FB: American Rivers Conference

[Ash Park]

It's easy to jump on the "talent is down" bandwagon when the usual suspects aren't at the top of the conference.
I'll be curious to see how the IIAC rep does during playoff time to judge if the conference talent level is down.
One thing's for sure---HUGE Homecoming matchup for the Knights AND Duhawks in Waverly this weekend. Always been some pretty close matchups there anyway, but a lot riding on this one should make it even more interesting.

Agree...I do not think that the talent level is down, it might just be spread out a little more.  I know BV has had some really good kids coming in this year and last year.  I have heard the same for other conference school, outside of the big two. 

BTW:  Has anyone seen that Carleton is at the top of th MIAC?  Undefeated and looking like the team to beat.  All things considered this might not have been the worst loss of the season for Cornell

How is Grinnell doing?  That was the game that most had the Rams winning.

They are 3-3, their wins are over Cornell, Lawerence 32-16 and knox 21-14. Their losses are to St. Norbert 55-7, Carroll 35-12 and Monmouth 69-00.

[LCNorse]

Not sure how I feel about all of this talk of Luther being a title contender...they really havn't put a full game together yet and are getting greatly outplayed in the first half. I just don't know if they have the horses to handle a championship run...we will see this week...last time LC was in Storm Lake I wished field goals weren't part of the game...long long ride home

[Thunderbolt]

 All they have done so far is win three games, and maybe prove to all the nay sayers, that there is life after Sherden. With road trips to BV, Waverly, and Loras and home games with Cornell and Coe, reaching a 500 record is no gimme.

[Thunderbolt]

 I will say that I like the attitude of this group, and they are starting to develop a personality. They have obviously bought in to Durnins teaching and there is hope. We have talked about the lack of depth and defections early on, and they have overcome injuries at running back and in the Oline so far. The attitude seems to be, just plug in the next guy and keep doing the same thing. We'll see how that works against good teams on the road.

[Norsedad]

I will say that I like the attitude of this group, and they are starting to develop a personality. They have obviously bought in to Durnins teaching and there is hope. We have talked about the lack of depth and defections early on, and they have overcome injuries at running back and in the Oline so far. The attitude seems to be, just plug in the next guy and keep doing the same thing. We'll see how that works against good teams on the road.

You hit it exactly on the head Thunderbolt, these kids come out of the locker room believing that they are gonna win.  But as LC notes, we still have yet to put two halves together.  Also, injuries have forced other guys to step up.  I personally think that a team that subs more will consistantly be better over the years.  However, most coaches are forced to win NOW and not to think about building the team over 5 years.  Think about telling a HS player that starting his soph year (unless he is a man among boys) that he will get reps in home games.  Honestly, any team that gets up 3 scores, especially in the 2nd half, should be subbing 2nd, 3rd and 4th team players, if only for a down or series.  That gives real, varsity game time and offers teaching moments for the coaching staff.  It also creates camaraderie which just keeps snowballing over the years.  I am however for allowing a kid to stay in if he has a shot at a record...up to a point where injury is more likely.  No need to have starters out there in 4th Q up by 21 pts. I howevr, am not a coach nor have I ever been, and I didn't even stay in a Holiday Inn last night.

Also I have to say that this year may end being the most exciting in recent IIAC history.  That BV/loras game was one of the best I have seen...even with the occasional and apparent rectal exploration by the camera person.  My top 2 favs would have to be the win over Central this year and the win over Warty a few years back.  The next couple of weeks will tell.

[Floyd in Iowa City]

All they have done so far is win three games, and maybe prove to all the nay sayers, that there is life after Sherden. With road trips to BV, Waverly, and Loras and home games with Cornell and Coe, reaching a 500 record is no gimme.

Agreed.  I had the Norse at 3-4 wins before the season and I am still not sure that the team is going to move past my gut feeling.

It would be pretty fun to watch this group go 6-4 or something along those lines!

[New Storm]

Not sure how I feel about all of this talk of Luther being a title contender...they really havn't put a full game together yet and are getting greatly outplayed in the first half. I just don't know if they have the horses to handle a championship run...we will see this week...last time LC was in Storm Lake I wished field goals weren't part of the game...long long ride home

That day at Simpson they did not look like a championship team

[oldNorse]

Nice to see all the Norse supporters "talking" on the board.  That seems to be a step up from the last few years.  Perhaps we can stick out our horns a bit.

I thin this Luther team is somewhat different from the past several years.  No puffed up "swagger" but a lot of focus and belief that something different and possible.  After and during the 2-8 season then a middle of the road year the win against Dubuque who was pedicted to the in the top rung has made a big difference IMHO.  I think the Norse have a focus and expectation among the team...more so than the past 10 years.  Too often the St. Olaf game at the beginning seemed to get to them.  I think they have a great shot against BV.....especially the DLine.  Big Q is how the OLines stack up.

[DBQ1965]

Driving back from Muskegon yesterday ... I saw a billboard advertising the billboard company (sorry I didn't have my digital cam with me).  The billboard had a purple background with white letters reading simply ... "Purple Heys"

I hope that is not a precursor to Saturday's UD Homecoming game against Cornell.

GO SPARTANS!

[Purple Heys]

Driving back from Muskegon yesterday ... I saw a billboard advertising the billboard company (sorry I didn't have my digital cam with me).  The billboard had a purple background with white letters reading simply ... "Purple Heys"

I hope that is not a precursor to Saturday's UD Homecoming game against Cornell.

GO SPARTANS!

That's the kind of spontaneous advertising that makes people!   

[Purple Heys]

Anyone going to the DBQ/Rams game?

[doolittledog]

Anyone going to the DBQ/Rams game?

My wife tells me we are going to her parents and picking apples

When I tried to plead my case for going to the game this weekend I was met with a "hmmfff" and a scowl from her.  Apparently I have been getting my way too much recently and it's time for her stuff for awhile.  I'm still trying but I suspect I will be in rural Clutier on Saturday thinking of ways to sneak into the house and get on the internet for 2 or 3 minutes at a time to find out the score of the game

I do love my wife by the way, despite all my moaning and groaning about life.  I am lucky to have her!!! 

[Norsedad]

Anyone going to the DBQ/Rams game?

My wife tells me we are going to her parents and picking apples

When I tried to plead my case for going to the game this weekend I was met with a "hmmfff" and a scowl from her.  Apparently I have been getting my way too much recently and it's time for her stuff for awhile.  I'm still trying but I suspect I will be in rural Clutier on Saturday thinking of ways to sneak into the house and get on the internet for 2 or 3 minutes at a time to find out the score of the game

I do love my wife by the way, despite all my moaning and groaning about life.  I am lucky to have her!!! 

Maybe it's time for an IPhone

[Willie University]

Anyone going to the DBQ/Rams game?

Wish I could but I am in a wedding this weekend. Why do people schedule weddings during football season???

Rumor is that there will be a slightly scaled down version of fireworks after the game for homecoming. Recreation and Wellness Center is nearly complete. Make sure you check it out!

Go Spartans!
Willie U

[Walston Hoover]

That's the kind of spontaneous advertising that makes people!   

That's funny. I went out to the mailbox this afternoon and the new phonebook was her and I busted out that line.
MIllions of people look at this every day. This is the kind of spontaneous publicity....your name in print....that makes people.