Stetson 10/24

[FWalum]

You do not start upperclassmen just because they have been around. It is not a right.

This is less of an issue than thought by some....the upperclassman issue that is.

There are a lot of questions regarding the coaching staff and their choices. For the Stetson game, the entire game plan was questioned by the team. We've already discussed that aspect of it. The complaints are coming from players who are playing although there is some question regarding the overall playing time of some of the kids who are playing. The staff hasn't stuck to a z receiver all year long using 5 or 6, can't figure out what to do with Morgan, designs a gameplan which removes Rene from the field in favor of TEs playing...in some cases...in roles not accustomed to. These are just some of the issues.

Here are the issues that I have... As a former college basketball coach I think these kinds of posts do nothing but stir the pot. It always amazed me how we could be geniuses one game and dunces the next. The things that were attributed to our locker room most times resembled nothing close to the truth. Are you some kind of football analyst, college or NFL coach that you know so much about who should be playing where?  Are you on the staff or somehow in the locker room on a daily basis that you seem to be able to make blanket statements for the team?? I understand that it has been a frustrating year, especially after the "above expectations" performance of last year.  I just don't see how this helps.

[VULB#62]

I agree FWAlum.  The stirring of the pot as you say, instead of helping matters, only makes the job more difficult.  Am I disappointed so far?  You bet. I wanted to be at the Stetson game but couldn't make it.  As I watched the GameTracker I became despondent. I couldn't bring myself to listen to the postgame presser until yesterday.  But my perspective remains.  This is a building process.  We must be patient.  The four wins last year were super, but this is a brand new year with experience lost to graduation, a huge freshman class, and an incredible list of injuries over the course of the season that always seems to dislodge any gains the previous week -- I can't recall so many key football players sitting out games with concussions in the time I've been actively tracking VU FB on the Forum. The OL hasn't had the same 5 guys start for more than 2 or 3 games due to suspensions and injuries, and they lost Nate Koeneman for the season weeks ago.

In the presser Cecchini took full blame for the staff over-coaching and scrambling things in an effort to right the season.  With the bye week they are going back to 'simplify and execute.'  It's the right thing to do and I hope the team does just that. Unfortunately, despite having 100 players on the roster, we are not yet in a position to say "next man up" and make it stick when guys like Koeneman or Stokes go down, because in truth we do not yet have the quality of depth that would allow for that.  That will take time and more recruiting to develop, not just a few games.

[usc4valpo]

62 - your response is where I was going. My response was related to reports that upperclassmen were not getting enough PT and likely thought it was "their turn."  An analogy is 1996 when Bob Dole got the Republican nomination for President. Not exactly a very exciting dude, but Dole mentioned it was "his turn" to run. Well, at the end, Clinton won decisively.

You need to build a system where you will be successful in the long run and not worry about hurting players feelings. THis is not an activity where everybody gets cake and ice cream at the end. The millennial generation attitude sometimes makes me shake my head...

[dime life]

Well, these posts are interesting. Are you all watching the same team as everyone else? See parents of players and other fans yelling and screaming at the staff, and then leaving the Stetson game? See the prospective recruits leave with 5 minutes to go before half? Am sure these rebuild sound bytes hit home with them! See many players come out for the post-game meal? Sorry but this year some of the PT and scheme decisions @ VALPO have nothing to do with attitude , entitlement or age of players. Here are a few quick points to ponder. Why would we use a Legend Choudry, who has a great future, to gain 2.6 yards a carry when we have our entire backfield returning? Why not red shirt him if possible? Bastin was perfect to be our starter, yet we rotate on and on, for what? What did we gain? The concussions were brutal, but do we look at who was playing OL at the time and allowing QB and RB to get hammered? The WR group was, according to HC, looking like morgan, shea, catrine and foley. those 4 have not been on the field together for one play this season. Not one play. Has our offense been so dominating that we could not deploy that set? Sure, mix in the talent of jene renee and some others when possible. Why did we take a step back on D? Pretty much had all returners. Are we not going to mention that? It's pretty simple, you are not rebuilding when you are nearing a 1 win season. And I agree 100% on it being admirable for the HC to take the blame...but don't bother owning up to the loss and staff schemes and "overcoaching" if you are not going to get involved and make some changes. These kids come to VALPO because they are smart. They too see and internally question things each week. All those who read and post to this site expected more this season, and what we have seen remains in some part, inexplicable.             

[usc4valpo]

I thought Bastin got hurt. Hall seems to always be a step behind, and I am not sure Hudson ever completely recovered from his injury, as he had a very promising freshman year. So who else is out there?

I think part of the reason the D may look down is because they are on the field the entire game!  Yes, I am one of those who think time of possession has importance - look at why Ohio State beat Oregon in the National Title game.

Regarding upperclassmen talent, let's face reality and admit the overall talent is not stellar.

Sad as it looks right now, this program is in better shape than it was 2 years ago.

[covufan]

Sad as it looks right now, this program is in better shape than it was 2 years ago.

Sad, but this is correct. 

Cecchini was known as an offensive wiz, so I'd like to see the offense improve these last few games. 

Yes, a good offense can help the (poor) defense by keeping them off the field.  We also need to protect the ball better.  Not sure what kind of field position we've given up with our -7 in Turnovers. 

[dime life]

yes..better than 2 years ago. Worse than last year, by alot. Guess that's the issue, many of the players who got PT last year have been left out or part of mass "subbing" week to week. As for the D, time on field? Nope. Stetson and others have taken initial drives 1 and 2 and gone right in for TDs. The D doesn't even have time to get tired.     

[vu72]

A couple of thoughts. First, the quarterback is the problem.  Clarke was playing long snapper last year and maybe should try that spot again.  The answer will be Jake Paliga, next year.  Jake was an All State quarterback who would have gone to a bigger program had he not been the backup his junior year. 

We are averaging 166.1 yards per game passing. We are completing 51% of our passes and have thrown 10 TD's with 12 interceptions.  I hope these stats don't include COF but if they do then it is even worse.  Take a look at the San Diego game this year versus last year.  Ben Lehman was 20 of 30 for 221 yards, 2 TD's and 1 pick.  This year Clarke was 9 of 20 for 130 yards, 0 TD's and 1 pick.

Now, in Clarke's defense, we do have a bunch of freshman playing and with Nate gone for the year there is no senior leadership.  If you can't get the run game going the passing game will always be a problem. Last year, again in the San Diego game, we rushed for 155 yards on 25 attempts.  This year, 18 flipping yards on 22 attempts!!

The freshman and sophomores on the line will become sophomores and juniors.  Things will get better, they can't get much worse... 

[VU2624]

You do not start upperclassmen just because they have been around. It is not a right.

This is less of an issue than thought by some....the upperclassman issue that is.

There are a lot of questions regarding the coaching staff and their choices. For the Stetson game, the entire game plan was questioned by the team. We've already discussed that aspect of it. The complaints are coming from players who are playing although there is some question regarding the overall playing time of some of the kids who are playing. The staff hasn't stuck to a z receiver all year long using 5 or 6, can't figure out what to do with Morgan, designs a gameplan which removes Rene from the field in favor of TEs playing...in some cases...in roles not accustomed to. These are just some of the issues.

Here are the issues that I have... As a former college basketball coach I think these kinds of posts do nothing but stir the pot. It always amazed me how we could be geniuses one game and dunces the next. The things that were attributed to our locker room most times resembled nothing close to the truth. Are you some kind of football analyst, college or NFL coach that you know so much about who should be playing where?  Are you on the staff or somehow in the locker room on a daily basis that you seem to be able to make blanket statements for the team?? I understand that it has been a frustrating year, especially after the "above expectations" performance of last year.  I just don't see how this helps.

Since you wish to go down this road....this is a fan forum entitled valpofanzone...so yeah I'm going to offer my opinion on the fan forum. I'm not a flag waver as some seem to be...afraid to criticize the coaching staff even when it is pretty clear it is appropriate. In addition, since you asked, my information comes from those who are inside the locker room...4 of them , all play and all have reported almost identical thoughts on what's been discussed along with others who are their friends/acquaintances and over multiple gatherings on campus. So whatever your reality is or was as a coach in a different place and sport it is inapplicable to this specific situation. There does seem to be a subset of posters on the forum who don't like reading negative posts and prefer to post in a supportive way regarding the staff. That's ok I guess. I don't agree with it but I'm not going to comment on the style of someone else unless prompted.

[valporun]

Some have given up on the season due to all the mess created from not having set lineups and players getting deserved time. Would it be a terrible thing to make a QB switch in the second half, if whomever the starter is can't get things going? Also, we're seeing a lot of play from true Cecchini recruits, not leftovers from Carlson(Osteen) to thank them for staying. We were spoiled last year, now we have players who will be in this system for the majority of their college careers. We just have to deal with the fact that our lumps taken result in losses, but not every coach starts out successful from Game 1 of their time at the helm. I get that we're tired of losing football after the Tom Horne era, but what about the mentality of the players coming in who were "Big Man On Campus" in high school, but can't get that to switch over to the college game, or they don't want to work hard to earn playing time because they've forgotten how to work hard to earn time on the field?

[IndyValpo]

Well, these posts are interesting. Are you all watching the same team as everyone else? See parents of players and other fans yelling and screaming at the staff, and then leaving the Stetson game? See the prospective recruits leave with 5 minutes to go before half? Am sure these rebuild sound bytes hit home with them! See many players come out for the post-game meal? Sorry but this year some of the PT and scheme decisions @ VALPO have nothing to do with attitude , entitlement or age of players. Here are a few quick points to ponder. Why would we use a Legend Choudry, who has a great future, to gain 2.6 yards a carry when we have our entire backfield returning? Why not red shirt him if possible? Bastin was perfect to be our starter, yet we rotate on and on, for what? What did we gain? The concussions were brutal, but do we look at who was playing OL at the time and allowing QB and RB to get hammered? The WR group was, according to HC, looking like morgan, shea, catrine and foley. those 4 have not been on the field together for one play this season. Not one play. Has our offense been so dominating that we could not deploy that set? Sure, mix in the talent of jene renee and some others when possible. Why did we take a step back on D? Pretty much had all returners. Are we not going to mention that? It's pretty simple, you are not rebuilding when you are nearing a 1 win season. And I agree 100% on it being admirable for the HC to take the blame...but don't bother owning up to the loss and staff schemes and "overcoaching" if you are not going to get involved and make some changes. These kids come to VALPO because they are smart. They too see and internally question things each week. All those who read and post to this site expected more this season, and what we have seen remains in some part, inexplicable.             

Perhaps we can develop a group of parents who can determine who should play and how much. Think about the $$ savings we would have....

Someone correct if I am wrong but didn't we start the regular season with a total of 6 upper class offensive linemen? One is hurt, one has had a concussion, several had to sit for a suspension.  Who exactly are we supposed to play?

I maybe wrong again but didn't we lose 4-6 starters on defense. I am not commenting on the play just the commentary...

[IndyValpo]

yes..better than 2 years ago. Worse than last year, by alot. Guess that's the issue, many of the players who got PT last year have been left out or part of mass "subbing" week to week. As for the D, time on field? Nope. Stetson and others have taken initial drives 1 and 2 and gone right in for TDs. The D doesn't even have time to get tired.     

Still waiting for this magical list of players who got PT last year but have been left out....

[VU2624]

Well, these posts are interesting. Are you all watching the same team as everyone else? See parents of players and other fans yelling and screaming at the staff, and then leaving the Stetson game? See the prospective recruits leave with 5 minutes to go before half? Am sure these rebuild sound bytes hit home with them! See many players come out for the post-game meal? Sorry but this year some of the PT and scheme decisions @ VALPO have nothing to do with attitude , entitlement or age of players. Here are a few quick points to ponder. Why would we use a Legend Choudry, who has a great future, to gain 2.6 yards a carry when we have our entire backfield returning? Why not red shirt him if possible? Bastin was perfect to be our starter, yet we rotate on and on, for what? What did we gain? The concussions were brutal, but do we look at who was playing OL at the time and allowing QB and RB to get hammered? The WR group was, according to HC, looking like morgan, shea, catrine and foley. those 4 have not been on the field together for one play this season. Not one play. Has our offense been so dominating that we could not deploy that set? Sure, mix in the talent of jene renee and some others when possible. Why did we take a step back on D? Pretty much had all returners. Are we not going to mention that? It's pretty simple, you are not rebuilding when you are nearing a 1 win season. And I agree 100% on it being admirable for the HC to take the blame...but don't bother owning up to the loss and staff schemes and "overcoaching" if you are not going to get involved and make some changes. These kids come to VALPO because they are smart. They too see and internally question things each week. All those who read and post to this site expected more this season, and what we have seen remains in some part, inexplicable.             

Your thought on the depth chart at WR is mistaken. The passing offense is designed to go to the x receiver (TK last year, Catrine this year) and slot W(AC last year, Rene this year). The slot R is essentially the same as last year at this point in Shea while the z (Tony, Fred and Kent last year all contributing vs a plethora of freshmen this year). Jarrett's very talented but didn't work as a slot WR. The plan for him was always to move him around and it appears they've found a better role for him in the backfield. There are no returners from last year's squad to play z. The x and z are on the field virtually every play including 2 TE and TE/H sets. With Fox back this gives that group a returner along with Mallon as a FB/H. I can see the use of Choudry. since Bastin, Jake and BHall get banged up somewhat consistently. The issue with the Stetson game was almost completely abandoning the base offensive sets in favor of sets introduced during the game week for an opponent who the team felt it should beat. This put lesser players (including freshmen) on the field over other players who had played better (including freshmen). In addition, it put players in roles they aren't accustomed to. In short it blew the teams confidence.

[VU2624]

A couple of thoughts. First, the quarterback is the problem.  Clarke was playing long snapper last year and maybe should try that spot again.  The answer will be Jake Paliga, next year.  Jake was an All State quarterback who would have gone to a bigger program had he not been the backup his junior year. 

We are averaging 166.1 yards per game passing. We are completing 51% of our passes and have thrown 10 TD's with 12 interceptions.  I hope these stats don't include COF but if they do then it is even worse.  Take a look at the San Diego game this year versus last year.  Ben Lehman was 20 of 30 for 221 yards, 2 TD's and 1 pick.  This year Clarke was 9 of 20 for 130 yards, 0 TD's and 1 pick.

Now, in Clarke's defense, we do have a bunch of freshman playing and with Nate gone for the year there is no senior leadership.  If you can't get the run game going the passing game will always be a problem. Last year, again in the San Diego game, we rushed for 155 yards on 25 attempts.  This year, 18 flipping yards on 22 attempts!!

The freshman and sophomores on the line will become sophomores and juniors.  Things will get better, they can't get much worse... 

The line is an issue and the combination of that issue plus I'm not sure Clarke's best attributes fit the needs of the offense compounds the problems. Deep balls are nice but the short to intermediate passing game is much more of a key and it's not there anywhere close to where it needs to be.

Someone made a comment regarding, my interpretation was, replacing the QB in the second half of games. There's been a couple of spots where I thought it was coming but I'm not sure of Scott Stahl's availability (he was injured earlier in the year as well as Stokes) and they want to redshirt Paliga which at this point makes a lot of sense. The one thing with Jake I'm concerned with is does he find somewhere else to play where he's happy. He does look as if he as a lot of ability.

[a3uge]

Shuffling deck chairs on the Titanic.

[FWalum]

You do not start upperclassmen just because they have been around. It is not a right.

This is less of an issue than thought by some....the upperclassman issue that is.

There are a lot of questions regarding the coaching staff and their choices. For the Stetson game, the entire game plan was questioned by the team. We've already discussed that aspect of it. The complaints are coming from players who are playing although there is some question regarding the overall playing time of some of the kids who are playing. The staff hasn't stuck to a z receiver all year long using 5 or 6, can't figure out what to do with Morgan, designs a gameplan which removes Rene from the field in favor of TEs playing...in some cases...in roles not accustomed to. These are just some of the issues.

Here are the issues that I have... As a former college basketball coach I think these kinds of posts do nothing but stir the pot. It always amazed me how we could be geniuses one game and dunces the next. The things that were attributed to our locker room most times resembled nothing close to the truth. Are you some kind of football analyst, college or NFL coach that you know so much about who should be playing where?  Are you on the staff or somehow in the locker room on a daily basis that you seem to be able to make blanket statements for the team?? I understand that it has been a frustrating year, especially after the "above expectations" performance of last year.  I just don't see how this helps.

Since you wish to go down this road....this is a fan forum entitled valpofanzone...so yeah I'm going to offer my opinion on the fan forum. I'm not a flag waver as some seem to be...afraid to criticize the coaching staff even when it is pretty clear it is appropriate. In addition, since you asked, my information comes from those who are inside the locker room...4 of them , all play and all have reported almost identical thoughts on what's been discussed along with others who are their friends/acquaintances and over multiple gatherings on campus. So whatever your reality is or was as a coach in a different place and sport it is inapplicable to this specific situation. There does seem to be a subset of posters on the forum who don't like reading negative posts and prefer to post in a supportive way regarding the staff. That's ok I guess. I don't agree with it but I'm not going to comment on the style of someone else unless prompted.

Since I want to go down this road??? I certainly didn't start this journey.  Your right, this is a FAN forum "a person who has a strong interest in or admiration for a particular person or thing". Do you think that some of your words are those of a fan? I guess you could say that they are, if you are using the 'fan' definition that has the synonyms "to intensify, increase, agitate, inflame and exacerbate".  I guess what you are trying to say is that Coach Cecchini has lost his players and you think that his actions warrant that loss of respect, because that is sure what you seem to be saying. Do you somehow think that your divisive words and tone are helping the 4 players and their teammates become a better team? There are ways to positively impact a team or coach other than publicly voicing your differences, a respectful phone call or meeting going over your concerns and support might be a better way to start.  I sincerely believe in your passion and support for these young men and suggest that building constructive relationships is a more effective way to reinforce their character, team unity and hopefully their success.

[VU2624]

Yep it's all a bed of roses. Stamp out negativity!

....and you really think some of this has gone unaddressed with the staff? The knowing nod of "say what you have to say quickly so we can get back to what we're going to do anyway" which has been received begs to differ.

[usc4valpo]

Dude, chill

I don't like rosy propoganda reports either, but this is division 3 football in all practicality, and regarding coaches you will get what pay for. Cechinni is kind of raw and will make mistakes.

Btw, who are these upperclassmen deserving more PT?

[vumsb]

And on a lighter note, Grayson Bastin was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District Football Team today.

http://www.valpoathletics.com/football/news/2015-16/15016/bastin-named-to-cosida-academic-all-district-football-team/

[VU2624]

Dude, chill

I don't like rosy propoganda reports either, but this is division 3 football in all practicality, and regarding coaches you will get what pay for. Cechinni is kind of raw and will make mistakes.

Btw, who are these upperclassmen deserving more PT?

Chill?  Ain't you the guy ranting about attendance? Fix the field issues and maybe that improves.

...and you'll have to ask that question of someone else.

[VU2624]

And on a lighter note, Grayson Bastin was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District Football Team today.

http://www.valpoathletics.com/football/news/2015-16/15016/bastin-named-to-cosida-academic-all-district-football-team/

Great news. Congrats to Graysin who's a great kid. Hang in there kiddo. It'll get better.

[bbtds]

I think Cecchini certainly deserves his four years at Valpo. If he has not improved the team enough by the end of the 2017 season then it may be time to look for a new coach. If the team is still just above the Carlson line then a fifth year should be contemplated. Let's see where this guy can take this non-scholarship Valpo team before we go making any big changes.

[usc4valpo]

If you consider firing Cecchini after 4 years, then you also need to take a higher view regarding getting rid of football at Valpo. I doubt you are going to find significantly better coaches than what we have right now and for the salary we pay.

In reality, I think Valpo will get better in the next few years.

[usc4valpo]

2624,

I am chilled, I am the voice of reason!!! 

Seriously, the matter may go to place football in the Valparaiso University experience. Do we have football just to raise revenue? If so, let's just say that and have truth in advertising.