Stetson is 5-1 after playing a pathetic OOC schedule. Lost by 3 to Marist, beat Butler by 3 and then beat up Dayton a bit. Haven't seen a weather report but hope for cold, wind and rain vs. a team from what's been a very warm Florida fall.
From first analysis, I can say that I really like Stetson's athletics logo, IMO the best in the Pioneer conference. Valpo's V shield is good also.
24 is right, Stetson is a very soft 5-1 and ranked only 235 in the Sagarin, only 18 slots above Valpo in the Sagarin poll. The poll has Valpo as a 10 point dog. Unlike Drake, Dayton, and San Diego, this matchup is winnable. However, we need scores and a lead early rather than scores in garbage time. Is this the weekend? Who knows.
Quote from: JD24 on October 22, 2019, 08:55:20 PM
Stetson is 5-1 after playing a pathetic OOC schedule. Lost by 3 to Marist, beat Butler by 3 and then beat up Dayton a bit. Haven't seen a weather report but hope for cold, wind and rain vs. a team from what's been a very warm Florida fall.
High of 56 with 50% chance of showers in the afternoon. Winds out of the east at 9 mph.
Quote from: JD24 on October 22, 2019, 08:55:20 PM
Stetson is 5-1 after playing a pathetic OOC schedule. Lost by 3 to Marist, beat Butler by 3 and then beat up Dayton a bit. Haven't seen a weather report but hope for cold, wind and rain vs. a team from what's been a very warm Florida fall.
I think people must recognize that just like our players many of Stetson's players come from cold weather areas too and can play just as well as many college players who have played in cooler weather. I don't think you can say the cooler weather will effect Stetson greatly because they also prepare for it. I've heard some will even run through their individual motions in their college walk-in freezers or coolers.
Quote from: bbtds on October 24, 2019, 11:49:38 AMQuote from: JD24 on October 22, 2019, 08:55:20 PMStetson is 5-1 after playing a pathetic OOC schedule. Lost by 3 to Marist, beat Butler by 3 and then beat up Dayton a bit. Haven't seen a weather report but hope for cold, wind and rain vs. a team from what's been a very warm Florida fall.
I think people must recognize that just like our players many of Stetson's players come from cold weather areas too and can play just as well as many college players who have played in cooler weather. I don't think you can say the cooler weather will effect Stetson greatly because they also prepare for it. I've heard some will even run through their individual motions in their college walk-in freezers or coolers.
You really think Stetson has guys running through freezers or coolers? Come on dude.
Stetson's roster is mostly players from the south by a good 90%. If you don't understand the difficulty of having spent most of at least the past year out of the cold weather including Florida weather mostly in the 90's and having to adjust overnight to much more extreme cold (not talking about a mid 50's day) then no one is going to be able to explain it to you.
Quote from: JD24 on October 24, 2019, 05:18:48 PM
Quote from: bbtds on October 24, 2019, 11:49:38 AMQuote from: JD24 on October 22, 2019, 08:55:20 PMStetson is 5-1 after playing a pathetic OOC schedule. Lost by 3 to Marist, beat Butler by 3 and then beat up Dayton a bit. Haven't seen a weather report but hope for cold, wind and rain vs. a team from what's been a very warm Florida fall.
I think people must recognize that just like our players many of Stetson's players come from cold weather areas too and can play just as well as many college players who have played in cooler weather. I don't think you can say the cooler weather will effect Stetson greatly because they also prepare for it. I've heard some will even run through their individual motions in their college walk-in freezers or coolers.
You really think Stetson has guys running through freezers or coolers? Come on dude.
Stetson's roster is mostly players from the south by a good 90%. If you don't understand the difficulty of having spent most of at least the past year out of the cold weather including Florida weather mostly in the 90's and having to adjust overnight to much more extreme cold (not talking about a mid 50's day) then no one is going to be able to explain it to you.
The bottom line is I don't think a 50 degree day will affect the Stetson players enough to change the outcome of the game and that is what I think you were pointing to.
Quote from: bbtds on October 24, 2019, 06:23:49 PMQuote from: JD24 on October 24, 2019, 05:18:48 PMQuote from: bbtds on October 24, 2019, 11:49:38 AMQuote from: JD24 on October 22, 2019, 08:55:20 PMStetson is 5-1 after playing a pathetic OOC schedule. Lost by 3 to Marist, beat Butler by 3 and then beat up Dayton a bit. Haven't seen a weather report but hope for cold, wind and rain vs. a team from what's been a very warm Florida fall.
I think people must recognize that just like our players many of Stetson's players come from cold weather areas too and can play just as well as many college players who have played in cooler weather. I don't think you can say the cooler weather will effect Stetson greatly because they also prepare for it. I've heard some will even run through their individual motions in their college walk-in freezers or coolers.
You really think Stetson has guys running through freezers or coolers? Come on dude. Stetson's roster is mostly players from the south by a good 90%. If you don't understand the difficulty of having spent most of at least the past year out of the cold weather including Florida weather mostly in the 90's and having to adjust overnight to much more extreme cold (not talking about a mid 50's day) then no one is going to be able to explain it to you.
The bottom line is I don't think a 50 degree day will affect the Stetson players enough to change the outcome of the game and that is what I think you were pointing to.
"cold, wind and rain" equals 50 degrees? When I posted what I did I also mentioned I had not seen a weather report.
Other than that you were spot on in your response(s) in this thread.
Weather will not have a factor in the outcome. The Mad Hatters 30, Valpo 20.
Valpo 21 Stetson 18
Not sure why but have a good feeling about this weekend.
More realistically Stetson 35 Valpo 14.
But we will see. Think the 90 kids who remain have bought in, we've seen strides on offense.
Remember in 2011 a 20 streak losing Valparaiso picked off a top of conference Campbell team. It's possible
Quote from: usc4valpo on October 24, 2019, 07:28:46 AM
From first analysis, I can say that I really like Stetson's athletics logo, IMO the best in the Pioneer conference. Valpo's V shield is good also.
24 is right, Stetson is a very soft 5-1 and ranked only 235 in the Sagarin, only 18 slots above Valpo in the Sagarin poll. The poll has Valpo as a 10 point dog. Unlike Drake, Dayton, and San Diego, this matchup is winnable. However, we need scores and a lead early rather than scores in garbage time. Is this the weekend? Who knows.
Massey also has us at a 10 point dog, and gives us only a 22% chance of winning. The Morehead St game at home gives us a chance of 42%, while the at Butler games gives us a 47% shot.
If Fox and the team improve a little each week, we have a good shot at winning one of the last three games, maybe two.
https://www.masseyratings.com/team.php?t=8361&s=308075
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Just a thought:
Can we run the effin ball and stop sticking it in a QB's hands who can't throw a 10 yard pass with any sense of accuracy!
Thank you.
This is ugly but we are getting break after break. Now another missed pat but a penalty on Stetson! Whew!!!! 10-10! Who would have thunk it!
Turner looks like he's out again.
Could this be the day?
Quote from: JD24 on October 26, 2019, 01:13:54 PM
Just a thought:
Can we run the effin ball and stop sticking it in a QB's hands who can't throw a 10 yard pass with any sense of accuracy!
Thank you.
Have been following on GameTracker from the 10-3 score mark and tuned into a drive that just ground out yards on the ground with Chris getting some great yardage. Then we start passing and the drive stalls. 3/16 (?) does not look good on the resume. Defense is keeping us in this game. Booker with another int. 13-10 Valpo at the half.
VULB----the offense has attempted 6 or 7 fades to Reese (essentially jump balls) and they've gotten a PI call out of it. Reese does not have the ability of Catrine to position his body to make the catches they want him to make. I think they are wasted plays.
ARGHHHHH! Ran all the way to the 3 and then throw an incomplete. Settle for a FG. ARGHHHHH!
...and it continues. 3rd and goal from the two. I'm running Boxrucker and if he doesn't score and moves forward I'm running him on 4th down. So we run the same play which has been unsuccessful to Reese which is unsuccessful again.
I'd like to know what was on tape which led the staff to believe Reese could handle Henderson 1 on 1 as the staff seems to believe.
....and the good news is that we tried it AGAIN! to Reese and he came up empty which at this point is not surprising at all.
We get the FG though. 9 point lead.
Stetson will have the wind in the 4th quarter. Let the rain and wind pick up.
Turner back in.....and a big fumble recovery.
Hopefully the offense can take advantage of it and try 3 more fades to Reese ;D
Lopez has not had a good game.
....and now a second consecutive pass that should have been caught. Can't put the blame on the QB on those and that's at least the 3rd Lopez hasn't come up with. He's been tentative on the speed outs as well.
Problem now is that if Stetson gets the lead, Valpo is going against the wind which appears to be a significant factor today. So hopefully this lead holds up.
More incompletes and a punt. Run the ball. Run the ball.
Come on guys. We are stopping a team averaging over 530 yards a game. Stop complaining!
Quote from: vu72 on October 26, 2019, 03:00:36 PMCome on guys. We are stopping a team averaging over 530 yards a game. Stop complaining!
I'd like to take advantage of the defense.
....and the big blocked FG from Psota!
Great day for he.
2nd holding call on Brewer today. WRs have to get better.
Congrats to the Crusaders particularly the defense which was truly outstanding. Let's get another next week!
Clang, clang goes the Victory Bell. :thumbsup:
Fox can still go 5-7 this season. Looks like we lost Russell for season (stream showed ambulance there)
Two, uhhh, eye raising stats from this game.
-The quarterbacks combined were 11-50 with three interceptions.
-The listed attendance was 878.
878 in attendance? :snore:
Quote from: VULB#62 on October 26, 2019, 04:09:30 PM
Clang, clang goes the Victory Bell. :thumbsup:
OK! I thought maybe 62 was pulling my leg but no! We have a real win! :o
Just a thought:
JD24 do you know how to read stats? Check yourself before you comment on a QB's ability before you post.
Here's a stat Duncan has been the only one to score a TD in the past 3 games. Great team effort today congratulations Valpo football!
Quote from: vu84v2 on October 26, 2019, 04:51:54 PM
Two, uhhh, eye raising stats from this game.
-The quarterbacks combined were 11-50 with three interceptions.
-The listed attendance was 878.
Driving rain, temps in the mid 40's, and 15-20 MPH wind - probably responsible for both.
The most important stat is the Win.
Am watching Michigan v. that team from South Bend, in similar weather conditions. Apparently Michigan fans are more hardy than Valpo fans. Pretty sure there are more than 878 at the Big House!
A very solid game plan today and we passed the ball many more times than ND.
No complaints but a question for those players a little younger than me: It has to do with tackling and ball position when running. Tackling: it looks like the current technique is to meet a player running at you with a bear hug versus lowing the shoulder and hitting him around the waist and locking arms around him. Didn't see that today. As for ball position, I was taught to always switch the ball to the side opposite of the tackler--I'm running left, switch the ball to the left arm when pursuit is coming from the right. didn't see that today either. Just wondering...
Quote from: dcannon12 on October 26, 2019, 07:32:50 PMJust a thought: JD24 do you know how to read stats? Check yourself before you comment on a QB's ability before you post. Here's a stat Duncan has been the only one to score a TD in the past 3 games. Great team effort today congratulations Valpo football!
I have no problem reading stat sheets nor do I have a problem analyzing the play of a QB even in tough conditions. In fact, in the 2nd half I made mention of the fact that it wasn't a QB issue with some of the offenses problems. Since this is a game thread, it's not odd that players go through good patches and bad patches and 3 consecutive poor throws even in tough conditions might get a mention.
If a parent is going to post here, he needs to recognize all of this before getting all butt hurt about said criticism.
Nice win for the Crusaders, the dude clanging the annoying cowbell during the game, and the rough and tough 878 fans who attended.
Quote from: vu72 on October 26, 2019, 08:27:56 PMAm watching Michigan v. that team from South Bend, in similar weather conditions. Apparently Michigan fans are more hardy than Valpo fans. Pretty sure there are more than 878 at the Big House!
Some perspective please.
"Can't throw a 10 yard pass with any sense of accuracy " your words don't spin it JD24. Another stat you got wrong not a parent my nephew is a freshman on the team. I mentioned that before.
Quote from: dcannon12 on October 26, 2019, 09:53:50 PM"Can't throw a 10 yard pass with any sense of accuracy " your words don't spin it JD24. Another stat you got wrong not a parent my nephew is a freshman on the team. I mentioned that before.
Right. At the time of the game that statement was accurate. It's also not a stat, it is an opinion.
As to the rest of your comment. :lol: :lol: :lol: Ok. Your nephew which always leads to comments about the QB. The only QB you comment on. The only player you comment on. With one exception. Another QB.
I did not SEE a single play. I just followed on GameTracker. I am extatic over the win. But,,,,,,
1 - the plays selection was questionable and I believe it might have cost us two TDs that were at least mitigated by FGs.
2 - Chris is a hander-offer first, a runner second and a passer third. When our ground game is eating up yardage and Chris is a part of it, we do good stuff.
3 - When we suddenly deviate from a successful running attack to throw the ball incomplete 75% of the time it kills the attack.
4 - Therefore, if we really have to throw it should be off the threat of another run by the QB. Not seeing the game live but seeing sacks and losses of 10 yards a clip on game tracker tells me we are not leveraging our greatest threat and, more importantly, not giving Chris a situation in which to be successful.
But the defense really showed its mettle all afternoon. Aside from that early 67 yard scamper on Stetson's first play from scrimmage, our kids MADE PLAYS through 4 quarters. To be truthful, I was waiting for a trademark Valpo Q4 collapse that we are more used to, but not this time :)
Very happy for the players and coaches.
Quote from: VULB#62 on October 27, 2019, 12:59:05 AMI did not SEE a single play. I just followed on GameTracker. I am extatic over the win. But,,,,,, 1 - the plays selection was questionable and I believe it might have cost us two TDs that were at least mitigated by FGs. 2 - Chris is a hander-offer first, a runner second and a passer third. When our ground game is eating up yardage and Chris is a part of it, we do good stuff. 3 - When we suddenly deviate from a successful running attack to throw the ball incomplete 75% of the time it kills the attack. 4 - Therefore, if we really have to throw it should be off the threat of another run by the QB. Not seeing the game live but seeing sacks and losses of 10 yards a clip on game tracker tells me we are not leveraging our greatest threat and, more importantly, not giving Chris a situation in which to be successful. But the defense really showed its mettle all afternoon. Aside from that early 67 yard scamper on Stetson's first play from scrimmage, our kids MADE PLAYS through 4 quarters. To be truthful, I was waiting for a trademark Valpo Q4 collapse that we are more used to, but not this time :) Very happy for the players and coaches.
The defense was great and it was a great plan with conditions tough for Stetson to use their passing game in conditions they were even less prepared for than Valpo.
It wasn't only that I thought Valpo threw the ball too much it was throwing the ball up to Ollie Reese 6 or 7 times (not an exaggeration) on 50/50 balls which turned into 0/100 balls. It's not a criticism of the player to say that is not his game as a WR. It's a better play to Larose who was out injured. They are just wasting plays. At the 2 yard line with Boxrucker in the game and two shots to get it in, I don't know why you run a play which has been unsuccessful all game with the exception of one PI called.
With that said, Duncan threw a nice ball to Lopez in the endzone which should have been a TD if the receiver tracks the ball better. The game should have been put away earlier than it was.
I am very excited with what I am seeing from Coach Fox. Dave Cecchini was certainly an upgrade from where the program had fallen and if Jimmy Seewald had been healthy last year the team would have potentially met last years high expectations. I just find Landon Fox just much more relatable than Cecchini and I think that the players are responding to him on a much more personal level. Cecchini seemed more "corporate" while Fox appears to be down in the trenches fighting with his team. I loved this weeks post game press conference, I suppose the demeanor and exchanges of respect between the players and coach could be "put on" for the press, but I don't think that they are from what I have seen. From my perspective this program appears to be in good hands and now that the ice has been broken and the team has tasted victory more good things should be on the horizon.
Watched the game on ESPN plus, it was a great team win and the the weather was a plus for the team. At halftime Todd had a piece on Duncan about why he wears number 14, His late grandfather played at University of Michigan and wore number 14 as well.
FW - agree with comments but I thought Cecchini did a decent job talking over Osteen's mess.
https://twitter.com/valpoathletics/status/1188560636168392704
Quote from: usc4valpo on October 27, 2019, 02:48:30 PM
FW - agree with comments but I thought Cecchini did a decent job talking over Osteen's mess.
Completely agree. Two different coaches, two different approaches. The team responded positively to both. I just like the way that Fox seems to lead by shouldering responsibility and in turn the players seem to understand their 1/11 of the team requirements.
Quote from: FWalum on October 27, 2019, 08:02:48 PM
Two different coaches, two different approaches. The team responded positively to both. I just like the way that Fox seems to lead by shouldering responsibility and in turn the players seem to understand their 1/11 of the team requirements.
Spot on FW. Dave was a good manager and pretty personable, but there was always a kind of aloofness in at least his public persona. Emotions were always controlled and measured. There was also a bit of deflection of responsibility. Fox, OTOH, wears his emotions on his sleeve. You can literally see in his eyes his belief in what he is doing and his belief in the kids he is coaching. That builds solid two-way bonds. Whether we win one, two or more games the rest of the season, this bodes well in recruiting the 2020 class. And Fox needs to have a really good class coming in to continue the upward direction we are seeing on a week to week basis. If his kids believe in him (and from the looks of the guys who participated in the post-game presser they do), they will be the most effective recruiting vehicle he has.
Glad to see Latsonas settle down to the guy he was last season, and Booker is making heads turn. Because of his quickness, I always thought that Early had the potential to break out as a runner, but our blocking schemes didn't appear to favor his style. Seems like some adjustments and tweaks have been made to not only leverage his abilities but also free up Duncan to be more of a running threat. In that respect, it took longer than I had hoped, but it is refreshing to see the staff evaluating what they were doing well and what they were not doing well and making some changes rather than stubbornly sticking to "the system" that wasn't working effectively
To add to what VULB#62 mentions, I'd like to see an establishment on "who we are" offensively over the rest of the season. I think the defense has already moved significantly in that direction.
It's gotta be "We are gonna run at you. Stop us."
We have Elias and Cody - a quick + power combo. If a defense commits to stopping the run with 8 in the box, the short (and occasionally long) pass, become open and available. We need to dictate not react.
But where is the elephant? I am waiting (not so patiently) for an elephant set on short yardage situations. What is an elephant you ask? An OT subs in for a WR (and is eligible) and a TE replaces a WR. Two backs (lead and tailback). Ram the ball down their throats with a TE slam blocking scheme that kicks out any contain. I am so tired of trying to score on short yardage in the red zone with a single back and 4 wide-outs.
But that is the "old school" in me coming out. Sorry.
Actually, I'm not sorry. No one else is doing that. So do it. Dictate reaction.
Congratulations to Jamari Booker. He was named FCS national defensive player of the week by both STATS and College Sports Madness. Two picks and 13 tackles will do that ;D. There have been only four multiple pick games in the PFL this season and Jamari has two of them. The other thing I did not realize until now is that Stetson led the FCS nation in total offense and scoring coming into our game.
Quote from: VULB#62 on October 28, 2019, 10:00:09 PMIt's gotta be "We are gonna run at you. Stop us." We have Elias and Cody - a quick + power combo. If a defense commits to stopping the run with 8 in the box, the short (and occasionally long) pass, become open and available. We need to dictate not react. But where is the elephant? I am waiting (not so patiently) for an elephant set on short yardage situations. What is an elephant you ask? An OT subs in for a WR (and is eligible) and a TE replaces a WR. Two backs (lead and tailback). Ram the ball down their throats with a TE slam blocking scheme that kicks out any contain. I am so tired of trying to score on short yardage in the red zone with a single back and 4 wide-outs. But that is the "old school" in me coming out. Sorry. Actually, I'm not sorry. No one else is doing that. So do it. Dictate reaction.
I agree with running the ball a bit more and more in specific situations OR running pass plays which have a bit more chance to succeed instead of tossing the ball up to a WR who shows little inclination, at least at this point, to be able to position his body correctly to catch 50/50 balls.
In terms of basic sets, running the ball out of 4 WR sets makes some sense because you've spread the defense out and all 4 have to be accounted for likely taking them out of the box and possibly allowing the OL to handle those left in the box. Not that any formation is definitive but sometimes simply trying to out tough or maybe better put outsize an opponent can be banging your own head against the wall.
The previous regime made ample use of 22 personnel to throw the ball to the H back with a lot of success.
Did not see the game, what happened to Russell. Also Twigg and Petrie have disappeared, injured?
Apparently we switched long snappers because Coach Fox specifically mentioned Haugh in the weekly update.
Quote from: IndyValpo on October 30, 2019, 05:34:26 PMDid not see the game, what happened to Russell. Also Twigg and Petrie have disappeared, injured? Apparently we switched long snappers because Coach Fox specifically mentioned Haugh in the weekly update.
Russell had a significant lower leg injury when his leg got caught under him. Did not look pretty and he went directly to the hospital in an ambulance.
Russell fractured his leg in four places and dislocated his ankle.
We will be lucky to see him before 2021
WOW! :o
So many medical and physiological variables — Hope, for his sake, he has a perfect recovery whether he ever plays football or not.
That's an absolute shame. Type of injury(s) which can affect his life whether he plays football ever again. Hope he has a full recovery.