THE IUP Football Thread

[Tdobson]

Tim Buffone was a beast on those teams, and one hell of a guy. Opposing offenses had to plan around him, and that was no easy thing to do. I am glad to see him make the IUP Hall of Fame. It is well deserved.

[EyeoftheHawk]

Yesterday was Hunter’s best game since coming to IUP. That’s a good sign. I think what impressed me most was he was good early in the game when IUP had to throw because the running game took a while to get going. He’s still going to be better when teams have to respect the run, but it was good to see he can make plays on obvious passing downs. Granted, it was Clarion, but that’s not an awful Clarion team.

IUP ran for 196 yards yesterday (179 net). That’s a big number, but it never felt like IUP controlled the line of scrimmage. The average was just 4.1 yards and Hunter had 70 himself, but when you take him out the average was 3.4 yards. The jury is still out on the offensive line as far as I’m concerned. We’re going to find out if they can play with the big boys next Saturday. I don’t see any scenario where IUP can win without going for at least 125-150 yards on the ground next week. Monaco seems to be coming on, which is a good sign.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Yesterday was Hunter’s best game since coming to IUP. That’s a good sign. I think what impressed me most was he was good early in the game when IUP had to throw because the running game took a while to get going. He’s still going to be better when teams have to respect the run, but it was good to see he can make plays on obvious passing downs. Granted, it was Clarion, but that’s not an awful Clarion team.

IUP ran for 196 yards yesterday (179 net). That’s a big number, but it never felt like IUP controlled the line of scrimmage. The average was just 4.1 yards and Hunter had 70 himself, but when you take him out the average was 3.4 yards. The jury is still out on the offensive line as far as I’m concerned. We’re going to find out if they can play with the big boys next Saturday. I don’t see any scenario where IUP can win without going for at least 125-150 yards on the ground next week. Monaco seems to be coming on, which is a good sign.

The IUP QBs have barely been touched in four games (aside from when they run).

I think the OL has been pretty strong. I think what is killing the running game is Larry loves to run these smaller backs up the middle 30 times a game. It's nauseating to watch.

I agree ... I think Karst was great yesterday (until they went to the 3 yards and dust offense the final 45 minutes).

[EyeoftheHawk]

The IUP QBs have barely been touched in four games (aside from when they run).

I think the OL has been pretty strong. I think what is killing the running game is Larry loves to run these smaller backs up the middle 30 times a game. It's nauseating to watch.

I agree ... I think Karst was great yesterday (until they went to the 3 yards and dust offense the final 45 minutes).

IUP did run the ball well late in the game, which is an important time to do it. I think they wore Clarion down. They have pass protected well. However, on the couple occasions when they needed a yard (like 4th down and one on the opening drive) they got stonewalled. Maybe it’s play calling or not having a big back at their disposal, hard to say. I know they used the fullback a lot on Saturday to get an extra blocker, which is pretty old school nowadays. I kind of liked that actually.

The test is a lot bigger this weekend. I’d love to come back here and say my concerns about the O-line were unfounded. We’ll see.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

IUP did run the ball well late in the game, which is an important time to do it. I think they wore Clarion down. They have pass protected well. However, on the couple occasions when they needed a yard (like 4th down and one on the opening drive) they got stonewalled. Maybe it’s play calling or not having a big back at their disposal, hard to say. I know they used the fullback a lot on Saturday to get an extra blocker, which is pretty old school nowadays. I kind of liked that actually.

The test is a lot bigger this weekend. I’d love to come back here and say my concerns about the O-line were unfounded. We’ll see.

No doubt their (bright) red zone woes have continued a bit. They had three possessions Saturday from inside the 7-yard line and only came away with (6) points. I did love Karst's TD run from the 17-yard line. That's a whole different element to worry about for defenses.

But, I'd agree. IUP doesn't have a big, power back, which is why I think they routinely struggle inside the 5-yard line to punch it in. They call running plays as if they do have a bruiser back there.

Ridley returning this week is obviously big. He is going to draw attention. Clark, Ridley and Massey (finally together) is a tough trio. Houser returning gives them some depth at RB, although I doubt we see him much this week in his return. They'll work him back slowly.

I also think IUP has intentionally been very vanilla the past two weeks. They didn't need to show much. They could have played 8 quarters and Clarion still wasn't scoring on them. Karst could have thrown for 400+ in that game Saturday but Tort wanted it over as fast as possible.

Things are certainly better than a year ago. But, we'll see how much better come Saturday.

[Ship69]

IUP did run the ball well late in the game, which is an important time to do it. I think they wore Clarion down. They have pass protected well. However, on the couple occasions when they needed a yard (like 4th down and one on the opening drive) they got stonewalled. Maybe it’s play calling or not having a big back at their disposal, hard to say. I know they used the fullback a lot on Saturday to get an extra blocker, which is pretty old school nowadays. I kind of liked that actually.

The test is a lot bigger this weekend. I’d love to come back here and say my concerns about the O-line were unfounded. We’ll see.

I'm constantly puzzled when I see teams attempt to convert short-yardage situations with a sidecar formation with no blocking back and the QB in shotgun position. The fullback has vanished at many schools with the current emphasis on air raid-style formations. In the pro game, the Bears had been getting stopped in short-yardage situations this year, so this past Sunday they moved a 270-pound lineman into a blocking back position and moved the QB under center in two short-yardage situations. It worked.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Does anybody know what is up with WR T'Mahdae Penn?

He's still on the roster. He hasn't dressed yet this year. His name hasn't been mentioned. I didn't see him on the sidelines this past Saturday (although that doesn't mean he wasn't there). He's a big, experienced D2 WR. They could surely use him.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

I'm constantly puzzled when I see teams attempt to convert short-yardage situations with a sidecar formation with no blocking back and the QB in shotgun position. The fullback has vanished at many schools with the current emphasis on air raid-style formations. In the pro game, the Bears had been getting stopped in short-yardage situations this year, so this past Sunday they moved a 270-pound lineman into a blocking back position and moved the QB under center in two short-yardage situations. It worked.

I love the old power set-up and then run the play-action to a wide-open TE. I don't know why we don't see that as much anymore. It's extremely difficult to defend.

[EyeoftheHawk]

I'm constantly puzzled when I see teams attempt to convert short-yardage situations with a sidecar formation with no blocking back and the QB in shotgun position. The fullback has vanished at many schools with the current emphasis on air raid-style formations. In the pro game, the Bears had been getting stopped in short-yardage situations this year, so this past Sunday they moved a 270-pound lineman into a blocking back position and moved the QB under center in two short-yardage situations. It worked.

I saw Penn State bring an extra offensive lineman in motion to lead a play on Saturday night. That was pretty interesting and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I’d like to see more of that stuff.

I’m not a fan of running too much out of shotgun formation, especially in short yardage situations. It doesn’t make sense to snap the ball backward three yards when you need to go forward one. It’s just not logical.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

" ... And then five, just the game itself. We kind of dominated them (IUP) on offense, defense and special teams."



Just part of a quote from a story in SRU's student newspaper referring to last years game against IUP. He's not lying.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

It sounds like the four players who sat out last week -- Okungu, Ridley, Washington and Houser -- will all play this weekend.

Younger is fine.

So, minus those lost for the season (and Penn) this should be the most complete lineup Tort has put on the field this season.

Tort did finally mention WR Penn last night. He's currently about 10 months removed from his knee surgery. Tort said he's not quite ready yet. Normally, you'd say he'd just likely sit this year out but he's like 26 or 27 years old. So ... not sure that's really in the plans. Who knows anymore. The TE at Miami is in his 9th season in Coral Gables.

[iupgroundhog]

It sounds like the four players who sat out last week -- Okungu, Ridley, Washington and Houser -- will all play this weekend.

Younger is fine.

So, minus those lost for the season (and Penn) this should be the most complete lineup Tort has put on the field this season.

Tort did finally mention WR Penn last night. He's currently about 10 months removed from his knee surgery. Tort said he's not quite ready yet. Normally, you'd say he'd just likely sit this year out but he's like 26 or 27 years old. So ... not sure that's really in the plans. Who knows anymore. The TE at Miami is in his 9th season in Coral Gables.

Hopefully, they can work these guys into a successful game plan.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Hopefully, they can work these guys into a successful game plan.

I'd guess Okungu will return to wrecking havoc. I don't foresee any rust with him. You could instantly tell the impact Terrell Williams had returning last week. Pairing him with Okungu and Feazell (and Danielson) is a whole lot of speed, bulk and muscle up front.

Ridley has missed a couple weeks but has played in a lot of big games. If he has a good practice week I suspect he'll be fine. He'll shake the rust quickly.

Washington will be a Special Teams option (only) this week.

Houser may get a series or two. I don't see anything more based on the opponent and him missing the last 3 games (injured first series against LH). Hard to say. He will be fresh and he is more of a home run threat than Younger. Being honest, I think they tuned up Monaco for a heavy dose this Saturday. In the second half last week we got to see the speed and elusiveness Monaco brings. He looks to finally be back near 100 percent.

[Iupgh]

Does anybody know what is up with WR T'Mahdae Penn?

He's still on the roster. He hasn't dressed yet this year. His name hasn't been mentioned. I didn't see him on the sidelines this past Saturday (although that doesn't mean he wasn't there). He's a big, experienced D2 WR. They could surely use him.

He did dress Saturday but did not get in ball game. Trust me they can’t wait to pair him up with his size with Massey. Was injured last season and still working to full strength.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

He did dress Saturday but did not get in ball game. Trust me they can’t wait to pair him up with his size with Massey. Was injured last season and still working to full strength.

OK. I could see No. 7 but knew it was Noah Johnston. Penn also wears No. 7. I guess I couldn't find him.

Have I mentioned (sarcasm) I hate these guys sharing numbers?