MVFC Preview Posted by STATS

[new sycamore fan]

STATS, which replaced The Sports Network FCS site, has their MVFC preview up. Also picked to finish 6th here--hopefully this keeps the chip solidly on the players shoulders. It's a pretty good evaluation of the teams, and provides some info on the key players, player losses from last season, and each teams' schedule. I think Coach Sanford gives Ball State too much credit while digging at them a little. Ball State would have a VERY tough time in the MVFC.

http://www.fcs.football/cfb/story.asp?i=20150824165726220683304

 

[TwoMinuteDrill]

STATS, which replaced The Sports Network FCS site, has their MVFC preview up. Also picked to finish 6th here--hopefully this keeps the chip solidly on the players shoulders. It's a pretty good evaluation of the teams, and provides some info on the key players, player losses from last season, and each teams' schedule. I think Coach Sanford gives Ball State too much credit while digging at them a little. Ball State would have a VERY tough time in the MVFC.

http://www.fcs.football/cfb/story.asp?i=20150824165726220683304

I don't have a big problem with our preseason ranking. Actually, I prefer to be underrated, gives you a chance to catch a few people by surprise. Personally, I think our defense should be one of the best in the valley and may help keep us in some games if the offense doesn't jell right away.

The only problem with the ranking IMO was YSU ahead of us. We beat them on the road in a must win game for both teams. I think Bo P is getting to much credit over there. SDSU in my opinion is a toss up, they lost Sumner and Zenner which are huge shoes to fill. Keep in mind ISUR beat SDSU like a rug last year when Sumner was hurt. I think they are getting the benefit of the doubt and past performance is playing into it.

Overall, I have seen many just pass us off as oh they had a good year last year, they will fall off again...they always do! We will need to show sustained performance over a period of time to begin changing perceptions. Personally, I think this team could be better than last years team. We have allot of returning 3-4 year starters. I am a big believer in age/maturity/experience you cant teach or speed this up. We are finally playing several guys this year with age/maturity/experience this is why I really am looking for great things this year.

A story I found amusing. As last season progressed and we won some games, I happened to listen to a Coaches conf call that the valley posts on there website. The Wolf (YSU coach) was asked about the valley and how strong it was. He made a few comments and then said, "gee even look at Indiana State they are even winning and might have a nice little squad". It came across as very condescending and it felt like he was patting us on the head. I really enjoyed our overtime WIN in Youngstown last year. Remembering his comment made Mark Sewall's pick even more special! I think that game cost Wolf his job, glad our nice little squad could help out!

 

[bent20]

If we want to improve in terms of where we finish we have can't have repeats of the Illinois State and Western Illinois games from last season. One we gave away and the other we just got beat in a must-win situation for us. The good news is we finish the season with two games at home.

Honestly, looking at our schedule, which is tough as always, I couldn't really be too displeased with a 7-4 or even 6-5 finish. We have to at least go 2-1 in non-conference play, 1-1 wouldn't be a bad split between road games at MSU and SDSU, beat SIU, we could very well lose three straight against NDSU, Ill. State and UNI and then the two to finish would be must wins. As usual though, I suspect we'll win some we shouldn't and lose some we shouldn't. That's the MVC.

 

[IndyTreeFan]

If we want to improve in terms of where we finish we have can't have repeats of the Illinois State and Western Illinois games from last season. One we gave away and the other we just got beat in a must-win situation for us. The good news is we finish the season with two games at home.

Honestly, looking at our schedule, which is tough as always, I couldn't really be too displeased with a 7-4 or even 6-5 finish. We have to at least go 2-1 in non-conference play, 1-1 wouldn't be a bad split between road games at MSU and SDSU, beat SIU, we could very well lose three straight against NDSU, Ill. State and UNI and then the two to finish would be must wins. As usual though, I suspect we'll win some we shouldn't and lose some we shouldn't. That's the MVC.

Good take on the schedule. Brutal again, as always. Certainly would be nice to pick up a W at West Laffy and go into the conference at 3-0. Probably unlikely, but you never know.

Like I said, though, you have a good read on the schedule...

 

[Isuman]

Our defense will be good but we will badly miss Coach Jeff Mills and what he brought to the table; what a fine man he is and everyone involved in ISU athletics wish him the best of luck. Our offense will struggle with Sheppard calling the shots again (in conference) in my opinion. I am predicting a slight step back this year but if the defense can play the way they are capable we will always have a shot and maybe luck will also be on our side again this year.

 

[niklz62]

I think it comes down to O-Line getting better and replacing Perish. I expect everything else to be as good or better and that is taking nothing from anyone who graduated last year.

I dont want to jinx us so I wont mention what I hope we dont have anymore of that causes players to have to go to the training room instead of field.

 

[new sycamore fan]

Very true with Coach Mills, liked him a lot. But I think Coach Alexander brings much of the same energy, focus, teaching, and credibility to the table that Coach Mills did. We will definitely need to be more balanced and more productive in the running game, which depends much on the improvement of the OL.