Game #3 @ Trinity International

[VULB#62]

Wow ----- a 5 point loss to a scholarship program and one that is in the chase for the NEC title. That's two impressive starts against schoarship programs. So......... After two very promising performances in, unfortunately, losing efforts, it's time to move on to TIU. They ran an option offense last time we played them and put some pressure on or D. 

When I first saw the 2017 schedule, I sorta felt it would have been better to have TIU as the second game. But after what the coaches and players have shown us so, this is better. I am not taking these guys lightly. I am just saying we now face a team that we will match up with a bit better.

Our O is clicking early (it's usually the D early on) and the D needs to start pulling it's weight.  No better time an to start on Saturday.

It's a 2 ½ drive for me and I do not have a shift at Lambeau Field, so I will be there. I hope VU Illinois football alumni and other VU alumni show up to root for the VU Football #CRU.

[talksalot]

TIU lost to Concordia, Michigan 34-20... at home.   Here's the box score:

http://tiutrojans.com/boxscore.aspx?path=football&id=4663

Nothing like being 5-16 on third down conversions to keep you from winning.  It was 34-0 with a minute to go in the 3rd... and TIU put the 20 points up against their backups...

I'm feeling a 42-10 game for the Crusaders.

Loved the atmosphere at Brown Field on Saturday.  Nice Crowd.

[VULB#62]

Oh, oh. The biggest hurdle the coaching staff and players will have now is OVERCONFIDENCE.  They have to be totally blind to that score and do their jobs as if this were another scholarship program. They must dominate every phase of the game. They must be on a quest for respect and recognition regardless of who they play.

Ya know, I can't remember being this psyched before.

BTW, Their attendance was 200. We need to match or surpass that.

[usc4valpo]

48-6 Valpo at the home of Bill Hybels.

[valpofb16]

This is what we are looking at so far in terms of depth Taliaferro and Riley missed last game, 1st number is games started second number is games played

QB   #9 Jimmy Seewald SO. (2/2)   #14 Chris Duncan RSFR. (0/2)      
RB   #10 Jarrett Morgan SR. (2/2)   #44 Kyle Cartales SO. (0/2)   #32 Cody Boxrucker FR. (0/1)   #21 Elias Earley RSSO. (0/2)
FB   #40 Brannen Martin RSFR. (0/1)         
WR   #1 Jean Rene JR. (2/2)   #26 Donny Navarro FR. (0/2)   #23 Bailey Gessinger SO. (0/2)   
WR   #30 Frank Catrine SR. (2/2)   #2 Griffin Norberg JR. (0/2)   #82 Deuce Larose FR. (0/1)   
WR   #3 Parker Fox RSSO. (2/2)   #12 JD Koehler RSSO. (0/2)      
TE   #84 Mason Sutter JR. (2/2)   #16 Ryan Clarke SR. (0/2)   #87 Martin Petruf SO. (0/2)   
RT   #75 Shannon Taliaferro JR. (1/1)   #76 Alex Cotton RSSO. (1/2)      
RG   #73 Tom Schofield JR. (2/2)   #72 Solomon Kamara RSFR. (0/1)      
C   #65 Jack Jarnigan RSSO. (2/2)   #70 Brady Sullivan RSSO. (0/1)      
LG   #67 Eric Rentschler JR. (2/2)   #66 Sam Vas FR. (0/2)      
LT   #60 Andrew Lundberg RSSO. (2/2)   #71 Bryce Biggs RSFR. (0/1)      
NT   #93 James Reed SO. (2/2)   #91 Jordan Goebel RSFR. (0/2)   #97 Jeremiah Olojo FR. (0/1)   
DT   #99 Jakob Trumpower RSSO. (2/2)   #92 Drew Gedrys FR. (0/2)   #62 Nathan Orlandini FR. (0/1)   
DE   #54 Jesse Studyvin JR. (1/2)   #34 Jay Slone RSSR. (1/2)      
OLB   #18 Mike Wheeler JR. (2/2)   #33 Gowan Baldwin JR. (0/2)      
ILB   #24 Drew Snouffer JR. (2/2)   #37 Laddie Skarecky FR. (0/2)   #39 Jack Buckey SO. (0/1)   #6 Logan Pfizenmayer FR. (0/1)
ILB   #49 Nick Turner JR. (2/2)   #47 Matthew Messler RSSO. (0/2)   #9 Tyler Newkirk SO. (0/2)   
OLB   #36 Austin Petrie SO. (2/2)   #38 Joey Poloskey FR. (0/2)   #35 Gavin Twigg FR. (0/1)   
CB   #5 Jalin Leandre JR. (2/2)   #14 Cam Kelly FR. (0/1)      
FS   #28 Josmar Diaz-Martinez JR. (2/2)   #20 Jamari Booker SO. (0/2)   #41 Henry Hebda FR. (0/1)   
SS   #4 JJ Nunes RSSR. (2/2)   #22 Tramone Duncan FR. (0/2)   #29 Julian Benavides FR. (0/2)   
CB   #17 Brandon Riley SR. (1/1)   #25 Dilan Scargle FR. (1/2)      
K   #1 Dimitrios Latsois SO. (0/2)         
P   #88 Alex Ng JR. (0/2)         

[valpofb16]

Scouting Trinity

CB Gerik Garlington missed last game
Run Option offense use multiple players
4-2-5 Defense with extremely undersized line
Several FR CBS and WRS playing
15 freshman in 2 deep

Leading Rusher: #8 Wolcott backup QB, has not attempted a pass
Leading Passer: #10 Danny Mattero
Leading Receiver: #4 Brad Hargis

QB   #10 Danny Mattero SR. (2/2)   #8 Chris Wolcott JR. (0/2)   #14 Derrion Locket FR. (0/2)      
RB   #23 Isaac Branch JR. (2/2)   #15 Linell Gaston JR. (0/2)   #26 Jabial White FR. (0/2)   #25 Dillon Patrick FR. (0/1)   #21 Derek Lowe FR. (0/1)
WR   #4 Brad Hargis SR. (2/2)   #81 Umah Miller FR. (0/1)         
WR   #11 Caleb Kelly RSJR. (2/2)   #83 William Rice FR. (0/1)         
WR   #30 Nick Watase SO. (2/2)   #27 Imeek Watkins FR. (0/1)         
WR   #80 Jimmy Cambell SO. (2/2)   #84 Mikale Hill FR. (0/1)         
RT   #73 Simon Karel RSSO. (2/2)            
RG   #79 Luka Miletic JR. (2/2)   #63 Mario DeLaura FR. (0/1)         
C   #72 Darrell Thomas RSSR. (2/2)            
LG   #64 Matthew Faraci RSSR. (2/2)   #66 Jacob Korban FR. (0/1)         
LT   #65 Zachary Paino RSJR. (2/2)   #71 Jonathan Delgado FR. (0/1)         
DE   #44 Mario Williams SO. (2/2)   #92 Asher Frow FR. (0/2)   #96 Keith Witherspoon FR. (0/1)      
DT   #99 Christian Ardel SR. (2/2)   #60 Sam Bouchard SR. (0/2)         
DT   #2 Godfrey Collins RSSO. (2/2)   #93 Darius Hollis FR. (0/2)         
DE   #94 Troy Donovan RSSR. (2/2)   #59 Jacob Acocella RSSO. (0/2)   #50 Raylan Stockdale SO. (0/1)   #88 Tahje Hartley SO. (0/1)   
ILB   #42 Leland Orrin SR. (2/2)   #41 Jasyn Walker RSFR. (0/2)   #47 Montrel Kennedy FR. (0/2)      
ILB   #40 Mauricio Portillo SR. (2/2)   #9 Kelvin Acosta RSSR. (0/2)   #52 Courtland Boucher FR. (0/1)   #45 Hardy Tautolo JR. (0/1)   
WS   #5 Bradley Mowbray JR. (2/2)   #20 Noah Acoccella FR. (0/2)         
CB   #24 Darrius Outland FR. (2/2)   #32 Javais Robinson FR. (0/1)   #34 Ke'Vaughn Chappell FR. (0/1)      
FS   #6 Achike Morah SR. (2/2)   #33 Caleb Mennen FR. (0/1)   #48 Khalil Wallace RSFR. (0/1)      
SS   #31 Thomas Shepard JR. (2/2)   #29 Antonio Masier FR. (0/1)         
CB   #13 Marcus Swint JR. (1/2)   #28 Gerik Garlington FR. (1/1)   #22 Jalen Robertson FR. (0/2)      
P/K   #1 Carter Andrade FR. (1/2)            
LS   #57 Caleb Williams JR. (0/1)            

[JD24]

I almost always have a conservative view on an upcoming game but Dave's Dominators should take this team to the woodshed.

[usc4valpo]

This should be a ham and egger and a blow out win.

[ml2]

Anyone thinking of going should definitely sign up for the alumni event:
http://alumni.valpo.edu/s/1347/17/page-1col.aspx?sid=1347&gid=1&pgid=2146&content_id=2923

[bbtds]

TIU lost to Concordia, Michigan 34-20... at home.   Here's the box score:

http://tiutrojans.com/boxscore.aspx?path=football&id=4663

Nothing like being 5-16 on third down conversions to keep you from winning.  It was 34-0 with a minute to go in the 3rd... and TIU put the 20 points up against their backups...

I'm feeling a 42-10 game for the Crusaders.

Loved the atmosphere at Brown Field on Saturday.  Nice Crowd.

Trinity International is on the northern end of the Tri-State Tollway (I-94 Toll) at Half Day Road exit 21 (Hwy 22). Go east on Half Day Road to the blue sign that says Trinity International University and looks like this https://www.google.com/maps/@42.2000116,-87.8815719,3a,75y,270h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sw6hTOcrI9Hl1hvp62UUj7A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Unfortunately google blurs most private signs but you can see what it looks like. That is the view looking west from the campus entrance road. So you would be traveling in the opposite direction going east. (Right off the Tollway if going north from Indiana, Left off the Tollway if going south from Wisconsin). Go south through the campus straight. You will see this parking lot on your left. https://www.google.com/maps/@42.1958311,-87.8812045,3a,75y,180h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sfgccDnIE85bH6I9l-KaKdQ!2e0!7i3328!8i1664
Keep going straight to this dorm (called the Quads) on your left and curve left around the Quads. https://www.google.com/maps/@42.1951077,-87.881022,3a,75y,90h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sKzYEE06eepRKyCSOgNLUiw!2e0!7i3328!8i1664
You'll come to this parking lot and the football field Leslie A. Frazier Field on the right. The football field is much improved since these 2007 google streetview pictures.
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.1947954,-87.8799306,3a,75y,90h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s2i1yMEqD8tAFQ6O_z2inbA!2e0!7i3328!8i1664.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/2065+Half+Day+Rd,+Highland+Park,+IL+60035/@42.1968094,-87.8788648,252a,35y,180h,44.94t/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fbfc75f10adb7:0x4308533e958aaeb3!8m2!3d42.1970962!4d-87.8805688

http://tiutrojans.com/index.aspx?path=football

http://tiutrojans.com/sports/2014/4/2/GEN_0402142632.aspx

https://undergrad.tiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2014/10/TIU_3D-MAP-0915-1024x663.jpg


Strange thing is I have seen the town name as three different towns--Bannockburn, Deerfield & Highland Park but all three refer to the same campus just east of I-94 Tollway & south of Half Day Road.

[VULB#62]

Lest we get too far ahead of ourselves, here is the write up on their opening game a week before losing the Concordia, MI.

http://tiutrojans.com/news/2017/9/3/football-trojans-win-big-in-rout-over-wisconsin-lutheran.aspx?path=football

It should be noted in this 58-21 road win over Wisconsin Lutheran that it was TIU's 4th win in a row going back to 2016.  They were up as much as 42-14.  TIU's final TD in the 4th was a pick 6.

TIU had 22 1st downs to WLs 19; 228 yards on the ground to 68; and 127 yards in the air to 224 for WL.  As noted against Concordia, they were only 4 of 13 on 3rd down conversions.  On D, TIU had 4 sacks.

Starting Fronts:
OFFENSE
RT - 5-11, 250
RG - 6-4, 330
C - 6-2, 323
LG - 5-11, 277
LT - 6-2, 259

DEFENSE
DE - 5-10, 210
DT - 5-10, 257
DT - 6-0, 300
DE - 6-1, 252

[VULB#62]

BTW, Valpo is starting to get some respect on the PFL fan board.

http://pflfan.proboards.com/thread/3034/sept-9-games

[covufan]

First win of the season!

VALPO  45
Trinity   17

When was our last winning PFL season?

[vu72]

First win of the season!

VALPO  45
Trinity   17

When was our last winning PFL season?

2003

[VULB#62]

There is an alumni reception in the morning prior to the game in nearby Glenview, IL.  It goes from 10:30-12:30. Here is the link to register.

http://www.valpoathletics.com/football/news/2017-18/17570/alumni-reception-set-for-saturday/#.WbbKNK2ZMo9

Thanks to Franco Francese ('00) for hosting!

I hope a lot of alums on this board show up.  See you there!

GO VALPO!

[bbtds]

Lest we get too far ahead of ourselves, here is the write up on their opening game a week before losing the Concordia, MI.

http://tiutrojans.com/news/2017/9/3/football-trojans-win-big-in-rout-over-wisconsin-lutheran.aspx?path=football

It should be noted in this 58-21 road win over Wisconsin Lutheran that it was TIU's 4th win in a row going back to 2016.  They were up as much as 42-14.  TIU's final TD in the 4th was a pick 6.

TIU had 22 1st downs to WLs 19; 228 yards on the ground to 68; and 127 yards in the air to 224 for WL.  As noted against Concordia, they were only 4 of 13 on 3rd down conversions.  On D, TIU had 4 sacks.

Starting Fronts:
OFFENSE
RT - 5-11, 250
RG - 6-4, 330
C - 6-2, 323
LG - 5-11, 277
LT - 6-2, 259

DEFENSE
DE - 5-10, 210
DT - 5-10, 257
DT - 6-0, 300
DE - 6-1, 252

Wow, that's a triple Lutheran. (WL, Concordia-MI & Valpo) I thought that was only done in Minnesota. 

[covufan]

First win of the season!

VALPO  45
Trinity   17

When was our last winning PFL season?

2003

Ouch!

[valpotx]

There is an alumni reception in the morning prior to the game in nearby Glenview, IL.  It goes from 10:30-12:30. Here is the link to register.

http://www.valpoathletics.com/football/news/2017-18/17570/alumni-reception-set-for-saturday/#.WbbKNK2ZMo9

Thanks to Franco Francese ('00) for hosting!

I hope a lot of alums on this board show up.  See you there!

GO VALPO!

Franco was a stud for our team during my FR/SO years at Valpo.  Cool to see the name.

[VULB#62]

If we get a big turnout the neighbors will not be pleased 

The only additional parking is at the Firehouse which is in Franco's back yard !   

[VULB#62]

Regardless of score, I expect to see Seewald and Duncan spliting quarters or halves. Why?

>> Give Drake more to prepare for.
>> Develop depth and keep Chris involved.

[VULB#62]

Here is the official preview of the game.  There is a bunch of stats that show how well we are doing through 2 games -- especially given that it has been against 2 scholarship programs.

http://www.valpoathletics.com/football/news/2017-18/17573/football-travels-to-trinity-international-for-nonleague-finale/#.WbgEUK2ZMo8

We have to stop RB Issac Branch (Jr.) who last year ran for 181 yards against us on 26 carries.  Best way to do that is jump out to a big lead and make them go to their passing game early in the game.

Tristan is listed as #1 on the 2-deep.  Wonder if he will get any snaps or will they hold him out for Drake?

I'm hoping Alex Ng finds some consistency in his punting -- we need that to fall into place otherwise we could be putting a lot of pressure on our own D.

[valpofb16]

Not a massive fan of throwing Roberts in the starting lineup. 0 wins as a starter, rotation guy in 15 (1-9), 1 start in a blow out in 16, Lundberg has started past 12 games at LT or RT and has done a solid job.

De La Rosa will help but if this gets out of hand quickly i wouldn't keep him in game too long.

Still no Riley playing. Wondering how serious things are. Taliaferro is listed as playing but a backup

[JD24]

Biggest problem with Trinity, unless they've changed things, is that they play a modified triple option offense which is just a pain to play against when you don't see it every week. So, invariably, teams will struggle at some point with it. Best thing to do is to get them down quickly which gets them out of their comfort zone.

As DeLarosa, maybe they feel getting him some action vs. a weaker team will ease him in a bit than throwing him in right away vs. PFL teams beginning the week after. That's, of course, if he plays this week at all.

As to the secondary, based on what I've seen, Kellen Hughes is missed more than I thought he would be. There are some guys, who should be or are thought to be good enough to be, just not playing well at all.

[VULB#62]

Biggest problem with Trinity, unless they've changed things, is that they play a modified triple option offense which is just a pain to play against when you don't see it every week. So, invariably, teams will struggle at some point with it. Best thing to do is to get them down quickly which gets them out of their comfort zone.

As DeLarosa, maybe they feel getting him some action vs. a weaker team will ease him in ia bit than throwing him in right away vs. PFL teams beginning the week after. That's, of course, if he plays this week at all.

As to the secondary, based on what I've seen, Kellen Hughes is missed more than I thought he would be. There are some guys, who should be or are thought to be good enough to be, just not playing well at all.

Hopefully having seen it before and having Branch on tape will help us defend that offense. 24, you and I both know the way to defend this is with defensive discipline and reading keys. We both also know that this offense, facing a 21 point Q1 deficit, will have to adjust their basic strategy.

Let's hope our D comes to play and they are soundly prepared.

[VULB#62]

Here's Todd's Duquesne look-back and TIU preview on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUyOebsq7qs