IUP Football 2021

[IUPbigINDIANS]

They'll definitely have some more normalcy in place this week. Regardless what Tort was yapping about in the newspaper, I think it was pretty clear Harry Football was going to start that game. Jack mentioned after the game on the radio that the obvious major curveball was they were prepping and game-planning for Harry -- who is a much different style QB than Davis. So, they literally only had about 48 hours to get things figured out. Add to it, the OC was one of the coaches out. It was actually Campolo (OL coach) who called the plays.

I watched the game replay last night. You see a lot more on the video than in the stands. It certainly helps to be able to watch a play a couple times. I wish we had a big video board. Oh, wait. We do. What I meant is I wish we had a big video board that actually showed replays. Regardless ...

It was even more apparent on the playback that Javon was a different player after the intermission. He looked understandably very jittery in the first half -- and, the play calling was very watered-down and jittery, too. You could really see his confidence grow as the game progressed. And, with it, the running game picked up (somewhat) in the second half.

When they get that run game rolling, they will be a nightmare to defend. With Irv's size and speed on the outside, Duane all over the place, Daquon Green just getting his feet wet, Hilton Ridley's emergence and Grant Smith out the TE position ... I don't know how you stop that if the ground game is moving. Javon is really good at play action. He fooled me out several times. Add to it, he's only 5'11" behind an enormous OL. He's hard to see back there -- especially at full speed.


Few other observations upon closer look:

* Still no idea how Duane was called on that TD for taunting. The jabroni who threw the flag was at least 25 yards away.

* That Kutztown TD bomb in the second half ... amazing the QB got that ball out. He was walloped almost as it left his hand.

* Is there anything better than seeing a 315 lb DL make a Pick 6? Or better yet, a WR trying to tackle him? BTW, that was our Clarion boy who tipped it up in the air.

* IUP was sloppy in some things which made them waste at least (2) timeouts. We'll chalk that up to 700 days between games and four coaches out.

* That last punt ... remember that play. It may have changed IUP's whole season. IUP went from all the momentum in the world up 29-19 to all the sudden OH SH!T. Grubbs punted that in to a pretty stiff wind -- and blasted it. Goodness was Kutztown close to blocking that punt. But, he got it off and flipped the field. Remember, they didn't need a TD there. A FG would have tied it up.

* KU has some really good RBs. The one is very small but he can fly. The other (I think No. 24) is a hammer.

* Baffles me why KU was passing on that first interception (the one IUP picked in the end zone). They were running so well the whole way down the field on that drive. Big chunks. That's an OC trying to get too cute.

* There were some sore dudes yesterday on both sides. The beat the crap out of each other.

[Fightingscot82]

Iup has dominated the run game for YEARS, you and I know it, they will be fired up Saturday to run the ball, I expect an totally different result in the run game come Saturday

By what measure?

[IUP FLA 12]

[IUPNation]

He can have the virus while being vaccinated you idiot. If he has it, it's automatic 10 days no matter vaccine status!!!

[ironmaniup]

Nothing I saw from IUP this past week leads me to beleive they will run the ball at will.

[IUPNation]

He can have the virus while being vaccinated you idiot. If he has it, it's automatic 10 days no matter vaccine status!!!

[IUPFOOTBALLALUM]

Nothing I saw from IUP this past week leads me to beleive they will run the ball at will.

Iup has dominated the run game for YEARS, you and I know it, they will be fired up Saturday to run the ball, I expect an totally different result in the run game come Saturday

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Justice Evans had only 1 carry last week. I'm wondering if he's ok.

Does IUP have a lead back?

I'd guess Houser is out this week and next. They won't need him for Mercyhurst or Gannon. Maybe target a return for Clarion to make sure he's 100%. Those high ankle sprains are a mo fo for a RB.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Justice Evans had only 1 carry last week. I'm wondering if he's ok.

Does IUP have a lead back?

He got a little banged up during the game. Not sure on his status.

[iupgroundhog]

That same OL couldn't crack 100 yds last weekend, just saying.

Justice Evans had only 1 carry last week. I'm wondering if he's ok.

Does IUP have a lead back?

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Nothing I saw from IUP this past week leads me to beleive they will run the ball at will.

[IUPFOOTBALLALUM]

That same OL couldn't crack 100 yds last weekend, just saying.

[Ram040506]

iup needs to be able to run at will, which can be easily done with the oline they have. The defensive line was getting pressure on the QB against Kutz and they need to be able to do that again saturday.

That same OL couldn't crack 100 yds last weekend, just saying.

[IUPFOOTBALLALUM]

From the 1st half to the 2nd half against KU Davis made about as many adjustments as is possible in one football game. Understand that he didn't practice with the 1st team offense, having found out he was starting within 48 hours of the game. In the 1st qtr of that game he was throwing passes to nowhere. They were really having problems and not on the same page with the receivers.

I look for a much more productive IUP offense now that they know what they are working with. Predicting their offensive output is impossible at this point.

I think the questions are whether IUP can control Shepherd's passing offense. How much pressure do they put on Bagent and it also comes down to the IUP secondary, this week with their All-American back there. If IUP can limit Bagent & Co. Shep can also go to their running game. That's another wrinkle.

If I weren't an IUP fan I would pick Shep in this one. However, I always pick IUP.

[iupgroundhog]

Watched a little of the IUP/Kutztown game. Kutztown had 479 yds of offense to 298 for IUP. I think Shepherd is going to move the ball fine, as their offense is more explosive than Kutztowns. I'd say David knocks the rust off a bit and will take more shots downfield, especially with how Shepherd's DB's looked in game 1 vs ODU. That is a little scary as those WR's are the real deal for sure.

With teams as evenly matched as both of these programs tend to be year in and year out, I give Shepherd the edge simply because of Bagent vs Davis. Davis didn't look sure in the limited action I caught, and was staring down WR's. #9 reminds me a bit of Billy Brown strictly off size, we'll see if he's as productive. Brown is dynamite, but Shepherd's defense is all speed so I think we can keep him moderately in check with the quick screens and other short area passes. If IUP completely shuts down the run game of Shepherd (not a huge task) making them completely 1 dimensional, then I think IUP will get the edge. Seeing as they gave up nearly 200 yds rushing to Kutztown, I don't think that happens.

Just a few thoughts, hopefully both teams stay healthy this week and we get no covid surprises. We've all been looking forward to this one for awhile!

From the 1st half to the 2nd half against KU Davis made about as many adjustments as is possible in one football game. Understand that he didn't practice with the 1st team offense, having found out he was starting within 48 hours of the game. In the 1st qtr of that game he was throwing passes to nowhere. They were really having problems and not on the same page with the receivers.

I look for a much more productive IUP offense now that they know what they are working with. Predicting their offensive output is impossible at this point.

I think the questions are whether IUP can control Shepherd's passing offense. How much pressure do they put on Bagent and it also comes down to the IUP secondary, this week with their All-American back there. If IUP can limit Bagent & Co. Shep can also go to their running game. That's another wrinkle.

If I weren't an IUP fan I would pick Shep in this one. However, I always pick IUP.