THE IUP Football Thread

[IUPbigINDIANS]

IUP's game at Adamson (Oct. 24) will be played at 5 p.m.

This will be Cal's Homecoming game.

Slippery Rock visits Miller Stadium the week prior.

[IUPNation]

IUP's game at Adamson (Oct. 24) will be played at 5 p.m.

This will be Cal's Homecoming game.

Slippery Rock visits Miller Stadium the week prior.

So two losses in a row.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

So two losses in a row.

Well, I can tell you honestly if you talk to 10 different people about the expectations of the 2026 team ... you'll get 10 very different answers.

Unlike Cal and SRU, IUP's roster isn't out yet. There are some surprises -- surprises I'd classify as at least appearing to be very positive.

But, there hasn't been a summer this quiet regarding this program in a long time.

Personally, I think Tort will be OK this year. This is far from some 'rebuild' type team. They have a lot back -- and brought a lot in.

Question No. 1 revolves around the Buckeye. I think he's going to make a big splash at this level. The OL on Opening Night is going to be gigantic (with some mean dudes).

They've addressed some other areas ... more on that later.

All that said, the schedule is rough. Opening on the road at Ashland and West Chester poses quite the challenge. IUP has had success in both stadiums, however.

Tort's lost 3 in a row to SRU -- two of which he never, ever should have. That funk needs to end this season.

Put it this way, I feel tremendously better on July 13 than I did when Spring Ball ended.

But, can IUP figure out ways not to lose in such painful ways? Some would say they've had bad luck. Others don't believe in luck. But, IUP has lost some "you can't make this stuff up" games during this current era.

[IUPNation]

Well, I can tell you honestly if you talk to 10 different people about the expectations of the 2026 team ... you'll get 10 very different answers.

Unlike Cal and SRU, IUP's roster isn't out yet. There are some surprises -- surprises I'd classify as at least appearing to be very positive.

But, there hasn't been a summer this quiet regarding this program in a long time.

Personally, I think Tort will be OK this year. This is far from some 'rebuild' type team. They have a lot back -- and brought a lot in.

Question No. 1 revolves around the Buckeye. I think he's going to make a big splash at this level. The OL on Opening Night is going to be gigantic (with some mean dudes).

They've addressed some other areas ... more on that later.

All that said, the schedule is rough. Opening on the road at Ashland and West Chester poses quite the challenge. IUP has had success in both stadiums, however.

Tort's lost 3 in a row to SRU -- two of which he never, ever should have. That funk needs to end this season.

Put it this way, I feel tremendously better on July 13 than I did when Spring Ball ended.

But, can IUP figure out ways not to lose in such painful ways? Some would say they've had bad luck. Others don't believe in luck. But, IUP has lost some "you can't make this stuff up" games during this current era.

I’ll be at the West Chester game for at least the first half..family wedding at 5. I’m hoping it’s a noon game..my luck it will be late and can’t go at all…

[IUPNation]

The last printed IUP Magazine is out…and it’s the last mass printing of it. It will be out once a year in digital form going forward..some people will get a print copy…those who fork over $$$.

[iupgroundhog]

The last printed IUP Magazine is out…and it’s the last mass printing of it. It will be out once a year in digital form going forward..some people will get a print copy…those who fork over $$$.

What? I'm not only disappointed, I'm shocked. I've been receiving that quarterly for 45 years.

[Tdobson]

The last printed IUP Magazine is out…and it’s the last mass printing of it. It will be out once a year in digital form going forward..some people will get a print copy…those who fork over $$$.

I was surprised when I read that you have to donate money now to get it.

Sad.

[Fightingscot82]

What? I'm not only disappointed, I'm shocked. I've been receiving that quarterly for 45 years.

They're an operational money pit. In spite of all the good will that comes with them, they typically cost something like $75,000/issue just to produce, print, and ship but then you get a ton back with bad addresses. Younger alumni don't value magazines either - if you look the news notes section is much, much smaller than it used to be. I get several for the schools I've attended & work for and if you follow them online, you've already read most of that content already.

[EyeoftheHawk]

They're an operational money pit. In spite of all the good will that comes with them, they typically cost something like $75,000/issue just to produce, print, and ship but then you get a ton back with bad addresses. Younger alumni don't value magazines either - if you look the news notes section is much, much smaller than it used to be. I get several for the schools I've attended & work for and if you follow them online, you've already read most of that content already.

I support the move, although understand why some don’t. We retired the magazine we used to publish at my organization a few years ago. Not only did it cost a lot to produce, it also took a ton of time that we weren’t spending on more modern ways of communication. Simply put, it was the most time intensive and expensive outreach mechanism we had and it was viewed by the least people. We got very little negative feedback at the time and now with the readership and ad revenue we get from going online far exceeds what we were doing with print.

[EyeoftheHawk]

Question No. 1 revolves around the Buckeye. I think he's going to make a big splash at this level.

Like you, I haven’t heard much about the team this summer and it has been really quiet. This ^^ is indeed the big question and I’m not optimistic. It’s very difficult to not have taken game snaps for a long time, in this case four years, and then expect to be successful at any level. I know he has a good pedigree and lots of talent, but the in-game learning curve is very steep. I would love to be proven wrong, but I think it’s more likely someone else will be the starter by the time the season ends.

One thing that will help though is if the O-line is as good as advertised. If he can sit in the pocket for an extra second or two life will be a lot easier. A running game to support the passing game would also go a long way. Starting on the road against a very good opponent is going to tell us a lot.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Like you, I haven’t heard much about the team this summer and it has been really quiet. This ^^ is indeed the big question and I’m not optimistic. It’s very difficult to not have taken game snaps for a long time, in this case four years, and then expect to be successful at any level. I know he has a good pedigree and lots of talent, but the in-game learning curve is very steep. I would love to be proven wrong, but I think it’s more likely someone else will be the starter by the time the season ends.

One thing that will help though is if the O-line is as good as advertised. If he can sit in the pocket for an extra second or two life will be a lot easier. A running game to support the passing game would also go a long way. Starting on the road against a very good opponent is going to tell us a lot.

Reading the tea leaves I have a hunch this offense will look very different this season. I think we'll see way less slinging the ball around.

The Buckeye can run - perhaps at an elite level for D2. I think we'll get a ton of play action and a way healthier dose of RBs involved. In other words, this could resemble a more old school IUP approach.

Tort's best teams have been the ones not hyped up - and this one clearly isn't being hyped up. Perhaps by design.

[iupgroundhog]

Reading the tea leaves I have a hunch this offense will look very different this season. I think we'll see way less slinging the ball around.

The Buckeye can run - perhaps at an elite level for D2. I think we'll get a ton of play action and a way healthier dose of RBs involved. In other words, this could resemble a more old school IUP approach.

Tort's best teams have been the ones not hyped up - and this one clearly isn't being hyped up. Perhaps by design.

It's impossible to know how the new QB will perform in game competition. But, yes, Tort noted that he can really run in an interview, so that must stand out. I would lean more towards believing he has a strong arm. I don't think he would be on the OSU roster if he didn't. Also, I read they got the leading receiver from Cal to complement Coleman. Plus, throw in Shamany and it makes for an interesting receiver corps.

Now, will they pick up any defensive players from the portal?

[IUPbigINDIANS]

It's impossible to know how the new QB will perform in game competition. But, yes, Tort noted that he can really run in an interview, so that must stand out. I would lean more towards believing he has a strong arm. I don't think he would be on the OSU roster if he didn't. Also, I read they got the leading receiver from Cal to complement Coleman. Plus, throw in Shamany and it makes for an interesting receiver corps.

Now, will they pick up any defensive players from the portal?

The former Cal WR (D'Avay Johnson) is a massive signing. He is a big, physical playmaker and will complement the others very well.

He went for nearly 140 yards and a TD against SRU last season. He's right in the 6'3" - 6'4" range and is around 210-215 lbs.

He was one of the best players available in the Portal out of the West.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Speaking of Cal, I find it very odd their QB from last year (Phaeton Hill) is still unsigned.

He started more than half the season and had a couple big games.

Nice size, too (6'3").

Don't know the story but I think he'd be an interesting late addition in Indiana. Now, would he sign as the perceived backup ... never know. It is mid-July and he needs a home.

[IUPNation]

I was surprised when I read that you have to donate money now to get it.

Sad.

They may send it to us oldies…