Game notes and two-deep are out for the Morehead game. No Mikey. QBs are Jackson and R-F Rowan Keefe. Butler listed as #2 RB. I'm interested to see if he gets enough snaps so that we will be able to see how well he runs from the LOS. Teams are now kicking away from him on KOs.
Morehead has a decent offense running up 31 points last week against Dayton. In three PFL games they have allowed 58 points to our 56 in two.
Morehead seems to score points very well and we ermmm don't. Their defense also looks better than typical Morehead
31-14 Eagles
I'm cautiously optimistic, after all we saw Mikey go scoreless for 3 quarters, then Jackson comes in the 4th and throws 2 TD's to Sol... So I'm kinda looking forward to seeing what Jackson can do for an entire game. And maybe see Keefe. Its not like Valpo has a choice now, so hopefully they can make the best of what they have to work with today. Go Beacons!
Jackson's main attraction is that he's mobile and he was playing against a defense looking more for statue. His arm appears to be fairly limited and he missed a couple of throws last week by a fair margin in the short time he was in there. The TD to Davis was essentially a fling. Without a ton of help at either RB or WR and with at least a little bit of tape for MSU to view, I don't have a ton of hope for the offense.
Would be a great story if 6th year QB Jackson brings this team into the win column. It sounds like he has been a total team player since Day 1, including excelling at scout team duties. I root for guys like that.
We get our first PFL win this season.
VU 31 - 24
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24-14 MSU.
Morehead State 34
Valpo 21
MSU 28
VU 13
24-10 MSU over Valpo
Well well well how the turn tables
Also Drake is murdering Saint Thomas for their 6th straight win
Valpo had opportunity to take a field goal and go up 10 with 6:50 left and Morehead State with two timeouts.
As a defender of him. This was on him.
Going for it on 4th down was stupid. Take the points.
However.....
...absolutely attrocious DB play after that.
I have a feeling the guy who elected to go for it on 4th down is the same guy that coaches corners....
That was worst non talent related coaching loss I've seen in my 10 related years
They had a 95.5% expectancy to win on ESPN with 2:31 left and loss
This result is so depressing. Not taking 3 points that were a virtual gift. Thus eventually hanging the game on a 0.00 FG instead of forcing MSU to score a FG to tie rather tha; win (and even then handing them two tries).
But....
Despite the deep frustration, I remember the decade of embarrassment during the Adams/Carlson era and, to a lesser degree, with the inadequate-defense Cecchini years. And the fact that our last 5 losses have been by one score, and that about half of Fox's games have been decided by one score tells me that Valpo is almost there competitively — there is a magic pill (maybe a higher assistant coach salary budget? ? ?) out there somewhere; Fox and Smart have just got to find it. Soon. Despite the memories, I am not satisfied with what I just described. Smart and Fox better not be either.
Didja see the Drake -Tommies score?
We are so close, dammit!
Quote from: valpofb16 on October 14, 2023, 04:18:04 PMI have a feeling the guy who elected to go for it on 4th down is the same guy that coaches corners.... That was worst non talent related coaching loss I've seen in my 10 related years They had a 95.5% expectancy to win on ESPN with 2:31 left and loss
Earnest Moore vs SD in Cecchini's first year. Could have been a great sendoff to the seniors who'd been tortured under Carlson and he leaves a DB on an island on the final play.
That's not what happened that play. Since it was 9 years ago let bygones be bygones
Gut punch of a loss watched presser. Fox gave them green light to punch it in. It's not his fault Symmes came out in Empty again on the goaline for a QB run.
I mean it's just inadequate. It's not a talent deal, I truly believe and many players have shown they can win in this league.
But Symmes has taken a video game approach to this season. I hope the school ponies up so we can get more than a former water boy/volunteer on staff to call the plays
Why on earth you don't make it a two score game in the fourth is beyond me.
Furious to say least. Fox was missing two key starters and D played well for 46 minutes.
Unless he's got absolutely no faith in his kicker and in his defense, passing up the field goal try was a humongous blunder.
To his great credit, Coach Fox has assembled a roster capable of winning at this level. But the coaching staff is undermining the talent on the field. Maybe you don't win all the close ones, but this team could easily be 4-2 and in conference contention.
This is Fox's third year. You have to win games and seal the deal properly at this stage. You can only be so patient where the results are not there. I certainly not saying to search for a new coach, but discussion of an extension should be off the table.
I am not sure it was addressed in the press conference on the decision to go for it on fourth down instead of the sensible decision to kick the FG and be up by 10. Is the media soft? Are they concerned Cox will let out his inner Ditka?
Quote from: valpofb16 on October 15, 2023, 01:07:30 AMThat's not what happened that play. Since it was 9 years ago let bygones be bygones
I'm actually fairly curious as to what did happen on that play that led to the result because it appeared to be a major cluster you know what. Do tell if you have a moment.
Quote from: valpofb16 on October 15, 2023, 01:10:15 AM
Gut punch of a loss watched presser. Fox gave them green light to punch it in. It's not his fault Symmes came out in Empty again on the goaline for a QB run..
WHAT :o ? I did not see the game nor listen to it. But, man, when you've got a very, very young OL that has trouble controlling the LOS, page one in the the basic football 101 text book is overwhelm and outnumber at the point of attack. You can't do that with an empty backfield. What makes this even more of a head scratcher is that today's rules allow pushing the pile - hard to do with Empty.
Quote from: usc4valpo on October 15, 2023, 08:29:11 AM
I am not sure it was addressed in the press conference on the decision to go for it on fourth down instead of the sensible decision to kick the FG and be up by 10. Is the media soft? Are they concerned Cox will let out his inner Ditka?
Did you watch the press conference? Did you read the story? What are you not sure about?
I've seen Symmes come out on the sub 5 yard line in empty against IWU, SWMS, Drake, and now Morehead.
At least the play where our LT jumping up and down for a screen diversion was taken out of playbook.
I'm honestly very worried about state of program if Fox steps down.
I watched the "press conference" and I was struck by how much Coach Fox in his opening statement is unfortunately beginning to sound like Matt Lottich, except his mantra is that players need to execute the plan. Also, though this is called a "press conference," again it is really only an interview by Paul, who asks all the questions. Bless Paul for doing a fine job and carrying the full load! But the title seems a bit misleading. Even if the local newspapers no longer show interest, couldn't the Torch have a sportswriter there, who follows the team to write a story for the paper and who gains good experience by asking questions as well, at least at home games. This seems like a lost opportunity for a communication student's learning experience. Also, why not have Brandon or whoever is writing the game recap at Valpo Athletics ask a question or two? Try something to add voices so that the gathering truly feels like more than a pretend press conference.
Decision to go was stupid. Playcall may have been more stupid.
That said...allowing three nearly consecutive deep throws behind the defense is inexcusable. Not even close enough to the receivers to pull them down and two of them were on what appeared to be simple out and ups.
I overlooked the comment on the previous response. My apologies.
Dumb play calling at the end.
pal - they need reporters being being a bit more critical on their performance. It sounds too much like a Bible study.
Quote from: usc4valpo on October 15, 2023, 01:40:28 PM
pal - they need reporters being being a bit more critical on their performance. It sounds too much like a Bible study.
I'm going to respectfully disagree, and when I say respectfully, I truly mean it. Let me explain.
I absolutely, without question, believe that Valparaiso should've kicked the field goal to go up two scores. I was shocked they went for it on fourth down and I made that clear to anyone who was within earshot of me in the press box. I even went up to a former football player who was in the press box and asked him how a playcall like that gets made (Is it the OC who makes the call? Does Landon have veto power? Etc...)
I think if Valpo kicks the field goal there and goes up 17-7, the entire game plays out differently and Valparaiso probably wins. That's what I think.
I asked Landon about the decision in the press conference. It was an obvious question to ask, but still, I was mindful of how I asked it and here is why...Landon Fox is a Division I football coach. I am not. To pretend that I know more about football than Landon would be foolish. This is where the idea of being critical gets complicated. The job of the interviewer, in my opinion, is to 1) gain information 2) tap into someone's thoughts or emotions and 3) seek an expert's opinion. It is not my job to say "Landon, you screwed this one up."
I think all of this gets even further complicated when you consider I'm the only reporter in there most of the time. The student newspaper typically has someone in the pressers, but it was Fall Break this weekend and the students were gone. In a press conference where there are a handful of reporters, you might get the chance to ask two or three questions, and you always have time to think about your questions while other reporters are asking theirs. As the only reporter in there, it's rapid fire. As soon as one answer is given, I'm on to asking the next question.
There have been plenty of things I've disagreed with that Valpo coaches have done over the years. Substitution patterns, style of play, timeout usage etc. I also know they have far more expertise in those matters than I do.
So, when a decision happens that I disagree with, I'll continue to ask the question to gain information, to tap into their emotions and to get an expert's opinion. I probably won't criticize them while I'm at it.
Paul has done a great job giving an FCS level football team the media coverage that is expected throughout other Universities.
I cannot mirror that with other area personnel (why wouldn't they allow multiple student reporters to get experience in a presser setting and can collaborate for the final workpiece?)
I believe the level of frustration at the end of the game was at an all time high with the staff.
I don't agree with Landon's call but I get it. He wanted his struggling football team to go get 3! 3! Yards in 4 plays to WIN a football game. What I don't think he weighed was how much wind would come out the sails coming up short. Nor do I think he weighed how incompetent his OC is
While I disagree with Fox. I despise Symmes handling of the situation. Mann at this point had over 100 yards , a touchdown, and our downhill back. And YET!
We go empty on 3rd down with Jackson on a QB zone (which has not worked out of empty , Appel had Thomas as a lead blocker against SWMSU) and then Mann doesn't go back on field, he brings in Butler and they run a read option (which they fumbled the exact play on first 4th down of game).
That is terrible , I mean terrible coaching
OK, I respect what you are saying, and respect that Fox is a Div. 1 coach , but in reality a Division1 coach in name only. Valpo is undoubtedly in the weakest Div 1 conference in football, with team existing just for the sake of having a program without much urgency to be successful.
Paul does a phenomenol job BTW on his blog and reporting. I just wish as a whole the discussion was a little more critical and more than just Paul. Hearing that we love football and we are growing is just a bit fluffy.
For a D1 PROGRAM, more reporters need to be present to ask a variety of questions.
Quote from: Pgmado on October 16, 2023, 12:31:39 AM
Quote from: usc4valpo on October 15, 2023, 01:40:28 PM
pal - they need reporters being being a bit more critical on their performance. It sounds too much like a Bible study.
I think all of this gets even further complicated when you consider I'm the only reporter in there most of the time. The student newspaper typically has someone in the pressers, but it was Fall Break this weekend and the students were gone. In a press conference where there are a handful of reporters, you might get the chance to ask two or three questions, and you always have time to think about your questions while other reporters are asking theirs. As the only reporter in there, it's rapid fire. As soon as one answer is given, I'm on to asking the next question.
I agree, Paul. This is why I mentioned the awkward situation you find yourself as the only one to ask questions, even though you do a fine job. I thought of the fact that it was Fall Break, but you were the only questioner in the previous press conferences as well (plus any student paper of worth would guarantee a reporter at the university football game even during Fall Break), so that didn't seem a legitimate excuse for the lack of at least one student reporter to ask questions. Student sportswriters are missing the learning experience of participating in a press conference.
Quote from: valpopal on October 16, 2023, 10:15:21 AM
Quote from: Pgmado on October 16, 2023, 12:31:39 AM
Quote from: usc4valpo on October 15, 2023, 01:40:28 PM
pal - they need reporters being being a bit more critical on their performance. It sounds too much like a Bible study.
I think all of this gets even further complicated when you consider I'm the only reporter in there most of the time. The student newspaper typically has someone in the pressers, but it was Fall Break this weekend and the students were gone. In a press conference where there are a handful of reporters, you might get the chance to ask two or three questions, and you always have time to think about your questions while other reporters are asking theirs. As the only reporter in there, it's rapid fire. As soon as one answer is given, I'm on to asking the next question.
I agree, Paul. This is why I mentioned the awkward situation you find yourself as the only one to ask questions, even though you do a fine job. I thought of the fact that it was Fall Break, but you were the only questioner in the previous press conferences as well (plus any student paper of worth would guarantee a reporter at the university football game even during Fall Break), so that didn't seem a legitimate excuse for the lack of at least one student reporter to ask questions. Student sportswriters are missing the learning experience of participating in a press conference.
You're preaching to the choir.
Still just amazed roster does not have some sort of Rhino set where Vickers and Carter or an extra lineman comes in on short yardage. Especially with Manns downhill ability.
It's almost like Symmes has tried to stat pad the QB near the goaline
Quote from: Pgmado on October 16, 2023, 12:31:39 AM
Quote from: usc4valpo on October 15, 2023, 01:40:28 PM
pal - they need reporters being being a bit more critical on their performance. It sounds too much like a Bible study.
I'm going to respectfully disagree, and when I say respectfully, I truly mean it. Let me explain.
I absolutely, without question, believe that Valparaiso should've kicked the field goal to go up two scores. I was shocked they went for it on fourth down and I made that clear to anyone who was within earshot of me in the press box. I even went up to a former football player who was in the press box and asked him how a playcall like that gets made (Is it the OC who makes the call? Does Landon have veto power? Etc...)
I think if Valpo kicks the field goal there and goes up 17-7, the entire game plays out differently and Valparaiso probably wins. That's what I think.
I asked Landon about the decision in the press conference. It was an obvious question to ask, but still, I was mindful of how I asked it and here is why...Landon Fox is a Division I football coach. I am not. To pretend that I know more about football than Landon would be foolish. This is where the idea of being critical gets complicated. The job of the interviewer, in my opinion, is to 1) gain information 2) tap into someone's thoughts or emotions and 3) seek an expert's opinion. It is not my job to say "Landon, you screwed this one up."
I think all of this gets even further complicated when you consider I'm the only reporter in there most of the time. The student newspaper typically has someone in the pressers, but it was Fall Break this weekend and the students were gone. In a press conference where there are a handful of reporters, you might get the chance to ask two or three questions, and you always have time to think about your questions while other reporters are asking theirs. As the only reporter in there, it's rapid fire. As soon as one answer is given, I'm on to asking the next question.
There have been plenty of things I've disagreed with that Valpo coaches have done over the years. Substitution patterns, style of play, timeout usage etc. I also know they have far more expertise in those matters than I do.
So, when a decision happens that I disagree with, I'll continue to ask the question to gain information, to tap into their emotions and to get an expert's opinion. I probably won't criticize them while I'm at it.
Well said.
It is why we appreciate all that you do, especially thevictorybell.com
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Quote from: valpofb16 on October 16, 2023, 02:57:27 PM
Still just amazed roster does not have some sort of Rhino set where Vickers and Carter or an extra lineman comes in on short yardage. Especially with Manns downhill ability.
It's almost like Symmes has tried to stat pad the QB near the goaline
I've said it before and fb16 has just echoed it. ELEPHANT! Or Rhino, or Buffalo, or whatever you want to call it — "overwhelm and outnumber at the point of attack for critical short yardage situations." The odds of success have been overwhelmingly demonstrated over time. It is a no brainer that even HS coaches understand.
Oh, but I get it. It's not sophisticated enough for a college team to just line up and push it in without flair