FB: American Rivers Conference

[Rhino_05]

I don't buy that it was one weak link that did the Wartburg punt team in that day.  The left tackle was hurt on the first punt, but the other two blocks came from the punter's right edge.  The last one was a result of a bad snap, but the right up-back was beaten twice. 

There's no secret formula to the Dutch special teams.  It is more a result of preparation/execution (read: repetition, repetition, repetition) and making sure the people on the field are able to get the job done. 

[Walston Hoover]

I didn't realize any one practiced special teams. At Wartburg we always put them in pregame.

[knightlife06]

I don't buy that it was one weak link that did the Wartburg punt team in that day.  The left tackle was hurt on the first punt, but the other two blocks came from the punter's right edge.  The last one was a result of a bad snap, but the right up-back was beaten twice. 

Hate to say it but it was the tackle's fault.  After the first punt was blocked it set the tone for the rest of the game.  Anyone who doesn't think that momentum looms large in college football doesn't know the game.   

[Walston Hoover]

And you guys will have to trust me on this---knightlife06 would know if it was the tackle's fault.

[TheOne89.1]

Definitely a little off subject...feel free to skip over this post if you want.

But I was bored at work so I picked up Freddie Jackson for my fantasy team.  Any Coe followers been following Jackson this year?  I know he had one carry for -1 yard I believe.  Big pre-season.  Maybe I can start him just for the hell of it at the end of the year if I don't make playoffs....but it is nice to have a IIAC guy on my squad.

How about next draft year?  I found a site that had 2008 D3 NFL draft rankings.  Found four IIAC guys on there.  (BV's Pierce & Sly, Luther's Sherden, and UD's Mashburn).  Anyone out there know if these guys are interested in following in Jackson's footsteps?

Here's the link:

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/playersdiv3.php?genpos=RB&draftyear=2008&sortorder=tsxpos&order=ASC

[sportsknight]

Sportsknight,
You are correct but how often would you say they really went after the punts.  I don't think and you can put your own words on this but I don't think the Dutch try to block the punt every time.  They try to pick a good time to do it. 

I see your point, but Central has come after a few and not gotten there.  I was trying to make the point that Central's punt block is far from unstoppable.  They don't go after every one, but do come after quite a few with no results.

And what is this "noone" I keep seeing people refer to?  Last I knew, no one was two different words, so "noone" must mean something else.

[DutchHawk]

I didn't realize any one practiced special teams. At Wartburg we always put them in pregame.

Maybe you should start thinking about it!

What is this talk of an illegal punt block that Central runs? You think they could be running an illegal punt block for years and never get called on it? You have got to be kidding me!! WH I know you like your black shades on but dont be like all those real cool guys who wear them in the bars at night!! Wartburg not punting against Central all game is a joke, Id put all my student loans and yours on the line if you wanted to bet that one!

[DutchHawk]

Sportsknight,
You are correct but how often would you say they really went after the punts.  I don't think and you can put your own words on this but I don't think the Dutch try to block the punt every time.  They try to pick a good time to do it. 

I see your point, but Central has come after a few and not gotten there.  I was trying to make the point that Central's punt block is far from unstoppable.  They don't go after every one, but do come after quite a few with no results.

And what is this "noone" I keep seeing people refer to?  Last I knew, no one was two different words, so "noone" must mean something else.

Central comes after fewer than you would think. Knowing the schemes it may look to an outsider as if we are coming but its usually only a couple guys, if we go all out our success rate is good, and if its not a block you know its in your punters and snappers head this week!!

[davedevine]

wow, I haven't checked  the site out since Sunday afternoon and it takes 20 minutes to catch up.

Dutchhawk: your math is correct, 3 years @ WB, no redshirt @ UNI.

KCDutch, where do you live down here and how often do you go to the OP(135th or 81st?)

as far as the WB-Central games-  from what I remember, it seems that one team will pretty much dominate for an entire half and then it will flip after half time or stay pretty even.

Walston, agree?  that's the way it seemed to me from 98-00' anyway, can't speak as much on the games since then. 

[DutchHawk]

wow, I haven't checked  the site out since Sunday afternoon and it takes 20 minutes to catch up.

Dutchhawk: your math is correct, 3 years @ WB, no redshirt @ UNI.

KCDutch, where do you live down here and how often do you go to the OP(135th or 81st?)

as far as the WB-Central games-  from what I remember, it seems that one team will pretty much dominate for an entire half and then it will flip after half time or stay pretty even.

Walston, agree?  that's the way it seemed to me from 98-00' anyway, can't speak as much on the games since then. 

I thought you went to UNI, I was pretty young back then though so my memory never serves me correct.

I think this game will bring out the best in each team...well be in for a treat, only wish I could still be playing.

[davedevine]

re: blocking punts: 
I really don't think people realize how difficult this is.

If there's a good snap and you get the slightest bit chipped, it's almost impossible to block it.   
if there's a clean snap/kick, normally  the only way someone gets the block is because of missed assignment/block. 

it's the same reason you don't see extra points/fg's blocked very often.  At least not from someone coming off the edge.  Even if you don't get blocked, it's basically impossible to get there. 

i would love to see/hear a clinic from Beamer @ VT on blocking punts.  they are amazing at it.

[dbljay21]

Definitely a little off subject...feel free to skip over this post if you want.

But I was bored at work so I picked up Freddie Jackson for my fantasy team.  Any Coe followers been following Jackson this year?  I know he had one carry for -1 yard I believe.  Big pre-season.  Maybe I can start him just for the hell of it at the end of the year if I don't make playoffs....but it is nice to have a IIAC guy on my squad.

How about next draft year?  I found a site that had 2008 D3 NFL draft rankings.  Found four IIAC guys on there.  (BV's Pierce & Sly, Luther's Sherden, and UD's Mashburn).  Anyone out there know if these guys are interested in following in Jackson's footsteps?

Here's the link:

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/playersdiv3.php?genpos=RB&draftyear=2008&sortorder=tsxpos&order=ASC

I know that there have been 5 or 6 teams from the NFL checking out Sherden...I don't know how interested he is in going to the league, but there is some definite interest in him.  And after Jackson made the Bills this year, I think more guys would be interested in getting a shot to prove themselves against the best.  Hopefully, these guys get the chance 

[knightlife06]

I didn't realize any one practiced special teams. At Wartburg we always put them in pregame.

Maybe you should start thinking about it!

What is this talk of an illegal punt block that Central runs? You think they could be running an illegal punt block for years and never get called on it? You have got to be kidding me!! WH I know you like your black shades on but dont be like all those real cool guys who wear them in the bars at night!! Wartburg not punting against Central all game is a joke, Id put all my student loans and yours on the line if you wanted to bet that one!

Believe it or not, it is SUPPOSED to be called holding against the punt return team if a player on the return team grabs and pulls one of the blockers, just like it's SUPPOSED to be called holding if a defensive player grabs and pulls an offensive linemen.  Like I said, it is a rule but I've only seen it called once. 

[Busch Light]

I agree with Devine...blocking kicks is not as easy as it may seem.   Certain players seem to have a knack for being able to block a kick (good body lean, proper hand placement, quickness, not being afraid of the ball, etc..)   And yes, most teams that I have seen do a cross type punt block almost always try to grab and pull an offensive player out of a gap to create a seem. 

[Walston Hoover]

My soph team got it called on us this year. Knew it was the rule, but it was the first time I'd seen it called.
Defensive holding is a point of emphasis at all levels this year, didn't know that until I saw it called on ISU last weekend. Don't know if that emphasis carries over to special teams or not.