FB: American Rivers Conference

[Klompen]

I'm getting ready for football 2013. 

I'm not.

Looking forward to one possibly two more games, dare I say three or four?

Sure you can say it, but can you play it.  Glad you got moved to a different bracket, not saying those teams are easy, but I can tell you Oshkosh is not. 

[doolittledog]

Lets look at possible contenders next season

I guess I need to hear from everyone on this board for which teams bring back this, that, and what not.  I don't know enough about the other teams to make predictions yet.

As for UD... 

I'm not worried about the UD offense.  After 2011 Dubuque lost the top WR in the nation in Michael Zweifel, the 3rd leading WR in UD history in Demacus Fleming, the leading rusher in UD history in Justin Spaulding, and the right side of their O-line.  In 2012 Dubuque threw for more yards per game than in 2011 and saw Kyle Acker rush for 993 yards.  The receiving corp returns virtually intact for UD as well as the top 3 running backs on the roster.  The O-line loses Richard Skaife, a 4 year starter and all-conference player.  But, he was also injured during the Wartburg game and UD went on to win their final 3 games of the season. 

Defense will be the question for UD.  The last 2 years they have had the ability to look very good for long stretches and then give up some horrible plays.  Defense is where UD needs to improve.  They lose 2 members of the D-line, 2 linebackers, and all-conference safety Malcolm Stewart.  How the defense works out next season will go a long ways towards how the season plays out for Dubuque.   

[Fannosaurus Rex]

In the last game Central started 3 seniors on offense and 1 on defense.  Another thing that has me optimistic is, there shouldn't be the question about the starting qb like there was through the early part of this season.  All I know about the program is what I see on the field on game day.  Based on that, it looks like it is Eiseler's job to lose.  QB continuity should be a good thing right?

[notlongago]

In the last game Central started 3 seniors on offense and 1 on defense.  Another thing that has me optimistic is, there shouldn't be the question about the starting qb like there was through the early part of this season.  All I know about the program is what I see on the field on game day.  Based on that, it looks like it is Eiseler's job to lose.  QB continuity should be a good thing right?

I listened to the coaches radio show, and he made it sound like, barring some unforeseen circumstances, it would be Eislers job going into the spring...Obviously there will be coach speak "every job is open" "nothing is set" blah blah, but yes it looks like Eisler found a home behind center and Boerm can be a big asset at WR.

It could be a stellar year for the Dutch as they return nearly everyone and bring back pre season AA Keith Rush who was unable to play due to an injury, as well as 3 other 5th year players that suffered season ending injuries early on.

[NewKnightDad]

Wartburg is losing 8 offensive players this year.
3 - Offensive linemen (guard, center, guard) returning 2 tackles that will be juniors.
1 - Tight end
3 - Wide receivers
2 - Running backs

My take on the offense - Though we do lose Thompson and Dahlstrom at RB we will be bringing back Domeyer who averaged 4.9 yds per carry and started many games this year.  Wide receiver might be a problem, don't know what is coming in behind this crew. O-Line will be an issue again next year as this year was not great but when you start two sophomore tackles with no game experience that was be tough.  Losing Orr will be big as he is a beast and set the tone for the rest of the line.  Replacing the middle of the line might be easier than the tackles we had to replace this year.

I believe we will have a wide open QB competition in the spring between Schrader and Hanus who will both be sophomores and both have game experience.

We are losing 5 defensive players.
1 - D-line
2 - LB
1 - Safety
1 - Corner

I believe our defense will have to carry the offense at the beginning of the year and hopefully the offense will improve quickly.

It will be tough to return to the top next year but I think we have some players that will be able to step in and fill the voids left by the graduating class.

[DutchFan2004]

In the last game Central started 3 seniors on offense and 1 on defense.  Another thing that has me optimistic is, there shouldn't be the question about the starting qb like there was through the early part of this season.  All I know about the program is what I see on the field on game day.  Based on that, it looks like it is Eiseler's job to lose.  QB continuity should be a good thing right?

FR,

That is the best thing that can happen to the Dutch.  Giving a player more reps at QB is a blessing and can be a curse.  If the QB learns and improves with reps (and that is the only way he can) the offense will get better.  The curse is the same with each rep that a QB takes he takes it away from another player so that or those players behind him on the depth chart do not get the chance to improve.  So if Eiseler is the starter, and I think you are correct that it is his job to lose, he will need to have a good off season and improve a lot if the Dutch want to get back on top of the IIAC.  If he is the best chance that the Dutch have and doesn't improve that is not good for the Dutch getting back on top.  I think Coach Mac will do a good job in bringing him along and improving.  The last three long term QB's, (by that I mean longer than two years) Coach Mac has had good results with and they have improved a lot and become very good players.  No reason to think differently this time.  It is really up to Eiseler to determine where the Dutch go from here.

[notlongago]

In the last game Central started 3 seniors on offense and 1 on defense.  Another thing that has me optimistic is, there shouldn't be the question about the starting qb like there was through the early part of this season.  All I know about the program is what I see on the field on game day.  Based on that, it looks like it is Eiseler's job to lose.  QB continuity should be a good thing right?

FR,

That is the best thing that can happen to the Dutch.  Giving a player more reps at QB is a blessing and can be a curse.  If the QB learns and improves with reps (and that is the only way he can) the offense will get better.  The curse is the same with each rep that a QB takes he takes it away from another player so that or those players behind him on the depth chart do not get the chance to improve.  So if Eiseler is the starter, and I think you are correct that it is his job to lose, he will need to have a good off season and improve a lot if the Dutch want to get back on top of the IIAC.  If he is the best chance that the Dutch have and doesn't improve that is not good for the Dutch getting back on top.  I think Coach Mac will do a good job in bringing him along and improving.  The last three long term QB's, (by that I mean longer than two years) Coach Mac has had good results with and they have improved a lot and become very good players.  No reason to think differently this time.  It is really up to Eiseler to determine where the Dutch go from here.

I second this: but will add in, Eisler doesn't need to be a world beater at QB to help Central back to the top of the conference, he needs to be sufficeable. By that I mean he needs to be a game manager, not a game changer. Work on getting rid of the ball by throwing it away instead of taking sacks, keep turnovers low, and get the ball to play makers. The runningback situation for Central looks like it has big play potential, WR will be a strong asset. And with the defense that is coming back, just be a game manager. The LB core will be the most athletic in the conference, and the Dbacks are INT vultures. Dline is also probably the most athletic in conference as well, and all of this comes with many freshman that will be much more mature physically as well as mentally due to the weight room and game experience gained this year.

I was skeptical this year, but I am very excited for the next 2 years.

(all this assuming no significant injuries or transfers which is always a strong possibility)

[CaliRamRL6]

Congrats to Coe. Let the playoffs begin!

[DutchFan2004]

In the last game Central started 3 seniors on offense and 1 on defense.  Another thing that has me optimistic is, there shouldn't be the question about the starting qb like there was through the early part of this season.  All I know about the program is what I see on the field on game day.  Based on that, it looks like it is Eiseler's job to lose.  QB continuity should be a good thing right?

FR,

That is the best thing that can happen to the Dutch.  Giving a player more reps at QB is a blessing and can be a curse.  If the QB learns and improves with reps (and that is the only way he can) the offense will get better.  The curse is the same with each rep that a QB takes he takes it away from another player so that or those players behind him on the depth chart do not get the chance to improve.  So if Eiseler is the starter, and I think you are correct that it is his job to lose, he will need to have a good off season and improve a lot if the Dutch want to get back on top of the IIAC.  If he is the best chance that the Dutch have and doesn't improve that is not good for the Dutch getting back on top.  I think Coach Mac will do a good job in bringing him along and improving.  The last three long term QB's, (by that I mean longer than two years) Coach Mac has had good results with and they have improved a lot and become very good players.  No reason to think differently this time.  It is really up to Eiseler to determine where the Dutch go from here.

I second this: but will add in, Eisler doesn't need to be a world beater at QB to help Central back to the top of the conference, he needs to be sufficeable. By that I mean he needs to be a game manager, not a game changer. Work on getting rid of the ball by throwing it away instead of taking sacks, keep turnovers low, and get the ball to play makers. The runningback situation for Central looks like it has big play potential, WR will be a strong asset. And with the defense that is coming back, just be a game manager. The LB core will be the most athletic in the conference, and the Dbacks are INT vultures. Dline is also probably the most athletic in conference as well, and all of this comes with many freshman that will be much more mature physically as well as mentally due to the weight room and game experience gained this year.

I was skeptical this year, but I am very excited for the next 2 years.

(all this assuming no significant injuries or transfers which is always a strong possibility)

I agree with some of this.  Eiseler does not have to be a superman but he does need to be more than a game manager.  The Dutch have not had a player that consistently took games on their backs and say I will make a play to win the game.  I don't mean that Eiseler needs to be the guy on every play.  When the Dutch were successful they had players step up their game.  Can anyone say Brant VerMeer?  This kid had never punted and wound up being one of the best punters the Dutch have had.  Wartburg knows how many times they started from inside the 10-20 yard line with him punting.  Brett Doud picking off a pass or returning kicks or punts for TD's.  Andrew Lehn getting a pick or a needed sack.  I know all these players in the past have contributed to a win.  The Dutch don't need a star they need a group of young men that refuse to lose and will step up and take the team on their back when things don't go their way.  Eiseler needs to make plays and not hurt the team.  Keep the turnovers down and be able to read the defenses. 

[notlongago]

Perhaps my reading comprehension is off today, but I think you just said everything I did. Eisler just needs to be good enough to allow people around him to make plays because there are playmakers all over the field and on both sides of the ball for the Dutch. That's what I consider a game manager, I suppose your definition may be different.
Also, I'd have to say Nate Snead was a player who put the whole team on his back and willed a way to make play, and win games regardless if anyone helped or not.

[warthog]

Easiest 1/4 of the bracket an IIAC team has had in 15 years.

[putmeincoach]

In the last game Central started 3 seniors on offense and 1 on defense.  Another thing that has me optimistic is, there shouldn't be the question about the starting qb like there was through the early part of this season.  All I know about the program is what I see on the field on game day.  Based on that, it looks like it is Eiseler's job to lose.  QB continuity should be a good thing right?

I listened to the coaches radio show, and he made it sound like, barring some unforeseen circumstances, it would be Eislers job going into the spring...Obviously there will be coach speak "every job is open" "nothing is set" blah blah, but yes it looks like Eisler found a home behind center and Boerm can be a big asset at WR.

It could be a stellar year for the Dutch as they return nearly everyone and bring back pre season AA Keith Rush who was unable to play due to an injury, as well as 3 other 5th year players that suffered season ending injuries early on.

I agree – Eisler is the guy.  He will need to limit his pics and not take as many sacks (although I have seen him make a play out of nothing by scrambling out of a mess) both of these will get better with experience
However; when listening to Coach Mac I do not get the "vibe" he is super high on Eisler (hope I am wrong) maybe this is just coach speak and I am reading it wrong - he seems to love Boerm and go out of his way to praise him and seems to be a little hard on Eisler for a young 1st year starter – Mac knows his players and maybe this is what each of them needs to be motivated

[DutchFan2004]

In the last game Central started 3 seniors on offense and 1 on defense.  Another thing that has me optimistic is, there shouldn't be the question about the starting qb like there was through the early part of this season.  All I know about the program is what I see on the field on game day.  Based on that, it looks like it is Eiseler's job to lose.  QB continuity should be a good thing right?

I listened to the coaches radio show, and he made it sound like, barring some unforeseen circumstances, it would be Eislers job going into the spring...Obviously there will be coach speak "every job is open" "nothing is set" blah blah, but yes it looks like Eisler found a home behind center and Boerm can be a big asset at WR.

It could be a stellar year for the Dutch as they return nearly everyone and bring back pre season AA Keith Rush who was unable to play due to an injury, as well as 3 other 5th year players that suffered season ending injuries early on.

I agree – Eisler is the guy.  He will need to limit his pics and not take as many sacks (although I have seen him make a play out of nothing by scrambling out of a mess) both of these will get better with experience
However; when listening to Coach Mac I do not get the "vibe" he is super high on Eisler (hope I am wrong) maybe this is just coach speak and I am reading it wrong - he seems to love Boerm and go out of his way to praise him and seems to be a little hard on Eisler for a young 1st year starter – Mac knows his players and maybe this is what each of them needs to be motivated

I think Mac's vibe is consistent with what he has always said.  If someone ups his game and is a better player they will take that job from a starter.  That has always been his ethos.  So Eiseler may indeed be the best now and going into the spring.  If someone steps up improves or a transfer or incoming freshman beats him out there will be a new QB for the Dutch.  I don't think anything is ever set in stone with Coach Mac and that is the way it should be.  If a player is better and the best for the team he should play no matter if they were a starter or not.  Remember even a starter needs to stay sharp and keep improving this may be one way to keep the starters motivated and improving rather than thinking "hey I have arrived and am the starter I can stop working hard now".  Borem may be a close second at QB.  That may be as you said a way to keep the competition going to improve each player and keep them from seeking a roofing job this summer.   

[Willie University]

Easiest 1/4 of the bracket an IIAC team has had in 15 years.

I agree 100% and why I think Coe has a shot at a run. Elmhurst is no North Central. In fact, Elmhurst got beat last year by North Central 55-10 (worse the UD did in the playoffs) and Elmhurst, again, got whooped up on by north central 44-10 this year.

If Coe doesn't beat Elmhurst, then the IIAC is hurting. They barely beat Auggie, only beat loras 36-0 and won some other close ones to average teams. Coe got a lucky 1st round match up. Had they been matched up against North Central, I am not sure so they would be moving on. Just being realistic. I hope they prove me wrong and make a deep run.

At least they got a team that in my opinion, shouldn't even be in the playoffs other then their record.

Willie U

[wartknight]

Easiest 1/4 of the bracket an IIAC team has had in 15 years.

I agree 100% and why I think Coe has a shot at a run. Elmhurst is no North Central. In fact, Elmhurst got beat last year by North Central 55-10 (worse the UD did in the playoffs) and Elmhurst, again, got whooped up on by north central 44-10 this year.

If Coe doesn't beat Elmhurst, then the IIAC is hurting. They barely beat Auggie, only beat loras 36-0 and won some other close ones to average teams. Coe got a lucky 1st round match up. Had they been matched up against North Central, I am not sure so they would be moving on. Just being realistic. I hope they prove me wrong and make a deep run.

At least they got a team that in my opinion, shouldn't even be in the playoffs other then their record.

Willie U

While their scores may not seem impressive, Elmhurst did tie for 1st place in a historically tough conference. If you are playing the MOV game, they beat a Wheaton team that has a victory over NCC. That being said, I do like this match up for Coe. I didn't look back 15 years, but with a potential 2nd round game against the Tommies, not sure how "easy" the bracket is!