North Dakota State is coming off a 28-6 win against Albany. These games traditionally have had about a 45 point spread for the program (closest was Montana 2017). Really after seeing how much more money is put into a program like IWU, makes me realize players are sold on dreams of playing these teams and the school gets paid to risk their safety.
Hoping for health for the entire team. Final prediction
62-3
Obviously, if NDSU wants to, they can run 100 points with ease on Valpo. Who knows what the score will be.
NDSU 77, Valpo 6
44-10. Let's get a reality check here. Our defense played well, other than the reverse run for a touchdown. Ex that 50 yard run we gave up about 100 yards on the ground. If we are going to get killed it will be through the air. Other than about three boneheaded interceptions, a blow punt return and the aforementioned reverse, we out played them for 3/4 of the game. They were 1 of 12 on third down conversions.
Without desparaging the IWU players, remember that they have 24 full ride scholarships and, I would presume, some are split so there were many others on some sort of grant. I can't find what their majors might be but doubt very seriously that they have the number of engineering, business and nursing majors that are represented on Valpo's roster.
We will ALWAYS struggles against teams with scholarships, be they NAIA, D2 or certainly D1. Having written all that, I expect a better showing as a matter of pride if nothing else.
We struggle with all teams vu72. With our street cred, we should have no problem beating a team like IWU. Too many excuses and not enough performance by all those involved.
The good news is that Valpo is gaining revenue by providing football and keeping out of the red.
I agree VU, think 34 point spread a little optimistic with our level of offense.
I've always wondered why we don't schedule a Manchester/Anderson.
I know we played Franklin in basement of Carlson days and lost twice. This team is no where near that bad.
Yes if we scheduled Wabash/Franklin/Depauw game would probably be closer than we'd like to admit, but get some positive momentum.
Why does every year have to be 3 scholarship oppenent? If it's for money, the football program sure isn't seeing it.
I will never understand the Div 1 non scholarship status.
Quote from: usc4valpo on September 05, 2021, 06:43:09 PM
I will never understand the Div 1 non scholarship status.
NCAA rules since the early 90s mandate that all sports (hockey is only exception) play at the same Div. level. So, if university-wide athletic program wants to stay D1, only choices are dropping football or moving to non-scholarship. One can argue the merits of either choice, but that's the deal.
Thanks NWIGuy. I presume that Valpo keeps football to improve male enrollment. If Valpo stopped football, how much revenue would be lost?
How much is the cash payout to play in scenic Fargo? Does it cover expenses and more to keep the team afloat?
Wondering out loud if Div. 1 non-scholarship football schools could form a formal alliance with its own mini-playoff structure. I don't know how many schools fall into this category, but you had 35-40 schools that agreed to be in such an alliance, at least they would share an identity and championship structure.
Quote from: usc4valpo on September 06, 2021, 10:31:25 AMHow much is the cash payout to play in scenic Fargo? Does it cover expenses and more to keep the team afloat?
I've heard that it funds the entirety of the football program plus.
Whether I've heard correctly or not I don't know but I've heard the same tale numerous times since the question routinely comes up during the "we're playing WHO?" moments.
NDSU 52
Valpo 10
Quote from: David81 on September 06, 2021, 11:24:22 AMWondering out loud if Div. 1 non-scholarship football schools could form a formal alliance with its own mini-playoff structure. I don't know how many schools fall into this category, but you had 35-40 schools that agreed to be in such an alliance, at least they would share an identity and championship structure.
Right now only the PFL and the Ivy League are FCS non-scholarship conferences.
The idea of a athletic non scholarship league fro Div. 1 teams is interesting, unfortunately based on performance and university commitment, the issue is Valpo would still be at the bottom of whatever conference they would compete.
Quote from: JD24 on September 06, 2021, 12:26:03 PM
Quote from: usc4valpo on September 06, 2021, 10:31:25 AMHow much is the cash payout to play in scenic Fargo? Does it cover expenses and more to keep the team afloat?
I've heard that it funds the entirety of the football program plus.
Whether I've heard correctly or not I don't know but I've heard the same tale numerous times since the question routinely comes up during the "we're playing WHO?" moments.
The payout is $240,000. It doesn't go only to football but into the general athletic fund supporting all sports.
https://fbschedules.com/north-dakota-state-to-host-ualbany-and-valparaiso-in-2021/
2 Deep interesting notes
QB- Berry 4 picks and still the guy
RB- Washington #1 presumably healthy
OL- Files listed limped off last game
TE- Wake xfer gets start
LB- No Peifer this week. Tough loss. Twigg starting
DB- Chilton gets start after last week
Quote from: usc4valpo on September 06, 2021, 05:41:31 PM
The idea of a athletic non scholarship league fro Div. 1 teams is interesting, unfortunately based on performance and university commitment, the issue is Valpo would still be at the bottom of whatever conference they would compete.
Quote from: NWIGuy on September 06, 2021, 02:47:25 PM
Quote from: David81 on September 06, 2021, 11:24:22 AMWondering out loud if Div. 1 non-scholarship football schools could form a formal alliance with its own mini-playoff structure. I don't know how many schools fall into this category, but you had 35-40 schools that agreed to be in such an alliance, at least they would share an identity and championship structure.
Right now only the PFL and the Ivy League are FCS non-scholarship conferences.
I didn't know it was that small a group.
Well, I guess my fallback is for the NCAA to return to allowing DI schools to play in a lower division for football. I'm sure VU could be fully competitive playing at a DIII football level.
Anyway, back to VU vs. North Dakota State....
Quote from: NWIGuy on September 05, 2021, 07:53:03 PM
Quote from: usc4valpo on September 05, 2021, 06:43:09 PM
I will never understand the Div 1 non scholarship status.
NCAA rules since the early 90s mandate that all sports (hockey is only exception) play at the same Div. level. So, if university-wide athletic program wants to stay D1, only choices are dropping football or moving to non-scholarship. One can argue the merits of either choice, but that's the deal.
There must be some other exceptions as Dallas Baptist is D1 in baseball only.
Quote from: IndyValpo on September 07, 2021, 06:28:26 PM
Quote from: NWIGuy on September 05, 2021, 07:53:03 PM
Quote from: usc4valpo on September 05, 2021, 06:43:09 PM
I will never understand the Div 1 non scholarship status.
NCAA rules since the early 90s mandate that all sports (hockey is only exception) play at the same Div. level. So, if university-wide athletic program wants to stay D1, only choices are dropping football or moving to non-scholarship. One can argue the merits of either choice, but that's the deal.
There must be some other exceptions as Dallas Baptist is D1 in baseball only.
I think the restriction has to do with Men's basketball and the big payouts. If you want to be D1 in Men's basketball then you must be D1 in all sports. That would allow for schools wanting to be D1 in baseball, soccer or hockey as examples.
Quote from: IndyValpo on September 07, 2021, 06:28:26 PM
Quote from: NWIGuy on September 05, 2021, 07:53:03 PM
Quote from: usc4valpo on September 05, 2021, 06:43:09 PM
I will never understand the Div 1 non scholarship status.
NCAA rules since the early 90s mandate that all sports (hockey is only exception) play at the same Div. level. So, if university-wide athletic program wants to stay D1, only choices are dropping football or moving to non-scholarship. One can argue the merits of either choice, but that's the deal.
There must be some other exceptions as Dallas Baptist is D1 in baseball only.
I believe that if the university is in a lower division, it can play at a higher level for one sport. That is the case for Dallas Baptist in baseball and for numerous schools in hockey.
In regarding to non-scholarship football, I believe that was tried years ago with 1-AAA (and Valpo was part of it). Not sure why that was dissolved, nor do I remember that division having their own championship.
Quote from: vu84v2 on September 08, 2021, 08:42:19 AMI believe that if the university is in a lower division, it can play at a higher level for one sport. That is the case for Dallas Baptist in baseball and for numerous schools in hockey.
DBU was grandfathered in for baseball as are most of the other programs that have one D1 sport. After 2010-11, no additional schools can do this.
Well at least Carson Wentz and Trey Lance have moved on.... :o
Won't be pretty.
49 - 3 we lose.
It could be worse than ugly. Albany couldn't run the ball vs. NDSU 22 yards on 18 carries. That's Valpo's bread and butter which won't be there. I'm not sure how Valpo throws the ball when we couldn't get open vs. Indiana Wesleyan.
This type of game has been trouble in the past with long term injury. Let's hope we don't see this again.
If running is going to be our bread and butter need to hope IWU's defensive front is better than most of the PFL
Quote from: valpofb16 on September 10, 2021, 07:26:00 AMIf running is going to be our bread and butter need to hope IWU's defensive front is better than most of the PFL
Maybe I should have phrased it as "Robert Washington is Valpo's bread and butter". Last year I don't think the offense did much of anything at any point when he wasn't in there. AND....I hope they hold him out so the season isn't over before it really begins.
Also be aware that the spring football season really had any meaning or significance other than they got the teams out there to play.
Game day at Fargo baby! If Valpo avoids the wood chipper, all will be well.
https://www.fargomoorhead.org/what-to-do/the-woodchipper-in-fargo/
For those making the trip to Fargo, I recommend this excellent downtown place to dine. Very cool.
https://www.vinyltacofargo.com/
Even thinking about watching this game is causing me pain and distress. Ouch :'(
To expect a win or for the score to be within 28 points is unrealistic. This is the Alabama of FCS.
However , starting Nimz both weeks and taking him out immediately for Berry and Kaplan is puzzling to me. Just start the QB you're going to play?
Quote from: valpofb16 on September 11, 2021, 03:16:15 PMTo expect a win or for the score to be within 28 points is unrealistic. This is the Alabama of FCS. However , starting Nimz both weeks and taking him out immediately for Berry and Kaplan is puzzling to me. Just start the QB you're going to play?
You said this last week as well and I thought I mis read the comment. Nimz didn't start last week. Berry did. The only time Nimz went in the game was when Berry was asked to leave by an official after he took a hard shot and I think they were making sure he had no concussion issues. Nimz played a couple of plays and was out.
edit: Nimz played 2 series today before Kaplan came in.
I haven't seen much of the game but I noticed something this week that I noticed last week. WR #12 Bingham has caught a pass in each game near the sidelines and stepped out of bounds with what appears to be room to run. Much more egregious last week but there's a reputation in there that he doesn't want to get.
Nimz 100% started IWU. Have watched both games but that's moot.
Some noticeable omissions this game. Hard to really take much from it.
Noticed several more freshman worked in this week. Might be recruiting promises.
No Orekoya or Peifer. Contreras got drilled on a punt return.
We will know more about this team once PFL season starts. IWU was a mishap. This was a scheduling mishap.
NDSU is in a different league than North Dakota, Montana, Sacred Heart, Western Illinois, all of which have shown they are in different league than Valpo
Protect the kids
Valpo played this game for the big paycheck and is required for the program.
Quote from: usc4valpo on September 11, 2021, 05:57:22 PM
Valpo played this game for the big paycheck and is required for the program.
I think that's correct. The story goes "the kids want to play these games". The reality is "the program needs the money". It's like the freshman desperately wanting to play the varsity to see how they measure up when in reality the know they are out weighed and out skilled and are going to get their a$$es handed to them.
The program picked up $240,000 and hopefully we didn't lose any others for the season. Heck, IWU was hard enough on us.
Quote from: valpofb16 on September 11, 2021, 05:28:24 PMNimz 100% started IWU. Have watched both games but that's moot.
Its not moot because you're criticizing the staff for something that absolutely didn't happen. Go to ESPN3 and watch the replay of the IWU game. It's on the video and you can check the play by play of the game as well.
Berry started that game. You couldn't be more defiantly wrong if you tried. Plus...if you re watch that game you'll see the point at which Berry goes out for a few plays and Nimz comes in...because of potentially injury.
If you want to dismiss the point because you can't be bothered to check yourself go right ahead.
Quote from: JD24 on September 12, 2021, 12:08:09 AM
Quote from: valpofb16 on September 11, 2021, 05:28:24 PMNimz 100% started IWU. Have watched both games but that's moot.
Its not moot because you're criticizing the staff for something that absolutely didn't happen. Go to ESPN3 and watch the replay of the IWU game. It's on the video and you can check the play by play of the game as well.
Berry started that game. You couldn't be more defiantly wrong if you tried. Plus...if you re watch that game you'll see the point at which Berry goes out for a few plays and Nimz comes in...because of potentially injury.
If you want to dismiss the point because you can't be bothered to check yourself go right ahead.
JD24 is correct. I saw the start of the Indiana Wesleyan game and Berry did start at quarterback.
https://iwuwildcats.com/sports/football/stats/2021/valparaiso-university/boxscore/9576
See the play-by-play and see that Berry throws the first Valpo pass on the third play of the game.
3rd and 7 at VALPARAI19 BERRY pass incomplete to WASHINGTON.
You both are right my apologies. Thought they pulled Ben early. Appears Berry did not make trip to NDSU.
Sounds like IWU bat us up worse than NDSU. Wow! Glad we have some depth or it could be a very long season==and it already is getting kinda "long" :(
When will Valpo win their first game?
Dartmouth-Longshot
At Drake- Possible yet Longshot
Marist- could be favored most likely will be 0-4 heading in
At St. Thomas- see prior week
Most likely first win comes week 4 or 5
The Tommies will destroy the Beacos. They were a D3 powerhouse.
Quote from: valpofb16 on September 12, 2021, 07:57:41 AMYou both are right my apologies. Thought they pulled Ben early. Appears Berry did not make trip to NDSU.
The broadcast said he was injured in the first game.
Quote from: usc4valpo on September 12, 2021, 01:36:52 PMThe Tommies will destroy the Beacos. They were a D3 powerhouse.
St. Thomas may beat Valpo but they also may not be the dominant force they have been. They really struggled vs. Michigan Tech yesterday.
St. Thomas beat a D2 school that has scholarships. And we complain that NAIA schools have an advantage over us because NAIA schools have scholarships! Let's try to be consistent with our assessments gang.
Quote from: usc4valpo on September 12, 2021, 06:48:02 PMSt. Thomas beat a D2 school that has scholarships. And we complain that NAIA schools have an advantage over us because NAIA schools have scholarships! Let's try to be consistent with our assessments gang.
I'm being perfectly consistent. I don't think I've ever mentioned the scholarship issue.
I can't find an instance in which St. Thomas played up a division... at least recently. So it's possible the Mich. Tech game was their first Div. II game. They play Northern Iowa this week.
JD24 - I was not inferring to you specially, but there are some complaining on the board that Valpo can't compete against D2 or NAIA schools because those scholols provide athletic scholarship funding.
St. Thomas defeated a D2 team on the road. Valpo will struggle with the Tommies.
We may have "done better" than we thought. We were down 43-0 at half to #4 North Dakota State, but, Dayton is currently down 38-0 at half to #8 SIU. They have given up 430 some yards in the half. SIU has already played some 2nd and third string guys.
Not a good comparison vu72. At the end team from the Pioneer are getting blown out. Valpo needs to learn and execute winning in their conference. This has been going on for too long and the excuses are getting stale. It is time to win, we should have no reason not to compete.
There hasn't been a PFL game played to this point. I don't think there's a program in the league that thus far has looked good including the likes of San Diego which, if they don't win vs. more highly rated FCS programs, is usually competitive which they have not been.
I guess we'll start to see next week.
Quote from: JD24 on September 19, 2021, 10:15:17 AM
There hasn't been a PFL game played to this point. I don't think there's a program in the league that thus far has looked good including the likes of San Diego which, if they don't win vs. more highly rated FCS programs, is usually competitive which they have not been.
I guess we'll start to see next week.
I think it is just very clear that Pioneer teams can't compete against the top FCS programs. We got clocked by NDSU, #14 Northern Iowa beat St. Thomas 44-3, #9 Southern Illinois beat Dayton 55-3, #16 North Dakota beat Drake 38-0 and FCS Campbell beat Presbyterian 72-0! JD24 is correct. We will start to figure out who is now the top of the Pioneer starting next week and I would think Valpo will be very competitive going forward.
Even in our best years, we get clocked by FCS scholarship and Ivy League teams. My first year on campus, we lost to Yale 48-2, but still won the PFL.