Truman is 2-0 after defeating Wayne State (MI) 35-12. WSU (0-2) is D-II, like Truman. They lost their opener to Slippery Rock (D-II) giving up 62 points. We know Truman opened by beating Drake.
If the past is any indication of what might transpire: in Cecchini's first year, the turn around game of that first season was an away win against a D-II team (William Jewel) that had beaten his predecessor the year before. Could history repeat?
Big difference in the opponent
2014 William Jewell massey rating :467
2019 Truman State massey rating: 265
To have Valpo as a favorite in this game just due to division label would be ignorant. This is a very talent Truman State team who 1) completely wore down a senior ridden 2018 Valpo defense, 2) has athletic scholarships. This game will also be at Truman State. I fully believe Valpo gets win #1 the following week but not too hopeful this weekend.
Prediction:
Truman State 42
Valparaiso 14
Again hope I am wrong
To your point, WJ beat Carlson's last team by 2 points @ Valpo. TSU beat Cecchini's last team by 2 TDs @ Valpo.
I think this game is winable for Valpo. I wouldn't look at Wayne State as any sort of barometer. Drake being in the same league is a different story but they've looked as if they have taken a fairly large step backwards this year so far.
Speaking of Drake and for additional context, the Bulldogs lost to SDSU 38-10. They are 0-2.
Valpo will win game 4, but this is not a 6 win team.
Quote from: usc4valpo on September 15, 2019, 02:12:11 PM
Valpo will win game 4, but this is not a 6 win team.
What makes us think they are capable of 4 wins? Since 2005/06 they've only reached 6 wins 1x guys.
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on September 15, 2019, 04:12:10 PM
Quote from: usc4valpo on September 15, 2019, 02:12:11 PM
Valpo will win game 4, but this is not a 6 win team.
What makes us think they are capable of 4 wins? Since 2005/06 they've only reached 6 wins 1x guys.
Illogical. Talking only four wins not six. Here, IMHO, are the possible (not probable) wins.
Homecoming vs. U of Charleston
Stetson
@Butler
Marist
If Drake is truly in a down year, then, perhaps with some breaks we could squeak out a win there and that relates to TSU our next opponent. That makes it kinda possible to maybe beating Truman State.
So among these six there is a possibility of four wins.
Quote from: VULB#62 on September 15, 2019, 05:08:41 PMQuote from: FieldGoodie05 on September 15, 2019, 04:12:10 PMQuote from: usc4valpo on September 15, 2019, 02:12:11 PMValpo will win game 4, but this is not a 6 win team.
What makes us think they are capable of 4 wins? Since 2005/06 they've only reached 6 wins 1x guys.
Illogical. Talking only four wins not six. Here, IMHO, are the possible (not probable) wins. Homecoming vs. U of Charleston Stetson @Butler Marist If Drake is truly in a down year, then, perhaps with some breaks we could squeak out a win there and that relates to TSU our next opponent. That makes it kinda possible to maybe beating Truman State. So among these six there is a possibility of four wins.
Morehead St more likely than either Stetson or Marist in my view.
Right now, I think the unwinable games are San Diego and Dayton. Drake hasn't looked good at all...they haven't been able to run the ball. Davidson I want to see more from against PFL type competition before I look at them as having completely turned the corner. The rest are winable. That doesn't mean they'll win them, just that they could.
The six wins I projected at the beginning of the season incorporated a healthy Jimmy Seewald for sure
Just a glimpse at some numbers for our passing game so far
170 ypg
47% completion
5 yards p/a
1-4 TD to int ratio
only 67.5 yds/game on the ground too. Our "duel threat" qb's season long rush is 4 yds.
Also #30 FR LB Tarie Saunders has appeared to have left team. Heard he had a really solid camp. Disappointing
Wish Mr. Saunders luck!
No rushing/passing game, a new defense, and a kicker who is 0-3 (two of which within 30 yards)
Will be tough to score points this season
We are now projected to go 1-11 via Massey ratings
Only win we are projected is 38-35 Morehead st
Butler lost to Taylor so that could be winnable, still think we get Charleston.
Without great improvement we are staring 0-3 wins down the Barrell. I am hoping many of our RSJRs return next season.
Fox will need to nail his first full recruiting class.
Quote from: valpofb16 on September 16, 2019, 10:35:43 AM
We are now projected to go 1-11 via Massey ratings
Only win we are projected is 38-35 Morehead st
Butler lost to Taylor so that could be winnable, still think we get Charleston.
Without great improvement we are staring 0-3 wins down the Barrell. I am hoping many of our RSJRs return next season.
Fox will need to nail his first full recruiting class.
Agreed next recruiting class is vital.
I only count 5 RSJR's.
Seewald, Duncan, Biggs, Zajac and Goebel not sure any will return.
Biggs and Zajac would be huge as we'd be left with 3 lineman who have played a snap
Goebel would be nice as well as the DT position is thin behind him Gedrys Reed Germain
Duncan would be a great return too. 2nd year in offense and we would only have 3 QBs on roster
Seewald as much as everyone would love to have him back should do what's best for his health
Quote from: valpofb16 on September 16, 2019, 10:35:43 AMstill think we get Charleston.
Not to look past Truman State... I'll drink the KoolAid and say this Saturday night starts a two-game winning streak !
From the Charleston page... they played (and lost) at Urbana College (28-20)... 247 total yards, 236 of those passing. 11 rushing yards. 2-11 third down conversion. Their leading rusher was 4 for 27 yards (three different players had negative rushing yards). Two field goal attempts... 49 yarder missed and 39 yarder blocked.
I don't think Valpo's a 0-3 win team. 2-5 would be my guess. At this point:
Can't win
San Diego
Dayton
No idea but leaning negative:
Drake
Can win:
Truman
Marist
Stetson
Davidson
Probably will win:
Butler
Morehead St.
Should win:
Charleston
So with the three from the bottom and adding 1 or 2 from the middle group, I get as many as 5.
Depth Chart changes week 3
WRX: Brewer is out, left game early last week with injury, Stablein is in moving from the slot
Only change, good to see Turner and Allison will be playing. Still haven't seen Cam Kelly or Leandre in a game this year at corner, odd as they would have projected as starters in the spring
Quote from: valpofb16 on September 17, 2019, 11:14:36 AMDepth Chart changes week 3 WRX: Brewer is out, left game early last week with injury, Stablein is in moving from the slot Only change, good to see Turner and Allison will be playing. Still haven't seen Cam Kelly or Leandre in a game this year at corner, odd as they would have projected as starters in the spring
Both had some "issues" in the spring. One more than once. Maybe their penance is not completed in the eyes of the coaching staff.
Game time is 7pm.. I believe
Quote from: talksalot on September 18, 2019, 06:16:39 PM
Game [time is 7pm.. I believe
Smart. Cardinals at Cubs in a pennant race start at 1:20 p.m. in Wrigley Field.
TSU 24, Valpo 9.
Quote from: usc4valpo on September 19, 2019, 07:23:38 AM
TSU 24, Valpo 9.
So is that 3 field goals or did we miss another extra point? ;)
Quote from: vu72 on September 19, 2019, 08:09:53 AM
Quote from: usc4valpo on September 19, 2019, 07:23:38 AM
TSU 24, Valpo 9.
So is that 3 field goals or did we miss another extra point? ;)
Touchdown, missed extra point and 27 yard FG.
that is pretty much what I am thinking. It is scary that my last prediction was close - 43-20 for the CCSU game. Let's see how I do this time.
What I see so far is that Valpo's offense is weak and their defense hangs in there. I think Valpo should start a freshman QB and learn.
I agree they should start a Freshman and let Duncan go into the portal and get on a team where his skills are utilized he has no help at all and hangs in but let Freshman have it.
See if the Freshman can connect with the guys who do run the right routes, get the ball off when there is no blocking from the O line, after you check down be able to run even 1 yard with no blocking.
When the Freshman hands off to the running back I am sure he can get further because he handed if off. Duncan has his faults he needs to relax and not throw those interceptions but I think he trying to make something happen and that is better then nothing.
I don't agree with starting a Freshman QB particulary since none of the Freshman have been mentioned at all. The suggestion is certainly an aberration.
So you're not "agreeing" with anyone other than one poster who's often standing in left field other than to state that the QB needs to stop turning the ball over. Not entirely his fault however as the coach said "It starts with Chris". Chances are wherever he would go by entering "the portal", he would be faced with the same scrutiny. Don't want that scrutiny? Don't play QB.
I'm looking at a 20-17 Valpo victory.
Dcannon i was off the Duncan train just due to him not being Jimmy. That being said , I want him to stay next season as I think we have young receivers who will complement him next season. As far as freshman QB's go I have heard good things about Saylers and Ruszkowski. Ruszkowski is more mobile, think a slightly minus athlete from Markoff but a better arm, Saylers may be most accurate passer on team but he is 165 pounds, Nimz has a cannon of an arm but throws a lot of 50/50 balls into coverage
There is no need for a mass movement to go young until week 7 because as of now Berkemeier appears to be the only freshman on the way to losing a RS year. Annis has played on special teams too. We lost to 2 scholarship teams and play 4 scholarship teams right off the bat.
Truman will be a tough test but they beat Drake and a 2018 Valpo team. So i in no way shape or form think we are favored this week. I think the program will be quite alright. Realistic goals for rest of season
QB: Duncan grows into offense, becomes less turnover prone. Get a clear picture of who our QB in waiting is (Nimz, Rus, Saylers)
RB: take that 67.5 yds per game rush average and get it over 100
WR/TE: Show ability to be explosive and grow into offense outside of Koehler we have played Brewer RSFR, Kluck RSSO, Bittner RSSO, Reese SO, Lopez JR (first year transfer), Berkemeier FR that's a young group
OL: Same as backs, find out who will replace 40+ game starters in Lundberg and Jarnigan
On defense it appears our TFL's and sacks are up but we are giving up more big plays. I'd like to play minimal freshman and average less than 25 PPG the rest of the season on defense.
Will this result in a winning record? Most likely not, but it will be steps of improvement. Let's keep 60-70 for spring, let Fox bring in the inaugural normal 40-55 y1 recruiting class for a PFL coach and reassess the program at the end of 2020.
This coupled with Cecchini leaving on signing day and the following attrition rate of finishing 4 years from freshman who ended season on roster (not counting signings and the ones who didn't finish freshman season
2014: 7/21 -33%
2015: 28/49-57%
2016: 11/38- 28%
2017: 21/37- 56%
2018: 22/33-66%
Total- 89/178 - 50%
Moral of this being that Cecchini had 1 winning season and 50% of the players had finished their time in the program. Those expecting Fox to walk in the door and change everything need to realize patience is needed. Myself included. Better attrition rate will be a great first step.
Any thoughts on what happened with that 2016 class? Barely above a quarter of the players stuck with it?
Just a nit, cuz the research is there and important. I believe the %ages are "retention" rates and not attrition. Attition would be players lost. These figures show the guys who stuck with it. Right?
So I am in left field - so were many great baseball legends and people of brilliance and integrity. I cannot constantly drinking the brown and gold kool aid; in fact, it sounds disgusting
2016 revisited
QB
Papenfuss
Mullen
Duncan
Seewald
3/4
Coach: Cecchini
RB
Boxrucker
Cartales
Petrie
3/3
Coach: Snyder
WR
Reckards
Orlich
Reitz
Gessinger
0/4
Coach: Miran
TE
Martin
Petruf
Hassel
0/3
Coach: Caygoz
OL
Pierce
Stephens
Biggs
Kamara
Williams
1/5
Coach:Giacalone
DL
Dixon
Sperling
Goebel
Reed
Zajac
Osmond
3/6
Coach: Rouse
LB
Newkirk
Johnson
Welch
Farwick
Petroff
Bucket
O'Brien
0/7
Coach: Manalac
DB
Crook
Booker
Bender
Allen
Fortman
1/5
Coach: Moore
K
Latsonas
Elion
1/2
Coach: Snyder
Quote from: JD24 on September 19, 2019, 12:59:06 PMI'm looking at a 20-17 Valpo victory.
How much of your hard earned money would you bet on that prediction? $1? $5? $10? $20? $40? $50? $75? $100? $150? $200? $250? $500? $1,000?
Quote from: bbtds on September 20, 2019, 12:53:57 AMQuote from: JD24 on September 19, 2019, 12:59:06 PMI'm looking at a 20-17 Valpo victory.
How much of your hard earned money would you bet on that prediction? $1? $5? $10? $20? $40? $50? $75? $100? $150? $200? $250? $500? $1,000?
Look my friend, if you get your jollies shitting on the team be my guest. There's a certain number of posters here and on the basketball thread who seem to extract some level of glee in pointing out poor or potential poor performance. Maybe it helps them get through the day, I don't know.
As to whether Valpo's football team will beat Truman, I have no idea. I'd just prefer to think that this is a winable game as opposed to the first two games. If you don't, then that's ok. Just be sure to enjoy your misery.
Game time moved to 3pm for weather concerns.....or so they say.
The real reason is that I may not have been able to watch a game beginning at 7pm so it was moved for me.
Quote from: talksalot on September 18, 2019, 06:16:39 PM
Game time is 7pm.. I believe
ok, so we were both wrong. now 3pm
SAT SEP 21 Thunderstorms
SSW 16 mph 87%
Thunderstorms likely in the morning. Then the chance of scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. High 79F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
SAT NIGHT SEP 21 Thunderstorms
SSW 12 mph 92%
Showers and thunderstorms likely. Potential for heavy rainfall. Low 68F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
so.... About this running game.
TSU stats over two games:
RUSHING YARDAGE 234
Yards gained rushing 284
Yards lost rushing 50
Rushing Attempts 74
Average Per Rush 3.2
Average Per Game 117.0
TDs Rushing 1
TSU Opponent Stats
RUSHING YARDAGE 200
Yards gained rushing 277
Yards lost rushing 77
Rushing Attempts 66
Average Per Rush 3.0
Average Per Game 100.0
TDs Rushing 2
Valpo Stats
RUSHING YARDAGE 135
Yards gained rushing 183
Yards lost rushing 48
Rushing Attempts 71
Average Per Rush 1.9
Average Per Game 67.5
TDs Rushing 1
Valpo Opponents
RUSHING YARDAGE 648
Yards gained rushing 678
Yards lost rushing 30
Rushing Attempts 77
Average Per Rush 8.4
Average Per Game 324.0
TDs Rushing 9
Game is 100% winnable not much faith in our O which means D will be on the field a lot
D on the field a lot against a triple option run heavy teams means to them wearing down .
I genuinely hope I'm wrong Duncan throws for 300 and we win by 21. I just don't see it.
All the rushing stats for and against don't really mean anything as I would think Valpo's opponents have been significantly better that TSU's.
And I am slightly surprised at the rushing numbers for TSU -- 3.2 per carry isn't great and to have only 234 net yards on the ground in two games (117 yds/game) is not like them.
Quote from: vu72 on September 20, 2019, 01:46:33 PMAll the rushing stats for and against don't really mean anything as I would think Valpo's opponents have been significantly better that TSU's.
Absolutely true. Drake couldn't run the ball against Truman but Drake hasn't been able to run the ball against their other opponents either.
Cmon wake up guys.
Mullen in at QB - thank you.
I don't think Valpo's problems on offense can be solved strictly by a switch in QBs. Mullen's arm doesn't appear to be all that strong and the defense is just being allowed to play up close to the LOS killing the running game. So maybe everybody saying it is right about the offense not being able to do anything...some of which is explainable...I think the WR/TE crew is simply bad....and some of which isn't....I think the OL should simply be playing better.
There's also a couple of guys on offense in key positions who have played scared in my view.
In other good news, Skarecky went hobbling off the field right at the end. Based on hobble observation, I'd say a pretty good niggle in his left ankle.
Why these guys would be playing scared is beyond me. The running game is nonexistent, as the Truman broadcasters have observed.
24 nil.
Wow Latsonas is in one serious funk...
Seewald is in :o
Seewald in the game down 38 nil...
This is the worst loss since 50-7 Franklin in 2010.
There's an overall lack of interest from potential students (800 freshman), which I'm sure transfers over to a football team a decade behind in facilities.
I appreciate the kids who have put on the brown or gold win or lose but I'm beginning to think Dave's 6-5 teams was one of the best jobs in CFB .
I love the program and don't think ending it is the proper response. Maybe a new AD could swing things. Can't be out of the question with our other sports performances
Quote from: usc4valpo on September 21, 2019, 04:55:08 PMWow Latsonas is in one serious funk...
So is the snapper.
Fb16 - pretty bold statement. We are in the fourth quarter with 4 first downs. Unacceptable.
Bold that I don't want to cancel program, University has a lack of interest, terrible facilities for our conference, historically bad loss, or we need a new AD
Because there's evidence all of that is true
Bold that you have the courage to see the reality here.
Valpo avoids the shutout. Ickow praising Seewald during garbage time and wondering about QB changes.
Jimmy goes in throws touchdown first series.
Can I sign Duncan's transfer portal paperwork?
how bad is Charleston? May not be the ham and egger I would presume it would be.
Seewald goes in first series gets TD on a 3rd string defense tell it like it is ! I was there it was Truman's 3rd string if you gonna talk football tell the facts. Hope Duncan does transfer these coaches need direction but I don't think these qb 's really care it's just fun now I mean come on not a serious program.
Dcannon - I am just reporting what Todd said, the Marty Moon of Valpo sports - just kidding, he has a tough job and has to make it interesting.
Well the say I am quoting Todd he announces for a football at valpo never has moved on well ya know why that is! If I knew he said it I would of laughed he never tells the whole story he probably thinks Seewald is back lol.
I'll end with this Valpo has no athletic talent just pure talent none. That's just how it is these students should not take it serious go along for the ride and have fun.
This was a headline on the full NCAA website. Jeez. To finish the link......... D-II football 7 victories over "FCS" programs this season. [my quotes]. Sure doesn't make Valpo look too good. Butthen, we are FCS in name only.
https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2019-09-21/truman-bests-valparaiso-gives-dii-football-seven-victories-over
For the Record Dcannon has said ahem
Our defense doesn't defend, receivers no talent run wrong routes, oline does not block
Our program is a joke and Todd Ickow has never been able to advance in his career.
Also claims that what I presume is his relative Duncan will enter the transfer portal after this following year and that it's our program and coaches fault
No need for this negativity for an underperforming senior in year 1 in new phase of the program. But btw I've heard on all accounts the kid is a great kid and does not represent in the slightest manner the opinions above. Sad!
Not negativity. It's the truth not singling out anyone ok maybe Todd but he's a side show.
So now we've taken to picking on Todd Ickow.
Amazing.
Other than being healthy, Seewald doesn't have much to prove. He's still the best QB on the roster who we've seen play.
My guess is that Jimmy has been getting 3rd string reps while he was recovering. It was pretty evident in his accuracy. But you could see the faster pace of his reads and decision making. As long as he remains healthy, the ball will come out quicker than our other QBs, and with more game speed reps he might regain the form that resulted in over 2k yards in the air two seasons ago. I hope his receivers can adjust and find ways to get open.
Quote from: JD24 on September 20, 2019, 11:35:54 AM
Quote from: bbtds on September 20, 2019, 12:53:57 AMQuote from: JD24 on September 19, 2019, 12:59:06 PMI'm looking at a 20-17 Valpo victory.
How much of your hard earned money would you bet on that prediction? $1? $5? $10? $20? $40? $50? $75? $100? $150? $200? $250? $500? $1,000?
Look my friend, if you get your jollies shitting on the team be my guest. There's a certain number of posters here and on the basketball thread who seem to extract some level of glee in pointing out poor or potential poor performance. Maybe it helps them get through the day, I don't know.
As to whether Valpo's football team will beat Truman, I have no idea. I'd just prefer to think that this is a winable game as opposed to the first two games. If you don't, then that's ok. Just be sure to enjoy your misery.
Really, you call it sh!tting on the teams. I call it being realistic. I know I can be silly, exhausting and a lot of other adjectives but I have been following Valpo teams for longer than you have been alive, since I was five, and I didn't do it to "sh!t" on the teams.
Quote from: bbtds on September 21, 2019, 08:56:27 PMQuote from: JD24 on September 20, 2019, 11:35:54 AMQuote from: bbtds on September 20, 2019, 12:53:57 AMQuote from: JD24 on September 19, 2019, 12:59:06 PMI'm looking at a 20-17 Valpo victory.
How much of your hard earned money would you bet on that prediction? $1? $5? $10? $20? $40? $50? $75? $100? $150? $200? $250? $500? $1,000?
Look my friend, if you get your jollies shitting on the team be my guest. There's a certain number of posters here and on the basketball thread who seem to extract some level of glee in pointing out poor or potential poor performance. Maybe it helps them get through the day, I don't know. As to whether Valpo's football team will beat Truman, I have no idea. I'd just prefer to think that this is a winable game as opposed to the first two games. If you don't, then that's ok. Just be sure to enjoy your misery.
Really, you call it sh!tting on the teams. I call it being realistic. I know I can be silly, exhausting and a lot of other adjectives but I have been following Valpo teams for longer than you have been alive, since I was five, and I didn't do it to "sh!t" on the teams.
Well then you must be pretty old. Therefore enjoy your misery.
JD24 - bless your heart, but when you predict a win for Valpo and they get wasted, you are going to take grief. No need to act millennial.
Quote from: usc4valpo on September 21, 2019, 09:37:48 PMJD24 - bless your heart, but when you predict a win for Valpo and they get wasted, you are going to take grief. No need to act millennial.
Grief for a prediction which didn't happen I have no problem with and it's obvious that I'll have to adjust my thinking on the rest of the season. This saddens me and doesn't fill me with the glee it appears to with other posters.
Let me ask everyone....how can Davidson turn it around from a spot lower than Valpo to where they were last year and they appear to be better this season with very little in the way of change in personnel, facilities or any other concerns expressed by Valpo fans as to where this program is?
What I meant in this post was that the Saders would win the fourth game of the season, and not win 4 games. I was thinking more like a 2-9 season
JD24 - I cannot answer that other than the other Pioneer teams are more dedicated to athletics than Valparaiso. Davidson also has more money and greater athletic success over the past few decades, particularly in basketball.
Well JD24 to put things bluntly
1) Hired Scott Abel who was a proven non scholarship Head Coach
2) Hired him on Jan. 2 as opposed to week before spring break
3) He brought his staff with him
4) much nicer football facility
5) much better recruiting geographic, closer to south, better weather
6) much improved brand name of school due to Stephen Curry, think 2012,2013 butler championship teams
7) brought in a full first recruiting class of players that fit their system
8) we have Mark Labarbera, overall lack of interest in University , Cecchini left on signing day, forced to live in dorms from 50s for three years, no alcohol on campus, tuition prices raising , HS football field
Not beating a dead horse
Quote from: valpofb16 on September 22, 2019, 09:07:13 AMWell JD24 to put things bluntly 1) Hired Scott Abel who was a proven non scholarship Head Coach 2) Hired him on Jan. 2 as opposed to week before spring break 3) He brought his staff with him
The hiring date is likely at least a somewhat significant factor in current play but it is also the remnants of the previous regime of which I think too many think too highly of even if that in itself is not too high. Better than the previous regime for sure however I just don't think they were as good as certainly they thought....particularly in the recruiting game. So whether anyone wants to hear it or not and that includes me, we're going to have to wait on Coach Fox and his staff to give them a full opportunity.
What Coach Abell brought was "different" and it's possible that "different" is what will work. MLB unfortunately was put in a tough spot in hiring Fox. I don't think there was a long list of seasoned coaches willing to leave a program to come to Valpo in February. So he probably did as well as he could. However Fox and his staff just do the same thing that hundreds of other coaches do and they are challenged with doing it better than other staffs in possibly more advantageous situations.
Right now it's hard to even critique the defense. The first two games were against clearly superior talent which I always find tells us nothing. Yesterday with 3 non-offensive TD's for Truman, it takes away 3 offensive possessions from them and we don't get to see how the defense truly looks. The offense really has me wondering as it shouldn't be this bad although I thought the passing game would suffer. That was not a confident looking bunch yesterday.
Quote from: valpofb16 on September 22, 2019, 09:07:13 AM
Well JD24 to put things bluntly
1) Hired Scott Abel who was a proven non scholarship Head Coach
2) Hired him on Jan. 2 as opposed to week before spring break
3) He brought his staff with him
4) much nicer football facility
5) much better recruiting geographic, closer to south, better weather
6) much improved brand name of school due to Stephen Curry, think 2012,2013 butler championship teams
7) brought in a full first recruiting class of players that fit their system
8) we have Mark Labarbera, overall lack of interest in University , Cecchini left on signing day, forced to live in dorms from 50s for three years, no alcohol on campus, tuition prices raising , HS football field
Not beating a dead horse
Add a #9. Abel brought with him a proven offensive system that leverages undersized and less than super-jock players ala, Navy, Army and Georgia Tech in the FBS to be competitive against teams with greater talent. Case in point yesterday. Davidson lost on a 50 yard FG with 0.06 on the clock to fully FCS scholarshipped Campbell. DC out gained Campbell 513 - 333 (413 on the ground) and had 28 first downs to Campbell's 18. And it was at Campbell in front of 5,300 fans. Two seasons ago many of those same Davidson kids couldn't win their way out of a paper bag.
And a comment. A small nit here, but the new playing surface and its surroundings (i.e., track and visitor grandstands) are first class now. It's the home side stadium and press box that are HS.
24, your points on the late hire also spill into the subsequent assembling of the staff which also stole valuable time away from developing the team in Fox's image. It is a cobbled-together staff. I wouldn't be surprised that Fox will adjust his staff after the season to improve on areas of weakness like overall special teams not just place kicking (mainly the punt/KO return defenses and Valpo return components), finding the right offensive scheme that leverages Valpo talent levels, etc.
And to your point about Dave Cecchini: so far Bucknell is 0-3 having lost to FBS Temple (12-55), Villanova (10-45), and, just yesterday, Sacred Heart (10-30) :o. Combined scores = 126 to 32. Dave (1) brought in his own staff, (2) has beau coup financial resources, (3) FB scholarships and (4) great facilities, yet, so far he has not turned around the Bison the way Abel turned around Davidson.
Fox is in a very tough situation this year to enable success, and I feel bad for him as he seems genuine and not a flake.
Regarding Duncan, he may be a great kid, but nothing personal about him was brought up. He is struggling out there, and It is quite certain a healthy Seewald would be best at QB. I am not even sure Seewald can even play a full game. Todd Ickow proposing a QB controversy after a TD drive against Truman's third string defense was a little bizarre.
This football team in a state of disarray, which is nothing unique for those on the board.
Quote from: usc4valpo on September 22, 2019, 10:37:14 AM
Fox is in a very tough situation this year to enable success, and I feel bad for him as he seems genuine and not a flake.
Regarding Duncan, he may be a great kid, but nothing personal about him was brought up. He is struggling out there, and It is quite certain a healthy Seewald would be best at QB. I am not even sure Seewald can even play a full game. Todd Ickow proposing a QB controversy after a TD drive against Truman's third string defense was a little bizarre.
This football team in a state of disarray, which is nothing unique for those on the board.
If, and it is a huge if, Seewald is healthy enough to grab and keep the QB1 position, I suspect the offensive unit's overall confidence will grow significantly. Unit play reflects its leader (i.e., the QB). If the QB is confident and leads with cool authority and execution, the unit as a whole plays better. The converse is also true. A nervous, less than confident QB who has trouble making quick decisions or executing will cause the whole unit to play tentatively as well. The kids know Jimmy's capabilities and need only go back to the 2017 campaign to validate his leadership and skills.
Seewald > Duncan. Simple as that, regardless of which defense was in at the end. Duncan can't throw it within 10 feet of his WRs, and just looks lost. Apologies if he is your relative, but I wouldn't be sad to see him transfer.
Quote from: VULB#62 on September 22, 2019, 10:49:34 AMQuote from: usc4valpo on September 22, 2019, 10:37:14 AMFox is in a very tough situation this year to enable success, and I feel bad for him as he seems genuine and not a flake. Regarding Duncan, he may be a great kid, but nothing personal about him was brought up. He is struggling out there, and It is quite certain a healthy Seewald would be best at QB. I am not even sure Seewald can even play a full game. Todd Ickow proposing a QB controversy after a TD drive against Truman's third string defense was a little bizarre. This football team in a state of disarray, which is nothing unique for those on the board.
If, and it is a huge if, Seewald is healthy enough to grab and keep the QB1 position, I suspect the offensive unit's overall confidence will grow significantly. Unit play reflects its leader (i.e., the QB). If the QB is confident and leads with cool authority and execution, the unit as a whole plays better. The converse is also true. A nervous, less than confident QB who has trouble making quick decisions or executing will cause the whole unit to play tentatively as well. The kids know Jimmy's capabilities and need only go back to the 2017 campaign to validate his leadership and skills.
Even last year it seemed as if the offense would immediately play better when Seewald came in the game with a bad wing.
With that said, the rest of the offense needs to pick it up (coaches included) and one guy can't be the only guy who can play QB for this team as has seemed to be the case for the last 4 years or so.
Yesterday, even the few runs on which Seewald handed off, it seemed like the line blocked better and the backs ran harder. And I don't think it was my imagination.
BTW, I really appreciated seeing the game on the TSU feed, but compared to our ESPN+ multi-camera, and replay capability, it was just single camera rudimentary with no replays that I recall. I understand that from the TSU side it was a blow out and the announcers were searching for things to say, but they talked right over some important things like penalties which I wanted to know about.
62 - be aware that Seewald was in against Truman's third string defense.
We can disagree about our football team but I think we can all agree that USC should stop calling us the Saders.
Quote from: usc4valpo on September 22, 2019, 02:59:01 PM
62 - be aware that Seewald was in against Truman's third string defense.
Been reading dcannon much? :). That doesn't matter. I was watching the OL explosion and the determination of the RBs. The entire O unit was down and listless up until the change in QBs. But as soon as Jimmy entered the huddle, I thought I saw a change in demeanor both in pass protection as well as run blocking. To be sure, he will make mistakes and he has limited mobility, but our kids will play better with Jimmy in there.
As long as people quit calling USC "Southern Cal" ala Lou Holtz, I can cease to persist.
62 - agreed, I just wonder if Seewald with all his injuries should be playing. As you know I have been a Seewald fan since he won Pioneer Player of the Week after a great performance over Trinity of Deerfield. I just hope he is being smart regarding this.
I thought that Fox's decision to take him out and put in Nimz for the final series was an indication that the staff is still concerned about preserving Seewald's health.
OTOH, I was a bit miffed that with a minute to go there was no effort to even practice a 2 minute offense under game conditions. But the kid has never seen the field before, so I guess that's asking too much.
According to the official Play-by-play, 14 of the 20 tackles made while Seewald was in the game were made by players listed as 1st or 2nd teamers on the Truman State pregame depth chart. Maybe this will put to bed the "Seewald did it against the third team defense" narrative.
Thanks for that tidbit, Chef. Long time since we've heard from you. Welcome back ;D Looking forward to your PBP on the ESPN+ feed.
Chef, 62 - fair enough, but it is also fair to say he was playing during garbage time when the game was out of reach