THE IUP Football Thread

[IUPbigINDIANS]

I haven't seen anything that says what their funding level is at. The only reason its discussed so much here is that nearly all PSAC members are state-owned so this info is public info and part of the conference culture. I know the privates HATE that this info gets out there.

Privates provide discounts up to 36 equivalencies and for whatever reason they tend to have trouble maximizing the dollar value vs the publics. It has been a while since a private has won a natty (1989) let alone played in the game (2013). In fact only two privates have ever won a D2 championship: Lehigh in 1977 (when FCS was D2) and Mississippi College in 1989.

Ashland has a lot of heavy hitter donors -- many in powerful positions within Ohio. This is a big job opening (if he indeed is retiring today).

They have a great following (filled up almost the entire visiting side at Miller last week).

[IUPalum]

They were built up for this year with a lot of upperclassmen. They weren't going to be the same come their visit next September. If this leads to portal exits (usually does) ... that game may lose some luster.

They should still be competitive. Just like previously said, they have money and a good recruiting area.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

They should still be competitive. Just like previously said, they have money and a good recruiting area.

Correct. They aren't going to become Clarion by next September. But, I don't think they'll be near the level of team we just saw.

Contrary, Tort is going to be pretty loaded next year. He has some portal holes to fill but not too many.

Also consider Lockhart and Fowler return -- and the long-lost DL from TJ who has been hyped up for years but hasn't played a snap yet. So, those are three big additions right there. Ashland will also be having its new QB make his first start at Miller against what should be a very strong D.

[IUPNation]

Looks like the rain will be in Indiana from about midnight to 2 p.m. tomorrow. So, a good chunk of it shouldn't have rain.

It will be windy all day with 10-20 mph winds expected. In Miller, those speeds increase.

So, not quite as bad as we thought. Temperature will be a non-issue in the low 50s.

The juggernaut will be unstoppable.

[Fightingscot82]

Ashland has a lot of heavy hitter donors -- many in powerful positions within Ohio. This is a big job opening (if he indeed is retiring today).

They have a great following (filled up almost the entire visiting side at Miller last week).

Their AD is from Armstrong County and graduated from Mansfield & IUP. He worked in IUP athletics & at the IG many years ago. But you're right - they are able to sell a vision for small college football in rural Ohio from wealthy donors under the shadow of Ohio State.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Their AD is from Armstrong County and graduated from Mansfield & IUP. He worked in IUP athletics & at the IG many years ago. But you're right - they are able to sell a vision for small college football in rural Ohio from wealthy donors under the shadow of Ohio State.

Their football facility is amazing. Since IUP was last there in 2018, they have added a huge indoor facility at what was then the open end of the stadium.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Update on our esteemed cast of Pick 'Em experts (with several regulars having not yet posted):

Picks to win:

Shepherd - 14
IUP - 10


As of this moment, that is much tighter than last time. Shepherd was picked by about 80% of our gambling degenerates in the State Game.

[EyeoftheHawk]

Looks like the rain will be in Indiana from about midnight to 2 p.m. tomorrow. So, a good chunk of it shouldn't have rain.

It will be windy all day with 10-20 mph winds expected. In Miller, those speeds increase.

So, not quite as bad as we thought. Temperature will be a non-issue in the low 50s.

The wind will be a factor. It will be blowing out of the SW so as far as The Mill is concerned, that’s from the corner of the end zone where the cannon is toward the business building, or parking lot area. This will be very similar to how it was blowing in the first game.

Given the forecasted gusts combined with the wind tunnel that seems to be there, you might be better off to prioritize what end of the field you defend versus whether or not to take possession of you win the toss. That said, IUP scored two touchdowns into the teeth of the wind in the third quarter in the last meeting.

[EyeoftheHawk]

Their football facility is amazing. Since IUP was last there in 2018, they have added a huge indoor facility at what was then the open end of the stadium.

It’s a really nice D2 facility. It’s a place I’d want to go if I was a recruit. Nice atmosphere as well on game day. There are also a ton of good football players in Ohio that might not cut it at D1 or FCS. If they’re down a bit initially, I can’t imagine it will be for long.

[Fightingscot82]

I think Sexton has the zip on his passes to cut through the wind, but like was said, gusts can do a lot of crazy things, especially at Miller that is essentially a chute inside a fairly open area for wind to run through. Rain might linger for a spot. One thing to consider: as the stakes get higher, is there extra pressure on Sexton? At least internally, that can get in the way of all his talent. He's also gotta improve his accuracy. Maybe last week was an anomaly.

Then again, maybe the DID can just want to fight all the Shepherd "clowns" and distract the Rams.

[Iupgh]

That could change the next 4 years in that IUP/Ashland series.

Change what, the games are locked in pal.

[IUPNation]

Their AD is from Armstrong County and graduated from Mansfield & IUP. He worked in IUP athletics & at the IG many years ago. But you're right - they are able to sell a vision for small college football in rural Ohio from wealthy donors under the shadow of Ohio State.

Ashland Ohio looks to be a slightly bigger and easier to access version of Indiana and it sits between Cleveland and Columbus.

[Iupgh]

Their AD is from Armstrong County and graduated from Mansfield & IUP. He worked in IUP athletics & at the IG many years ago. But you're right - they are able to sell a vision for small college football in rural Ohio from wealthy donors under the shadow of Ohio State.

That is an outstanding D2 job probably the best in Region 1. Job has everything, facilities, 36 s Ollie’s and strong recruiting area. In addition the league is not that tough…just sayin…Guy at Kutzrown would be a fool not to apply.

[Iupgh]

Never know. Ferris and GVSU are going to smash each other this weekend.

And, it's no secret they call drawing SR1 in the Final Four the 'bye' week.

There are certain years we have good enough teams to perhaps catch one sleeping.

Sans the Max injury the week prior in 2017 may have been much different.

But, we've also seen first hand many, many blowouts.

That game in 2017 against WF was a good game and IUP was missing it’s 2 best defensive players Redfield and Tillman. Game was in the balance in the 4th quarter and even a replay review was miss called giving WF a score…just sayin

[IUPbigINDIANS]

I think Sexton has the zip on his passes to cut through the wind, but like was said, gusts can do a lot of crazy things, especially at Miller that is essentially a chute inside a fairly open area for wind to run through. Rain might linger for a spot. One thing to consider: as the stakes get higher, is there extra pressure on Sexton? At least internally, that can get in the way of all his talent. He's also gotta improve his accuracy. Maybe last week was an anomaly.

Then again, maybe the DID can just want to fight all the Shepherd "clowns" and distract the Rams.

There's pressure on everybody tomorrow.

It just can't be Gannon Part 2 for IUP to be successful. They can hang in a shootout but certainly that wouldn't be the option.

There's a Duane Brown factor tomorrow. Will Larry Wilson get too enthralled with having Duane back and not run enough? The beauty of their offense in the victory over Shepherd is the Rams were really guessing all day. They were obviously prepped all week for Duane and then all the sudden he wasn't there.

IUP ran pretty well on Shepherd. Now Shepherd may be without one of its top LBs.

I fully acknowledge Shepherd has a scary offense. IUP does, too, and it starts behind the best OL in the Region.

Saddle up, cowboys.