FB: American Rivers Conference

[Floyd in Iowa City]

This is my distant, uninformed take on the IIAC this year:

!-2)  Of course it is Wartburg and Central fighting it out.  It will all depend on Yordi against the traditionally invincible Central secondary.  Plus to Central. But even Willis can't overcome that def.
3)  Dubuque's new QB (Olen, IA) doesn't have the same swager as Jemar Jackson.  Minus Dubuque.
4) Simpson moves up.  Maybe even over Dubuque.
5) Coe strugglers with coach having left.  Medicore recruiting this year and nothing exceptional returning. Next year they are back in it if they get a recruiting class and one year further head coaching experience.
6) BV stays where they were.  Improving but struggle with retention and recruitment.  Of course they will beat Luther as they have done for a dozen years.
7-8) Loras and Cornell in a pitch battle for 7 and 8th  place.  Loras is an non-entity at this time and Cornell seem to talk about a lot of ZIP. Norse may have a chance with LORAS, BUT......  .
9)  Alas, the Norse are trying to assemble a backfield of some sorts, have an new OL line and have a totally inexperienced secondary compounding on inept play last year.  Doesn't look good.   As much as I regret to have to say it, it appears that the Rams will indeed get their first win in IIAC since 2003 even at Carlson Stadium.

However, Alexander Pope once said, ""Hope springs eternal in the human breast:  Man never is, but always to be, blest".  Who knows.....but even those Norse have a chance.....to be blest.

The Norse finally got B.V. last year as that was the last school that Coach Hefty had not beaten.

Hopefully Thunderbolt feels better about this upcoming season than you do oldNorse!

[Purple Heys]

This is my distant, uninformed take on the IIAC this year:

!-2)  Of course it is Wartburg and Central fighting it out.  It will all depend on Yordi against the traditionally invincible Central secondary.  Plus to Central. But even Willis can't overcome that def.
3)  Dubuque's new QB (Olen, IA) doesn't have the same swager as Jemar Jackson.  Minus Dubuque.
4) Simpson moves up.  Maybe even over Dubuque.
5) Coe strugglers with coach having left.  Medicore recruiting this year and nothing exceptional returning. Next year they are back in it if they get a recruiting class and one year further head coaching experience.
6) BV stays where they were.  Improving but struggle with retention and recruitment.  Of course they will beat Luther as they have done for a dozen years.
7-8) Loras and Cornell in a pitch battle for 7 and 8th  place.  Loras is an non-entity at this time and Cornell seem to talk about a lot of ZIP. Norse may have a chance with LORAS, BUT......  .
9)  Alas, the Norse are trying to assemble a backfield of some sorts, have an new OL line and have a totally inexperienced secondary compounding on inept play last year.  Doesn't look good.   As much as I regret to have to say it, it appears that the Rams will indeed get their first win in IIAC since 2003 even at Carlson Stadium.

However, Alexander Pope once said, ""Hope springs eternal in the human breast:  Man never is, but always to be, blest".  Who knows.....but even those Norse have a chance.....to be blest.

You are wise OldNorse...

[Airborne Dutch]

On the thought of punishing backs, I think the one that really fit the mold in recent years was Dan Hammes. Guy was a nasty downhill runner as well as a threat out of the backfield. It pains me to say that, but its the truth.

[TrainsEqualCrowdNoise]

Do most teams want a punishing back anymore???

I thought with the way offenses were evolving most teams wanted a quick, elusive back that could also catch passes out of the backfield. 

You may be right. But after watching the backs from 2003 thru 2006 those guys hit the D for one half, when it came to the second half they start to gain alot of yards. I'm not saying anyone was afraid of them I just stating it start to take it effect.

That is what is great about a punishing back and offensive line.  They don't get much more than a couple yards every play in the first half, but if you stick with them, they will be running all over the defense in the second.  It's nothing to do with being soft or afraid, just tough to have to bring a guy down that hits you harder than you hit him play after play.

And yes I believe most coaches are going to the spread, and would probably prefer speedier backs.  And I don't believe I'm saying this but I enjoyed watching the punishing running style of Ashton Northern when he was at Coe, and they ran from a primarily spread look.  So you don't necessarily have to have small quick backs to effectively run a spread offense.

[Ash Park]

I'm always supportive of the Rams no matter what. I don't think I have ever talked serious smack on here. Everything has always been in fun and I have always been realistic. Do I think the Rams have some opportunities to make a little noise this year...sure I do. I saw the games last year and they are making improvements on the little things which is good. I think they could win a couple of conference games this year.

Not a single player or coach is talking smack and the quote from Tra I think was misinterpreted from many of you. From somewhat knowing the guy I know he isn't one to talk trash like that and I think what he was trying to say is that teams can't just "show up" and expect to win against them anymore. Luther, Loras, Coe and Central for 2 quarters and a couples minutes   had their hands full. I think the players at Cornell have a good attitude about football now and I like the confidence they have.

[DBQ1965]

Do most teams want a punishing back anymore???

I thought with the way offenses were evolving most teams wanted a quick, elusive back that could also catch passes out of the backfield. 

What about a two back offense ... one punishing and bruising, and one quick, elusive slasher and receiver?

GO SPARTANS!

[Ash Park]

I agree with Dillon that Heys Jr is one of the best TEs in the Conf if not the best. Hoerner is definitely one of the best if not the best as well. I was very impressed with his athleticism last year.

[koekrazy87]

This is my distant, uninformed take on the IIAC this year:

!-2)  Of course it is Wartburg and Central fighting it out.  It will all depend on Yordi against the traditionally invincible Central secondary.  Plus to Central. But even Willis can't overcome that def.
3)  Dubuque's new QB (Olen, IA) doesn't have the same swager as Jemar Jackson.  Minus Dubuque.
4) Simpson moves up.  Maybe even over Dubuque.
5) Coe strugglers with coach having left.  Medicore recruiting this year and nothing exceptional returning. Next year they are back in it if they get a recruiting class and one year further head coaching experience.
6) BV stays where they were.  Improving but struggle with retention and recruitment.  Of course they will beat Luther as they have done for a dozen years.
7-8) Loras and Cornell in a pitch battle for 7 and 8th  place.  Loras is an non-entity at this time and Cornell seem to talk about a lot of ZIP. Norse may have a chance with LORAS, BUT......  .
9)  Alas, the Norse are trying to assemble a backfield of some sorts, have an new OL line and have a totally inexperienced secondary compounding on inept play last year.  Doesn't look good.   As much as I regret to have to say it, it appears that the Rams will indeed get their first win in IIAC since 2003 even at Carlson Stadium.

However, Alexander Pope once said, ""Hope springs eternal in the human breast:  Man never is, but always to be, blest".  Who knows.....but even those Norse have a chance.....to be blest.

Coe has nothing exceptional returning?  I already talked about Breitbach, (A preseason all-american) Harrison and Thomas at linebacker.  Started as sophmores last year and will be even better this year.  Hammes returning as running back, had some good games last year.  Returning 4 of 5 starting linemen from last season.  Jordan Wilkens returns as a preseason all-american DE.  He has started since he was a freshman.  So his senior year should be a big one.  The only question is QB.  If we can get a QB to fill in where Andy left off this team should be in great shape. 
As for the coach leaving.  Not saying anything bad about Raburn but from talking to some of the guys they are having more fun this year in camp than they have had in the past.  Yes fun doesn't always account for wins however that what these guys are here for.  To play for the fun and love of the game.  Staker has proven he was a good head coach at Fredericksburg and has had a great defense since he came to coe.   I don't anticipate any downfall from the coaching change.

[DutchFan2004]

Let's all have a pretend drink of Wartburg's orange Koolaide for a minute.  Pretend that Wartburg runs the tables and Willis gets coach of the year.  Take another swallow of orange koolaide and say Yordi has a great year, would he get POY or will last year's moment of dimenished capacity haunt him?

Me, give me all the orange koolaide you want, I vote for a better role model. 

Let's say Wartburg goes undefeated and finishes 1st, if Simpsons finishes 2nd or 3rd I can see another 2003 moment with Willis not getting COY.

As for Yordi.  If he has numbers better than last year and leads the Knights to an IIAC championship then I think he deserves MVP.  Yeah he may have pulled a bone head move getting in trouble last year, but I wouldn't say he is a terrible role model.  Not like he is using steroids or getting multiple DUI's or has sexual assault cases against him.  These are the things in the NFL that are knocking players off the role model list.

I have stated it here before.  IMHO If Willis and McMartin do not go 10-0 they will not get COY.  I think one of the newer coaches say if they would finish second would sneak by either Willis or McMartin if they do not finish undefeated.  McMartin has to improve on 10-0 as the standard if he can repeat that with all the new faces then he deserves it.  With Willis he is in the favorites chair.  He has to win the conference and if he does not do it with 10-0 then I see a team that finishes say 8-2 getting the nod with a new coach.

[DutchFan2004]

This year will be very similar to 2003 for Wartburg. Everyone knows they will be good so there's not going to be any sneaking up. The defense will be top 5 in D3 and the offense has to just not suck and they will be fine. The difference between '03 and this year-A returning starter at QB this year that has some pretty good stats on his sheet.

That does not compute.  Correct me if I am wrong but didn't you have a returning all conference QB in 04 that didn't even make all conference in 05?

What part doesn't compute? That Hoskins got 2nd team AC his soph year?

I reread the posts and I think I made the mistake that you were comparing the 04 team to the 08 team not the 03 team.  That is what didn't make sense.  I think I am straight now.

[DutchFan2004]

This year will be very similar to 2003 for Wartburg. Everyone knows they will be good so there's not going to be any sneaking up. The defense will be top 5 in D3 and the offense has to just not suck and they will be fine. The difference between '03 and this year-A returning starter at QB this year that has some pretty good stats on his sheet.

Wow, '03 was a heck of a team...not good for the other teams in the IIAC.  I may be remembering a different year, but didn't the '03 have some pretty good running backs?  I only ask b/c it seems one of the question marks on this year's Wart team is at RB.

You are right KCDutch the big question mark is going to be at running back this year. Not saying anything bad about any of the kids on the team, but I don't think they have had a punishing back sense Hammes graduated and the ones before him.

I would also add that the loss of Suckow and Weber to throw to is a question mark.  They both could stretch the field and score from anywhere on the field.  If they can replace those along with a good durable running back then they will be set.

[DutchFan2004]

Do most teams want a punishing back anymore???

I thought with the way offenses were evolving most teams wanted a quick, elusive back that could also catch passes out of the backfield. 

I thought Vance did that pretty well for us the last three years.  He could break one, deliver a blow, and catch the ball.

[DutchFan2004]

This year will be very similar to 2003 for Wartburg. Everyone knows they will be good so there's not going to be any sneaking up. The defense will be top 5 in D3 and the offense has to just not suck and they will be fine. The difference between '03 and this year-A returning starter at QB this year that has some pretty good stats on his sheet.

That does not compute.  Correct me if I am wrong but didn't you have a returning all conference QB in 04 that didn't even make all conference in 05?

What part doesn't compute? That Hoskins got 2nd team AC his soph year?

I reread the posts and I think I made the mistake that you were comparing the 04 team to the 08 team not the 03 team.  That is what didn't make sense.  I think I am straight now.

I guess why I was confused as this year does not compare to 04 as Yordi is returning and you did have all those good backs in 04 that returned.  The only thing you can compare is the defense with all the returing starters. 

[DutchFan2004]

This released today


http://www.iowaconference.com/news/2008-09/Previews/football.pdf

[Charlie Kohawk]

This is my distant, uninformed take on the IIAC this year:

!-2)  Of course it is Wartburg and Central fighting it out.  It will all depend on Yordi against the traditionally invincible Central secondary.  Plus to Central. But even Willis can't overcome that def.
3)  Dubuque's new QB (Olen, IA) doesn't have the same swager as Jemar Jackson.  Minus Dubuque.
4) Simpson moves up.  Maybe even over Dubuque.
5) Coe strugglers with coach having left.  Medicore recruiting this year and nothing exceptional returning. Next year they are back in it if they get a recruiting class and one year further head coaching experience.
6) BV stays where they were.  Improving but struggle with retention and recruitment.  Of course they will beat Luther as they have done for a dozen years.
7-8) Loras and Cornell in a pitch battle for 7 and 8th  place.  Loras is an non-entity at this time and Cornell seem to talk about a lot of ZIP. Norse may have a chance with LORAS, BUT......  .
9)  Alas, the Norse are trying to assemble a backfield of some sorts, have an new OL line and have a totally inexperienced secondary compounding on inept play last year.  Doesn't look good.   As much as I regret to have to say it, it appears that the Rams will indeed get their first win in IIAC since 2003 even at Carlson Stadium.

However, Alexander Pope once said, ""Hope springs eternal in the human breast:  Man never is, but always to be, blest".  Who knows.....but even those Norse have a chance.....to be blest.

Coe has nothing exceptional returning?  I already talked about Breitbach, (A preseason all-american) Harrison and Thomas at linebacker.  Started as sophmores last year and will be even better this year.  Hammes returning as running back, had some good games last year.  Returning 4 of 5 starting linemen from last season.  Jordan Wilkens returns as a preseason all-american DE.  He has started since he was a freshman.  So his senior year should be a big one.  The only question is QB.  If we can get a QB to fill in where Andy left off this team should be in great shape. 
As for the coach leaving.  Not saying anything bad about Raburn but from talking to some of the guys they are having more fun this year in camp than they have had in the past.  Yes fun doesn't always account for wins however that what these guys are here for.  To play for the fun and love of the game.  Staker has proven he was a good head coach at Fredericksburg and has had a great defense since he came to coe.   I don't anticipate any downfall from the coaching change.

And you didn't even mention Hadenfeldt, a stud at the other DE; Pinckney in the middle; Brockmeyer at DB; and, on offense, Welborn and Ratchford at WR. Plus Rousa is as solid a kicker as any in the conference.

I can't draw any conclusions from today's scrimmage with Grandview. Feller is not at Tekippe's level, but he had his moments. It appears the job is his to lose.

Little has changed schemewise with Steve Staker at the helm, but I saw some new wrinkles from OC Tyler Staker. They utilized the TE -- my favorite position -- more and utilized Breitbach in the running game. These are both very positive developments in my view.

I tried to keep score in my head and had something like 66-24 (assuming all PATs would have been tried and converted), but there were no winners or losers. Coe got a good look at what it has and what's coming, and there were few surprises. Grandview got to play live football against someone else! How cool that must be for them.

Personally, I'd rather have had a more established scrimmage opponent, but I'm proud that Coe helped usher in Grandview football. The more the merrier, right?