Might as well put in a placeholder for this game.
To get us thinking, this is copied from the WIU Football site (link below):
A group of officials were also on hand Friday night working the scrimmage. The night session wrapped up the 10th practice of fall camp. According to head coach Bob Nielson, his team is continuing to make improvements.
"I definitely think we are on track in most areas, however, you always want to be further ahead. Offensively and defensively we have made good progress. We continue to work hard with our kicking game units. We still have some work to do there," said Nielson."
RUNNING BACKS SHOWING DEPTH: Heading into fall camp, one position group that would be a team strength was running back. Senior J.C. Baker (5-8, 180) was named to the College Football Performance Awards Watch List following his 1,149-yard performance last year. Fellow senior Nikko Watson (6-0, 250) is closing in on the career 'Top 10' rushing yards as a Leatherneck. That 1-2 punch is joined by junior Kyle Hammonds (5-7, 165), sophomore Devon Moore (6-2, 220), and redshirt-freshman Devin Sanders (5-9, 185) to give Western a talented group of running backs.
http://goleathernecks.com/index.aspx?path=football& (http://goleathernecks.com/index.aspx?path=football&)
From the MVFBC web site:
Four Valley Football teams -- including three in the Top 10 -- are in the Sports Network Top 25 rankings, announced Friday. North Dakota State is No. 2, behind Eastern Washington. Nine league teams received votes, and joining North Dakota State in the Top 25 are UNI (9), South Dakota State (10), and Youngstown State (24).
WIU Received 5 votes, San Diego got 1 vote (the only PFL team mentioned) and Indiana State got 1.
WIU was 4-8 overall and 2-6 in the MVFBC (9th out of 10 teams -- Indiana State was below them)
Would like to stay with this team for a quarter, then see some improvement in our offense.
A couple of site actually try to predict scores. Massey has us losing 45-6. Real Time RPI, with some unknown data set, has us losing 28-18. Real Time RPI also has us ranked at 107 out of 124 FCS teams. Not sure where they are getting their data.
I have us losing, 41-13.
http://www.masseyratings.com/team.php?t=8361&s=262657 (http://www.masseyratings.com/team.php?t=8361&s=262657)
http://realtimerpi.com/football/ncaaf_Valparaiso_Crusaders.html?Valparaiso (http://realtimerpi.com/football/ncaaf_Valparaiso_Crusaders.html?Valparaiso)
I see us losing 56-7. We never play well against these types of teams, even when we have good teams. The one that comes to mind is when we got spanked by Yale 48-2 at the Yale Bowl, during my FR year, when we went 9-2.
Wiki site for Valpo football:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valparaiso_Crusaders_football (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valparaiso_Crusaders_football)
Quote from: valpotx on August 13, 2014, 12:59:52 AM
Wiki site for Valpo football:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valparaiso_Crusaders_football (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valparaiso_Crusaders_football)
But in 1997 we lost to Yale 34-14 at Soldier's Field in a more competitive game. I'd settle for that vs. WIU.
Tx, thanks for the Wiki site. I went there and noticed that it needs updating. It only mentions the two PFL league titles in 2000 and 2003. It fails to mention that Valpo had 6 Indiana Collegiate Conference titles in 51, 52, 54, 64, 68, and 69. And FWIW, during that span, Valpo was 18-14-1 against Ball State and 20-10-2 against Indiana State. My, how things have changed.
Quote from: VULB#62 on August 13, 2014, 07:56:36 AM
Quote from: valpotx on August 13, 2014, 12:59:52 AM
Wiki site for Valpo football:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valparaiso_Crusaders_football (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valparaiso_Crusaders_football)
But in 1997 we lost to Yale 34-14 at Soldier's Field in a more competitive game. I'd settle for that vs. WIU.
Tx, thanks for the Wiki site. I went there and noticed that it needs updating. It only mentions the two PFL league titles in 2000 and 2003. It fails to mention that Valpo had 6 Indiana Collegiate Conference titles in 51, 52, 54, 64, 68, and 69. And FWIW, during that span, Valpo was 18-14-1 against Ball State and 20-10-2 against Indiana State. My, how things have changed.
62 beat me to it on the other Yale game. Great atmosphere in Chicago for that game. Heck, the last time we played WIU, in 2010, we only lost 45-0. We have to be better than that year and WIU is coming off a bad year. We'll know soon enough...
Say '62,thanks for the memories. My wife and I were on campus during the championship years of,51,52,54. Great memories and some great players. Valpo had Thurston and Ball State had a running back by the name of Tim Brown. He went on to play in the NFL. Hopefully,just hopefully we can return to our winning ways. GO VALPO! :thumbsup:
I'll predict 28-3 WIU.
For the second quarter...................just kidding ;)
Final score 38-10............................at halftime.
In the third quarter I think WIU doesn't score a touchdown...............................but does kick 3 FG's........................at the end of the third quarter the score will be 47-13.
The score at the end of the game will be WIU 57, Valpo 20.
Just to keep people up to date on WIU. You can't tell much from it but some of the highlights point to some things to watch for:
MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois continued a busy week of practice on Friday (Aug. 15), working out twice and running live plays during the night session at Hanson Field. The Fighting Leathernecks logged eight practices since Monday morning.
With less than two weeks until the season opener against Valparaiso, second year head coach Bob Nielson stated that Friday night's practice was beneficial for the team.
"Overall we got what we wanted out of it (practice)," said Nielson. "We are a little banged up so we cut it a little bit short."
Several players did not suit up for the night practice, allowing younger players to get extra reps in a live game situation.
"I was pleased with a couple of things. I thought we moved the ball with some consistency, which was good. We made some big plays too, which is one of the things we have focused on here during the preseason... to create some more kinds of explosive plays. I think we saw that tonight.
"The disappointing thing is the turnovers (tonight). We made some mistakes with the football, which we need to improve upon. Our defense is capable of making plays. Our secondary is experienced, you saw the way they made breaks on footballs tonight, and the interceptions they came up with were good plays," said Nielson.
WIU opens the 2014 season against Valparaiso at 6 p.m. on Thursday the 28th. Season and single-game tickets are available by calling (309) 298-1190 or purchasing online at www.GoLeathernecks.com (http://www.goleathernecks.com).
SCRIMMAGE NOTES: Western's offense, led by quarterback Trenton Norvell, took the opening drive 75 yards on nine plays, capped by a 2-yard touchdown run by Kyle Hammonds... The defense responded on the next two drives, forcing a punt... On the fourth drive, using a short field, Nikko Watson (6-0, 250) accounted for 44 yards on four plays then Devon Moore scored a touchdown from a yard out... David McDaniel and Darren Southwell each recorded an interception on the next two drives... After a rest period, Richard Chungong picked off a pass on the very first play of the drive... Nathan Knuffman kicked a 30-yard field goal... Rhys Gervais needed two plays to cover 75 yards for a touchdown, a 55-yard pass to Cleveland Clark and 20 yards to Nick Schroeder for a TD... Gervais had two more big pass plays on another drive, both to Quadarias Mireles... The offense recorded six plays of 20-plus yards... In addition to the three turnovers, Western's defense also came up with five tackles for a loss, including two sacks... After practice, assistant coach Ted Schlafke completed his ALS Ice Bucket Challenge with the assistance from the quarterbacks.
FWIW - In a separate YouTube segment on their FB website I got some OL sizes:
6-2, 300 --> 6-2, 290 --> 6-2, 290 --> 6-7 320 --> 6-9, 340 --> 6-5 310
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcNH8gW_A_Y&feature=youtu.be (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcNH8gW_A_Y&feature=youtu.be)
With two backs at 250 and 220, I'd be ready to defend the run.
I'm guessing that the 6'7" and 6'9" guys are also on the FG/PAT defending team. If so, our kickers need to be practicing getting the ball up before the line of scrimage! Maybe using guys with broomsticks!
The 2014 season kick off is 1 week away. My prediction:
Valpo gives up one big scoring play in the half midway through the second quarter otherwise the VU defense makes the Leathernecks earn every yard. Valpo can put together only two sustained drives of more than 10 plays with one ending in a Jake Hutson 10 yard rushing TD. Valpo 7 WIU 21 at the half.
Valpo hangs tough at the beginning of the second half, but two WIU scores come late in the third quarter on sustained drives. The Valpo offense is able to get 8 first downs in the quarter but can't string together another sustained drive. Valpo 7 WIU 35 at the end of 3.
WIU's superior size and depth wear the Crusaders down throughout the second half. Despite that, it isn't until the beginning of the 4th quarter that Valpo finally gives up only its second big scoring play of the game. Valpo then manages a sustained drive against the WIU reserves in the 4th quarter and scores on a 20 yard throw to Tanner Kuramata with 4 minutes remaining. Final score Valpo 14 WIU 42
Quote from: VULB#62 on August 21, 2014, 10:18:32 AM
The 2014 season kick off is 1 week away. My prediction:
Valpo gives up one big scoring play in the half midway through the second quarter otherwise the VU defense makes the Leathernecks earn every yard. Valpo can put together only two sustained drives of more than 10 plays with one ending in a Jake Hutson 10 yard rushing TD. Valpo 7 WIU 21 at the half.
Valpo hangs tough at the beginning of the second half, but two WIU scores come late in the third quarter on sustained drives. The Valpo offense is able to get 8 first downs in the quarter but can't string together another sustained drive. Valpo 7 WIU 35 at the end of 3.
WIU's superior size and depth wear the Crusaders down throughout the second half. Despite that, it isn't until the beginning of the 4th quarter that Valpo finally gives up only its second big scoring play of the game. Valpo then manages a sustained drive against the WIU reserves in the 4th quarter and scores on a 20 yard throw to Tanner Kuramata with 4 minutes remaining. Final score Valpo 14 WIU 42
Nicely done. I predicted a 28 point loss some time ago!
Now let's see. Valpo picked to finish last in football and in the middle of the pack in M&W soccer. Don't know about volleyball yet but overall Valpo is not looking good.I hope we do better than predicted as I would hate to sing; 'HAIL TO THE PINK AND WHITE ---------" Any comments?
Quote from: setshot on August 21, 2014, 06:44:32 PMNow let's see. Valpo picked to finish last in football and in the middle of the pack in M&W soccer. Don't know about volleyball yet but overall Valpo is not looking good.I hope we do better than predicted as I would hate to sing; 'HAIL TO THE PINK AND WHITE ---------" Any comments?
Hail to the Pink and White
We have more than cancer to fight.............
HELP!
Nice preview by our coach. I'm getting pumped for the season!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2gjJd5zSC0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2gjJd5zSC0)
..... And here is the WIU preview from their football website. They return 17 starters. WIU beat Butler in 2012 23-15; in 2010 Valpo lost 45-0. We've got to play well enough to fall somewhere in between those two scores (hopefully closer to the Butler score). Interesting that Coach Cecchini is 1-0 (as an assistant) against WIU when Lehigh beat the Leathernecks in the FCS playoffs in Macomb.
http://goleathernecks.com/news/2014/8/24/FB_0824143403.aspx (http://goleathernecks.com/news/2014/8/24/FB_0824143403.aspx)
Necks 49, Saders 13
Better road trip than North Dakota last year!
Just to reiterate what GOVALPO posted on the other FB string, the game is scheduled to be streamed on ESPN3.
ok, how do you get ESPN3? I have nver done that
Playing on espn3? I checked their schedule that is posted and there were no listing for us..
Quote from: NuPudge on August 26, 2014, 11:56:07 AM
Playing on espn3? I checked their schedule that is posted and there were no listing for us..
Google espn3 then hit upcoming events and go to Thursday. Scroll down and you'll see the game at 7 EST. You'll need to be registered with your tv provider (dish, time warner etc)
Thanks, I just saw it and "Go Valpo"
I found it by going to the PFL site.
http://www.pioneer-football.org (http://www.pioneer-football.org)
In the upper right quadrant is a tab for schedule. Click on the camera icon that follows the listing and click on Upcoming. It doesn't take you anywhere now, but I am hoping at game time (6PM Central), the link will be live.
Quote from: VULB#62 on August 26, 2014, 12:24:44 PM
I found it by going to the PFL site.
http://www.pioneer-football.org (http://www.pioneer-football.org)
In the upper right quadrant is a tab for schedule. Click on the camera icon that follows the listing and click on Upcoming. It doesn't take you anywhere now, but I am hoping at game time (6PM Central), the link will be live.
And you can watch the Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire cricket match going on now and for the next 7 hours there too. ;D
Game #1 PDF Notes have been published on the Valpo Athletics site:
http://files.streamlinetechnologies.com/valpoathletics/E577199F-433B-44E2-A525-F9F9D523D54F/Wk1WIU.pdf (http://files.streamlinetechnologies.com/valpoathletics/E577199F-433B-44E2-A525-F9F9D523D54F/Wk1WIU.pdf)
Some observations on the 2-deep:
OFFENSE
Fred Gladney is back along with Kuramata and Cassara at receiver. Some talent here.
Both TEs are kinda short (6-0 and 6-1) for the position but carry some weight (220 and 230)
Lehman and Stall are co-first teamers at QB (Cecchini has hinted at alternating them vs. WIU to see how they perform against live competition other than guys in brown jerseys). That's fair I think.
Our OL goes 305, 285, 255, 265 and 280 -- pretty respectable
Hutson and Bastin are 1 and 2 at RB. No mention of a FB and Brandon Hall, last years rushing leader, is not on the 2-deep for the first game (could be injured?). At 5-8, 230 Hall is a load. Maybe he is the FB to be named later.
DEFENSE
Only 5 true freshman made the 2-deep and two are at DT; the third is a backup safety (the 4th is the 3rd QB and the 5th is a kicker)
Green at MLB is the heart of this defense and we have him for one more year after this.
We are light at OLB (190 and 200)
We will be outweighed DE to DE (only go 235, 245, 275, 240) in this game for sure and probably in most games. I'm missing Bama Powell already. Hope these guys (3 out of 4 are returning players) have taken lots of quickness and endurance pills (and lifted massive weights) over the summer.
In general, good to see the staff is open minded about who plays -- not as much the case previously (especially about who was recruited by which staff)
A player's view (sophomore Charles Carter, 5-10, 215 from Gary and #2 at one OLB position) of the upcoming game in a John Mutka column in the Post-Trib:
http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/29483442-556/on-campus-charles-carter-praises-vus-pep-in-step.html#.U_0kZUsXKgE (http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/29483442-556/on-campus-charles-carter-praises-vus-pep-in-step.html#.U_0kZUsXKgE)
Carter points to a different attitude and more precise coaching. Good to hear that.
Hello there, I wanted to let everyone here know that supposedly this game is not being aired on ESPN3 now, though it does still show up on their schedule. That being said I am still going to try to use it before I try viewing elsewhere. If ESPN 3 is truly not playing the game then I wanted to let everyone know that WIU has a live streaming camera crew that supposedly just upgraded to HD film and they air every game as a pay per view session at goleathernecks.com. If you go to goleathernecks.com/watch/purchase.aspx?Live=1 the cost is $5.95 for the game. It is definitely better than trying to watch live stats or having to listen to the game. Good luck!
Thanks for the heads-up WIU. Here's hoping that ESPN3 carries it, but at least we have a fallback option.
BTW, Brad Collignon, in preparing the PFD notes, checked with WIU and they confirmed that ESPN 3 will not be carrying the game :(
Quote from: VULB#62 on August 27, 2014, 05:47:48 AM
Thanks for the heads-up WIU. Here's hoping that ESPN3 carries it, but at least we have a fallback option.
BTW, Brad Collignon, in preparing the PFD notes, checked with WIU and they confirmed that ESPN 3 will not be carrying the game :(
Really disappointed because last night at about 12:30AM I checked the ESPN3 schedule and didn't understand why you guys were saying that it would not be available because it was still on the schedule. Checked again this morning after reading this post and :'( it was gone.
Quote from: FWalum on August 27, 2014, 09:13:07 AM
Quote from: VULB#62 on August 27, 2014, 05:47:48 AM
Thanks for the heads-up WIU. Here's hoping that ESPN3 carries it, but at least we have a fallback option.
BTW, Brad Collignon, in preparing the PFD notes, checked with WIU and they confirmed that ESPN 3 will not be carrying the game :(
Really disappointed because last night at about 12:30AM I checked the ESPN3 schedule and didn't understand why you guys were saying that it would not be available because it was still on the schedule. Checked again this morning after reading this post and :'( it was gone.
Petty sure I'm going to spring for the $5.95! I'm really anxious to see what our new coaches have produced.
I was scouring the house for my piggy bank. Haven't found it yet, but by game time tomorrow I will and then I can break it open for this one. :coffeetime:
WIU-49,VU-0. I hope I am wrong and we even win the game, but I don't see any Hank Meirs or Gordy Helms throwing the ball or Joe Parr or Rod Poppe running the ball (there is some overlap here) through holes opened by Thurston, Raasch or Lembke. Nevertheless, my mind is jaded by our miserable performance over the past four years. So let us hope and expect that we can turn the football program around. Go Valpo! :thumbsup:
Realistically, I am hoping tonight toughens the team and prepares them for the next month of more winnable games. The coaches and players will get a better indication of the progress they have been making during preseason camp, and some of the new wrinkles added for this year will be tested. A competitive game against this opponent will be encouraging and build confidence, but the most important factor for me will be avoiding any injuries so the team might get a few wins among the games coming up in the schedule. I'll be happy to see mere glimpses of light like that of a new dawn showing promise of a brighter future not far ahead.
(http://i59.tinypic.com/m31hx.jpg)
Post-Trib's intro to the game:
http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/29524214-556/college-football-running-back-strongest-position-for-valparaiso-heading-into-season.html#.U_9USksXKgF (http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/29524214-556/college-football-running-back-strongest-position-for-valparaiso-heading-into-season.html#.U_9USksXKgF)
Tonight's game will start with a delay because of lightning, but great to have Valpo football back on the air!!
Projected start time will be 6:42CT, due to lightning in the area. If you are purchasing the video from WIU for this game, it will be a little while before the game gets underway.
Thanks run, I was wondering what was up!
Another WIU season opener for our new coach.
Another rain game?
Another 45-0 score?
That still would be better than the last three FCS openers.
I paid my $5.95 and have my wine next to me. Just waiting.... waiting..... waiting
62, means you have time to get that pizza to go with the game.
so is it raining and if so is it raining hard? Even bigger question is if it is a wet field will this help us (put the ball more with our experienced line and running backs) or hurt by allowing them to grind it out with their bigger size??
Rain with artificial turf is not as much of a problem as with natural grass IMO. But I think both sides will run more and they have a decided edge there. Good thing about a run game is that (usually) the chances of big plays are slightly lower and the clock gets eaten up what with fewer incomplete passes. Shortened game = fewer points scored ?
Quote from: VULB#62 on August 28, 2014, 06:07:50 PM
Rain with artificial turf is not as much of a problem as with natural grass IMO. But I think both sides will run more and they have a decided edge there. Good thing about a run game is that (usually) the chances of big plays are slightly lower and the clock gets eaten up what with fewer incomplete passes. Shortened game = fewer points scored ?
Thanks for that. I also have wine poured with the hopes I won't have to move to something stronger as the night moves along! ;)
I have a feeling Dave Cecchini is going to get a real dose of reality tonight. I know that he will just be more resolved in his determination to improve but I think he will be scratching his head sometimes wondering what he had got himself into. Much like Homer did during his first year at Valpo.
Having trouble with both the VU audio feed and the WIU stream.
Audio from Valpo site is working fine for me.
vu72, not sure if there was rain, but there was lightning, which delayed the game at least 30 minutes. WIU has field turf, so the field might have been slick, but there wouldn't have been mud.
Is there audio to go with the WIU livestream? I mean I'm listening to Todd and Brad on WVUR, but wasn't sure if the video had audio to go with it.
I am getting good VU audio, Stream is for crap - have to keep clicking the Live today button and I just get a glimpse and then it dies.
no video feed for me. I'm pissed!
Wasted $5.95! I want my money back.
But in the few glimpses I did get, I noted that the team has abandoned those atrocious black socks that were the hallmark of the Carlson era. Yay!
I'm having no issues with the video feed. And we're making some big stops defensively. I mean WIU scored twice on three possessions, and we stopped their QB sneak on a 4th-and-3 in the second possession. I mean the offense is a tad suspect, but they'll get the kinks worked out.
Quote from: FWalum on August 27, 2014, 09:13:07 AMReally disappointed because last night at about 12:30AM I checked the ESPN3 schedule and didn't understand why you guys were saying that it would not be available because it was still on the schedule. Checked again this morning after reading this post and it was gone.
It's tough to sell to ESPN when one of the teams has 3 wins in 3 years.
Got a message on the screen that they are having "regional" problems. Run, glad you are seeing it -- I am in WI and am having a really sucky experience with this. I've sent 4 messages to their "support" already. Argh!
Alex Green is back in. Whew!
Kye Hall (F) is looking good.
Look. It's pretty clear we are over-matched. But we are making superior athletes work for what ever they do so far. We may be a fraction of a second off on coverage, but we are there. So far, I am frustrated but the kids are where they are supposed to be and that is a major breakthrough!
I just got that message for the first time, 62. Yeah, we still have some holes, but I'm not going to complain. We are making stops, now to get the offense to be productive in the second half.
24-0 at half per Grayson's mom. She's at gMd
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
If we could just get one big offensive play or series, it would be nice to see a change in getting everything going in the right direction. Not a bad showing in the first half, just need to get some offense, and not play so overmatched, and we could be in this game in terms of keeping the scoring manageable.
I can't win for losing. Ole VU down 24-0 at the half and Texas A&M is knocking the Game out of the Cocks by a 45-28 score. At least I have good SEC coverage but it could be a long year for both the Cocks and the Crusaders. :'(
I could be watching that game too, setshot, but I'm getting Bears preseason football against the Browns on my tv.
I have the video stream back up for the game. Let's hope for a strong 2nd half. I like what I'm seeing from this team. Hope they build a lot of confidence tonight.
WIU 24 - VU 0
Valpo gives up one big scoring play in the half midway through the second quarter otherwise the VU defense makes the Leathernecks earn every yard. Valpo can put together only two sustained drives of more than 10 plays with one ending in a Jake Hutson 10 yard rushing TD. Valpo 7 WIU 21 at the half.
I was off on my prediction, but we ARE making a legit FCS team work for their yardage. Run, you are right, we need to get the O going in the second half. But the Lehman and Staal competition in this game is absolutely needed and will help us going forward. Along those lines Ben seemed more in control, but Scott didn't have that much time too settle in. It will be interesting to see what Coach C does to open the second half -- we get the ball. I/we know we are going to lose, but now it is how we lose that will be the major factor. If the game ended right now, I'd say we are a different ball club from the teams that took the field for the previous 4 years.
Hope Hutson is OK. Bastin's name has not been mentioned yet at RB I think. Kye Hall (freshman 6-0, 205# LB) 7 tackles and Mel Graham III 7 tackles too.
Zero penalty yards for Valpo.
I even have the audio from WIU now. Sounds like they got their issues fixed. I'm happy with my $5.95 investment in this game, even if we are down 24-0.
Todd is my life line. No video and no WIU audio.
I think VU is missing Hoffman's arm much more than the Crusaders thought. Hopefully the coaching staff will get this rectified.
I think the competition at QB was a bad idea, as neither Lehman or Stoll have looked comfortable, first game jitters or whatever.
Could be Historyman.
Just gave up a second half BIG play TD. But according to Todd the coverage was there but just couldn't stop it.
Hoping that WIU now uses this game to vet their second stringers. If we continue to play our first line guys we might get a score and we might stop a drive or two.
The floodgates have opened...
I asked for a refund and they agreed. :(
Quote from: valporun on August 28, 2014, 08:27:28 PM
I think the competition at QB was a bad idea, as neither Lehman or Stoll have looked comfortable, first game jitters or whatever.
I disagree on that. We need to know how these two kids will react in a legit game. Unfortunately in D-I you can't scrimmage an opponent like in D-III. So this is a sacrifice game to find our QB.
Brandon Hall seems to be the horse we need to ride in the backfield. Neither QB's passes are precise enough.
38-0 in the middle of the 3rd is the score we are used to seeing in the middle of the SECOND quarter.
Quote from: VULB#62 on August 28, 2014, 08:41:43 PM
38-0 in the middle of the 3rd is the score we are used to seeing in the middle of the SECOND quarter.
Come on. Carlson lost his first game at WIU 45-0. How can you say this team is playing better?
FWIW - In the 4th QTR at Campbell, Charlotte (FBS) is ahead 27-9. Looks like Campbell will not be the automatic win as in the last 3000 years.
Until the second half got going, the defense made some big stops. I think the biggest stop the defense made in the second half was resembling the offense of the entire game?
TOUCHDOWN!!! Valpo runs it in from the 2, FINALLY something for the offense. Brandon Hall on the 2-yard scurry. 45-6, as the PAT was blocked.
Quote from: historyman on August 28, 2014, 08:50:30 PM
Quote from: VULB#62 on August 28, 2014, 08:41:43 PM
38-0 in the middle of the 3rd is the score we are used to seeing in the middle of the SECOND quarter.
Come on. Carlson lost his first game at WIU 45-0. How can you say this team is playing better?
To me it is not the score. It is the HOW the game plays out. We may lose 48-0 or 56-0 (adjusted for the previous post) but if the kids don't give up multiple big plays to open recovers or are not in a position to stop 76 yard runs, we are a different team. Face it, we are overmatched (their OL averages >300 lbs.). Carlson's teams caved in early. This team (Carlson's players) is not caving in (based on Todd's commentary). Keep in mind that WIU is being mentioned as one of the best Defenses in FCS.
We will know much much more next Saturday v. St. Joe's. I will be there. [You have to remember what my Image is. 100% full.]
Good to see Hall get rewarded for all his success and hard work in the backfield.
Now as far as the PAT. Let's give Newman a chance at getting the kick away.
The defense played well in the first half, then the floodgates opened out of the locker room for the second half, and our defense hid somewhere.
Our offense needed less of the bounce around with the QBs, and more stick with one as the starter, and if he was playing horribly, then bring in the backup, not do the every other series or quarter switch at QB. Whichever one you want playing has to learn the hard way, and tonight I don't think I saw that because neither QB was looking like the starter for the season.
It is very hard to evaluate the Crusaders after playing a scholarship team, especially one from the Valley. But St. Joe should be winnable.
Defensive coverage was much better, but the biggest challenge of the night was basic tackling. Would've liked to see more pressure on their QB--but he was pretty good at picking us up. Special teams played okay, and had none of the miscues so common before. On offense, can't imagine the coach learned much other than Hall can pick up reliable short gains. Lehman played nearly the whole game, but didn't get us downfield except for one long drive in Q4 and had an int--Stahl looked decent, but only played two real series in Q2. Kuramata played well. Gladney was too quiet and needs the ball more. Fewer mistakes though, so some reason for optimism.
Quote from: usc4valpo on August 28, 2014, 09:18:02 PM
It is very hard to evaluate the Crusaders after playing a scholarship team, especially one from the Valley. But St. Joe should be winnable.
I agree. Even the championship team of 2003, led by David Macchi, lost their opener to Murray State 34-0.
On a bright note, I was pleased by the performance of Brandon Hall, who gets credit for the first touchdown of the year and was our leading rusher, averaging 4.6 yds for his 14 runs against perhaps the toughest defense he will see this year.
(http://i58.tinypic.com/6zlx83.jpg)
I just wish I could have seen the game I paid for. I had to rely on Todd's descriptions and he generally was positive and encouraging. I'll see for myself next Saturday if this team is going to break the mold that was cast for the past 4 years.
The big hope coming out of last nights game: we didn't give the game away as has happened so many times over the previous few years. St Joe will be a better read on this years team.
Quote from: VUDad on August 29, 2014, 11:04:41 AM
The big hope coming out of last nights game: we didn't give the game away as has happened so many times over the previous few years. St Joe will be a better read on this years team.
VU let WIU get out to a 45-0 lead. Just because there were fewer big plays given up doesn't mean Valpo didn't give the game away. If you can't stop the opposition's drives 25-30% of the time that is still giving up the game.
I really hope they turn around and beat St Joe. That would truly make me feel that some progress has been made. But based on last night's performance against the Leathernecks I saw little progress being made from the Carlson era.
I will agree that the Brandon Hall performance was a huge positive for VU.
To be more specific--in football, "giving away the game" happens when a team turns the ball over that results in points. No pic-sixes last night, no fumbles lost, blocked punts, or punt/kick returns for TDs. The coach will be pleased with progress in this area.
"Giving the game away" is defined for me as stupid penalties at critical moments, multiple fumbles and dumb interceptions, blown coverages that result in easy 60 yard TDs. As far as I could see, on the TD passes and long passes given up the receivers were covered. The receivers just made the plays. We fumbled once and retained possession. We had only 2 penalties all game for 10 yards. We threw one INT and that was under pressure and in an attempt to throw the ball out of bounds but without enough steam on it (the decision was the right one -- the execution was the issue). So I agree with VUDad. We made WIU earn their yardage more in this game than in any game in the past 4 years. We were just overmatched, plain and simple, but we knew that going in.
Lets see how our brethren do on Saturday vs. scholarship programs:
Morehead @ Richmond
Jacksonville @ SE Louisiana
BTW Campbell lost to Charlotte 33 -9 on Mike Minter's 2nd year.
Again, Valpo is one of 2 ham and egger games for WIU. Drake is the other - why WIU faces 2 Pioneer teams is uncertain and certainly weak on their part. It is hard to evaluate Valpo's team based on this mismatch. It is 2 different levels of competition. It is like comparing the quality of beer between Buckhorn and Anchor Steam when you have to pay more for the latter and get a better product.
I will say this - I liked Cecchini's post game comments. He seems very enthusiastic and confident on what is going on. My first impression is that he is likeable and will get buy in from his players on the direction of this football program.
We have 2 ham and eggers coming up with St. Joe and William Jewell, so let's see what was learned and move forward and win.
As for the QB performance - I would not get into the "how much we miss Hoffman" discussion. He raked yards, but led the team to 3 wins in three seasons, and was a key contributor to the high turnover rate. It is also not fair for the guys on the current team.
I particularly agree with your last comment on QB's, usc. This is a new era, forget the past and let's bolster the new QB, whoever the final winner is. One game under Coach C and some still want to talk about last year's QB? GO VALPO!
Not just Coach C, but the new and improved Coach C!
Quote from: valpo64 on August 29, 2014, 06:27:44 PM
I particularly agree with your last comment on QB's, usc. This is a new era, forget the past and let's bolster the new QB, whoever the final winner is. One game under Coach C and some still want to talk about last year's QB? GO VALPO!
Quote from: usc4valpo on August 29, 2014, 05:29:20 PM
As for the QB performance - I would not get into the "how much we miss Hoffman" discussion. He raked yards, but led the team to 3 wins in three seasons, and was a key contributor to the high turnover rate. It is also not fair for the guys on the current team.
Balanced offenses [with good coaching] can win with a QB who manages the game, executes basic plays and doesn't make drive ending mistakes. We may have a manager QB this season rather than a light-up-the-scoreboard QB. So what. It's all about the winning not the stats, and
we have to go with the players we have. So if we can bring more play makers into the equation rather than depend on one guy, we might actually be in a better position to keep games close and win some.
Quote from: VULB#62 on August 29, 2014, 07:34:59 PMBalanced offenses [with good coaching] can win with a QB who manages the game, executes basic plays and doesn't make drive ending mistakes. We may have a manager QB this season rather than a light-up-the-scoreboard QB. So what. It's all about the winning not the stats, and we have to go with the players we have. So if we can bring more play makers into the equation rather than depend on one guy, we might actually be in a better position to keep games close and win some.
A very good summation of what could work for Valpo. I only used Hoffman as a reference point because we can remember his play clearly. It was evident that neither Lehman or Staal played to the standard that they needed to to win a game against opponents such as St Joe, William Jewell, Davidson or even Campbell.
Ah, Campbell. They are gonna be good this year. This year they were only down 6-3 at the half and lost 33-9. Last year they lost to UNC Charlotte (FBS - Conference USA) 52-7.
Quote from: historyman on August 29, 2014, 07:46:42 PMQuote from: VULB#62 on August 29, 2014, 07:34:59 PMBalanced offenses [with good coaching] can win with a QB who manages the game, executes basic plays and doesn't make drive ending mistakes. We may have a manager QB this season rather than a light-up-the-scoreboard QB. So what. It's all about the winning not the stats, and we have to go with the players we have. So if we can bring more play makers into the equation rather than depend on one guy, we might actually be in a better position to keep games close and win some.
A very good summation of what could work for Valpo. I only used Hoffman as a reference point because we can remember his play clearly. It was evident that neither Lehman or Staal played to the standard that they needed to to win a game against opponents such as St Joe, William Jewell, Davidson or even Campbell.
Dude, again don't base these guys on the WIU game. Lehman had no sacks, and was pressured early and often.
Hoffman was ok, but not great - yeah he had yards but so do many QBs in CFB these days. He also had turnovers, erratic performance tendencies, many 3 and outs, pick 6's, and, oh yes, 3 wins in 3 seasons.
Give these new guys a chance. We have ham and eggers coming up on the schedule, let's see what happens.
Let's not glorify Hoffman. He was not that great. He racked up yards because we had so many possessions, with our defense giving up so many quick points.
Paul Oren's coverage of the game:
http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/valparaiso-university/crusaders-open-season-with-loss-at-western-illinois/article_33f22a4b-33f8-5b26-9461-913de9aa4fc3.html (http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/valparaiso-university/crusaders-open-season-with-loss-at-western-illinois/article_33f22a4b-33f8-5b26-9461-913de9aa4fc3.html)
Comparative scores are pretty irrelevant and don't prove much. However, NDSU beating (FBS-Big 12) Iowa State Saturday, and the article linked below, does add some credence to the fact that the MVFC is a stong FCS conference. The fact that WIU plays with these boys gives them some pretty decent cred. Our loss on Thursday within the boundaries of what most of us were hoping for (not 69-10 or 59-0, or 77-13) shows some glimmer of improvement.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2014/08/30/north-dakota-state-bison-fcs-win-streak-iowa-state/14869879/ (http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2014/08/30/north-dakota-state-bison-fcs-win-streak-iowa-state/14869879/)
It will be interesting to follow WIU in the next two weeks. They go to Madison to play a Badger team that lost to LSU and then play Drake at home.
Let's also factor in some other FCS vs. PFL results:
Richmond (CAA) 55 - Morehead 10
SW Louisiana (Southland) 44 - Jacksonville 3
Sacred Heart (NEC) 28 - Marist 7
Another interesting score is NAIA Grand View 45 -22 over Drake. It should be noted that Grand View was the NAIA national champion in their division last season.
Then there are the Davison and Stetson wins. :-[
Davidson 56 - College of Faith 0
"Davidson football hopes to break a 12-game losing streak Saturday against a team that doesn't have a stadium, classrooms or even a campus."
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/08/29/5138201/college-of-faith-hoping-to-extend.html#.VAM010sXKgE#storylink=cpy (http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/08/29/5138201/college-of-faith-hoping-to-extend.html#.VAM010sXKgE#storylink=cpy)
Stetson 35 - Warner (NAIA 2nd season of football) 16 (They lost to Stetson last season in a battle of first year programs 31-3)
Quote from: VULB#62 on August 31, 2014, 10:05:52 AM
It will be interesting to follow WIU in the next two weeks. They go to Madison to play a Badger team that lost to LSU and then play Drake at home.
Let's also factor in some other FCS vs. PFL results:
Richmond (CAA) 55 - Morehead 10
SW Louisiana (Southland) 44 - Jacksonville 3
[/b]
Final follow-up on these past scores: SW Louisiana is the #3 team in FCS; Richmond is #17. WIU R/V. Others of common interest: YSU is #23 after losing to Illinois 17-28 and University of San Diego received 1 vote in the Sports Network poll. They are 0-0 right now.
Davidson's stellar opponent, College of Faith, impresses again:
http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/11468858/tusculum-sets-ncaa-record-minus-100-total-yards-allowed (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/11468858/tusculum-sets-ncaa-record-minus-100-total-yards-allowed)
Quote from: valpotx on September 05, 2014, 12:52:22 AM
Davidson's stellar opponent, College of Faith, impresses again:
http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/11468858/tusculum-sets-ncaa-record-minus-100-total-yards-allowed (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/11468858/tusculum-sets-ncaa-record-minus-100-total-yards-allowed)
Well, they don't call it College of Faith for nothing. Their fans will have to have more faith then Valpo fans that they can eventually rebound from these huge lopsided losses.
What's really amazing is that COF with all those awful stats only gave up 26 more points than Valpo did last Thursday.
Of course if there is a team that COF could some how manage to stay close to in score and COF was able to some how beat that team on a last second hail Mary scoring play by leaping over his defender into the end zone and catching the winning pass would that not be a leap of faith?
Well Valpo needs to take that kind of leap of faith in themselves as a team and beat the crap out of the St Joe Pumas in what looks like to be our last game for the foreseeable future against this naggingly tough team.
BEAT THE PUMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hard to save faith with a performance like that.
The College of Faith is hoping for a team-like substance, and evidence of a running game unseen.
I thought it would be interesting to see how WIU has done so far, in as much as they were our big guarantee game this season. ....And WIU is a common opponent for Valpo and Drake.
We lost 45-6 in the season opener for both teams
Subsequently WIU ......
Lost to Wisconsin (B1G) 37-3
Beat Drake 38-13
Lost credibly to B1G Northwestern 24-7
Lost to SIU (now #17 FCS) 34-17
Lost to #1 North Dakota State in a close game 17-10
Beat then #10 YSU 30-24