FB: American Rivers Conference

[lamonitigers]

To Dutchfan2004 and Old Dutch
I agree with you both about the Dutch run game, we seldon had one.  But I don't blame the players: Veldhuizen, Zachary, and Craft, all experienced players, if they are not going to get the ball they can't run with it.  Vance was given the ball 20 to 30 times a game even if he wasn't gaining on ever carry just to keep the defense honest.  Coach Mac is a passing coach, bottom line.  I just finished watching last years game against Luther (to make me feel better) and we also have to remember how many times Timmy took off on his hurt wheels to get us out of a jam.

Yesterday most of our runs were off tackle, some worked some didn't.  But you can't run the same running play everytime.  Not once did we try anything around the end.  Craft has lead the blocking around the end a hundred times.  Nor did we try anything tricky, like a reverese.  I know Simpson's linebackers were good, but mix it up Mac!

[Old Dutch]

KC - Thats two losses at home this decade though - This devastating trend will drive me to drinking if it keeps up.  

[Old Dutch]

To Dutchfan2004 and Old Dutch
I agree with you both about the Dutch run game, we seldon had one.  But I don't blame the players: Veldhuizen, Zachary, and Craft, all experienced players, if they are not going to get the ball they can't run with it.  Vance was given the ball 20 to 30 times a game even if he wasn't gaining on ever carry just to keep the defense honest.  Coach Mac is a passing coach, bottom line.  I just finished watching last years game against Luther (to make me feel better) and we also have to remember how many times Timmy took off on his hurt wheels to get us out of a jam.

Yesterday most of our runs were off tackle, some worked some didn't.  But you can't run the same running play everytime.  Not once did we try anything around the end.  Craft has lead the blocking around the end a hundred times.  Nor did we try anything tricky, like a reverese.  I know Simpson's linebackers were good, but mix it up Mac!

I certainly don't blame the RBs.  Though we were spoiled with Vance's skills, these guys are certainly capable.  Not sure if its the blocking or the schemes or the play calling, most likely a combination.  I remember when Mac was hired, his record at DePauw as OC showed as many runs out of the spread as pass attempts.  I know the philosophy as long as Vance was back there was to spread 'em out to run on 'em and it did work.  It seems the biggest threat  IIAC teams face often involves a running QB, and with Bandow and Lackey we had one that could run and one that could throw, one of them needs to learn to do both, then the lanes will open up.

[Fannosaurus Rex]

I agree that the missing running game, however it happened, hurt The Dutch.  The thing that is really scaring me is thinking how different things might have been, with all of the close games in the last four years, if Central hadn't had such outstanding special teams play.  I think the Central punting has been worth a game a season for the last four seasons.

[doolittledog]

Good luck to the Knights.  Will there be video for this game?  Or at least audio?

[Walston Hoover]

I'm sure the Knights Radio Network will carry it again.
Why don't you ride up to SP with us doolittle?

[Klopenhiemer]

Lets have a little post season award voting.  If anyone is interested, please email me or PM your picks for the following.  If I get a few people interested in doing this, I will post the results.  I'd like to post what everyone is thinking my tomorrow as the coaches will be voting on this tomorrow. 

COY
POY
Biggest surprise team of the year (Good)
Biggest surprise team of the year (Bad)
I would like to see what everyone thinks regarding the overachievers and underachievers. 

[doolittledog]

I'm sure the Knights Radio Network will carry it again.
Why don't you ride up to SP with us doolittle?

I just might do that.  If I can convince my wife.  This is our first year hosting Thanksgiving for the whole family and she is a little nervous thinking we have A LOT to do to be ready for the event

[Walston Hoover]

Its never as much work as the women make it out to be.
But I can only type that as my wife is NOWHERE near my computer right now.
We're leaving CF around 4-4:30 Saturday am and coming home after the game.

[dutchfan1]

I guess the ultimate joke is on the Dutch. Congrats to Simpson for the win in Schipper Stadium yesterday. That's tough to do. The joking last week was all in good fun, although maybe not in good taste! 

Good luck to Wartburg in the coming week (s)? Best of luck -- do the IIAC proud! Consider me on the Knight bandwagon.

(This entire post makes me feel dirty -- giving props to Simpson and Wartburg in the same post -- ugh! I'm going to sterilize my fingertips as soon as I hit "post.") 

P.S. Klop -- hope certain posters learned what happens when you put the cart before the horse -- playoff talk is wasted when you don't take care of business during the season. Ugh.

[doolittledog]

Its never as much work as the women make it out to be.
But I can only type that as my wife is NOWHERE near my computer right now.
We're leaving CF around 4-4:30 Saturday am and coming home after the game.

That does sound tempting and I am sure I would have a great time with you guys.  But I better say no to your invitation.  4am is too early for an old guy like me.  Plus, I want to stay married and all that

[doolittledog]

Lets have a little post season award voting.  If anyone is interested, please email me or PM your picks for the following.  If I get a few people interested in doing this, I will post the results.  I'd like to post what everyone is thinking my tomorrow as the coaches will be voting on this tomorrow. 

COY
POY
Biggest surprise team of the year (Good)
Biggest surprise team of the year (Bad)
I would like to see what everyone thinks regarding the overachievers and underachievers. 

COY - Willis - say what you will about him inheriting a loaded team, plus having recruited the senior class.  It is still hard to take over a team 1 month before the season begins...and take that team to a conference title and a playoff berth.

Honorable mention should go to Anderson at BV...11-13 over the last 3 years, now 6-2 this year.  And Coach Glo at Simpson...9-15 over the last 3 years, 5-3 record this year.  Good job from both of those coaches and either of them would be worthy picks in my opinion.

POY -   McGrew???

Biggest surprise team good - BV...small recent recruiting classes with average results to show for it.  Then they go out and finish 6-2 in conference play.  That, to me, outshines Simpson...the Storm improved and are under the direction of a new coach...but they were considered a team that had talent...just needed improved coaching.

Biggest surprise team bad - Dubuque in a landslide, this was supposed to be the year the Spartans showed they weren't just a 1 man show.  Add to that they were opening up a new facility...and they go 1-7 in conference play.  That's no gouda.  I suppose a lucky bounce here or there and they could have picked up wins at Luther, at Central and at Wartburg and gutted out a 4-4 year...but you have to produce on the field...not hope for a lucky bounce here or there.  Honorable mention will go to Central...4-4 is not going to cut it in Pella. 

[Walston Hoover]

Oh Boy! ROAD TRIP!!!
Hope no one's pets in Southern Butler County get sick Saturday because Doc Tom is clearing his schedule and reliving the glory days road tripping to a Wartburg game. No sons to watch this time but you can bet the old man will be hoarse for the drive home. Referee's for that game better hope their earplugs are working.

[Klopenhiemer]

Oh Boy! ROAD TRIP!!!
Hope no one's pets in Southern Butler County get sick Saturday because Doc Tom is clearing his schedule and reliving the glory days road tripping to a Wartburg game. No sons to watch this time but you can bet the old man will be hoarse for the drive home. Referee's for that game better hope their earplugs are working.

Any good road trip involves a cold hoppy beverage.  Just make sure you keep a sober one behind the wheel

[DutchFan2004]

Its never as much work as the women make it out to be.
But I can only type that as my wife is NOWHERE near my computer right now.
We're leaving CF around 4-4:30 Saturday am and coming home after the game.

Who all is going?  I might be interested.  I haven't talked to the Wartburg grad in the family yet to see if he will be working rotations or have that day off.  Father-in-law might be interested as well so might have a car full any way.  How far is it I have not even looked it up yet.