FB: American Rivers Conference

[Purple Heys]

My feeling is that Cornell's continued association with the IIAC is predicated on player numbers.  I don't care who your coach is, a player roster of 55-65 just can't compete in a top tier conference like the IIAC.

I know this staff is committed to getting the numbers...I feel if Cornell can finish 3-7 or 4-6 at worst, they can make a positive pitch for a program on the upswing.

Last year, in finishing 2-8, Cornell lost 3 games by 7 points or less, and a 4th by 9 points.  Only in games with Coe and Central were the Rams truly outclassed.  If this year's squad can improve that by 50%, we could have a 4-6 team.

[footballdaddy]

Just throwing this out there, but is there a growing gap between the haves and have nots in the conference? There seems to ba a top 4 in Central, Coe, Dubuque and Wartburg, and then a gap between the rest.  It looks like you could be 8-2 overall and be 4th in the conference, with those with 4 conference wind fighting for 5th. What would it take for more parity? Or do we want parity? I don't think that being like the Midwest conference with one or two really strong team is healthy.

[CaliRamRL6]

Are you saying top 4 as in recruiting numbers? That is the only way I could see Dubuque in the top 4 right now.

[doolittledog]

We COULD see a top 4 in the conference this year where maybe they are each 8-2 and then there is a gap to the rest of the conference.  I don't know if you can say there IS a gap though at this point.

I think it is safe to say Central/Coe/Wartburg are consistently at the top.  Then you get Simpson and BV and sometimes Luther and Loras that have 6-2 conference records and you think they are on the upswing only to see them go 2-6 the next year.

I think Dubuque could very well become an upper tier team that doesn't drop back down if the current coaching staff stays intact and the money continues to flow into the school. 

I think Loras, BV, and Simpson could be headed downhill.  BV and Simpson because it seems like no money has come into those schools over the last 4 years.  Loras, because I just don't think they care. 

Cornell is the enigma.  Will they cut and run back to the Midwest Conference?  Or do they get serious and put some effort into the IIAC?  If you could get Cornell to get themselves a roster of 80-100 football players...those 3-4 games per year they lose by 9 points or less might start turning into wins. 

I would be OK with Dubuque becoming a consistant "have" in the conference and never go back to the days of the Spartans being a "have-not"   

[footballdaddy]

Are you saying top 4 as in recruiting numbers? That is the only way I could see Dubuque in the top 4 right now.

Well they've spent the money to make it attractive for players to want to go there. Now they have to have the success on the field to keep them there.

[DutchHawk]

Just throwing this out there, but is there a growing gap between the haves and have nots in the conference? There seems to ba a top 4 in Central, Coe, Dubuque and Wartburg, and then a gap between the rest.  It looks like you could be 8-2 overall and be 4th in the conference, with those with 4 conference wind fighting for 5th. What would it take for more parity? Or do we want parity? I don't think that being like the Midwest conference with one or two really strong team is healthy.

I would say there are a Top 3 in the IIAC, Central Coe Wartburg. Its been 13 years, 1997, since a team other than these three has won a championship, Simpson. They have 4 titles since 1980, Dubuque was the team that won a title in 1980. I dont know if I would say there is a growing gap, more that it is a rotation in spots 4-7. Seems one team will have a couple up years, only to fall back to the basement.

All is well as long as the DUTCH are at the top!

[Fannosaurus Rex]

It is parity enough for me that every team,  except I think BV, has either beaten Central or taken them to overtime in the last three years.

[Pat Coleman]

I am sure a WIAC team would have gladly not played a D-II or NAIA school.

Coaches avoid scheduling tenure reducers.

Are D3 schools making coaching hiring decisions based on the difference in record of one non-rivalry game, really? Come on now.

[DutchHawk]

It is parity enough for me that every team,  except I think BV, has either beaten Central or taken them to overtime in the last three years.

If thats the definition of parity I think I can live with it.

[Willie University]

Are you saying top 4 as in recruiting numbers? That is the only way I could see Dubuque in the top 4 right now.

They finished in 4th place last year so until they finish lower, I guess that would be enough to consider them in the top 4. In fact, I think it's common sense.

Willie U

[Willie University]

I am sure a WIAC team would have gladly not played a D-II or NAIA school.

Coaches avoid scheduling tenure reducers.

Are D3 schools making coaching hiring decisions based on the difference in record of one non-rivalry game, really? Come on now.

I heard from a reliable source that Coach Z offered to play UW-Whitewater but they declined. A case of everything to lose and nothing to gain I suppose. Oh well, Hopefully in the not so distant future we meet them in the playoffs. You have to believe and I do.

[Willie University]

Are you saying top 4 as in recruiting numbers? That is the only way I could see Dubuque in the top 4 right now.

Well they've spent the money to make it attractive for players to want to go there. Now they have to have the success on the field to keep them there.

Considering the number of returning (and talented) sophomores from his first years recruiting class, I don't see that as a problem

[Klompen]

"I heard from a reliable source that Coach Z offered to play UW-Whitewater but they declined. A case of everything to lose and nothing to gain I suppose. Oh well, Hopefully in the not so distant future we meet them in the playoffs. You have to believe and I do. "

"Considering the number of returning (and talented) sophomores from his first years recruiting class, I don't see that as a problem."

I see a problem with this idea.  I'm sure it isn't the same problem you see, but it is a problem.  I suppose if UD goes as a Pool C it could be problem free, but otherwise, as a Dutch fan, I see a problem.   

Actually, I do think UD is on the upswing and fear that their time may come.   

[5 Words or Less]

I am sure a WIAC team would have gladly not played a D-II or NAIA school.

Coaches avoid scheduling tenure reducers.

Are D3 schools making coaching hiring decisions based on the difference in record of one non-rivalry game, really? Come on now.

A) 5-5 vs. 4-6 ... building programs require winning records
B) Consecutive losing seasons deter recruits
C) Declining rosters affect enrollment & budgets
D) Administrators reorganize underperforming departments
E) Hence: Coaches schedule equal/lesser noncons

[Klompen]

I am sure a WIAC team would have gladly not played a D-II or NAIA school.

Coaches avoid scheduling tenure reducers.

Are D3 schools making coaching hiring decisions based on the difference in record of one non-rivalry game, really? Come on now.

Secure coaches don't worry about it.  Central has typically tried to schedule good non-conference games knowing that they will only help us get better.  Playing a challenging schedule is the best preparation for the playoffs.