothing personal)

Nothing personal taken, AZ Dutchman.  Here is my reasoning.  I have watched decades of Central College football.  Right now I think Central is getting ranked based on their tradition of fielding excellent teams.  I think this year's team has the potential to become an excellent team and hope that the rating will boost team confidence.  But to be fair, last year we did finish 6-4.  A terrible season by Dutch standards and we beat Lakeland 41-0 last year.  Now, last year we were at home and this year we had a 9 hour bus trip, which can account for the difference.  But to deserve a ranking, I think we need to prove ourselves and we have a major challenge ahead of us this week.  If we can beat one of the Wisconsin state university system schools this weekend, let alone a highly ranked team, I will think we deserve the rating.  But to have a 6-4 team from last year climb into the ratings by beating a much weaker team than we will see in any week of the conference schedule does not, in my opinion, merit a ranking.  Last year was much more of a struggle than Central fans are used to seeing, and maybe that is influencing my thinking.  We did have two tremendous years of recruiting and that should be paying dividends.  This weekend will answer a lot of questions and I hope the Dutch can figure out a way to come out and make a real statement this week.  If they do, I will then expect to see them rise significantly in the rankings and I will then think they deserve it.

I guess I have seen too many really great Central teams, not a bad problem to have at all, and I want this year's team to prove they are on an even parrallel with those teams.  Lakeland was not a strong enough team to do that for me.  But I will be happy to revise my opinion upward.   

[jtplayer25]

Hey There! Sorry I was away for such a long time, Been Busy with work, with that way things are you almost have to work as much as possible to stay ahead. Well I am glad to see that the IIAC did pretty well this past weekend. Although Wartburg lost a close one I am sure the defending conference champs will right the ship. I actually got a chance to catch the Spartans game in Rockford. Despite the score I do not think they played to their potential, They need to work hard this week because they have a really good test ahead of them this Saturday against Plattville. I like the new look offense, and the new look defense as well. No penalties from that game this past Saturday which means they are starting to play disciplined football....I will try and make the game this Saturday at Dubuque, But good luck to the other IIAC schools and as always GO SPARTANS!

[AZDutchman]

I appreciate the great response. There are things inside what you said that is part of what I'm saying. For example: "Right now I think Central is getting ranked based on their tradition of fielding excellent teams." Being ranked for this particular reason can be looked upon in two ways. My way, yes that should be considered and your way, no that shouldn't be considered.

What's going to happen when they win Saturday and your opinion doesn't come into play? "I will then expect to see them rise significantly in the rankings and I will then think they deserve it." i.e. ranked #24

I do understand coming under a tradition of fielding great teams and last year was considered disappointing. Also my comments aren't just limited to Central, but what happens to all teams in the league.

[Klompen]

I appreciate the great response. There are things inside what you said that is part of what I'm saying. For example: "Right now I think Central is getting ranked based on their tradition of fielding excellent teams." Being ranked for this particular reason can be looked upon in two ways. My way, yes that should be considered and your way, no that shouldn't be considered.

What's going to happen when they win Saturday and your opinion doesn't come into play? "I will then expect to see them rise significantly in the rankings and I will then think they deserve it." i.e. ranked #24

I do understand coming under a tradition of fielding great teams and last year was considered disappointing. Also my comments aren't just limited to Central, but what happens to all teams in the league.

I think tradition is worthy of consideration in rankings, I just think maybe it needs to be tempered based on last year's performance.  It really doesn't matter what I think though, the only thing that is going to matter at the end of the week is how the game goes on Saturday.  The good news is that this one will be webcast and you can actually watch it instead of just listening.  And if we win, I won't think #24 is high enough of a ranking.   

[Alfredeneumann]

Any information concerning the H1N1 outbreak at Luther?  I would assume this has become a real logistics problem for the college as they attempt to get students settled into their dorms for the beginning of classes.  As an example; how would you handle meals for those who have flu?  What do you do with a student who has a roommate with H1N1?  Problems-problems-problems.  

After the scare last spring, if they (or any other college for that matter) didn't have a contingency plan for what they would do in the even of an H1N1 diagnosis, then that is a major lack of planning on their part.  A couple weeks back we did a story on Loras' plans, and how they were formulated given that school's experience with a mumps outbreak back in 2006.  Between H1N1, menengitis, and any other such illnesses, any college worth its salt (and even a few that aren't) will have very detailed, very specific plans in place.

And if they don't, well then may God have mercy on their souls.

Luther is up to 27 cases H1N1

http://wcfcourier.com/articles/2009/09/09/news/breaking_news/doc4aa7b992dfd01870766239.txt

"A pandemic influenza plan developed more than two years ago is helping Luther College officials cope with an outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus."

[BB]

I think Mrs. Warthog and I will drive over to West Liberty and see how BB's Mepo Bulldogs do against the Comets.  

I'll take the Bulldogs and give 6 1/2 points.

I should be a high school football handicapper.  BB's squad wins 21-14.

Yes, sportsknight, I think he has a good team down there.  Unfortunately this week they had a freak practice injury and lost for the season the guy who could arguably be the team's best player. 

Warthog,

Truly was a sad deal with our rb going down...really sad story.  On the positive side, all our "running back by committee" needs is a tent and a couple of clowns and we will have a complete circus. 

[frank]

any predictions on this weeks games?

[dubuque4life]

Is Dubuque freshman tight end the best freshman in the IIAC?

[DutchHawk]

any predictions on this weeks games?

Yea buddy, go to the Pick'Em board in General football.

[wildcat11]

Is this Dad or Mom?

[DutchHawk]

Is this Dad or Mom?

My vote is that its Miles himself...but it could be Mommy and Daddy!

[DutchFan2004]

I think that the rankings are a reflection at this early stage that the voters are searching for who they think is worthy.  By the number of votes that the Dutch received the voters think they are worthy.  I agree with both of your views.  I think a win over a team like Lakeland is not all that impressive.  But the voters in their opinions think that Central is a top 25 team.  That says as much about the rest of D3 doesn't it.  The voters think they belong due to the fact that there aren't teams better or perceived better than the Dutch now.  It will sort itself out in the future.  This weeks game is a huge test for the Dutch hope that they will come out on top. 

[DutchFan2004]

I don't know I have not seen him play yet.  I don't think at this early stage of the season that you can make claims like this.  It will take a few games or all season to make that determination. 

[DutchHawk]

Polls dont really mean much, especially at a level outside of D1 FBS. Thats the great thing about D3...we get to settle it all on the field. Take care of business during the year and you get to play for a National Title in December. We dont have to rely on someone who thinks they know everything (no offense Pat!:)) You win it or lose it yourself no excuses.

On the note of polls, when I played I thought of it as a nice sign of respect for the achievements you had made thus far in the season, Im happy to see the Dutch ranked but I thought Wartburg was overrated to start the year as well. Its an honor to be thought highly enough of by outside minds to have you voted on to a top 25 list.