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University of the District of Columbia - UDC is a division 2 program lead by second year coach Jeff Ruland who played professionally for teams in Washington, Philadelphia and Detroit and spent nine years as the head coach of his Alma Mater, Iona College.  The school wants to build a program with local talent but has been requiting many transfers back to D.C. area from other major programs.  Had a turn around year under Ruland last year from just 1 win before he arrived to 11 of their last 18 (11-13) season last year.  They play in the Division 2 - East Coast Conference (University of Bridgeport, CW Post, New York Institute of Technology, Mercy College, Queens College, Dowling College, Molloy College, St. Thomas Aquinas and UDC).  How did they get into an in season tournament accept to be fodder of the other programs?  IU - Kokomo first year program joining NAIA in Fall of 2012.  That would make it a club sport intill then. Wow! - again a reach for why?

Morehead lost to San Diego 48-44 last weekend allowing 28 points in the 4th quarter at their home opener.  I'm sure that will be a tough mindset to overcome on a roadtrip to a Homecoming and bye week prepared Valpo.  Going with my heart and the young guns playing more -

Valpo 35 - Morehead State 17   

One of the former athletic directors of the targeted realignment schools stated that this is all about the football programs.  In the bigger schools, football provides 70% of the funding of the entire athletic programs and there is a push from the school presidents to get all athletics to be self funding.  This makes the large groupings more favorable to TV and other media revenue like the Big Ten where just by being a member with the Big Ten Network you get approximately $23-$24 million.  Now add to that the bowl games - NCCA March Madness and you can see the dollar signs dancing in their collective heads.  i.e. Michigan football 110,000 x 7 = 770,000 attendance vs basketball 18,000 x 18 = 324,000 attendance - tickets, concessions, merchandise it all adds up quickly.

In the fantasy world of sports statistics are all that matter.  The funny thing is that most fantasy winners aren't on winning teams with the exception of a few positions.  I see your point about Gabe but have you had your eyes on him?  Have you watched him live anywhere?  On video feed?  I know your post was aimed at getting a response to your negative world and I gave you this one because I agree that nothing has been shown by this team yet, other than anything new and negative you can throw at them.  I just ask that when positive result do come you will be as generous with your positive comments as well.  I know that is going to be hard for you because you live to be negative and snide, but I have hope for you too.

I think this video on the website and hosted at youtube sets a firm statement how Valpo remains Lutheran and extremely relevant in ones life, the community and the world in general.

http://www.youtube.com/user/valpo#p/u/53/V9zg80twNNc

P.S.  Sorry for my typing error on the previous post but you could have checked the "An rather than A"  before making your statement.

Setshot you seem to draw only your perceived negative or way to raise questions not realized out of between the lines that aren't there.  Don't get the wrong idea about the coaching.  I offered support solutions outside the coaching lines.  He has a good handle on the problems and was very forthright about how things are attempting to be corrected.  It still comes down to the guys playing on the field to their potential, the coaches can't play for them.  He has hopes that leadership will come forth within the team before too long and individuals will seize the opportunities in front of them.  The young players do show improvement fast with experience but as the quote of Vernon Law says, "Experience is a tough teacher, she gives you the test first and the lesson after."  If I have any question it would be to get the defensive coach on the sidelines and put the assistant in the pressbox - at least for the first or second half of the game.  Yes, we need a win badly - make it Homecoming!  Go Valpo!

OK, here goes my assessment of the game and the team.  First, Dequesne has a fine team but not 35 points better than Valpo even though the scoreboard said so. The defense made them better than they were by first committing mistakes then slowly giving up one man at a time.  We don't have a linebacker on the team.  The position is listed but our group is in name only.  I was concerned by the lack of communication and emotional fire on a team that seems to talk about leaving it on the field while not coming close to fulfilling it.  They just don't finish plays the way they are capable.  I didn't see the swarming or all out effort from the entire group that was talked about in the first game.  We do have some players out there giving it all - finishing and extra effort always but they are the exception rather than the rule.  The defense was more concerned about getting signals from the sideline than calling out the alignment or formation of the offense.  Simple principles of hitting and tackling seem to be replaced with reaching and grabbing.  I was comparing my assessment with another alum from my era that I was pleasantly surprised to see at the game.  We were in lock step on the big picture.  This team needs to be playing the freshmen more in the future.  They will make mistakes but they will learn and a superior effort will be consistently realized.  We do have some young studs in training but most should have been redshirted to finish growing more before using their eligibility but that is not an option for this team.

Don't let me forget the offense; their breakdowns were being close to getting it right but falling short of complete execution by the whole team.  This is an eleven man at a time team sport that requires, in this offense, everyone being on the same page every time.  Three and outs just helped sap the defense.  Futility was becoming the dominate thought in each young man's mind.  I just watched it in their body language.  It hurt!  I couldn't help myself - being so physically close behind the team bench in the third quarter I yelled out, "I didn't travel this far to see this poor of an effort" heads turned and I followed with "get your asses in gear - hit back, get in the game!" Other Valpo fans - some mothers and fathers chimed in too.  I don't know if that helped but they did score on the next possession and some spirit rose from the ashes.  You know the outcome, very disappointing in effort more than being out classed.

I talked to some of the player and parents after the game.  These were the ones that I thought showed promise, commitment and effort to my liking.  These are good kids that just need time to become men on the field.  I was surprised and pleased that Coach Carlson talked to me at length after the game and we had a very frank discussion about the challenges both immediate and long term.  I offered some ideas and I will await his feedback after he has time to reflect on them.

Now for setshot – this team can win a few of the games remaining on this schedule.  I think their focus needs to be this bye week before Homecoming and preparing to win with a better defensive plan for Morehead State.  This defense was played straight up and no games or stunts were used to any extent.  They need to become a high risk/high reward taking group to put some fire into this group.  The offense just needs to focus and get Gabe El Ali the ball in open space.  He will be something special if he can keep the fire going within himself.

I've been listening all week to the sportcaster and pundits talking of different programs attempting to turnaround or reestablish themselves as they battle ranked or tougher opponents.  The common thread or evaluation wasn't based on scheduling but rather the culture of the program being able to answer the intensity or athleticism of the more established teams.  Most believed that the new developing program installing a new offense and defense along with dealing with past players and recruiting their own new players for their systems takes at least 3 to 4 years before true results can be realized.

Scheduling is done 3 to 4 years out so you tend to recruit players to face these future challenges and use them (the tough games) to get a player that wants those challenges.  Coach Carlson didn't have that opportunity but has embraced the challenge for the future.  He has the great advantage in recruiting that unusual student athlete that can qualify for academic scholarship, grant and aid or special scholarships as available to a Valpo program that will get them playing time sooner, in a national reach conference with similar schools obtaining a fine degree and Yes, have at least a few chances to go up against full scholarship programs (FCS) during this experience.  Be part of the turnaround and establish something bigger than themselves.  Many on this board don't envision VU football being anything other than third rate of the third rate. They have maybe only known the modern basketball program (since Homer) but forget that it took a longtime before we could field the teams of today with a promise of better facilities and institutional commitment toward the future.

I see a brighter future.  Scheduling won't make us feel any better only embracing the program and winning each challenge as it comes and some of them will be realized as victories on the scoreboard as well.  Most of the concern for embarrassment lies within each of us.  We are identified with the program as well everytime we don a logo so we have to endure this growing time too.  Let's get a victory this weekend to put some of this at ease.  Go Valpo!

Way to go Women!  I hope they can run the table in the conference.

I'll be attending the game and will report back my firsthand look at this team face to face.

Valpo 35 - Duquesne 24

I don't see a disassociation at all.  The website URL leads with "A International Lutheran University".  We have more Lutheran comparative discussions and then there is the Inter-Lutheran debate between synods.  ELCA and LCMS clergy are present and featured in the campus worship.  I do think that there is a change in the Ft Wayne connections because allot of the decisions for leadership have now come from outside their area of influence but I believe all are welcome and appreciated.  This is me watching from afar but still having family in Valpo.

Great to see the land added to the campus and the development of the New Master Plan.

Ok, I thought I was going to stay out of this one but I've waited too many years for the changes that are coming and currently happening at VU with regard to all athletic programs.

I've always held the view that athletics at the college level were to enhance the education and life experience of the student that participated.  He or she should be taught by professor grade educators of the game with a dash of the humanities and a challenge to the beliefs and character one espouses.  Yes, I come from an era gone by to most on this forum and many question, in this day and age, that these attributes don't get the results that an alumni or fan wants.  Well, the true results are witnessed and realized on the field not always on the scoreboard.  Yes - I want to win - NO, I do everything I can to win but I gained that while on Brown Field in 1969 during my sophomore year on a team that lead me to discover "How to do within when you're without!".  Yes, there is energy beyond what your body says once your mind engages and your heart becomes calm.  Focus is never clearer, desire never stronger and effort never questioned.

The ones that point to the program and say it will never - we aren't - we couldn't are the same ones that say would've - could've - should've in 20/20 hindsight.  First off the AD is doing an excellent job for the most part.  He has transitioned the program from a bottom 20 conference to a top 10 conference in most sports and is building a good stable of educator coaches aligned with the values and character of the institution.  Secondly the new administration has returned to a more sports friendly and inclusive academic environment.

Now specifically to football - Coach Carlson is the right man for this job (by the way he started the Trine(Tri-State) program).  He has the character for the job and the thick skin to weather these first storms.  He knew and we knew coming in that the program had to reset- rebuild and discover a new identity of its own.  The schedule is not the problem it is the stage of the turnaround.  This last weekend Bulter, Jacksonville and Morehead all played and lost to MVC teams but not all blowouts some might say competitive and all these schools have to be contended within our conference.  TC28 is right! -  Injuries are part of the game, it doesn't matter who you're playing. Injuries happen. If you're giving 100% on every play (which you have to in order to be on the same field with a YSU) you're less likely to get hurt. Most injuries are from friendly fire (own teammates) anyway – as with El Ali ankle rolled-up with two of our own.

I only fear that this team may not have learned part of the lesson taught on Saturday.  There isn't enough Senior or Upper class leadership to tell the new ones that the intensity of the start can't be maintained forever by the YSUs or anyone.  You have to strike back and hope that they flinch too.  Now speed was the main issue and we didn't have the will to tackle the small numbers and chose to chase the larger numbers on the backs of their jerseys. At halftime things change a little against the 2s and 3's the team saw some difference and the best thing I saw was that the coaches didn't stop coaching.  They took the lesser opposition at the end and capitalized on it for the score.  My hat is off to the YSU coach for stepping off the peddle but still playing and evaluating his own talent.  This team needs two more years of recruits before I'll begin to wonder about the progress.

Now back to my beginning, TO CHANGE YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES --- "YOU" HAVE TO CHANGE!  As fans, this holds for us too.  I'm not saying we need to be all Polly Anna but a realistic vision might support some change. Go to a game and watch for the indicators.  I watched the video feed this last weekend and I'm driving from outside D.C. to Pittsburgh for Saturday's game.  I'm stopping at the Flight 93 Memorial on my way to pay tribute to others that took lessons learned on the playing field and made a difference in life not measured on the game's scoreboard.

Came back and scored at the end - not giving up helps the head.  77-13!  Put this one down and never pick it up again.  It's over, done , finished get on with the rest of the season.  Do what you are able to do and get ready for this coming week.  See you in Pittsburgh!

Announcers on the video feed are complementing Valpo for contining to play.  They are trying to comment on good play and heart but I can see that Valpo is beat mentally. 77-6 now and Valpo defense is just catching them not even hitting and more.  I believe the team  will need a mental health day even if this offense does get something going in the end.

Halftime 63-6  I hope our team keeps it's head up and competes against the 2s and 3s they see in the second half.  I'll be very upset if YSU brings back the 1s.  Nothing good would come of that and their young coach knows it but he'll be looking for performance from the subs and that means we must stay engaged.  Not pretty at all but you have to endure and grow.

Valpo Scores!  Not a shutout this time. 4:00 to go in 2nd block PAT!  56-6 Oh well.  We still can't tackle.

Obvious superior athletes at 80% of positions but Alpo isn't doing anything to help themselves.  Arm tackle won't work with any good teams.  3 and out only helps YSU run it up.  Hurry up offense leaves more on the clock for them.  Maybe YSU should step off the pedal and play some 2's.  56-0 7:15 to go in 2nd quarter.  These guys need to hold together and not quit or checkout.  YSU is now only hurting themselves if they keep running it up. 

Coach Carlson covers most of the questions and comments above in his YSU Preview at the football blog.   

http://blogs.valpo.edu/football/

["wrestle a gorilla"]

Again I have to explain my words to those that choose to find the darkcloud in ever day's sky.  I'm not claiming the Crusaders of today are ready for a program like YSU but my football mind focuses on two distinct points.  One, YSU has more on the line here than Valpo.  No good thing can come out of this for them if we don't perform to some level and if they don't take us seriously and don't show up their best they will have to regroup to save their butts before the fans and media.  Second, their own coach called them out for quitting in the fourth quarter against MSU.  There are two kinds of quitting - one when you're giving up and the other when you think you have it socked away - in both cases your mailing it in.

Since we can score this year with a uptempo passing attack anything can happen in the open field.  We will most likely be playing against some of their 2's and 3's during some time of the game. That's why I said we can stay on the field rather than compare it to Jacksonville last year where that Valpo team left the field.  This years team is young and they don't know what they don't know yet and that makes them more resilient and willing to "wrestle a gorilla".  As a metaphor, I'm having a problem with milanmiracle's moniker if he would believe one thing about the ultimate "Hoosier" story but deny that each athlete longs for a moment to shine in the spotlight on a stage beyond their status - even for a few plays.

If being realistic is all that is called for on this on this forum then - I can predict that none of our teams will win a national championship this year or perhaps any year in the near future but it doesn't mean that we don't play the games and grow to compete on the field, court, diamond, course, lanes or classrooms, boardrooms and life.

We are Crusaders!

["When you're wrestling with a gorilla you don't stop when you get tired but only when the gorilla gets tired!"]

The thing that I hope for is the effort.  Are the players prepared to go for four quarters regardless of outcome?  This team can score and has enough talent to stay on the field.  We used to play Indiana State and Ball State as conference games when I first came to Valpo.  Great mismatches with talent even back then but with our mental and physical effort we let them know they were in a game.  I guess Lou Holtz says it best - "When you're wrestling with a gorilla you don't stop when you get tired but only when the gorilla gets tired!"  Injuries shouldn't be a concern as long as clean play is promoted and monitored by coaches and referees.  Size doesn't always win but quickness and speed kills.  I hope we can match the quickness and speed portion or Katy bar the door.  Go VU!

Coach was right after the game in saying the team still has to learn how to finish the game.  So much of the yardage by Franklin came on very close plays that required sustained effort to over come the mistakes in performance at the point of attack.  The offense lost it's focus and began worrying about holding on rather than taking the game away.

I'm pleased that the young men saw some potential in their effort - but potential is a polite way of saying not good enough yet.  They can be much better and will be if they concentrate on being positive and support each other as some of the young number 2's and 3's now become 1's raising the level of effort and talent.  Go Crusaders!

Great start but need to finish and stop the long pass plays - take away the 65 and 59 touchdown passes by Franklin and Valpo is controlling the game.  Go Valpo!  Offense can score!!

Great article!  Says the same things I saw in my own investigation from here out East.  Setshot - really - "Too bad CNN,MSNBC or the major networks didn't get the story." This statement has me hoping you're not a business person or student.  Check your facts before you throw flames at the crowd.  Both CNN and MSNBC combined can't reach the ratings of FOX on any given time slot or print media.  It is rumored that if a statement is mentioned on MSNBC was it really said since there were so few to hear it anyway. (you know like the tree falling the woods making a sound if no one is there to hear it.)

I look for good things from these young men and I was glad to hear President Heckler's comments in support of the program.

Tough thing about these rating schemes is that, early on, there isn't enough information about the changes with the teams.  Franklin has been performing really well these past few years in their Division 3 bracket and is aiming at national goals.  Last years team was their best so far but they lost almost 20 from the team with 17 being major contributors (QB included).

I believe this will be in our favor because as our young ones will be up against a less experienced team than last year.  More to the level ours are at right now at least game experience wise.  We need to control the ball and no turnovers.  I hope the athleticism we read about in our recruits is greater (as it should be D-1AA) than theirs.  I see a great crowd under the lights.  Valpo 28 - Franklin 17.  (Watch out for Gabe Ali El freshman RB)

setshot - opinions are one thing but hanging the past 0-20 on this new group is not only stupid but careless.  The turnaround begins with the youth and a new mindset that doesn't have the institutional memory that your limited mindset wallows in.  I too was with teams that changed dramatically because we predominately came from programs that knew how to win.  Last year there weren't enough winners in the locker room or huddle to overcome the acceptance of adversity as deserved rather than as a challenge to beat back.  Homer had to change this too when he arrived and it's a constant battle within a program to recruit not only the talented athlete but the mentally tough ones as well.  I think we will be pleasantly surprised with this group as long as we don't rain on the parade before it even gets started.  I'll see this team in Pittsburgh on the 17th.  I'm putting my money were my mouth is and will support this team in it's turnaround both here and at the games when at all possible.  By the way Valpo 28 - Franklin 17  1-0 nice beginning!