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  • Last night was the final Tort show of the season.

    It was mostly typical year-end coach speak stuff but there was one key moment.

    A 'fan question' Jack read from his notes was asking if the 2025 starting QB is on the 2024 (current) roster.

    Tort didn't say 'yes'. He only said they have three on the current roster (including Nico with some experience). He said (paraphrase) they are always in the market to add talent to any position.



    I read his answer as saying they are certainly looking to bring in a new QB to start next year. If Nico was the guy, that was certainly an opportunity to say it. Or, to say something along the lines of it's Nico's job to lose, etc. Nothing like that was said.

    Comment


    • Originally posted by IUPbigINDIANS View Post
      Last night was the final Tort show of the season.

      It was mostly typical year-end coach speak stuff but there was one key moment.

      A 'fan question' Jack read from his notes was asking if the 2025 starting QB is on the 2024 (current) roster.

      Tort didn't say 'yes'. He only said they have three on the current roster (including Nico with some experience). He said (paraphrase) they are always in the market to add talent to any position.



      I read his answer as saying they are certainly looking to bring in a new QB to start next year. If Nico was the guy, that was certainly an opportunity to say it. Or, to say something along the lines of it's Nico's job to lose, etc. Nothing like that was said.
      I think that answer was predictable. And it's true. In the current environment they have to look to improve the team by adding to any position they can. The problem is that if you bring in a QB and commit to him he better be better than what you have. I hate to criticize the kid but I think IUP struck out with Hunter. So, the staff has to evaluate the talent and make a good decision. Hunter had 1619 yards passing this year. Statistically, he was below the mid-point for PSAC QB's in all categories except rushing.

      I think their most urgent need is on the OL. Hopefully, he can get some players there enrolled for the Spring. If it were up to me, I would focus on getting another RB. I think the RS freshmen might have a lot of potential but I think they need a really good RB. I would prioritize that over a transfer QB. Like Tort said, they have 3 QB's on the roster.

      Defensively, they lose the leaders Cox, Ingram, and Bruce. However, at all defensive positions they have players with quite a bit of experience. Some of that is due to the injuries to other players this year. So, if they can add transfers to defense they can add value there, provided they are good players.

      Comment


      • Originally posted by iupgroundhog View Post

        I think that answer was predictable. And it's true. In the current environment they have to look to improve the team by adding to any position they can. The problem is that if you bring in a QB and commit to him he better be better than what you have. I hate to criticize the kid but I think IUP struck out with Hunter. So, the staff has to evaluate the talent and make a good decision. Hunter had 1619 yards passing this year. Statistically, he was below the mid-point for PSAC QB's in all categories except rushing.

        I think their most urgent need is on the OL. Hopefully, he can get some players there enrolled for the Spring. If it were up to me, I would focus on getting another RB. I think the RS freshmen might have a lot of potential but I think they need a really good RB. I would prioritize that over a transfer QB. Like Tort said, they have 3 QB's on the roster.

        Defensively, they lose the leaders Cox, Ingram, and Bruce. However, at all defensive positions they have players with quite a bit of experience. Some of that is due to the injuries to other players this year. So, if they can add transfers to defense they can add value there, provided they are good players.

        Well, they actually have (4) QBs (remember QB3 was lost for the season in camp). That said, I'd assume 'at least' one of them leaves. They've also had a couple high school QBs in for game visits already.

        I'm kind of a Nico fan. But, I guess they have to see the market. I would guess it's fair to assume if they do sign a high-profile QB transfer then Nico will probably be on the first bus out of town. There are certainly many D2 schools where he could start next year.

        Comment


        • Originally posted by IUPbigINDIANS View Post
          Last night was the final Tort show of the season.

          It was mostly typical year-end coach speak stuff but there was one key moment.

          A 'fan question' Jack read from his notes was asking if the 2025 starting QB is on the 2024 (current) roster.

          Tort didn't say 'yes'. He only said they have three on the current roster (including Nico with some experience). He said (paraphrase) they are always in the market to add talent to any position.



          I read his answer as saying they are certainly looking to bring in a new QB to start next year. If Nico was the guy, that was certainly an opportunity to say it. Or, to say something along the lines of it's Nico's job to lose, etc. Nothing like that was said.
          This is exactly what I said a few weeks ago on here and some about went off the deep end. There is nothing in recent IUP Football history to suggest that they won’t go shopping for a QB. They’re not sold on Nico, nor should they be. Outside of QB, IUP has a lot of shopping to do unless they want a rebuilding type season in 2025. There are a lot of holes to fill. I’m sure there are some young players on the roster ready to step up, but there’s going to be some significant portal help needed. It’s going to be an interesting off season.

          Comment


          • Originally posted by IUPbigINDIANS View Post


            All they had to do was finish out games and they'd have been 10-0.

            Donors' money can't get you off the field when a team has to go 75 yards in 90 seconds -- and does so (3) times.

            It was there this year. They didn't finish. Among those three losses, not showing up at Edinboro was inexcusable.


            Tort had the players for a 10-0 season. Why they coughed up three late leads ... well, everybody under the sun has been blamed for those.

            But, you are what your record says you are. In this teams case, 7-3.
            I think we just have a different take on this. Maybe if holistically the program was better committed to and run from the administration down, you do have the personnel from coaching to players that get you off the field with late leads. I also don’t know this roster was ever 10-0 good. It was a very good group, yes, but like a lot of “good but not great†D2 teams there were plenty of weaknesses. As you said, you are what your record says you are.

            Final thought on this. Do you think a school that’s serious about football lets the Valley Girls thing happen? Obviously they have no impact on what happens on the field but just from a perception of the program standpoint, do you think any of the top programs in D2 would ever allow that to happen? I would rank IUP dead last in the PSAC when it came to game broadcasts this year and I can’t imagine there were many worse in the country.

            To be a top contender you have to be great at everything from the quality of towels you’re using on the sideline to your game plan for holding on to late leads. It all matters and the fewer boxes you’re checking, the harder it is to get to the top. Nick Saban was successful because he checked every box and the Alabama administration/donors backed him 100%. Curt Cignetti is successful because he checks every box. That’s a nock on Tort, but more of a criticism of the mechanism of IUP Football as a whole.

            Comment


            • Originally posted by EyeoftheHawk View Post

              I think we just have a different take on this. Maybe if holistically the program was better committed to and run from the administration down, you do have the personnel from coaching to players that get you off the field with late leads. I also don’t know this roster was ever 10-0 good. It was a very good group, yes, but like a lot of “good but not great†D2 teams there were plenty of weaknesses. As you said, you are what your record says you are.

              Final thought on this. Do you think a school that’s serious about football lets the Valley Girls thing happen? Obviously they have no impact on what happens on the field but just from a perception of the program standpoint, do you think any of the top programs in D2 would ever allow that to happen? I would rank IUP dead last in the PSAC when it came to game broadcasts this year and I can’t imagine there were many worse in the country.

              To be a top contender you have to be great at everything from the quality of towels you’re using on the sideline to your game plan for holding on to late leads. It all matters and the fewer boxes you’re checking, the harder it is to get to the top. Nick Saban was successful because he checked every box and the Alabama administration/donors backed him 100%. Curt Cignetti is successful because he checks every box. That’s a nock on Tort, but more of a criticism of the mechanism of IUP Football as a whole.
              I will say again..our AD went to our rival.

              I don’t believe they have IUP interests at heart.

              I wish we had an IUP person who gives a damn running things..like Frank did.

              Comment


              • Originally posted by EyeoftheHawk View Post

                I think we just have a different take on this. Maybe if holistically the program was better committed to and run from the administration down, you do have the personnel from coaching to players that get you off the field with late leads. I also don’t know this roster was ever 10-0 good. It was a very good group, yes, but like a lot of “good but not great†D2 teams there were plenty of weaknesses. As you said, you are what your record says you are.

                Final thought on this. Do you think a school that’s serious about football lets the Valley Girls thing happen? Obviously they have no impact on what happens on the field but just from a perception of the program standpoint, do you think any of the top programs in D2 would ever allow that to happen? I would rank IUP dead last in the PSAC when it came to game broadcasts this year and I can’t imagine there were many worse in the country.

                To be a top contender you have to be great at everything from the quality of towels you’re using on the sideline to your game plan for holding on to late leads. It all matters and the fewer boxes you’re checking, the harder it is to get to the top. Nick Saban was successful because he checked every box and the Alabama administration/donors backed him 100%. Curt Cignetti is successful because he checks every box. That’s a nock on Tort, but more of a criticism of the mechanism of IUP Football as a whole.

                Long ago, I quit looking at this program as a 'national-level' operation. Currently, it isn't (nor are any programs in SR1).

                So, I think once we (IUP fans) can all accept it isn't the mid-90s anymore, the perspective changes. I fully understand the vast majority of IUP fans (myself included) came up through that wonderful stretch.

                To me (regardless of all the coach speak) the goal at IUP is to win the Region. Anything beyond that is icing on the cake. But, facts are facts. There's been next to nothing 'beyond that' for any team in SR1 in the past 50 years. Four of our teams have made the final game (IUP twice, Bloomsburg and Shepherd). That's it. All lost. Some were hammered.

                Yes, IUP was within seconds of winning the title in the early 90s. But, that was a much, much different time. To put this in perspective for our younger audience, I truly believe, for instance, Frank's 1993 team would beat Tort's 2024 team by 35-42 points (maybe more) every day of the week. The game wouldn't be remotely close. The talent level and depth was on a completely different level.

                Transfer rules were different then. Frank was swimming in D1 imports. Back then, transferring D1 to D1 required a player to sit out a year. Most didn't want to sit an entire season. So, they could drop to D2 and play immediately. Waiting there with piles of money (and connections) was Frank. Fast forward all these years and we've been through the IUP Rule and the new transfer rules, etc.

                What's left as the smoke has cleared? A (mostly strong) regional program. Could the stars align some year and IUP make it back to the final game? Sure. Sans to major injuries in the 2017 playoffs, that team may have. But, those years are going to be very few and far between.

                So, looking at things from purely a 'region' standpoint, IUP was right there this year. Tort went 1-2 against SR1 playoff teams this season. He should have been 3-0. The ending of the SRU game was sickening. The ending of the Cal game -- blocking a FG to win the game and still losing -- there's no words. IUP had its way with Ashland (in Ashland).

                On an 'SR1 Level' the program is still very strong (generally).


                Now, that said, getting in to the operations and Valley Girls and all that stuff ... it's a freaking disaster. I could rant for an hour on the 'game day' experience, Miller Stadium, etc.

                The problem is -- and the reason I won't -- is because nobody there gives a F.

                Comment


                • Originally posted by IUPbigINDIANS View Post


                  Long ago, I quit looking at this program as a 'national-level' operation. Currently, it isn't (nor are any programs in SR1).

                  So, I think once we (IUP fans) can all accept it isn't the mid-90s anymore, the perspective changes. I fully understand the vast majority of IUP fans (myself included) came up through that wonderful stretch.

                  To me (regardless of all the coach speak) the goal at IUP is to win the Region. Anything beyond that is icing on the cake. But, facts are facts. There's been next to nothing 'beyond that' for any team in SR1 in the past 50 years. Four of our teams have made the final game (IUP twice, Bloomsburg and Shepherd). That's it. All lost. Some were hammered.

                  Yes, IUP was within seconds of winning the title in the early 90s. But, that was a much, much different time. To put this in perspective for our younger audience, I truly believe, for instance, Frank's 1993 team would beat Tort's 2024 team by 35-42 points (maybe more) every day of the week. The game wouldn't be remotely close. The talent level and depth was on a completely different level.

                  Transfer rules were different then. Frank was swimming in D1 imports. Back then, transferring D1 to D1 required a player to sit out a year. Most didn't want to sit an entire season. So, they could drop to D2 and play immediately. Waiting there with piles of money (and connections) was Frank. Fast forward all these years and we've been through the IUP Rule and the new transfer rules, etc.

                  What's left as the smoke has cleared? A (mostly strong) regional program. Could the stars align some year and IUP make it back to the final game? Sure. Sans to major injuries in the 2017 playoffs, that team may have. But, those years are going to be very few and far between.

                  So, looking at things from purely a 'region' standpoint, IUP was right there this year. Tort went 1-2 against SR1 playoff teams this season. He should have been 3-0. The ending of the SRU game was sickening. The ending of the Cal game -- blocking a FG to win the game and still losing -- there's no words. IUP had its way with Ashland (in Ashland).

                  On an 'SR1 Level' the program is still very strong (generally).


                  Now, that said, getting in to the operations and Valley Girls and all that stuff ... it's a freaking disaster. I could rant for an hour on the 'game day' experience, Miller Stadium, etc.

                  The problem is -- and the reason I won't -- is because nobody there gives a F.
                  Welcome to the middle of the bell curve where athletics is extracurricular and value added.

                  Comment


                  • Originally posted by IUPbigINDIANS View Post


                    Long ago, I quit looking at this program as a 'national-level' operation. Currently, it isn't (nor are any programs in SR1).

                    So, I think once we (IUP fans) can all accept it isn't the mid-90s anymore, the perspective changes. I fully understand the vast majority of IUP fans (myself included) came up through that wonderful stretch.

                    To me (regardless of all the coach speak) the goal at IUP is to win the Region. Anything beyond that is icing on the cake. But, facts are facts. There's been next to nothing 'beyond that' for any team in SR1 in the past 50 years. Four of our teams have made the final game (IUP twice, Bloomsburg and Shepherd). That's it. All lost. Some were hammered.

                    Yes, IUP was within seconds of winning the title in the early 90s. But, that was a much, much different time. To put this in perspective for our younger audience, I truly believe, for instance, Frank's 1993 team would beat Tort's 2024 team by 35-42 points (maybe more) every day of the week. The game wouldn't be remotely close. The talent level and depth was on a completely different level.

                    Transfer rules were different then. Frank was swimming in D1 imports. Back then, transferring D1 to D1 required a player to sit out a year. Most didn't want to sit an entire season. So, they could drop to D2 and play immediately. Waiting there with piles of money (and connections) was Frank. Fast forward all these years and we've been through the IUP Rule and the new transfer rules, etc.

                    What's left as the smoke has cleared? A (mostly strong) regional program. Could the stars align some year and IUP make it back to the final game? Sure. Sans to major injuries in the 2017 playoffs, that team may have. But, those years are going to be very few and far between.

                    So, looking at things from purely a 'region' standpoint, IUP was right there this year. Tort went 1-2 against SR1 playoff teams this season. He should have been 3-0. The ending of the SRU game was sickening. The ending of the Cal game -- blocking a FG to win the game and still losing -- there's no words. IUP had its way with Ashland (in Ashland).

                    On an 'SR1 Level' the program is still very strong (generally).


                    Now, that said, getting in to the operations and Valley Girls and all that stuff ... it's a freaking disaster. I could rant for an hour on the 'game day' experience, Miller Stadium, etc.

                    The problem is -- and the reason I won't -- is because nobody there gives a F.
                    I love walking into Miller Stadium on game day feeling like I'm walking into a funeral home.

                    Comment


                    • Originally posted by IUPalum View Post

                      I love walking into Miller Stadium on game day feeling like I'm walking into a funeral home.
                      It's been a frustrating year for sure, but I am still on the glass half full side. While excitement is lacking, someone posted yesterday that IUP had the 18th highest attendance in D2, following only SRU in the PSAC.

                      Tort said that if IUP would have made the playoffs, they are as good as anybody in the region. I believe that, although Kutztown has been consistently good every week this season.

                      Moving forward, there are holes to fill like always, but IUP should have a lot of talent coming back and they have the opportunity to fill those holes with transfers. I think we'll be back strong next year. I really do.

                      Comment


                      • Originally posted by iupgroundhog View Post

                        It's been a frustrating year for sure, but I am still on the glass half full side. While excitement is lacking, someone posted yesterday that IUP had the 18th highest attendance in D2, following only SRU in the PSAC.

                        Tort said that if IUP would have made the playoffs, they are as good as anybody in the region. I believe that, although Kutztown has been consistently good every week this season.

                        Moving forward, there are holes to fill like always, but IUP should have a lot of talent coming back and they have the opportunity to fill those holes with transfers. I think we'll be back strong next year. I really do.
                        Hey Tort, they are as good as any team in the playoffs if they got in. The problem is... YOU and YOUR COACHING STAFF!!! They lost those 3 games all because of the coaching decisions!!!

                        Comment


                        • Originally posted by IUPalum View Post

                          Hey Tort, they are as good as any team in the playoffs if they got in. The problem is... YOU and YOUR COACHING STAFF!!! They lost those 3 games all because of the coaching decisions!!!
                          Only guilty man in Shawshank

                          Comment


                          • I was watching the Stiller’s/Nevermore game snd thought the yinzers were using the IUP defensive scheme in that final Balamer drive.

                            Comment


                            • Originally posted by IUPNation View Post
                              I was watching the Stiller’s/Nevermore game snd thought the yinzers were using the IUP defensive scheme in that final Balamer drive.
                              I messaged BigIndians that same comment as it happened.

                              Comment


                              • Originally posted by IUPalum View Post

                                I messaged BigIndians that same comment as it happened.
                                They were calling in that prevent from the Field House

                                Comment

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