[October 23, 2010] Indiana State (4-2) vs. North Dakota State (4-3)

[Jason Svoboda]

vs.

Indiana State Sycamores (4-2) at North Dakota State Bison (4-3)
Fargodome - Fargo, ND
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Kickoff: 4:00pm EST
​

 

[Callmedoc]

Should be a good game...I see no reason why we cant beat the Bison...

 

[Jason Svoboda]

Should be a good game...I see no reason why we cant beat the Bison...

I'd love to have that mentality, but until we beat someone on the road, I'm cautiously optimistic. This is a good team we're going to play and on their home turf in a game they must have to move back up in the standings... it's a powderkeg giving off sparks.

If the Valley has proven anything this year, it is about matchups. It will be interesting to see how we match up with the Bison this year. They really beat us up on the ground last year and ran away with it 56-17. Hopefully our defense throws that film on so they can play some inspired ball next Saturday -- at least we won't have to worry about not having the wrong cleats in the mud. For the Bison fans on here, how are your corners? Since we have a pretty good air attack, those matchups will be interesting if the Bison corners aren't up to par.

 

[SycamoreBlue3209]

This is not like the last few weeks where I was truly expecting a win, but it is amazing how last year in the game we only thought about how bad we were going to get beat and now this year we really have a chance to win every game.

 

[bent20]

I certainly like the speed of our defense on an indoor turf better than I did on the muddy field at WIU. Our front seven has to bring it against their run and offensively we have to exploit their weaknesses. It is a winnable game but so was this one and look at what we had to do to pull it out. It will be a fight for sure. I also don't like the travel. It is a long journey for an MVC game.

 

[Callmedoc]

I see us being more effective runnign the ball after seeing what Illinois State did to them...Illinois State did have a decent attack on the ground against them...

 

[bent20]

And having said all that BRING ON THE BISON!!!!! We can do it!!!!

 

[Jason Svoboda]

Believe the back that really burnt us bad last year is also graduated. Paschall?

 

[Callmedoc]

Big physical backs have been our downfall when our offense can't score...now that we can keep our offense on the field longer than three players regularly I don't think we will have the same issues on the ground... remember last year we were missing several defensive starters especially in our linebacking corps....

 

[tjbison]

Ok this game should be interesting, I will admit I know nothing about the Trees, as I think most in the conference are a little shocked (not a smack shot just saying). With that Yesterday our 2nd string QB put up 3 turnovers in the red zone as we could run the ball with ease on them but left 21 points on the field due to that. He aslo had some nice throws in 25-30 MPH wind and a 48 yd TD run. Our backs are Fast and elusive #8 DJ McNorton better not get in the open as he will be gone, #28 Mike Sigers is only 5-8 so he can be a hard one to catch, we rotate between 4 different runners so they don't get tired. We do have a passing game also with #81 Warren Holloway and #11 Justin Howard leading that core. On D we actually have a pass D-fense this year and some guys with speed, our D-line is on a 7 man rotation also so they too don't tire easily.

We do have Key injuries though, Starting QB Brock Jensen out with a Broken Collarbone, Starting CB Brenden Pierre Broken Wrist, Starting DE and MVFC All Conference player Mathew Gratzek strained knee, starting LB Matt Anderson Neck Injury, LB Chad Wilson Broken Thumb (playing with a cast but had hard time tackling yesterday) LB Preston Evans is banged up but playing not 100%

Overall I think you will see a much different team at home than the one that just finished its 2 game road trip, hopefully its a good game and injury free, see ya Saturday

 

[goindystate]

interesting tidbit about next weekend's game.....N. Dak St. has not won a home game against any MVFC team since 2008, their last win in Fargo vs. an MVFC team.........Indiana State

it's high time the Sycamores end that dreadful road losing streak and go into Fargo and WIN!

Beat Missouri State......check
Beat N. Dak. St.
Beat S. Dak. St
Beat UNI
Beat YSU
Beat SIU

 

[Callmedoc]

Just interesting to see the Sagarin rankings.... check out 27 and 28
1 Delaware AA = 72.11
2 Northern Arizona AA = 71.53
3 Stephen F. Austin AA = 69.43
4 Western Illinois AA = 68.69
5 Appalachian State AA = 68.68
6 Montana State AA = 68.29
7 Eastern Washington AA = 67.46
8 Villanova AA = 67.35
9 Jacksonville State AA = 66.63
10 William & Mary AA = 65.87
11 James Madison AA = 65.60
12 Wofford AA = 64.30
13 Sam Houston State AA = 64.13
14 Montana AA = 64.08
15 New Hampshire AA = 63.51
16 Furman AA = 63.18
17 Sacramento State AA = 62.91
18 Chattanooga AA = 62.46
19 South Alabama AA = 62.12
20 Cal Poly-SLO AA = 60.36
21 Massachusetts AA = 60.07
22 South Dakota State AA = 60.06
23 Northern Iowa AA = 60.00
24 Robert Morris AA = 59.88
25 Portland State AA = 59.78
26 Jacksonville AA = 59.72
27 North Dakota State AA = 59.62
28 Indiana State AA = 59.61
29 Southern Utah AA = 58.99
30 Georgia Southern AA = 58.76
31 Liberty AA = 58.52
32 Richmond AA = 56.85
33 SE Missouri State AA = 56.24
34 Weber State AA = 56.09
35 Bethune-Cookman AA = 56.00

 

[Bally #50]

If that was actually accurate, it bodes well for the TREES the rest of the season, now doesn't it?

 

[goindystate]

I agree, EVERY game the rest of the season is VERY winable for ISU, they just have to go in to every game saying "Hey, we CAN win this game" and then go out and do it.

People talk about ISU making the I-AA playoffs, but 1 more loss and they're out of it, unless they win the MVFC auto bid, gotta have 7 wins vs. I-AA teams to qualify.

If that was actually accurate, it bodes well for the TREES the rest of the season, now doesn't it?

 

[new sycamore fan]

TJ--wow, that's a big hit on the injury front. We've been very lucky so far, having lost very little time from starters with injuries. It should be an exciting game. Our players definitely know about the need to win one on the road, and will be geared up, but having said that, it will be a tall task. Paschall killed us last year--did he wind up making a roster? He was clearly the best back in the MVFC, and my kid thought he and Donaldson were the best backs he's played against.

 

[Callmedoc]

I would say that the problems with Paschall had alot to do with Our offense not being able to move the ball and allow our defense to rest...

 

[tjbison]

TJ--wow, that's a big hit on the injury front. We've been very lucky so far, having lost very little time from starters with injuries. It should be an exciting game. Our players definitely know about the need to win one on the road, and will be geared up, but having said that, it will be a tall task. Paschall killed us last year--did he wind up making a roster? He was clearly the best back in the MVFC, and my kid thought he and Donaldson were the best backs he's played against.

Yeah some key injuries and it showed on Saturday we also have some of the minor game to game linger things especially with our 6'7" TE Matt Veldman who when healthy is a beast, Paschall was signed with NE but released not sure where he is now.

 

[niklz62]

is this game going to be webcast or available on tv?

 

[goindystate]

more than likely on channelsurfing.net, but you'll need to check right up til gametime on Saturday

is this game going to be webcast or available on tv?

 

[Callmedoc]

I would look for use the run game to accordion their Zone defense abit...once we get those safeties sneak down, expect an over the top throw to hilton..