FB: American Rivers Conference

[K-Mack]

I hope you all appreciate the Iowa-based writer who did the Kickoff previews this year.

[doolittledog]

Everyone should buy Kickoff.  A great read every year. 

IIAC preseason coaches poll...vs D3football kickoff

1 - Coe            1 - Coe
2 - Wartburg    2 - Central
3 - Central       3 - Wartburg
4 - Dubuque    4 - Simpson
5 - Simpson     5 - BVU
6 - BVU           6 - Dubuque
7 - Loras          7 - Loras
8 - Luther        8 - Luther

[Pat Coleman]

In reality, our ranking has ties in it that are not reflected above.

[doolittledog]

In reality, our ranking has ties in it that are not reflected above.

Yeah, I probably shouldn't have even posted that, but thought it might drive a few more to buy your preview.  I'll be staying up late tonight pouring over non-con opponants for IIAC schools 

[Pat Coleman]

Well, another telling detail as to how Keith and I think these teams stack up is when you look at where they rank in our 1-244 ranking of D-III.

Other than Coe, which the Top 25 voters ranked for us.

[Alfredeneumann]

WCF Courier story on Wartburg media day.
http://wcfcourier.com/sports/college/article_5cf096ec-0f77-11e3-858c-0019bb2963f4.html

[Fannosaurus Rex]

Well, another telling detail as to how Keith and I think these teams stack up is when you look at where they rank in our 1-244 ranking of D-III.

Other than Coe, which the Top 25 voters ranked for us.

So where is my pass word?

[D3Dutchman]

Central has its 2013 roster up on its web site.

When I look at the roster, my first thought is that they might lack a little size.  Then I pull up the rosters of other IIAC teams (Coe and Wartburg), and I really don't think that holds true in comparison to the competition...at least not with an unscientific eyeball test.  Then I pulled up the two gold standards (MU and UWW), and it appears that all 3 of arguably our best programs in recent history lack size in comparison (especially in comparison to UWW, and especially in the trenches). 

Has this always been the case?  I went to look for some of my old media guides from the early 2000's and I'll be damned if I could find any of them.  I'm fairly certain those Central teams had more size in the trenches.  Has anyone else noticed a trend towards rosters with less size, or am I wrong on this (I very well could be...us old timers have a way of thinking we were bigger and badder than we really were)?

Size certainly isn't everything, and I know there is a difference between size and "good size."  That said, it's nice to have the right kind.

I don't know if I would consider the central line small this year. They will all go between 265 and 295 (which is bigger than the past couple of years) Not to mention the type of offense central runs requires athletic lineman capable of moving, not just big bruisers.

I believe good coaching and fundamentals will more than make up for 10-20 lbs.

Agreed on your second point.  I think footwork/technique are key when you are trying to evaluate line play.  Obviously having both size and good technique are best, but you can't always have your cake and eat it too. 

Ferentz (the O-line guru himself) often has a slightly smaller line in comparison to the competition, and yet Iowa's lines are generally at least above average and at best excellent.   Again, just an eyeball test and an observation.

Welcome back Reaper94.

[Pat Coleman]

Well, another telling detail as to how Keith and I think these teams stack up is when you look at where they rank in our 1-244 ranking of D-III.

Other than Coe, which the Top 25 voters ranked for us.

So where is my pass word?

Sent to you in email Aug. 7. If you didn't receive it, it may be your ISP is filtering your mail too heavily.

[Fannosaurus Rex]

Any chance I could get it again?

[putmeincoach]

Non-conference predictions:

Buena Vista 0-3...very tough (to impossible) non-conference schedule again

Central 2-1...I went back and forth between 1-2 & 2-1 but with two games at home hope the Dutch can get 2

Coe 3-0...not a cakewalk but one IIAC team has to be undefeated after the NC schedule

Dubuque 1-2...too many WIAC  teams on the schedule to do much more

Loras 1-2...hopefully the Duhawks can get one from Rockford on the road

Luther 1-2...triple option trips up one team in the NC

Simpson 3-0...if Simpson doesn't lay an egg could have another 3-0 team heading to the conference schedule

Wartburg 2-1...Bethel on the road is just too tough

[5 Words or Less]

Luther scrimmages @ UW-SP friday

[Willie University]

Luther scrimmages @ UW-SP friday

UD scrimmages UW-Osh Kosh today also at Osh Kosh.

If you attend the Luther scrimmage I would be curious to see what you think about UW-SP

[Duhawkin]

Loras will scrimmage La crosse today

[doolittledog]

I haven't heard any news of the Loras/Luther/Dubuque scrimmages against the WIAC teams from yesterday, but I did find a picture of the indoor practice facility going up at UD. 



You can see the elevator shaft of the suite style dorm being built behind the indoor practice facility