FB: American Rivers Conference

[Willie University]

Last night was tough listening to the Spartan broadcast.....it's always hard to swallow a loss but maybe even a little more difficult because of the excitement of playing a top team like the redlands. Hats off to them for coming ready to play in every way.

Best thing to do is learn from mistakes and move on. Lots of football to be played. Sometimes an early loss can have a positive impact on a team. I am sure wartburg will come back more ready then ever to play their next game. I feel the same about the spartans.

Looking forward to this weeks game!

Go Spartans!

Willie U

[Lone Auggie Backer]

A few obsevations on the Wartburg game. I've had a chance to sleep on it after getting home from Minneapolis at 2:15am.

Augsberg is for real. Their QB/WR combo will test teams all year with their short passing game. They use them like runs throwing quick slants and outs for 3-5 yards an attempt. Their long game suffers a bit with protection.

That said,WB left opportunities on the field again. We took a bit to shake off the bus trip and late start. The running game was much improved, but the passing game was not as sharp.We need to turn the rocket screen upfield instead of taking the ball straight out of bounds for little gain. The defense hit hard (ask the Auggie WR's). Our tackling was better but still needs some improvement.

And the officials were some of the worst homies I've ever seen. We seemingly wre flagged evey time somone spit on the turf, but they couldnt find their flags when obvious holding, interefence, etc. happend in plain sight ten feet in front of them. At least three times game-changing plays in the Knight's favor were offset by questionable penalties.

Nvertheless, a game we should have won against a team we should have beat. Let's hope we have that out of out system for the rest of the season.

Sir-

I'll agree that the officials were very bad.  However, I highly dispute the fact that they were bad in one teams favor.  The "fumble" attributed to Berg was blatantly an incomplete pass.  The referee's own description of the play (head ref, mind you) was that he saw his arm go up, didn't see what happened, but then saw the ball on the ground. The only problem is that the ball ended up 6 yards in front of where he was hit at.  So, for his arm to go up, end up 6 yards further up-field, I struggle to see that that was anything but an incomplete pass.  I will immediately agree, he should have been flagged for intentional grounding at that spot.  However, the turnover of the ball was a terrible call.  Secondly, the block in the back on our punt team that was a punishment call for our coach arguing with the umpire, further illustrates that I think that the officials were bad, but were far from bad in one direction.  Please explain the egregious imbalance of calls that were un-warranted before simply saying that we won because of the zebras!

ON another note.  I thought that both teams were impressive last night.  WB's safeties are legit.  They are into the run game immediately, and do a good job of getting over to help with the outside third when they go cover one.   And, WOW do they hit!  I thought that the safeties hit significantly harder than the corners, but that could also be attributed to the "20" scheme that they seemed to run a fair amount (2 over the top, 0 under)  I don't know why WB went away from the running game.  They seemed to have some success with it at times, and would put two or three good running plays together, but then would go to a pass play, which confused me.   I was surprised how much pressure we were able to get on your QB.  I watched film of your game with Norbert's and your QB seemed to have HOURS to survey the field.  However, last night, he seemed to get a bit more pressure.  

I was impressed the way the WB defense was able to limit Royce's reception numbers.  However, he showed why he is such an amazing player, catching two HUGE TD's for us as well as the key reception.  I know he got frustrated a bit with the lack of catches, but he made up in quality what he lacked in quantity.  

#99 for WB is also great.  A true man-child-beast on that D-line.  I don't know what year he is, but he will be a great player to give some good pressure allowing WB's DB's to tee off!

I am glad my boys played well when they needed to.  The WB/Auggie wrestling rivalry has passed on well to the gridiron.  You are right, we always play very well against you guys, and I'm sad that in my two games with you guys we were on the short end of the stick, but glad to see that Coach Haege has started to get some much better players into camp, and now have put us in the position to come up with wins vs. the vaunted Knights.

Best of luck to your club in the upcoming conference season.  Heck, WB winning the IIAC will only make our victory last night look that much more important!

LAB

LAB....Where do you see your squad finishing this season.  Other MIAC poster came to the board this morning (all of whom I like) and stated that Auggie was a middle of the road team in the IIAC who gives up big time points to the upper echelon of the conference.  Is this a year that Auggie could make a run at the top?  Its seems as though SJU trying to find its QB and Bethel might not be as tough as last year either.  I like changing of the guard, and I hope you guys have a great reast of the season.  I am not Knight backer, I just like seeing things skaken up a bit. 

As a former player, and current big time Auggie fan, I would love to think that they could make a run at the big guys this year.  In an objective view, I think that they have one of the better offenses in the conference, with Berg, Winford, Nourie (when he comes back), Al-Hameed, Potts, et al. This is a group that has been together for a couple of years now, has some great athletes, and because of the number of very talented weapons, make a formidable group to cover.

The Achilles heel since I've been an Auggie has been the other side of the ball.  I did see TC's reference to our defense, and agree that in the past it has been our weakness.  I'm in no way saying that even when I was playing that our offense was good enough to compete, but our defense has traditionally been very young and very undersized. 

This is what makes this year's team a bit different than past years.  My final season with the crew (2006) brought to the field a defense that started 8-9 freshmen, depending on the game.  Those freshmen have grown up now, and have a couple of year's worth of experience behind them.  I do not think that we have gained much in terms of size, but we are much better off in terms of experience.  So, this will be the key to our success.

So, where do we finish up?  I don't really know.  After our game last night, I had a conversation with a former Olaf player.  He saw two games yesterday, Olaf vs. Pac Luth., and then the Auggie v. Knight tilt that night.  His belief was that this years Olaf team is in rebuilding/reloading mode, and might not be as strong this year as their loaded teams of the past couple of years.  So, could we get another win two weeks from now during our Homecoming game?  Maybe this year we can.  So, that would move us to 3-0 with a lot of confidence.  Our next game is against Hamline, a team that we've traditionally had success against.  Based on that history alone, I'm giving us a win there. (4-0). Next is Carleton. Carleton is much improved under Coach Ramler, and I think will get back to the success that they had under Sullivan in the late 80's-early 90's, but I also think that they are dealing with youth this year.  So, giving us a win vs. the Knights moves us to 5-0.  Our next game is vs. Concordia.  They've always had our number. But, fortunately this years game is in "the cage." Will it help, I hope, but don't know.  They are always very big, and run their offense extremely well.  An optimist for the Auggies, I'm claiming a victory here.  No reasons for it, but still claiming it!  (6-0).  We owe GAC (Gustavus) a couple for the games I painfully lost to them.  I'm excited to see the new stadium at their house, as I've heard it's awesome and has dramatically helped their recruiting.  I'm going to claim a victory here as well, as I think our offense can score some points against them.  (7-0).  I like the fact that we get to play UST (Thomas) in our yard, and am very afraid of their D1 M-LB transfer.  His quickness and size will be tough to fight against.  But, after last year's disappointment vs. them, I think our guys will be pretty geeked up and our defense will come up huge again like they did last night vs. a very good WB team.  (8-0).  I don't think we'll have the horses to run with Bethel, nor will we have them to take down the Johnnies.  Still, an 8-2 final record for my Auggies will go a long way in terms of building a program, giving us confidence and helping on the recruiting front. 

There's a lot of optimism in my predictions. There are good chances that things won't go this way.  I'm seeing the world through VERY maroon colored glasses today.  I do agree with TC in that I don't think that we will challenge the two big horses to win the conference.  I think their history and extra experience (Bethel playing all of those playoff games last year against top competition I think adds dramatically to this year's team's success,) will make them too formidable a task to overcome.  However, I do think that my boys might be the best of the also-rans.  I think that they will have to continue to work their tails off and get lucky in a couple of games.  But, I think that they now have the talent on offense and the experience on defense to at least be in the games when it is time for the chips to fall.  Are they better than sliced bread. Oh, heck no!  But, they are markedly improved on both sides of the ball since even last year.

my two cents!

LAB

[DutchFan2004]

Look,

I am as myopic as they come...but there is an IIAC win to be had here.

Can you imagine how annoying I would be if Jr. went to Central or Wartburg?

It was great to meet you and your family at the game.  You have a great family.  I had to just follow up with this on your post.  Just think how many TD passes Jr would have had last year if he would have gone to Central?   

[doolittledog]

Welcome back to Iowa DF2K4.  I was thinking all the sun and fun of Cali might have convinced you to stay in state and rent out Heys Jr.s old room at Casa De Heys

I'm starting to think the secret ingrediant is having you in attendance for games.  How much would you charge to sit in a teams seats and wear their colors and cheer them on??? 

That game saturday was an old fashioned butt whuppin. I thought Dubuque had put those games in their rear view mirror.  Hopefully that game will serve as a wake up call to them and they are able to go on a long winning streak now.  Either way, we will be cheering them on in Decorah on saturday.  My wife had so much fun at the Rockford game that she has convinced me that the two of us and our 3 kids can make the trip this weekend.  Should be very tiring but fun. 

[DutchFan2004]

Ok my thoughts on the UD-Redlands game.  Look out West Redlands can bring it.  Their d rocked the Spartans at times.  Berken got hit spun and he only played one play in the second half after that hit.  Heys can confirm that.  Their D-backs hit hard and they can pass or pound the rock.  Now having said that UD did not look anywhere near last years team.  Redlands had much to do with that.  I thought UD's Oline was much slower and did not sustain their blocks like last years.  The new QB IMHO can be a better passer than Jermar but needs more time to throw.  He is no where the runner that Jermar is so I don't think they upgraded that position with Jermar's loss.  The Dlineman were getting pancaked a lot and I didn't see that from last years UD team.  I think Redlands can do very well this year.  


Doolittle that "curse" is alive and well.  

[doolittledog]

Ok my thoughts on the UD-Redlands game.  Look out West Redlands can bring it.  Their d rocked the Spartans at times.  Berken got hit spun and he only played one play in the second half after that hit.  Heys can confirm that.  Their D-backs hit hard and they can pass or pound the rock.  Now having said that UD did not look anywhere near last years team.  Redlands had much to do with that.  I thought UD's Oline was much slower and did not sustain their blocks like last years.  The new QB IMHO can be a better passer than Jermar but needs more time to throw.  He is no where the runner that Jermar is so I don't think they upgraded that position with Jermar's loss.  The Dlineman were getting pancaked a lot and I didn't see that from last years UD team.  I think Redlands can do very well this year.  


Doolittle that "curse" is alive and well.  

Be sure to let me know where your grandkids end up for college...if it is at any school Dubuque plays against i will be sure to stock up on nitro pills so as to not pass from this world too early.  I wouldn't want to deprive my wife of any prime nagging years. 

Oh well, last weekend is forgotten.  Now hopefully the ghost of Walner Belleus will be haunting the north endzone of Carlson Stadium at Luther this weekend...and firing up the Spartans for a big win. 

[DutchFan2004]

Ok my thoughts on the UD-Redlands game.  Look out West Redlands can bring it.  Their d rocked the Spartans at times.  Berken got hit spun and he only played one play in the second half after that hit.  Heys can confirm that.  Their D-backs hit hard and they can pass or pound the rock.  Now having said that UD did not look anywhere near last years team.  Redlands had much to do with that.  I thought UD's Oline was much slower and did not sustain their blocks like last years.  The new QB IMHO can be a better passer than Jermar but needs more time to throw.  He is no where the runner that Jermar is so I don't think they upgraded that position with Jermar's loss.  The Dlineman were getting pancaked a lot and I didn't see that from last years UD team.  I think Redlands can do very well this year.  


Doolittle that "curse" is alive and well.  

Be sure to let me know where your grandkids end up for college...if it is at any school Dubuque plays against i will be sure to stock up on nitro pills so as to not pass from this world too early.  I wouldn't want to deprive my wife of any prime nagging years. 

Oh well, last weekend is forgotten.  Now hopefully the ghost of Walner Belleus will be haunting the north endzone of Carlson Stadium at Luther this weekend...and firing up the Spartans for a big win. 

Well I can help that heart of yours out.  I will see if I can let you know where they go and then your kids can go there so you can cheer with me and not against me.   

[dutchfan1]

2 wins this weekend for IIAC  (Reds 36-DBQ3 in third)  Simpson and Loras.  Congrats to you two.  I believe we're 0-3 vs bottom half of the MIAC.  Augsburg may very well be a contender in the MIAC,highly underrated in their preseason poll (6th), Gusties 7th and Carlton 8th, all beat IIAC teams.  IIAC =  the Big Ten Conference of D3.

Augsburg contend in the MIAC? I think they're still a long, longshot,

Last year Wartburg lost but because they could only muster 13 points against the Aug defense.  In league play, meanwhile,  Augsburg gave up 62 to SJU, 70 to St. Olaf, 51 to Concordia, 50 to St. Thomas, 42 to Bethel and 38 to Gustavus ... finishing at 43 PPG in league play.

But the MIAC is wider open this year and who knows? If you're right, I'll certainly come back here and eat crow ....

Just have my Red shades on and worried about the Dutch win against the Wart next weekend . . . but with your observation, perhaps I shouldn't worry.

You ALWAYS have to worry about Wartburg, particularly when they lose the week before.  Just what we need is the Knights in a bad mood.

No kidding -- anytime the Knights come off a loss, they tend to take it out on the next team they play. The Dutch will need to be on their game this coming weekend to come out on top. Go Dutch!

Regarding Willis' record of not losing two games in a row....well, as brother ShowMe would say, History doesn't make plays and win ball games.

Bring on the Knights!

[MNbeev]

Wow, closer games than I expected.  Simpson and WHO, wow 9-6...
Auggie and Wartburg looked good
Other than that, good week of football???

Not so much from Cedar Rapids, but thanks for visiting.

Little sore from the loss...whoa, sorry to drop a line, but I do not just visit I am here...It does seem that Coe is dropping a little from the dominance they have had in the past.  Will there only be 2 top teams this year battling it out (wartburg/central)?  I know Gustavus is from a tough conference, and they are a solid team but, I truely thought Coe was going to pull it off, I am sorry I had to be the sour grapes and well I didn't mention Coe. 

Can't wait till next saturday!

[LCNorse]

Ok my thoughts on the UD-Redlands game.  Look out West Redlands can bring it.  Their d rocked the Spartans at times.  Berken got hit spun and he only played one play in the second half after that hit.  Heys can confirm that.  Their D-backs hit hard and they can pass or pound the rock.  Now having said that UD did not look anywhere near last years team.  Redlands had much to do with that.  I thought UD's Oline was much slower and did not sustain their blocks like last years.  The new QB IMHO can be a better passer than Jermar but needs more time to throw.  He is no where the runner that Jermar is so I don't think they upgraded that position with Jermar's loss.  The Dlineman were getting pancaked a lot and I didn't see that from last years UD team.  I think Redlands can do very well this year.  


Doolittle that "curse" is alive and well.  

Be sure to let me know where your grandkids end up for college...if it is at any school Dubuque plays against i will be sure to stock up on nitro pills so as to not pass from this world too early.  I wouldn't want to deprive my wife of any prime nagging years. 

Oh well, last weekend is forgotten.  Now hopefully the ghost of Walner Belleus will be haunting the north endzone of Carlson Stadium at Luther this weekend...and firing up the Spartans for a big win. 

Please don't mention his names...I still have nightmares of him...he was everywhere that day

[doolittledog]

If I run into you on Saturday I promise I will not bring up the 2006 UD/Luther game.  Just remember, as a Spartan fan, I have many more nightmares in the back of my mind than most any other fan out there 

[du-sz]

The DM Register continues its stellar coverage of the IIAC by reporting Loras' loss on Saturday...

[Klopenhiemer]

KCDutch...I want to publicly acknowlege my stupidity.  Like I said have been so enthralled with work and did not realize that Mariotti did resign from the Sun Times on August 27th.  I go so used to reading his spot in the paper that I did not realize it was a new writer. 

[sportsknight]

As a Wartburg fan, this wasn't a good weekend.

As a Cubs fan, this was a GREAT weekend!

[Ash Park]

As an IIAC football fan this was a crappy weekend....as an Iowa Hawkeye fan it was a good weekend.