The Valpo Fan Zone Forum - Recent Posts

RE: Week 0: No. 368 Valparaiso vs 669 Lawrence Tech

AZValpo — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 23:19:34 +0000

Minnesota had 2 punt returns for TDs last night

Volleyball

vu72 — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 23:12:38 +0000

What’s up with Carin Avery? She has missed the first tournament and now the Popcorn Tourney in underway and she is (as announced) “unavailable “. Hope it isn’t anything serious.

And I thought the ARC was getting air-conditioning?

RE: The 2026 Offseason!

Bryan F. — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 16:19:24 +0000

The wait for basketball season continues, so I figured I'd add a little more MVC content to help pass the time.

I've posted my 2026 MVC Preseason Power Rankings over at The Beacon Brief. Give it a read and let me know where you agree (or disagree) with the rankings. You'll also find plenty of other offseason MVC and Valpo basketball coverage.

Link: https://bryanfoley2.substack.com/p/the-beacon-brief-2026-mvc-preseason?r=3w51dd&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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RE: Week 0: No. 368 Valparaiso vs 669 Lawrence Tech

AZValpo — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 18:40:41 +0000

A great way to start the season...over 70 guys played!

One observation, hopefully the camera guy improves as the season goes on

RE: Week 0: No. 368 Valparaiso vs 669 Lawrence Tech

Valpofb16 — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 18:16:44 +0000

Valpo actually has a higher Bill Connelly SP+ ranking than Murray State heading into Week 1. Their ranking will go up siginificantly playing a FBS team in MTSU. Unless they lose something like 70-7

RE: 2026-2027 Season Schedule Watch

804Union — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 20:51:14 +0000

My only big issue with the schedule is the two non-D1s. I can maybe understand one game (although I don't like it) to have a very easy game and try out some lineups. However, two better be purely because they couldn't fill the schedule.

RE: Week 0: No. 368 Valparaiso vs 669 Lawrence Tech

vu72 — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 18:49:44 +0000

If ever Valpo could win a buy game, this may be the season. Murray last to Eastern Illinois by 2 touchdowns. Eastern was picked 7th of 8 in the OVC while Murray is picked last in the Valley. Our second game faces Indiana State, picked second last in the Valley.

RE: Enrollment

Realist77 — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:31:23 +0000

That is another very good sign! I am tempted to change my username from "Realist77" to "Optimist77." But, let's see where the numbers land in fall 2027, both in actual revenue and enrollment. It's going to be a steep climb to a better bond rating and outlook.

Ironically the WSJ featured Syracuse as an example that even large brand-name research universities are facing headwinds and deficits. SU has of course a big brand name in a P4 athletics conference and a $1B+ endowment. They have geography challenges (and weather ones) just like us. But in terms of potential leadership impact, it is easier to turn a small boat than a battleship. The only ones above the risk now are the elite universities and the flagship state ones.

RE: Week 0: No. 368 Valparaiso vs 669 Lawrence Tech

Burnee77 — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 04:58:24 +0000

Defense gave up more points than it should have, LT had one spectacular individual effort for that touchdown, looked bottled up and 40 yds for the TD. Can't tell a whole lot in such a lopsided victory. Let's see how they do against Racers and Trees. Significant step up in comp. LT didn't have much size and were in their backfield the whole first half.

RE: 2026-2027 Season Schedule Watch

Bryan F. — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 17:08:31 +0000

I shared my thoughts on Valpo's non-conference schedule over at The Beacon Brief (link below).

Overall, I think this is exactly the type of schedule this team needs heading into MVC play. There are enough challenges to provide meaningful tests, but it isn't an overly demanding slate that could derail momentum before conference season begins.

Last year, Valpo suffered an unexpected loss to Southern Indiana. Avoiding those kinds of setbacks will be critical this season. On the flip side, the Beacons had UNC Wilmington on the ropes at the ARC a year ago, and I think they have a real chance to return the favor when they travel to Wilmington.

It's shaping up to be another exciting season, and I'm looking forward to seeing how this group develops before conference play tips off.

https://bryanfoley2.substack.com/p/breaking-down-valpos-2026-27-non?r=3w51dd&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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