FB: American Rivers Conference

[DutchHawk]

Warthog-Pretty simple if you ask me-
2004-Weren't that good
2005-weren't that good
2006-making a comeback
2007-No excuse. Flat out shouldn't happen. Hopefully the players aren't dwelling on it like I am.
A loss this weekend will make the rest of the year meaningless.

2004 Conference champs made the playoff's
2005  weren't that good
2006  weren't that good
2007  I agree shouldn't have happen

Warthog   I pick #3

Granted Wartburg may have been having down years, but the teams that beat them those times (with the exception of Coe), are teams that a team that is thought of as a playoff contender should beat, down year or not (Millikin, Loras, Augsburg). I think Wartburg has fielded top 3 IIAC teams for the past 10 years and that caliber should not lose to those listed. Is there something with overlooking an inferior team going on up in Waverly?

[sportsknight]

Already posted over on the Pick 'Em board, but figured I'd drop these in here to get some discussion of this week's games going.

Week Six Picks...

BV over Luther - Had to roll this one over in my mind quite a bit.  I think this game turns into a shootout, and I like BV's big play ability in that kind of game.  Look for Hawkins to have a big day against the man coverage he'll see on the perimeter.

Central over Coe - I'm still not sold on Coe.  Central hasn't been overpowering anyone lately, but they've found ways to win games.  This will be a close game, probably decided by the Central trademarks:  a couple big pass plays, strong special teams play, and a big play by the defense late in the game.

Dubuque over Cornell - Dubuque has a bundle of momentum coming off of the win over Coe and has a chance to build even more of it heading into their showdown with Central next week.  Cornell stays in it for a half or so, but then Sparty's playmakers take over.

Wartburg over Loras - Need a recipe for disaster?  Take one pissed off Wartburg team, add a Loras squad that never seems to get enough breaks, stir vigorously, and serve in one of Iowa's best mid-October scenes.  I think the Knights come out strong early and roll on to the Homecoming matchup with Coe.

[TheOne89.1]

The best part about the Team of the Week is it's constructed like a real team. So many conference players of the week are QBs, RBs, WRs and LBs, but how often does a tight end or defensive tackle or offensive line get recognized? That's what the Team of the Week is all about -- since it takes 22 starters to field a team, someone should be recognized at each spot.

I agree.  As a Hog up front on the O-line myself, I love it when they can be recognized.  I like how many times it is a whole offensive line unit who is recognized.

I am sure it has been mentioned on here before, but how many DIII schools are there?  48 schools seems kind of a low percentage...is that typical or was it just due to the fact that maybe some schools didn't have anyone perform well this past weekend?

[davedevine]

I've either read or heard that there's something like 212 D3 Schools.. can't remember if that was the total number of schools, or just the number of actual football teams

Pat can probably confirm my number.. i do know it seemed very high but i'm pretty sure that's +/- 10

[sc_stormchaser]

Fan Rex - maybe we should shy away from an association with the Des Moines River. It has one of the highest bacteria levels in the US 

[Pat Coleman]

The best part about the Team of the Week is it's constructed like a real team. So many conference players of the week are QBs, RBs, WRs and LBs, but how often does a tight end or defensive tackle or offensive line get recognized? That's what the Team of the Week is all about -- since it takes 22 starters to field a team, someone should be recognized at each spot.

I agree.  As a Hog up front on the O-line myself, I love it when they can be recognized.  I like how many times it is a whole offensive line unit who is recognized.

I am sure it has been mentioned on here before, but how many DIII schools are there?  48 schools seems kind of a low percentage...is that typical or was it just due to the fact that maybe some schools didn't have anyone perform well this past weekend?

238 schools now, actually. So one out of five schools nominated this past week.

I don't know what kind of percentage you'd like to see. Perhaps you just don't think Wartburg nominates often enough but I don't have any real data on that for you. Wartburg has had players named in the past. I'm sorry if you are dissatisfied with it, but it's a good program. We'd always like to have more schools take advantage of it, but I think it's a good mix of honorees every week.

[dutchfan1]

Hey guys -- sorry, I haven't been around much this season. I've been a little busy with some personal changes in my life....fun, fun.

Coco, how's the wonderful Pacific NW? Are the 'Cat's playoff ready this season? Central would love another matchup!

[TheOne89.1]

I don't know what kind of percentage you'd like to see. Perhaps you just don't think Wartburg nominates often enough but I don't have any real data on that for you. Wartburg has had players named in the past. I'm sorry if you are dissatisfied with it, but it's a good program. We'd always like to have more schools take advantage of it, but I think it's a good mix of honorees every week.

Actually, I am all for the Team of the Week.  I'm not going against it at all...it was actually a co-worker of mine who wasn't a fan of it (he's a UWL grad...what does he know anyways).  I don't really expect many Wartburg players to be on there just because normally the stats are lower for all but spread out among them all.  It would be nice if all the schools sent in their nominations that way you could find those guys at some of the lesser know schools who had a guy perform above and beyond what they normally do and had a big impact on their team tha tweek.  I know it's tough for you guys to get to every game with the small number of staff members you have to work with.  I'm sure you rely heavily on what SIDs send you.  I applaud you and the rest of the D3football.com staff for the job you guys do.  This is by far the best source of information for division 3 football. 

[coco]

Dutchie,

You need to come back to the PNW and visit to see for yourself. Bring the Warthogs with you.

Unlike the Dutch, my 'Cats do not have a perfect record this year, and we have another tough one coming up on Saturday, but we're hanging in there. We love our Wildcats.

You might have your hands full on Saturday, too. Good luck.

Coco

[Fannosaurus Rex]

What would be an appropriate trophy for The E. coli Bowl?

Fan Rex - maybe we should shy away from an association with the Des Moines River. It has one of the highest bacteria levels in the US 

[DutchFan2004]

Fan, 


Don't they call that the toilet bowl?

[sportsknight]

DF2004,
I was informed yesterday that we've fixed the problem with the station's website.  Things should be working fine now.

[keith45]

So if UD catches Central on a so-so day (or gets 2 early scores to make Central play from behind), UD might have a shot to run the table.....my concern is field discipline, UD with a lead against a good team hasnt happened too much lately...

oh, and can anyone guess why UD and Loras dont do homecoming each year?? We have Loras for homecoming this year, which will be big!

[doolittledog]

So if UD catches Central on a so-so day (or gets 2 early scores to make Central play from behind), UD might have a shot to run the table.....my concern is field discipline, UD with a lead against a good team hasnt happened too much lately...

oh, and can anyone guess why UD and Loras dont do homecoming each year?? We have Loras for homecoming this year, which will be big!

I'm not allowing myself to think that far ahead.  I just want UD to think about the game right ahead of them and not even think about running the table.  That can be dangerous. 

As far as Loras and homecoming there has been some talk on here of wanting an IIAC rivalry week where everybody plays their rival the same saturday.  I think the league could use that as a marketing tool and really get the whole state talking about the IIAC.  Maybe do that as the last game of the year type thing.  Then schedule homecoming games for the middle of the season. 

[DutchFan2004]

sportsknight,

Thanks I will listen to the game today.  Are you coming to the game Sat.?  If you can come up and get a brat I think Matt will be there around 10:30 or 11.  We will have enough to get you a good lunch.