Gee, you know, it would really be cool if we went into our second PFL game of the season (@ Morehead) at 2-2. So how do we do that? Beat Davidson, of course. But how do we do that? That's what this new string will seek to ascertain. Opinionate away guys!
The Wildcats Played Livingstone College (and won 38-12)... The recap and stats are here:
http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/gametracker/recap/NCAAF_20160917_LIV@DAVID/
Things that jump out... 2-11 on third down, LIV had 102 plays in the game, lots of penalties.
Jimmy Seewald should be in for a good game.... forecast is sunny and 80. Oh, wait. It's homecoming, must be a misprint.
Holy cow -- look at those stats! Totally out-played statiscally but won anyway. ::)
TEAM STATS LIV DAVID
First Downs 21 14
Third Down Efficiency 6-24 2-11
Fourth Down Efficiency 5-10 0-0
Plays-Net Yards 102-312 54-239
Rushes-Yds 51-68 31-115
Passing Yds 244 124
Kick Return Yds 78 0
Punt Return Yds -1 0
Passes (Int) 24-51-(2) 9-23-(0)
Punts 5-173 8-290
Fumbles-Lost 4-2 0-0
Penalties-Yds 13-114 7-179
Time of Poss. 33:52 19:36
In talking to one of the coaches after the TIU game I asked about Davidson coming up. He mentioned that they replaced their offensive staff this season. From this result they seem to still be in an adjustment mode. And it would also seem that the D was on the field an awful lot (102 plays to only 54 plays for the Davidson O) yet they bent but didn't break.
With the win, the Wildcats open the season 2-1 for the first time since the 2011 campaign. They previously lost to Georgetown (now 2-0 Patriot League) 14-38 and beat Kentucky Wesleyan (now 0-3 D-II and have given up 126 points so far) 35-21
Quote from: VULB#62 on September 18, 2016, 11:48:35 AMHoly cow -- look at those stats! Totally out-played statiscally but won anyway. ::) TEAM STATS LIV DAVID First Downs 21 14 Third Down Efficiency 6-24 2-11 Fourth Down Efficiency 5-10 0-0 Plays-Net Yards 102-312 54-239 Rushes-Yds 51-68 31-115 Passing Yds 244 124 Kick Return Yds 78 0 Punt Return Yds -1 0 Passes (Int) 24-51-(2) 9-23-(0) Punts 5-173 8-290 Fumbles-Lost 4-2 0-0 Penalties-Yds 13-114 7-179 Time of Poss. 33:52 19:36 In talking to one of the coaches after the TIU game I asked about Davidson coming up. He mentioned that they replaced their offensive staff this season. From this result they seem to still be in an adjustment mode. And it would also seem that the D was on the field an awful lot (102 plays to only 54 plays for the Davidson O) yet they bent but didn't break. With the win, the Wildcats open the season 2-1 for the first time since the 2011 campaign. They previously lost to Georgetown (now 2-0 Patriot League) 14-38 and beat Kentucky Wesleyan (now 0-3 D-II and have given up 126 points so far) 35-21
They've played one game where they ran the ball more than passed it somewhat effectively, one game where they passed the ball more than ran it effectively and one game they didn't do a whole lot of either well. I don't know if they've stopped anyone all that well in terms of gaining yardage.
At this point I think any game Valpo goes into, until proven otherwise, we need to be concerned with stopping the run. Nothing earthshattering there but so far it is not something accomplished. With the triple option I'm not sure how much weight to put on yesterday's game. We've all seen GTech put up incredible numbers vs. great defenses and FCS Georgia Southern tore up Florida for over 400 yards on the ground a couple of years ago.
FYI - FROM THE DAVIDSON FAN FORUM (Didn't know where this would fit relative to Valpo's FB future, so I stuck it here -- probably not worth a separate string until actual movement is imminent):
Latest on the Big South. The PFL will remain intact, for now, with 11 members.
This morning's announcement from the Big South and Atlantic Sun was that the Big South is giving pre-approval to associate football members coming from the Atlantic Sun (e.g. Jacksonville and Stetson) that may want to add scholarships in the future. Campbell, already in the Big South for most sports, was invited to join Big South football when/if they are ready.
From a news report:
Under the arrangement, already effective and set to be announced Tuesday, current or future Atlantic Sun Conference scholarship-football members within the geographic footprint of the Big South will automatically be admitted to the conference as associate football members.
But the two-conference partnership provides a guaranteed home for Kennesaw State, an Atlantic Sun member in other sports, and a potential guaranteed home for other football programs, including Atlantic Sun members Jacksonville and Stetson and Big South member Campbell. Those three play on the FCS level in the non-scholarship Pioneer Football League, and each program would join Big South football should it move to the scholarship level.
FROM THE DAVIDSON FORUM RE: LIVINGSTONE WIN
Random thoughts and observations about last nights game:
* We were very efficient and
dialed-in the first 25 minutes of the game. Well done.
* Our offense was not good at all the last 35 minutes. Lost focus big time.
* Livingstone was not very well coached. They were a trick-play machine, none of which worked.
* The lead ref was very entertaining. I hope we have him every game. Sink will expound.
* My spell check hates "Living Stone".
* We might be pretty good on defense. Much more aggressive with stunts and blitzes than last year. We have some very solid players on that side of the ball.
* We are a work in-progress on offense. The freshmen QB McGwire has "field presence".
* We have improved greatly on special teams over the past 2-3 years.
* Really nice crowd without much help from Blue Bear fans. Over 4000.
* The Charlotte Observer does not know we exist.
* We will win more games than UNCC. After I saw them play Elon last week I predicted they would only win one or two games all season. I might be right.
* No turnovers!
Valpo on the road next week is a great litmus test for us.
Go Cats!
Inasmuch as the Davidson Forum posted our Forum address, I'll reciprocate: http://davidsoncats.com/viewtopic.php?t=23297&sid=6079ad304b35f0a2aad3efbb74a9bb34
Quote from: VULB#62 on September 19, 2016, 08:44:12 AMFYI - FROM THE DAVIDSON FAN FORUM (Didn't know where this would fit relative to Valpo's FB future, so I stuck it here -- probably not worth a separate string until actual movement is imminent): Latest on the Big South. The PFL will remain intact, for now, with 11 members. This morning's announcement from the Big South and Atlantic Sun was that the Big South is giving pre-approval to associate football members coming from the Atlantic Sun (e.g. Jacksonville and Stetson) that may want to add scholarships in the future. Campbell, already in the Big South for most sports, was invited to join Big South football when/if they are ready. From a news report: Under the arrangement, already effective and set to be announced Tuesday, current or future Atlantic Sun Conference scholarship-football members within the geographic footprint of the Big South will automatically be admitted to the conference as associate football members. But the two-conference partnership provides a guaranteed home for Kennesaw State, an Atlantic Sun member in other sports, and a potential guaranteed home for other football programs, including Atlantic Sun members Jacksonville and Stetson and Big South member Campbell. Those three play on the FCS level in the non-scholarship Pioneer Football League, and each program would join Big South football should it move to the scholarship level.
I've read elsewhere that this is not really new news and would be well down the road.
Campbell, btw, is under some investigation (entire sports program) in which they may have to "give back" wins in multiple sports in seasons which include a win in football over Valpo.
FYI - Week 3 FCS ratings of PFL teams
MASSEY (125 schools) SAGARIN (253)
70 USD 1-1 196 USD
81 Dayton 2-1 213 Dayton
92 Jacksonville 1-1 224 Drake
95 Butler 2-1 238 Butler
101 Campbell 2-1 242 Morehead St.
104 Morehead St. 1-2 243 Campbell
106 Drake 1-2 244 Marist
109 Marist 0-3 246 Jacksonville
115 Stetson 1-1 248 Stetson
119 Davidson 2-1 251 Valpo
122 Valpo 1-2 253 Davidson
BOLD = Interesting variation
MASSEY Calls the Valpo/Davidson game a 50%-50% toss up.
FWIT Department: Our other Lutheran FCS school, little Wagner College of the NEC, is traveling to FBS Boston College for a payday. Massey: 100% BC. WAGNER ATHLETIC BUDGET: 100% Wagner
Quote from: VU2624 on September 19, 2016, 09:44:27 AM
I've read elsewhere that this is not really new news and would be well down the road.
Campbell, btw, is under some investigation (entire sports program) in which they may have to "give back" wins in multiple sports in seasons which include a win in football over Valpo.
Not new news but newly documented this past week and it does not mention imminent movement - just formalizes what would happen should any of the three schools decides to go FCS scholarship.
Big South and ASUN Establish FCS Member Partnership http://bigsouthsports.com/news/2016/9/12/FB_0912162601.aspx
Interesting about Campbell though. I wonder if non-scholarship FB would come into play if there were forfeitures?
We need a homecoming win!
Valpo - 34
Davidson - 24
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Seems like this is true with each game we play --
But this is an important game for VU. Win, and the season looks promising. Lose, and it doesn't.
Paul
Preview of game from Coach Cecchini:
"If Ryan's cleared to play he's our QB".
Quote from: VU2624 on September 19, 2016, 07:45:08 PM
Preview of game from Coach Cecchini:
"If Ryan's cleared to play he's our QB".
Here's the video of that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjbbEgldeZA
Interesting that, according to Cecchini, Seewald played a half at ISU and Todd noted that he played much of the SHU game when Ryan went out. He now has 3+ qtrs with TIU to add to that. He has actually played more qtrs than Ryan. Fans have to watch this play out, but don't make judgments this early in the week. In a way after last season, it's nice to see us this deep at QB for a change.
FYI - Stats after 3 gamesQB COM/ATT %age YDS TD INTClarke 17/33 .515 146 0 2
Seewald 41/69 .594 513 7 2
Davidson Game Notes have been Issued: http://www.valpoathletics.com/football/news/2016-17/15725/crusaders-ready-to-host-davidson-for-homecoming-game/#.V-F9eztiAo8
The 2-deep is pretty much unchanged from last week including QB. No biggie, regardless of who starts, our QB will be a co-record holder with 5 TDs in a game ;D
One thing I did note (I'm a bit slow these days and should have picked up on this earlier). If the season were to end today, we would return 10 of 11 defensive starters plus Nunes is coming back (probably) for a 5th year. If these guys mature over the course of the season, they could be a formidable unit. Better yet, there are no senior starters on the O and we are QB-deep. That'll be 21 of 22 starters going into Cecchini's 4th season.
Quote from: VULB#62 on September 20, 2016, 01:36:36 PMDavidson Game Notes have been Issued: http://www.valpoathletics.com/football/news/2016-17/15725/crusaders-ready-to-host-davidson-for-homecoming-game/#.V-F9eztiAo8 The 2-deep is pretty much unchanged from last week including QB. No biggie, regardless of who starts, our QB will be a co-record holder with 5 TDs in a game ;D One thing I did note (I'm a bit slow these days and should have picked up on this earlier). If the season were to end today, we would return 10 of 11 defensive starters plus Nunes is coming back (probably) for a 5th year. If these guys mature over the course of the season, they could be a formidable unit. Better yet, there are no senior starters on the O and we are QB-deep. That'll be 21 of 22 starters going into Cecchini's 4th season.
The redshirt juniors are unlikely to return. That's 4-5 guys who start and/or certainly play a lot who likely won't be back.
Quote from: VU2624 on September 20, 2016, 01:49:06 PM
Quote from: VULB#62 on September 20, 2016, 01:36:36 PMDavidson Game Notes have been Issued: http://www.valpoathletics.com/football/news/2016-17/15725/crusaders-ready-to-host-davidson-for-homecoming-game/#.V-F9eztiAo8 The 2-deep is pretty much unchanged from last week including QB. No biggie, regardless of who starts, our QB will be a co-record holder with 5 TDs in a game ;D One thing I did note (I'm a bit slow these days and should have picked up on this earlier). If the season were to end today, we would return 10 of 11 defensive starters plus Nunes is coming back (probably) for a 5th year. If these guys mature over the course of the season, they could be a formidable unit. Better yet, there are no senior starters on the O and we are QB-deep. That'll be 21 of 22 starters going into Cecchini's 4th season.
The redshirt juniors are unlikely to return. That's 4-5 guys who start and/or certainly play a lot who likely won't be back.
There are four R-Jr. who are listed as starters. Interestingly enough, there is one R-Sr. on the two deeps. Nuness will fall into that category next year.
Quote from: VU2624 on September 20, 2016, 01:49:06 PM
The redshirt juniors are unlikely to return. That's 4-5 guys who start and/or certainly play a lot who likely won't be back.
Glass ½ full view: I prefer to think (actually, hope) that, say, 2 or 3 (if not all) of the 4-5 you mentioned decide that they are so close to being involved in turning the program around that they'll decide to hang around for one more semester (or graduate and take grad courses) to see this thing through. Nate Koeneman comes to mind last year. He was the subject of a news article in which he said he was coming back to finish what he started. The heart breaking thing about that was he got a season ending injury so early in the season.
Quote from: VULB#62 on September 20, 2016, 05:10:47 PMQuote from: VU2624 on September 20, 2016, 01:49:06 PMThe redshirt juniors are unlikely to return. That's 4-5 guys who start and/or certainly play a lot who likely won't be back.
Glass ½ full view: I prefer to think (actually, hope) that, say, 2 or 3 (if not all) of the 4-5 you mentioned decide that they are so close to being involved in turning the program around that they'll decide to hang around for one more semester (or graduate and take grad courses) to see this thing through. Nate Koeneman comes to mind last year. He was the subject of a news article in which he said he was coming back to finish what he started. The heart breaking thing about that was he got a season ending injury so early in the season.
Quote from: VULB#62 on September 20, 2016, 05:10:47 PMQuote from: VU2624 on September 20, 2016, 01:49:06 PMThe redshirt juniors are unlikely to return. That's 4-5 guys who start and/or certainly play a lot who likely won't be back.
Glass ½ full view: I prefer to think (actually, hope) that, say, 2 or 3 (if not all) of the 4-5 you mentioned decide that they are so close to being involved in turning the program around that they'll decide to hang around for one more semester (or graduate and take grad courses) to see this thing through. Nate Koeneman comes to mind last year. He was the subject of a news article in which he said he was coming back to finish what he started. The heart breaking thing about that was he got a season ending injury so early in the season.
Quote from: VULB#62 on September 20, 2016, 05:10:47 PMQuote from: VU2624 on September 20, 2016, 01:49:06 PMThe redshirt juniors are unlikely to return. That's 4-5 guys who start and/or certainly play a lot who likely won't be back.
Glass ½ full view: I prefer to think (actually, hope) that, say, 2 or 3 (if not all) of the 4-5 you mentioned decide that they are so close to being involved in turning the program around that they'll decide to hang around for one more semester (or graduate and take grad courses) to see this thing through. Nate Koeneman comes to mind last year. He was the subject of a news article in which he said he was coming back to finish what he started. The heart breaking thing about that was he got a season ending injury so early in the season.
With some knowledge of the overall situations, the issues are less football and more financial with a little bit of wanting to move on with their lives so to speak. I'm not sure how issues such as financial aid work with a 5th year.
It always come down to $$$ when it is a financial aid packge vs. athletic scholarship involved. That sucks. I would stupidly assume that whatever financial aid package was in effect this year would carry over to the next year if the player continues to be matriculated. Erik Hoffman was a good example of getting on with the ret of his life. But some of these guys might feel a greater bond to this proggram and, if the $$$ can be worked out, might stay. I hope, I hope. :twocents:
62- if a Valpo player graduates in 4 years with an additional year remaining, it is doubtful he is going to stay and will likely move on in life. Financing is certainly one issue. The other issue is that Valpo does not offer a vast array of graduate study opportunities.
All understood, but a guy can hope. ;)
If Pioneer Conference POW Seewald starts:
Valpo 31, John Davidson 17
If Pioneer Conference POW Seewald does not start:
Valpo 20, John Davidson 17
FWIW, Not that it has any bearing on the outcome of the game, but the Valpo thread on the Davidson Forum has had a total of just 3 posts (2 Sunday and 1 Monday commenting on our attendance). Would have thought that after getting out to a 2-1 start there'd be more action over there.
http://davidsoncats.com/viewtopic.php?t=23297
Quote from: usc4valpo on September 21, 2016, 08:07:11 AM
If Pioneer Conference POW Seewald starts:
Valpo 31, John Davidson 17
If Pioneer Conference POW Seewald does not start:
Valpo 20, John Davidson 17
Saw someplace (but can't seem to find source) that Cecchini has stated that if Clarke is cleared to play, he will be the starter.
Quote from: covufan on September 22, 2016, 09:25:59 AM
Quote from: usc4valpo on September 21, 2016, 08:07:11 AM
If Pioneer Conference POW Seewald starts:
Valpo 31, John Davidson 17
If Pioneer Conference POW Seewald does not start:
Valpo 20, John Davidson 17
Saw someplace (but can't seem to find source) that Cecchini has stated that if Clarke is cleared to play, he will be the starter.
[/b]
He said it in the preview video with Todd.
Here's where you saw it covufan. It was quoted earlier in this string from the interview as 72 points out.
Quote from: VU2624 on September 19, 2016, 07:45:08 PM
Preview of game from Coach Cecchini:
"If Ryan's cleared to play he's our QB".
in the Sagarin, Davidson is dead last at 253, while Valpo is at 251. By the Sagarin ratings, Valpo is a 10 point favorite.
What does the coaching staff have against Seewald? He was outstanding last Saturday!!He needs to keep learning and is the future for success at Valpo.
Quote from: usc4valpo on September 22, 2016, 09:16:56 PM
What does the coaching staff have against Seewald? He was outstanding last Saturday!!He needs to keep learning and is the future for success at Valpo.
It probably is not that they have something against Jimmy; rather they may have more confidence in / versatility from / whatever from.... Ryan at this point. Ryan has had last season, this spring and preseason camp to absorb the entire offense. Jimmy has only had part of preseason (remember he first had to distinguish himself from the other freshman QBs while Ryan was taking 1st team snaps) and the game snaps he's received so far. I'm not advocating for either -- just trying to explain what might be going on outside of our narrow knowledgebase as fans.
I think there is a trend of coaches being conservative at the beginning of the season to start with the safe, known entity rather than the up and comer. It happened at Iowa a couple of years ago they started Rohach instead of Beathard. It is currently happening at USC where Sam Darnold is waiting to take the QB spot over Max Browne. The same is happening at LSU, Wisconsin, Iowa State, etc., and now it is happening at Valpo.
In the long haul, Seewald is a better QB and he should start, especially after being POW in the Pioneer. Give him the reigns to learn.
Quote from: usc4valpo on September 23, 2016, 03:08:55 PM
In the long haul, Seewald is a better QB and he should start, especially after being POW in the Pioneer. Give him the reigns to learn.
I really think Cecchini should be going with Seewald. If you want to be a winner you need to make bold decisions and have confidence in a QB that has been successful. I think it says to Seewald that no matter how successful you were in a game I don't have enough confidence in you. In the future Seewald will remember this decision Cecchini made, reflect that maybe I'm not as good as others think I am and lose time in getting Seewald acclimated to the position he will hold for 3+ years at Valpo.
I prefer to think that Ryan will be given a short leash to reestablish his credentials. Seewald is a freshman, and unless he is too full of himself, he will understand the coaching decision to give Ryan this opportunity. Meanwhile, he is sitting in the wings, and, hopefully, has used this week to be prepared to replace Ryan at a moment's notice -- and that's what it will be, a moments notice. Jimmy will also have a sight leg up coming off the bench in that he will be viewing the coverages and line play from the sideline with the coaches and will be in good shape if he comes in in relief. It will play its way out no matter.
I just happen to think that a guy with a bio such as this is who Valpo is looking for to lead them to many victories over the next few years and the sooner he starts taking over the reins the better.
Prep: A four-year letterwinner for the Falcons ... two-time All-Area selection by the Detroit News ... also twice a Dearborn All-City choice and named to the Detroit Free Press All-West Team ... earned First Team All-League honors at quarterback each of his final two years ... two-year team captain ... received the Tony Versaci Award in 2015, presented to the player who demonstrates strong Christian values, academic and athletic excellence and extraordinary leadership ... also earned three letters in basketball ... an All-League and All-City selection on the hardwood.
Personal: Son of Paul and Janet Seewald ... major is business.
I do realize that these bios don't mean a lot but if someone has an excellent bio it's Jimmy Seewald.
(http://cdn.streamlinetechnologies.com/valpoathletics/404B79A1-5FCD-4429-B010-61837DF96313/13495L.jpg)
I think it is a boneheaded decision not to start Seewald. Even if Valpo wins today, it is a boneheaded decision. True, Clarke has expereince, but experience in a 1-9 season. Cecchini is being too conservative on this decision.
Good first half. Clarke, for the most part, looked good. Obviously isn't the most accurate passer but made a very good throw to Rene for the TD. Defense missed one deep throw but otherwise seemed to be getting stronger as the half progressed. If I hear the Valpo Fund ad one more time I may lose it!! :o
I like having these games on ESPN3 and understand we might be having student crews work this, but the camerawork could use a bit of help.
I couldnt be there nor could I watch on ESPN3. :(. But I could follow play by play on game tracker and had my heart in my throat all the way til the last drive. Based only on game tracker, I'd have to give the game ball to our young and, to an extent, somewhat maligned OL. Almost every time we needed to get crucial yards to maintain possession, the OL opened holes for our RBs -- especially on the last drive of the game to keep the ball out of Davidson's hands. Anyone agree?
Nice crowd - 2897
Quote from: VULB#62 on September 24, 2016, 10:52:27 PM
I couldnt be there nor could I watch on ESPN3. :(. But I could follow play by play on game tracker and had my heart in my throat all the way til the last drive. Based only on game tracker, I'd have to give the game ball to our young and, to an extent, somewhat maligned OL. Almost every time we needed to get crucial yards to maintain possession, the OL opened holes for our RBs -- especially on the last drive of the game to keep the ball out of Davidson's hands. Anyone agree?
Agree. Really wish more were covered on ESPN 3 but I am sure they do not bring in enough viewers to justify cost.
There's no such thing as a bad win especially with this program. However, I'm a little concerned that we squeaked by the worst ranked team in the nation at home on Homecoming wknd.
Valpo needs a good showing next week against a very good offense for me to believe any real corners are being turned. I don't expect a win at MSU, but they should be able to keep it within 14 points.
TIU and Davidson are awful football teams.
It was a very good game and Davidson has clearly improved over last year. They had a pretty solid passing game and it was a fair fight at both lines. The game ball should go to the defense who allowed 44 yards of rushing offense. You would have to go back a very long time to find a similar result.
I would think the crowd was disappointing. The weather was perfect and with hundreds of alumni in town why wasn't there at least what would be a disappointing basketball crowd? I was thinking about the fact that our football facility seats less then our basketball facility. How many D1 schools can say the same thing? Until we convince folks that we have a competitive team who won't get blown out, I wouldn't expect to see Brown Field any where near capacity. I'm thinking that guys like 62 will remember days when both sides of the field had the stands full. Let's hope those days return soon!
Here is the post game press conference. One comment struck me and may explain why the coaching staff went with Ryan over Jimmy -- experience at reading defenses and calling the right audible. This came into focus on the last drive of the game to protect the lead. Ryan had the freedom to audible out of a called run when he read a corner blitz and hit a short high percentage pass for 8 yards instead. Jimmy might not be ready to do that kind of thing yet. As Jimmy gets more seasoned, however, he will close that gap. The other thing that struck me was how many times I heard the word "confidence" mentioned. I didn't count exactly how many times, but that word was used a lot. Players represented: Freshman #32 Cody Boxrucker (6-0, 210. RB -- 2 TDs), Junior #16 Ryan Clarke (QB), and Sophomore #24 Drew Snouffer (6-0, 220. MLB).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HhkTvg39js
Quote from: vu72 on September 25, 2016, 07:24:05 AM
It was a very good game and Davidson has clearly improved over last year. They had a pretty solid passing game and it was a fair fight at both lines. The game ball should go to the defense who allowed 44 yards of rushing offense. You would have to go back a very long time to find a similar result.
I would think the crowd was disappointing. The weather was perfect and with hundreds of alumni in town why wasn't there at least what would be a disappointing basketball crowd? I was thinking about the fact that our football facility seats less then our basketball facility. How many D1 schools can say the same thing? Until we convince folks that we have a competitive team who won't get blown out, I wouldn't expect to see Brown Field any where near capacity. I'm thinking that guys like 62 will remember days when both sides of the field had the stands full. Let's hope those days return soon!
The 1960's: Not unusual to have 6000+ at games on rickety wood bleachers and lots of people standing along the sidelines.
The ppl of NWI may be far too distracted with technology and unlimited entertainment options to turn out in those numbers again...
Wasn't long ago that a college sporting event was a top entertainment draw. Sadly those days seem to be dwindling with sensory overload of today.
I graduated in '64 when we had some pretty good teams but I can't remember ever having a crowd of 6,000. If that was true, I would really be surprised.
6K was not always the rule, of course (usually more like 4K), but we had around 6K for some homecomings as well as vs. Ball Sate and Indiana State. I had an opportunity to see a home movie (Super 8 :lol: ) of the home Butler game during the 1964 season's run to the ICC championship. It was digitized to a DVD and played at the reunion of that 64 team that I attended two years ago. Brown Field was filled to capacity with bleachers set up in both end zones and jammed as were the spaces between. 6K easy. Part of it was that back in the day opposing fans travelled much better than now and helped fill the place. That Butler game had Butler fans packing the opposing sideline bleachers. We also had around 4,000 undergrads on campus back then, a hundred piece marching band, and a Saturday FB game was the main event of the weekend. We also had beer machines in the fraternity houses ::). A by-gone era.
The details of this game have been lost to history, but in the early 1970s -- maybe 1971 or 1972 -- VU played Butler at Brown Field. Maybe it was homecoming, I can't remember. But I was at that game and the stands everywhere were completely jammed. There were people standing in the end zones and around the old concession stand on the west side of the old bleachers. The next day the paper said there were 7,000 fans there. I believe it.
Paul
Quote from: 78crusader on September 25, 2016, 05:08:42 PM
The details of this game have been lost to history, but in the early 1970s -- maybe 1971 or 1972 -- VU played Butler at Brown Field. Maybe it was homecoming, I can't remember. But I was at that game and the stands everywhere were completely jammed. There were people standing in the end zones and around the old concession stand on the west side of the old bleachers. The next day the paper said there were 7,000 fans there. I believe it.
Paul
Must have been because we had a marching band back then and Dr Telschow would direct it from a ladder on the sideline. ;D
Quote from: VULB#62 on September 25, 2016, 09:51:28 AM6K was not always the rule, of course (usually more like 4K), but we had around 6K for some homecomings as well as vs. Ball Sate and Indiana State. I had an opportunity to see a home movie (Super 8 :lol: ) of the home Butler game during the 1964 season's run to the ICC championship. It was digitized to a DVD and played at the reunion of that 64 team that I attended two years ago. Brown Field was filled to capacity with bleachers set up in both end zones and jammed as were the spaces between. 6K easy. Part of it was that back in the day opposing fans travelled much better than now and helped fill the place. That Butler game had Butler fans packing the opposing sideline bleachers. We also had around 4,000 undergrads on campus back then, a hundred piece marching band, and a Saturday FB game was the main event of the weekend. We also had beer machines in the fraternity houses ::). A by-gone era.
The home stands were SRO and there were fans on the sides as well. Davidson brought about 20 people. Playing Ball State and Indiana State (as examples) is going to result in a much larger attendance figure. I flew up last minute on Saturday and was happy I did.