THE IUP Football Thread

[EyeoftheHawk]

Well, they did throw to Cole Laney three times Saturday -- and all three were dropped. The last one, he got blasted. But, the first two hit his hands and he dropped both. At one point I thought Grant Smith was going to be a big-time player in the passing game. That never happened. He's become essentially just a blocking TE.

They are predictable. It's driven other teams crazy that they pretty much know what's coming and still can't stop it. That's a luxury Mak Sexton, Duane Brown and Hilton Ridley have afforded IUP. Like I said earlier, IUP's defense got shredded Saturday but so did Gannon's.

I completely agree regarding the use of Qashah Carter. He should be drastically more involved in the offense -- i.e. Allen Wright role from a couple years ago. He has to get the ball in space to be effective. When his only involvement is a jet sweep and he gets crushed by some big DL (and then has to leave the game) ... I mean, how many weeks do we have to see the same thing with his use? He should be a dynamic tool to go along with Brown and Ridley. They both draw so much attention he should be the small burner that gets lost in the shuffle on the field. It just hasn't happened.

As discussed yesterday a bit, the running game is just non-existent. They tend to call a huge percentage directly up the middle. Jerome Bettis isn't carrying the ball. These are all 185-pound (if even) backs. If the goal is just to get two yards a carry on what seems 95 percent of the attempts ... well, it's working.

As for Dayjure Stewart, he does strike fear in to opponents. He's powerful and also has break-away speed. The two games he's missed, IUP nearly lost at East Stroudsburg and then did lose at Gannon. Probably not a coincidence. One week off the team was probably adequate punishment.

But, again here, a long rant about the offense. They did score 36 points Saturday. They weren't the problem. The defense blew chunks. Somebody else mentioned they held SRU to 12 points. Yeah, they did. It was also in a windy, cold monsoon. Play that game again on a dry field. You may not want to see what happens.

People are saying the offense is predictable. OCs have to be licking their chops looking at the defense. It gets masked much of the season due to so many easy games against undermanned opponents. Could anybody on here -- honestly -- say they'd want to see IUP play Shepherd or SRU on a dry field? The thought of it is giving me nightmares.

There's a ton of talented players on the defensive side. But, collectively, that unit looked lost up in Erie. I mean, 2 a.m. on a dark, stormy highway lost. I think we have two defensive coordinators now. You know what they say about having two QBs.

I think you said it without really saying it here. IUP collectively just isn’t that good. They have some talented individual players, but as a group they have issues on offense and defense. You’ll see a ton of guys end up on the PSAC first team in a few weeks and we’ll all be asking why the team wasn’t better, lost the State Game, etc. Sound familiar?

I recognize this is a harsh assessment but sometimes the truth is uncomfortable. It’s a very good program that will always have a winning season and occasionally make the playoffs and maybe the State Game one out of every three to five years. The bigger fear for the fan base should be whether or not IUP is closer to taking a step further back than they are a step closer to regional relevance. I think we’re going to find out over the next two weeks.

Shepherd is the big dog, not just in the PSAC, but the region. IUP has a chance to pull alongside them, but I expect the Rams to win the State Game and the region again this year.

[EyeoftheHawk]

Luckily, it hasn't hurt their recruiting all that much.

That’s the astonishing part. I give Tort super high marks for being able to bring in some of the talent he has despite the facilities.

[Ram040506]

I think you said it without really saying it here. IUP collectively just isn’t that good. They have some talented individual players, but as a group they have issues on offense and defense. You’ll see a ton of guys end up on the PSAC first team in a few weeks and we’ll all be asking why the team wasn’t better, lost the State Game, etc. Sound familiar?

I recognize this is a harsh assessment but sometimes the truth is uncomfortable. It’s a very good program that will always have a winning season and occasionally make the playoffs and maybe the State Game one out of every three to five years. The bigger fear for the fan base should be whether or not IUP is closer to taking a step further back than they are a step closer to regional relevance. I think we’re going to find out over the next two weeks.

Shepherd is the big dog, not just in the PSAC, but the region. IUP has a chance to pull alongside them, but I expect the Rams to win the State Game and the region again this year.

Lol let the sand bagging begin…

[IUPbigINDIANS]

The Pennsylvania Western University at Clarion University Golden Eagles are in town. That just rolls off the tongue. Not sure it could all fit on a hat, however. I like it almost as much as The Slippery Rock The Rock.

Invasion of The Fly.


For those who remember history, not long ago this was typically the hangover game of the season.

In 2017, IUP's undefeated season, the Hawks won a dog fight up at Clarion.

In 2018, Clarion came to Miller and jumped out to a shocking, 20-0 lead. IUP rallied in the second half and won, 24-23.

Some 'wish list' items for today:

* If Clarion stacks the box, as everybody else has done lately, just go full freaking Air Raid. Spare us watching 17 runs up the middle for one yard each. Go crazy and throw on first down.

* IUP not being IUP's own worst enemy. Clarion will punt today. Hopefully a lot. Don't rush the punter. Don't even look at the punter. And, sure as f-bomb, don't touch the f-bombing punter.

* "No. 11" to have a big day (and him especially not touch the punter)

* Hot Dog Night in Indiana (the points ... not the crappie Sheetz dogs)

* Gym teachers beat Clarion's triad brother.

* Ideally be up big and get some rest. That means Duane Brown isn't returning punts up 35 points in the fourth quarter.

* Tort and his players look up in the stands and see IUP fans wearing IUP gear from the Co-Op Store. I hear it gets them really pumped up. Now I feel better owning a $65 shirt.

* Get Q. Carter the ball by some means other than a jet sweep. You'll like the results a whole lot better than having a 300 lb buffet crusher lying on top of him.

* A home win means there will be home parties tonight. Let's not kick any doors down the week prior to the State Game. Some pun intended.

Beautiful day for IUP to shake off that disgusting feeling from a week ago.

[IUPNation]

Lol let the sand bagging begin…

We’ll be waiting for the Shepherd we are the victims we are the little guy feel sorry for us, IUP are the meanies posts that usually accompany the times both schools play…

:-)

[Fightingscot82]

Some reading to quell the anxiety over possibly losing to Clarion:

https://triblive.com/local/regional/...ic-each-other/

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Some reading to quell the anxiety over possibly losing to Clarion:

https://triblive.com/local/regional/...ic-each-other/

Better odds of IUPNation voting for The Donald than IUP losing today.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

We’ll be waiting for the Shepherd we are the victims we are the little guy feel sorry for us, IUP are the meanies posts that usually accompany the times both schools play…

:-)

Well, just remember, next week may just be Round 1 between the two.

It wouldnt shock me if one wins the State Game and then the other wins the playoff game.

[iupgroundhog]

Some reading to quell the anxiety over possibly losing to Clarion:

https://triblive.com/local/regional/...ic-each-other/

Thanks. Good article. Here's hoping they can rebuild it to the level of its former prominence.

[iupgroundhog]

I think you said it without really saying it here. IUP collectively just isn’t that good. They have some talented individual players, but as a group they have issues on offense and defense. You’ll see a ton of guys end up on the PSAC first team in a few weeks and we’ll all be asking why the team wasn’t better, lost the State Game, etc. Sound familiar?

I recognize this is a harsh assessment but sometimes the truth is uncomfortable. It’s a very good program that will always have a winning season and occasionally make the playoffs and maybe the State Game one out of every three to five years. The bigger fear for the fan base should be whether or not IUP is closer to taking a step further back than they are a step closer to regional relevance. I think we’re going to find out over the next two weeks.

Shepherd is the big dog, not just in the PSAC, but the region. IUP has a chance to pull alongside them, but I expect the Rams to win the State Game and the region again this year.

There are assessments that are unrealistically positive and there are assessments that are unrealistically negative. I think your assessment fits into the latter category.

As you stated, they have a lot of talent. It's a matter of preparation and playing well. IUP is in the top rung of regional programs. I don't think there are questions about that. Their ability to recruit both HS kids and transfers is pretty good and that's what it is mostly about.

I think the program is strong, overall. Now for this year's version, injuries to key players haven't helped. I think they have positivity and leadership. I wouldn't count them out of anything on a regional level.

At this point, nobody knows what will happen when IUP and Shepherd square off. I'm looking for IUP's secondary to rise to the occasion and provide Bagent with a real challenge.

[IUPNation]

Some reading to quell the anxiety over possibly losing to Clarion:

https://triblive.com/local/regional/...ic-each-other/

The new Director is pushing mostly the right buttons so far except for their busing issues. He ditched Crimson Abomination and ended torturing everyone with Ghostbusters. Now he needs to double the size of the band.

Here is The Penn’s article on it as to the band new focus on campus as well.https://www.thepenn.org/culture/iups...26U6mM1szC7e04

[IUPNation]

Better odds of IUPNation voting for The Donald than IUP losing today.

..or anybody in The Q Party,

[WarriorVoice]

WHo wins the PSAC West??

[IUPNation]

With the band alumni on the field it finally looks like a Doc band!

[Fightingscot82]

The new Director is pushing mostly the right buttons so far except for their busing issues. He ditched Crimson Abomination and ended torturing everyone with Ghostbusters. Now he needs to double the size of the band.

Here is The Penn’s article on it as to the band new focus on campus as well.https://www.thepenn.org/culture/iups...26U6mM1szC7e04

If he ditched Crimson Express, what are they playing?