Originally posted by EyeoftheHawk
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Very tricky game to bet.
Questions:
1) Which IUP defense will show up -- the one that suffocated Ashland and held ESU to 13 points ... or, the one that got torched for 28 straight by SRU ?
2) How much will Cal's pass rush disrupt a below-average IUP OL? And, in turn, how much will that disrupt the struggling IUP QB?
3) The Vulcans are going to score. They put up 30+ on both Kutztown and Shepherd. Can IUP hold them in the 17-21 range?
4) Can IUP limit the big plays against a very 'big play' Cal offense? The Hawks gave up 6-7 such plays a week ago.
5) While the Vulcans are putting up points, they've also given up points against the two good teams they've played -- Kutztown and Shephered put up, average, 32 points.
6) IUP's offense has been dismal in its past two games against good defenses (12 points against ESU and 21 points against SRU). Keep in mind, 15 of IUP's 21 points against SRU came in the final quarter -- when the game was long over. In those two games, IUP scored (9) total points in the first half (3 against ESU and 6 against SRU). Can IUP avoid yet another terribly slow start?
7) Will IUP and Karst Hunter FINALLY realize they have an athletic, 6'6", 245 lbs TE who can run and catch passes? His absense may be the biggest of the many mind-blowing things surrounding this team. Remember this guy? He put up 100 yards in the Ashland game (which seems SO long ago.
To your point, adding it all up and based on the current circumstances, I agree it is difficult to find a reasonable path to victory. That said, IUP hasn't played (even close) to a complete game this year -- and, slumps do eventually end. I also think Hunter can have a big day on the ground as Cal blitzes so much he should be able to find some nice escape routes. Unfortunately, in the gambling world, the smart money would probably be going on the Viet Mon.
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