🔮 My 2025 PSAC West Predicted Ranking

[ClarionNoob]

Pre-season polls are coming out on social media and Clarion got picked 7th. That seems strange to me compared to how much talent Seton Hill and Gannon lost. This board on average has them 4th, and if I had to pick which seems more likely, 4th seems more likely to me than 7th.

Yes , I know firsthand they are taking this a certain kind of way in Clarion.

Monoco’s video says a lot to me :
QB , OLine , LB’s, DB’s , both RB’s all returning.
good recruiting done on TE’s and WR’s.
5th leading offense in PSAC with all that offense back.
7 games they had the ball with 2 min to take the lead and couldn’t finish last year , including against Cal.

This is also a big year for him as a coach. He needs to win being his 4th year.

7 feels a bit off given all of those facts.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Yes , I know firsthand they are taking this a certain kind of way in Clarion.

Monoco’s video says a lot to me :
QB , OLine , LB’s, DB’s , both RB’s all returning.
good recruiting done on TE’s and WR’s.
5th leading offense in PSAC with all that offense back.
7 games they had the ball with 2 min to take the lead and couldn’t finish last year , including against Cal.

This is also a big year for him as a coach. He needs to win being his 4th year.

7 feels a bit off given all of those facts.

I can assure you not a whole lot of thought goes into these ballots. If you're bored today, take a look back at the last decade worth of preseason polls and then compare them to the actual results. What you'll find is actually pretty comical.

It will tell you that either (A) nobody knows anything at this point or (B) they are throwing darts blindfolded. Or, (C) the grad student was tasked with filling out the ballot. The truth is probably a combination of the three.

But, the other reality is Clarion has been the league dumpster fire for a long, long time now. The Golden Eagles are fresh off a disappointing (underachieving) 3-8 season. The past (3) years Clarion is just 8-25.

Some of of us have been on this board a long, long time. This isn't the first Clarion team in the past 15 years to get some preseason hype on here. They have to win some games.

Other than the IUP game (31-0 loss), Clarion was (for the most part) in all of its losses last season.

That said, I'd have probably put Clarion as 4th on my ballot. Edinboro, Seton Hill and Gannon have major question marks.

The interesting item is Clarion's offense is going from a whacky gadget offense to the ultra-boring and predictable scheme of the the new OC. The 'Fly' was at least something teams didn't see everyday and would cause confusion. There is nothing confusing about Larry Wilson's offense. It is as vanilla as an offense can get.

I fully suspect Clarion will start 3-0. The early schedule is very winnable (i.e. light). The back half, however, is the complete opposite. Shepherd's visit in Game 4 should be a good measuring stick.

The key at Clarion (and all with low scholarship numbers) is keeping those first 22 guys healthy. Clarion always has a decent first 22 guys. The problem is always the next 22 guys. They never have the quality depth of the IUP's, SRU's, Cals, etc. So, typically by Game 3 or Game 4 (when inevitably teams start losing guys) ... that can be when all hell breaks loose for teams lacking quality backups.

But, to your point, being picked last was a slap in the face. It should serve as a nice card for the coach to play in camp.

[Ram040506]

I can assure you not a whole lot of thought goes into these ballots. If you're bored today, take a look back at the last decade worth of preseason polls and then compare them to the actual results. What you'll find is actually pretty comical.

It will tell you that either (A) nobody knows anything at this point or (B) they are throwing darts blindfolded. Or, (C) the grad student was tasked with filling out the ballot. The truth is probably a combination of the three.

But, the other reality is Clarion has been the league dumpster fire for a long, long time now. The Golden Eagles are fresh off a disappointing (underachieving) 3-8 season. The past (3) years Clarion is just 8-25.

Some of of us have been on this board a long, long time. This isn't the first Clarion team in the past 15 years to get some preseason hype on here. They have to win some games.

Other than the IUP game (31-0 loss), Clarion was (for the most part) in all of its losses last season.

That said, I'd have probably put Clarion as 4th on my ballot. Edinboro, Seton Hill and Gannon have major question marks.

The interesting item is Clarion's offense is going from a whacky gadget offense to the ultra-boring and predictable scheme of the the new OC. The 'Fly' was at least something teams didn't see everyday and would cause confusion. There is nothing confusing about Larry Wilson's offense. It is as vanilla as an offense can get.

I fully suspect Clarion will start 3-0. The early schedule is very winnable (i.e. light). The back half, however, is the complete opposite. Shepherd's visit in Game 4 should be a good measuring stick.

The key at Clarion (and all with low scholarship numbers) is keeping those first 22 guys healthy. Clarion always has a decent first 22 guys. The problem is always the next 22 guys. They never have the quality depth of the IUP's, SRU's, Cals, etc. So, typically by Game 3 or Game 4 (when inevitably teams start losing guys) ... that can be when all hell breaks loose for teams lacking quality backups.

But, to your point, being picked last was a slap in the face. It should serve as a nice card for the coach to play in camp.

That Shepherd game is going to be quite interesting. Will be the Rams 3rd straight on the road after a tough opening slate @frostburg and @SRU. It's also right before the Kutztown home opener. Could be a lot of positive factors coming together for Clarion to take that game.

[ClarionNoob]

I can assure you not a whole lot of thought goes into these ballots. If you're bored today, take a look back at the last decade worth of preseason polls and then compare them to the actual results. What you'll find is actually pretty comical.

It will tell you that either (A) nobody knows anything at this point or (B) they are throwing darts blindfolded. Or, (C) the grad student was tasked with filling out the ballot. The truth is probably a combination of the three.

But, the other reality is Clarion has been the league dumpster fire for a long, long time now. The Golden Eagles are fresh off a disappointing (underachieving) 3-8 season. The past (3) years Clarion is just 8-25.

Some of of us have been on this board a long, long time. This isn't the first Clarion team in the past 15 years to get some preseason hype on here. They have to win some games.

Other than the IUP game (31-0 loss), Clarion was (for the most part) in all of its losses last season.

That said, I'd have probably put Clarion as 4th on my ballot. Edinboro, Seton Hill and Gannon have major question marks.

The interesting item is Clarion's offense is going from a whacky gadget offense to the ultra-boring and predictable scheme of the the new OC. The 'Fly' was at least something teams didn't see everyday and would cause confusion. There is nothing confusing about Larry Wilson's offense. It is as vanilla as an offense can get.

I fully suspect Clarion will start 3-0. The early schedule is very winnable (i.e. light). The back half, however, is the complete opposite. Shepherd's visit in Game 4 should be a good measuring stick.

The key at Clarion (and all with low scholarship numbers) is keeping those first 22 guys healthy. Clarion always has a decent first 22 guys. The problem is always the next 22 guys. They never have the quality depth of the IUP's, SRU's, Cals, etc. So, typically by Game 3 or Game 4 (when inevitably teams start losing guys) ... that can be when all hell breaks loose for teams lacking quality backups.

But, to your point, being picked last was a slap in the face. It should serve as a nice card for the coach to play in camp.

I get the history, that is why I think it’s a critical year for Monica, he has to win this year.

A couple of the sr. Videos said that they felt recruitment was very good this year.

Hoping there is some depth there, we will see. I’m excited about the season. Let’s hope they can get a good start and keep it Going.

[CUlater]

stumbled across something interesting while running through the top 100 list that was just released. Ky'Ron Craggette who entered the portal in the spring actually returned to Seton Hill. That caught me by surprise and is a game changer for Seton Hill. I guess i lost track of him but just assumed he would jump on a d1 opportunity as i'm sure he got some serious looks. That certainly changes my opinion about their outlook. I also realized that they return a one of their top defensive players as well in McCormack. obviously losing Awuah to IUP hurts (he made the top 100 as well) and they lost a few other studs to graduation...but this SHU team could continue to be a tough out with what they have coming back if they've picked up a few pieces over the summer to fill some holes. you can certainly hang your hat on giving Ky'Ron the ball 20+ times a game, he's a handful to bottle up.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

stumbled across something interesting while running through the top 100 list that was just released. Ky'Ron Craggette who entered the portal in the spring actually returned to Seton Hill. That caught me by surprise and is a game changer for Seton Hill. I guess i lost track of him but just assumed he would jump on a d1 opportunity as i'm sure he got some serious looks. That certainly changes my opinion about their outlook. I also realized that they return a one of their top defensive players as well in McCormack. obviously losing Awuah to IUP hurts (he made the top 100 as well) and they lost a few other studs to graduation...but this SHU team could continue to be a tough out with what they have coming back if they've picked up a few pieces over the summer to fill some holes. you can certainly hang your hat on giving Ky'Ron the ball 20+ times a game, he's a handful to bottle up.

Seton Hill was a tough out last year. The only game they really got hammered was the opener and they were without several key players in that game.

The whacky defense (and it is odd) causes most opponents to struggle in the first half. However, most of the better teams adjust to it (eventually) and then start picking it apart. It causes mass confusion at first as teams can't replicate it well in practice. So, when you see it at full speed in the first two quarters it takes some adjusting. Once adjusted, however, it leaves massive holes, etc.

Awuah was a huge signing for IUP. He's a beast in the secondary (and he'll tell you about it). He'd have fit in perfectly with the IUP teams of the 90s. He was First-Team All-PSAC West a year ago.

I thought Craggette would have been gone for sure -- not to the P4 but to the FCS level. I guess the right offer (for him) never came. Maybe he loves Greensburg. Who knows. IUP and SRU went after him hard. I know that for sure.

[Iupgh]

I can assure you not a whole lot of thought goes into these ballots. If you're bored today, take a look back at the last decade worth of preseason polls and then compare them to the actual results. What you'll find is actually pretty comical.

It will tell you that either (A) nobody knows anything at this point or (B) they are throwing darts blindfolded. Or, (C) the grad student was tasked with filling out the ballot. The truth is probably a combination of the three.

But, the other reality is Clarion has been the league dumpster fire for a long, long time now. The Golden Eagles are fresh off a disappointing (underachieving) 3-8 season. The past (3) years Clarion is just 8-25.

Some of of us have been on this board a long, long time. This isn't the first Clarion team in the past 15 years to get some preseason hype on here. They have to win some games.

Other than the IUP game (31-0 loss), Clarion was (for the most part) in all of its losses last season.

That said, I'd have probably put Clarion as 4th on my ballot. Edinboro, Seton Hill and Gannon have major question marks.

The interesting item is Clarion's offense is going from a whacky gadget offense to the ultra-boring and predictable scheme of the the new OC. The 'Fly' was at least something teams didn't see everyday and would cause confusion. There is nothing confusing about Larry Wilson's offense. It is as vanilla as an offense can get.

I fully suspect Clarion will start 3-0. The early schedule is very winnable (i.e. light). The back half, however, is the complete opposite. Shepherd's visit in Game 4 should be a good measuring stick.

The key at Clarion (and all with low scholarship numbers) is keeping those first 22 guys healthy. Clarion always has a decent first 22 guys. The problem is always the next 22 guys. They never have the quality depth of the IUP's, SRU's, Cals, etc. So, typically by Game 3 or Game 4 (when inevitably teams start losing guys) ... that can be when all hell breaks loose for teams lacking quality backups.

But, to your point, being picked last was a slap in the face. It should serve as a nice card for the coach to play in camp.

Great point the fly offense was nothing but a lot of work for future opponents. New OC just stick in the IUP film from last 20 games and u will see about 20:plays max. Clarion does have talent and QB can play and is probably thanking the good lord 5e Fly is gone cause that added numerous contusions to him as he was a different player the second half of the season. It was a miracle he survived the game in Indiana. Must of took 20 licks for sure.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Great point the fly offense was nothing but a lot of work for future opponents. New OC just stick in the IUP film from last 20 games and u will see about 20:plays max. Clarion does have talent and QB can play and is probably thanking the good lord 5e Fly is gone cause that added numerous contusions to him as he was a different player the second half of the season. It was a miracle he survived the game in Indiana. Must of took 20 licks for sure.

I mentioned that somewhere ... he was lucky to walk out of Miller Stadium last season. Tough player. He took some serious shots in that game.

As a whole, IUP's defense was pretty tough last year (minus when they'd switch to the prevent).

The most frustrating part of IUP the past few years was the offense. I'd say in 80% of games they had more talent yet didn't exploit it. They called such a watered-down offense ... in other words, the offensive game plan wasn't to win, but rather not to lose. Big difference. Opinions vary on Karst Hunter, but it is my opinion Larry didn't know how to use him. He wasn't a drop-back passer. Karst was at his best when he was a threat to run -- and throw off the run. A more dynamic offensive attack could have got much more out of him.

Instead, the IUP offense was so predictable it was sickening. At least 40-50 times last year (probably more) I could hear the other team yelling out the upcoming play. When the geeks in the stands know what's coming, the other team certainly does. Talking about another tough dude ... J.D. Younger. He's not built like Jerome Bettis and was asked to run straight up the middle about 190 times last season. Not to mention he was their only back for a very long stretch of the season. He was a warrior. He'll have some help this year so it should keep him fresher.

Lost in the shuffle of expectations and yearly hype is the fact IUP was very young the past two seasons. They are seasoned now. Tort has to cash in this season. He's got a good hand.

[WarriorVoice]

Really looking forward to this upcoming PSAC football season! My best guess for the West:

1) IUP
2) CAL
3) SRU
4) CLARION
5) GANNON
6) EDINBORO
7) SETON HILL

Now how about a thread for the East as well??

What have you heard?!

[CUlater]

Happy to get some good insight on Edinboro's team this past week. I don't think it will change them finishing no higher than 4th but stranger things have happened (see: 2016). An unsettled QB battle unsettles me a bit with no clear internal candidate and two impact transfers: Nico from IUP and another who was a 3 star recruit in VA who has been on the roster at Temple and Rhode Island with very limited action. 2nd team all PSAC West RB returns. Most of the OL starters return - and several have been getting good playing time since they were true freshmen. The new OC brought in his top returning WR from D3 Western Connecticut.

Defense has more question marks than offense, but I'm confident with Matt Scott being a former DC.DL should be adequate but Boro lost its best two linebackers, one of which was phenomenal. i hope he enjoys those ice road bus trips across Minnesota. They have a transfer from Lock Haven they will be plugging in on the outside and edge.

If my counts are correct, they return 7 on offense and 6 on defense. The problem is that graduation and the transfer portal took all but 1 or 2 of those missing starters.

have you heard anything on who won the QB battle?

[Fightingscot82]

have you heard anything on who won the QB battle?

You'll have to tune in and see. I'm happy with the selection and looking forward to seeing if it was the right one.