Bloomsburg football

[BloomFootballDad]

Interesting question. Would love to see if they have a young guy that could rise up and stabilize this program. If you are a first year Coach you probably would make a move if you had a talented younger guy but Sheptock needs wins and Riley is the best chance for that. Past couple years Riley would have these stretches of poor play and they would substitute Reis in to give them a spark and produced some wins. This IS on Landis who I dont think has done a great job recently or in his tenure here. When you have a struggling QB you need to find ways to get him back on track. Calling multiple QB runs....passes that take a long time to develop is not a way to get them back into rhythm.

I get what you’re saying but after watching every game so far this year are we sure he gives them the best chance? His interceptions have been backbreaking with several coming in their own territory. I agree the OC should be on the hot seat.

[BloomFootballDad]

The QB seemed to be involved in 4 of 5 turnovers. WRs weren't getting open. D was missing, 18 seconds into the game they were down 7-0. 13 yard punt. It was a team effort.

I will say I can't remember the last OC or DC that was impressive.

The backup QB did get in for a play yesterday; I think that was his first or second play all year.

Somethings got to give.

You are correct. The QB was responsible for 4 of the 5 turnovers. The other was a fumble by a WR returned for a TD. It was just a disaster of a game right from the first play, as you mentioned. It’s been a very frustrating season. 4 losses by a combined 10 points but two other losses where they weren’t competitive. The only silver lining at this point is that there are several true freshmen getting reps on the field, which will hopefully be a kickstart for next season. Which leads me back to my original question - should a young QB be given an opportunity to play here this final month? I know there’s a couple of true freshmen and Gee transferred in from RMU. I really expected the team to get solid play from the Senior QB but it just hasn’t been there. Maybe a lot of it does have to do with the plays being called but I expected him to take better care of the football in general. All I know is this team needs to get back in the win column. As you said - something has to give at some point.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

You are correct. The QB was responsible for 4 of the 5 turnovers. The other was a fumble by a WR returned for a TD. It was just a disaster of a game right from the first play, as you mentioned. It’s been a very frustrating season. 4 losses by a combined 10 points but two other losses where they weren’t competitive. The only silver lining at this point is that there are several true freshmen getting reps on the field, which will hopefully be a kickstart for next season. Which leads me back to my original question - should a young QB be given an opportunity to play here this final month? I know there’s a couple of true freshmen and Gee transferred in from RMU. I really expected the team to get solid play from the Senior QB but it just hasn’t been there. Maybe a lot of it does have to do with the plays being called but I expected him to take better care of the football in general. All I know is this team needs to get back in the win column. As you said - something has to give at some point.

What are the redshirt rules nowadays? Would it be worth it to burn redshirts at this point?

On one hand, you have to assume some of them will be in the Portal in a month.

They may have a mass exodus come mid-November.

[BloomFootballDad]

What are the redshirt rules nowadays? Would it be worth it to burn redshirts at this point?

On one hand, you have to assume some of them will be in the Portal in a month.

They may have a mass exodus come mid-November.

My understanding is that they can play in 4 games and retain the redshirt.

[Husky_74]

My guess would be that Riley isn’t going to lose his job just yet. The fact that he returned to the game even after his turnovers and seeming to bang up his non-throwing wrist suggests to me the coaches still believe he’s the best choice on the roster to lead the offense and they might have been hoping for a repeat of the late-game comeback against ESU. That said I do wonder if the coaches considered letting Gee finish the game after Riley initially went out. It seemed like a good chance to get him some reps against actual opponents instead of just practice reps and holding Riley out because of his wrist would have been a diplomatic way of letting him sit rather than yanking him purely for performance.

It's definitely a head scratcher that some of these starters that aren't getting the job done continue to keep their spots. I understand pulling the plug and going with a less experienced/unproved guy may not provide immediate dividends in the win loss column but at this point you have to figure out what you have for the future. My guess is if we had a first or second year coach and these weren't "his" guys, there would be a lot more roster changes being made right now.

[Fightingscot82]

My understanding is that they can play in 4 games and retain the redshirt.

Is that universal now? I think 4 was once the injury/medical threshold. As soon as I figure this stuff out it changes.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Is that universal now? I think 4 was once the injury/medical threshold. As soon as I figure this stuff out it changes.

I'm pretty sure he's on to something with (4) games. I think the caveat, though, is those 4 games have to come in the first 5 weeks. IUP played some true freshmen early in the year and I recall Tort saying they had to shut them down or else they'd burn a year.

It's a much better rule than it used to be. This at least gives the players a chance to get their feet wet without wasting a whole year of eligibility. One snap used to burn it.

I think basketball is set at 30% so the 9th or 10th game played is the cut (for a medical). I'm not sure for a regular redshirt in hoops.

[iupgroundhog]

I'm pretty sure he's on to something with (4) games. I think the caveat, though, is those 4 games have to come in the first 5 weeks. IUP played some true freshmen early in the year and I recall Tort saying they had to shut them down or else they'd burn a year.

It's a much better rule than it used to be. This at least gives the players a chance to get their feet wet without wasting a whole year of eligibility. One snap used to burn it.

I think basketball is set at 30% so the 9th or 10th game played is the cut (for a medical). I'm not sure for a regular redshirt in hoops.

A quick google says it's 4 games allowed in football and post-season games do not count against the player.

[TheBigCat2192]

What are the redshirt rules nowadays? Would it be worth it to burn redshirts at this point?

On one hand, you have to assume some of them will be in the Portal in a month.

They may have a mass exodus come mid-November.

BU will probably be looking at some serious roster turnover even if Sheptock & co. are retained, at least on offense. There are currently more RBs than carries to go around and some of the guys who find themselves at the bottom of that list might want to try another school and system. There are four WR listed as Rs-JRs on the roster but only one has seen meaningful offensive playing time to this point in his career. If any have managed to graduate how many will stick around and pay to play another year potentially on ST? On top of all that there’s going to be a new QB next year whether it’s someone on the current roster or someone who’s not. How many of the guys who don’t win the starter or backup/third job will hit the portal to catch on elsewhere after spring ball? How many older but low-snap guys will see the writing on the wall and hang ‘em up?

[IUPbigINDIANS]

BU will probably be looking at some serious roster turnover even if Sheptock & co. are retained, at least on offense. There are currently more RBs than carries to go around and some of the guys who find themselves at the bottom of that list might want to try another school and system. There are four WR listed as Rs-JRs on the roster but only one has seen meaningful offensive playing time to this point in his career. If any have managed to graduate how many will stick around and pay to play another year potentially on ST? On top of all that there’s going to be a new QB next year whether it’s someone on the current roster or someone who’s not. How many of the guys who don’t win the starter or backup/third job will hit the portal to catch on elsewhere after spring ball? How many older but low-snap guys will see the writing on the wall and hang ‘em up?

Don't forget how many starters may be tired of losing and simply transfer to a stronger program within the conference. We are seeing that trend -- a lot -- in the PSAC.

[BloomFootballDad]

It's definitely a head scratcher that some of these starters that aren't getting the job done continue to keep their spots. I understand pulling the plug and going with a less experienced/unproved guy may not provide immediate dividends in the win loss column but at this point you have to figure out what you have for the future. My guess is if we had a first or second year coach and these weren't "his" guys, there would be a lot more roster changes being made right now.

These are my thoughts as well. I’d use these final four games to see as many young guys in live action as possible just to see what they might have moving forward. I’m not a coach though and I understand they may view things differently. They’ll play the guys who they believe will give them the best chance to win each game. I get that. It’s a tough spot to be in for all involved. The season definitely hasn’t gone like everyone hoped but the silver lining is a good number of true freshmen have seen the field and gotten some meaningful experience. If they can hit on the new QB next year they could become good again sooner rather than later.

[BloomFootballDad]

Don't forget how many starters may be tired of losing and simply transfer to a stronger program within the conference. We are seeing that trend -- a lot -- in the PSAC.

This is a sad impact of the portal. The kids always think it’s greener someplace else. It doesn’t always work out that way though. I’ve seen that happen to a young man I know well. I would never recommend a kid go to the portal unless his current situation is absolutely a terrible one for him with no hope of improvement. Otherwise they’re rolling the dice and potentially will end up in the exact same spot only now they have to learn an entirely new environment, teammates, coaching staff, professors, etc. More often than not it’s better to make the best of the situation you find yourself in. There are a lot of important life lessons in those moments and situations. And they’re ones that will help them out in life long after their playing days are over. Just my opinion.

[Bart]

BU will probably be looking at some serious roster turnover even if Sheptock & co. are retained, at least on offense. There are currently more RBs than carries to go around and some of the guys who find themselves at the bottom of that list might want to try another school and system. There are four WR listed as Rs-JRs on the roster but only one has seen meaningful offensive playing time to this point in his career. If any have managed to graduate how many will stick around and pay to play another year potentially on ST? On top of all that there’s going to be a new QB next year whether it’s someone on the current roster or someone who’s not. How many of the guys who don’t win the starter or backup/third job will hit the portal to catch on elsewhere after spring ball? How many older but low-snap guys will see the writing on the wall and hang ‘em up?

They lose some every year. I counted a couple of dozen from last year that left, quit, transferred, or graduated. It makes room for new blood and the team needs guys committed to playing at Bloom.

[TheBigCat2192]

They lose some every year. I counted a couple of dozen from last year that left, quit, transferred, or graduated. It makes room for new blood and the team needs guys committed to playing at Bloom.

I didn't mean to suggest this has never happened before. I'm just looking ahead a bit. BU is going to have to answer the question of who is going to throw and catch the ball next year. They also need to figure out who's going to run the ball but I think they have clearer pool of options already on the roster for that one.

[Bart]

I didn't mean to suggest this has never happened before. I'm just looking ahead a bit. BU is going to have to answer the question of who is going to throw and catch the ball next year. They also need to figure out who's going to run the ball but I think they have clearer pool of options already on the roster for that one.

I think the rb situation could be interesting. In 2024 they had 6 running backs carry the ball, with four still on the roster but not playing. Add the two freshmen getting carries this year, and a couple of freshmen red shirts should make for good competition.

The only wide outs they definitely lose are Griffen-Batchelor and Landis. QB position has a few options. But who knows what tomorrow will bring.