....and we're on to San Diego.
San Diego coming off a bye.
Marist beats Sacred Heart.
Why does this worry me?
Will Ron Burgandy and the channel news 4 San Diego team be broadcasting the game?
Attached are the Sagarin results through this past weekend. I've added color coding for upturns and downturns in rating/score movement. You'll note that some teams can drop in score but rise in ratings and vice-versa.
Also below are the PFL scores as well. (Bold are PFL teams/ Underscored are 2015 opponents) [CLICK TO INCREASE SIZE]
Dayton 24, Duquesne 13
Valparaiso 86, College of Faith (Ark.) 0 Bye ;)
South Dakota 52, Drake 0
Marist 34, Sacred Heart 27 :o
Morehead State 28, Kentucky Christian 0
Butler 41, Taylor 10
Presbyterian 23, Campbell 13
USD Bye
Stetson Bye
Davidson Bye
Jacksonville Bye
If we end up on the positive side of turnovers, we might have a chance in the fourth quarter.
Valpo 24
USD 31
USD's record is 1-1
San Diego State (FBS) 37 USD 3
USD 45 Western NM (D-II - Rocky Mountain Ath. Conf.) 21
From the USD website:
(San Diego, Calif.) -- The USD Toreros (1-1) opened their home schedule with a convincing 45-21 victory over an athletic Western New Mexico University squad. The win improves USD's mark against the Mustangs to 5-0, but also ends a string of three games that were decided by seven points or less. USD heads into a bye week before opening up PFL play at Valparaiso on September 26th.
Redshirt freshman QB Anthony Lawrence made the most of his first collegiate start by completing 20-of-34 passes for 254 yards and four touchdowns. His main target on the night was tight end Ross Dwelley who hauled in 10 balls for 123 yards and one score. Brian Riley caught five balls for 115 yards with touchdown receptions of 37 and 38 yards.
USD also had a balanced ground attack with Jereke Armstrong rushing for a career-best 109 yards on 14 carries. He found the end zone twice on runs of 24 yards (1st quarter) and 54 yards (4th quarter). Running mate Blake Martin turned in a solid performance as well with 70 yards on 13 carries. USD's other scoring came on a Justin Priest 13-yard touchdown reception from Lawrence early in the fourth period, and a 27-yard field goal from sophomore kicker Daniel McManus right before halftime.
"We were okay for a while but hit a little bit of a rut in the third quarter," said head coach Dale Lindsey. "Fortunately for us our defense did enough to keep them (WNMU) out of the end zone. Overall I thought we had better improvement, but they are a hard team to play, especially when they get out in space. They are always tough and fight you all the way to the very wire. Moving forward we are going to continue to improve our running game, and heading into the bye week we'll look to improve on a lot of little things."
Defensively the Toreros were led on the outside by cornerbacks Devyn Bryant (2 interceptions, 1 breakup, 3 stops) and Jamal Agnew (1 interception, 1 breakup, 4 stops). Sophomore DE Jonathan Petersen seemed to be everywhere as he finished with 6 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 quarterback hurries. On the other end, Joe Nomellini knocked down two passes, recovered a fumble and recorded the team's lone sack. Safety Ray Clark totaled a team best 7 stops, while Colton Giorgi chipped in with 5 stops.
WNMU (1-1) was paced by QB Mitch Glasmann (22-49 for 297 yards, 2 TDs), RB Marqus Rodgers (18 carries for 74 yards, 1 TD), and WR Xavier Ayers (9 receptions for 132 yards). USD led 24-7 at the halftime break, and extended their lead to 45-14 midway through the final period, before the Mustangs scored one last time on a Larry Young 12-yard reception from Glasmann.
For the game USD totaled 459 yards of offense (186 rush, 273 pass), but more importantly, had just one turnover.
STATS
Team Totals WNMU USD
First Downs 19 22
Net Yards Rushing 87 186
Net Yards Passing 305 273
Total Offense Yards 392 459
Fumbles: Number-Lost 3 - 1 0 - 0
Penalties: Number-Yards 4 - 37 6 - 72
Punts - Yards 5 - 165 5 - 167
Possession Time 26:33 33:27
Third-Down Conversions 3 of 15 (0.200) 8 of 16 (0.500)
Fourth-Down Conversions 2 of 2 (1.000) 1 of 1 (1.000)
Sacks By: Number-Yards 1-9 1-2
Field Goals 0-1 (0.000) 1-1 (1.000)
USD BOTOM LINE -- USD can score in the air, but is also vulnerable through the air.
Watch the USD Preview :coffeetime:
http://www.valpoathletics.com/football/news/2015-16/14864/valpo-football-preview-week-4/#.VgCRDLS4ko8 (http://www.valpoathletics.com/football/news/2015-16/14864/valpo-football-preview-week-4/#.VgCRDLS4ko8)
San Diego 35
Valpo 17
USD 49
Valpo 6
I hope coach was just giving us the coachspeak when he said something to the effect of "when we started looking at San Diego this week...." and that nary a minute was spent preparing for COF when an extra week for San Diego might have been in order.
They do have last year's VU tape of the game out in San Diego, so they could break down some general frequencies and tendencies -- the O and the D will probably be basically the same, except there will be personnel changes that might impact the play selection and defenses called. But USD is not required to supply any tape until after the game on the Saturday before the Saturday we play. Even though they had a bye, I don't think they would have given us 2 weeks to prepare. So the staff really could't "look" at this USD team until this past Sunday. Once they received the tape (probably an electronic feed of some type and downloaded) they'll compare last year's scouting report with the new info and come up with a game plan based on the new strengths and weaknesses that showed in this year's edition of USD.
The biggest prep for USD was getting the team's collective head straight and working on execution and the elimination of mistakes. They pretty much did that and did it without losing anyone to injury that I know of. I was interested in Coach's comment about Brandon. He said he was cleared; he said he was running; but he also said "we'll see" regarding whether he will play or not. They are being cautious about that concussion -- and rightly so.
So, Alex Green is coming back after sitting out COF, and it will be either Ryan or Dalton who starts at QB, the game determining whether we see just one of them or both. We are pretty much at 100%. Let's see if our kids come to play 60 minutes of tough football. I have faith that they will.
Quote from: VULB#62 on September 22, 2015, 05:07:33 PM
They do have last year's VU tape of the game out in San Diego, so they could break down some general frequencies and tendencies -- the O and the D will probably be basically the same, except there will be personnel changes that might impact the play selection and defenses called. But USD is not required to supply any tape until after the game on the Saturday before the Saturday we play. Even though they had a bye, I don't think they would have given us 2 weeks to prepare. So the staff really could't "look" at this USD team until this past Sunday. Once they received the tape (probably an electronic feed of some type and downloaded) they'll compare last year's scouting report with the new info and come up with a game plan based on the new strengths and weaknesses that showed in this year's edition of USD.
The biggest prep for USD was getting the team's collective head straight and working on execution and the elimination of mistakes. They pretty much did that and did it without losing anyone to injury that I know of. I was interested in Coach's comment about Brandon. He said he was cleared; he said he was running; but he also said "we'll see" regarding whether he will play or not. They are being cautious about that concussion -- and rightly so.
So, Alex Green is coming back after sitting out COF, and it will be either Ryan or Dalton who starts at QB, the game determining whether we see just one of them or both. We are pretty much at 100%. Let's see if our kids come to play 60 minutes of tough football. I have faith that they will.
They better! I'm coming all the way from Dallas to see the game!! ;D
See you at the FB Alumni hospitality tent?
Quote from: VULB#62 on September 22, 2015, 06:34:49 PM
See you at the FB Alumni hospitality tent?
I'll be there!
From the Valpo Athletic Twitter page. This year, it might be just a bit closer in score but with us unfortunately on the short end :(
[tweet]647056787716313088[/tweet]
The pre-game release is out. RE: The 2-deep, some observations:
OFFENSE
Jake/Brandon are the #1 RBs. Grayson is #3/
QBs are Ryan (Soph)/Dalton (Frosh) -- I think Ryan will start.
Freshman Mason Sutter is the #1 TE; Jr. Aaron Brunner is #2
Our starting OL is: Soph, Soph, Sr, Soph, Sr..
WR: Soph, Soph
Defense
5 Senior starters, 3 juniors, 2 sophs, 1 Freshman (S-Joey Diaz-Martinez)
Are we young or what? ??? The spread on D is what you might expect in a regular, healthy program. However, on O, whoa!. We have a lot to look forward to over the next couple of years. But, right now, we could use a Dave Lass or a David Macchi to pull it all together. Both could pass but they ran so well too. They were bold and they each exuded leadership.
Ah, but the immediate big question is can these youngsters bring it to USD on Saturday? On Brown Field. For 60 minutes. On Saturday. Stay tuned Crusader fans.
Side note: In going back to the records I noticed that Eric Hoffman is in the same conversation with those two all-time greats record-wise. Too bad he led teams that, with the exception of his passing, were nowhere close to the caliber that Lass and Macchi had behind them. And BTW Ben Lehman is #4 all-time in total offense for a season. Sorry, but I wound up loving Ben at QB last year - wish he was back for one more year He was a left over, second string QB from the Carlson era. He learned an entirely new offense in less than a year. And he wound up leading the team to 4 wins, only got sacked TWICE (I believe), and amassed 2477 yards of total offense in just his first season as a starter.
Ben was great considering the circumstances. Started off slowly but was a very efficient player the second half of the season. Another year for him would have been great for the program.
Here's a nice article by Paul Oren about 5th year senior and Captain Nate Koeneman leading into the USD game.
http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/valparaiso-university/valparaiso-fifth-year-senior-looking-to-leave-football-program-in/article_18c04478-30eb-5e94-bc36-93a0b0879932.html (http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/valparaiso-university/valparaiso-fifth-year-senior-looking-to-leave-football-program-in/article_18c04478-30eb-5e94-bc36-93a0b0879932.html)
The returning kids know they hung with USD and should have won last year. Ever the optimist, I'm thinking they will stay with USD and not back down. However, we are still so young and so inexperienced at QB. So..... In a well played game USD earns this one 35-24.
How we play in this game is key to going into Davidson and getting a PFL win next week.
The offense will have to surprise me in order for Valpo to be competitive in this game. Dink and dunk won't work on a consistent basis although the offense might move the ball for a few first downs each drive. If they can get over the top a few times, they might get something done. San Diego is going to score so Valpo has to keep up with them.
ESPN3 12:30
Quote from: usc4valpo on September 20, 2015, 11:51:12 AM
Will Ron Burgandy and the channel news 4 San Diego team be broadcasting the game?
No. Worse. ESPN3. Just kidding!
Quote from: vu72 on September 22, 2015, 05:45:06 PM
Quote from: VULB#62 on September 22, 2015, 05:07:33 PM
They do have last year's VU tape of the game out in San Diego, so they could break down some general frequencies and tendencies -- the O and the D will probably be basically the same, except there will be personnel changes that might impact the play selection and defenses called. But USD is not required to supply any tape until after the game on the Saturday before the Saturday we play. Even though they had a bye, I don't think they would have given us 2 weeks to prepare. So the staff really could't "look" at this USD team until this past Sunday. Once they received the tape (probably an electronic feed of some type and downloaded) they'll compare last year's scouting report with the new info and come up with a game plan based on the new strengths and weaknesses that showed in this year's edition of USD.
The biggest prep for USD was getting the team's collective head straight and working on execution and the elimination of mistakes. They pretty much did that and did it without losing anyone to injury that I know of. I was interested in Coach's comment about Brandon. He said he was cleared; he said he was running; but he also said "we'll see" regarding whether he will play or not. They are being cautious about that concussion -- and rightly so.
So, Alex Green is coming back after sitting out COF, and it will be either Ryan or Dalton who starts at QB, the game determining whether we see just one of them or both. We are pretty much at 100%. Let's see if our kids come to play 60 minutes of tough football. I have faith that they will.
They better! I'm coming all the way from Dallas to see the game!! ;D
I pray that you bring the huge upset to Valpo.
USD 35
Valpo 36
GO VU!!!!!
I believe in the power of prayer, but I think the Toreros had a clearer connection to the almighty today, especially after 2 PM when they went to work. The baby Crusaders are having a great learning opportunity.
Observations from the VIP tent in the east end zone and the stands.
Advancement and the Athletic Department/Crusader Club got special permission from the President's Council for a really nice entertainment venue for donors and Crusader Club members in the east end zone complete with great food and beer and wine - yes, this is not a typo. VERY nice program and great atmosphere to congregate with a lot of major donors, many of whom, just knew that Valpo had a football program. These guests were 10 yards away from the end zone and were right on top of the Valpo squad as it warmed up at the beginning of the game. The goal was to involve these donors more in the football program. Everyone I talked there said this was a wonderful experience and that this sort of thing needed to be continued and expanded.
Now about the game. It was a game of two halves (duh, of course) in the sense of how Valpo played. We played super the first 1½ quarters: an opening defensive 3-and-out and 2 picks in the half says it all. Going up 3-0 early on was huge. But it was also a hint at what would come later. Over the rest of the game, the offense could not sustain drives, the QB play was erratic and passing was not precise/accurate. In his post game, Coach Cecchini mentioned the lack of a running attack. That too, but the ineffectiveness of the passing game allowed USD, IMO, to take away the running game. They just teed off and came. A good case in point in the first quarter, in USD territory, the TE slipped down the seam and was wide open over the middle at about 15 yards out -- overthrown, and instead of a sure TD, we make the FG or get no points (don't remember the sequence). Had we been more successful at that kind of thing, the pass would have to be honored and maybe that running game becomes more successful. Another reflection of our current situation is that on our final drive of the game with 1st and Goal at the four we could not convert and settled for the FG.
My other observation was that, maybe with the exception of the 1st quarter, USD began most, if not all, their drives around mid-field or better. USD is very talented team (good, fast RBs, more than adequate young QB, big O and D Lines and taller, fast DBs - BTW they have a freshman from Illinois, #99, who is a defensive end and TE and goes 6-8, 315 lbs and scored their final TD). Even casual fans near me commented at how our D-Line was just overwhelmed at times. You can't give a good team like USD such great field position over and over. Some of those were due to our short punts, going on 4th and short and not making it by 6", or on one occasion when our senior punter, who did poorly on his return to the lineup, was replaced by the freshman kicker, he out-kicked the coverage with a really good punt that resulted in a good runback to mid-field.
In summary, we showed that we are potentially ½-way there by most (not all) of our play in the first half. The kids, if they can recapture that attitude and speed of play against Davidson over 60 minutes, will earn a win. BUT, we need more consistent QB play in order to sustain drives, give the D more time off the field, and gain better field position throughout the game. Of course all phases need to continually improve and that, unfortunately, will be a slower process than any of us, or even the team, would want, but Davidson, coming when it does, gives us a equal opportunity moment to go nose to nose in a competitive game.
Last years Valpo team would have beaten this years San Diego squad. Revenge would have been the big motivator, plus experienced players. Valpo lost 25 seniors, many with a lot a playing experience. Patience, this years team is young and will gain valuable experience. There may be a few bumps along the way, but the future is bright. There is some talent there. Davidson is a winnable game.
Brandon Vickrey in the Post Trib:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/sports/ct-ptb-football-san-diego-valparaiso-st-0927-20150926-story.html# (http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/sports/ct-ptb-football-san-diego-valparaiso-st-0927-20150926-story.html#)
Paul Oren in the NWITimes:
http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/valparaiso-university/crusaders-stumble-in-homecoming-loss-to-san-diego/article_0d198f0d-5222-50ca-95f0-0ca8b0c35503.html (http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/valparaiso-university/crusaders-stumble-in-homecoming-loss-to-san-diego/article_0d198f0d-5222-50ca-95f0-0ca8b0c35503.html)
The game was tight in the first half because of the two interceptions. While the coach and fans lament the missed opportunity with the "dropped" pass and the overthrow to the TE early in the game, San Diego suffered two picks and just kept coming. I don't buy the two missed offensive plays put us in a bad spot theory. San Diego was never stopped other than the INTs. The ground game not doing anything killed the offense along with what I saw as a pretty poor game by both the QBs and WRs. As a former WR, it appeared to me that the receivers were running poor routes, couldn't get off the line, couldn't get separation, missed blocks and dropped a couple. They're young but there has to be better play from this group. Even on some completions it appeared that the routes were off since there were multiple WRs in the same area which is clearly not the design. There were some missed throws and missed chances to throw as well as too much pressure given up by the OL.
A connection who records the plays mentioned that Valpo ran about 50 plays offensively and SD ran much closer to 100. It is really tough to win a game like that absent the Jim Kelly led Bills K gun attack.
This was a team that Valpo had beaten last season until some mind boggling stupid defensive playcalling at the end of the game allowed SD to score. I agree with those who say that last year's Valpo team would likely have beaten this year's San Diego team however it is a little disconcerting that it was the defense who suffered as well considering that's the side of the ball where the experience is.
As an aside, I really didn't get kicking the FG at the end. The team finally gets down near the goalline and we run what was almost assuredly a trick play...looked like Catrine was supposed to throw to Clarke but SD covered him and then kick the FG. Did getting points really matter at that point or would it have maybe been nice to take two shots at the endzone and potentially score a TD. Made no sense to me at all.
Quote from: VU2624 on September 28, 2015, 10:18:11 AM
The game was tight in the first half because of the two interceptions. While the coach and fans lament the missed opportunity with the "dropped" pass and the overthrow to the TE early in the game, San Diego suffered two picks and just kept coming. I don't buy the two missed offensive plays put us in a bad spot theory. San Diego was never stopped other than the INTs. The ground game not doing anything killed the offense along with what I saw as a pretty poor game by both the QBs and WRs. As a former WR, it appeared to me that the receivers were running poor routes, couldn't get off the line, couldn't get separation, missed blocks and dropped a couple. They're young but there has to be better play from this group. Even on some completions it appeared that the routes were off since there were multiple WRs in the same area which is clearly not the design. There were some missed throws and missed chances to throw as well as too much pressure given up by the OL.
A connection who records the plays mentioned that Valpo ran about 50 plays offensively and SD ran much closer to 100. It is really tough to win a game like that absent the Jim Kelly led Bills K gun attack.
This was a team that Valpo had beaten last season until some mind boggling stupid defensive playcalling at the end of the game allowed SD to score. I agree with those who say that last year's Valpo team would likely have beaten this year's San Diego team however it is a little disconcerting that it was the defense who suffered as well considering that's the side of the ball where the experience is.
As an aside, I really didn't get kicking the FG at the end. The team finally gets down near the goalline and we run what was almost assuredly a trick play...looked like Catrine was supposed to throw to Clarke but SD covered him and then kick the FG. Did getting points really matter at that point or would it have maybe been nice to take two shots at the endzone and potentially score a TD. Made no sense to me at all.
THANK YOU! I agree with you 100%. The final play calling, the personnel on the field, and the decision to kick a field goal left us all shaking our heads. It was mind-boggling not only to me but to everyone sitting around us.
I understand that our team is young, but the constant shuttling in and out of freshman, just to gain them experience, was ridiculous in a game that really meant something. With all the rotation of the younger players in the game, there seems to be no continuity or flow with the experienced and returning players. There seems to be more concern for getting the freshmen on the field to gain experience for the future, then staying with more seasoned players that can get the job done this year. I can understand doing it in the first three games but not in our first conference game. I am concerned that this is being viewed as a throwaway year because we have so many freshmen. The returning players deserve better than that!
Quote from: VU2624 on September 28, 2015, 10:18:11 AM
As an aside, I really didn't get kicking the FG at the end. The team finally gets down near the goalline and we run what was almost assuredly a trick play...looked like Catrine was supposed to throw to Clarke but SD covered him and then kick the FG. Did getting points really matter at that point or would it have maybe been nice to take two shots at the endzone and potentially score a TD. Made no sense to me at all.
Wondered about that as well - especially the tricky play on 3rd down. Inside the 8 with 4 downs to get a TD. If there was a spot in the game where we needed to make a statement, it was there. After Choudhry gained 2 on a rush and Clarke hit Choudhry for a 2 yard completion, the trick play lost 3 yards yards and Frank never had a chance to even get rid of the ball. Had we used a normal goal line play and gained 3 we would have had 4th and 3 instead of 4th and 7. At that point we would see what our OL was made of. But, though now 7 yards out, I, too, would have still tried to score. 38-3 or 38-6, eh, about the same. 38-10 not so much. Comes down to the trick play IMO - bad call. Should have just played football.
Quote from: VULB#62 on September 28, 2015, 11:24:31 AM
Quote from: VU2624 on September 28, 2015, 10:18:11 AM
As an aside, I really didn't get kicking the FG at the end. The team finally gets down near the goalline and we run what was almost assuredly a trick play...looked like Catrine was supposed to throw to Clarke but SD covered him and then kick the FG. Did getting points really matter at that point or would it have maybe been nice to take two shots at the endzone and potentially score a TD. Made no sense to me at all.
Wondered about that as well - especially the tricky play on 3rd down. Inside the 8 with 4 downs to get a TD. If there was a spot in the game where we needed to make a statement, it was there. After Choudhry gained 2 on a rush and Clarke hit Choudhry for a 2 yard completion, the trick play lost 3 yards yards and Frank never had a chance to even get rid of the ball. Had we used a normal goal line play and gained 3 we would have had 4th and 3 instead of 4th and 7. At that point we would see what our OL was made of. But, though now 7 yards out, I, too, would have still tried to score. 38-3 or 38-6, eh, about the same. 38-10 not so much. Comes down to the trick play IMO - bad call. Should have just played football.
To my point, aside from the ridiculous trick play call, why, in that critical series inside the 8, aren't we going with our 3 returning RBs from last year and running the football with them? 4 times if necessary. Passing the ball on a trick play from the 3 is embarrassing.
The rushing stats were not exactly stellar for Valpo in that game dude. But they should tried to score and get the experince rather than wimp out for the FG.
Also, I think the best players need to play, experienced or not experienced.
Thank you 2626 AND UMSB.
You are spot on! The films do not lie and I cannot believe some of the things going on in terms of personnel decisions ...a few points to ponder:
1. the number of packages we put in and subbing patterns will never allow for any type momentum (mostly O but I do see some kids on D getting torched). I cannot help but notice that the teams defending us sub out, NEVER. They could care less who is in our packages.
2. Can we now say it? The freshman experiment is OVER. In the first few games, fine, if you think that makes sense, but now, done. It cost us a league game. Glad you recruited them (mainly from small 2A, 3A or private schools) coaches, but your plan is in disarray. They seem lost and you cannot blame them. I see MANY of OL and WR's sitting on the bench (I do not count cof game) were at the 1 spot on depth chart coming out of the spring game. Many of whom played vs SD last season also.
3. the OL has freshman playing and when you see who they are up against on the opposing DLine? Size, speed experience? No wonder 3/4 of our QB's have been injured and we have NO running game.
4. Our #1 WR's, according to the Trib article posted (Morgan, Shea, Catrine, Foley) have not been out there as a unit at all. I see mainly freshman at WR and every week it's obvious that they run some poor routes, cannot block downfield and most importantly, cannot get off press coverage (all echoed by the HC in his post game interviews). These 3 issues cause the delay in QB release and penalties. Again, I know it is a tough spot for a freshman, so I understand, but these are glaring concerns. You have to be mentally tough too. I see a few of these players in shock or tears after the game.
5. the D? And the sidelines..."no swag, no mojo" players not holding other players accountable and motivating them?
6. We don't need to work in 4 RB's...Bastin gets the start and plays until HE says he is tired. All the teams that run through and over us have 1 featured back and 1 person to replace him. How can any of our RB's get going when they are subbed in and out constantly?
The body language of many of the returning players on the bench was not good at all as the game progressed, same as the Sacred Heart game.
We have the talent to play so much better. Things cannot get worse, so make the changes and get the right players ready for Davidson.
I made it out to campus this weekend. What beautiful weather for Homecoming! Had a few observations/thoughts:
1. The campus, overall, looks gorgeous. The Chapel addition is outstanding, the Welcome Center is beautiful, landscaping was well kept, etc. That side of campus is very attractive, however...
2. Athletics is more or less the run down, crappy house on the block. Very dull and uninviting. The atmosphere at Brown Field wasn't bad. A number of organizations set up tents between the ARC and the Fitness Center, but the venue itself is dingy. How there aren't bathrooms out there is still beyond me with five sports playing there. I didn't make it inside the tent near the endzone but it looked like all were having a good time. It's a shame tailgating isn't allowed at every home game. That's so much of what college football is about!
3. The game was disappointing, but that's the norm. We looked to be in it for the first half and then got trampled in the second. Offense was lousy after our starting QB got hurt.
4. I don't know if anyone else finds this funny/weird, but I walked through the ARC and noticed that one of the racketball courts is apparently an office?? There was a desk, chairs, and a bookcase set up like a professor or a staff member works out of it during the week. How can anybody possibly get any work done with racketball going on next door? Is athletics and the phys ed department that cramped for space? It seems insulting to have someone work in a racketball court.
5. My wife and I ventured downtown - how nice! We grabbed dinner at Lincoln and Main and while it wasn't cheap the food was delicious. Downtown Valparaiso has really developed into a destination.
Quote from: dime life on September 28, 2015, 02:49:46 PM
Thank you 2626 AND UMSB.
You are spot on! The films do not lie and I cannot believe some of the things going on in terms of personnel decisions ...a few points to ponder:
1. the number of packages we put in and subbing patterns will never allow for any type momentum (mostly O but I do see some kids on D getting torched). I cannot help but notice that the teams defending us sub out, NEVER. They could care less who is in our packages.
2. Can we now say it? The freshman experiment is OVER. In the first few games, fine, if you think that makes sense, but now, done. It cost us a league game. Glad you recruited them (mainly from small 2A, 3A or private schools) coaches, but your plan is in disarray. They seem lost and you cannot blame them. I see MANY of OL and WR's sitting on the bench (I do not count cof game) were at the 1 spot on depth chart coming out of the spring game. Many of whom played vs SD last season also.
3. the OL has freshman playing and when you see who they are up against on the opposing DLine? Size, speed experience? No wonder 3/4 of our QB's have been injured and we have NO running game.
4. Our #1 WR's, according to the Trib article posted (Morgan, Shea, Catrine, Foley) have not been out there as a unit at all. I see mainly freshman at WR and every week it's obvious that they run some poor routes, cannot block downfield and most importantly, cannot get off press coverage (all echoed by the HC in his post game interviews). These 3 issues cause the delay in QB release and penalties. Again, I know it is a tough spot for a freshman, so I understand, but these are glaring concerns. You have to be mentally tough too. I see a few of these players in shock or tears after the game.
5. the D? And the sidelines..."no swag, no mojo" players not holding other players accountable and motivating them?
6. We don't need to work in 4 RB's...Bastin gets the start and plays until HE says he is tired. All the teams that run through and over us have 1 featured back and 1 person to replace him. How can any of our RB's get going when they are subbed in and out constantly?
The body language of many of the returning players on the bench was not good at all as the game progressed, same as the Sacred Heart game.
We have the talent to play so much better. Things cannot get worse, so make the changes and get the right players ready for Davidson.
Bravo. I agree 100% with everything you said. Every point. The subbing patterns that do not allow momentum are killing us. Running freshman in at the wide receiver and running back spots continuously ahead of capable experienced players is not working. Did Shea or Foley even get in the game Saturday? I didn't see it if they did.
The 3 returning running backs from last year that we rotated are all back but we feel the need to now rotate 4 in. And you're right, nobody can get any kind of rhythm at RB. Coming in to the game Bastin was, and still is, the leading rusher and has by far the fewest attempts of the 4 backs. I just looked up that he only had 3 carries on Saturday, and the most carries any back got was 5.
And until we can get the returning and experienced OL heathy and back out on the field together, along with some sort of a passing threat, the running game will continuously be challenged.
I just watched Cecchini's press conference. Not holding much hope for change at Davidson.
dime life,
Valpo has alot of talented freshman on the team with serious potential, very likely more so than the upperclassmen. If you want to keep these 50 guys at Valpo and rake in $2.2M per year in tuition, you need to give them an opportunity. Green things grow. Also, subs keep the players fresh.
At a higher level, USC is in a similar situation and they have a decent team this year but not playoff ready. But they have some very talented freshmen getting shuffled in and out of games - this will improve the team as the season goes on and they should be a national force next year.
I disagree that the game was lost by the shuffling of players - when you lose 38-6, you got beat by a better team. No excuses regarding ineffective coaching decisions, the Crusaders got blown out.
On the other hand, the Davidson game is a must win. Both teams are at the bottom of the Sagarin poll, and nothing is more embarrassing than a ranking of 253. The best players to give you the opportunity to win (freshman or senior, I don't care) need to get the most reps.
I had forgotten about the play 'em to keep them in school angle. Might be a factor. The RB situation is exacerbated by BHall's early injury and he didn't have any room on Saturday at all. He's a guy, like most running backs, that's a wear 'em down guy.
This is going to be a full season process and the objective is get better every game and be a better team at the conclusion of the season. FloridaFootball reminds us of the loss of 25 seniors from last year. It is both fortunate and unfortunate that we have so many good PFL teams (SD, Dayton, Drake in the first 4 games). At the beginning of the season consensus had these as substantial losses to begin with. It is unfortunate that they come so early while the team is trying to round into a unit. But also fortunate that we go against them early - "what doesn't kill ya, makes you stronger (better)". USC is spot on -- we need to measure ourselves against our PFL peers at this point in the journey and that means the Davidsons, Stetsons and Moreheads, and maybe Butler. Against the iron of the league we need to look for improvement first, then assess the remainder with some patience. Did we show improvement? Yes. Did we sustain that improvement? Unfortunately, no. Can we build on the first half vs. USD and use it against Davidson? Yes. In my mind further discussion on USD is :deadhorse: We, along with the players and coaches, need to turn to Davidson and focus on improvement across the board. The game is streamed. Wish I had a DVR.
Understand USC 4 Valpo...agree we were blown out.
SD went in at halftime and said enough of this, and then we got smashed. We went in at half and said, wow, we are still in this. My subbing note goes to the lack of cohesion formed with so many subs at RB and WR this stage of the season and during our forced use of 3 different QB's.
I agree best players right now should play...NOT, "maybe going to eventually be a great player by game 7 or 8".
The 50 and the 2.2m? Hoping its getting an education @ VALPO then worrying about reps. ;)
dime life -
The best players should play, but also do not blow off what you have for the future. This program is a work in progress. At this stage, what I would say is that if a freshman gives you a better opportunity for you to be successful in the near and long term than a senior, you better start him. Just because you are senior and been around for awhile does not give you the right to start.
Regarding the 50 frosh and knowing this season is a rebuilding year, you gotta see what they have. Forking out $45K a year is quite alot, and if they do not enjoy the football experience they may quit the sport (which happens often in non-scholarship sports) or go elsewhere.
Related interesting tidbit learned from MLB during the reception in the end zone tent: Every single 2015 recruit showed up for the beginning of preseason football. That's over 50! In the non-scholarship world that is unheard of. For instance, last year's class had something like 20, but only 15 showed up. Now will all 50+ see significant playing time over their 4-5 years? Of course not, but they are here now, they probably got favorable financial packages, and if some get tired of being a reserve, they will probably stay as students --- no doubt, part of an informal strategy, but also a validation of what a great school we have.
Quote from: usc4valpo on September 29, 2015, 08:30:19 AM
dime life -
The best players should play, but also do not blow off what you have for the future. This program is a work in progress. At this stage, what I would say is that if a freshman gives you a better opportunity for you to be successful in the near and long term than a senior, you better start him. Just because you are senior and been around for awhile does not give you the right to start.
Regarding the 50 frosh and knowing this season is a rebuilding year, you gotta see what they have. Forking out $45K a year is quite alot, and if they do not enjoy the football experience they may quit the sport (which happens often in non-scholarship sports) or go elsewhere.
Which are you saying? That the best players should play? Or that you should not blow off the freshmen for fear they will leave? I think everyone agrees that the best players should play, regardless of their class. The problem is that is not what is happening. There are many freshmen playing ahead of upperclassmen who are not better; but only because they are freshman.
I understand the need to keep young players in the program, but at what cost to the current season do you continue to play freshman just to keep them happy or fulfill promises made? Every program loses freshman; that is expected. And every player on the team is playing paying tuition and I would bet that the financial packages the upperclassmen received are not as lucrative as the current ones offered. Just hate to see this year being thrown away and labeled solely a "rebuilding year" when there are talented upperclassman standing on the sidelines that played a lot more last year than they are this year... and they were a better team last year. In summary, let's not get caught up in the theory that if a freshman doesn't play he will leave, because that is the situation at every PFL school every year.
I think for the Davidson game, since the stakes are very high for this game, they need to play the best players, but keep them fresh by shuffling your best freshmen as needed. However, for the long term, I think you need to think about the future.
Also, if the upperclass talent is so exceptional, then why have they been part of a program that is 6-28 in the past 3 seasons?
We are just going to see this differently. I did not say the upper-class talent is "so exceptional"; I said in many cases they are better and they are not getting the opportunities this year solely because they are not freshmen. Sub in the best players.
FYI the soph-Jr.-seniors were part of a 4 win season last year (could have been 6 wins). The freshmen are now part of a program that is 0-3 .
Clear case of agree to disagree.
Stakes ARE high. A possible WIN. Does anyone think that this staff will compromise that objective by not playing every kid who could help us reach that goal?
IMO In every game in every level of football in the entire USA, coaches make bad calls (even when they win and people conveniently always forget). As we build this program, everyone please take more of a holistic approach. Once we are in the top three for a year or two, then we can tighten the parameters. But not now. We are not privy to the short-term much less his long-term plan. Give Cecchini and his staff some wiggle room. The hole that this FB program is clawing out of is deep and dark. Despite frustrating set backs along the way, the players and coaches deserve as much support as we can convey. If these guys know we are behind them it makes them work even harder. Get behind the program, give it some time, and if it doesn't work after another year or two, then begin to question. But now is way too early. Don't undermine a program's development after only 19 months, 6 of which was just infrastructure building.
Believe. Believe we are gonna be a player in the PFL. At least for the short haul, take the monkey of disbelief off this staff and off the kids.
I hope I don't trip getting off my soap box.
My vision is a winning program not a win here and there. 62 is so bang on.
BTW, disagreements are great, it adds some spice to life, and it is more exciting than Valpo's offense right now.
And that is why USC went to MIT. Well said.
62 - don't go too far on the MIT line- l admit being very wishy washy about which players to play. It is a difficult situation. Valpo is in major rebuild mode but the future is bright. They also faced 3 difficult teams early on, and Davidson will not be at that level.
Guess we will see what happens...but it is clear that the team has some issues with the players out there thus far, IE, the O line has 3-4 freshman in the mix and we see the run game and QB protection situation getting worse. The WR issues already mentioned. Watching the OC come out of the booth and onto the sideline during the last 2 games would normally signal some changes, but so far nothing.
Quote from: VULB#62 on September 29, 2015, 07:29:55 PM
Stakes ARE high. A possible WIN. Does anyone think that this staff will compromise that objective by not playing every kid who could help us reach that goal?
IMO In every game in every level of football in the entire USA, coaches make bad calls (even when they win and people conveniently always forget). As we build this program, everyone please take more of a holistic approach. Once we are in the top three for a year or two, then we can tighten the parameters. But not now. We are not privy to the short-term much less his long-term plan. Give Cecchini and his staff some wiggle room. The hole that this FB program is clawing out of is deep and dark. Despite frustrating set backs along the way, the players and coaches deserve as much support as we can convey. If these guys know we are behind them it makes them work even harder. Get behind the program, give it some time, and if it doesn't work after another year or two, then begin to question. But now is way too early. Don't undermine a program's development after only 19 months, 6 of which was just infrastructure building.
Believe. Believe we are gonna be a player in the PFL. At least for the short haul, take the monkey of disbelief off this staff and off the kids.
I hope I don't trip getting off my soap box.
Couldn't agree with you more. It is way too early to be regurgitating the same stuff we heard in the Carlson years after the kudos this staff received during last season.
Quote from: FWalum on September 30, 2015, 09:45:52 PM
Quote from: VULB#62 on September 29, 2015, 07:29:55 PM
Stakes ARE high. A possible WIN. Does anyone think that this staff will compromise that objective by not playing every kid who could help us reach that goal?
IMO In every game in every level of football in the entire USA, coaches make bad calls (even when they win and people conveniently always forget). As we build this program, everyone please take more of a holistic approach. Once we are in the top three for a year or two, then we can tighten the parameters. But not now. We are not privy to the short-term much less his long-term plan. Give Cecchini and his staff some wiggle room. The hole that this FB program is clawing out of is deep and dark. Despite frustrating set backs along the way, the players and coaches deserve as much support as we can convey. If these guys know we are behind them it makes them work even harder. Get behind the program, give it some time, and if it doesn't work after another year or two, then begin to question. But now is way too early. Don't undermine a program's development after only 19 months, 6 of which was just infrastructure building.
Believe. Believe we are gonna be a player in the PFL. At least for the short haul, take the monkey of disbelief off this staff and off the kids.
I hope I don't trip getting off my soap box.
Couldn't agree with you more. It is way too early to be regurgitating the same stuff we heard in the Carlson years after the kudos this staff received during last season.
Speaking of Carlson, he's taking his Lynx to Taylor University in Upland (on I-69 between Ft Wayne and Muncie) the same time that Valpo plays at Butler on Nov.7th. Unfortunately I have another engagement and won't be able to make either game.