FB: American Rivers Conference

[notlongago]

I've seen a lot of reasons why Dubuque will or won't be a contender this season.  What are your thoughts about why others will or won't be contenders? 

When I look at Dubuque, Simpson, and Wartburg, I see 3 teams that lose 5-6 all-conference players, but also return 5-6 all-conference players.  When I look at Central, I see a team that graduated 9 all-conference players and only return 2.  What are the reasons for Central to be at the top with those losses other than "Central doesn't rebuild, they reload" ?

They have big time big play threats at WR and RB. Stellar LB core. Good dept in the defensive backfield, an area of weakness the past few seasons. far and away the best kicker in the league. The biggest and only cause for concern is the OL...if they are adequate Central will contend, if not hopefully Central can stay at or above .500

[hazzben]

I've seen a lot of reasons why Dubuque will or won't be a contender this season.  What are your thoughts about why others will or won't be contenders? 

When I look at Dubuque, Simpson, and Wartburg, I see 3 teams that lose 5-6 all-conference players, but also return 5-6 all-conference players.  When I look at Central, I see a team that graduated 9 all-conference players and only return 2.  What are the reasons for Central to be at the top with those losses other than "Central doesn't rebuild, they reload" ?

I'll respond to the why/why not of all the teams you listed. With the caveat that I'm obviously an IIAC outsider.

Wartburg: has great coaching and fields a solid D & running game. They need a qb. If they find one, they'll contend. If they don't, they are likely to pick up 2-3 losses. 2 of their 3 non-con games are games they should win (MacMurry, Carthage), the Bethel game is a great matchup. If they enter IIAC play 3-0, they're in great shape to push for the title. UD, Coe, Central in consecutive weeks is where they have to pull it out.

Simpson: The schedule is much more favorable this year. In non-conference they trade out St. Olaf and Bethel (combined 16-4 last year) with UWRF, GAC and Eureka (combined 7-23 last year). They bring back some talent. On the other hand, outside a nice win verse Wartburg, the rest of last year leaves me saying 'meh'. They lost 5 games by an average of over 22 points. Even throwing out the Bethel blowout early in the season, they lost by an average of 15 points. I think they pick up 2 wins given the non-con, but do they beat Wartburg again? Can they close a sizable gap against UD, Central, Coe? Remains to be seen. I'd be impressed if they went 2-2 against those teams, but I don't think 8-2 wins the IIAC.

Central: great coaching. Like Wartburg, years of sustained success have brought depth. So whether you like it our not, they have the numbers and quality depth to fill in spots. And a history of good O-line play probably means they'll find the guys they need there. Their D is likely to be very good (it usually is). Solid skill players. Flip side, Snead left big shoes to fill, stats and leadership-wise. UWO is another tough offseason matchup. They do graduate 9 All-IIAC players, so even if they've got new guys to plug in, you still need to find an identity and have guys step up. Schedule has some tough spots. UD, Simpson back to back (but both at home), Wartburg, Coe back to back.

I'm not at all cheering against UD this year. But they do have to replace a transcendent, once in a generation player. They've obviously got a great QB, and if they can repeat they'll be setting themselves up to be consistent contenders. We'll see.

[Fannosaurus Rex]

Just took a big swig of MWC Kool-Aid...

You know they had themselves TWO (2), count'em two Playoff teams last year, what'd you guys get 1?  Thank goodness Cornell gets out ahead of the landslide in the IIAC!

No Top 25 teams, Monmouth ahead of any IIAC team in the "others" list.  Will any IIAC team even win a game this year?

I'm not even gone a season and look what you people have done around here!

I want you - every one of you - in here right now to clean up this mess!  Don't make me come out there!   

We really can't let MWC smack like this pass without a response can we?  Think how funny this will sound when Cornell wins the conference championship this year.

[DutchFan2004]

Just took a big swig of MWC Kool-Aid...

You know they had themselves TWO (2), count'em two Playoff teams last year, what'd you guys get 1?  Thank goodness Cornell gets out ahead of the landslide in the IIAC!

No Top 25 teams, Monmouth ahead of any IIAC team in the "others" list.  Will any IIAC team even win a game this year?

I'm not even gone a season and look what you people have done around here!

I want you - every one of you - in here right now to clean up this mess!  Don't make me come out there!   

We really can't let MWC smack like this pass without a response can we?  Think how funny this will sound when Cornell wins the conference championship this year.

If the Rams win the MWC this year is because of all the losses in the IIAC taught then something.   

[Beaver44]

Hey guys, new to the board but have lurked a little in the past.  Just graduated from BV and looking to talk some IIAC football and more this upcoming season

[doolittledog]

Welcome to the board .  Nice to have a BVU presence on here again .

[hazzben]

Hey guys, new to the board but have lurked a little in the past.  Just graduated from BV and looking to talk some IIAC football and more this upcoming season

Welcome! Make sure to come around the MIAC board as well. It's always good to have new faces and perspectives. + k

[Willie University]

Hey guys, new to the board but have lurked a little in the past.  Just graduated from BV and looking to talk some IIAC football and more this upcoming season

Can't say I like your favorite team but at least you picked a great football number

And at least your not a duhawk 

Willie U

[warthog]

Hey guys, new to the board but have lurked a little in the past.  Just graduated from BV and looking to talk some IIAC football and more this upcoming season

Welcome aboard B44.  I've always liked the setting for football at BV.  To me it was always a toss up between BV & Luther.  I guess it was whether one prefers water or trees & hills.  You both beat the train tracks at Cornell.

[warthog]

Reports out of Waverly indicate all is fine with Wartburg Football.  The names and numbers may have changed, but some solid players reportedly are on hand to fill the gaps left from 2012's graduation.   

The Non-Con Bethel game will probably be an indication as the whether this year's group will be contenders (1st or 2nd) or pretenders (3rd or 4th) in the IIAC.

[warthog]

I wish doolittledog or Willie U could use their influence at the U of D and reschedule the Spartans game on November 10th for a 4:00 kickoff.  I'm going to be in Dubuque anyway so I would like to make it a double header for the day. 

Perhaps, if doolittledog could let the UD First Lady know that the Spartans' #1 non-alumni, non-parent, non-student, non-Dubuque County resident fan would like it changed, she could talk to the El-Presidente and get it done.

[doolittledog]

I wish doolittledog or Willie U could use their influence at the U of D and reschedule the Spartans game on November 10th for a 4:00 kickoff.  I'm going to be in Dubuque anyway so I would like to make it a double header for the day. 

Perhaps, if doolittledog could let the UD First Lady know that the Spartans' #1 non-alumni, non-parent, non-student, non-Dubuque County resident fan would like it changed, she could talk to the El-Presidente and get it done.

That just happends to be the only UD home game that starts earlier that 3pm.

09/01 - Augustana             6pm
09/15 - UW-Stevens Point  6pm
10/13 - Coe (Homecoming) 3pm
10/27 - Simpson                  4pm
11/10 - Buena Vista            Noon

Maybe that late in the season they don't want the home fans to suffer in too cold of weather...that or BVU wouldn't agree to a later start.  I think the conference by-laws state any game to start after noon after day light savings time must be agreed upon by both teams. 

I suppose I could ask the UD First Lady or El Presidente for a time change but I'm sure they would reply..."and how much money have you donated to UD???"   

Look us up on that date...if you have time, Mrs Doolittle and I would love to go out to eat with you.  (just not in E. Dubuque) 

UD has updated the returning players (59 of them) and listed the number changes and what not, but have yet to add the new in-coming players to the roster.  Looking forward to that. 

[DutchFan2004]

Hey guys, new to the board but have lurked a little in the past.  Just graduated from BV and looking to talk some IIAC football and more this upcoming season

Welcome to the board B44.  Here is some karma to welcome you.  Do take much personal on this board.  Many of the guys on here are very good guys.  I now have a Beaver in the family since my youngest got married to one. 

[Bird Dog]

Hey guys, new to the board but have lurked a little in the past.  Just graduated from BV and looking to talk some IIAC football and more this upcoming season

Welcome aboard B44.  I've always liked the setting for football at BV.  To me it was always a toss up between BV & Luther.  I guess it was whether one prefers water or trees & hills.  You both beat the train tracks at Cornell.

Daughter had a conference track meet at BV.  She was in three events.  Quite a bit of time between events so I went fishing between events. Fortunately she got two firsts and and a fourth place finish because the fishing was horrible.

[Willie University]

Hey guys, new to the board but have lurked a little in the past.  Just graduated from BV and looking to talk some IIAC football and more this upcoming season

Welcome aboard B44.  I've always liked the setting for football at BV.  To me it was always a toss up between BV & Luther.  I guess it was whether one prefers water or trees & hills.  You both beat the train tracks at Cornell.

Daughter had a conference track meet at BV.  She was in three events.  Quite a bit of time between events so I went fishing between events. Fortunately she got two firsts and and a fourth place finish because the fishing was horrible.

Could be wrong  but I have been told not to eat the fish out of storm lake