Quincy Game Thoughts

[Jason Svoboda]

Rushing Offense: Gates looked very good. Vision and cuts looked crisp and he had his way with Quincy as he should have. He also did a great job of making people miss. You can echo this will Bell as well. When Lough got the carries, he was punishing people and there was one run where he stiffarmed and threw a defender 2-3 yards. He's going to be a key component in MVFC play.

Passing Offense: There wasn't much to say about the passing attack today. My opinion is they kept it under wraps for MVFC play. Most of the throws were simply throws made to get a new set of downs -- receivers running to the sticks and giving Fouch their numbers. He did hit one home run ball which caught them totally off guard and missed on another. Very efficient day for Fouch overall.

Offensive Line: First string offensive line looked very solid. Lots of pulling and running over defenders opening big holes for Gates and Bell. One thing I'd like to see more of is getting to the second level and blocking. If they can get that mastered, our running game will start being dominant. You've really got to like the job the coaching staff has done with them.

Wide Receivers: Hilton catches everything. Even if he makes a mistake, he catches it on the rebound. Really like his hands and can't say that enough. The rest of the crew had a pretty pedestrian day because we dominated the game on the ground. One thing I will say is downfield blocking is a cause of concern for me. I saw several catches where they could have sprung teammates for long gains but they missed or blocked the wrong guy. Kent, however, did a great job on several plays blocking downfield.

Rush Defense: For the most part, we did an excellent job defending the run yesterday. The one exception is when Quincy went to the wildcat formation and they were able to get bigger chunks of yards. Believe we had something like 6-7 TFLs and it would have been much worse if the officials had threw the flags. There were several plays where the offensive linemen pretty much undressed Ben Obaseki -- I hope he at least bought Ben dinner after the game.

Pass Defense: Concerned. Starting with the line, they need to do a much better job sniffing out the screen. There were a couple times where 4-5 defenders were 10 yards deep after the QB who was backpedalling while setting up the screen pass leaving Quincy with a 10-on-7 drill down the field. While we did have a couple sacks, we just didn't get enough pressure on the Quincy QB and he had time to make some nice throws. The LB corps needs to do a better job tackling in space because some 5-7 yard throws became 9-12 because of it. Finally, the DBs really need to work on finding the ball in coverage and timing jumps. Further, the second string defensive backfield was absolutely roasted in the 4th. Once Sewall goes out, there seems to be an unravelling of the secondary so recruiting and developing the safety position is a supreme area of need in my book.

Special Teams: Not going to spend too much time here, but Little is still having issues kicking the ball. With the wind (25 mph) he was still only getting the ball to the 10 and he kicked one out of bounds. The Quincy kicker was putting the ball a good 10-15 yards deeper. Punting wise, Davis only got a couple kicks but they both seemed short. One was really high and seemed to hit a wall in the wind. On coverage, guys need to be a little more aware... there was one kickoff into the wind where Quincy didn't field and a Sycamore player was there before the Quincy guy but blocked someone instead of falling on it.

Overall, it was a good game with some nice things and some things that can be worked on before our Homecoming showdown with Illinois State. Student attendance was absolutely terrible as well overall attendance. One thing I will say is other athletic programs were out in force -- lady hoops was there painted up, the baseball team was there as well and the Eitels sat next to me with a couple guys. I know it was chilly and windy, but I was disappointed considering everyone knew this was going to be a pretty easy game for us to win.

Thumbs up for announcing MVFC scores during the game and also hitting on some other football scores as well. One announcing issue that is funny is during timeout games, he can still be giving the rules well after the contest is over -- happened twice during the Pacesetter and IHOP contests as kids were almost off the field by the time he was done announcing it.

[SycamoreinTexas]

I think student attendance was terrible because they know they were playing NAIA Quincy. I went to the game but had a hard time staying becuase Quincy was just absolutely terrible. Going to be a big crowd against Illinois State though!

[Jason Svoboda]

I think student attendance was terrible because they know they were playing NAIA Quincy. I went to the game but had a hard time staying becuase Quincy was just absolutely terrible. Going to be a big crowd against Illinois State though!
Yeah, I hate seeing my alma mater win. You can take your excuse, polish it up, turn it sideways and find a nice place to shove it. I'm so sick of the excuses from our "fans" because they're flat out garbage. This was a revenge game for State. We lost to these guys last year. Most students don't even know what the NAIA is considering most couldn't tell you the starting QB on the team. Give me a break.

[Pomeroy Fan]

Looks like the Tribune-Star agrees with you Jason.

http://blogs.tribstar.com/downinthevalley/?p=349


It’s always dubious to judge a crowd 20 minutes to kickoff, but the crowd size looks as if it’s going to be really dismal. Weather isn’t great, but it’s not THAT bad. I’m sure some tailgaters will file in before long, but it’s nowhere near even a third-full.

I see very few students at all.

One thing ISU’s athletic department needs to make a priority is to take advantage of the largest freshman class in school history. All efforts should be focused on convincing these freshmen to be an integral part of the fan experience at ISU athletic events, especially football and men’s and women’s basketball. If they can be “assimilated”, so to speak, it will do ISU athletics a world of good. If they’re not, it’s a massive opportunity that will go wasted.

Do whatever’s necessary. Go all Bill Veeck if need be. Coaches should walk the halls of dorms and encourage fans to come. Attempt to engage every single department at ISU in some fashion. Because these freshmen will provide enthusiasm now, but they will provide ISU athletics its donations later.

[bent20]

Many of us have said the same thing as Golden. Take advantage of this big freshman class by doing all you can to get them to the games. Also agree with Jason about lame excuses. I was excited for this game. I'm excited for a game we will, or should, win. We beat WIU last year at homecoming and then attendance went back to crap, so that excuse doesn't fly. You know what's more pathetic than a bad team, a lame fan base!

[SycamoreinTexas]

It's a very valid excuse. What are the positives from playing an NAIA team? How much money did we spend this year to beat a team? Hell, the students even know that the two wins this year are meaningless. We beat a freaking D2 and NAIA team. I'll be at every home football game but I completely understand why students werent at the game on saturday.

[Callmedoc]

I think student attendance was terrible because they know they were playing NAIA Quincy. I went to the game but had a hard time staying becuase Quincy was just absolutely terrible. Going to be a big crowd against Illinois State though!

OK Students I am about tired of these crappy excuses...last year, our biggest crowd was against quincy BUT NOW they won't come because it's Quincy or because all of students are bigger fans of other universities? I am gonna go with that second one even tho it sickens me to say so...

[Jason Svoboda]

It's a very valid excuse. What are the positives from playing an NAIA team? How much money did we spend this year to beat a team? Hell, the students even know that the two wins this year are meaningless. We beat a freaking D2 and NAIA team. I'll be at every home football game but I completely understand why students werent at the game on saturday.
You need me to change your name to wildcat28? Let me know.

[4Q_iu]

It's a very valid excuse. What are the positives from playing an NAIA team? How much money did we spend this year to beat a team? Hell, the students even know that the two wins this year are meaningless. We beat a freaking D2 and NAIA team. I'll be at every home football game but I completely understand why students werent at the game on saturday.

A Win's a Win.

They all count in the record book.

If your definition of a win is against FCS and FBS schools -- please contact the NCAA AND each member school so they may begin retotaling their win count.

BTW - Sycamore Fans, this plucking of the QU Hawks is State's 350th ALL-TIME (in 106 years); overall record is 350-477-23 (.425)

[SycamoreStateofMind]

It's a very valid excuse. What are the positives from playing an NAIA team? How much money did we spend this year to beat a team? Hell, the students even know that the two wins this year are meaningless. We beat a freaking D2 and NAIA team. I'll be at every home football game but I completely understand why students werent at the game on saturday.

I tend to agree with this for the most part. Nothing wrong with 1 game with a D2 or NAIA school, but two? You have to figure though that they want to give these kids a little confidence early on in the season and considering the struggles this program has had it's prolly a good thing.

As for students not being at the game, I don't think these students really care who the opponent is? Do you? I just don't buy that, either you are going to go to the game and support your school or you're not - it matters not who we are playing. Maybe in basketball at Indiana State you could sell that to me.

Next weekend ought to be a little better indicator for us.

[Callmedoc]

Morgan, I actually tend to agree on the fact that we prolly shouldnt play two gimmes....but the opponent crap is the biggest line of BS i have ever heard....

[4Q_iu]

Anyone: Is the FCS regular season schedule capped at 11 games, to account for the playoffs? (an additional 4 games possible...)

If it is; hopefully, we'll never play another NAIA school.

Give me St Joe's, UIndy, Valpo, buttler, Drake and Dayton as non-conf games, along with 1-2 money games against the Big Ten (12) and/or MAC

[JustAskin]

Are you kidding me!!!I guess a packed stadium at Louisville last year for a coach that the fans in Louisviile hated, and this year at Cinncinnati when they played us was a nothing game and those fans should not have come. Those wins don't count???? Learning how to win is part of the steps it takes to be a good team and building a program. Absolutely no excuse for students and alum not to support ISU just because it was an NAIA school. The truth of it is that NAIA has nothing to do with caliber of play. There are alot of NAIA schoolks that would beat most in our conference.

[TJames]

for a program that has had trouble winning games in recent years, a win is a win is a win. I'll take two wins, no matter if its against a salaviating dog (to quote a former ISU head coach) or a major college power.

A couple of years ago, fans was praying for ANY kind of a win. Now we're being picky about who the wins are against? Give me a break!!!!

Winning has been tough for the program, so appreciate the victories folks. It's a building block win. Now go on and try to win some MVC games. One step at a time.

[4Q_iu]

for a program that has had trouble winning games in recent years, a win is a win is a win. I'll take two wins, no matter if its against a salaviating dog (to quote a former ISU head coach) or a major college power.

A couple of years ago, fans was praying for ANY kind of a win. Now we're being picky about who the wins are against? Give me a break!!!!

Winning has been tough for the program, so appreciate the victories folks. It's a building block win. Now go on and try to win some MVC games. One step at a time.

Outside of the SoDak bunnies -- which games are our best opportunity for some conf wins?

[Callmedoc]

Personally....
I really think next weeks game could be close...Homecoming, Illinois State has a history of not being well prepared and I don't think their transfers are as good as advertised...

[SycamoreinTexas]

Why would you change it to wildcat28? Not once in that post did I mention anything about Kentucky. Sorry I was raised a Kentucky fan. I mean I'm an ISU fan too but Kentucky comes first. And there were that many students last year becuase the game was on a Thursday night. SOME OF YOU PEOPLE CAN'T JUST ACCEPT THE TRUTH and realize that ISU football is just not a hit on campus. I love going to Memorial Stadium and watching football but some people just need to face reality.

[Callmedoc]

I mean I'm an ISU fan too but Kentucky comes first.

This attitude right here is what is hurting ISU athletics...and it's not just football games that the students don't show up for...they don't show up for anything...Much rather sit at home and watch lost re-runs...to be quite honest the attitude of ISU students is what the problem is...they see ISU as a place that people go to when they can't go to IU or Purdue...Or I guess in your case Kentucky...

[SycamoreinTexas]

Eh well I know what your saying. I never liked ISU until I came to school here. Before that I was all Kentucky. If there is any home ISU football or basketball game while Kentucky is on tv I still go watch the Sycamores.

[Jason Svoboda]

It's a very valid excuse. What are the positives from playing an NAIA team? How much money did we spend this year to beat a team? Hell, the students even know that the two wins this year are meaningless. We beat a freaking D2 and NAIA team. I'll be at every home football game but I completely understand why students werent at the game on saturday.

1) Working on things that you're implementing offensively/defensively that you want to see run against live competition. You can ask any coach that doing this in practice is definitely different from dodging live bullets.

2) Getting up big enough so you can give backups and underclassmen playing time to see what you have, what needs work and where you need to put an emphasis on recruiting.

There are two positives from playing games against lower competition. From a fans perspective I understand these don't matter, but considering there wasn't anything else going on in Terre Haute, it is just a poor reflection on our University.

[treeman]

people went to the quincy game last year because it was the first game of the year and we were suppose to win. this year we were suppose to win but it was just another game outside of that. everyone on here complains about students not making their way to memorial stadium. but what are the reasons to go? we aren't contending for a conference championship. we aren't playing any big name schools. we have won 3 games in 3-4 years. the experience inside memorial stadium isn't exactly unforgettable. Yes, more students should be making it to the games but lets be honest here. you can hardly blame them.

[Callmedoc]

people went to the quincy game last year because it was the first game of the year and we were suppose to win. this year we were suppose to win but it was just another game outside of that. everyone on here complains about students not making their way to memorial stadium. but what are the reasons to go? we aren't contending for a conference championship. we aren't playing any big name schools. we have won 3 games in 3-4 years. the experience inside memorial stadium isn't exactly unforgettable. Yes, more students should be making it to the games but lets be honest here. you can hardly blame them.

Are you serious bro???? There are defeated teams in FBS football that pack the house alot better than us, the student body is just terrible at being active, FACT...I am not sayin' that Athletics doesnt need to do more because they need to BUT the students need to come before they will implement these things...

[treeman]

yes bro i am serious. before last year we had the longest losing streak in college football. so it's not like those defeated FBS schools are in worse shape than we are. And those FBS schools are still playing the TCU's, Auburn's, Michigan's. who doesn't want to see those teams play?

[Jason Svoboda]

yes bro i am serious. before last year we had the longest losing streak in college football. so it's not like those defeated FBS schools are in worse shape than we are. And those FBS schools are still playing the TCU's, Auburn's, Michigan's. who doesn't want to see those teams play?
Since you didn't go to the game, what did you do Saturday afternoon?

Additionally, going to the games isn't just about the football. Any time you can get a large group of friends together and have a good time, that's a bonus to me. I fondly remember my undergrad days of loading the grill and cooler up and heading out to Memorial to toss the football around, shoot the shit and have a bit of fun.

[Callmedoc]

yes bro i am serious. before last year we had the longest losing streak in college football. so it's not like those defeated FBS schools are in worse shape than we are. And those FBS schools are still playing the TCU's, Auburn's, Michigan's. who doesn't want to see those teams play?

:krazy: You think these students would pack the house were undefeated??? I think not buddy, I have seen our students when our teams are great and they don't give a crap....I love state but I think we need to change how we attract students to games...maybe with alcohol considering that's all they seem to care about lol jk

[Callmedoc]

Since you didn't go to the game, what did you do Saturday afternoon?

He watched Re-runs of lost derr...that smoke monster is crazy!

[treeman]

just so you no i have been to every home game the past two years. except for this last game i had to work. so sprinkle some holy water on me because i have sinned for not making it to the game.

[Callmedoc]

LOL Treeman,
We are just saying that a majority of ISU students don't even make the attempt, and it's sad because I think most would agree that ISU football does have a great atmosphere when the stadium is semi full...anyone disagree...and I don't care much for ISU students who CONSTANTLY complain about having nothing to do in Terre Haute and then say "But I really am excited about watching the IU game on tv."
Whilst I was on a choir trip in europe there was a guy, who said he knew everything about college football saying a joke about hell freezing over and then said, "ISU wins the Rose Bowl." My roomie looks at me and goes, "You want to punch him or should I?"

[Jason Svoboda]

Honestly, that has always been my irk. First, there is nothing going on in Terre Haute on Saturday afternoons. Parties don't start until the evening and if you've 21 or over, you usually didn't head to the Bally until around 11 or later.

If you're a student and don't have to work, getting a group of your friends together and getting out to Memorial should become religion regardless of the product on the field. If the Sycamores are good, that's a bonus. Additionally, students don't realize how much of an effect their youthful exuberance has not only on the team, but the crowd as well. The atmosphere really starts with students and it's a blank canvas -- they really could shape it how they see fit, create traditions, so on and so forth.

It's just too bad that most of them head home, sit in their room on Facebook or text their buddy that is sitting a couple rooms over instead of getting out and getting some air, some good food and as Tim Riggins aptly said... making some memories.

[bent20]

Wow, an FNL quote in a thread. Great show!

I'm not ashamed to say I was thrilled with yesterday's win. It's great to see a potent offense and I'm anxious to see what it can do against an MVC opponent on a dry field. Two wins, don't care against who, feels awesome compared to another year of hearing crap about being winless. You don't get national headlines for being winless now.

[Callmedoc]

I love how even when we are winning PEOPLE CONSTANTLY BRING UP THE LOSING STREAK LOL...I am gonna be honest I think some people want to constantly kick at the program while it's down but now that it's up, people are still trying to kick it and I just DONT GET IT...

[egc1985]

my opinion on a couple of things....

1. This win tells us nothing about the team and the progress we have made IMO. We beat a much lesser opponent from a much lesser division of football. I can see why people can call it a revenge game, but still the fact is that we should wipe the floor with opponents from lesser divisions no matter what.

2. we can always argue why students dont support ISU or why they are apathetic. more games on tv with higher profile games on, students leave on weekends, ect, and ect...heck i lived across the street from memorial stadium last season and wouldnt go to most home games cause its not fun watching a team u support get killed.

im extremely happy to tell people the Syc's are 2-2 this year. I brag about it, but when asked who they beat people still think the scyamores havent made progress. when progress starts to show people will come.

[Callmedoc]

Wait a second, someone please explain to me how defeating a team that WE LOST TO LAST YEAR by 30 some points doesn't show progress????

[JustAskin]

my opinion on a couple of things....

1. This win tells us nothing about the team and the progress we have made IMO. We beat a much lesser opponent from a much lesser division of football. I can see why people can call it a revenge game, but still the fact is that we should wipe the floor with opponents from lesser divisions no matter what.

2. we can always argue why students dont support ISU or why they are apathetic. more games on tv with higher profile games on, students leave on weekends, ect, and ect...heck i lived across the street from memorial stadium last season and wouldnt go to most home games cause its not fun watching a team u support get killed.

im extremely happy to tell people the Syc's are 2-2 this year. I brag about it, but when asked who they beat people still think the scyamores havent made progress. when progress starts to show people will come.


First of all any time you play with a very young team that is rebuilding every game tell you somrthing about your team and the direction it is headed. Even the UC game in which we got beat badly in the end. the first half we were right there but we don't have the debth to sustain that type of game. The two games we won showed us what we are good at and again as in UC game showed us we are not really deep as when we make mass substitutions we don't do well. Also as has been said many times on this particular subject wins reguardless of who we play are important towand the mental part of this game. As far as progress... kinda confused we beat a team that beat us last year. I am one of the ones that drove to South Dakota and Northern Iowa and to Missouri last year knowing well that our chances to win were slim but went to show continued support. What you are suggesting is typical of those band wagon folks that only want to be there in good times. What is strange is that at homecoming last year the crowd was large there were alot of students there and at the end they all stormed to field to be part of the atmoshere but most never showed up again. Are we the only region in the nation that has games on TV so our student don't go to road games???? Its all a bunch of lame excuses, period.

There are some alum and student that just don't get into the whole thing and that ok but to make excuses for those that do. I just don't get it.

[TH_Sycamore12]

In my opinion, the FCS doesn't get any favors from national media outlets like ESPN. They make it known that if your school doesn't play in a "top" conference (SEC, Big 11, Big 12, Pac 10) then you're inferior. That's why Joe Student is a "fan" of Michigan but attends ISU. That wouldn't happen in Ann Arbor.

[egc1985]

Wait a second, someone please explain to me how defeating a team that WE LOST TO LAST YEAR by 30 some points doesn't show progress????

we should beat always beat an NAIA team by that many points every year. regardless it was great for the kids to beat a team that beat them last year, but i dont see beating a team that we should beat making progress.


when we win a road game against a team thats at least FCS then i will say this team is making progress.

[niklz62]

I didnt have time to read the whole thread but is it possible that since it was windy and cold and had rained mixed with the fact that since next week is homecoming and some people that go home might have chose last weekend instead of next to go home might have caused the low turn out?

Im going with that.

[JustAskin]

I didnt have time to read the whole thread but is it possible that since it was windy and cold and had rained mixed with the fact that since next week is homecoming and some people that go home might have chose last weekend instead of next to go home might have caused the low turn out?

Im going with that.

Wait another month for windy and cold, and what about week one when we were in short sleeves and did they all go home then too!

[TJames]

Ok. The excuse for not showing up for football games are that they still havent beaten anybody considered to be good. Or the stadium is too far away from campus. Or the entertainment outside of the football isn't up to the ISU student body's standards. Or that it was too hot. Or too cold. Or too windy. Or not windy enough. Or too wet. Or too dry.

So what's the excuse for men's hoops? Competition not good enough for them? Hulman Center not close enough to campus? Bad weather keeping the students stranded in their dorms? Can't make that loooong walk across campus?

Oh, in case anybody is wondering, Cincinnati is still counting their win over the Sycamores on their record even though Indiana State is a level below the Bearcats. And I do believe that Louisville counted its win over ISU last year.

As I said before.....a win is a win is a win. By the way, I heard a rumor that some members of the Indiana State Athletic Board missed the Quincy game and went to Bloomington for the IU-Michigan game. Hope that rumor isn't true. How can we expect the students to go if the Athletic Board won't support their own school?

So this week's homecoming game with Illinois State will be played Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium. And the early forecast is calling for sunny skies and tempertures in the 70s/80s. Oh, wait.
The weather will probably be TOO good on Saturday. The students will probably want to do other things because it just might be the last good weather Saturday of the fall. Get your excuse list ready folks!!!!

[SycamoreBlue3209]

Totally agree with all of Tom's statements there. And yes, I don't think we could ask for better weather on our homecoming! The high is 80 degrees and sunny skies.

[bent20]

We've certainly shown progress, particularly on the offensive side. Our offense is a world apart from what we had last year with the transfers and Bell added to the mix, plus more linemen and more experienced linemen. The defense is a concern because we lost Millington and McCleskey and it still seems we might be lacking a bit there. We still need more experience and depth. Certainly a better team, without question!

[egc1985]

Oh, in case anybody is wondering, Cincinnati is still counting their win over the Sycamores on their record even though Indiana State is a level below the Bearcats. And I do believe that Louisville counted its win over ISU last year.


duh thats why they put us on the schedule so they could put a win in the column. just like we put quincy on the schedule so we could have a win in the column.

cincy didnt schedule us for good competition, they did to get the W. same with louisvile. thats why we and other schools schedule teams in lesser divisions. like i said earlier, i believe that this doesnt show progress when we play clown u. and win.

[SycamoreBlue3209]

duh thats why they put us on the schedule so they could put a win in the column. just like we put quincy on the schedule so we could have a win in the column.

cincy didnt schedule us for good competition, they did to get the W. same with louisvile. thats why we and other schools schedule teams in lesser divisions. like i said earlier, i believe that this doesnt show progress when we play clown u. and win.

Yet, you just said cincy and louisville count us as a win. There is no difference with us, beating Quincy and St. Joe's count as wins and they show that our program is moving in the right direction.

I don't really see how you can argue with this... Quincy beat us last year and this year we beat the crap out of them. Therefore that shows we have made progress!

[egc1985]

Yet, you just said cincy and louisville count us as a win. There is no difference with us, beating Quincy and St. Joe's count as wins and they show that our program is moving in the right direction.

I don't really see how you can argue with this... Quincy beat us last year and this year we beat the crap out of them. Therefore that shows we have made progress!

agree to disagree. I just dont think beating teams we are suppose to beat is making progress.

[Eleven]

agree to disagree. I just dont think beating teams we are suppose to beat is making progress.

It is when you didn't even beat them before.. and now you are beating them by scores you expect us to when by.

[egc1985]

It is when you didn't even beat them before.. and now you are beating them by scores you expect us to when by.

well then we must also have regressed due to the loss to western illinois with that way of thinking (im not saying we regressed)...all im saying is that this win shows ME nothing of the progress the team has made. thats how i look at it. when we start to win confernce road games and being competetive week in week out then i will start to see the progression

[TJames]

but then purdue lost to toledo...and purdue is supposed to beat a team like toledo....and then ball state lost to liberty....and liberty is a level below ball state...and liberty was scheduled by ball state for a win...but yet liberty won the game.....so ball state shouldn't count that loss.....or should they count the win over se missouri to begin the season.....and then there's iu's win over towson state....guess the hoosiers shouldn't count that win......and illinois' win over southern illinois......and iowa's win over eastern illinois.....but then mississippi state lost its game to a school that was a level below....oh, and then there's virginia tech's loss to james madison...another lowel level loss...but then the hokies dont have to count it since it was to a lesser level squad......i see how it works now....

[egc1985]

but then purdue lost to toledo...and purdue is supposed to beat a team like toledo....and then ball state lost to liberty....and liberty is a level below ball state...and liberty was scheduled by ball state for a win...but yet liberty won the game.....so ball state shouldn't count that loss.....or should they count the win over se missouri to begin the season.....and then there's iu's win over towson state....guess the hoosiers shouldn't count that win......and illinois' win over southern illinois......and iowa's win over eastern illinois.....but then mississippi state lost its game to a school that was a level below....oh, and then there's virginia tech's loss to james madison...another lowel level loss...but then the hokies dont have to count it since it was to a lesser level squad......i see how it works now....

purdue is terrible program now, IU never had a good team sice ive been alive. va. tech is overrated every year, ect, and ect. these losses show teams that they are not up to par where they need to be. when we beat teams like Quincy it shows me nuttin but we won a game we are suppose to. its bad when we settle on getting pumped for wins against NAIA schools.

ill make my decision on games we should be comptetive in like our confernce schedule.

also how am i saying the win doesnt count?

[TJames]

I see what you're saying. And I understand it. I would like nothing better than for the Sycamores to get some wins against MVC opponents this year.

But I have seen improvement this year. The passing game is better. ISU has three really good running backs. The offensive line play has improved. The defense has made some plays.

I thought ISU played okay at Cincinnati for about two and a half quarters. The loss at WIU wasn't unexpected since the Leathernecks were gunning for the Sycamores after losing to them a year ago in Terre Haute.

Now Indiana State is getting to the point in the season where we will begin to see where the Sycamores are in relation to other teams in the MVC.

I do hope everybody realizes that coming from where this program was when Trent took over three years ago to where its at now, there has been a great deal of improvement.

First, the Sycamores just had to win a game. They had to learn HOW to win a game. What it takes to win a game. Cut down on the mistakes and the mental errors.

Now they need to turn that up a few notches and just figure out what it takes to win in the MVC.

They're getting there. They may or may not be there just yet. But they are certainly a heck of a lot closer than they were three years ago when Trent took over the program.

The players are better. The coaching is certainly better. The quality of play is better. So, yes, I do see progress and I do see improvement. It's hard NOT to see improvement.

By the way, how long have you been alive? I remember IU going to a few bowl games over the years. lol They may not have been great, but they were pretty good. They were good in the Bill Mallory years with Anthony Thompson.

[IndyTreeFan]

I just think back to Dr. Lou's 4 steps to rebuilding a program. Figure out for yourself where you think we are...

1. You have to teach the kids to compete for 60 minutes, every week.
2. You have to teach the kids how to win.
3. You have to teach the kids to expect to win.
4. You have to teach the kids to expect to win championships.

I know where I think we are. I think we have passed step two, and are working on step three. That's an improvement from last year, when we were working on step two. Let's hope the coaching staff can get these kids to conquer step three in Dr. Lou's plan this season! The mental aspect of that step alone is good for a couple of wins.

I think we've gotten to the place where we would all agree that, from here on out, we should beat up on Quincy and St. Joe's by 50 or so points. (BTW, I count the Quincy win as a 50-pointer since they scored late on a mixed team of subs and first stringers - they got down by 50 against our first team, and Trent isn't going to run up the score...)

We are getting better. I don't know if that's going to show up in W's or not, since we have been so far behind the rest of the conference for so long (and still are in some aspects). But the gap in definitely narrowing. A win this week would certainly be a statment to the rest of the MVFC.

What I really love to see is so much banter about ISU football. That means more people are paying attention! Three years ago, you couldn't have given away a million dollars in the football section on here, 'cause no one would have seen the offer!!!

:sycamores::sycamores::sycamores:

[Eleven]

The loss at WIU wasn't unexpected since the Leathernecks were gunning for the Sycamores after losing to them a year ago in Terre Haute.

While the loss wasn't that surprising... the score was.

[Sycamore Proud]

I see us as a 1.9 working hard to become a 3.5. I'm not sure we know how to win against a MVFC caliber opponent. It will just take a win or 2 in the conference to reach 3.5. Being totally competitive in the MVFC ,no blowouts, would be the 3.5 looking at the 4.

[Sackalot]

Just to throw in my 2 cents on the attendance.

I wasn't there, I live 2 hours away and couldn't get away. But the students not attending has absolutely nothing to do with the opponent in 99% of the games for any sport. Whether we play Quincy or Western or Creighton...it just doesn't matter unless we are playing IU, Purdue, Butler, Ball State or ND. And since we don't play them but maybe 1 time per year you can't blame attendance on the opponent. The Quincy game last year was the first game of the season, the athletics dept., ResLife, Student Activities, marketing, and countless other offices worked very hard to promote attendance at the Quincy game last year and the students responded. But then ISU lost.

This years Quincy game was a completely different situation and was not marketed constantly like last year.


I have said this hundreds of times in my life....students don't know and if students don't know they won't go. There are no reminders throughout campus of football games, there is no "ENORMOUS" schedule up on a billboard or up on a wall that can be seen by everyone that is walking by, there is no push by staff to organize getting students out to the game (why would they spend their limited time doing this?).

Homecoming is a different story, hundreds if not thousands of man hours go into planning, organizing and preparing for Homecoming...that is why you see the thousands of fans out there for it. It is a true college football atmosphere.

I can tell you what would work and work well (even though I would be against it). If the bars along the walk route would organize and plan a walk each weekend for the games...the students would see a reason to attend games...they could be drunk! If they had drink specials prior to the games, if they offered specials of food, etc. As it is now the tailgating atmosphere isn't the greatest (dont' get me wrong it is fine but it could always be better) the student seating isn't identified well, the students literally forget about the games because they have other things going on...including going to Bloomington, West Lafayette, Indy, etc.

But if you created a program that would build incentives for the fraternities and sororities to attend the games...a contest that brought attendance into the mix, and made it worth their while...you would see significant improvement in attendance.

[Eleven]

I have said this hundreds of times in my life....students don't know and if students don't know they won't go. There are no reminders throughout campus of football games, there is no "ENORMOUS" schedule up on a billboard or up on a wall that can be seen by everyone that is walking by, there is no push by staff to organize getting students out to the game (why would they spend their limited time doing this?).

I don't feel that has been the case this year at all.
There are signs, and Sycamore Sams, and articles in the Statesman and announcements on the Portal, etc. I think the students knew about the Quincy game.... they just decided there were other things to do that were drier and warmer.



But if you created a program that would build incentives for the fraternities and sororities to attend the games...a contest that brought attendance into the mix, and made it worth their while...you would see significant improvement in attendance.
I think that will be coming soon... hopefully by next year.

[JustAskin]

Eleven...Sackalot....What about first game this season did not the athletic dept. promote the game this year, weather was nice, still not much of a crowd. What says that the school has to set up tailgating. The fun of it is seeing all the different things going on. Everyone doing their own thing, games grilling, alittle drink, and socalizing. Sad state if the school has to organize that. Doesn't seem to take much prep to grab a football or cornhole game, a cooler, some food and lawn chairs and go have fun. OR just show up and mooch off somebody, they probably wouldn,t care.

[Callmedoc]

purdue is terrible program now, IU never had a good team sice ive been alive. va. tech is overrated every year, ect, and ect. these losses show teams that they are not up to par where they need to be. when we beat teams like Quincy it shows me nuttin but we won a game we are suppose to. its bad when we settle on getting pumped for wins against NAIA schools.

ill make my decision on games we should be comptetive in like our confernce schedule.

also how am i saying the win doesnt count?

IU has been a decent program for the past 5 years or so...EGC this isnt meant to be an assholic comment because as some know there is no one on this board who hates IU football more than I (and for good reason) but did you see the hoosiers this saturday???? they looked like a legit team against michigan...

[Sackalot]

I don't feel that has been the case this year at all.
There are signs, and Sycamore Sams, and articles in the Statesman and announcements on the Portal, etc. I think the students knew about the Quincy game.... they just decided there were other things to do that were drier and warmer.


I think that will be coming soon... hopefully by next year.



That is no different than in the past though...articles in the statemen, facebook groups, etc have been happening for years. In other words, ISU has to convince students that the place to be is at the football game...and seldom does that happen for whatever reason...whether that is because they don't know or they don't care? I couldn't tell you, but I know this, students don't attend the football games because they don't know that it is the "place to be!"

[Sackalot]

Eleven...Sackalot....What about first game this season did not the athletic dept. promote the game this year, weather was nice, still not much of a crowd. What says that the school has to set up tailgating. The fun of it is seeing all the different things going on. Everyone doing their own thing, games grilling, alittle drink, and socalizing. Sad state if the school has to organize that. Doesn't seem to take much prep to grab a football or cornhole game, a cooler, some food and lawn chairs and go have fun. OR just show up and mooch off somebody, they probably wouldn,t care.

I wasn't saying that the school has to set up tailgating? If I implied that, I didn't mean too. what i am saying is that they could make it a little easier, they could set aside areas for it, they could start it off, get a bus...etc. Not saying that it is the schools fault at all. It isn't ISU's responsibility to make tailgating happen...but it is the schools responsibility to make sure that the football game is the place to be!!!! And all to often it isn't that for students. It is the "other" thing for students to do. Atleast that is my experience.

[Callmedoc]

OK for all students at Indiana State University when you read this message please listen....THIS SATURDAY'S WIN DEPENDS ON YOU...It depends on your craziness, it depends on how loud the struggling ISU red qb's head is ringing....it depends on the atmosphere so make it UNBEARABLE...go on the other side of the field and berade the other team JUST DO IT!

[JustAskin]

Sackalot the whole place is available, just be there and lay claim to a spot. I understand the notion that the students may not think it is the place to be but there are alot of alum that know the importance of support to the program(not just football) that never come. If it started with them, word might spread.

[Bally #46]

Not too sure that a crowd of almost 5,000 for the Q is that disastrous. After the large crowd we will have at Homecoming this weekend, at the very least-- we will be several thousand ahead of where we were after three games last year. The students will have their largest delegation of the year this weekend as well. With perfect weather predicted, I think a crowd of 8-10,000 is quite doable. 10K will put us 6K+ ahead of three games last year. That's 2 Thousand more a game!!!!

I was out of state for the Quincy game so I don't know how accurate the head count actually was but for St. Joe, I thought the number was overly conservative compared to previous years counting practices. The students WILL show up this Saturday, as will the alumni. Let's hope that the vast majority actually go INSIDE the stadium for this one. There should be a true football atmosphere at MS this week and one that I am totally looking forward to. My prediction is the largest crowd in a decade or more. Quit being so negative. Things are heading in the right direction. Look at the numbers.

[SycamoreBlue3209]

[QUOTE=egc1985;59914]purdue is terrible program now, IU never had a good team sice ive been alive. va. tech is overrated every year, ect, and ect. these losses show teams that they are not up to par where they need to be. when we beat teams like Quincy it shows me nuttin but we won a game we are suppose to. its bad when we settle on getting pumped for wins against NAIA schools.QUOTE]

Part of progressing is winning the games you are suppose to win. You also should not use WIU as a comparison, they are a totally different team than the team we beat last year.

[Jason Svoboda]

Not too sure that a crowd of almost 5,000 for the Q is that disastrous. After the large crowd we will have at Homecoming this weekend, at the very least-- we will be several thousand ahead of where we were after three games last year. The students will have their largest delegation of the year this weekend as well. With perfect weather predicted, I think a crowd of 8-10,000 is quite doable. 10K will put us 6K+ ahead of three games last year. That's 2 Thousand more a game!!!!

I was out of state for the Quincy game so I don't know how accurate the head count actually was but for St. Joe, I thought the number was overly conservative compared to previous years counting practices. The students WILL show up this Saturday, as will the alumni. Let's hope that the vast majority actually go INSIDE the stadium for this one. There should be a true football atmosphere at MS this week and one that I am totally looking forward to. My prediction is the largest crowd in a decade or more. Quit being so negative. Things are heading in the right direction. Look at the numbers.
There is no way there were 5000 people in the stadium. Somebody fudged some numbers to come up with that.

[SycamoreinTexas]

There was about 1,400 at the game.

[Bally #46]

I thought that might be the case, but seriously, I thought they were way too low with the St. Joe count (and we know that doesn't happen often) but maybe they found some "paid" for tickets after the first game and added them to the second. That said, we WILL see a nice crowd on Saturday~

[mohoops247]

Not too sure that a crowd of almost 5,000 for the Q is that disastrous.

I was out of state for the Quincy game so I don't know how accurate the head count actually was but for St. Joe, I thought the number was overly conservative compared to previous years counting practices. The students WILL show up this Saturday, as will the alumni. Let's hope that the vast majority actually go INSIDE the stadium for this one. There should be a true football atmosphere at MS this week and one that I am totally looking forward to. My prediction is the largest crowd in a decade or more. Quit being so negative. Things are heading in the right direction. Look at the numbers.

Thank you for saying this; I've been thinking this while reading all of the posts. I was at the game Saturday and I thought the crowd was close to the announced 4800 or whatever. Once everyone rolled in about ten minutes or so after kickoff I thought the stadium was well over 1/3 full. If im right that the stadium holds 12000 then I think the announced attendance was pretty close to accurate. Personally, I think the turnout was pretty decent and hopefully will just keep increasing as the wins come.

[Bally #46]

Thank you for saying this; I've been thinking this while reading all of the posts. I was at the game Saturday and I thought the crowd was close to the announced 4800 or whatever. Once everyone rolled in about ten minutes or so after kickoff I thought the stadium was well over 1/3 full. If im right that the stadium holds 12000 then I think the announced attendance was pretty close to accurate. Personally, I think the turnout was pretty decent and hopefully will just keep increasing as the wins come.
Mohoops, my guess is that the number count is pretty accurate. That is primarily based on what I felt was more of a "real" count at the previous game. After forty years of judging crowds at MS, I have learned that estimates are estimates and we have become pretty inept at them because the numbers have fluctuated so much over the years. Much has to do with the density of the section one is sitting in. Many are packed, many not. RP tends to make real counts, but keep in mind that those counts are ALWAYS tickets SOLD. My guess is at the St. Joe game, EVERYONE showed up. At the Quincy game, not everyone did because it rained early in the day. Period. I say it all the time but my senior homecoming had almost 19,000 people and it was easy to see that was an accurate number because it was almost full. I seriously will predict 8-10K for this weekend. 80 degree weather will help and a better team, and a university that is on a huge roll. I will eat crow if I am way off but this WILL be a special game. Our chances of winning, 50-50 most likely. The real winner will be the Alumni. Now if I can just get Sackalot to quit whining about the "Walk" and see the POSITIVE side of our students, then it will be a great day~

[hammer1]

hey it is a step in the right direction, maybe next couple of years we wont have these weak teams to play, keep the D1 AA at the least! 2-2 is a far cry from 0-4! ask the 49ers! ahahaahah:sycamores:

[4Q_iu]

In my opinion, the FCS doesn't get any favors from national media outlets like ESPN. They make it known that if your school doesn't play in a "top" conference (SEC, Big 11, Big 12, Pac 10) then you're inferior. That's why Joe Student is a "fan" of Michigan but attends ISU. That wouldn't happen in Ann Arbor.

FCS not being on ESPN is all about the numbers; there are 6 BCS conferences, another 5 that play FBS ball (119 schools total); while the Big Ten may not be the best example, look at their numbers vs. the MVFC or the Colonial or the Southern conferences...

"Big Ten Universities have more than four million living alumni and over 300,000 undergraduate students attending Big Ten universities."

When a FCS conference can put 8M+ eyes on a ESPN game, a FCS team will be playing at 1:00 pm EST on Saturdays

[KAPat1865]

Now if I can just get Sackalot to quit whining about the "Walk" and see the POSITIVE side of our students, then it will be a great day~

HAHA I think he's done now...:sycamores:

[Bally #46]

I do believe in miracles.

[IndianaState45]

A few general thoughts from a former player who has had a chance to watch this team twice at home and in practice all summer. This team is twice as good as last year’s squad. The offense looks like a new unit. The defense is very comparable to last year’s team and now we have the ability to play on both sides of the ball.

Strong progress is completely evident to anyone who watches them for 5 minutes period!

Some people talk about how we shouldn't play Quincy or St. Joe's. Although I don't think one warm up game is all that bad, let's think about why we had to schedule them to begin with.... When Miles took over he didn't have more than a handful of players who would have been made it as a practice squad kid on a Sycamore football team from the 70's 80's 90's or up to about 2004. Certainly some of these players were talented and had heart, but maybe they were too short, too slow, too weak, or just not good enough. Most others were just never going to pan out at all. Now think about an 18 year old kid who's looking to go pick a school to play football at. He looks around and your team has one 1 game in the last 40 something games. Who's gonna come? Who's gonna step up and come to ISU over Northern Iowa? The kids that came were kids that had a personal connection to the coaches, alums, and former students. It was a good start, but we need W's in the win column to get that next level kid (like Shakir Bell's) to come to ISU. Quincy and St. Joe's serve their purpose to get TALENT to come back to ISU. Think about how much better it sounds saying ... "We were 5-7 (vs 3-9) last year and are headed up in the conference with 25 seniors coming back next year...after you red-shirt if you work hard you'll be in line for a starting job on a winning team."

Bottom line....we needed Quincy and St. Joe's to get kids to this program so we can have the luxury of playing at our level and having solid results. Wins matter for a lot of reasons!

I do think an on campus stadium and a winning program would draw more students to games. I'm not saying they will all come, but when you can hear the crowd from your dorm it will be hard not to want to check it out!


Lastly, virtually all of us on here want to see ISU Football do well. The administration (Bradley, Prettyman, and others) are all working hard to give Trent more tools to work with on the business end of football. The alums (myself included) are working hard to give Trent the capital needed to run the program, offer scholarships, and most importantly win games and change the program for good. I urge all of us to "pitch in" when the time comes. That goes for football alums, fans, parents, community members, everyone. We'll need an army out there working for the betterment of the program. Can the team count on you?

[Bally #46]

Whow.....that simply says it ALL. GREAT JOB IS45. I too have been irked by the "lack of progress" thoughts. There is no doubt that we are MUCH better than last year. With the MVFC having some trouble, I also think that most of us on here think another win or two is possible if not likely. The students, if they miss out on what is happening at MS this weekend, are only hurting themselves. ISU can't make them come out to the stadium and go inside and watch the game, but they should WANT to be a part of that atmosphere that will be prevelant throughout the stadium. My guess is, that they will be out there and be a part of it. I know I keep saying it, but Saturday is going to be something special. Not saying we will win but we will be competitive and the place will be hopping!

[Sycamore Proud]

Well said 45; very well said!!
:sycamores::sycamores::sycamores: