Barring any late adjustments here is the 2019 football schedule
29-Aug at Eastern Kentucky(216) Richmond, KY.
7-Jul Bye
14-Sep Central Connecticut(231) Valparaiso, IN.
21-Sep at Truman State(373) Kirksville, MO.
5-Oct at Drake(204) Des Moines, IA
12-Oct Dayton(236) Valparaiso, IN.
19-Oct at San Diego(183) San Diego, Calif.
26-Oct Stetson(258) Valparaiso, IN.
2-Nov at Davidson(340) Davidson, NC
9-Nov Morehead St.(391) Valparaiso, IN.
16-Nov at Bulter(335) Indianapolis,IN.
23-Nov Marist(278) Valparaiso, IN.
No Jacksonville
All parenthesis numbers based off last season Massey Rating, brutal first 7 games
2019 Valpo exchanges the team rated lowest by Massey with the team rated highest in PFL.
Morehead St. is only other PFL program behind Valpo in ratings.
Central Connecticut and Eastern Kentucky are fairly closely ranked but behind San Diego and Drake with Dayton at a similar level as Central Connecticut and EKU.
Truman State is ranked in the top third of Div II programs and beat Valpo last year.
Definitely a tough schedule.
November 16 will probably be a cold day but not necessarily. Here's hoping for a warmer day in Indy. It's been a while since I've seen a Valpo football game live in Indy. I was out of town the last time Valpo played at Butler.
The October 12 game at Brown Field against Dayton will be a huge game for Coach Fox. Might be worth a trip to Valpo and certainly should be a lot warmer than that Nov. 16 game in Indy.
I like the July 7th bye. It gives us a good break between EKU and CCSU for recovery and preparation. If EKU. Is anything like the EKU we previously faced, it'll be a body bag game and we will need that time.
CCSU has a similar problem to ours. They lost their HC around January 23rd. They went 6-5 last year and lost in the final game of the season to Duquesne by a similar margin as us.
Truman State beat us last year because we couldn't stop their offense. Maybe Fox's system and game planning can give us an edge even though it is a road game.
Quote from: VULB#62 on March 16, 2019, 09:04:40 AM
I like the July 7th bye. It gives us a good break between EKU and CCSU for recovery and preparation. If EKU. Is anything like the EKU we previously faced, it'll be a body bag game and we will need that time.
CCSU has a similar problem to ours. They lost their HC around January 23rd. They went 6-5 last year and lost in the final game of the season to Duquesne by a similar margin as us.
Truman State beat us last year because we couldn't stop their offense. Maybe Fox's system and game planning can give us an edge even though it is a road game.
At first I thought you were being sarcastic about the
July 7th bye, but then you stated a very good point about the bye being great for recovery and preparation between EKU and CCSU. However, I just can't let this propagate from one post to the next, the date should be September 7th, and no I don't want to be called the date police.
I was bit snarly, wasn't I ::). But it is easy to see that it really was September.
Quote from: VULB#62 on March 16, 2019, 09:04:40 AMI like the July 7th bye. It gives us a good break between EKU and CCSU for recovery and preparation. If EKU. Is anything like the EKU we previously faced, it'll be a body bag game and we will need that time. CCSU has a similar problem to ours. They lost their HC around January 23rd. They went 6-5 last year and lost in the final game of the season to Duquesne by a similar margin as us. Truman State beat us last year because we couldn't stop their offense. Maybe Fox's system and game planning can give us an edge even though it is a road game.
It wouldn't surprise me if CCSU was at the same level as EKU. The last time EKU played Valpo they had a better team and that was Cecchini's 2nd season which is a season I have no idea what he was attempting to accomplish. It was an absolute mess. It think that particular game was missing a number of players (15 or so) due to suspension.
I kinda disagree 24. This is NEC vs. OVC. There is a bit of a drop-off there. The
Patriot League and Ivyies beat up on most of the NEC. I admit that I have not tracked EKU in the seasons after our loss to them, but they go the whole boat on FCS scholarships. They also attract some good transfers every now and then. I'm from New England and, sorry to say, football talent is not that great there and so FBS teams go elsewhere (PA, OH, FL, etc.) to import their talent. Top tier FCS schools (CAA, Patriot, Ivy) scoff up the rest. The NEC is #4 in the pecking order for talent.
All that being said, a game against every NEC team is a struggle for us - even Wagner (who BTW, backed out of a H&H and went to the FCS a couple of years ago). If we play like we played at Montana (Dang, I wish we could schedule Montana State or Montana [again] ) we would have a good chance.
Quote from: VULB#62 on March 16, 2019, 09:04:40 AMI like the July 7th bye. It gives us a good break between EKU and CCSU for recovery and preparation. If EKU. Is anything like the EKU we previously faced, it'll be a body bag game and we will need that time.
Quote from: FWalum on March 16, 2019, 10:15:21 AMHowever, I just can't let this propagate from one post to the next, the date should be September 7th, and no I don't want to be called the date police.
(https://www.thebetterindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Sadanand-Date-Features.jpg)
The real date police, Officer Sadanand Date, of the Mumbai Police Force, a hero of the 26/11 terriorist attacks in Mumbai.
Also does anyone remember when Valpo and CCSU were in the same basketball conference and what the name of their star center was who later played in the NBA?
Also what was the nickname of CCSU which was the same as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference?
Quote from: bbtds on March 17, 2019, 12:19:58 AM
Quote from: VULB#62 on March 16, 2019, 09:04:40 AMI like the July 7th bye. It gives us a good break between EKU and CCSU for recovery and preparation. If EKU. Is anything like the EKU we previously faced, it'll be a body bag game and we will need that time.
Quote from: FWalum on March 16, 2019, 10:15:21 AMHowever, I just can't let this propagate from one post to the next, the date should be September 7th, and no I don't want to be called the date police.
(https://www.thebetterindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Sadanand-Date-Features.jpg)
The real date police, Officer Sadanand Date, of the Mumbai Police Force, a hero of the 26/11 terriorist attacks in Mumbai.
Also does anyone remember when Valpo and CCSU were in the same basketball conference and what the name of their star center was who later played in the NBA?
Also what was the nickname of CCSU which was the same as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference?
Keith Closs
Blue Devils
CCSU was added to the Mid-Con after the mass exodus to the Horizon. We raided the East Coast Conference (or it collapsed first) adding CCSU, Buffalo, Chicago State and NE Illinois. That may have also been the year that UMKC and Centenary were added.
Quote from: IndyValpo on March 17, 2019, 07:52:26 AMKeith Closs
Blue Devils
CCSU was added to the Mid-Con after the mass exodus to the Horizon. We raided the East Coast Conference (or it collapsed first) adding CCSU, Buffalo, Chicago State and NE Illinois. That may have also been the year that UMKC and Centenary were added.
All correct.
Keith Closs was 7'2" and played 4 years in the NBA for the Clippers.
From the East Coast Conference wikipedia page:
The winds of realignment would sweep across intercollegiate athletics in full force as the next decade dawned. Bucknell, Lafayette, and Lehigh left to help form the Patriot League in 1990, while Delaware and Drexel headed to the North Atlantic Conference in 1991. Attempting to stem the tide, the ECC added UMBC and Central Connecticut in 1990, followed by Division I newcomers Buffalo and Brooklyn in 1991.
More erosion ensued as Rider, Towson, and UMBC moved to other leagues after the 1991-92 campaign, while Brooklyn suspended its entire athletic department. This reduced the ECC to just 3 members -- Hofstra, Central Connecticut, and Buffalo -- not enough to maintain official conference status under NCAA bylaws during the 1992-93 season. Unable to move elsewhere themselves, that trio made one last salvage effort.
Spreading far and wide, Chicago State, Northeastern Illinois, and Troy State were enlisted, doubling participation to 6 teams for the 1993-94 academic year. Finally, the ECC was absorbed by the Mid-Continent Conference (now The Summit League) in the summer of 1994, although Hofstra instead decided to join the North Atlantic Conference. None of the 5 ECC institutions which entered the Mid-Con at that time remain in the league today.(http://www.ccsubluedevils.com/sports/fball/2011-12/photos/0004/D7A_7403_release.jpg?max_width=450)
Kizer, the CCSU Blue Devil mascot
Completely forgot about Troy State...
Quote from: VULB#62 on March 16, 2019, 10:52:31 PMI kinda disagree 24. This is NEC vs. OVC. There is a bit of a drop-off there. The Patriot League and Ivyies beat up on most of the NEC.
You may be right and we both may be talking more about the level of destruction but the rankings from end of last season have the two programs pretty close.
Quote from: JD24 on March 17, 2019, 10:16:56 AM
Quote from: VULB#62 on March 16, 2019, 10:52:31 PMI kinda disagree 24. This is NEC vs. OVC. There is a bit of a drop-off there. The Patriot League and Ivyies beat up on most of the NEC.
You may be right and we both may be talking more about the level of destruction but the rankings from end of last season have the two programs pretty close.
Looking at Sagarin 2018, it would appear that the OVC > NEC and EKU > CCSU. But the separation in each caregory is probably not that overwhelmining significant. BTW, EKU was 7-4 last year. Also BTW, former VU defensive coach Kurt Mattix is still their DC and has been given credit for improving their D in each of his four years.
Bottom line for me is that we open with the tougher EKU and then have that extra week to prep for CCSU. Last year we opened with a winnable Duquesne followed immediately with a pissed off YSU.
Sagarin had EKU at 197 and CCON at 206. Massey was a tad closer but not much. Not a heck of a lot of difference in rankings in that rank area.
2019 Schedule has been finalized w/Charleston replacing Malone as HC opponent...
http://valpoathletics.com/football/schedule/ (http://valpoathletics.com/football/schedule/)
Coach Teegardin played and coached at UCWV. Decent Div II program.
Quote from: JD24 on April 17, 2019, 03:17:43 PM
Coach Teegardin played and coached at UCWV. Decent Div II program.
Another example of poor planning by the Athletic Department. It is HOMECOMING people! So we get a game not against the College of Charleston (actually located in Charleston,SC--(do they have a football team?) but rather against The University of Charleston, located in friggin West Virginia! Alumni will be overwhelmed. Who are we playing? Where are they from? What happened to playing Ball State and Indiana State?
Quote from: vu72 on April 17, 2019, 03:38:19 PMQuote from: JD24 on April 17, 2019, 03:17:43 PMCoach Teegardin played and coached at UCWV. Decent Div II program.
Another example of poor planning by the Athletic Department. It is HOMECOMING people! So we get a game not against the College of Charleston (actually located in Charleston,SC--(do they have a football team?) but rather against The University of Charleston, located in friggin West Virginia! Alumni will be overwhelmed. Who are we playing? Where are they from? What happened to playing Ball State and Indiana State?
Is attendance at homecoming dictated by the opponent or by the chance to win?
The original opponent was Malone.
Quote from: JD24 on April 17, 2019, 04:00:58 PM
Quote from: vu72 on April 17, 2019, 03:38:19 PMQuote from: JD24 on April 17, 2019, 03:17:43 PMCoach Teegardin played and coached at UCWV. Decent Div II program.
Another example of poor planning by the Athletic Department. It is HOMECOMING people! So we get a game not against the College of Charleston (actually located in Charleston,SC--(do they have a football team?) but rather against The University of Charleston, located in friggin West Virginia! Alumni will be overwhelmed. Who are we playing? Where are they from? What happened to playing Ball State and Indiana State?
Is attendance at homecoming dictated by the opponent or by the chance to win?
The original opponent was Malone.
Which would have been worse. I have heard discussions among fellow former players like..."who are we playing? Never even heard of them" Attendance may be more a factor of the weather but a decent, "name" opponent or even a conference opponent would certainly help.
Quote from: vu72 on April 17, 2019, 04:16:35 PMQuote from: JD24 on April 17, 2019, 04:00:58 PMQuote from: vu72 on April 17, 2019, 03:38:19 PMQuote from: JD24 on April 17, 2019, 03:17:43 PMCoach Teegardin played and coached at UCWV. Decent Div II program.
Another example of poor planning by the Athletic Department. It is HOMECOMING people! So we get a game not against the College of Charleston (actually located in Charleston,SC--(do they have a football team?) but rather against The University of Charleston, located in friggin West Virginia! Alumni will be overwhelmed. Who are we playing? Where are they from? What happened to playing Ball State and Indiana State?
Is attendance at homecoming dictated by the opponent or by the chance to win? The original opponent was Malone.
Which would have been worse. I have heard discussions among fellow former players like..."who are we playing? Never even heard of them" Attendance may be more a factor of the weather but a decent, "name" opponent or even a conference opponent would certainly help.
With CConn and EKU already on the schedule, you really want the team playing Ball State? I think a chance to win is better than a chance to get crushed. Unless Homecoming is scheduled during the conference season, I think a lot of teams schedule teams they can beat. Davidson has WV Wesleyan.
Quote from: JD24 on April 17, 2019, 04:36:25 PM
Quote from: vu72 on April 17, 2019, 04:16:35 PMQuote from: JD24 on April 17, 2019, 04:00:58 PMQuote from: vu72 on April 17, 2019, 03:38:19 PMQuote from: JD24 on April 17, 2019, 03:17:43 PMCoach Teegardin played and coached at UCWV. Decent Div II program.
Another example of poor planning by the Athletic Department. It is HOMECOMING people! So we get a game not against the College of Charleston (actually located in Charleston,SC--(do they have a football team?) but rather against The University of Charleston, located in friggin West Virginia! Alumni will be overwhelmed. Who are we playing? Where are they from? What happened to playing Ball State and Indiana State?
Is attendance at homecoming dictated by the opponent or by the chance to win? The original opponent was Malone.
Which would have been worse. I have heard discussions among fellow former players like..."who are we playing? Never even heard of them" Attendance may be more a factor of the weather but a decent, "name" opponent or even a conference opponent would certainly help.
With CConn and EKU already on the schedule, you really want the team playing Ball State? I think a chance to win is better than a chance to get crushed. Unless Homecoming is scheduled during the conference season, I think a lot of teams schedule teams they can beat. Davidson has WV Wesleyan.
I really wasn't suggesting that Ball State would be a good opponent, only that older alumni would remember playing them and not playing Hulahoop u. Agreed that winning is a good thing. As for conference opponents, we managed to get Davidson in here for Homecoming last year.
I like having 2 scholarship FCS and 2 scholarship D2 programs. Good schedule!
I like that it's every-other-Saturday at home...
https://twitter.com/FBSchedules/status/1121433249971146752
Valpo needs a big cash out game against a Power 5 team, similar to what Drake did against Iowa State.
Current body bag games with some level of survival and the very faint chance of looking somewhat good (like our Montana result) versus placing our kids on a sacrificial altar to a great, mystical and all powerful P5 FBS opponent is IMO a no brainer I think we should take the lesser payout and reduce the risk of permanent maimimg of our players.
Seriously, Drake is a solid program and has been for quite some time. They played one helluva game against ISU. But that was an incredible aberration.
No. Let's stick to FCS programs who still pay us to play. It is not as big a pay day, but our hospital bills are not as high and we are left with a position of being in better shape going into the rest of our schedule ;D
The Iowa State game vs. Drake was an odd circumstance game in the first place.
What if you make a body bag game less of a body bag game by scrimmaging Notre Dame/Purdue/Northwestern?
Is there any evidence these games actually result in more injuries?
Paul
Quote from: VUOR63 on May 14, 2019, 03:15:24 PM
What if you make a body bag game less of a body bag game by scrimmaging Notre Dame/Purdue/Northwestern?
I believe DI football programs are not allowed to hold preseason scrimmages against other teams, only intra-squad scrimmages.
Quote from: 78crusader on May 14, 2019, 06:19:31 PM
Is there any evidence these games actually result in more injuries?
Paul
There might be, IDK, but if you just follow the last 9 years of our playing top of the line FCS programs, I can recall losing a number of QBs to injury during some of those games. And even against Sacred Heart, a not fully scholarshipped program at the time, we lost two in one game, I think. I guess the same could happen against Little Sisters of the Poor, but anecdotally, it just seems concussions increase too.
I just brought the idea on the table - it sounds like Valpo is strapped for funds for athletics.
That's how Savannah State (FCS scholarship) funds its program — 1 or 2 FBS games annually. Hey pull in around $1.0 - $1.5 million that way. Does it help them? Nope. Their conference record remains terrible.
True 62 - but they do rake in big dollars.
Yes they do. They have to have the $$$$ to offset their fb scholarships. That's at least one thing we don't have as an expense.
Quote from: VULB#62 on May 14, 2019, 07:12:37 PMQuote from: 78crusader on May 14, 2019, 06:19:31 PMIs there any evidence these games actually result in more injuries? Paul
There might be, IDK, but if you just follow the last 9 years of our playing top of the line FCS programs, I can recall losing a number of QBs to injury during some of those games. And even against Sacred Heart, a not fully scholarshipped program at the time, we lost two in one game, I think. I guess the same could happen against Little Sisters of the Poor, but anecdotally, it just seems concussions increase too.
Sacred Heart two years in a row. A clear attempt to injure by the same player on the same player.
Football has 110 kids on the team
Let's say on average each kid pays 30k per year
That's 3.3 million dollars. That's 3.3 million dollars that is going to the school that otherwise probably would not.
Either this money is just being tossed into the chapel or were helping pay for some lesser sport accommodations
16 - you justified a primary reason why Valpo needs football.
It is also a rationale for unscholarshipped T&F (quite a few numbers here) and perhaps swimming. I also remember talking with Mike Avery about MSO several years ago and he mentioned that the administration encouraged a large roster (and supported a reserve team until just a few years ago) to help with enrollment.
For what it's worth ive heard money is tight across the board at Valpo.
Maybe enforcing three years of on campus living or increasing tuition to 55k!!!!!! Right up there with the Note Dames of the world
The ROI for degree and experience has definitely degraded at the University and it is quite disheartening
I think there are people up top who are cutting themselves quite egregious checks.
I really hate to say this, but could possible generous financial aid support be a cause of this? I don't think the higher ups are being ridiculasly paid.
I also think the new tax code is not helping matters either.
It's a combination of in general schools needing to offer more financial aid in general and just a decreasing population of students. There is a sweet spot that all universities have to fluctuate in finding that combines new enrollment, financial aide, and retention. It's easier when people are flocking to college. It's harder when they aren't.
Belt tightening is happening all across higher ed with smaller schools being hit harder than others and schools in the Midwest and east being hit the hardest. From what I understand the desire is not to take the law school route of increasing admissions at the cost of student ability and instead taking a targeted approach to find students who are strong fits with low retention risks. So smaller enrollment classes to start with less loss as you move forward to create a more stable financial dynamic. I believe the other issue is the increase in commuter students as many students view room and board as an unnecessary cost means that the university is getting less money per student even without factoring in discount rates.
Greetings from Richmond, KY. I heard EKU was being discussed and figured I would jump in.
Expectations are high this year. After that last match vs us EKU fell to the bottom of the fcs. We fired our coach and the new guy completely rebuilt the program. This is supposed to be his breakout year. We just missed the playoffs last season.
We are nationally ranked by 2 different FCS polls (24th by Hero and 25th by Lindy). We believe we can compete with JSU to win the ovc.
We will be led by Aaron Patrick on the d line. He was voted 2nd team all American by Hero in the preseason.
Quarterback will be a heated competition. Last year QB position was always injured but next guy seemed to fill in nicely. Could be one of 4 guys. Coach Elder will probably use platoon QBs in this game.
Running back will be Mcclesky and Booth. McClesky is smaller but has speed Booth is 6'1 239lbs tank.
This team will also be playing emotionally as once wife receiver is in the hospital fighting for his life after being shot on Sunday.
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Quote from: Colonels12 on June 26, 2019, 02:15:48 PM
Greetings from Richmond, KY. I heard EKU was being discussed and figured I would jump in.
Expectations are high this year. After that last match vs us EKU fell to the bottom of the fcs. We fired our coach and the new guy completely rebuilt the program. This is supposed to be his breakout year. We just missed the playoffs last season.
We are nationally ranked by 2 different FCS polls (24th by Hero and 25th by Lindy). We believe we can compete with JSU to win the ovc.
We will be led by Aaron Patrick on the d line. He was voted 2nd team all American by Hero in the preseason.
Quarterback will be a heated competition. Last year QB position was always injured but next guy seemed to fill in nicely. Could be one of 4 guys. Coach Elder will probably use platoon QBs in this game.
Running back will be Mcclesky and Booth. McClesky is smaller but has speed Booth is 6'1 239lbs tank.
This team will also be playing emotionally as once wife receiver is in the hospital fighting for his life after being shot on Sunday.
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Hey Colonels12, good to have you back (at least I think I recall your contributions when we last played EKU). Glad to hear you guys are back in the scrum for the FCS playoff. It's gonna be an interesting game. Seems like you have a lot of key positions nailed down. VU, on the other hand, will come into EKU as a complete surprise package. Even us loyal fans have little idea what our new staff will put on the field this season in terms of O, D and ST as well as the personnel that see the lions share of playing time (and in what positions they play). Good luck game planning against us ;D
Quote from: VULB#62 on June 26, 2019, 09:31:52 PM
Quote from: Colonels12 on June 26, 2019, 02:15:48 PM
Greetings from Richmond, KY. I heard EKU was being discussed and figured I would jump in.
Expectations are high this year. After that last match vs us EKU fell to the bottom of the fcs. We fired our coach and the new guy completely rebuilt the program. This is supposed to be his breakout year. We just missed the playoffs last season.
We are nationally ranked by 2 different FCS polls (24th by Hero and 25th by Lindy). We believe we can compete with JSU to win the ovc.
We will be led by Aaron Patrick on the d line. He was voted 2nd team all American by Hero in the preseason.
Quarterback will be a heated competition. Last year QB position was always injured but next guy seemed to fill in nicely. Could be one of 4 guys. Coach Elder will probably use platoon QBs in this game.
Running back will be Mcclesky and Booth. McClesky is smaller but has speed Booth is 6'1 239lbs tank.
This team will also be playing emotionally as once wife receiver is in the hospital fighting for his life after being shot on Sunday.
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Hey Colonels12, good to have you back (at least I think I recall your contributions when we last played EKU). Glad to hear you guys are back in the scrum for the FCS playoff. It's gonna be an interesting game. Seems like you have a lot of key positions nailed down. VU, on the other hand, will come into EKU as a complete surprise package. Even us loyal fans have little idea what our new staff will put on the field this season in terms of O, D and ST as well as the personnel that see the lions share of playing time (and in what positions they play). Good luck game planning against us ;D
Yes I came here before the last match. Our biggest question mark is wr. That may be our weak link unless someone can rise up and surprise me.
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Thanks for the info.
Here is a story on the EKU wide receiver in the hospital fighting for his life.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ncaafb/reports-eastern-kentucky-football-player-seriously-injured-in-bar-shooting/ar-AADmrQ3
Quote from: bbtds on June 26, 2019, 10:58:50 PM
Thanks for the info.
Here is a story on the EKU wide receiver in the hospital fighting for his life.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ncaafb/reports-eastern-kentucky-football-player-seriously-injured-in-bar-shooting/ar-AADmrQ3
Hope he fully recovers with no lasting after affects and can resume his football career as well
Sunday's are bad days for EKU football. Few years ago, 6 days before playing UK, a player was killed in a car crash. I've never seen EKU play with such passion and heart as they did in Lexington the next Saturday.
They should of beaten Kentucky that day. They certainly outplayed them
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Update for all, 40ish players on campus for spring final roster should be right around 103, after camp expect 95
As for the EKU opener here's what we don't know
QB: Seewald was not healthy in spring 0 reps under new OC, Duncan or Nimz likely start here
RB: top 2 rbs were injured for year and out for spring, so who knows
WR: Graduated 3 of top 4
TE: graduated a 4 year 44 game starter
OL: graduated 3/5 , lost a projected starter during spring
DL: graduated 2/4 , new scheme
LB: Messler, Skareky, Turner should be really good here
CRU: Same here with Petrie
DB: lost JDM, bring back Booker, Leandre healthy
I have a feeling this will be a growing pains season, maybe 2-9. Nothing out of the ordinary at Valpo.
I don't think we know anything about the team at this point. Sometimes the unexpected happens such as bringing in a defensive coach and the offense improves but the defense doesn't. Who knows?
They have a couple of holes on offense based on the offense which was run by Dave. We probably won't run that offense anymore so we don't know what holes we have with the current offense. Don't seem to have a need at TE because it appears to be a secondary position in this offense.
WRs are needed but we did pick up an apparent useful part (at the minimum) in the junior transfer. That still leaves 2 or 3 WRs who need to step up. I worry about the coaches using Gessinger from scrimmage much more than he has been in the past due to durability. If he's lost it hurts the return game which was a very big part of the last regime's success.
RB? Hopefully a couple of guys step up or get healthy. Dave didn't run the ball enough in my opinion. Maybe Fox instructs the OC to do so more often. I hope so.
I think the OL will be ok. QB is a concern at this point and hopefully one of them steps up and outplays the other one or two pending Seewald's health.
Much deeper on the defensive side. LBing crew should be very solid. I worry about Petrie playing the Cru position and will until I see him do it. He may turn out to be all PFL at the position but I have to see him make plays downfield before I write him in there. If the DBs can stay healthy, I think they should be solid.
Biggest issue is that the schedule is unfavorable early with a body bag game, a game they probably hope they can be somewhat competitive in (CCSU), two teams who they should beat (but didn't last year in one case), and then two PFL powers before getting into PFL games they probably can win. If the team can remain pretty healthy and not lose their minds due to the schedule prior to getting to the second half of the schedule, they stand a chance of maybe getting to .500 in the league.
[tweet]1145712056315850753[/tweet]
I certainly hope our jerseys have a 100th anniversary patch sewn on them to commemorate this milestone. Hope I can get to the game that celebrates the era when I played (that'll be the 1920s - or so it seems ;D )
Quote from: VULB#62 on July 02, 2019, 08:20:56 AM
[tweet]1145712056315850753[/tweet]
I certainly hope our jerseys have a 100th anniversary patch sewn on them to commemorate this milestone. Hope I can get to the game that celebrates the era when I played (that'll be the 1920s - or so it seems ;D )
Those helmets look familiar! Wasn't your coach George Keogan? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Keogan ;)
It is amazing Valparaiso football has been around for 100 years. It is as old as the press box.
Valpo started playing the same year as the Green Bay Packers. And no, 72, it was Em Bauer (actually by that time Walt Reiner was the guy really in charge). ;D
Heck, Norm Amundsen and Bill Koch were teaching PE-related courses at VU when I was in school. I had no idea until after I graduated, that they were former VU HFCs.
Quote from: valpotx on July 02, 2019, 10:55:41 PM
Heck, Norm Amundsen and Bill Koch were teaching PE-related courses at VU when I was in school. I had no idea until after I graduated, that they were former VU HFCs.
Amundsen played for the Packers. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norm_Amundsen
Cripe, the football press box reminds me of Spanky's clubhouse from the Little Rascals episodes. They really need an upgrade.
Quote from: vu72 on July 03, 2019, 08:41:12 AM
Quote from: valpotx on July 02, 2019, 10:55:41 PM
Heck, Norm Amundsen and Bill Koch were teaching PE-related courses at VU when I was in school. I had no idea until after I graduated, that they were former VU HFCs.
Amundsen played for the Packers. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norm_Amundsen
Interesting, I was not aware. He was definitely a stocky guy.
I think this is a good schedule, but not tough by any means. The two FCS scholarship schools are not the top tier FCS. The two Div II teams are winnable.
With a revamped coaching staff, this team has a chance to win 7 games. I'm not delusional, I don't think they will win 7, but they'll be in at least seven close games.
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EKU is certainly an FCS playoff contender and CCSU had a very good season in the Patriot league last year. They aren't Eastern Washington or NDSU but they are pretty good.
Truman beat them last year and if they don't beat Charleston, there's bigger problems than anyone might imagine.
I agree with 24's response with one tiny correction. Expectations are high at EKU for an FCS tourney spot and a top 2 finish in the OVC. That would put them at a level similar to where they were when we played them last and got crushed. CCSU went 4-2 in the NEC (not Patriot) and 6-5 overall. In OOC play they split their two games against Patriot teams beating Fordham but losing to Lafayette. They lost to Columbia by 17 and lost to Ball State, an FBS program, 42-6. Not too shabby.
As far as Truman State and Charleston, our two D-II opponents, we proved last year that we were incapable of stopping TSU's ground game. That has to change. Hopefully Fox's defensive background will make that happen.
Here are my OOC predictions before we even know who will be playing for us under this new regime.
Best Case — EKU is a 4 score loss; CCSU a 2 score loss; TSU 1 score win; UofC is a 3 score win. Total = 2-2
Worst Case — EKU is a 5 score loss; CCSU a 3 score loss; TSU 1 score loss; UofC is a 3 score win. Total = 1-3
We really need to schedule College of Faith again.
Quote from: VULB#62 on July 23, 2019, 06:47:32 PMI agree with 24's response with one tiny correction. Expectations are high at EKU for an FCS tourney spot and a top 2 finish in the OVC. That would put them at a level similar to where they were when we played them last and got crushed. CCSU went 4-2 in the NEC (not Patriot) and 6-5 overall. In OOC play they split their two games against Patriot teams beating Fordham but losing to Lafayette. They lost to Columbia by 17 and lost to Ball State, an FBS program, 42-6. Not too shabby. As far as Truman State and Charleston, our two D-II opponents, we proved last year that we were incapable of stopping TSU's ground game. That has to change. Hopefully Fox's defensive background will make that happen. Here are my OOC predictions before we even know who will be playing for us under this new regime. Best Case — EKU is a 4 score loss; CCSU a 2 score loss; TSU 1 score win; UofC is a 3 score win. Total = 2-2 Worst Case — EKU is a 5 score loss; CCSU a 3 score loss; TSU 1 score loss; UofC is a 3 score win. Total = 1-3
Having trouble keeping my conferences right lately. I agree in terms of the results of the 4 games. I lean more towards 2-2 over the 1-3 but I don't think Valpo's close to EKU and we'll get the Sacred Heart treatment from CCSU.
Incoming LB Sean Curry has decommitted and will be attending Michigan State as a student, Roster at 103
Makes sense as he projected as a 3-4 OLB and our switch to the 4-2-5
Wish him the best!
this is going to be a long season...
Quote from: usc4valpo on July 25, 2019, 08:21:44 PMthis is going to be a long season...
Because an incoming freshman misfit LBer for this defense is opting to go to a different school?
#22 Tramone Duncan has left the team, was a two year contributor at safety. tough blow
Quote from: valpofb16 on July 28, 2019, 02:32:23 PM
#22 Tramone Duncan has left the team, was a two year contributor at safety. tough blow
Hurts the depth, makes Soloman the WLU transfer more important.
Also #33 Beer has dropped off the roster.
We definitely will need beer and maybe harder stuff to make it through this season...
People complaining about the upcoming season remember this.
Carlson year two 57 recruits
Cecchini year two 55 recruits
Players building connections with coaches at non scholarship schools is essential, if they don't fit new scheme or don't care for the new coach nothing is binding them to the school.
So far Fox has, reached out to alumni, provided new jerseys, filled an entire staff after signing day before spring, added 15 recruits after signing day. Hired and S&C coach.
So far that is an A+ in my book. His defense is proven and that's where the experience on this roster is. I would not be shocked at all to see .500 football.
(BTW Cecchinis offense expertise led the team to exactly last place in PFL offense in year 5, are we entirely sure we lost a great one?)
Quote from: valpofb16 on July 29, 2019, 06:40:51 AM
People complaining about the upcoming season remember this.
Carlson year two 57 recruits
Cecchini year two 55 recruits
Players building connections with coaches at non scholarship schools is essential, if they don't fit new scheme or don't care for the new coach nothing is binding them to the school.
So far Fox has, reached out to alumni, provided new jerseys, filled an entire staff after signing day before spring, added 15 recruits after signing day. Hired and S&C coach.
So far that is an A+ in my book. His defense is proven and that's where the experience on this roster is. I would not be shocked at all to see .500 football.
(BTW Cecchinis offense expertise led the team to exactly last place in PFL offense in year 5, are we entirely sure we lost a great one?)
I am with you, I like that we added 2 FBS transfers, a D2 transfer and 2 JC transfers. Good to find some experience while building your recruiting.
How often have used these sources?
you really think this is a .500 team? Weren;t they 2-9 last year? and a new coach? And no Beer?
If Seewald is good to go the team should have a chance to be solid. Look at the stats he put up with the arguably worst OL (not that it's improved but he is capable of doing a lot with a little) in the pioneer his sophomore year.
How many teams starting a 3-4 string QBs have good seasons.
Best thing about the Chic departure and Fox hire IMO is Miran is gone so optimistic.
let's look at Valpo football history. I think people are drinking too much Crusader koolaid (not Brown and Gold for obvious reasons) if they think a .500 is ahead.
Quote from: usc4valpo on July 28, 2019, 09:42:56 PM
We definitely will need beer and maybe harder stuff to make it through this season...
I was thinking the very same thing. Perfect name for a Valpo athlete.
Quote from: valpofb16 on July 29, 2019, 06:40:51 AMPeople complaining about the upcoming season remember this. Carlson year two 57 recruits Cecchini year two 55 recruits Players building connections with coaches at non scholarship schools is essential, if they don't fit new scheme or don't care for the new coach nothing is binding them to the school. So far Fox has, reached out to alumni, provided new jerseys, filled an entire staff after signing day before spring, added 15 recruits after signing day. Hired and S&C coach. So far that is an A+ in my book. His defense is proven and that's where the experience on this roster is. I would not be shocked at all to see .500 football. (BTW Cecchinis offense expertise led the team to exactly last place in PFL offense in year 5, are we entirely sure we lost a great one?)
I was never the biggest Cecchini fan. The guy he followed made him seem better than he was imho. The "at least he's not Carlson" defense never worked with me. Not a fan of his staff's recruiting and an argument can be made that Carlson left him more talent than he ultimate recruited and retained. The poster who mentioned Miran being gone as a positive is likely spot on.
No issues with Coach Fox. It's just tough the first year and I'm pretty concerned about the offense even if the defense improves. Can they play .500? I think that's at the very high end of expectations. They hopefully are 2-2 going into league play and Morehead State is the only team I'm comfortable is a win at the moment. That doesn't mean they can't win other games, just that the other teams I'd put as a toss up at best (Stetson, Marist, Davidson and Butler) to not much of a chance (Drake, SD and Dayton).
Quote from: JD24 on July 29, 2019, 05:03:31 PMI was never the biggest Cecchini fan.
All that I know is that his teams beat Butler 3 of his 5 tries, and the Hoosier Helmet resides on Union Street. :clap: :dance: :clap:
2014: William Jewell (#467), MO Baptist (#875), Butler (#476) , Davidson (#638) Final Rank: #498
2015: College of Faith Ark (#843), Davidson (#579) Final Rank: #594
2016: Trinity Intl (#631), Davidson (#555), Stetson (#403), Jacksonville (#349) Final Rank: #412
2017: Trinity Intl (#743), Stetson (#528), Marist (#456), Morehead St. (#504), Butler (#351), Dayton (#356) Final Rank: #368
2018: Butler (#335) , Jacksonville (#398) Overall Rank: #377
Valpo may have been 2-9 last year but there schedule was brutal. Outside of YSU and first three conference games this team at the very minimum should compete. The PFL as a whole has moved up competition wise and I actually believe Valpo was ahead of the curve in 2017. People saying there is no way this team can compete are ridiculous. Very simply put.
QB: All Conf Player if Seewald is healthy, Duncan has a year starting if Seewald is not, nice prospect in Nimz
RB: Three, 4 year contributing seniors, nice prospect in Allison
TE: Bittner and Kluck are fine options, Martin a nice H-back
OL: Two 4 year starters, Vas rotated in as a freshman in 2017, Byrd and Russell are nice prospects
WR: Weaker here but still Bingham, Lopez, a healthy Larose, Koehler isn't exactly awful, Gessinger excellent return man (should have been preseason all conf)
DL: Reed 4 yr Starter, Gedrys, Goebel, Orlandini, Sete all have been contributors, add in Twigg, Purty, Martins
LB: Messler, Turner should be a high level pairing, all-conf potential, Psota, Peifernice prospects here
CRU: Petrie same here, btw Poloskey, Skarecky both experienced back ups
S: Booker all-conf, Scarsella may be best prospect on roster
CB: 3 yr Starter LeAndre, Sherman a nice prospect, Hebda, Kelly both have starting experience
P: Portland States's punter last season
K: 4 year starter Latsonas
That is a competitive non 2-9 PFL team. .500 is my prediction
Cecchini did an excellent job given the limited talent and resources. His work paid off in a promotion.
Quote from: valpofb16 on July 30, 2019, 09:17:58 AM2014: William Jewell (#467), MO Baptist (#875), Butler (#476) , Davidson (#638) Final Rank: #498 2015: College of Faith Ark (#843), Davidson (#579) Final Rank: #594 2016: Trinity Intl (#631), Davidson (#555), Stetson (#403), Jacksonville (#349) Final Rank: #412 2017: Trinity Intl (#743), Stetson (#528), Marist (#456), Morehead St. (#504), Butler (#351), Dayton (#356) Final Rank: #368 2018: Butler (#335) , Jacksonville (#398) Overall Rank: #377 Valpo may have been 2-9 last year but there schedule was brutal. Outside of YSU and first three conference games this team at the very minimum should compete. The PFL as a whole has moved up competition wise and I actually believe Valpo was ahead of the curve in 2017. People saying there is no way this team can compete are ridiculous. Very simply put. QB: All Conf Player if Seewald is healthy, Duncan has a year starting if Seewald is not, nice prospect in Nimz RB: Three, 4 year contributing seniors, nice prospect in Allison TE: Bittner and Kluck are fine options, Martin a nice H-back OL: Two 4 year starters, Vas rotated in as a freshman in 2017, Byrd and Russell are nice prospects WR: Weaker here but still Bingham, Lopez, a healthy Larose, Koehler isn't exactly awful, Gessinger excellent return man (should have been preseason all conf) DL: Reed 4 yr Starter, Gedrys, Goebel, Orlandini, Sete all have been contributors, add in Twigg, Purty, Martins LB: Messler, Turner should be a high level pairing, all-conf potential, Psota, Peifernice prospects here CRU: Petrie same here, btw Poloskey, Skarecky both experienced back ups S: Booker all-conf, Scarsella may be best prospect on roster CB: 3 yr Starter LeAndre, Sherman a nice prospect, Hebda, Kelly both have starting experience P: Portland States's punter last season K: 4 year starter Latsonas That is a competitive non 2-9 PFL team. .500 is my prediction
Appreciate the optimism however a lot of this is best case scenario.
Is Latsonas here for the full season? Wasn't he transferring after only kicking for 4 games so he would be eligible next year or something such as that?
Fb16 - what does it mean when a prospect is "nice"? We all strive to be nice and love each other, but does that imply success?
Not a lot of faith in the Crusaders here:
http://www.valpoathletics.com/football/news/2019-20/19181/pioneer-football-league-releases-preseason-poll/
Roster Addition: Stephen Albright WR Penn Manor PA, 6'2 185
Highlight reel looks good, team went 1-9
A great highlight reel on a 1-9 team, ok
A good player can come from a bad team.
In this case, he looks like he can run a bit however he appears to have slow feet. Getting in and out of breaks at the next level may prove difficult for him.