16 - honestly, I’m not sure Valpo can do much better in searching for a better coach. Valpo football is what it is.
again, what are they thinking starting Appel?
Football WBB and a few other programs need to be reviewed and tough decisions should be made-hopefully this AD has the latitude and freedom to do so
Cmon, you really think Fox is on the hot seat?
Couldn’t watch, so only got game tracker stats.
In the past two wins the dual run threats of both the RB, Mansaray, and the QB, Tyler, created multiple issues for defenses. The fact that Caron can also throw an adequate pass (especially off an RPO set) drives DCs crazy. Mikey has always been one-dimensional - a passer. When he was on, he was very good, but it’s been quite a while since that was the case.
So maybe Fox was thinking that MSU was preparing for Tyler, so why not throw them a curveball and play Mikey instead. Sorrry, but if that was the case, too much overthinking.
I'm hoping that there was some issue with Tyler...injury, illness, etc....which had him unavailable and not just a coach's decision. A coach's decision would be incredible....particularly if it were a situation mentioned by Bud above...as a curveball to the opposition.
Maybe Paul can beat an answer out of the coach.
To my , honestly limited understanding. There was no Tyler in trouble. I’m trying to not reveal sources / expose sources. I think all parties involved are relatively in shock how today went. I have supported Fox through and through If it comes out Caron was injured, etc I’ll swallow Crowe. If not, well. Probably time to move on.
19-38 record in non-scholarship D1. I could see a change, but Valpo will likely be ok with that.
Circling back to the game. Here is what I noticed
Lots of missed opportunities on keepers. Mansaray was being sold on by the defense. A lot of opportunities for Appel to keep the ball and pick up a ton of yards either turned into a stoppage at the line or behind it.
Held onto the ball for waaay to long. I saw a quintuple clutch for the first time ever today. Resulted in a loss of yardage.
O Line was great today as was the defense.
19-38 record in non-scholarship D1. I could see a change, but Valpo will likely be ok with that.
We always have been fine with mediocrity-C Small at least changed that with his basketball coach change-not sure if new admin will be as proactive
Perhaps was too hard on Fox yesterday. Defense played well. OL gave Mikey time. Hard to watch the program lose such a winnable game when the other team has 10 points in the 4th quarter (with a new coach coaching in his first PFL game).
Mikey is obviously no longer the Mikey we saw in 2022. Dawson most likely hid a lot. I hope Brandon asks Fox why the decision was to go away from Caron. Parents and Media both confirmed Caron was available.
moving forward in the transfer portal heavy world. Caron is 2-0 as a starter, was a 3* on 247, from California, Is an FR eligibility wise, and just lost his job as the starter.
does he start looking?
15 - not sure I agree. Firing Lottich was a no brainer and he actually should have been released a year earlier and the program was in a tailspin with no indicators of progress. Evans caught a break and would have been canned if not for the AD change. Fox IMO is doing ok given the resources, but he has some explaining to do after the QB change.
Perhaps was too hard on Fox yesterday. Defense played well. OL gave Mikey time. Hard to watch the program lose such a winnable game when the other team has 10 points in the 4th quarter (with a new coach coaching in his first PFL game).
Mikey is obviously no longer the Mikey we saw in 2022. Dawson most likely hid a lot. I hope Brandon asks Fox why the decision was to go away from Caron. Parents and Media both confirmed Caron was available.
moving forward in the transfer portal heavy world. Caron is 2-0 as a starter, was a 3* on 247, from California, Is an FR eligibility wise, and just lost his job as the starter.
does he start looking?
Brandon has a role in the University which, in part, is flowering up disasters so I'm not sure we'll get an answer there although it would be great if he did. I'd think Paul would be the person who can at least ask the question.
While the defense played well, there's two sides to the ball and one side has been neglected over Fox's regime. He's not getting dismissed and I'm not saying he should be but I'd like to think he would hold some accountability...and also make logical adjustments.
And you use the non-con games to experiment with personnel, not a winnable PFL game.
Tyler was at the helm for the last two wins. Prior to that he came on the field at YSU and accounted for all three Valpo TDs as well as rushing for over 100 yards. He was progressing nicely, albeit he made some freshman errors. Yet, the team was gaining momentum. The pre-game 2-deep listed him first as a potential starter OR Appel.
Yeah, so I guess it was time to demote the most dynamic QB we’ve seen at Valpo in years to the bench (and then down to 3rd string at that 🙄) to kick off the PFL schedule.
On the face of it, this is too weird for my mind to grasp.
JD24 - Brandon must be mentored by white Sox broadcaster John Schiffen, but I guess in his role he has to have the skill set to make chicken salad out of chicken you know what.
But wait. There may be another explanation. [Not being snarky here] Perhaps film analysis showed MSU defensive tendencies and weaknesses that dictated the QB switch and change in style?
I’ll answer my own question with another question: And how’d that work out in the first half?
Certainly, at that point, maybe you go back to what/who got you a couple of wins and an impressive offensive showing against a full scholly FCS team.