FB: American Rivers Conference

[DutchHawk]

Of course I know the records and the success of St. Johns, but how can a team that doesn't even tackle in practice play physical in games? Doesn't make sense to me.

No tackling in practice sure does cut down on senseless injuries

I would be interested in understanding this a little better.  During my playging days practices were held at full speed but no take downs.  What ended up happening was a 75% speed practice because no one wanted to smash into anyone.  How does this relate to your practices.  Do they just tag off on the ball carrier?  If there is not whistle does every play = a touchdown? 

I have heard that the first stringers are set way before fall camp even opens and the majority of the practice is dedicated to them getting better while everyone sits around and picks flowers.  One person told me for a 4th string guy this is the easiest place in the nation to play.  no scout team and no getting beat up. 

Obviosly what SJU does works on game day most of the time. They have struggled mightily at winning any Conference Championships lately. I believe the IIAC has a better record against Bethel the last few years than the Johnnies! (3-4)

SJU has only beaten the last 8 IIAC opponents...so dont go blowing this 10 number at us. You may have won the last 3 or 4 against the Dutch but Saturday will change that!

[Rugman]

Of course I know the records and the success of St. Johns, but how can a team that doesn't even tackle in practice play physical in games? Doesn't make sense to me.

No tackling in practice sure does cut down on senseless injuries

I would be interested in understanding this a little better.  During my playging days practices were held at full speed but no take downs.  What ended up happening was a 75% speed practice because no one wanted to smash into anyone.  How does this relate to your practices.  Do they just tag off on the ball carrier?  If there is not whistle does every play = a touchdown? 

I have heard that the first stringers are set way before fall camp even opens and the majority of the practice is dedicated to them getting better while everyone sits around and picks flowers.  One person told me for a 4th string guy this is the easiest place in the nation to play.  no scout team and no getting beat up. 

Obviosly what SJU does works on game day most of the time. They have struggled mightily at winning any Conference Championships lately. I believe the IIAC has a better record against Bethel the last few years than the Johnnies! (3-4)

SJU has only beaten the last 8 IIAC opponents...so dont go blowing this 10 number at us. You may have won the last 3 or 4 against the Dutch but Saturday will change that!

Not sure what you define as "struggled mightily" or "lately".  Let's see:  MIAC Champions this century:  2007 Bethel, 2006 Bethel/SJU Tie, 2005 SJU, 2004 Concordia, 2003 SJU (National Champion also), 2002 SJU, 2001 SJU/Bethel Tie, 2000 Bethel...Record against Bethel same time frame 5-3. (L's 2000, 2006,2007..W's 2001-2005) 

Satisfied; no...want to win MIAC every year and beat Bethel every time.   

On the other hand, what would be the fun of being a Mount Union.  Having some good competitors who will rise up and beat you occasionally keeps things interesting and is why we lead D3 in attendance.

[DutchHawk]

Of course I know the records and the success of St. Johns, but how can a team that doesn't even tackle in practice play physical in games? Doesn't make sense to me.

No tackling in practice sure does cut down on senseless injuries

I would be interested in understanding this a little better.  During my playging days practices were held at full speed but no take downs.  What ended up happening was a 75% speed practice because no one wanted to smash into anyone.  How does this relate to your practices.  Do they just tag off on the ball carrier?  If there is not whistle does every play = a touchdown? 

I have heard that the first stringers are set way before fall camp even opens and the majority of the practice is dedicated to them getting better while everyone sits around and picks flowers.  One person told me for a 4th string guy this is the easiest place in the nation to play.  no scout team and no getting beat up. 

Obviosly what SJU does works on game day most of the time. They have struggled mightily at winning any Conference Championships lately. I believe the IIAC has a better record against Bethel the last few years than the Johnnies! (3-4)

SJU has only beaten the last 8 IIAC opponents...so dont go blowing this 10 number at us. You may have won the last 3 or 4 against the Dutch but Saturday will change that!

Not sure what you define as "struggled mightily" or "lately".  Let's see:  MIAC Champions this century:  2007 Bethel, 2006 Bethel/SJU Tie, 2005 SJU, 2004 Concordia, 2003 SJU (National Champion also), 2002 SJU, 2001 SJU/Bethel Tie, 2000 Bethel...Record against Bethel same time frame 5-3. (L's 2000, 2006,2007..W's 2001-2005) 

Satisfied; no...want to win MIAC every year and beat Bethel every time.   

On the other hand, what would be the fun of being a Mount Union.  Having some good competitors who will rise up and beat you occasionally keeps things interesting and is why we lead D3 in attendance.

Didnt Bethel beat you in 06?? In Collegeville...just wondering about that. Anyway I guess I should have used different lingo. I was just comparing to our 3 in a row.

I would love being MUC, who doesnt want to kill everyone they step on the field with. That was always a goal...and no, it wouldnt get boring going undefeated every year with a National Championship to show for it!

[Rugman]

Of course I know the records and the success of St. Johns, but how can a team that doesn't even tackle in practice play physical in games? Doesn't make sense to me.

No tackling in practice sure does cut down on senseless injuries

I would be interested in understanding this a little better.  During my playging days practices were held at full speed but no take downs.  What ended up happening was a 75% speed practice because no one wanted to smash into anyone.  How does this relate to your practices.  Do they just tag off on the ball carrier?  If there is not whistle does every play = a touchdown? 

I have heard that the first stringers are set way before fall camp even opens and the majority of the practice is dedicated to them getting better while everyone sits around and picks flowers.  One person told me for a 4th string guy this is the easiest place in the nation to play.  no scout team and no getting beat up. 

Obviosly what SJU does works on game day most of the time. They have struggled mightily at winning any Conference Championships lately. I believe the IIAC has a better record against Bethel the last few years than the Johnnies! (3-4)

SJU has only beaten the last 8 IIAC opponents...so dont go blowing this 10 number at us. You may have won the last 3 or 4 against the Dutch but Saturday will change that!

Not sure what you define as "struggled mightily" or "lately".  Let's see:  MIAC Champions this century:  2007 Bethel, 2006 Bethel/SJU Tie, 2005 SJU, 2004 Concordia, 2003 SJU (National Champion also), 2002 SJU, 2001 SJU/Bethel Tie, 2000 Bethel...Record against Bethel same time frame 5-3. (L's 2000, 2006,2007..W's 2001-2005) 

Satisfied; no...want to win MIAC every year and beat Bethel every time.   

On the other hand, what would be the fun of being a Mount Union.  Having some good competitors who will rise up and beat you occasionally keeps things interesting and is why we lead D3 in attendance.

Didnt Bethel beat you in 06?? In Collegeville...just wondering about that. Anyway I guess I should have used different lingo. I was just comparing to our 3 in a row.

I would love being MUC, who doesnt want to kill everyone they step on the field with. That was always a goal...and no, it wouldnt get boring going undefeated every year with a National Championship to show for it!

Yes Bethel won in '06 in Collegeville; hard to believe we can lose at home, but sh!t happens sometimes.

You can't deny Mt's success, but at this level their record and MOV's would indicate they get the best players, so their real accomplishment is in recruiting?  I would say that this year's performance by Central in winning all the close games is more impressive than Mount's shutout string. 

[DutchHawk]

Fair enough!

[sportsknight]

Just because it is the season...

Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken or turkey
1 large lemon, cut into halves
sprig of rosemary
salt and pepper to taste
butter or olive oil, whichever you prefer

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Rub butter or oil over the skin of the chicken/turkey until it is completely coated.   

Sprinkle with salt and pepper and  any other seasonings you prefer. 

Take a knife and gently separate the skin from the breast meat;

Slide  lemon   halves  under  the  skin  with  the  peel  side  up, one on each side.  This way the  juice from the lemon will release  into the hogans. 

Place sprig of rosemary into the chicken/turkey. 

Cover and bake for 30-45 minutes.   Remove  cover and continue to roast until juices run clear, basting every 15-20 minutes. 

Recipe for an enjoyable Thanksgiving around my extended family...
Take one case of beer (usually of the Bud Light variety).
Chill if time allows.
Consume liberally until your level of beligerence matches that of the rest of the family.

Oh, and since we're on the topic of national heritage, I'm sure it will surprise no one that I'm mostly (75%) Irish.

Far as Saturday's game, I am planning on being in attendance, most likely doing the sideline reporting for the Central broadcast (92.1 FM for the out of towners).  While I don't think it will be the closest game Central has played all season, whichever team wins - and I haven't decided who that is going to be yet -  they will control the flow of the game for much of the contest.  I expect a low-scoring affair that will probably look closer as a final score than how the game actually felt in attendance.

[Klopenhiemer]

Just because it is the season...

Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken or turkey
1 large lemon, cut into halves
sprig of rosemary
salt and pepper to taste
butter or olive oil, whichever you prefer

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Rub butter or oil over the skin of the chicken/turkey until it is completely coated.   

Sprinkle with salt and pepper and  any other seasonings you prefer. 

Take a knife and gently separate the skin from the breast meat;

Slide  lemon   halves  under  the  skin  with  the  peel  side  up, one on each side.  This way the  juice from the lemon will release  into the hogans. 

Place sprig of rosemary into the chicken/turkey. 

Cover and bake for 30-45 minutes.   Remove  cover and continue to roast until juices run clear, basting every 15-20 minutes. 

Recipe for an enjoyable Thanksgiving around my extended family...
Take one case of beer (usually of the Bud Light variety).
Chill if time allows.
Consume liberally until your level of beligerence matches that of the rest of the family.

Oh, and since we're on the topic of national heritage, I'm sure it will surprise no one that I'm mostly (75%) Irish.

Far as Saturday's game, I am planning on being in attendance, most likely doing the sideline reporting for the Central broadcast (92.1 FM for the out of towners).  While I don't think it will be the closest game Central has played all season, whichever team wins - and I haven't decided who that is going to be yet -  they will control the flow of the game for much of the contest.  I expect a low-scoring affair that will probably look closer as a final score than how the game actually felt in attendance.

Give this man karma if i cant for the comment regarding the bud light.  that is outstanding

[Old Dutch]

do the 2 NAIA championships in '63 and '65 count?

uhmm . . .no.  What have we done lately and what we'll do Sat is what matters.  Central has not been overly successful in the playoffs in the recent decade or so.  Both teams are dynasties of their own conferences, but the MIAC dynasty has been better in playoffs lately.  So what??  You got Kofoed, I thiink I recall some extreme negativity from you fair werather fans on his performance after the Bethel game, this week he is the best thing since pull tops on your Hamms.  As has been noted, the Dutch are much better than last year's edition, and the Johnnies are the same old second place MIAC team.

I know I'm several pages behind here, but some of us Iowegians work occassionally. 

[DutchHawk]

Hey Devine - You probably arent reading but even the local media knows enough to recognize the Central Dynasty, as was noted on Channel 8 the other day during the sports section.

[DustySJU]

Im still here, its damn near impossible to keep up with the SJU posters...is it really that boring in Minnesota this time of year? I guess there isnt any snow and ice yet so that dampens your outlook on things until later.

I think the game will be close and physical, I like Central for one obviously, and two they are an older more mature and FINALLY healthy team. I think the game against Wartburg set the tone for the playoffs. A dominant defensive effort will be required again and we have to keep Kofoed (sp) in check, something we didnt do last year. The weather sounds cold so thats always fun. I think the biggest key to the game is the Dutch's young but talented Offensive Line, if they come out and set the physical tone during the game it will be long with Schuring healthy and running like old, and Connell throwing the ball around. Need to play mistake free football and take advantage of the Johnnies mistakes that we will force.

Whats the tailgate attitude before the game. Couple buddies and fellow poster are going to be setting up shop before the game.

DutchHawk;  You appear conflicted in your analysis of your team... so what are they?  Are they young or are they old?  "Older more mature" followed by "young but talented Offensive Line".

Unfortunate for your squard however as the "seasoned" Johnnie defensive front will enjoy smacking around your talented group of young offensive lineman.

For all the yapping about your MVP laden offense, expect far less production on Saturday.  If the strength of your squad was the defense you might be able to hang for 2 quarters.  As it is the match-up does not look favorable.  Great Johnnie Defense, Prolific Johnnie Offense.  The J's have picked the right time of year to start playing "Johnnie Football".

Developing.....

[Rugman]

GOOOOD MORNING IOWAAAA!  Where is everybody?  MIAC is going, WIAC is going, where is IIAC?  Get your butts outa bed, get the milking done, take the laptop out to the outhouse, lets get going.

[VOJ]

I think that would be a good hire for Simpson. Does he have any collegiate coaching experience at any point in his career? I'm not real familiar with him other than Valley.

Back to more immediate developments, I don't think either team walks away with a big win. I think it's going to be close and I like Central's chances in a close game. What NCAA team has won more close games in the last 2 years? I doubt anyone has even been involved in that many. That's a team that is going to be mentally tough enough to win a big game down the stretch.

How about the physical part of the game? Not much has been said about the big uglies up front? Will Central have success running the football? Schuring I think is close to 100% and may finally be playing up to his ability. He deserves a big day after an injury-plagued year. Of course I know the records and the success of St. Johns, but how can a team that doesn't even tackle in practice play physical in games? Doesn't make sense to me. And how do you learn to play to the whistle if there are no whistles in practice? And how do you find a date at an all male college? (just kidding, I get there is an all girls school right there, right?)

How does a coach win a record number of games?  Do yourself a favor and pick up one of the books about the greatest coach in college football history...do you know they are practicing less than an hour per day right now?...and all they do is run plays, no drills?

The J's contained Schuring and the Dutch O last year for the most part...and I think they will be able to hold them down again...Jerry Haugen and Gary Fasching are two of the best defensive minds in the game and they were taught by the best mind in CFB.

[DutchFan2004]

Ya but looking at TDT and then listening to him leaves no doubt at why he has no success does it?   

Bingo. That's exactly why I hope you don't use him as a "model Johnnie". Egads. The thought itself makes me want to...ew.

DutchFan; 

What's going on between you and TDT?  Have a falling out from a prior rendezvous in Pella?  You were the 4th wheel at the Johnnie Tailgate last fall.  105, TDT and I were the first into the parking lot on that dreadfully cold Saturday in 2006.  Why all the negativity between you and Nacho Libre? 

Well, guess we'll just have to return the favor again on Saturday.  Stop by for a deviled egg.

Developing....  (Just for TC)

I only give it to TDT because he seems to be the guy that you all pick on.  I have nothing personal against him or any of you fellow Minnesotans.  (born and raised in MN till 10)  If you think I was serious then you don't know me well at all.  I have no serious bones in my body unless I need them to be.

[DustySJU]

Ya but looking at TDT and then listening to him leaves no doubt at why he has no success does it?   

Bingo. That's exactly why I hope you don't use him as a "model Johnnie". Egads. The thought itself makes me want to...ew.

DutchFan; 

What's going on between you and TDT?  Have a falling out from a prior rendezvous in Pella?  You were the 4th wheel at the Johnnie Tailgate last fall.  105, TDT and I were the first into the parking lot on that dreadfully cold Saturday in 2006.  Why all the negativity between you and Nacho Libre? 

Well, guess we'll just have to return the favor again on Saturday.  Stop by for a deviled egg.

Developing....  (Just for TC)

I only give it to TDT because he seems to be the guy that you all pick on.  I have nothing personal against him or any of you fellow Minnesotans.  (born and raised in MN till 10)  If you think I was serious then you don't know me well at all.  I have no serious bones in my body unless I need them to be.

TDT is a caring sensitive man with a killer condo in Naples.  He's looking for comfort and attention during the off-season and is willing to trade his lonliness for a thrashing of the Dutch on Saturday.   

[VOJ]

do the 2 NAIA championships in '63 and '65 count?

uhmm . . .no.  What have we done lately and what we'll do Sat is what matters.  Central has not been overly successful in the playoffs in the recent decade or so.  Both teams are dynasties of their own conferences, but the MIAC dynasty has been better in playoffs lately.  So what??  You got Kofoed, I thiink I recall some extreme negativity from you fair werather fans on his performance after the Bethel game, this week he is the best thing since pull tops on your Hamms.  As has been noted, the Dutch are much better than last year's edition, and the Johnnies are the same old second place MIAC team.

I know I'm several pages behind here, but some of us Iowegians work occassionally. 

you guys keep saying that the Dutch are better than last years team, but did you have to come from behind to win 6 games last year?  I would say luckier...maybe not better, in fact lets say every comeback win is worth 1.5 cats lives...in that case you better not fall behind the J's...