1 win in program history @ Drake. Bulldogs are old , experienced , and physical (Coach Waddle said physical twice in interview). Massey who is usually a bit conservative has this as a 38-14 Drake win.
35-3 Bulldogs
My daughter and I will be there at Drake Stadium in beautiful Des Moines! We'll prepare before the game at the University Library, drop by for a beverage!
Why is Keefe still the starter? Please explain or tell me something I am not aware of.
@usc4valpo Just guessing, but from some comments on this board, I gather that Keefe better fits the QB mould that this staff wants to establish in their ‘system’ — a system that has worked for them over the past 8 years
I understand the issues associated with moving out of an established comfort zone, but Tyler’s a unique talent given the right circumstances (i.e., tailoring aspects of the O to those very mobile talents). For instance, if Valpo was Davidson and Abell was still the coach, Carron would be the starter for the remainder of his career, IMO. But the “real Valpo” doesn’t run the triple or RP Option (though we have two very good RBs who could make it really work with Carron) so it’s Keefe.
I expect to see Carron in the portal at season’s end. But I also expect the staff to go all out for a top level TRANSFER QB who “fits” their mould — in today’s FCS/PFL environment tomorrow is today. This is not DIII, QB development over a couple of years has become obsolete.
I haven’t heard this from Coach [yet], but one big difference between DIII and DII, FCS, and even NAIA (where scholarships are a significant factor and the transfer portal is the 500 pound gorilla in the room) is that the mindset is very different. Unlike DIII, few good players stick around to be developed - especially if they understand that at any time a transfer-in can immediately move you down the depth chart without a ball being snapped. It sucks, but it is now what it is.
@vulb62 - ok, I get it, but to be honest, the system has not been successful in the past 8 years, and Keefe is weak who cannot lead a squad over a D3 team. Build the scheme with the talent you have if you have talent meeting a scheme that can enable success.
Both view points can be right. As prospects , Caron was a 3* on 247, but my understanding is Valparaiso was the highest rated school to offer him at QB and did not want to move him to DB. I too imagine unless something drastically changes, he will be in the portal come November. Track record is right in terms of Valpo not beating a D3, however the vast majority of Valpo's roster had a plethora of D3 offers (Adrian has scored 192 points in their next 3 games, playoff contender for sure). Thus meaning, if there is a need to transfer down, they should and historically have had options.
Keefe, one could argue, was a higher rated prospect than at Caron at QB. Dayton and Drake offered him and he came to a Valpo team coming off a 5 win season. He has not had an experienced QB coach in college outside of Florence (Say what you will about Symmes and Hibran, neither had been a QB coach before their season at Valpo). Keefe started for a very successful Maine South program. My educated guess is that Florence and by extension Waddle does not want to be one dimensional. They are going to try to fix Keefe. Between OL play (no shots, just young) in 2022-24 and Offensive staff inexperience / turnover. I think Keefe is probably very low on his ceiling of a player.
This all being said Caron is actually .500 as a starter at Valpo to this day. Came on late as a passer last season (Coulson/Givens really helped that). Valpo has two other .500 starter since 2005 (Nimz, Seewald). I can definitely understand the reasoning behind believing this was Caron's job to lose, and maybe he did lose it. Who knows behind closed doors. I do appreciate the actual pre snap reads and modern collegiate formations/motions this season.
It looks like Valpo got new helmets this season. No small accomplishment at 300 plus each. Question: if so, are Caron/Rowan getting plays called in the helmet or is that an improvement still to come?
We get to play in front of a Drake homecoming crowd. Not good.
Gotta keep the score close and hope for a break.
Brief momentum. Another pick for Keefe. Wow
Ugghh, great defense , ball in great field position then keefe throws into 3 bulldog defenders. Soooo bad…just not an intelligent play. It keeps getting said , start Caron.
Or a freshman… believe that is pick 6. 6 picks in 4 games where you split time in two of them and one was Virginia Lynchburg Is rather discouraging
looks like no Mansaray or Samuel. Our defense looks really fast again. Scratch that on Mansaray
Another positive drive , how does it finish ??
4th and 22…
