University of Dubuque football coach Stan Zweifel will rely on a number of newcomers during his first season as coach. One hundred newcomers will join a handful of veterans back from last year’s team that posted a 2-8 record, the final season under former coach Vince Brautigam.
Much of the experience returns on offense where four starters return on the offensive line. Senior Colton Hanson returns at quarterback and was an honorable mention all-conference choice. Zweifel says they had 39 turnovers last year and that’s one are they have to improve.
The Spartans turned the ball over 19 more times than their opponents in 2008, and Zweifel says that makes it tougher on your team and easier on the opponent. The Spartans will be extremely young on the defensive line, as only 1 one the 13 defensive tackles is not a freshman.
Zweifel says being fundamentally sound is a plus in close games. The Spartans lost four close games a year ago including two games to the two top teams in the league. Dubuque opens this season with a visit to Rockford College on September fifth.