OK, it is time to predict the outcome for football. Let the progostics begin!!
I predict 3-8
Wins against Trinity Intl., Davidson, Butler
2-10, and that assumes that they are not completely decimated after their first two games against bigger and stronger opponents.
vu84v2 - they only have 11 games. would you say 2-9?
Quote from: vu84v2 on August 28, 2016, 01:20:58 PM2-10, and that assumes that they are not completely decimated after their first two games against bigger and stronger opponents.
Hate to break it to anyone but there's already some potentially serious issues in this area.
I think they're just as likely to go 0-11 as 3-8 or 4-7. I hope for 3-8 or 4-7 but I wouldn't put any money on it. It's hard to be a Valpo football fan.
Quote from: VU2624 on August 28, 2016, 04:13:33 PM
Quote from: vu84v2 on August 28, 2016, 01:20:58 PM2-10, and that assumes that they are not completely decimated after their first two games against bigger and stronger opponents.
Hate to break it to anyone but there's already some potentially serious issues in this area.
What exactly are you talking about? Have the injuries from practice already affected the quarterback situation?
For non-scholarship football, I am expecting this futility will finally end. Valpo was 1-9 last year - I expect we get out of the cellar of the Sagarin ratings. If not, we have a huge systematic problem we need to address.
Quote from: bbtds on August 28, 2016, 08:10:48 PMQuote from: VU2624 on August 28, 2016, 04:13:33 PMQuote from: vu84v2 on August 28, 2016, 01:20:58 PM2-10, and that assumes that they are not completely decimated after their first two games against bigger and stronger opponents.
Hate to break it to anyone but there's already some potentially serious issues in this area.
What exactly are you talking about? Have the injuries from practice already affected the quarterback situation?
Not QB but there were a bunch of guys standing around on the sidelines without pads who would normally be playing as of late last week.
With the past several years, it has become difficult to be a VU Football optimist. As usc4valpo noted above, we need to have turned some corner this year, or the problem may be systemic.
I'm going with 4-7. Wins against Trinity, Davidson, @ Stetson, and Butler.
The offense has not shown as much improvement as I would have expected with Cecchini's background, at least in points per game. The defense needs to show a similar improvement as from the '13 to the '14 season.
Quote from: covufan on August 29, 2016, 11:25:54 AM
With the past several years, it has become difficult to be a VU Football optimist. As usc4valpo noted above, we need to have turned some corner this year, or the problem may be systemic.
I'm going with 4-7. Wins against Trinity, Davidson, @ Stetson, and Butler.
The offense has not shown as much improvement as I would have expected with Cecchini's background, at least in points per game. The defense needs to show a similar improvement as from the '13 to the '14 season.
And the presidential race will be a very civil contest between two typical candidates in the near future. Please!! Why so optimistic when you can see for yourself that huge improvements must be made just to get to 4-7?
Quote from: VU2624 on August 29, 2016, 09:57:44 AMNot QB but there were a bunch of guys standing around on the sidelines without pads who would normally be playing as of late last week.
Does the above statement sound like VU2624 is talking about a 4-7 team?
If everything goes right, beating Stetson and Butler will be difficult.
Quote from: VU2624 on August 29, 2016, 08:02:20 PM
If everything goes right, beating Stetson and Butler will be difficult.
This seems like a rather odd statement. Should it be more like... Even if everything goes right, beating Stetson and Butler will still be difficult. or If everything goes right, beating Stetson and Butler will be difficult, but doable. I don't know that I have ever heard a coach or fan say "If everything goes right :dance: we still don't have much of a chance :whiteflag:".
Makes it seem like things are
really bad, is that the way you see it?
Well we are definitely starting the season shorthanded receiver Frank catrine Is out with a knee injury and two starting linebackers are suspended one maybe for multiple games so hopefully some younger guys can step up and we can keep the injuries to a minimum the first two weeks
Quote from: GOVALPO! on August 30, 2016, 09:57:15 AMWell we are definitely starting the season shorthanded receiver Frank catrine Is out with a knee injury and two starting linebackers are suspended one maybe for multiple games so hopefully some younger guys can step up and we can keep the injuries to a minimum the first two weeks
Bunch of injuries to the WR group when I was there. Hopefully the suspensions are for minor issues.
Quote from: FWalum on August 30, 2016, 08:43:16 AMQuote from: VU2624 on August 29, 2016, 08:02:20 PMIf everything goes right, beating Stetson and Butler will be difficult.
This seems like a rather odd statement. Should it be more like... Even if everything goes right, beating Stetson and Butler will still be difficult. or If everything goes right, beating Stetson and Butler will be difficult, but doable. I don't know that I have ever heard a coach or fan say "If everything goes right :dance: we still don't have much of a chance :whiteflag:". Makes it seem like things are really bad, is that the way you see it?
At full strength, this team will have a tough time beating Stetson and Butler. I'm not sure how much more plain I can be. I'm not a coach of this team and, in general, tend to step back and make as honest assessment of the situatio whether that qualifies as good, bad or otherwise
Quote from: VU2624 on August 30, 2016, 10:14:47 AM
Quote from: FWalum on August 30, 2016, 08:43:16 AMQuote from: VU2624 on August 29, 2016, 08:02:20 PMIf everything goes right, beating Stetson and Butler will be difficult.
This seems like a rather odd statement. Should it be more like... Even if everything goes right, beating Stetson and Butler will still be difficult. or If everything goes right, beating Stetson and Butler will be difficult, but doable. I don't know that I have ever heard a coach or fan say "If everything goes right :dance: we still don't have much of a chance :whiteflag:". Makes it seem like things are really bad, is that the way you see it?
At full strength, this team will have a tough time beating Stetson and Butler. I'm not sure how much more plain I can be. I'm not a coach of this team and, in general, tend to step back and make as honest assessment of the situatio whether that qualifies as good, bad or otherwise
I'm not a coach either. Just wondering, after stepping back, on what basis do you think winning or losing a game will be difficult or impossible? Every team in the PFL faces the same non-scholarship issues of kids quiting or tranfering. Are you evaluating based on past performance alone? Just curious. :crazy:
As long as the transfer rate stays the same and the team is heavily relying on freshmen to fill some important roles, it'll be difficult to turn things around.
I hope I'm wrong, but nothing about this team tells me it should be anything better than 2-9.
Quote from: Vinny on August 30, 2016, 12:53:49 PM
As long as the transfer rate stays the same and the team is heavily relying on freshmen to fill some important roles, it'll be difficult to turn things around.
I hope I'm wrong, but nothing about this team tells me it should be anything better than 2-9.
You sound like you are much closer to the program then most of us. I counted 45 upperclassmen and 15 red-shirt freshman. That's 60 kids with experience with the system. Granted I only counted 6 seniors. I'm assuming you feel key players left the program and that freshman, although talented, can't replace them. Is this a fair assessment of your opinion?
Quote from: vu72 on August 30, 2016, 10:27:09 AMQuote from: VU2624 on August 30, 2016, 10:14:47 AMQuote from: FWalum on August 30, 2016, 08:43:16 AMQuote from: VU2624 on August 29, 2016, 08:02:20 PMIf everything goes right, beating Stetson and Butler will be difficult.
This seems like a rather odd statement. Should it be more like... Even if everything goes right, beating Stetson and Butler will still be difficult. or If everything goes right, beating Stetson and Butler will be difficult, but doable. I don't know that I have ever heard a coach or fan say "If everything goes right :dance: we still don't have much of a chance :whiteflag:". Makes it seem like things are really bad, is that the way you see it?
At full strength, this team will have a tough time beating Stetson and Butler. I'm not sure how much more plain I can be. I'm not a coach of this team and, in general, tend to step back and make as honest assessment of the situatio whether that qualifies as good, bad or otherwise
I'm not a coach either. Just wondering, after stepping back, on what basis do you think winning or losing a game will be difficult or impossible? Every team in the PFL faces the same non-scholarship issues of kids quiting or tranfering. Are you evaluating based on past performance alone? Just curious. :crazy:
Defensively, the team lost a few of their better players and I'm not sure the depth will there to make up for it. Offensively, they struggled last year and I'm not sure the improvements have been made which will allow them to do any better. Factoring in the opponents, I think it will be difficult to win those two games.
If you have a different opinion that's fine however I'd like to hear why you'd think things will be better other than blind optimism.
Quote from: VU2624 on August 30, 2016, 02:27:08 PM
Quote from: vu72 on August 30, 2016, 10:27:09 AMQuote from: VU2624 on August 30, 2016, 10:14:47 AMQuote from: FWalum on August 30, 2016, 08:43:16 AMQuote from: VU2624 on August 29, 2016, 08:02:20 PMIf everything goes right, beating Stetson and Butler will be difficult.
This seems like a rather odd statement. Should it be more like... Even if everything goes right, beating Stetson and Butler will still be difficult. or If everything goes right, beating Stetson and Butler will be difficult, but doable. I don't know that I have ever heard a coach or fan say "If everything goes right :dance: we still don't have much of a chance :whiteflag:". Makes it seem like things are really bad, is that the way you see it?
At full strength, this team will have a tough time beating Stetson and Butler. I'm not sure how much more plain I can be. I'm not a coach of this team and, in general, tend to step back and make as honest assessment of the situatio whether that qualifies as good, bad or otherwise
I'm not a coach either. Just wondering, after stepping back, on what basis do you think winning or losing a game will be difficult or impossible? Every team in the PFL faces the same non-scholarship issues of kids quiting or tranfering. Are you evaluating based on past performance alone? Just curious. :crazy:
Defensively, the team lost a few of their better players and I'm not sure the depth will there to make up for it. Offensively, they struggled last year and I'm not sure the improvements have been made which will allow them to do any better. Factoring in the opponents, I think it will be difficult to win those two games.
If you have a different opinion that's fine however I'd like to hear why you'd think things will be better other than blind optimism.
Blind optimism? Me?? I do think we will be better than last year and look for a minimum of three wins and more likely four. Why? First let's look back on what happened last year. We started out young and after the first couple of games got a lot younger via injuries. At one point we were starting seven true freshman. Those freshman are now game tested sophomores--still young, but bigger and stronger than last year. We won't wear down quit so quickly and, we have much better depth on both sides of the ball. The wearing down was very evident in that in the San Diego, Dayton, Butler and Morehead games we were within a touchdown or less at half time and our kids just didn't have the size or experience to fight it out for the entire game. Next we have Ryan Clark who was thrown into action last year, not playing at all in the first two games, and now has a full year and lots of game experience under his belt going into his junior year. Clark stayed around all summer to hit the weights and work and learn in the film room.
On the defensive side of the ball your are correct in that we lost two very key guys. We do however return the entire backfield and have added much depth the may help replace some of the losses we had due to graduation.
A agree with the 3-8 this year while they will be competitive in most PFL games. Next year they are 5-6 or 6-5 and year after compete for a PFL championship. Coaching staff has only completed their 2nd full recruiting class. The turnover rate for their first full class was good and I expect same for future. As the younger kids mature and return they will get bigger and better each year. If they have not arrived by year after next then you can through in the towel and talk doom and gloom for perennial losing program.
I'm not any more in tune to the program than most on here (I would assume). Was around much more during the Macchi years- early to mid 2000s. I try and make it to one if not two games a year. Attended the Stetson game at home last season, was at Butler three years ago for the game we wish we could all forget. But I follow the team closely and listen to the radio broadcast as often as I can.
My comment about the transfers had to do with quality as much as quantity. Looking at the defectors from this past season, many were touted by the coaching staff to be big-time playmakers - McPherson, Choudrey and Underwood. Yes, that's going to happen at the non-scholarship D-1/D-3 football level, but it seems to hit Valpo more than any other PFL program.
I think Cecchini is right when he says "yes, we're a year older, but we're not three years older." Last year, the PFL seemed to be divided into three levels: 1) San Diego, Dayton, Jacksonville, Morehead State 2) Butler, Drake, Campbell, Marist 3) Stetson, Valpo, Davidson.
I don't believe we've gotten better enough to make the leap into the second category this year.
Legend left, at least in part, because he was significantly injured. I think he tore his ACL. He wouldn't have recovered in time to play this season. I'm not sure that's really a defection. In all honesty, they have a lot more back than I expected or has been in the past.
It will be a very tall task against Illinois State. Currently ranked in the top 10 FCS, they played for the championship against NDSU in 2014. I'm thinking a 35 point loss, 42-7.
I hope we pound the rock instead of trying to implement a glitzy no huddle/fast break offense that leads to lopsided scores. I don't even know who the running backs are but it's not rocket science--get north and south and take 38 seconds between plays. The key to success this year is keeping the defense off the field.
I remember losing to USD a couple years ago on a hail mary. I think Coach C is astute enough to figure out ways to stay in games.
I will go with an 0fer...I don't go to games or really even watch football.
Quote from: vu72 on September 01, 2016, 11:36:52 AM
It will be a very tall task against Illinois State. Currently ranked in the top 10 FCS, they played for the championship against NDSU in 2014. I'm thinking a 35 point loss, 42-7.
I'm trying to keep hope and say a 35 point loss to Illinois State is realistic but I just can't. I think it will be a 70+ point loss like we had against Youngstown State a couple of years ago.
Quote from: bbtds on September 01, 2016, 09:25:38 PM
Quote from: vu72 on September 01, 2016, 11:36:52 AM
It will be a very tall task against Illinois State. Currently ranked in the top 10 FCS, they played for the championship against NDSU in 2014. I'm thinking a 35 point loss, 42-7.
I'm trying to keep hope and say a 35 point loss to Illinois State is realistic but I just can't. I think it will be a 70+ point loss like we had against Youngstown State a couple of years ago.
Would love to see a 42-7 score - things might be looking up for future games. If we score more than 7 and keep them below 50, it might be considered a positive on both sides of the ball.
Whatever happens, I hope it's worth the $80,000 payday.
they only got 80G for this trip? Seriously?
ISU 62, Valpo 7
It's a bus trip, so $80,000 might actually be a bargain. I'll be watching this game on ESPN3 tomorrow night.
Quote from: VUOR63 on September 01, 2016, 05:25:26 PMI hope we pound the rock instead of trying to implement a glitzy no huddle/fast break offense that leads to lopsided scores. I don't even know who the running backs are but it's not rocket science--get north and south and take 38 seconds between plays. The key to success this year is keeping the defense off the field. I remember losing to USD a couple years ago on a hail mary. I think Coach C is astute enough to figure out ways to stay in games.
I agree re the ball control however with a RB who's a bit wispy I'm concerned if he can handle the carries of a big back such as Bhall.
....and thanks for the reminder of the single dumbest defensive scheme in recent years. ;D
So the first half is over and I think we are showing a lot of improvement. Down 34-10 but, 14 of their points have nothing to do with talent. Clark threw a pick 6 on the second play and then had a fumble roll all the way down to the 10. On the other side we dropped a wide open pass that should have gone for 6. We're a little banged up but I think we are doing well against a senior laden team who is in the top 10.
Clearly we are bigger and more experienced and it is showing. Our linemen have gained between 10-25 lbs of muscle and most are still sophomores. The announcers say we only have 5 seniors on the team. Progress for sure...
Oh, one final thought, I HATE Ryan Clark's release. It looks like he is hitting his ear the thing is so low. Maybe fine for a 5 yard pass but he can't be the future.
Feel a little bit better about things. Defense looked more stout than last year. It would figure that the OL and DL would struggle against a team this good and they wore down a bit as the game went on. Clarke made some nice throws and some terrible throws and, frankly, he looks like the same guy as last year. Behind Morgan there appears to be no juice in the backfield however it was their first game.
Nunes getting injured isn't going to help. Looked like ankle.
Side notes...Drake lost to Quincy (????). Stetson is giving Sacred Heart a tussle. I don't know what that says but I thought Stetson would have a much better team this year anyway and they have the league's best player. Morehead State went down to James Madison 80-7. Davidson and Butler went down to Georgetown and Indiana State respectively. Dayton beat Central State. None of those were blowouts either way.
edit: Sacred Heart held on to win 18-14 but Stetson had the lead after 3 Quarters.
I have a business trip near Sacred Heart. Going to catch the game on Saturday to see my nephew play.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Quote from: bbtds on September 01, 2016, 09:25:38 PM
Quote from: vu72 on September 01, 2016, 11:36:52 AM
It will be a very tall task against Illinois State. Currently ranked in the top 10 FCS, they played for the championship against NDSU in 2014. I'm thinking a 35 point loss, 42-7.
I'm trying to keep hope and say a 35 point loss to Illinois State is realistic but I just can't. I think it will be a 70+ point loss like we had against Youngstown State a couple of years ago.
Thank you to Illinois State for taking the foot off the accelerator pedal. There is some real hope that the defense will be exceptional this year and actually shutdown some of their lesser opponents. The offense will get better and put points on the board.
Quote from: bbtds on September 06, 2016, 09:47:11 AM
Quote from: bbtds on September 01, 2016, 09:25:38 PM
Quote from: vu72 on September 01, 2016, 11:36:52 AM
It will be a very tall task against Illinois State. Currently ranked in the top 10 FCS, they played for the championship against NDSU in 2014. I'm thinking a 35 point loss, 42-7.
I'm trying to keep hope and say a 35 point loss to Illinois State is realistic but I just can't. I think it will be a 70+ point loss like we had against Youngstown State a couple of years ago.
Thank you to Illinois State for taking the foot off the accelerator pedal. There is some real hope that the defense will be exceptional this year and actually shutdown some of their lesser opponents. The offense will get better and put points on the board.
Not really sure that happened until well into the fourth quarter. Their first string quarterback played until 10 minutes left and presumably they wouldn't have him out their without the first string line. We played our backup QB all of the second half and for good reason. Clark made some bonehead throws and his fumble went backwards about 50 yards to our 10. An easy score from there. Ex the interception on the second play for a pick six and the fumble for an easy score and the score could well have been a lot closer. Coach said in the preview for next week that Frank Catrine may be able to play this coming week and that JJ Nuness, although hurt, may be able to go as well. I look for a game within two scores against another scholarship team that beat the tar out of us last year. I'll say, 28-14.
Quote from: vu72 on September 06, 2016, 10:15:52 AMNot really sure that happened until well into the fourth quarter. Their first string quarterback played until 10 minutes left and presumably they wouldn't have him out their without the first string line. We played our backup QB all of the second half and for good reason. Clark made some bonehead throws and his fumble went backwards about 50 yards to our 10. An easy score from there. Ex the interception on the second play for a pick six and the fumble for an easy score and the score could well have been a lot closer. Coach said in the preview for next week that Frank Catrine may be able to play this coming week and that JJ Nuness, although hurt, may be able to go as well. I look for a game within two scores against another scholarship team that beat the tar out of us last year. I'll say, 28-14.
Sacred Heart had a tough time with Stetson although Stetson had a 12 point lead into the 3rd quarter and Sacred Heart shut them down most of the final 3 quarters. They outgained Stetson by a considerable margin. As I said in another post, I don't know what it means.
Vs. ISU, Valpo's OL did not play well and they've lost Terence Roberts apparently. Todd and Dave referenced the issue of the team melting down when things go bad as was the case last year. There's definitely some meltdown at times but I'm not sure it is the team overall.
Absent a short to medium passing game, the offense will struggle and the QB really struggles with this part of the game. The occasional accurate deep throw does not lead to an efficient passing game and it's unlikely that the offense will be able to run the ball without at least the threat of a passing game. Poor decisions, inaccurate throws, no concerns about speed under center.
I was pretty impressed by the defense who was absent at least one starting LBer. Let's hope JJ is going to be ok.
Quote from: VUOR63 on September 01, 2016, 05:25:26 PM
I hope we pound the rock instead of trying to implement a glitzy no huddle/fast break offense that leads to lopsided scores. I don't even know who the running backs are but it's not rocket science--get north and south and take 38 seconds between plays. The key to success this year is keeping the defense off the field.
I remember losing to USD a couple years ago on a hail mary. I think Coach C is astute enough to figure out ways to stay in games.
Sat game- the only points scored was on a defense and special teams!