FB: American Rivers Conference

[NewKnightDad]

Hey FBD, I pulled out my french again satuday night and it worked.  Right before Dahlstrom broke the 70yd TD run late in the game I told Stieffel's dad we need a f*****G TD and off he was to the races. 

People will be in shock on this board because we don't agree on something but I am going to say it again, Zweifel is the best receiver I have seen in my four years of attending WB football games.  The guy has the ability to be a game changer every time he touches the ball!!

VD did a very good job on him saturday night knocking him off his route and breaking up some passes.  VD was called offsides at least twice as he was trying to get in Zweifel's kitchen so he couldn't get a clean release.  The YAC's he gets are pretty substantial as well, his first move after the catch is quick and explosive.

I took DLD's recommendation and watched the game on-line again last night, it was an amazing game a 2nd time around as well.  The interview with Coach Z was interesting in that he made the comment about the matchup of his receivers against our corners.  They (WB) have what Coach Willis thinks are the best cover corners in the conference and we (Dub) have what I know are the best receivers in the conference so it should be a good match up.

It was interesting to see Coach Z screaming at the officials at the end but I don't think it was anything out of line.  There were calls and no-calls both ways that night that seemed wrong, I don't think either team caught an advantage there.

There are alot of big games left this year and nobody better think they have it made as the balance in the conference this year is  as close as I have seen it. 

[footballdaddy]

Well, parlez vouz touchdown, LOL

I've never said that Zweifel isn't good. He obviously is. But what kind of numbers would Hellboy have if we threw at him 20+ times a game? UD chooses to run 80% of their pass offense through him, and it's obviously a wise choice, but my point has always been that there are other receivers in conference that could put up similar numbers if given the same opportunities. I can't complain. I'd do the same for my kid if I was his coach and he had the ability.

[doolittledog]

Zweifel put up the same numbers at UW-River Falls, without his dad coaching there, as he is at UD.  So it's not just a case of dad padding his sons stats.  Apparently the River Falls coaches saw the same things in Zweifel that the UD coaches see. 

I don't think any real UD fans are saying Zweifel will be an NFL receiver (maybe he will)  But it's seemed in the past there were posters on here that thought Zweifel was just average and ANY WR in the conference that got the ball thrown at him that much would put up the same stats.  Us beat down by life UD fans stepped in to defend him   Zwiefel might not have 4.3 speed and be the biggest kid you've seen.  He runs great routes, he has great hands, and can take a hit and hold onto the ball.  If he wasn't getting open he wouldn't be getting thrown to as much.  If he wasn't hanging onto the ball when it was thrown to him he wouldn't be getting thrown to as much.  If UD didn't have a QB capable of getting the ball thrown to him well (Hansen, Hanus) he wouldn't be getting thrown to as much. 

Dubuque has the top RB in the conference, the 2nd ranked reciever in the conference with Fleming.  A TE thats been getting about 5 receptions and almost a TD per game recently with Hookstead.  This really isn't a one trick pony show in DBQ with Zweifel though some seem to think so.

Now, did someone mention BBQ???  If I bring beer and chips to the next UD/Wartburg game will there be pulled pork cooking on the grill for me to graze on

[hazzben]

Zweifel is a talent. I've watched 2 full UD games this year and part of another. He's a remarkable football player, especially when you consider he goes both ways.

Regarding the NFL. Here would be some of the elements that they'll consider when evaluating a guy: Top end speed; hands; size; route running; quickness (off the line and in/out of breaks); ability to get off press coverage; ball tracking; body control when the balls in the air.

The biggest knocks on Zweifel (again, who I think is a great player) are going to be in no particular order: level of competition (always a factor for a DIII guy); size; ability to get off press coverage and speed.

Unlike Garcon and Shorts, Zweifel does not possess your typical NFL receivers build. And like it or not, the NFL has ideas about what each position should look like. And although he's got plenty of speed at this level, given his size limitation's he'll need to show DeSean Jackson type speed/quickness. Smaller WR's definitely can find a spot in the NFL, but these guys are incredibly quick and usually very strong as well. At 190, he'll be going up against DB's that are as fast as or faster than he is, but 10-30 lbs heavier. It'll be a longshot. But obviously it'd be great to see him make it happen.

[AZDutchman]

Central's Randy Busscher (Vikings), Mike Stumburg (I think) and Mark Kacmarynski (Bears) all got a free agent shot at the NFL, if I remember right, but none of them made it.  Then there was the kid from Sioux Center that got drafted and played 13 seasons and 4 super bowls for the Miami Dolphins.  I just love having a chance to bring up the olden days and that one bright spot of supreme talent when given the chance.  In Pella, the only name on the infamous Miami "No-Name Defense" that mattered was Vern Den Herder's.  He's the one my parents always claimed when asked if they had a son on the Central team.   

How many Central fans does it take to change a light bulb?

Three

One to change the light bulb and two to talk about how Schipper did it.


Call me insensitive, but Dutch fans should remember that they are tied for first in the conference and are guaranteed a share if they win out. Mac is pleased with his team because they found a way to win a game against a BV team that matches up well against them and seems to find a way to pull off at least one upset a year. I bet McMartin is more interested in what happens from snap to whistle than having a race to the sideline.

I appreciate the sensitivity check. I'm not part of the Schipper era and it only takes one to change a light bulb around here..my wife. The reference I made to racing to the sidelines didn't actually have to do with racing to the sidelines, but the play from whistle to whistle. I was reluctant to post any of the references, but it seems when I just post...they're going to be champions, I get labeled the ShowMe poster.

I have the bad habit of watching what's happening away from the ball. The cameraman Saturday didn't help out either by not following the ball anyway. While others are watching down the field looking to see if the ball gets caught or not, my eyes are still focused on the middle of the field. A habit I wish I could break, but there is a lot of important things happening there.

I went to a high school game and mentioned to my wife...they're going to loose this game. Why? The positioning of the defense to the offense and most important...they were standing flat footed. As they let up a couple more touchdowns and me being the loud mouth way I am, my wife said say something. Like that was going to happen?

I get very animated when watching a game. TV, internet or live. I posted in the middle of my watching. I should have just treated like I was at the game and not said anything.

So...Go Dutch! We're going to win out and be the Champions! 

[warthog]

I have to weigh in on this Zweifel discussion.  There is no doubt the kid is a real talent.  There is also no doubt the UD offense uses his talents frequently, they should. 

The key that I believe separates him from the wideouts  that were mentioned earlier, is the supporting cast the Spartans put on the field.  The qb, te, rb, and o-line Dubuque has helps make Zweifel the weapon he is.  Against Cornell defenses could double team Ditch and go hell bent for leather after the qb.  You try that against the Spartans and somebody else is going to hurt you.  Ask Augustana, they did a decent job holding Zweifel in check, but all the other UD weapons crushed them.

I would like to someday watch a UD practice.  In the two UD games I have attended this season, the thing that has amazed me about Zweifel is how he seems to find himself open so often when you know someone has been keying on him.  I don't know enough about running pass routes to understand what he does to get himself open.  It has to be some natural talent, a strong sense of the game, and some outstanding coaching along the way.  I sure hope when he graduates he uses his gifts to be a coach and teach other young players how it is done.

I'll be sending him the phone number for the Wartburg Football offices in a separate mailing. 

[Willie University]

In my opinion, Michael Zweifel is the best receiver I have watched or played against at this level in 20 years.

In my opinion, the 2nd best WR in the IIAC is Demacus Fleming.

Sure, they have great hands, talent, and smarts but I love watching them block downfield and do their part EVERY play. They play for the team and are not selfish. To be honest, I get tired of hearing the rebuttable that other WR's would be just as good if QB's threw them the ball so much. That is just ridiculous. The UD offense gets everyone involved. And if every team had a WR as talented as M Zwiefel, why the heck wouldn't you throw him the ball!!!!!

Willie U

[Willie University]

As for the topic of whether or not he could play at another level???

Who knows. Breaking into the NFL is not easy obviously. And sure, they want prototypical players (size, speed, etc). But, coaches love guys that have incredible work ethics, are smart, and a passion for the game. Like Fred Jackson......

I would love to see him play at the next level but I first want him to help UD win a championship at this level. And I think that is all he and every player on the team care about.

Willie U

[doolittledog]

Well said, Willie

Another sad thing, is if Freddie Jackson was graduating now he would likely never see the NFL.  Freddie was able to get seen by playing in NFL Europe.  Something many others, like Kurt Warner, were able to use to get a look see by the NFL.  Sadly, that avenue has now been closed. 

Something good that came out of this weekend is some of my friends that haven't been interested in D3 football have now found it again.  One of my friends that lives in the Ft Dodge area wants me to go with him to the UD/BVU game in 2 weeks.  Homecoming will be an every year event for us now where it used to be the summer time that we always tried to have a picnic together with our families. 

UD still has a lot to play for.  Win out, and they have at least a share of the conference title.  Something I would love to see. 

[NewKnightDad]

Well, parlez vouz touchdown, LOL

I've never said that Zweifel isn't good. He obviously is. But what kind of numbers would Hellboy have if we threw at him 20+ times a game? UD chooses to run 80% of their pass offense through him, and it's obviously a wise choice, but my point has always been that there are other receivers in conference that could put up similar numbers if given the same opportunities. I can't complain. I'd do the same for my kid if I was his coach and he had the ability.

Hellboy isn't 100% and he was still clutch saturday night thats for sure.

There was just that feeling during the game that Zweifel was always lurking and maybe it was because we hear so much about him and his abilities.  His interception was a good one but if our receiver comes back for the ball like he should it is not a pick it is a completion IMHO.

Now we need to focus on Simpson and be ready to play four quarters.

[footballdaddy]

I'll even go as far as to say that Zweifel could have an NFL future as a Wes Welker type. He could be a very effective slot receiver.

[Ash Park]

I have to weigh in on this Zweifel discussion.  There is no doubt the kid is a real talent.  There is also no doubt the UD offense uses his talents frequently, they should. 

The key that I believe separates him from the wideouts  that were mentioned earlier, is the supporting cast the Spartans put on the field.  The qb, te, rb, and o-line Dubuque has helps make Zweifel the weapon he is.  Against Cornell defenses could double team Ditch and go hell bent for leather after the qb.  You try that against the Spartans and somebody else is going to hurt you.  Ask Augustana, they did a decent job holding Zweifel in check, but all the other UD weapons crushed them.

I would like to someday watch a UD practice.  In the two UD games I have attended this season, the thing that has amazed me about Zweifel is how he seems to find himself open so often when you know someone has been keying on him.  I don't know enough about running pass routes to understand what he does to get himself open.  It has to be some natural talent, a strong sense of the game, and some outstanding coaching along the way.  I sure hope when he graduates he uses his gifts to be a coach and teach other young players how it is done.

I'll be sending him the phone number for the Wartburg Football offices in a separate mailing. 

I think being a coach's son and being around the game so much as helped build a strong sense of the game for sure. He has a lot of natural football instincts. One thing I have noticed is his body control whether it be while running a route, making a move after the catch, or placing his body in a position to where only he can get the ball is outstanding. He completely understands how to use all of that to his advantage. This is something I believe to be overlooked when looking at great WRs.

[Willie University]

I'll even go as far as to say that Zweifel could have an NFL future as a Wes Welker type. He could be a very effective slot receiver.

There was also another WR for the Bears that reminds me if Michael Zweifel...Tom Waddle. He was a great possession WR and certainly wasn't the fastest or biggest.

Although I appreciate the comparison to Wes Welker of course, I would also add a guy like Danny Amendola from St Louis to that group.

Willie U

[fanofallsports]

The truth of the matter is that Dubuque has the best overall receiving core in the conference. Zweifel, Fleming, and Miles Hookstead are deadly weapons on the field. Double Zweifel, and Fleming and Miles Hookstead will pick you apart. The true problem guarding Dubuque in the red zone is that Zweifel and Felming are so fast while Hookstead is fast, tall, and can jump. There aren't many defensive backs that can go up and get a ball ten feet in the air, but Hookstead easily can out jump the coverage.

[Willie University]

The truth of the matter is that Dubuque has the best overall receiving core in the conference. Zweifel, Fleming, and Miles Hookstead are deadly weapons on the field. Double Zweifel, and Fleming and Miles Hookstead will pick you apart. The true problem guarding Dubuque in the red zone is that Zweifel and Felming are so fast while Hookstead is fast, tall, and can jump. There aren't many defensive backs that can go up and get a ball ten feet in the air, but Hookstead easily can out jump the coverage.

I am one of the Spartan Faithful and appreciate your support and enthusiasm for sure. But, I would not say that Hookstead will pick anyone apart. He is an excellent TE and has great hands but I think you are going overboard a bit