THE IUP Football Thread

[Fightingscot82]

Statistically, which only tells part of the story but I think is important in this case, IUP is an average PSAC team. In nearly every statistical category, IUP is middle of the pack. There are some outliers that I think are worth highlighting:

IUP is the least penalized team in the west and second-least in the conference. When was the last time IUP could say that?!

IUP's red zone offense is middle of the pack. Red zone defense is much better - 4th best.

Even though the IUP defense is rather average on yards and points allowed, they are near the best for least first downs and least allowed 3rd and 4th down conversions. But...

IUP has just 2 interceptions on the season. Only Mercyhurst has less.

[IUP24]

Ashland might not have that good of an offense. Could have been just the hype of the game propping up the perception. They mustered 21 against Walsh last weekend. I remember watching the Ashland/IUP game and thinking that their offense looked very basic and the QB was a giant statue, and not a very accurate passer. He's only completing 57% of his passes on the year, which is very average at best.

You beat me to this. We keep referencing Ashland. I get who they are as a program. I understand who is on their schedule and that they were competitive against Ferris State. But maybe they just aren't that good and we are incorrectly using that as a barometer. That was also week one, so it's hard to gauge anything, even in hindsight, from that game in my opinion. Perhaps they and IUP are about equal, which is, a team with enough talent to look good in flashes and also beat bad teams, but not enough talent or consistency to beat the good ones. I think that's closer to reality than something having happened to IUP in this stretch.

[Ram040506]

We've been told two weeks in a row how well-prepared the team was and that they were aware of everything SRU and Cal would do.

Re-watch the first half of each game and see if you agree the defense was well-prepared.

SRU did whatever it wanted en route to a quick 28-0 lead. Cal hit about 6 or 7 big plays in the first half and marched up and down.

So:

A) They haven't been properly prepared and game prep is drastically lacking

B) They are just playing bad (as Tort says)

C) They are over-matched and out-manned

D) IUP's defense has become very stale and good teams can pick it apart

E) Combination / All of the above


I actually did re-watch the first half of each game.

For allegedly knowing everything SRU was going to do, IUP looked totally lost.

Aside from the opening TD, the defense did hold Cal to two FGs and also got a pick in the end zone in the first half. They just gave up numerous massive chuck plays along the way.

The punt block Cal got ... the defender ran in completely untouched. IUP's punter had zero chance -- and got completely walloped (and knocked out of the game). Tort said Laney's backup on protection was to blame.

Keep in mind this is the same unit that destroyed Ashland and held ESU to 13 points.

Question is: what changed during the past 6 weeks? Unlike the offense, the defense has been nearly 100 percent healthy all year. However, it's very clear they are not the same unit from the first several games.

Ashland might not have that good of an offense. Could have been just the hype of the game propping up the perception. They mustered 21 against Walsh last weekend. I remember watching the Ashland/IUP game and thinking that their offense looked very basic and the QB was a giant statue, and not a very accurate passer. He's only completing 57% of his passes on the year, which is very average at best.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

My pet peeve for adults...to not take responsibility for their actions, but to play the Blame Game. This is what bothers me about this coaching staff. I will just leave it at that instead of going on a rant.

We've been told two weeks in a row how well-prepared the team was and that they were aware of everything SRU and Cal would do.

Re-watch the first half of each game and see if you agree the defense was well-prepared.

SRU did whatever it wanted en route to a quick 28-0 lead. Cal hit about 6 or 7 big plays in the first half and marched up and down.

So:

A) They haven't been properly prepared and game prep is drastically lacking

B) They are just playing bad (as Tort says)

C) They are over-matched and out-manned

D) IUP's defense has become very stale and good teams can pick it apart

E) Combination / All of the above


I actually did re-watch the first half of each game.

For allegedly knowing everything SRU was going to do, IUP looked totally lost.

Aside from the opening TD, the defense did hold Cal to two FGs and also got a pick in the end zone in the first half. They just gave up numerous massive chuck plays along the way.

The punt block Cal got ... the defender ran in completely untouched. IUP's punter had zero chance -- and got completely walloped (and knocked out of the game). Tort said Laney's backup on protection was to blame.

Keep in mind this is the same unit that destroyed Ashland and held ESU to 13 points.

Question is: what changed during the past 6 weeks? Unlike the offense, the defense has been nearly 100 percent healthy all year. However, it's very clear they are not the same unit from the first several games.

[ShoNuff]

Very well put. I can’t disagree with any of it. The problems have been the problems for the majority of this administration. Those issues combined with the timeout debacle and an unwillingness to take full responsibility for it fanned the flames. Then that’s backed up with two losses to your two best opponents and rivals in the division. It’s ugly right now, no other way to say it. On top of that, the journeyman QB brought to Indiana is likely done for the year. He wasn’t playing great when healthy but I thought he was improving and is still a better option than QB2 and QB3. The offensive line transfers didn’t pan out for the most part. The defense was great until it wasn’t. I think Cal still has receivers running wide open.

It has just kind of been the perfect storm this year, so a longer view is what’s needed before deciding what to do. Let’s also allow for the possibility that Tort doesn’t love the job like he once did. These relationships aren’t a one way street. Maybe he, and others, have been thinking about other opportunities. It’s easy to forget that the coaches have feelings, families, and their own ambitions or life plans that factor in. That’s totally fair. As of today I would be surprised if the university initiated a change. I do think how things go for the rest of the season will be important, however.

My pet peeve for adults...to not take responsibility for their actions, but to play the Blame Game. This is what bothers me about this coaching staff. I will just leave it at that instead of going on a rant.

[IUPNation]

State Police said today in a press briefing that several of those shot were not targeted but essentially caught crossfire. They stated the shooting was sparked by a confrontation inside the party.

No arrests have been made as of 4:30pm today, however they did reference they do have suspects.

Times sure have changed. Not many packed heat back in my day at parties.

Both Indiana School District and IUP have had an increased police presence all week.

Other than that, they are releasing very little information ... no descriptions of suspects, photos (if they have any surveillance images), etc.

Again..the room at the Chase Center is not big. There isn’t anywhere to hide. It’s not a surprise many got hit.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

State Police said today in a press briefing that several of those shot were not targeted but essentially caught crossfire. They stated the shooting was sparked by a confrontation inside the party.

No arrests have been made as of 4:30pm today, however they did reference they do have suspects.

Times sure have changed. Not many packed heat back in my day at parties.

Both Indiana School District and IUP have had an increased police presence all week.

Other than that, they are releasing very little information ... no descriptions of suspects, photos (if they have any surveillance images), etc.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Looking back, Losing to ESU, a game they should have won, probably caused the problems. While we all look at the timeout debacle, there was also complete breakdown of the DBs on ESU's winning drive. They've never recovered.

They have to, if possible, view the next five weeks as a new season. Turn the page and rally toward going 5-0.

It would at least give them some positive vibes going in to the off-season.

That said, what is the mental state of that team right now? Hard to say. Not only have they lost two straight and been eliminated, but they also now have Karst, Laney and Lockhart on the shelf.

Edinboro is going to be a challenge this weekend. Trust me. Five weeks ago I'd have chuckled typing that. But, times have changed. It's going to possibly be deja vu 2021 all over again. They will be sky high for this game, same as they came in here two years ago. IUP played like zombies that day for the first three quarters, had two punts blocked, looked disinterested and ultimately lost to a then 1-5 team.

We'll see how this group comes out Saturday. If the defense is engaged, they should be OK. I'm not expecting much from the offense - especially in a cold, windy monsoon. The defense is likely going to have to give up 14 or less for IUP to win.

AND, of course, IUP will need to protect the punter and make their freaking extra points.


I don't know what they can whip up in a week but I'd try my hardest to get some plays and formations to get two RBs in the backfield at the same time. Cause some confusion and get those boys running in all directions.
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[IUPbigINDIANS]

IUP more than anyone since Gannon several years ago recruits with ego. They have the history and reputation to back it up, too. But ego doesn't pair well with unmet expectations. It could breed an unforced exodus. That's my point.

Well, that's a big part of these next five games. If they win out (I have serious doubts but regardless) they can enter the recruiting season stating they had a bad year and still went 8-3, have the vast majority back next year and are on a five-game win streak entering Spring Ball. I think that's a positive spin to present to recruits. And, of course, let's not forget Tort has money to toss around.

I'd also guess they get more in to recruiting (earlier) this year than a normal year when they are in a playoff race. I have a feeling they will go the heavy transfer route this year -- in particular targeting mid-year transfers who can be here in March.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Losing players in the era of the portal is a very valid concern. As a Ship fan, it hasn't been fun to watch Khalid Dorsey go crazy for Slippery Rock this season as the Raiders have taken about half a season to find a running game. Despite a dismal 1-5 start, Ship is showing some progress in certain areas and the offense actually hasn't been bad the past two games (fumble that West Chester returned for 99 yards helped break their back in that game). But now that they're starting to find some promising young players on both sides of the ball, how many will they keep for next season. Who knows? What I do know is that rebuilding your o-line every year is not a great way to field winning teams.

Karst Hunter is going to be one of the major question marks at IUP this off-season. He didn't live up to the hype, but he did show flashes of being very good. To be fair, he also showed flashes of not being very good. Not being here last Spring, my opinion, killed him. This was a very different system compared to what he was used to running and I don't think fall camp was enough time for him to adapt.

Depending on his injury status, it's possible he wouldn't be ready for next year regardless. If it's an ACL and he gets surgery in late October or early November, he'd have about 9 months before camp starts to fully recover. Some can come back that fast. Others cannot. If it's just a bad sprain, etc., he would be ready for Spring Ball.

Now, the other question is will he want to stay here -- an awfully long way from home. And, well, his first season in Indiana wasn't exactly glamorous.


Five games to go, I know. But, for all purposes, these remaining games are essentially a start on next year.

[Ship69]

I wouldn't get too far ahead. You're assuming all these juniors will return next Fall. I have my doubts.

I can say with certainty the team we've seen the last two weeks is not the same team we saw play Ashland. What happened to it ... we may never know. But, they are vastly different. I don't think the band is all singing the same song. Put it that way.

As for what remains, it's far, far from a given IUP wins out as some have alluded. Being honest, I'm not even sure they are favored this weekend. If they are, it's by a very small number. Every team upcoming is going to be licking its chops to get a shot at the wounded animal.

It's very difficult to predict how a team with very high expectations will respond to it's final five games after being eliminated so early.

I can say this for sure: there will be plenty of good seats available Saturday. Indiana's forecast is calling for an inch of rain, heavy wind and temps in the low 50s. Add to it both teams are toast, and this may be one of the lowest-attended games at Miller in a very, very long time. I'd expect less than 1,000.

Losing players in the era of the portal is a very valid concern. As a Ship fan, it hasn't been fun to watch Khalid Dorsey go crazy for Slippery Rock this season as the Raiders have taken about half a season to find a running game. Despite a dismal 1-5 start, Ship is showing some progress in certain areas and the offense actually hasn't been bad the past two games (fumble that West Chester returned for 99 yards helped break their back in that game). But now that they're starting to find some promising young players on both sides of the ball, how many will they keep for next season. Who knows? What I do know is that rebuilding your o-line every year is not a great way to field winning teams.

[Fightingscot82]

Guys, my above post was just stating what the current state is. I understand there is always the possibility that current players may not come back. I was not speculating about that. I just stated it is a junior-dominated team so I don't think I am the one "looking ahead."

IUP more than anyone since Gannon several years ago recruits with ego. They have the history and reputation to back it up, too. But ego doesn't pair well with unmet expectations. It could breed an unforced exodus. That's my point.

[iupgroundhog]

A perfect game to partner with the local schools LOL!

I think your uncertainty about players returning is valid. Part of what IUP sells is swagger, winning, and dominance. This team seems to lack those three things. Its never been easier for players to walk. IUP has benefitted greatly from the latest transfer rules by poaching PSAC players. What irony if the same thing happens to them.

Guys, my above post was just stating what the current state is. I understand there is always the possibility that current players may not come back. I was not speculating about that. I just stated it is a junior-dominated team so I don't think I am the one "looking ahead."

[ironmaniup]

I wouldn't get too far ahead. You're assuming all these juniors will return next Fall. I have my doubts.

I can say with certainty the team we've seen the last two weeks is not the same team we saw play Ashland. What happened to it ... we may never know. But, they are vastly different. I don't think the band is all singing the same song. Put it that way.

As for what remains, it's far, far from a given IUP wins out as some have alluded. Being honest, I'm not even sure they are favored this weekend. If they are, it's by a very small number. Every team upcoming is going to be licking its chops to get a shot at the wounded animal.

It's very difficult to predict how a team with very high expectations will respond to it's final five games after being eliminated so early.

I can say this for sure: there will be plenty of good seats available Saturday. Indiana's forecast is calling for an inch of rain, heavy wind and temps in the low 50s. Add to it both teams are toast, and this may be one of the lowest-attended games at Miller in a very, very long time. I'd expect less than 1,000.

Looking back, Losing to ESU, a game they should have won, probably caused the problems. While we all look at the timeout debacle, there was also complete breakdown of the DBs on ESU's winning drive. They've never recovered.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

A perfect game to partner with the local schools LOL!

I think your uncertainty about players returning is valid. Part of what IUP sells is swagger, winning, and dominance. This team seems to lack those three things. Its never been easier for players to walk. IUP has benefitted greatly from the latest transfer rules by poaching PSAC players. What irony if the same thing happens to them.

Well, it could be Tort doesn't want them all back. Lord knows what is going on inside Memorial Field House right now.

Like I said, something happened to this team. You can see it from the stands very clearly. That IUP 'swagger' vanished after the ESU debacle.

Being honest, I go back to the Timeout. I think that exact instance killed this team. It's my opinion that travesty resulted in the players losing faith in their coaching staff. Regardless of all the 'coach speak' and everybody under the sun being blamed, players just don't brush that off. If you want the singular moment the 2023 season changed, go back to about 6:45 p.m. on September 9.

The players again being publicly called out these past two weeks on Tort's show surely isn't helping matters. Tort again said that Cal didn't do a thing they hadn't seen before and they were ready for all of it -- but just didn't play well. He was particuarly harsh on his defense, stating that only two players played well the whole day (Biss and Fowler). He said his experienced secondary played similar to how they played as freshmen two years ago. Granted, they (again) gave up a ton of big plays.

Question many are asking in Hawk Land is were they really prepared, as he keeps saying? Interestingly enough, while Tort said they were prepared for everything and knew what Cal would do, Vulcans coach Gary Dunn, on his show, stated they knew they could hit those big plays against the IUP defense.

Obviously, the Cal game completely changed the moment Karst went down. The Vulcans saw blood in the water and had no fear at all of the IUP QB (whomever it was going to be). Much like the SRU game, the defense did play better in the second half. But, just the same, the damage was long done due to the first half.

In IUPs last three 'big' games (ESU, SRU and Cal), IUP gave up a long TD drive on the games first series. In each of those games, IUP then responded with a three-and-out. Slow starts and instant holes. Maybe it's time to quit deferring the toss and taking the ball.

Sadly for the IUP faithful, I still believe that was a good team. It was lost along the way. But, that's a good roster. That, of course, brings up a whole different discussion.