The University of Dubuque football team finished with a 2-8 record in 2005 but the Spartans feel they have momentum heading into this season. There were a number of near misses and the season closed with their first victory over arch-rival Loras in 21 years.
Dubuque coach Vince Brautigam says they lost some close games when some things went the wrong way, but he says the team came back and started believing it could win. Quarterback Jermar Jackson returns to lead the offense after passing for more than 25-hundred yards in 2005. And he says they should have a better running game this fall too.
Brautigam says the Spartans feel they can compete in a conference race that has become more balanced. He says everyone used to look at his team as a rest on the schedule, but not any more.
Brautigam says also a plus was the Spartans trip to Germany in which they played a game this past May. It allowed the team to get in a full slate of spring practice.
The Spartans open at home against Wisconsin-Platteville on September 2nd.