David Pollack: "Iowa probably starts 5-0, with the toughest game in that 5 game stretch being Minnesota"

Wow. That's just, wow.

Even if he believes Minnesota is going to be a bit better this year (which isn't totally unreasonable), I don't know how you put them ahead of Iowa State or NIU. Of course, I doubt David Pollack knows much of anything about NIU, Iowa State, or Minnesota. His main focus is basically on the Top 25 teams in the polls and then a handful after that, since that's what ESPN spends all of its time on.

Two takeaways. The national football media doesn't think much of NIU's chances in 2012. Two, they see clear superiority in what middle road Big 10 teams bring to the table versus the best of what the MAC has to offer.

Maddawg has pissed on Iowa all summer long. But relative to going up a mid major opponent his neurotic bashing of Iowa doesn't compute. So if Iowa kicks the **** out of NIU them what does that say about NIU if the Hawkeyes are so damne crappy? That will be interesting to see his response on that. Because like usual he's boxed himself into a stupid corner. Then again of NIU wins he'll profess that Iowa is outstanding.

(08-22-2012 07:02 PM)WhiskeyDick Wrote:  Two takeaways. The national football media doesn't think much of NIU's chances in 2012. Two, they see clear superiority in what middle road Big 10 teams bring to the table versus the best of what the MAC has to offer.

Maddawg has pissed on Iowa all summer long. But relative to going up a mid major opponent his neurotic bashing of Iowa doesn't compute. So if Iowa kicks the **** out of NIU them what does that say about NIU if the Hawkeyes are so damne crappy? That will be interesting to see his response on that. Because like usual he's boxed himself into a stupid corner. Then again of NIU wins he'll profess that Iowa is outstanding.

Ill agree with you there, the national media thinks very little of NIU this year. Im not bashing Iowa, I just am pointing out this could be a favorable matchup for NIU since our weakness is head to head with their weakness which somewhat nullifies our major weakness, at least for that opponent. You get your undies in a bundle over the dumbest things. I think NIU is capable of an upset but I do think Iowa should be a slight favorite because of experience at QB. I see NIU and Iowa comparable in terms of national ranking somewhere in that 40 to 50 range for both teams.

(08-22-2012 05:55 PM)UIHuskie Wrote:  Even if he believes Minnesota is going to be a bit better this year (which isn't totally unreasonable), I don't know how you put them ahead of Iowa State or NIU. Of course, I doubt David Pollack knows much of anything about NIU, Iowa State, or Minnesota. His main focus is basically on the Top 25 teams in the polls and then a handful after that, since that's what ESPN spends all of its time on.

Yeah normally I do not watch this show at all because the focus is usually on 7 or 8 teams during every show. I dont disagree Iowa has a great shot at 5-0, but I agree that Minnesota comment is way off base.

So David Pollack = "the national media"?

I am cheering for NIU to do well but in all honesty

do you guys really think this OL will be good the first year together?

Undersized and young!

OL is one of the most important positions for offense and not only that but injuries happen and if that happens then we have backups that were not even going to be playing

I like the optimism but in reality be honest with yourself. Are you just hoping they mesh together and no injuries all year? I do not see that happening

I just want the honest answer

(08-22-2012 09:37 PM)yesman815 Wrote:  I am cheering for NIU to do well but in all honesty

do you guys really think this OL will be good the first year together?

Undersized and young!

OL is one of the most important positions for offense and not only that but injuries happen and if that happens then we have backups that were not even going to be playing

I like the optimism but in reality be honest with yourself. Are you just hoping they mesh together and no injuries all year? I do not see that happening

I just want the honest answer

Expectations are at an all time low this year yesman, but your motives for wanting Doeren to fail are already well documented as you were proclaiming last year would be a disaster and that none of the players liked Coach Doeren. Noone expects NIU to win the MACC this year but that doesnt mean they are not capable of an upset against a vulnerable Iowa team who has just as many questions on the defensive line. I dont think NIU will win the MACC, but a win vs Iowa or Kansas would be a big boost for the program. While a MACC doesnt appear to be likely, I dont think your assessment of a train wreck season are accurate either. A young offensive line is maybe not quite as crucial as it would be if it were a pro style offense that Novak ran, then I would be really worried, NIU can still have a winning season with this schedule.

(08-22-2012 09:46 PM)MaddDawgz02 Wrote:  Expectations are at an all time low this year yesman, but your motives for wanting Doeren to fail are already well documented as you were proclaiming last year would be a disaster and that none of the players liked Coach Doeren. Noone expects NIU to win the MACC this year but that doesnt mean they are not capable of an upset against a vulnerable Iowa team who has just as many questions on the defensive line. I dont think NIU will win the MACC, but a win vs Iowa or Kansas would be a big boost for the program. While a MACC doesnt appear to be likely, I dont think your assessment of a train wreck season are accurate either. A young offensive line is maybe not quite as crucial as it would be if it were a pro style offense that Novak ran, then I would be really worried, NIU can still have a winning season with this schedule.

Did you miss the 1990's?

(08-22-2012 10:11 PM)UIHuskie Wrote:  

(08-22-2012 09:46 PM)MaddDawgz02 Wrote:  Expectations are at an all time low this year yesman, but your motives for wanting Doeren to fail are already well documented as you were proclaiming last year would be a disaster and that none of the players liked Coach Doeren. Noone expects NIU to win the MACC this year but that doesnt mean they are not capable of an upset against a vulnerable Iowa team who has just as many questions on the defensive line. I dont think NIU will win the MACC, but a win vs Iowa or Kansas would be a big boost for the program. While a MACC doesnt appear to be likely, I dont think your assessment of a train wreck season are accurate either. A young offensive line is maybe not quite as crucial as it would be if it were a pro style offense that Novak ran, then I would be really worried, NIU can still have a winning season with this schedule.

Did you miss the 1990's?

lol well, yeah of course, in the "modern" day era of Huskie football 2002 and beyond, in those past 10 years how many times has a MACC not appeared to be possible, this is the first time I can think of in the past 10 years. I should have rephrased that.

NIU is predicted to finish 2nd in the West and has been predicted by just about everyone to go to a bowl and they're at an all-time low?

(08-22-2012 10:25 PM)7 Wrote:  NIU is predicted to finish 2nd in the West and has been predicted by just about everyone to go to a bowl and they're at an all-time low?

all time was the wrong phrase. A more appropriate choice would have been a Dog Pound message board all time low.

(08-22-2012 10:26 PM)MaddDawgz02 Wrote:  

(08-22-2012 10:25 PM)7 Wrote:  NIU is predicted to finish 2nd in the West and has been predicted by just about everyone to go to a bowl and they're at an all-time low?

all time was the wrong phrase. A more appropriate choice would have been a Dog Pound message board all time low.

No. There were no expectations Kill's first year.

(08-22-2012 09:46 PM)MaddDawgz02 Wrote:  

(08-22-2012 09:37 PM)yesman815 Wrote:  I am cheering for NIU to do well but in all honesty

do you guys really think this OL will be good the first year together?

Undersized and young!

OL is one of the most important positions for offense and not only that but injuries happen and if that happens then we have backups that were not even going to be playing

I like the optimism but in reality be honest with yourself. Are you just hoping they mesh together and no injuries all year? I do not see that happening

I just want the honest answer

Expectations are at an all time low this year yesman, but your motives for wanting Doeren to fail are already well documented as you were proclaiming last year would be a disaster and that none of the players liked Coach Doeren. Noone expects NIU to win the MACC this year but that doesnt mean they are not capable of an upset against a vulnerable Iowa team who has just as many questions on the defensive line. I dont think NIU will win the MACC, but a win vs Iowa or Kansas would be a big boost for the program. While a MACC doesnt appear to be likely, I dont think your assessment of a train wreck season are accurate either. A young offensive line is maybe not quite as crucial as it would be if it were a pro style offense that Novak ran, then I would be really worried, NIU can still have a winning season with this schedule.

i stated that Doeren hasnt been proven yet and this is the year that if he can lead them to a good record than he would show he is a good coach. I stated I respected kill and a lot of players still talk to him and respected him. It took players until after the CMU game last year to come together

(08-22-2012 09:46 PM)MaddDawgz02 Wrote:  

(08-22-2012 09:37 PM)yesman815 Wrote:  I am cheering for NIU to do well but in all honesty

do you guys really think this OL will be good the first year together?

Undersized and young!

OL is one of the most important positions for offense and not only that but injuries happen and if that happens then we have backups that were not even going to be playing

I like the optimism but in reality be honest with yourself. Are you just hoping they mesh together and no injuries all year? I do not see that happening

I just want the honest answer

Expectations are at an all time low this year yesman, but your motives for wanting Doeren to fail are already well documented as you were proclaiming last year would be a disaster and that none of the players liked Coach Doeren. Noone expects NIU to win the MACC this year but that doesnt mean they are not capable of an upset against a vulnerable Iowa team who has just as many questions on the defensive line. I dont think NIU will win the MACC, but a win vs Iowa or Kansas would be a big boost for the program. While a MACC doesnt appear to be likely, I dont think your assessment of a train wreck season are accurate either. A young offensive line is maybe not quite as crucial as it would be if it were a pro style offense that Novak ran, then I would be really worried, NIU can still have a winning season with this schedule.

i agree about having a winning schedule.

we are lucky to have the lowest SOS this year and luckily play all of the lower end EAST teams

(08-22-2012 09:37 PM)yesman815 Wrote:  I am cheering for NIU to do well but in all honesty

do you guys really think this OL will be good the first year together?

Undersized and young!

OL is one of the most important positions for offense and not only that but injuries happen and if that happens then we have backups that were not even going to be playing

I like the optimism but in reality be honest with yourself. Are you just hoping they mesh together and no injuries all year? I do not see that happening

I just want the honest answer

Loos was good enough to beat out Otis last year but he got hurt.
Volk will be back for the MAC season.
Krempel is not small or young


It will be a rocky start but by the time CMU comes to town we will be fine.


Slightly off your question but related...
I are really excited how our OL is looking for the next 3 seasons (13-15). If we can get 1 great guy in the next recruiting class we will be in good shape for (2016) with the starting 5.

(08-22-2012 05:55 PM)UIHuskie Wrote:  Even if he believes Minnesota is going to be a bit better this year (which isn't totally unreasonable), I don't know how you put them ahead of Iowa State or NIU. Of course, I doubt David Pollack knows much of anything about NIU, Iowa State, or Minnesota. His main focus is basically on the Top 25 teams in the polls and then a handful after that, since that's what ESPN spends all of its time on.

Don't quite agree; ESPN spends most of its time promoting the SEC.

Good grief Maddawg....how can "expectations be at an all time low" when the latest poll on this board has nearly 60 people projecting an average of almost 9 wins ?!?!?

C'mon.

Iowa will be 3-2 after their first 5 games .