FB: American Rivers Conference

[Walston Hoover]

Let us not forget that there will be 4 extra playoff spots in D3 this  year.  While it will still be tough to get an at-large with 2 losses, it will be easier than normal.

[Hawks4life]

Wartburgs passing game has taken a hit over the past few weeks, i know that one of their starters from last year (Vinzant) was out for most of camp with an stomach flu or somthing close to that, then in the 1st quarter agasit milikan he pulled a quad muscle and could be out for a while.

[Pakk]

No kegs or JD allowed in Pella.  Central will have to celebrate with sparkling water.

This week will tell us a lot about the iowa conference.

[Southfan]

Your right there are no kegs and JD during the season in Pella.  I was thinking of after the season.

[vinnysboy]

any predictions for this week gentlemen

[dutchfan1]

I think it's a bit premature to talk about the playoffs, guys.

Predictions for the week:
Central at Bethel
Iowa Wesleyan at Cornell
Blackburn at Dubuque
St. Olaf at Luther
Loras at St. Ambrose
Coe at St. Thomas
Augsburg at Wartburg

[Freebird]

very premature to talk about that...

[Kilted Rat]

Bethel
Iowa Wes
Dubuque
Luther
St. Ambrose
UST
Wart

[dutchfan1]

KR, I thought you Johnnie fans were sworn enemies of the Royals ... I'm surprised to see that you have such a lack of confidence in the Dutch -- especially considering that a 6-4 Central team beat BU last year. Interesting....

[Kilted Rat]

Dutchfan1,

We are sworn enemies, but its more fun to beat Bethel late in the season when they have won a lot of games and have their hopes up! If your boys knock them off again, it won't be as fun to demolish them on their own field!


Notice I also picked UST to win, who I hate even more than Bethel. Same rationale.


Its a lot like if the Hawkeyes and Cyclones played at the very end of the year (instead of wasting the matchup on week 1). Whoever wins would enjoy it a lot more if they ended the other's win streak/ bowl game hopes.

[Freebird]

Well stated kiltedrat, but you forgot to add that you don't want to go 0-2 on Bethel pick'em for the season .

everyone that saw last years game knows BU out played Central and will do the same thing this year while pulling out a double digit win.  Last year BU made some mistakes that young teams make on the road and payed for it.  They will not happen again therefore giving Central little chance to win the game.

[dutchfan1]

Freebird -- still making excuses for the loss last year, eh? I'm not all that worried about Central's road game.

The way I see it, the Bethel team you were touting last year to contend for the conference title ended the season with a 6-4 record, the same as Central. I'm sure this was disappointing, especially with all of the preseason "hype." I'm sure that BU is going to field an adequate team, but I wouldn't go overboard and predict a "double digit" win. 

Central by 7.

[Freebird]

Dutchfan1,

I understand what you mean, but did you see the game?  Central played well and used the Bethel mistakes to win the game.  Your right last year very disapointing, starting with that game.  This years team is quite a bit better than last year.  It also looks like either Central got alot better or Augustana got alot worst.  I heard Augustana only passed 3 times.  I don't think it's overboard to predict a double digit win, you think your team will win by 7 and I said mine will win my 10 or more.

Bethel 30 Central 17

[Lance Harbor]

Walston-Hoover - I'm actually really glad you mentioned the extra postseason spots.  I know it's premature to talk about individual teams making the postseason, but as for the conference as a whole, it's worth mentioning that a good showing vs. non-conference teams will score big points with The Committee in November.
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Picks:

Cornell
Luther
Coe
Bethel
St. Ambrose (but not by a lot)
Dubuque
Wartburg
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Dutchfan1, Warthog, Sportsknight, WH and everyone else who will be on hand for the Battle of the 'Burgs -- I found out last week that I won't be able to take any vacation time until I've worked six months    I won't be on hand for the festivities on Saturday, and it's absolutely killing me.

Tell Mr. and Mrs. Coco that "Lance says Hi."  Take care, and don't have too much fun.

Go Knights!!

[Johnnie Red]

Central and Coe fans heading to Minnesota for the Bethel - St. Thomas games: you are cordially invited to the first ever ecumenical Stiftungsfestivities tailgate party starting tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. at Bethel in the parking lot by the football stadium. Bring some food to share. If you are a Dutch fan, please bring some Dutch letters!
The distance between Bethel and St. Thomas is about a 15-20 minute drive, so Coe fans please join us.