Campbell has a bye this weekend to recuperate from a tough OOC schedule.
PREVIOUS CAMPBELL SCORES:
UNC Charlotte 33 Campbell 9 Charlotte is FBS -- Conference USA
@ Appalachian State 66 - Campbell 0 ASU is FBS -- Sunbelt Conference
@ Charleston Southern 34 Campbell 10 CSU is FCS scholarship -- Big South Conference.
No easy opponents here.
We are coming off our first OOC win since 2009. Hope none of our kids are banged up.
BTW, congrats on an overall outstanding week for the Pioneer Conference!
If Valpo's defense continues to tackle as well as they did at WJC, we have a good shot at the improved Campbell team--but we need faster pressure so the opposing QB has less time to find a receiver. Send Cotton with Guilford every time we sniff pass--they looked strong at WJC. Our offense, on the other hand, needs figure out how to throw the ball like teams are doing against us, or it'll be a long PFL season. At WJC, the O bright spots were Bastin for yards and Hall for short scores. Campbell will be close; 28-24 Valpo because we have the one element we never typically play with--Confidence.
31-27 Campbell over the Saders. Valpo is much improved; but from what I see Campbell has made even more improvement.
I see wins over Mo Baptist, Roger Marist and John Davidson to prognosticate the 4 win season.
That's pretty accurate, I'm thinking USC. Depending on how good the Campbell run defense is, it might be 31 - 17.
I see a win. Campbell will be trying too hard to beat a team that has their number:
Valpo 24
Campbell 21
We've not followed up a win with a win since 2007 (when we were 5-6 under Stacy Adams and beat Butler for the last time). Until we can demonstrate that we've shaken our old habits, I'll stay conservative.
It's so hard to measure Campbell because of the level of competition they had in OOC games. Closest might be their last game against Charleston Southern, an FCS team (the other two opponents were FBS). Campbell led at the half 10-7, then gave up 4 unanswered TDs in the second half.
CAMPBELL CSU
11 1st Downs 18
223 Tot. OFF. 405
57 OFF Plays 61
30/80 Rushes/yds 42/243
13/27/143/1 Att/Comp/Yds Int 9/19/162/0
0 Sacks by 2
2/0 Fumbles/Lost 1/0
So far they have scored 19 points in three games and given up 133 to 2 FBS and an FCS. Valpo has scored 46 and given up 106 to an FCS and 2 D-IIs.
CAMPBELL LEADERS
Record: 0-3 Home: 0-1 Away: 0-2 Neutral: 0-0 Conf: 0-0
Passing
No. Player GP CMP-ATT-INT PCT YDS TD Long AVG/G
2 Dakota Wolf......... 3 33-61-4 54.1% 315 2 44 105.0
7 David Salmon........ 3 12-37-1 32.4% 98 0 15 32.7
8 Riley Gallaher...... 1 0-3-1 .0% 0 0 0 0.0
Rushing
No. Player GP Att Gain Loss Net AVG Td Long AVG/G
33 Keith Goss.......... 3 21 74 4 70 3.3 0 20 23.3
11 DeShawn Jones....... 3 20 77 9 68 3.4 0 15 22.7
2 Dakota Wolf......... 3 27 108 50 58 2.1 0 17 19.3
34 Dalton Dillon....... 2 1 30 0 30 30.0 0 30 15.0
62 - when you agree with me, there are problems...
Actually, I am revising my agreement. After putting together the stats below, I'm thinking that 31 points for Campbell is too high. We know Dakota Wolf from last year. Granted, they have faced bigger/better teams in OOC games, but no one jumps out among their leaders in rushing. So I'll agree with you down to 24-17 Campbell. I do so feeling crappy that I can't flip that to a VU 24. Had we been more competitive against St. Joe's and better yet if we had won AND had we had a better first half against WJC, I might have predicted a close win. We're still finding out who we are and there is plenty room for improvement in all facets of the Crusader game.
I'd love to see 4 wins in a row over the Camels. It is possible but, IMO, not that probable.
The mmm-mmm-good express is an 8 1/2 pt favorite over the Saders, according to the Sagarin ratings. I think the fighting Lawrence of Arabia transportation system are due for a win.
But - the Saders will beat Marist and Mo Baptist to get their first 2 game winning streak since????
Nah, we will beat the spread (but lose by 7). The date you're looking for is 2007.
Here's trhe Monday preview from Coach Cecchini and Todd:
Valpo Football Preview 9|22|14 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmWzpPaM1CM#ws)
Quote from: VULB#62 on September 20, 2014, 04:44:42 PMUNC Charlotte 33 Campbell 9 Charlotte is FBS -- Conference USA
Charlotte is still an Independent in FCS. I believe they in Conference USA for other sports. They are FCS scholarship, though. Playing two FCS scholarship teams, and one FBS (just moved up this year to FBS) is impressive. Not sure I'd want Valpo to have three games like that.
This game will be close.
Valpo 33
Campbell 30
You're right on the independent status -- UNC-C is not listed in Conference USA's FB standings. I checked their schedule and they are playing essentially an FCS scholarship schedule. Their press guide says this is the last season in FCS -- they are F/T Con-USA football in 2015
In his preview interview Coach Cecchini compared Campbell's OOC schedule to us playing WIU three weeks in row. Can't argue with that rationale too much.
Minter and the Camels are focusing on D. Here are some excerpts from a CU release:
Minter echoed the sentiments that the defense is prepared for a big step forward this season .
"Last year we installed a new defensive scheme in the offseason and everything took a little bit of time to click, but through spring ball and over the summer with these guys coming in for training camp, everything looks a lot better. Our coverage is better, we aren't giving up the big plays that we have in the past and a lot of that stems from the guys like Matt (Faris) who have picked up this system in its second year."
"We were in the bottom tier of defenses in the FCS last year," Minter continued. "We will be in the top tier this year. It starts up front with our defensive line. Those are the guys who are keeping Matt free to roam around and make plays. You're going to see a defense that can run with a lot more speed with more athletes on the field, and you'll see 11 guys who are swarming to the football. If you force turnovers, you win games, so we have to be a defense that can make that happen."
I don't like this game for us since we've beaten these guys 3 times in a row and they are sick of losing to us. They will be motivated.
Paul
Yep. And they have had a bye week to prepare for us.
The game video will be streamed. 5PM CST Kick-off
http://www.bigsouthsports.com/live/9106 (http://www.bigsouthsports.com/live/9106)
I will at the ISU-Baylor game. Should be a lot of scoring - for the Bears. I will also pursue in the art of tailgating.
Quote from: 78crusader on September 24, 2014, 11:25:01 AM
I don't like this game for us since we've beaten these guys 3 times in a row and they are sick of losing to us. They will be motivated.
Paul
We've lost to several teams 4-5+ times in a row, and are sick of losing to them, with extra motivation to beat each this year. Does that mean we beat each of those teams? ;)
No, not at this time tx
Quote from: valpotx on September 24, 2014, 04:14:25 PM
Quote from: 78crusader on September 24, 2014, 11:25:01 AM
I don't like this game for us since we've beaten these guys 3 times in a row and they are sick of losing to us. They will be motivated.
Paul
We've lost to several teams 4-5+ times in a row, and are sick of losing to them, with extra motivation to beat each this year. Does that mean we beat each of those teams? ;)
Our team's real motivation was actually this guy
(http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/brotz13/osteen.jpg)
er, I mean this guy
(http://a.abcnews.go.com/images/Politics/abc_POL_OSTEEN_120424_wg.jpg)
Yes, that is the US Congress.
was Pauly Shore at Congress?
/
Here is Coach Minter's analysis of the game. Their show goes quite a bit further then Todd's weekly interview. Nicely done. It is "This week in Campbell football"
This will be a very good and tough challenge.
http://www.gocamels.com/sports/fball/index (http://www.gocamels.com/sports/fball/index)
The team was forced to change travel plans yesterday due to the Chicago FAA facility fire. Instead of flying out of the chicago area, they had to make impromtu arrangements and flew out of South Bend. They got to Buies Creek much later than planned (unloading their buses in the dark) and had to scrap thier normal Friday afternoon on-field workout and last minute adjustments. Changes to set routines can have a disruptive impact on player mindsets. Let's hope that this bit of adversity feeds into greater resolve for tonight's game. GO VALPO.
https://www.facebook.com/ValpoFootball (https://www.facebook.com/ValpoFootball)
We're playing pretty well overall, but our kickoff coverage has been terrible! I have watched our outside contain guy go inside of his lane twice now, leading to 40-50 yard returns
Wow, what an absolutely pathetic pass by Lehman on 1st and goal. That is the third pass he has thrown directly to Campbell, resulting in 2 INTs. Lehman just blew this game on that play, leading to a TD for Campbell.
I feel bad for the guys, as this is a game that we were well on our way to winning. What a terrible pass by Lehman, with no Valpo receivers in the area, turning what should have been a 31-27 lead, into a 34-24 deficit. He forces the ball quite a bit to our WRs, who are often double or triple covered. He puts his blinders on, and doesn't see anyone but the first option on some of these plays.
To top it off, another INT by Lehman, again trying to force it into 3 defenders. Seriously, this was a terrible display by Lehman in the 4th quarter. He literally stares at his WRs that he is going to throw it to. What a disappointment.
Just before half I had a chance to look at the score and stats. It was a very close game, and I started thinking that it would come down to turnovers...
valpotx, are you saying Lehman "tipped" his passes, like a pitcher tips his pitches? I didn't get to see the game, so I'm hoping maybe I can find an archive for it...
The passing game came alive at Campbell, meaning we broke free of the short pass habit. With a more diverse passing game comes greater risk for errors--the short passes are very safe. While it's great to see us expanding the field, three pics--especially 2 in the red zone in Q4 in a game we could've/should've won, make you wonder what the coach will do now that we have 5 pics and only 4 TDs. The O-line played well and gave Ben good time. Hall had a good game too. The D played well enough--our turnovers out them on the field too much and in tough spots. Lots of positives for Valpo, the turnovers were the difference. Not sure we'll see many more teams with such weak pass coverage.
I had a feeling Campbell would be ready to win and stop the Sader streak. They are better than previous years, as is Valpo. I still see 4 wins.
BTW, after watching Baylor-ISU , it would be really nice in the future to have some team speed rather than forming a team in a Big 10 mode. Something to think about.
Wish I could have watched this one, but I couldn't. But, I did get a peek at the Game Tracker at the half and was heartened by the 10-10 score. Later I was able to review the CU stats recap and the scoring summary
Attendance: Full house (6300+),
Total Offense: VU 533, CU 405
Total Return Yds: VU 172, CU 287
Penalties: VU 4-45, CU 10-114
INT By: VU - 1, CU - 3
Fumbles/lost: VU 0/0, CU 2/0
Sacks by: VU 0, CU 0
Possession: VU 29:59, CU 29:54
ENCOURAGING:
• The new Offense his starting to get in synch – 531 yards of total offense against a defense that Mike Minter said after the murderous OOC schedule they played would be among the top 20 in the FCS.
• 392 yards passing and some big plays by essentially a first year starting QB
• With the exception of the 3 INTs (later) this squad continues to minimize penalties, does not fumble much and has allowed few sacks this season so far.
• The running game (by committee) seems to be able to churn out sufficient yardage to allow the passing game room to operate. This week it was Brandon Hall who nearly hit 100 yards
• This team shows the characteristics of a fighter and hasn't given up. They can counterpunch and in this game took the lead a couple of times. It was a hard fought back & forth battle as far as the stat sheet seemed to reflect.
DISCOURAGING:
• Three INTs, 2 going into the red zone -- both were returned 70+ yards (but not for scores -- have to commend our kids for running down the interceptor before the end zone).
• 287 return yards given up. 149 on punt and kick-off returns (Valpo had 122), but 138 net on INT runbacks.
• Couldn't finish them off when we had them down.
BOTTOM LINE:
We have a ways to go, but after 4 games, I see improvements. However, they are not in all phases of the game each game. We get better in one area, but either don't improve or regress a bit in another. The offense is a good example: greatly improved passing game offset by 2 picks at the worst times. But I still think in total, this team is displaying more grit than in the last 4 years and does not cave in when the first little thing goes wrong as in the past. Yes, we beat Campbell the past 3 times, but two of those were against a poorly coached team and last year was Minter's first year. Everyone on the board pointed to their improvement and few picked us to win, myself included.
Interesting - Time of possession when added up up is off by 7 seconds. It does not add up to 60:00. And yes, I do need a life.
Mike Minter is probably the only one touting their defense as a top 20. Their pass coverage was the worst we faced this year, which our O completely jumped on for yards. While we seem to be able to put up big stats (as has been the case for the past few years), we don't score in pace with our yards. After four games, three against teams that were quite winnable, more adjustments on O are needed. Look for more surprises, as seen last night with two trick plays in a row.
I will say that the quality of the video was outstanding--almost HD. The camera angles were very good and they had instant replay--which was not used very well! Our broadcast is no where near as good as the lens always seems to have a little butter smeared on it.
Quote from: VUDad on September 28, 2014, 01:41:40 PM
Mike Minter is probably the only one touting their defense as a top 20. Their pass coverage was the worst we faced this year, which our O completely jumped on for yards. While we seem to be able to put up big stats (as has been the case for the past few years), we don't score in pace with our yards. After four games, three against teams that were quite winnable, more adjustments on O are needed. Look for more surprises, as seen last night with two trick plays in a row.
Got that right, Dad. Point I was making was making was Minter said it. They will be a better team compared to last year and the year before but it would appear their secondary is as porous as in the past. Surprising given his college and pro background. I doubt any PFL team will lead the FCS in Defense given the OOC FCS drubbings our teams absorb. Marist is next and it is winnble IF we come to play and eliminate our errors.
Quote from: usc4valpo on September 28, 2014, 01:04:48 PMInteresting - Time of possession when added up up is off by 7 seconds. It does not add up to 60:00. And yes, I do need a life.
that was when the ball was in the air and God had it
Our Defense played really well considering the situations they were put in. Our Special Teams didn't help them out at all, not staying in their lanes on several kicks. Seriously, for those watching the game, the outside contain guy would ALWAYS slant in at the last minute, leaving a huge hole on the outside where the Returner would then go. We also gave up large returns on INTs. Those two fumbles Campbell had looked like we had the ball at first, only to lose it in the dog pile. We very much looked like the better team throughout the game, outside of Special Teams and the turnovers.
Here's some quotes from the Post-Trib article. NWITimes didn't have an article.
Take one glance at the offensive numbers and it may be fair to assume that Valparaiso came away with a victory in Saturday's game against Campbell.
However, three interceptions and two missed field goals squashed five threatening Crusader drives, helping Campbell pull out a 34-24 victory in the Pioneer Football League opener for both teams.
The turning point of the game came when Valparaiso had first-and-goal from the Campbell seven-yard line, trailing 27-24 midway through the fourth quarter. Ben Lehman's pass sailed into the hands of Campbell's Luke Hill, who returned the interception 77 yards to the Valparaiso 23. DeShawn Jones ran it in from there, expanding the lead to 10 and accounting for the final margin.
"The turnovers in the second half really were the swinging points in the game," Valparaiso coach Dave Cecchini said. "We were doing an outstanding job offensively, playing and executing the best that we had all season. We made a couple poor decisions, and you can't have that."
Here's the link:
http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/colleges/30145440-419/valparaiso-opportunities-go-to-waste-in-loss-to-campbell.html#.VCm_cEsXKgE (http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/colleges/30145440-419/valparaiso-opportunities-go-to-waste-in-loss-to-campbell.html#.VCm_cEsXKgE)