FB: American Rivers Conference

[DBQ1965]

I liked Purple Heys assessment of the Central - Dubuque game this Saturday.  As a long suffering Spartan fan, its been a while since UD played a game this signficant.  If it wasn't a 7 hour drive, I think I would make the trip ... but I'll have to be satisfied with Internet radio listening.  Go Spartans!

[DutchFan2004]

I said you can use it after the game does that still count as Saturday?

[DutchFan2004]

The hex is only good for 1PM till the end of the game.   

[DutchHawk]

I agree with Heys...special teams will make the difference...that and Connell will be able to pick his poison...hand the ball to Schuring/Zachary or throw it to any number of receivers.

Go Dutch!!!

[DutchFan2004]

Brondyke to me is an offensive weapon more than defensive.  He can change the field position to help the O get better position on the field.  To me that's offensive and defensive.  I suppose it is all how you look at it.  It does make the opponents go farther so you could say it is defensive.  How I look at it though is if the D steps up after a good punt then the other punter has to return the punt and Brondyke is doing a great job of changing field position for the Dutch this year.  Give Connell and Schuring a short field and that spells trouble for anyone.

[Purple Heys]

Brondyke to me is an offensive weapon more than defensive.  He can change the field position to help the O get better position on the field.  To me that's offensive and defensive.  I suppose it is all how you look at it.  It does make the opponents go farther so you could say it is defensive.  How I look at it though is if the D steps up after a good punt then the other punter has to return the punt and Brondyke is doing a great job of changing field position for the Dutch this year.  Give Connell and Schuring a short field and that spells trouble for anyone.

I see Brondyke as a defensive weapon from the standpoint that he sets up the defense by backing up the opposing offense thereby putting pressure on the opposing offense...the defense then in turns gives back favorable offensive field position.

One thing...Dubuque's punter in no slouch...he looked pretty good to me last Saturday, better than average at least.  Yes, Dubuque actually punted in that game against Cornell.

[DutchFan2004]

I can see your point.  From that standpoint you take he would be a defensive threat.  I guess from my point I like the offense.  The one thing for sure in football you can win if you don't score 

[Klopenhiemer]

You see, these level headed scouting reports from neutral observers picking Central to win this weekend is what will keep me away from the computer this saturday.  It better stop raining so I can fire up the lucky mower to see if that can throw the balance in UD's favor.

Klop, sorry for taking what you had said earlier out of context.

Doolittle...no harm no foul.  I just didnt want anyone to think I was a biggot or was setting any type of racail profile. 

On to the Central v Dubuque game.  I believe the biggest factor in this game is wheather the kids from UD can keep it together and know how to win this game.  I have to give it to UD.  A team on the rise and I hope it keeps happening.  I do remember in recent years teams playing big games that might not have been on the end of a lot of wins over the past few years...only to have the world come crashing down game time.  Central is a strong team and they know how to win.  UD has had some success.  I hope they can make it over this hurdle.  I know both sides will show up to play for this one. 

[Purple Heys]

If I were betting with my heart, I would be betting for the Spartans...not to do diss the Dutch...more that it's good once in a while to shake up the status quo.

Gives us Ram fans a "see, it can be done" warm and fuzzy.

[Purple Heys]

My read on possible playoff implications...

IF the DBQ wins AND Wartburg wins out, the Kanigits get the AQ...how can you keep out the Spartans on the strength of ending Central's streak, a win at Coe, and a lone loss to Wartburg (presuming the Sparties polish their resume by winning out).

Unfortunately, a very deserving Central is the odd team out in this scenario

IF Central wins and then wins out...I can see Central being an IIAC only child in the D3 playoff pool...The Kanigits become a 2 loss team with the Augsburg loss hanging like an anchor around their playoff hopes and the Sparties can't go if the Kanigits don't.

IF Central beats Dubuque, loses to Wartburg and both the Duthc and Kanigits win out from there; Wartburg is the AQ, Central has a good case at 10-1.  IIAC won't merit 3 teams.


Of course the Rams hold ALL the cards should they upset the Kanigits or the Dutch!  

[DutchHawk]

My read on possible playoff implications...

IF the DBQ wins AND Wartburg wins out, the Kanigits get the AQ...how can you keep out the Spartans on the strength of ending Central's streak, a win at Coe, and a lone loss to Wartburg (presuming the Sparties polish their resume by winning out).

The committee is not going to look at a possible Dubuque win over Central as playoff worthy simply because it ended a streak of 24 games. That bucket holds no water in my opinion.  Although I dont see us having to worry about that!

[doolittledog]

I know it changes every year.  Last year was a bit odd in that two 9-1 teams did not make the playoffs and if I remember right they were saying the math would have kept Wartburg out at 9-1 as well.  If you consider had Wartburg ended at 9-1 and their only loss would have been an OT game to a 10-0 team and they still would not have made the playoffs it makes you wonder if the IIAC will see two teams this year. 

[Purple Heys]

My read on possible playoff implications...

IF the DBQ wins AND Wartburg wins out, the Kanigits get the AQ...how can you keep out the Spartans on the strength of ending Central's streak, a win at Coe, and a lone loss to Wartburg (presuming the Sparties polish their resume by winning out).

The committee is not going to look at a possible Dubuque win over Central as playoff worthy simply because it ended a streak of 24 games. That bucket holds no water in my opinion.  Although I dont see us having to worry about that!

Au contraire...A win over a 10-1 or 9-2  team has to look like a high-quality win...the fact that it ended the streak will no doubt be in some voters minds

[Purple Heys]

I think the IIAC success in nonconference games will give us a lift...despite the Wartburg collective brain fart against Augsburg...

[Purple Heys]

I don't think the NWC and SCIAC seem to be as strong as in years past either...