THE IUP Football Thread

[IUPbigINDIANS]

A win is a win and even an ugly one is better than a loss. All that matters is 1-0 against a very good SR1 opponent.

A few things that stood out. I didn’t like the look of the O-line in fall practice and that group still has a long way to go. That said, O-lines are the group that tends to improve most from week to week and as there’s no shortage of talent. I expect them to look way different by week three. We all saw at times how little it matters what great weapons you have if your O-line isn’t performing. You have to give credit to Ashland though. They’ve very active across their defensive front and as soon as they saw IUP struggling they did a lot of stunting and blitzing. I was impressed with Campolo’s composure and patience. Maybe he’s turning over a new leaf, LOL.

Hunter was just so so. He looked pretty much like what I expected being better moving in the pocket or outside of it. He is not the fire baller Sexton was, however, his threat to run adds another dimension. I’d like to see his decision making be a little better (held the ball too long on occasion and a bad pick), but he really hasn’t played a ton at quarterback if you look at his resume. I expect he too will improve as the year goes on. I was impressed with his command of the offense and knowing where guys were supposed to be. He was prepared.

Zinobile is a beast at this level. He may be the best addition of all the newcomers. That said, Hilton Ridley may be the guy who loses the most production because of it. As good as Ridley is, he had zero catches last night. Lockhart only had one. It’s only one game but that’s something to pay attention to. There was a sequence on IUP’s tying field goal drive where Lockhart had one-on-one coverage on the right and Zinobile and Ridley (I think) had a safety helping on the left. Lockhart beat his guy inside on the skinny post but Hunter was totally locked on the left side and nearly threw a pick. My point is, hopefully they find a way to spread the ball around. Laney looks like an NFL tight end all the sudden.

In the running game, I hope they find a true #1 and get the kid a bunch of carries so he can get into the game. I’ve never been a fan of running back by committee. All of them showed flashes of good things though. I thought Houser ran the hardest but Younger showed the better vision. For Stewart to get any carries at all is a great sign. Maybe he’ll emerge as “the guy” once he’s fully conditioned. It’s nice to have 3-4 very capable guys back there but hopefully they can establish some continuity.

The defense…wow. That secondary is GOOD. Even if you do get a catch you’re going to get belted. Overall a great performance. They really only gave up 3 the way I see it. Special teams were a disaster. I’m not a fan of Spitler at all at punter. We all saw it so I’m not getting into it.

Things that were nice but don’t really matter: Awesome crowd with excellent student presence. Night games are sooo much better. Band, dance team, and cheerleaders were good. New pregame chant was fun. Mark Bertig on the mic in the booth added energy. A lot of people “talking ball” in the tailgate lot.

The day after is also a great time to 'talk ball' ... a good time to talk about the game inside the game (inside the game).

You and I attended the scrimmage and didn't like the punt team then. I sure as hell don't like it now. It was a disaster. Spitler has to get faster getting the ball off. He's too slow. He can belt it as we saw some last night but that whole process needs to speed up a bit. Two blocked punts in a season is too many -- in the first game it is a nightmare.

The punt team cohorts in crime (punt receiving) didn't help much. Take notice, Ridley is the usual punt returner. The two they muffed had Darius Bruce back "deep". This was due to that stuff Ashland does when it's under 4th and 5. They lineup in a shotgun. If they actually punt, the QB drops back a couple yards right before the snap. So, Bruce would shift back very quickly as the returner once IUP was confident they were actually going to punt. The late shift cost IUP early as Bruce seemed to lose the ball up in the sky. He let it bounce inside the 15 and it went out around the 2 or 3. The last one he should have just been nowhere near the ball. That's a 'grenade' call all day long.

The two personal fouls ... the nightmare Tort just cannot escape. Year after year. Throw a punch or a hard shove after the whistle and you don't play the next quarter. Something. This is an ongoing issue of Tort's teams. NOTHING ever will come out of after the whistle crap. Why is that so hard for IUP teams to learn? It's not a coincidence or a one-off anymore. It's 6-7 years of it. Game after game after game after game after game. It's maddening. TAKE CONTROL OF IT.

You're right about the DBs. If you do catch one, you are getting whacked. Last year's board favorite "No. 11" (Taylor) looked like a legit star last night.

More cowbell ... More Cole Laney. There aren't many 6'6", 260 lb TEs around here who can catch and run. His long one before the half was arguably the play of the game. Ashland had tied the game and had momentum (and was getting the kick to start the second half). IUP scoring there after Laney's huge run popped the balloon a bit.

I thought Karst played pretty well. A less-experienced QB would have been rattled after playing the role of ping pong ball. Being honest, Ashland is one of the best defenses they'll see all regular season, too. That wasn't an easy unit to open with -- they are big, fast and had a ton of guys back.

OL has to just be a 'gel' thing and a 'reps' thing. These aren't dip**** freshmen in there. These are proven upperclassmen with a ton of career starts and accolades. I'm going to go with the old Joe Lombardi 'keep cutting stone' philosophy here.

Let's not celebrate too long. As I preached all summer, next week is not going to be an easy game. ESU has some real studs on defense (DL in particular). Campolo has some work to do by next weekend.

[EyeoftheHawk]

A win is a win and even an ugly one is better than a loss. All that matters is 1-0 against a very good SR1 opponent.

A few things that stood out. I didn’t like the look of the O-line in fall practice and that group still has a long way to go. That said, O-lines are the group that tends to improve most from week to week and as there’s no shortage of talent. I expect them to look way different by week three. We all saw at times how little it matters what great weapons you have if your O-line isn’t performing. You have to give credit to Ashland though. They’ve very active across their defensive front and as soon as they saw IUP struggling they did a lot of stunting and blitzing. I was impressed with Campolo’s composure and patience. Maybe he’s turning over a new leaf, LOL.

Hunter was just so so. He looked pretty much like what I expected being better moving in the pocket or outside of it. He is not the fire baller Sexton was, however, his threat to run adds another dimension. I’d like to see his decision making be a little better (held the ball too long on occasion and a bad pick), but he really hasn’t played a ton at quarterback if you look at his resume. I expect he too will improve as the year goes on. I was impressed with his command of the offense and knowing where guys were supposed to be. He was prepared.

Zinobile is a beast at this level. He may be the best addition of all the newcomers. That said, Hilton Ridley may be the guy who loses the most production because of it. As good as Ridley is, he had zero catches last night. Lockhart only had one. It’s only one game but that’s something to pay attention to. There was a sequence on IUP’s tying field goal drive where Lockhart had one-on-one coverage on the right and Zinobile and Ridley (I think) had a safety helping on the left. Lockhart beat his guy inside on the skinny post but Hunter was totally locked on the left side and nearly threw a pick. My point is, hopefully they find a way to spread the ball around. Laney looks like an NFL tight end all the sudden.

In the running game, I hope they find a true #1 and get the kid a bunch of carries so he can get into the game. I’ve never been a fan of running back by committee. All of them showed flashes of good things though. I thought Houser ran the hardest but Younger showed the better vision. For Stewart to get any carries at all is a great sign. Maybe he’ll emerge as “the guy” once he’s fully conditioned. It’s nice to have 3-4 very capable guys back there but hopefully they can establish some continuity.

The defense…wow. That secondary is GOOD. Even if you do get a catch you’re going to get belted. Overall a great performance. They really only gave up 3 the way I see it. Special teams were a disaster. I’m not a fan of Spitler at all at punter. We all saw it so I’m not getting into it.

Things that were nice but don’t really matter: Awesome crowd with excellent student presence. Night games are sooo much better. Band, dance team, and cheerleaders were good. New pregame chant was fun. Mark Bertig on the mic in the booth added energy. A lot of people “talking ball” in the tailgate lot.

[IUPNation]

Odd to say but there's actually a buzz in town about tomorrow night. It's a playoff vibe.

I think they easily break 5,500. Granted, IUP can't count and will announce 1,400. This is going to be a big crowd.

Six years ago -- almost to the day -- IUP hit a walk-off, 47-yard FG to beat Ashland. Wild moment in Miller Stadium history. That kick, of course, gets remembered, but prior to it IUP blocked a FG and then Lenny Williams quickly drove IUP in to (somewhat) range for the winning attempt. That heavy-pressure kick would have probably been good from 55 yards.

In last year's win against Ashland, recall a blocked punt was returned to the house for an IUP TD. I fully suspect special teams, one way or another, will again play a huge role tomorrow.

Do you have the number for the Mega Millions by any chance? I need to retire yesterday.

Ashland's kicking game was no prize...just watched the missing 15 yard FG.

[Ram Tough]

The TV crew needs to remember to put the score up.

[jrshooter]

Very nice drive for the first points.

[Ram Tough]

For students, these young guys are pretty prepared on the announce team.

[IUP1423]

Parking lots are open and starting to fill....

[IUPNation]

The fact he ever suited up at IUP is a story in itself. Remember he couldn't play his first year. Then COVID hit. So, he stayed committed to IUP for a long time before he ever put a helmet on.

We sure saw the flashes of brilliance from him that season.

He had 7 grabs for 143 yards and 2 TDs in that Cal debacle -- and had he not dropped 'that' one he'd have been over 200 yards with 3 TDs (and IUP would have went up 28 and game over). Obviously, IUP was still up 21 points when he dropped that ball. So, that loss doesn't get pinned on him. That would have just broke Cal's soul and put any comeback out of reach.

At SRU, he had 3 TDs and was just unstoppable in the red zone (and also dropped a 4th TD). Lutz said after the game they had absolutely no answer for him inside the 20 yard line.

On punt coverage, he was just unfair at the gunner spot.


That 2021 team is still an enigma of sorts. It got the split with Kutztown and Shepherd to start the season (with a backup QB). They blew SRU out on the road. They were blowing Cal out (were). Of course, the Cal game snowballed, and the following week (without Irvin) they lost at home to a dreadful Edinboro team ... in perhaps the worst home loss in decades. That team was too good not to make the playoffs. But, it really shows how a football season can turn, literally, in a split second. Harry Football was a lot better QB than I think he gets credit for on here. It was a shame he had to miss those first two games. He had the huge win at SRU and also led the big comeback at West Chester.

I'd guess that '21 team gets used as the example to current teams. Lose sight of things for a minute and it unravels in a hurry.

Interesting side note. In that infamous Cal comeback, a Vulcans WR completely smoked IUP -- 9 receptions for 153 yards and two TDs. His name? Derek Lockhart.

I'm ready to see some more Derek Lockhart Miller Stadium Magic.

This time with a better helmet.

…and a much better school.

[iupgroundhog]

From the Gazette:

Younger will start at RB. Tort is saying Houser and Stewart will be the backups. No mention of Randy Washington (he sat the final scrimmage but I believe is practicing).

I suspect Younger and Houser will get close to equal touches and Parker Gregg will get his share. I don't expect to see Stewart play (he will dress).

Very interested to see how Larry Wilson starts the game. While it is Karst's first game at IUP, there's plenty of film on him. It's not going to be any surprise he can fly with the ball. Curious to see -- X's and O's -- how Ashland's D approaches the IUP offense.

Ashland's QB is going to look like Big Ben out there (physically). He's listed at 6'6" and 263 lbs. I question the weight. He's certainly tall but he doesn't look anywhere near 263 lbs.

The IUP OL vs the Ashland DL ... if you want to see some real big bodies colliding, try and watch that match-up a couple times.

Finally, tonight is LONG-awaited IUP debut of DL Logan Danielson. I think you'll see it was worth the wait.

If there is one nervous dude entering this game, it's likely the OL assigned to tangle with Tyrone Fowler Jr. That will not be a fun experience.

It will be interesting to see if IUP's DE's are faster than Ashland's 6'6" QB.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

From the Gazette:

Younger will start at RB. Tort is saying Houser and Stewart will be the backups. No mention of Randy Washington (he sat the final scrimmage but I believe is practicing).

I suspect Younger and Houser will get close to equal touches and Parker Gregg will get his share. I don't expect to see Stewart play (he will dress).

Very interested to see how Larry Wilson starts the game. While it is Karst's first game at IUP, there's plenty of film on him. It's not going to be any surprise he can fly with the ball. Curious to see -- X's and O's -- how Ashland's D approaches the IUP offense.

Ashland's QB is going to look like Big Ben out there (physically). He's listed at 6'6" and 263 lbs. I question the weight. He's certainly tall but he doesn't look anywhere near 263 lbs.

The IUP OL vs the Ashland DL ... if you want to see some real big bodies colliding, try and watch that match-up a couple times.

Finally, tonight is LONG-awaited IUP debut of DL Logan Danielson. I think you'll see it was worth the wait.

If there is one nervous dude entering this game, it's likely the OL assigned to tangle with Tyrone Fowler Jr. That will not be a fun experience.

[IUP Crimson Hawk]

Picture perfect weather in Indiana today. 70° and sunny at kickoff.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

That’s great! From top to bottom he looked the part of one of the best receivers we ever saw in Indiana but he would inexplicably drop wide open passes at times (See Coal Bowl). Maybe it was just rust after being away for football for a while after transferring from Penn State. People may not remember he was a 4 star recruit out of New Jersey. Here’s a good article about his college football journey from the Jets: https://jetswire.usatoday.com/lists/...hings-to-know/

The fact he ever suited up at IUP is a story in itself. Remember he couldn't play his first year. Then COVID hit. So, he stayed committed to IUP for a long time before he ever put a helmet on.

We sure saw the flashes of brilliance from him that season.

He had 7 grabs for 143 yards and 2 TDs in that Cal debacle -- and had he not dropped 'that' one he'd have been over 200 yards with 3 TDs (and IUP would have went up 28 and game over). Obviously, IUP was still up 21 points when he dropped that ball. So, that loss doesn't get pinned on him. That would have just broke Cal's soul and put any comeback out of reach.

At SRU, he had 3 TDs and was just unstoppable in the red zone (and also dropped a 4th TD). Lutz said after the game they had absolutely no answer for him inside the 20 yard line.

On punt coverage, he was just unfair at the gunner spot.


That 2021 team is still an enigma of sorts. It got the split with Kutztown and Shepherd to start the season (with a backup QB). They blew SRU out on the road. They were blowing Cal out (were). Of course, the Cal game snowballed, and the following week (without Irvin) they lost at home to a dreadful Edinboro team ... in perhaps the worst home loss in decades. That team was too good not to make the playoffs. But, it really shows how a football season can turn, literally, in a split second. Harry Football was a lot better QB than I think he gets credit for on here. It was a shame he had to miss those first two games. He had the huge win at SRU and also led the big comeback at West Chester.

I'd guess that '21 team gets used as the example to current teams. Lose sight of things for a minute and it unravels in a hurry.

Interesting side note. In that infamous Cal comeback, a Vulcans WR completely smoked IUP -- 9 receptions for 153 yards and two TDs. His name? Derek Lockhart.

I'm ready to see some more Derek Lockhart Miller Stadium Magic.

This time with a better helmet.

[Ram040506]

Irvin Charles made the Jets' 53-man roster.

That is awesome! Joey Fisher from Shepherd got cut from the 49ers, but picked up to the practice squad for the Steelers. Good week for former PSAC players.

[EyeoftheHawk]

Irvin Charles made the Jets' 53-man roster.

That’s great! From top to bottom he looked the part of one of the best receivers we ever saw in Indiana but he would inexplicably drop wide open passes at times (See Coal Bowl). Maybe it was just rust after being away for football for a while after transferring from Penn State. People may not remember he was a 4 star recruit out of New Jersey. Here’s a good article about his college football journey from the Jets: https://jetswire.usatoday.com/lists/...hings-to-know/

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Irvin Charles made the Jets' 53-man roster.