Staff Blog

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Top 10 World Music this week (Oct.27,28)

Hey,Folks

Here is the top 10 play World Albums for this week:

1 CUBAN COWBOYS Cuban Candles Muy Nice Music
2 NEW ORLEANS BRASS putumayo
3 LOS MONO Somos Los Que Estamos SONIC360
4 SHANTEL Disko Partizani Crammed
5 GLORIA ESTEFAN 90 Millas Sony-Sony BMG
6 PUTUMAYO PRESENTS: ISRAEL putumayo
7 KONONO NO.1 crammed konono
8 ANOUSHKA SHANKAR AND KARSH KALE Breathing Under Water Manhattan
9 BOB MARLEY Roots, Rock, Remixed Quango
10 CAFE TACUBA Sino Universal Latino

Your World DJ crews-William, Chelah, Maura, Jayna, &Kristin.

Posted by Big Willy Star at 7:02 PM | 0 comments

Coe Recap

It was a frustrating day for the Luther College Norse at Clark Field in Cedar Rapids Saturday. It was an opportunity to win their fifth game in a row and take a big step in finishing as well as third in the Iowa Conference. Unfortunately, the Norse didn't play well enough to win. Thus a 24-17 loss.

Now a breakdown.

Coe made plays at the quarterback position. Luther did not. Andy Tekippe was able to elude Norse defenders all afternoon. Plays that the Norse were getting sacks the last four weeks, Tekippe was able to do positive things for the Kohawk offense, with both his arm and legs. He was 19-33 for 215 yards with two touchdowns and one pick. Tekippe also ran the ball for 48 yards on eight carries.

Justy Feldt for the Norse struggled all afternoon. As comfortable as the offense looked last week, was as uncomfortable as he looked this week. Feldt was 15-27 for only one hundred yards, was sacked twice and threw two interceptions as well as one touchdown. Feldt made some poor decisions and also missed some open receivers. Feldt did make some nice throws that were also dropped by receivers. For whatever reason, whether lack of execution on the offense's part or Coe's defense playing well, (most likely a little bit on both), the passing game just wasn't in sync Saturday. We mentioned as one of the keys to the game in facing a good Coe defense is getting many people involved in the offense. Unfortunately, the Norse were one dimensional with Tyler Sherden being the only guy on offense.

Two key turning points in the second half. After the Norse were able to score on the first possession of the second half set up by a special teams return from Sherden, the kickoff coverage on the ensuing kickoff was good, with Matt Reyhons tackling Nick Ratchford at the 29 yard line. But then Joe Taylor was called for a late hit out of bounds. Instead of forcing Coe into what would have been their worst field position of the day, Coe started at the 44. Six plays later we have a tie ballgame. Start at the 29, the Norse keep the momentum. Starting at the 44, it didn't happen.

After that touchdown Mike Tangen was able to return the ensuing kickoff to the Coe 42. Then Tangen was hit out of bounds, giving the Norse possession at the Coe 27. But it was a one yard pass to Jesse Kent, a negative two yard pass to Sherden, a sack of Feldt that lost ten and Feldt overthrowing Sherden on a fourth and 21. Convert that drive, with the wind at your back, into points, momentum back on your side. Didn't happen, Coe took the monmentum back for good.

Statistically, the Norse were prehaps a little lucky that the margin was only a touchown. Despite running three more plays offensively, the Norse were outgained 389 to 277. Coe averaged 5.3 per play and 4.3 per rush. The Norse averaged 3.6 per play and per rush. The defense also struggled to get off the field on third down, with the Kohawks converting seven of 15 on third downs. Coe came in the worst team in the Iowa conference at converting third downs. Not to mention, Coe kickoff Elliott Rausa missed three field goals from inside 25 yards. Credit Trevor Theobald and Cody Webb for the blocks, but an 18 yard field goal hitting the upright and the kicker not getting enough height on the ball in at least one of the two misses, the Coe special teams unit has a lot to work on. And finally, penalties. Seven flags for 53 yards. 15 penalties the last two weeks ago. Way too many to be successful.

Finally, the simple things. Field position and turnovers. For the first time since the Wartburg game, the Norse did not win the turnover battle. It was even on the day at two a side. It's a battle that Luther has won the last four weeks, hence four victories. Saturday, it didn't happen. But the reason Coe football has been solid over the years is because they don't beat themselves. They certainely didn't Saturday. Field position battle was definately in Coe's favor. Coe averaged starting at its own 46, Luther averaged starting at its own 31. That's a minus 180 yards in hidden yardage. You're not going to win when that happens.

Now, it's back home for the final Carlson Stadium presentation of the year against Simpson. It's a winnable football game. But the little things must be won by the Norse, the offense must perform better, the defense must be more sticky and the kicking game has to step it up. If that doesn't happen, the Storm could come in and steal the thunder next Saturday.

Posted by Darin Svenson at 9:33 AM | 0 comments

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Don't Be Fooled by the record

The title of this blog is the theme of the week. Things are rolling with the Norse football program presently with four straight victories. Coe currently has lost three games in a row. That fact alone would make the Norse a favorite going into Saturday, and perhaps they are. But Coe had an October schedule similar the Norse early season schedule. Coe has lost to Dubuque, Central and Wartburg in the last three weeks. Just like the Norse were earlier in the season, Coe will be hungry for a win Saturday. Coe is a solid football team and wants to stay at the top of the league. Luther has gotten there and doesn't want to give it up. Both teams are 4-3 overall. Luther is 3-2 in league play and Coe is 2-3.

The number one key to Saturday will be an obvious one, taking care of the ball. It's something Luther has done a good job of that during the winning streak. Coe comes in second in the league with a plus ten turnover ratio and has forced 18 turnovers, a solid number in only seven games. Luther has won the turnover battle in five of the seven games, including the last four games. That's something that needs to continue Saturday.

Both teams are very good at playing defense by using their offense. Luther is second in the league at 31:34 time of possession per game. Coe is third at 31:28. Since both teams rely on the time of possession statistic heavly, the team that has the ball more will go a long way to winning the ballgame. Time of possession is sometimes an overrated statistic. Saturday I belive it will be very important.

Preventing the key play at the key times. The defense was very solid in getting three and outs last Saturday. On third down conversions, Waldorf was 1 of 17. Coe comes in last in the conference on third down conversions at only 24 percent. To go along with that, the defense must put Coe is difficult situations on third down. That means first and second downs will be key on defense.

The Kohawks bring a lot to the table defensively. Coe is third in the league defensively giving up less than 300 yards per game. They also give up only 14 points per game, which ranks as second in the league. Coe is the second best team in the conference at stopping the run as well. Last week against Waldorf, the Norse had its most diversified attack of the season getting multiple people involved in the offense. The offense will need the efforts of Tyler Sherden, Justy Feldt, Jesse Kent, Tony Brantner and others to work together in the effort to get the victory.

Final point, the boring stuff according to coach Hefty, the little things mean a lot. Special teams, field position, big plays and turnover ratio. You look at Coe over the years, nothing ever sticks out statistically, but they win because of doing the little things well. Luther has won those battles over the last four weeks. They need to win them again Saturday in Cedar Rapids.

Opportunity is knocking. The Norse have a legitimate chance at finishing third in the league. I will nowhere near will call it a guarantee, but the chance is there. An opportunity. What will Luther do when the door opens? That's a question we'll answer over the last three weeks.

Posted by Darin Svenson at 8:50 AM | 0 comments

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Fun Fall Break

Saturday was a fun day. 58 points on the board. 572 yards of total offense. Over 100 players got into the ballgame. All was well in Norse nation after a 58-7 win over Waldorf.

Lets look at the negatives from last week that we wanted to turn into positives this week.

1. The Run defense. Waldorf came in averaging 238 yards a game on the ground. Most of the day Saturday rushing yards were hard to come by, and not only with the first unit in the ballgame. The Warriors ended up with 111 yards rushing but only averaged 2.8 yards per carry. Take away a Marcus Lewis 26 yard run on a fake punt and a Alex Grunhovd 42 yard touchdown run, Waldorf had 43 yards rushing on 37 carries. That's 1.2 per rush. Solid, solid job against the run.

2. The passing game. Justy Feldt had his best day as a Norse quarterback and Luther was also able to get Tony Brantner and Jesse Kent involved in the offense. Feldt was 16-21 for 217 yards and three touchdowns. Justy had only two touchdown passes on the season coming into the game. Kent had four catches and 75 yards with a touchdown. We saw the return on Touchdown Tony Brantner, with four catches, 68 yards and two touchdowns. Overall on the day, Luther completed 23 passes to ten different receivers. A good job in establishing a lot a threats.

3. Taking better care of the ball. Only one turnover on the day and it led to points. That was the free kick after the Norse defense forced a safety. The game was well in hand by the time that happend, but fielding punts continues to be an adventure for this team. That's something we've been asking for improvement in all season long. Hopefully it comes in the final three ballgames. But you can't complain about a positive two turnover ratio. The Norse have won the ratio in five of the seven ballgames. Four of those were wins. It's not rocket science.

4. Playing physical throughout the ballgame. The thing that impressed me with the number of players playing Saturday, all played physical when they got their opportunity. That's both on the offensive and the defensive sides of the ball. Waldorf had just as many problems in the fourth quarter as they did in the first. The Luther JV is having a good year. When those guys got a Saturday opportunity yesterday, they made the most of it.

One negative from Saturday, penalties. The Norse were flagged eight times for 59 yards. Unacceptable. Numbers close to that total won't get it done the next three weeks.

One thing from the postgame, in Mike's interview with Mike Tangen, this team realizes that things need to be better in the next three weeks. Tangen stated they need to look at the flim and realize that things need to be better next week, taking an attitude of you're only as good as your last game, your last play. The 24 hour rule is nearing completion.

The team will get away from football until Tuesday at one-30 with fall break in session. Coach Hefty talks a lot about mental and physical freshness. This fall break recess will hopefully accomplish that.

Luther will face a Coe team that is reeling after three straight defeats. The Kohawks have had a brutual schedule in October, losing in overtime to Dubuque, and back to back road loses to Central and Wartburg. The Norse cannot be lured into a false sense of security because of Coe's recent struggles. The Kohawks are a proud football program and they will be hungry to snap that losing streak next week. The Norse need to be as, or even more, hungry heading into next Saturday's matchup in Cedar Rapids.

Posted by Darin Svenson at 11:48 AM | 0 comments

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Waldorf Preview

It's just like we're playing an Iowa conference opponent. That's what coach Paul Hefty told me yesterday after I asked him if the preperation was any different being this week's opponent being an non-conference foe. Waldorf comes to Carlson Stadium Saturday for the first ever meeting between the schools in football.

Waldorf is an NAIA school that does not play in a conference, which means they play a diversified schedule. They've made a habit of playing a lot of Iowa conference opponents during off weeks. They also play teams like Drake and Minnesota-Morris, who has played the Norse in the past.

They'll also bring an offense that is similar to the Air Force academy. Coach Hefty called the T-Wing, usually with a fullback and two halfbacks and a lot of option look. Waldorf averaged around 213 yards a game on the ground around 83 in the air. Marcus Lewis, the fullback, comes in as the leading rusher. With this type of attack, playing disciplined defense is key. After a subpar performance from the run defense last week, we'll see if that portion of the game can answer the call.

The negatives that you would like to see turn into positives this week.
1.The Run defense. After a very solid performance all season, the Norse run defense let Buena Vista run for almost one hundred yards more than their average. With Waldorf running the ball as much as they do, they'll definately have the opportunity.

2. The passing game. You can't assume you'll get 312 on the ground and another record setting performance out of Sherden. Of course, if it happens, cool. But you'd like to see a little more balance offensively. You'd especially like to see to guys like Jesse Kent and Tony Brantner getting more involved. The more they get involved, the better guys like Sherden, Lamos and Bass are.

3. Taking better care of the ball. Two turnovers last week. Yes, the Norse defense did force three, including two Marcus Hendrickson picks and one for a score, but two is too many for the offense. Fortunately, neither pick cost the offense but some better decisions need to be made so they don't happen at all.

4. Playing physical throughout the ballgame. The Norse has a good physical mindset for three quarters of last Saturday's game. The second quarter left a lot to be desired. A good, solid, physical four quarters of football will go a long way to winning Saturday's game.

It's always a little tough when a non-scholarship team faces a scholarship team. That presents a challenge. Normally, Waldorf has played competitively against the Iowa conference teams they have faced in the past. Number one key in my mind. No let down. Keep building on the positives. Keep correcting the negatives. Coe is next week. The focus needs to be on Waldorf before even discussing the return to conference play.

Posted by Darin Svenson at 6:42 AM | 0 comments

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Actions speak louder than words.

Marcus Hendrickson was playing with one shoulder Saturday afternoon. In the Luther defensive scheme, which requires your linebackers to make a lot of tackles, that's usually not a good thing. Hendrickson had the opportunity to make some plays but since he was favoring his right shoulder, he couldn't tackle the way we're used to see him tackle. We've even questioned on the broadcast whether or not he was hurting the team, while giving him credit for being out there. Fortunately, we were wrong.

Towards the end of the third quarter, while the Beavers were driving Hendrickson read a slant pass to the right side like a book, picked it off and had nothing but green grass in front of him and scored the second defensive touchdown in as many weeks for the Norse. Then late in the ballgame, while Buena Vista was driving again, in deep middle pass coverage, Hendrickson was able to pick off a Chris Hawkins pass and seal the victory. Cliche alert-Big time players make big time plays. For the final homecoming that a member of the Hendrickson family participates in at Luther, it was definately a memorable day. Props to Hendrickson on a fine ballgame while playing far less than 100 percent.

While the plays Marcus made were huge, it thought there were two key turning points in the game. Late in the first half, Rahn Franklin Jr. intercepted a Justy Feldt pass at the Beaver 48. Before that, our sideline reporter Mike Owens stated Mike Tangen was on the sidelines talking to his teammates about needing to make a play. Well, Tangen, your senior co-captain, proved he wasn't just talk, he went out and picked off the next pass, leading to a drive for a field goal to make 14-11 Beavers at the half. If that doesn't happen you're talking a drastically different ballgame.

Turning point number two: The fourth down stand on the Beavers' first possession of the second half. They had a second and three from the Luther 33. The next three plays no gain, one yard, no gain. Coach Benny Boyd talked to us at halftime about the need to be more physical. That fourth down stand brought the physicality out in the defense. It seemed to crescendo after that point on both sides of the ball. Buena Vista scores there, totally different ballgame. Defense rose to the occassion, leading to a Norse score, a lead they would never relinguish.

Obvious point of the day, the running game. Tyler Sherden broke the 40 year school record for most yards in a game with 269. The offensive line was challenged after last week's subpar performance in the running game against Loras. Again, they rose to the occassion. You give Sherden and short of whole, positive things happen. Tyler had his choice of many through out the day.

Three wins in a row, positivity about the program. Underrated point of the day. The second straight game Luther won by winning the fourth quarter. The Norse players both offensively and defensively had the stamina to last and pull out the victory. Props to strength and conditioning coach Cody Teslow for assisting in that process.

Last point, with the win this group of seniors became the first group of seniors in the last 25 years to beat every team in the Iowa conference. That's an accomplishment that can't be understated. That's proof that the talk of being about victories and not about playing close to teams is more than just talk. Action speak louder than words. The action of Saturday is still echoing through out the Oneota Valley.

Posted by Darin Svenson at 11:35 AM | 0 comments

Thursday, October 11, 2007

BV Preview

It's another case of a couple of teams trying to get to the top division of the Iowa conference Saturday as Luther takes on Buena Vista for Homecoming 2007. The Norse will be looking to win its third game in a row. The Beavers have won nine in a row in the series, the longest current losing streak for the Norse against any Iowa Conference opponent. Most of the time it has been a competitive game, as only five times in the last twenty games between the two schools has the margin been beyond a ten point game. Two of the last three games have went to overtime, including a Beaver 30-27 win last year.

Buena Vista will test an improved Norse secondary. Quarterback Chris Hawkins was the player of the week in the Iowa Conference last week in a 42-7 win over Cornell. Hawkins was 18-27 for 285 yards and passed for six touchdowns, including three to receiver Randy Kaufman. The six touchdown passes tied a conference record and set the school record. The Beavers come in passing for 218 yards per game, while the Norse give up 217.8 yards per game. Luther statisically has the advantage in the ground game, as Buena Vista is averaging 63.2 yards per game rushing, last in the conference, and Luther is giving up one hundred yards per game on the ground, which is third in the league. With the solid play of the front seven all year it seems the running game could be held in check. But Hawkins and the Beaver passing attack should be confident after last week's performance.

The Norse are hoping to get more productivity with their offense, after barely getting over two hundred yards in last week's win over Loras. The Duhawk defense was able to keep the Norse in check. The Beaver defense held Cornell in check last week, holding the Rams to 208 yards of total offense. But even with that, the Beavers are giving up 359 yards of offense a game, which is seventh in the league, including 218 yards a game passing. So, statisically the Norse could have the opportunity to have some productivity. But of course games aren't played on paper.

The little things have made a big difference over the last two weeks-special teams, field position and turnover ratio. The Norse have the advantage in the turnover ratio, plus one on the season and plus five over the last two weeks, as compared to the Buena Vista ratio being negative seven. Punting, punt coverage, kick coverage all seem pretty equal. When it comes to field goal kicking, the Norse have the edge statisically, something rare with the great history of kickers that the Beavers have had. Luther is 10-13 on the season in field goals. Buena Vista is 0-2.

Luther comes into the matchup in fifth place in the league at 2-2. Buena Vista is 1-3 and tied for sixth place. Two programs are trying to reach the top of the league. Just like the last few weeks, a win Saturday means one team going to north and the other heading south. If you're coming in for homecoming, stop by and stay hi. If you can't make it, tune in here to kwlc.luther.edu or AM 1240-KWLC Saturday. 12:30 pregame. 1:00 kickoff. Forecast calls for sunny and 60's so it should be a nice day.

Posted by Darin Svenson at 6:40 AM | 0 comments

Sunday, October 7, 2007

Defense wins

We've all heard the saying related to football and other sports, if they don't score, you won't lose. The Norse came close to its first shutout in 15 games and its first Iowa conference shutout since 2000 Saturday, but six points given up was a mighty fine performance by Luther's defense. With the special teams play and the defense scoring a touchdown themselves, it led to victory.

Loras came into the game averaging 334 yards per game. The Norse held them 184. Luther held the Duhawks to 98 yards below their rushing average and 16 points below its season scoring average. Other stats that are impressive. Loras was 3-17 on third down conversions. 10 tackles for a loss. 3 sacks. Of the Duhawks 14 possessions there were six three and outs and three four and outs. Numbers like these usually lead to victories. Saturday they did. And all this happend with two starters-Brandon Rickertson and Justin Reitsma.

Little things win. Field position, special teams, turnovers. Luther averaged starting at its own 38. Loras it's own 30. Luther did not turn the ball over. They took it away three times, Darrick Olson twice, once for a score and Mike Tangen had picks. The special teams were solid again. The field goal unit was 3-4. Andrew Burkle averaged 34.1 yards per punt including placing three inside the 20. The kick coverage unit didn't have its best day,but the punt coverage unit did a very solid job on two fronts. One, only four of the eight Andrew Burkle punts were returned. And of the four that were returned, Loras only got a total of 24 yards. That unit was giving up double digit returns on a consistent basis earlier in the season.

So we've seen a lot of improvement in many areas on a week-by-week basis. Now the offense needs to come along. Luther was held to a season low 211 yards Saturday and Tyler Sherden was held in check by a solid Loras defense. The Norse have now been in the red zone 18 times this season and have only seven touchdowns. That's a stat that needs to improve and will be one of the main focuses in practice this week. But give the offense credit. No turnovers this week and only one last week. Compared to the three and four in the first few weeks of the season, they are not putting the special teams and defense in a bad position like they were earlier this season.

Next week, it's homecoming. For the first time in three seasons the Norse now have a winning streak. The longest winning streak under coach Hefty is five in a row, four to end the 2004 season and the season opener in 2005. Luther will try to make it three in a row for homecoming next week against Buena Vista.

Posted by Darin Svenson at 12:05 PM | 0 comments

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Loras Preview

Sorry, I'm a day late on the blog. Between preparing for two football broadcasts a week, attending other events such as the Norse Volleyball team Tuesday night, officiating two or three under varsity football games a week, my schedule is usually pretty cramed. This week cheering for my beloved Chicago Cubs in the playoffs pushed the blog back a day. (WHY PINELLA TOOK BIG Z OUT IS BEYOND ME)

Anyway it's community day on the Luther campus this Saturday. And it definately took a community to get a victory last Saturday against Cornell. With the amount of injuries the Norse suffered last Saturday they had to call on new players to get the job done and that happend. Without getting too specific, the only thing I share for sure about the health of the team is Tyler Sherden will be all right. A couple of more are questionable and a couple are out. Tune in Saturday at twelve-30 for more information.

Kicker Tyler Pease was named the Iowa conference male athlete of the week. Pease set the conference record with six field goals last Saturday. I could not find it officially, but I believe he became the first Norse football player to be named conference athlete of the week since Tyler Sherden after the Wartburg game in 2005.

It will be interesting to see how Loras responds. Last week it led a lot of the game before losing to Simpson in double overtime 33-26. The Duhawks dropped to 2-3 overall and 1-2 in conference play. That means Saturday's winner could boost themselves towards the upper division of the conference. The loser could go south.

Looking at the statistics coming into Saturday it seems to be an even matchup.
For example

Scoring offense-Loras 22.4 Luther 22.0
Scoring defense-Loras 26.2 Luther 28.8
Pass offense-Loras 171.4 Luther 154.2
Pass defense-Loras 225.8 Luther 242.5
Rush offense-Luther 190 Loras 162.6
Total offense-Luther 344.3 Loras 334
Total defense-Luther 351.8 Loras 384.6

So the little things will likely make a big difference Saturday. Turnovers, Special teams, field position and big plays. All four of those battles went to the Norse against Cornell last week. If that trend continues, so will Norse success. If it doesn't things could get a little hairy.

Related to the statistics, Luther improved to a -2 turnover ratio, Loras so far is plus two. The Duhawks have been ballhawks thus far, intercepting seven passes in the first five games. Last week, quarterback Darin Schneider was very efficient and took care of the ball very well. Whoever starts at quarterback this week, it's still up in the air as of Thursday, the turnover bug is something they must avoid, unlike the Central and Wartburg games.

The Norse punt pressure team had a good day last Saturday, partially deflecting one punt and altering another in the Cornell game, leading to great field position. In the statistics, Loras has had two punt blocks this season. Last time Loras was at Carlson Stadium, a blocked punt led to a momentum change and a Norse victory. Could it happen again Saturday? We'll wait and see.

Check back in Sunday for another update. Tune in Saturday. 12:30 pregame. 1:00 kickoff. kwlc.luther.edu or AM 1240 KWLC in the Decorah area.

Posted by Darin Svenson at 6:51 AM | 0 comments