2013 Football

[bbtds]

A nice video from our opening opponent, North Dakota: (wait through a couple of pictures and then you can click on "opening drive"

http://www.undsports.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=13500&SPID=6399&SPSID=58640

Life doesn't seem that hard in Four Thousand Prongs.

[VULB#62]

Cool approach to keeping fans involved.

[usc4valpo]

Is anyone going to the scrimage?

[valpopal]

I attended the Brown & Gold scrimmage and took photographs. The play was pretty ragged at times, but it was good to see the players in uniform, and they all seemed pleased to participate in a game-like situation. I also enjoyed taking sports photos again. There were a few fine highlights, including an amazing one-handed catch and an acrobatic fingertip catch on a couple of passes, both of which are among my pictures.

The day was sunny with a temperature about 80 degrees, so the water spouts on the sideline were the most popular spots much of the time. Below are a sample of my pictures, but I have 20 images archived in a set at Valpo Sports Photography I invite you to check out: http://www.flickr.com/photos/96208998@N05/sets/72157635113004999/
 

[VULB#62]

Great shots Pal. Glad they have finally gone to a game-like scrimmage approach.  The old O vs. D concept was confusing and, I'm sorry, but for me it didn't really simulate a game-like feeling.  From a player perspective, this format at least puts a game-like experience under the kids belts.  With the  previous format the first game experience was the first game.  But 33 - 0 is not a usual preseason score.  Might have been the way the teams were structured.  Maybe #1 O and #1 D versus #2 O & D. Be nice if they published the stats.  Would like to know who did what.

[covufan]

Here is the write up:

http://www.valpoathletics.com/football/news/2013-14/12840/brown-vs-gold-game-a-success/

Brown vs. Gold Game a Success


Requires Adobe Flash
Saturday, August 17, 2013

Parents and fans got their first look at the 2013 Crusaders Saturday afternoon at Brown Field in the Brown vs. Gold game. Though the Brown squad came away with a 33-0 victory, the final score remains an afterthought compared to the opportunity to see what individuals can do in a game setting.

"I was pleased with the way the guys responded. Overall, the guys that we thought could play stepped up, and we had some players on the Gold team - especially defensively - do some good things," head coach Dale Carlson said afterwards.

Four quarterbacks (Ryan Gorski, Ben Lehman, Trae Hoeske, and Eric Hoffman) cycled in and out as each received several series with both sides. Junior tight end Kent Warren made a few acrobatic catches, while wide receiver Fred Gladney also hauled in a number of passes and contributed with considerable yards after the catch.

With some success in the air, the running game opened up nicely. Freshman running back Denzell Conway burst through a number of holes. Sophomore Brandon Hall scampered in for a touchdown run as the 5'9'' 215-pound back powered through tackles to find the end zone.

Carlson felt the scrimmage served its purpose in providing a showcase with which to evaluate players and dictate playing time.

"All in all, it looked like we came out pretty healthy. Now, it's time to get ready for North Dakota," Carlson concluded.

The Crusaders open their season Thursday, August 29th in Grand Forks versus the University of North Dakota. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 pm CT.


----------------

Looks like the RB spot is wide open. 

[bbtds]

Does anyone know of any video streaming for the game at Grand Forks?

[covufan]

The 2013-14 Roster is posted on the FB web site.

http://www.valpoathletics.com/football/roster/

As close as I can count there are 112 names of which 35 are incoming freshmen.  It includes the recently signed All-State kicker from Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Some nice qulifications for kids from some FB happy states (OH, FL, TX).  Let's hope these young kids come in and push the veterans. 

Good to see such enthusiasm in returning players.  Would like to see the two-deep roster to get an idea of where this team is compared to last season.

From the roster, I noticed that three jersey numbers are not used.  Is there a reason for not using 17, 53, or 77?  Does anyone know any stories of retired numbers?

[vu72]

Does anyone know of any video streaming for the game at Grand Forks?

Yes, the game will be on the net.  I think you can get a 24 hour pass for $9.95

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Midco Sports Network (MidcoSN) announced today its 2013-14 live broadcast schedule, which will feature at least 42 University of North Dakota home games. Thirty-six of the 42 games will be produced in high definition, making them the first HD home broadcasts in UND Athletics history and offering fans a first-class viewing experience.

MidcoSN's live broadcast lineup includes all seven of UND's home football games and 18 men's hockey games, as well as select volleyball, women's hockey and men's and women's basketball home games.

UND fans will also enjoy extensive original programming on MidcoSN, including UND Insider Weekly, Through These Doors, UND Sports Extra and the new North Dakota Hockey with Dave Hakstol, the latter two which are produced by MidcoSN.

"This year's partnership with Midco Sports Network means our fans will enjoy high definition for nearly our entire broadcast package, a year earlier than previously envisioned, and our fans will see even more original UND Athletics programming this year," said UND Athletics Director Brian Faison.

"Midco Sports network is pleased to continue its partnership with University of North Dakota," said Mark Powell, Vice President of Business Solutions for Midcontinent Communications. "UND Athletics is a staple of the network's development and growth. We are pleased to bring several games in quality, high definition during the 2013 -2014 season and look forward to producing original programs every week with UND Sports Extra and our new show, North Dakota Hockey with Dave Hakstol."

Hosted by UND television voice Dan Hammer, UND Sports Extra offers a weekly round-up of UND Athletics, including highlights, features and in-studio appearances by UND coaches. UND Insider Weekly (formerly UNDsports.TV) offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at the world of UND Athletics, featuring popular segments such as Pro-Tips, Not My Job and the Insider Roundtable. Now in its third season, the acclaimed web series Through These Doors makes its television debut in 2013-14 and takes fans inside UND's men's hockey program with 24/7-style coverage.

New in 2013-14 is North Dakota Hockey with Dave Hakstol, a weekly review and preview of UND men's hockey action, featuring head coach Dave Hakstol in studio with host Dan Hammer.

UND Sports Extra will air every Tuesday at 7 p.m. Central, followed by North Dakota Hockey with Dave Hakstol at 7:30. Both programs will re-air every Friday as part of a UND-heavy programming block that also includes UND Insider Weekly (5:30 p.m.) and Through These Doors (6:30 p.m.).

Faison also indicated that UND Athletics will continue to seek additional options for national broadcast distribution rights for all sports. CBS Sports Network (CBSSN) currently serves as the exclusive national broadcast partner for the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC), the new home of UND men's hockey.

CBSSN will broadcast an NCHC-high six UND games in 2013-14, including home games against Colorado College (Jan. 10) and Miami (Feb. 14), as well as road games at Miami (Oct. 18), Western Michigan (Dec. 6), Denver (Jan. 24) and St. Cloud State (Feb. 28).

UND on Midco Sports Network in 2013-14:

Date   Sport   Opponent   Time   
Aug. 29   FB   Valparaiso   7:00 pm   

[IndyValpo]

From the roster, I noticed that three jersey numbers are not used.  Is there a reason for not using 17, 53, or 77?  Does anyone know any stories of retired numbers?

#17 was DB Kevin Ferguson was has been on the roster for a couple of years but was dropped from the roster recently.  Similarly #77 was redshirt freshman OL Joesph Anger.  #53 has not had anyone this year but has in past seasons.  We had two recruits that apparently did not show up (Gunnar Wolfe LB and Eric Swope DL) who may have been that number.   

A few other names have dropped as well, redshirt freshman LB Carlos Hunter, freshman DB Johnathan Mangellizzi and freshman QB Cory Springsgut who was not listed among our recruits but came and appears to have left.

The big name who has disappeared is 2 year starting safety Dylan Storm.  Does anyone know that story?

[chef]

Storm quit the team. He was not listed as a starter when he quit. The safety position will be a strength with Alex Grask and Cody Cotton as starters.

[VU75]

Free streaming of the game  is available on the Big Sky website if you register.

[VUdad]

The unbalanced score from the recent scrimmage happened because the Brown team included all the #1 & 2 players, with 3s & 4s on Gold. The two new RBs made the best impressions--Hall and Conway. Hall is a tank who can cut well, Conway is very fast. The QB Hoffman started to (finally) throw the ball downfield, which opens up the run--which buys time for the QB to throw, and on and on. If that can become habit, the offense will make the long-awaited turnaround. Solid group of athletic receivers, but the returning RBs (Hutson and Baker) are injured, so we're lean in that area. The kicking game is wobbly; two PATs missed. Punting didn't look much better--watch out for those areas to be our Achilles heels this year. For the QBs, Hoffman looked solid. The O line appeared to be improved. The defensive line has some real promise, and size. LBs stuck tackles better than in the past and pursued plays well, and the DBs showed strong speed. Still need better coverage decisions, though, to avoid those costly big plays that have killed us in previous years. And a decent showing in the stands.

[valpotx]

The all-state kicker missed PATs?  How long is Hutson out?

[VULB#62]

Figured the score was a result of loading one side over the other.  Hope Baker and Hutson don't have serious injuries.  Baker has been waiting so long and Hutson is a key RB.

[bbtds]

Free streaming of the game  is available on the Big Sky website if you register.

Are you sure that the online streaming is free? There's seem to be a purchase option that will pop up about 10 to 15 minutes before game time.

This is what it said when I clicked on the Valparaiso at North Dakota event which was the first line on the broadcast schedule:


This event may be viewed beginning 10 minutes prior to start time.
Once we have tested the audio and video, and there are no issues, the event becomes "Live".

This generally occurs 10-15 minutes before the scheduled start time. At this time, you will be able to purchase a single event pass. Thank you for joining us here at America One Sports.

http://www.americaonesports.com/upcoming_events.asp?q=v&value=bigsky

[chef]

Hutson will play in week one. The All-state kicker did miss two PATs, but he has been solid in practice and should be very dependable. Agreed that Hoffman looked very good in the Brown and Gold game, as did the offensive line.

[historyman]

Free streaming of the game  is available on the Big Sky website if you register.

Are you sure that the online streaming is free? There's seem to be a purchase option that will pop up about 10 to 15 minutes before game time. This is what it said when I clicked on the Valparaiso at North Dakota event which was the first line on the broadcast schedule:

This event may be viewed beginning 10 minutes prior to start time. Once we have tested the audio and video, and there are no issues, the event becomes "Live". This generally occurs 10-15 minutes before the scheduled start time. At this time, you will be able to purchase a single event pass. Thank you for joining us here at America One Sports. http://www.americaonesports.com/upcoming_events.asp?q=v&value=bigsky

There is an explanation of how Big Sky Conference TV works and it does say if you register it is free. I guess we'll find out in a little over a week.

Welcome to Big Sky TV.

Click Here to Go to the Big Sky TV Home Page to View Events

The Big Sky Conference has teamed with America One (formerly B2 Networks)  to bring you this season's action. Fans can enjoy all football, volleyball, men's and women's basketball games played in Big Sky venues for free.

Big Sky TV will bring fans more than 400 live events during the 2012-13 campaign.To view a day-by-day Big Sky Conference schedule, please click on the Big Sky channel link below. In order to view games, fans will need to create an account with a username and password. Accounts created last season WILL WORK this season.
Watching a Live Event
Ten minutes prior to the beginning of an event, a green box will appear above toy's scheduled events. When the green box appears, click on the "Click Here to Watch the Event now" and follow the online directions to watch your selection.The boxes will appear on the Big Sky. Fans can log-in or register for an account 10 minutes before an event begins live.
For more viewing tips

americaone.com

Big Sky TV Schedule
Customer Support
Make sure to download
Adobe Flash
Octoshape

[UND Guy]

Big Sky TV is free.  All the teams simply upload their local production through the AmericaOne site to provide it free for all the fans.  You have to go sign up through the Big Sky TV link.

I suggest you do it sometime soon and test it out because you need to download an Octagon file to see the video.  Even after that it can get kind of weird when logging in.  Sign up, log in and try and watch something on there to make sure you are good to go!

[willy]

The unbalanced score from the recent scrimmage happened because the Brown team included all the #1 & 2 players, with 3s & 4s on Gold. The two new RBs made the best impressions--Hall and Conway. Hall is a tank who can cut well, Conway is very fast. The QB Hoffman started to (finally) throw the ball downfield, which opens up the run--which buys time for the QB to throw, and on and on. If that can become habit, the offense will make the long-awaited turnaround. Solid group of athletic receivers, but the returning RBs (Hutson and Baker) are injured, so we're lean in that area. The kicking game is wobbly; two PATs missed. Punting didn't look much better--watch out for those areas to be our Achilles heels this year. For the QBs, Hoffman looked solid. The O line appeared to be improved. The defensive line has some real promise, and size. LBs stuck tackles better than in the past and pursued plays well, and the DBs showed strong speed. Still need better coverage decisions, though, to avoid those costly big plays that have killed us in previous years. And a decent showing in the stands.

I also attended the game but came away unsure what to think about this years team.  With the 1 and 2's playing the 3 and 4's talent evaluation is nearly impossible.  I think the team would have benefitted from a more balanced team split than the offense walking up and down the field and the defense playing a limited play selection offense because of youth and inexperience.

[a3uge]

I remember trying to get Big Sky's streaming boondoggle working for their conference tourney (basketball) and it took an unreasonable amount of time to get it set up and working.

[UND Guy]

The unbalanced score from the recent scrimmage happened because the Brown team included all the #1 & 2 players, with 3s & 4s on Gold. The two new RBs made the best impressions--Hall and Conway. Hall is a tank who can cut well, Conway is very fast. The QB Hoffman started to (finally) throw the ball downfield, which opens up the run--which buys time for the QB to throw, and on and on. If that can become habit, the offense will make the long-awaited turnaround. Solid group of athletic receivers, but the returning RBs (Hutson and Baker) are injured, so we're lean in that area. The kicking game is wobbly; two PATs missed. Punting didn't look much better--watch out for those areas to be our Achilles heels this year. For the QBs, Hoffman looked solid. The O line appeared to be improved. The defensive line has some real promise, and size. LBs stuck tackles better than in the past and pursued plays well, and the DBs showed strong speed. Still need better coverage decisions, though, to avoid those costly big plays that have killed us in previous years. And a decent showing in the stands.

Are you guys running the same offense as the past few years?  I have seen some highlights and it looks like a shotgun-spread type of look with 3-4 receivers?  Didn't know if they changed because with all the new additions to the offensive staff.

[valpotx]

That has been correct over the last few years, so it is probably true for this year as well.  Honestly, you won't see us much on offense throughout the game 

[vu72]

The word coming out of media day is that we have added some additional solid running backs so perhaps (and that is a big perhaps!) we will see an attempt to run the ball in hopes that it will allow more down field throws and not require all the quick hits we've employed over the last few years.  We'll know shortly...

[VULB#62]

A tidbit from one of Coach Carlson's quotes or Tweets indicated that with a new OC that the offense has seen some new "adjustments" (my word, not his). Still probably will be in the Pistol, but there are different versions of that around the country so the flavor may have changed.