Random thoughts from Butler game

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Sycamore Proud

The Nicks Level
The Indiana State University Marching Sycamores were much better than a couple of years ago. Sounded pretty good and appeared to be a larger band. I was pretty darned impressed, but then again I couldn't see it very well. Maybe we will be able to call them the Pride of Indiana again.

I appreciated the PA giving down and distance. When you can't see the scoreboard that is really great. It was nice to talk with the person seated next to you without having to yell over the music.

If we don't improve, on both sides of the ball, it may be a very long season. But that's why we played this game. The Golden Gophers will be a challenge.

We make too many dumb mistakes. There is no excuse for personal foul and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties! No excuse, ever! And when it is consistently the same person/people doing it???

The steps at Memorial Stadium need railings. That said, without help from friends, I wold not be able to attend our games.

We have too many dumb penalties.

Greeting fans and welcoming them to Memorial Stadium was a nice touch by Sherard Clinkscales.

Too many dumb penalties!

Fritz and James do a nice job calling the game on radio 95.9!

We must get better. There is room for improvement on offense, defense and special teams--a lot of room.

I was impressed with the band!

I was sitting near several Butler fans. We had nice conversation. The arrogance I usually associate with the Bulldogs wasn't there. Of course we didn't talk hoops either.

We gotta get better, soon!

I don't know haw many Trees were in the Forest today, but they and the band could be heard on the radio broadcast, if there was a lull in the conversation.

We must play smarter!
 

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Totally agree with statement #4 regarding the "unsportsmanlike" penalty crap. Not only the same player but the same player's attitude/problem last season (multiple occasions). Why can't the coaches take care of that going over the line problem? If they can't correct it they condone it. I would expect the AD might if the coaches can't? Don't think he will sit around and watch it much more?
 
My thoughts from yesterday's game:

Offense

- Offense looked very vanilla. I hope that was by design and not a byproduct of having such a young quarterback as our starter. As I mentioned in the game day thread, if we go into the Valley looking like this, we're going to get beaten up pretty badly.

- I think we should take a cue from Butler and roll the pocket to help Harker. His ball trajectory seems to be pretty low and getting passes knocked down could be a problem for him especially against more active defensive lines. Felt like his accuracy was so-so yesterday, too. One plus I did like was I felt he made good decisions with the ball. When pressured, he got his eyes up to a receiver and at least threw it in their direction to avoid a couple additional sacks.

- Dmitri Taylor is our best back. He has the best burst of everyone that played. That said, we're going to miss Booker.

- Tonyan needs showcased even more and not just in the middle of the field. He has the height advantage on every corner and the boy can jump. Put him on the outside and throw him some damn jump balls, especially in the red zone.

- I was worried about tight end, but that quickly ended after seeing McClendon make some very athletic catches yesterday.

Defense

- Tsali. Lough.

- Welcome back Jordan Jackson. Poor kid has been injured every year since getting to campus and had a nice first start.

- I'm worried about our defensive line against better running games. Butler rushed for 160 yards and I think they would have had even more if they gave that little junebug Scaccia more carries.

- They picked on #25 on in the first quarter and then quit doing it. Poor coaching on Butler's part but we won't be so lucky when guys like Wieneke are lined up against him.

Special Teams

- John Horner is a ball hawk. Exciting times next year when he'll move into a starting safety spot.

- Nunez looked solid in his first game as a Sycamore.

- Punting game felt a little shaky. Kickoffs were hit and miss, too.

Random Observations

- I was already in the stadium, but had several people mention Clink shaking hands at the gate. Cool gesture.

- Yesterday was absolutely beautiful weather for tailgating and football and we only had 5600. Such a shame. Maybe it is time for the school to form an fan/alum committee that can work for them to help boost attendance? Call me.

- As mentioned, the penalties are ridiculous. 8 total for 90 yards including one from our head coach. As Cris Carter says, c'mon man!

- Memorial, even with the "improvements" is still way too rough around the edges. I'm sorry, but if you're committed to keeping football for the long term, something must be announced soon with regards to facilities and then start fundraising for it. Don't care if it takes 15 years, show that you have a plan and start taking $5 from anyone and everyone you can.

- Concession options dwindled again? Was disappointed as I didn't eat prior to getting to the game.

Overall, had a nice day at the stadium but I'm worried about the quality of football we've got this year. I know most picked up around 7th and if that is where we end up, I think it will have been a successful season. Right now, the games I thought were "gimmes" are now toss ups.
 
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We had a fabulous day in Terredice yesterday and here are some of my thoughts on the day.

1. As always, we are fortunate to have that fantastic atmosphere for pre-gaming and big crowds or not, ISU does it well every time. Sadly, if we ever build a new place on the banks of the Wabash that ambiance will be gone and that will be sad. There is nothing better than spending 3 hours hob-hobnobbing with the ISU hierarchy, talking with old friends, having the cheerleaders and band entertaining you where you are settled in. Love it.

2. The lines getting into the stadium to buy tickets were ridiculous. they were probably 100 feet long and there were two of them. We then discovered there was a "cash only" line a little west of the ticket office with NO LINE. They need to improve the process and alert people that they had options. (although while waiting in line, someone I knew dropped me a couple free tix-- so no complaints). The other people I was with, simply walked to the "3rd" window and bought tickets in this "cash only" location. I alerted the ushers that people had that option and when they did, it broke up much of the lines. It seems that people in the ticket windows were utilizing an abacus or something like that. Too slow for sure.

3. As Sycamore Proud commented, there is a serious need for hand rails on the steps. As some of you may know, I now have physical issues and if my girlfriend Debbie wasn't there for me to hold on to, I would be a serious candidate to fall for sure. It's a dilemma because who knows when the old stadium will get "laid to rest" but it does discourage older people from attending games.

4. The band was the best I have seen for several years. Great energy and spirit, great sound and larger numbers. We sat 50 feet from them and it was great getting pumped up with their enthusiasm early and often.

5. As for the game itself, way too many mistakes, penalties, blown opportunities etc. but it was a fun game to watch. We'll look pretty bad at Minnesota next week if they don't fix some of it. I still don"t like our team on the north side of the field but if Mike likes it, I guess we will have to live with it. There were people below me bombing the Dogs with F-bombs, trash talk, you name it, and it reflects badly on our sportsmanship. I still think it is counter-productive.

A beautiful day in Terredice and it was a shame more didn't come to enjoy an entertaining game/event.
 
memorial stadium is definitely outdated and far from campus but it is a great place to tailgate. I'm admittedly more of a basketball and baseball guy but man do football games drag on in person. My son and I were at the game and after being in our seats for about an hour we looked up and we were still in the first quarter. The constant stoppage of play with media time outs and other time outs just kills the flow of the game. It's not just here, I've noticed it at other college games too.
 

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Jason Svoboda said:
My thoughts from yesterday's game:

Random Observations

[/B][/U]- I was already in the stadium, but had several people mention Clink shaking hands at the gate. Cool gesture.

- Yesterday was absolutely beautiful weather for tailgating and football and we only had 5600. Such a shame. Maybe it is time for the school to form an fan/alum committee that can work for them to help boost attendance? Call me.- As mentioned, the penalties are ridiculous. 8 total for 90 yards including one from our head coach. As Cris Carter says, c'mon man!

- Memorial, even with the "improvements" is still way too rough around the edges. I'm sorry, but if you're committed to keeping football for the long term, something must be announced soon with regards to facilities and then start fundraising for it. Don't care if it takes 15 years, show that you have a plan and start taking $5 from anyone and everyone you can.

- Concession options dwindled again? Was disappointed as I didn't eat prior to getting to the game.

Overall, had a nice day at the stadium but I'm worried about the quality of football we've got this year. I know most picked up around 7th and if that is where we end up, I think it will have been a successful season. Right now, the games I thought were "gimmes" are now toss ups.
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I agree, just don't get what we have against to reaching out to our alumni base in Indy area. The Colts, IU and BSU have all had ads in the Reach advertisement magazine that comes out every month. There must be a reason why they do it and don't think it is to throw away money. It is a easy way to reconnect with all those alumni that have fallen away over the years. What do we have to lose? ISU is spending tons in the Indy market on the academic side and I understand they are getting results, what about the athletic side?
 
Great point, 317. The first time I met Clink, I mentioned that we need to find a way to get the Indy Alums involved in football. Of course, he agreed. I try almost every game to call Indy friends and try and get them to come down with me or meet me there. It's like pulling teeth. I usually end up with 6-8 friends from the Terre Haute area joining me instead. It's such an easy drive from Indy, especially all those many alums from Indy's west side. (Avon, Brownsburg, Mooresville etc).
 
Agree with what you assessed on the field JS. A couple also's . Couple wide outs look athletic/ the kids from FL and AL big time. LB's run well but with the exception of Jameer have to tackle better. Robs gone to the house if a couple of those inside throws are on time/not behind him. Tonyan's a real talent;going to the League if he stays healthy.Ya got to love Tsali !!!!
Outcome disappointing , especially given the fact where BU was picked in their league and the below the bar stature of their league.
Hey,, how about the new receiver's coach? Best he's looked since the wedding and Lauren dressed him for that too! I thought his kids did pretty good too with the exception of a couple drops. Hey dere,Minnesota now Baby! Big time test. Go Sycamores. BEAT the Golden Gophers("a rodent by any other name is still a __________!)
 
From Boda: - Yesterday was absolutely beautiful weather for tailgating and football and we only had 5600. Such a shame. Maybe it is time for the school to form an fan/alum committee that can work for them to help boost attendance? Call me.


From Bally:
1. As always, we are fortunate to have that fantastic atmosphere for pre-gaming and big crowds or not, ISU does it well every time. Sadly, if we ever build a new place on the banks of the Wabash that ambiance will be gone and that will be sad. There is nothing better than spending 3 hours hob-hobnobbing with the ISU hierarchy, talking with old friends, having the cheerleaders and band entertaining you where you are settled in. Love it.

More from Bally: 3. As Sycamore Proud commented, there is a serious need for hand rails on the steps. As some of you may know, I now have physical issues and if my girlfriend Debbie wasn't there for me to hold on to, I would be a serious candidate to fall for sure. It's a dilemma because who knows when the old stadium will get "laid to rest" but it does discourage older people from attending games.



My thoughts from these posts.
More from SP:

Well ya know I have thought a lot about the future of ISU football. Maybe it's time to share my random thoughts on that here.

After 50+ years of Sycamores sports I don't see students getting to the baseball games, and we have a very nice stadium. It's nice enough to host MVC tournaments. Ad nice as it is, I have found nothing there that makes baseball an event. Due to accessibility and location I consider it to be off campus.

Hulman Center, while needing the proposed renovations, is still one of the best places to watch a basketball game around. It is on campus.

The Gibson track and field facility is one of the best in the nation. I have not been there for a meet, but I understand attendance is low.
Due to accessibility and location I consider it to be off campus.

That brings us to Memorial Stadium. Due to accessibility and location I consider it to be off campus. We all know what it's condition is so I will not waste time on that. But does MS have anything positive? Yes, it does. After talking to visiting fands and football fans in other places I know tailgating at Indiana State is as good as it gets anyplace--anyplace. There is nothing to prove that great facilities mean high attendance. Let's use the ISU tailgating as the true event is is, fix up MS and move on. I see no evidence that a football stadium on the Wabash wi. improve attendance. Let's use the tremendous asset we have and build on that. I could go on and on about this concept, but I won't. All I ask is that you seriously consider this solution.

NOw you can unload on me.
 
Sycamore Proud said:
From Boda: - Yesterday was absolutely beautiful weather for tailgating and football and we only had 5600. Such a shame. Maybe it is time for the school to form an fan/alum committee that can work for them to help boost attendance? Call me.


From Bally:
1. As always, we are fortunate to have that fantastic atmosphere for pre-gaming and big crowds or not, ISU does it well every time. Sadly, if we ever build a new place on the banks of the Wabash that ambiance will be gone and that will be sad. There is nothing better than spending 3 hours hob-hobnobbing with the ISU hierarchy, talking with old friends, having the cheerleaders and band entertaining you where you are settled in. Love it.

More from Bally: 3. As Sycamore Proud commented, there is a serious need for hand rails on the steps. As some of you may know, I now have physical issues and if my girlfriend Debbie wasn't there for me to hold on to, I would be a serious candidate to fall for sure. It's a dilemma because who knows when the old stadium will get "laid to rest" but it does discourage older people from attending games.



My thoughts from these posts.
More from SP:

Well ya know I have thought a lot about the future of ISU football. Maybe it's time to share my random thoughts on that here.

After 50+ years of Sycamores sports I don't see students getting to the baseball games, and we have a very nice stadium. It's nice enough to host MVC tournaments. Ad nice as it is, I have found nothing there that makes baseball an event. Due to accessibility and location I consider it to be off campus.

Hulman Center, while needing the proposed renovations, is still one of the best places to watch a basketball game around. It is on campus.

The Gibson track and field facility is one of the best in the nation. I have not been there for a meet, but I understand attendance is low.
Due to accessibility and location I consider it to be off campus.

That brings us to Memorial Stadium. Due to accessibility and location I consider it to be off campus. We all know what it's condition is so I will not waste time on that. But does MS have anything positive? Yes, it does. After talking to visiting fands and football fans in other places I know tailgating at Indiana State is as good as it gets anyplace--anyplace. There is nothing to prove that great facilities mean high attendance. Let's use the ISU tailgating as the true event is is, fix up MS and move on. I see no evidence that a football stadium on the Wabash wi. improve attendance. Let's use the tremendous asset we have and build on that. I could go on and on about this concept, but I won't. All I ask is that you seriously consider this solution.

NOw you can unload on me.
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Tailgate at ISU is the best "anyplace?" Is this a troll or have you not been to ND, OSU, Ole Miss, Alabama, Michigan, Texas....on and on. Love my Trees and love Saturdays in the Haute but c'mon.
 

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Jason, I'm with you 100% on forming an alumni advisory group dedicated to building support for athletics and ISU in the Indianapolis area. Depending upon radius being used between 33-39% of the alumni base of the University reside in the Indianapolis area, with 55% living within 150 miles of Terre Haute
 
Hooper said:
Tailgate at ISU is the best "anyplace?" Is this a troll or have you not been to ND, OSU, Ole Miss, Alabama, Michigan, Texas....on and on. Love my Trees and love Saturdays in the Haute but c'mon.
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I said we "do it well" and we do. Are we the best? Depends. I love tailgating at IU but it does go "overboard" in places and most of it is on concrete. I love tailgating at ND and some of it is classy as hell but a good portion is almost vulgar. I'd call it at ISU, good,classy fun, much of it on grass and in the shade, with people that LOVE to talk ISU (good and bad) without the blaring music of many schools and generally respectful of whose around you. So the best tailgating....well let's just say as good as any and say that we are in the ballpark. (pun intended).
 
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Hooper said:
Tailgate at ISU is the best "anyplace?" Is this a troll or have you not been to ND, OSU, Ole Miss, Alabama, Michigan, Texas....on and on. Love my Trees and love Saturdays in the Haute but c'mon.
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Tailgating at Notre Dame is pretty weak IMO.

However, the SEC, gooooooood lord.
 
Tailgating at Notre Dame is pretty weak IMO

Really? In pure volume, it is very significant. As far as the eye can see. I agree it is not up to par with even IU or PU, but to say it is weak seems a tad biased. As far as the SEC, yikes, they are scary. FLA/GA off the wall.
 
What improvements were made to MS? Why can't they just knock down all the concrete and start over with new bleachers? A new stadium just is not going to happen with Hulman Center getting there fixings first. I still think they could use the stadium as an outdoor concert venue also.
 

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Bally #47 said:
Tailgating at Notre Dame is pretty weak IMO

Really? In pure volume, it is very significant. As far as the eye can see. I agree it is not up to par with even IU or PU, but to say it is weak seems a tad biased. As far as the SEC, yikes, they are scary. FLA/GA off the wall.
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Volume does not equate to quality.

I've been tailgating at SEC schools, every Indiana school and quite a few others. Notre Dame is largely blue hairs and it's the same reason the atmosphere inside of their stadium is always called out by their own fans. Most of the time, you can hear a needle drop there.
 
Try Tuscaloosa, there's 7-900 tents on their Quads for any home game. Most have flat screen TV's, buffet or custom foods, in some cases chandeliers and seating for up to a dozen or more. Besides the 100,000 plus in the stadium there's on average an additional 25,000 or so in town for the weekeknd. ISU tailgating is very nice but on a different scale. At HC there are app. 60 plus tents for Tent City.
 
"Notre Dame is largely blue hairs"

........and what's wrong with blue hairs? They certainly donate more than HALF the money! Did you take a look at half of what ISU had on Saturday. Close to half I'd say were blue hairs (considering I likely would be considered one. Same as IU, PU, ND and anywhere else for that matter. Young to old? To me the right number would be 50-50 anyway. :-)
 
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