(10-22-2023 05:40 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 07:04 AM)KPJ Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 10:25 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 08:25 PM)KPJ Wrote:  I realize football has its ups and downs.
But with last years giant step forward for the program, this isn’t where I want to be in year 10 of a coaching tenure.
Here’s to hoping we finish 8-4.

We've lost two conference road games by a total of 6 points. Creighton has done an amazing job.

Bob,
I hear that, but as a fan is “narrow margin of defeat” the conversation you wanted to be having at this point?
I genuinely hope they finish 8-4.
I’ll settle for 7-5.
Maybe even 6-6.
This team can’t go back to being a sub .500 team though.

I will agree with Bob that Creighton has done an amazing job. He took the worst job in the FBS and made us relevant. Sean Lewis did something similar at Kent St but bailed out late last year to be Coach Prime's offensive coordinator this season, a better future career move for sure. Leipold exited Buffalo last minute for another weak FBS job, but that position paid P5 $$$. Creighton has been very good to us, in my opinion.

That stated, I genuinely share Keith's concerns. Are we going to be happy with being a sub .500 team this season after 9-4 last year? Did we reach the next level or was that a momentary blip up for us? Are we destined to be the Rutgers or Vanderbilt of the MAC?

Remember the 2017 team? If not for a late pick-six against CMU that increased the point differential from five to twelve, ALL SEVEN of that team's losses were one possession, three were in OT. No Minnesota or Jacksonville St blowouts like this year. That season was acceptable then, are close losses tolerable now?

I think in the Creighton tenure, we have "stolen" just three games, Hutch completing that fade against WMU, UCCS on Sexton's blocked punt and UMASS on El-Zayat's incredible reception. We are, however, 0-6 in Overtime and seem to lose all of the toss-up games in the MAC as well as the GSU and Pitt bowl games. We play better than expected, but when does a "close loss" become unacceptable?

Wondering what everybody thinks?

All I know is the Ferris State and GVSU students/alums have a lot more fun following their programs and going to games than we do.

(10-22-2023 05:57 PM)KPJ Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 05:40 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 07:04 AM)KPJ Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 10:25 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 08:25 PM)KPJ Wrote:  I realize football has its ups and downs.
But with last years giant step forward for the program, this isn’t where I want to be in year 10 of a coaching tenure.
Here’s to hoping we finish 8-4.

We've lost two conference road games by a total of 6 points. Creighton has done an amazing job.

Bob,
I hear that, but as a fan is “narrow margin of defeat” the conversation you wanted to be having at this point?
I genuinely hope they finish 8-4.
I’ll settle for 7-5.
Maybe even 6-6.
This team can’t go back to being a sub .500 team though.

I will agree with Bob that Creighton has done an amazing job. He took the worst job in the FBS and made us relevant. Sean Lewis did something similar at Kent St but bailed out late last year to be Coach Prime's offensive coordinator this season, a better future career move for sure. Leipold exited Buffalo last minute for another weak FBS job, but that position paid P5 $$$. Creighton has been very good to us, in my opinion.

That stated, I genuinely share Keith's concerns. Are we going to be happy with being a sub .500 team this season after 9-4 last year? Did we reach the next level or was that a momentary blip up for us? Are we destined to be the Rutgers or Vanderbilt of the MAC?

Remember the 2017 team? If not for a late pick-six against CMU that increased the point differential from five to twelve, ALL SEVEN of that team's losses were one possession, three were in OT. No Minnesota or Jacksonville St blowouts like this year. That season was acceptable then, are close losses tolerable now?

I think in the Creighton tenure, we have "stolen" just three games, Hutch completing that fade against WMU, UCCS on Sexton's blocked punt and UMASS on El-Zayat's incredible reception. We are, however, 0-6 in Overtime and seem to lose all of the toss-up games in the MAC as well as the GSU and Pitt bowl games. We play better than expected, but when does a "close loss" become unacceptable?

Wondering what everybody thinks?

Jerry,

Thanks for mentioning 2017 and the number of close losses then. Close losses have been a piece of the conversation at several points since then. The bottom line, in my mind, is that there is only one program in the country where “but, we were so close” would be tolerated as long as it has been here at EMU. It’s us. We’re the only one.

Again, I hope we win out and win a bowl game and the conversation is much more jovial in January. If we don’t though… I think there tough conversations and decisions shouldn’t be out of the question.

Really good comments by Jerry and KPJ. I think we all agree that the progress the last 8 yrs or so has been AWESOME to see but now we are all wondering what the next step is. I think that is a very fair question. Coming off a 9-4 season and with the defense we have along with our RB's and a 10th year head coach, we expected more than what we've seen. There hasn't been a game this season that we could all look back at and say 'we were clicking that game.' At this point, with the way we are playing we will be lucky to go 6-6. 6-6 with a returning QB, very good defense, excellent Special Teams, 10th yr head coach and a VERY favorable schedule should yield better results. The question is....should we be happy with getting to a bowl game or are we really trying to become a well respected G5 team. It CAN be done. I root for this program to be that kind of team. The road does not get easier looking ahead at future non-con games. My question is how does Toledo, NIU and even Buffalo do it and not us? Why not us?

(10-22-2023 09:10 PM)steve4840 Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 05:57 PM)KPJ Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 05:40 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 07:04 AM)KPJ Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 10:25 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  We've lost two conference road games by a total of 6 points. Creighton has done an amazing job.

Bob,
I hear that, but as a fan is “narrow margin of defeat” the conversation you wanted to be having at this point?
I genuinely hope they finish 8-4.
I’ll settle for 7-5.
Maybe even 6-6.
This team can’t go back to being a sub .500 team though.

I will agree with Bob that Creighton has done an amazing job. He took the worst job in the FBS and made us relevant. Sean Lewis did something similar at Kent St but bailed out late last year to be Coach Prime's offensive coordinator this season, a better future career move for sure. Leipold exited Buffalo last minute for another weak FBS job, but that position paid P5 $$$. Creighton has been very good to us, in my opinion.

That stated, I genuinely share Keith's concerns. Are we going to be happy with being a sub .500 team this season after 9-4 last year? Did we reach the next level or was that a momentary blip up for us? Are we destined to be the Rutgers or Vanderbilt of the MAC?

Remember the 2017 team? If not for a late pick-six against CMU that increased the point differential from five to twelve, ALL SEVEN of that team's losses were one possession, three were in OT. No Minnesota or Jacksonville St blowouts like this year. That season was acceptable then, are close losses tolerable now?

I think in the Creighton tenure, we have "stolen" just three games, Hutch completing that fade against WMU, UCCS on Sexton's blocked punt and UMASS on El-Zayat's incredible reception. We are, however, 0-6 in Overtime and seem to lose all of the toss-up games in the MAC as well as the GSU and Pitt bowl games. We play better than expected, but when does a "close loss" become unacceptable?

Wondering what everybody thinks?

Jerry,

Thanks for mentioning 2017 and the number of close losses then. Close losses have been a piece of the conversation at several points since then. The bottom line, in my mind, is that there is only one program in the country where “but, we were so close” would be tolerated as long as it has been here at EMU. It’s us. We’re the only one.

Again, I hope we win out and win a bowl game and the conversation is much more jovial in January. If we don’t though… I think there tough conversations and decisions shouldn’t be out of the question.

Really good comments by Jerry and KPJ. I think we all agree that the progress the last 8 yrs or so has been AWESOME to see but now we are all wondering what the next step is. I think that is a very fair question. Coming off a 9-4 season and with the defense we have along with our RB's and a 10th year head coach, we expected more than what we've seen. There hasn't been a game this season that we could all look back at and say 'we were clicking that game.' At this point, with the way we are playing we will be lucky to go 6-6. 6-6 with a returning QB, very good defense, excellent Special Teams, 10th yr head coach and a VERY favorable schedule should yield better results. The question is....should we be happy with getting to a bowl game or are we really trying to become a well respected G5 team. It CAN be done. I root for this program to be that kind of team. The road does not get easier looking ahead at future non-con games. My question is how does Toledo, NIU and even Buffalo do it and not us? Why not us?

Steve why not us? The answer is coaching!!


I love Creighton but he maxed out at 9-4 last season.

(10-22-2023 06:16 PM)holybovine Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 05:40 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 07:04 AM)KPJ Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 10:25 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 08:25 PM)KPJ Wrote:  I realize football has its ups and downs.
But with last years giant step forward for the program, this isn’t where I want to be in year 10 of a coaching tenure.
Here’s to hoping we finish 8-4.

We've lost two conference road games by a total of 6 points. Creighton has done an amazing job.

Bob,
I hear that, but as a fan is “narrow margin of defeat” the conversation you wanted to be having at this point?
I genuinely hope they finish 8-4.
I’ll settle for 7-5.
Maybe even 6-6.
This team can’t go back to being a sub .500 team though.

I will agree with Bob that Creighton has done an amazing job. He took the worst job in the FBS and made us relevant. Sean Lewis did something similar at Kent St but bailed out late last year to be Coach Prime's offensive coordinator this season, a better future career move for sure. Leipold exited Buffalo last minute for another weak FBS job, but that position paid P5 $$$. Creighton has been very good to us, in my opinion.

That stated, I genuinely share Keith's concerns. Are we going to be happy with being a sub .500 team this season after 9-4 last year? Did we reach the next level or was that a momentary blip up for us? Are we destined to be the Rutgers or Vanderbilt of the MAC?

Remember the 2017 team? If not for a late pick-six against CMU that increased the point differential from five to twelve, ALL SEVEN of that team's losses were one possession, three were in OT. No Minnesota or Jacksonville St blowouts like this year. That season was acceptable then, are close losses tolerable now?

I think in the Creighton tenure, we have "stolen" just three games, Hutch completing that fade against WMU, UCCS on Sexton's blocked punt and UMASS on El-Zayat's incredible reception. We are, however, 0-6 in Overtime and seem to lose all of the toss-up games in the MAC as well as the GSU and Pitt bowl games. We play better than expected, but when does a "close loss" become unacceptable?

Wondering what everybody thinks?

All I know is the Ferris State and GVSU students/alums have a lot more fun following their programs and going to games than we do.

Not true. I went to three home games so far this year and there was real folks in attendance not just sold tickets. I had three friends who hadn't been to a home game in 20 years and they were impressed with the in game experience compared back to back then. The big difference is that CC has brought competitive football back to EMU. And competitive football is fun to watch. We've had a cooler and rain filled fall in October this year which has hurt attendance more recently. In terms of GVSU and Ferris St its a big fish in a small pond and neither school is competing with U of M for attendance or media coverage. They are the only game in town. We are not.

(10-24-2023 04:24 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 06:16 PM)holybovine Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 05:40 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 07:04 AM)KPJ Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 10:25 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  We've lost two conference road games by a total of 6 points. Creighton has done an amazing job.

Bob,
I hear that, but as a fan is “narrow margin of defeat” the conversation you wanted to be having at this point?
I genuinely hope they finish 8-4.
I’ll settle for 7-5.
Maybe even 6-6.
This team can’t go back to being a sub .500 team though.

I will agree with Bob that Creighton has done an amazing job. He took the worst job in the FBS and made us relevant. Sean Lewis did something similar at Kent St but bailed out late last year to be Coach Prime's offensive coordinator this season, a better future career move for sure. Leipold exited Buffalo last minute for another weak FBS job, but that position paid P5 $$$. Creighton has been very good to us, in my opinion.

That stated, I genuinely share Keith's concerns. Are we going to be happy with being a sub .500 team this season after 9-4 last year? Did we reach the next level or was that a momentary blip up for us? Are we destined to be the Rutgers or Vanderbilt of the MAC?

Remember the 2017 team? If not for a late pick-six against CMU that increased the point differential from five to twelve, ALL SEVEN of that team's losses were one possession, three were in OT. No Minnesota or Jacksonville St blowouts like this year. That season was acceptable then, are close losses tolerable now?

I think in the Creighton tenure, we have "stolen" just three games, Hutch completing that fade against WMU, UCCS on Sexton's blocked punt and UMASS on El-Zayat's incredible reception. We are, however, 0-6 in Overtime and seem to lose all of the toss-up games in the MAC as well as the GSU and Pitt bowl games. We play better than expected, but when does a "close loss" become unacceptable?

Wondering what everybody thinks?

All I know is the Ferris State and GVSU students/alums have a lot more fun following their programs and going to games than we do.

Not true. I went to three home games so far this year and there was real folks in attendance not just sold tickets. I had three friends who hadn't been to a home game in 20 years and they were impressed with the in game experience compared back to back then. The big difference is that CC has brought competitive football back to EMU. And competitive football is fun to watch. We've had a cooler and rain filled fall in October this year which has hurt attendance more recently. In terms of GVSU and Ferris St its a big fish in a small pond and neither school is competing with U of M for attendance or media coverage. They are the only game in town. We are not.

It helps that they ARE competing for national titles though.

(10-24-2023 12:05 PM)KPJ Wrote:  

(10-24-2023 04:24 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 06:16 PM)holybovine Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 05:40 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 07:04 AM)KPJ Wrote:  Bob,
I hear that, but as a fan is “narrow margin of defeat” the conversation you wanted to be having at this point?
I genuinely hope they finish 8-4.
I’ll settle for 7-5.
Maybe even 6-6.
This team can’t go back to being a sub .500 team though.

I will agree with Bob that Creighton has done an amazing job. He took the worst job in the FBS and made us relevant. Sean Lewis did something similar at Kent St but bailed out late last year to be Coach Prime's offensive coordinator this season, a better future career move for sure. Leipold exited Buffalo last minute for another weak FBS job, but that position paid P5 $$$. Creighton has been very good to us, in my opinion.

That stated, I genuinely share Keith's concerns. Are we going to be happy with being a sub .500 team this season after 9-4 last year? Did we reach the next level or was that a momentary blip up for us? Are we destined to be the Rutgers or Vanderbilt of the MAC?

Remember the 2017 team? If not for a late pick-six against CMU that increased the point differential from five to twelve, ALL SEVEN of that team's losses were one possession, three were in OT. No Minnesota or Jacksonville St blowouts like this year. That season was acceptable then, are close losses tolerable now?

I think in the Creighton tenure, we have "stolen" just three games, Hutch completing that fade against WMU, UCCS on Sexton's blocked punt and UMASS on El-Zayat's incredible reception. We are, however, 0-6 in Overtime and seem to lose all of the toss-up games in the MAC as well as the GSU and Pitt bowl games. We play better than expected, but when does a "close loss" become unacceptable?

Wondering what everybody thinks?

All I know is the Ferris State and GVSU students/alums have a lot more fun following their programs and going to games than we do.

Not true. I went to three home games so far this year and there was real folks in attendance not just sold tickets. I had three friends who hadn't been to a home game in 20 years and they were impressed with the in game experience compared back to back then. The big difference is that CC has brought competitive football back to EMU. And competitive football is fun to watch. We've had a cooler and rain filled fall in October this year which has hurt attendance more recently. In terms of GVSU and Ferris St its a big fish in a small pond and neither school is competing with U of M for attendance or media coverage. They are the only game in town. We are not.

It helps that they ARE competing for national titles though.

Is that before or recruiting violations and the football version of I Spy?

(10-24-2023 12:56 PM)emu79 Wrote:  

(10-24-2023 12:05 PM)KPJ Wrote:  

(10-24-2023 04:24 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 06:16 PM)holybovine Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 05:40 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  I will agree with Bob that Creighton has done an amazing job. He took the worst job in the FBS and made us relevant. Sean Lewis did something similar at Kent St but bailed out late last year to be Coach Prime's offensive coordinator this season, a better future career move for sure. Leipold exited Buffalo last minute for another weak FBS job, but that position paid P5 $$$. Creighton has been very good to us, in my opinion.

That stated, I genuinely share Keith's concerns. Are we going to be happy with being a sub .500 team this season after 9-4 last year? Did we reach the next level or was that a momentary blip up for us? Are we destined to be the Rutgers or Vanderbilt of the MAC?

Remember the 2017 team? If not for a late pick-six against CMU that increased the point differential from five to twelve, ALL SEVEN of that team's losses were one possession, three were in OT. No Minnesota or Jacksonville St blowouts like this year. That season was acceptable then, are close losses tolerable now?

I think in the Creighton tenure, we have "stolen" just three games, Hutch completing that fade against WMU, UCCS on Sexton's blocked punt and UMASS on El-Zayat's incredible reception. We are, however, 0-6 in Overtime and seem to lose all of the toss-up games in the MAC as well as the GSU and Pitt bowl games. We play better than expected, but when does a "close loss" become unacceptable?

Wondering what everybody thinks?

All I know is the Ferris State and GVSU students/alums have a lot more fun following their programs and going to games than we do.

Not true. I went to three home games so far this year and there was real folks in attendance not just sold tickets. I had three friends who hadn't been to a home game in 20 years and they were impressed with the in game experience compared back to back then. The big difference is that CC has brought competitive football back to EMU. And competitive football is fun to watch. We've had a cooler and rain filled fall in October this year which has hurt attendance more recently. In terms of GVSU and Ferris St its a big fish in a small pond and neither school is competing with U of M for attendance or media coverage. They are the only game in town. We are not.

It helps that they ARE competing for national titles though.

Is that before or recruiting violations and the football version of I Spy?

I believe he was referring to Grand Valley and Ferris.

(10-24-2023 12:05 PM)KPJ Wrote:  

(10-24-2023 04:24 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 06:16 PM)holybovine Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 05:40 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 07:04 AM)KPJ Wrote:  Bob,
I hear that, but as a fan is “narrow margin of defeat” the conversation you wanted to be having at this point?
I genuinely hope they finish 8-4.
I’ll settle for 7-5.
Maybe even 6-6.
This team can’t go back to being a sub .500 team though.

I will agree with Bob that Creighton has done an amazing job. He took the worst job in the FBS and made us relevant. Sean Lewis did something similar at Kent St but bailed out late last year to be Coach Prime's offensive coordinator this season, a better future career move for sure. Leipold exited Buffalo last minute for another weak FBS job, but that position paid P5 $$$. Creighton has been very good to us, in my opinion.

That stated, I genuinely share Keith's concerns. Are we going to be happy with being a sub .500 team this season after 9-4 last year? Did we reach the next level or was that a momentary blip up for us? Are we destined to be the Rutgers or Vanderbilt of the MAC?

Remember the 2017 team? If not for a late pick-six against CMU that increased the point differential from five to twelve, ALL SEVEN of that team's losses were one possession, three were in OT. No Minnesota or Jacksonville St blowouts like this year. That season was acceptable then, are close losses tolerable now?

I think in the Creighton tenure, we have "stolen" just three games, Hutch completing that fade against WMU, UCCS on Sexton's blocked punt and UMASS on El-Zayat's incredible reception. We are, however, 0-6 in Overtime and seem to lose all of the toss-up games in the MAC as well as the GSU and Pitt bowl games. We play better than expected, but when does a "close loss" become unacceptable?

Wondering what everybody thinks?

All I know is the Ferris State and GVSU students/alums have a lot more fun following their programs and going to games than we do.

Not true. I went to three home games so far this year and there was real folks in attendance not just sold tickets. I had three friends who hadn't been to a home game in 20 years and they were impressed with the in game experience compared back to back then. The big difference is that CC has brought competitive football back to EMU. And competitive football is fun to watch. We've had a cooler and rain filled fall in October this year which has hurt attendance more recently. In terms of GVSU and Ferris St its a big fish in a small pond and neither school is competing with U of M for attendance or media coverage. They are the only game in town. We are not.

It helps that they ARE competing for national titles though.

Exactly. I’d rather compete for titles, regardless of whether it is the MAC, FCS, D2, etc. I know that’s a minority opinion.

(10-24-2023 01:15 PM)Sellers dweller Wrote:  

(10-24-2023 12:56 PM)emu79 Wrote:  

(10-24-2023 12:05 PM)KPJ Wrote:  

(10-24-2023 04:24 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 06:16 PM)holybovine Wrote:  All I know is the Ferris State and GVSU students/alums have a lot more fun following their programs and going to games than we do.

Not true. I went to three home games so far this year and there was real folks in attendance not just sold tickets. I had three friends who hadn't been to a home game in 20 years and they were impressed with the in game experience compared back to back then. The big difference is that CC has brought competitive football back to EMU. And competitive football is fun to watch. We've had a cooler and rain filled fall in October this year which has hurt attendance more recently. In terms of GVSU and Ferris St its a big fish in a small pond and neither school is competing with U of M for attendance or media coverage. They are the only game in town. We are not.

It helps that they ARE competing for national titles though.

Is that before or recruiting violations and the football version of I Spy?

I believe he was referring to Grand Valley and Ferris.

Definitely referring to the back to back national champion Ferris State Bulldogs and traditionally highly competitive Grand Valley squad.

(10-22-2023 12:49 PM)emu steve Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 10:07 AM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 09:54 AM)steve4840 Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 09:13 AM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 09:04 AM)steve4840 Wrote:  Bob, I'm a huge Creighton fan but this season he has NOT done his job adequately at all. Games that come down to narrow point margins are more often determined by coaching strategy or blunders. CC's faith in Piatkowski and Austin Smith show an ineptitude in talent evaluation. At NO point this season has the offense clicked at all, even a single half of a game. It was CC who was either unable to get in a portal guy or make the appropriate development for Austin.

This year is what it is. In my opinion, chalk it up to a loss. The offense will likely rank LAST in the NCAA. The defense was good along with Special teams and all of it wasted because of completely missing the mark with offensive talent evaluation. This is likely why Lassiter left in the off-season.

Here's to hoping we go 2-2 to get to a bowl.

My argument is that the program as a whole is in great shape. I agree 100% with you about Smith, it is obvious to everyone that he is not the answer and that Creighton blundered by not going to the portal for a serviceable QB. That said, sticking with Smith is more of an indictment of the sad shape of the backups available because if he had anyone ready to go, he'd be in there.

Bob, you stated it more professionally than I did. I 100% agree with you. The program is in good shape and that is evident through the increased attendance numbers (or more accurately the tix sold as last wk the announced # was more than likely tix sold not tix scanned at entry), far better recruiting, and consistent bowl games.

I am a fan of the team and CC but sometimes I wonder what will it take for us to go from pretty good to elite in the MAC. I believe it starts with the QB and then the Defense. What's disappointing is that we have the defense this year and we wasted it because we didn't get the right QB and whats even more disappointing is that CC kept telling us that this was the guy. Add on to that....if he is truly the best we have then why haven't we developed a game plan that suits him. He is NOT a pocket passer and we keep putting him in situations to throw from the pocket It's insane.

Here's the good news.... I think our Dline and secondary will be really good next year with what we have coming back. We need to get some LB's, get a disgruntled P5 quarterback, re-tool the O-line and if we do that I think we still have enough to compete next yr. Remember our recruiting classes the last 2 years have been very good and these guys should be ready to compete.

This QB we have a verbal from in Indianapolis is VERY good but will only be a true frosh next year.

I'm with you. You ALWAYS need insurance at the QB position because if you don't have a viable plan B, you are screwed, as we have seen. I agree with you about Lassiter too. Man, he is a huge loss! Just think, last year we had an NFL player in Drummond AND Lassiter plus Beydoun and Knue at WR--that is a big time WR room regardless of level. I am always hesitant about saying who is coming back because the portal is a total wild card...I had a really bad feeling about Lassiter after the San Jose State game. I knew in my heart he was going to get poached.

Bob is right. We lost a ton of talent which we didn't replace.

How many starters did we lose on offense: TE, LT, LG, C, QB, WRs, etc.

Or more easily We returned our RG, RT, and RB.

Don't forget coaching turnover as well. Neathery, Johnson, King-Williams, Roberts, and Sewell all departed from last years staff. Can't tell me that didn't have an effect.

(10-24-2023 05:07 PM)KPJ Wrote:  

(10-24-2023 01:15 PM)Sellers dweller Wrote:  

(10-24-2023 12:56 PM)emu79 Wrote:  

(10-24-2023 12:05 PM)KPJ Wrote:  

(10-24-2023 04:24 AM)emu79 Wrote:  Not true. I went to three home games so far this year and there was real folks in attendance not just sold tickets. I had three friends who hadn't been to a home game in 20 years and they were impressed with the in game experience compared back to back then. The big difference is that CC has brought competitive football back to EMU. And competitive football is fun to watch. We've had a cooler and rain filled fall in October this year which has hurt attendance more recently. In terms of GVSU and Ferris St its a big fish in a small pond and neither school is competing with U of M for attendance or media coverage. They are the only game in town. We are not.

It helps that they ARE competing for national titles though.

Is that before or recruiting violations and the football version of I Spy?

I believe he was referring to Grand Valley and Ferris.

Definitely referring to the back to back national champion Ferris State Bulldogs and traditionally highly competitive Grand Valley squad.

Great. I look forward to your posts on their message boards

(10-24-2023 12:05 PM)KPJ Wrote:  

(10-24-2023 04:24 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 06:16 PM)holybovine Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 05:40 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 07:04 AM)KPJ Wrote:  Bob,
I hear that, but as a fan is “narrow margin of defeat” the conversation you wanted to be having at this point?
I genuinely hope they finish 8-4.
I’ll settle for 7-5.
Maybe even 6-6.
This team can’t go back to being a sub .500 team though.

I will agree with Bob that Creighton has done an amazing job. He took the worst job in the FBS and made us relevant. Sean Lewis did something similar at Kent St but bailed out late last year to be Coach Prime's offensive coordinator this season, a better future career move for sure. Leipold exited Buffalo last minute for another weak FBS job, but that position paid P5 $$$. Creighton has been very good to us, in my opinion.

That stated, I genuinely share Keith's concerns. Are we going to be happy with being a sub .500 team this season after 9-4 last year? Did we reach the next level or was that a momentary blip up for us? Are we destined to be the Rutgers or Vanderbilt of the MAC?

Remember the 2017 team? If not for a late pick-six against CMU that increased the point differential from five to twelve, ALL SEVEN of that team's losses were one possession, three were in OT. No Minnesota or Jacksonville St blowouts like this year. That season was acceptable then, are close losses tolerable now?

I think in the Creighton tenure, we have "stolen" just three games, Hutch completing that fade against WMU, UCCS on Sexton's blocked punt and UMASS on El-Zayat's incredible reception. We are, however, 0-6 in Overtime and seem to lose all of the toss-up games in the MAC as well as the GSU and Pitt bowl games. We play better than expected, but when does a "close loss" become unacceptable?

Wondering what everybody thinks?

All I know is the Ferris State and GVSU students/alums have a lot more fun following their programs and going to games than we do.

Not true. I went to three home games so far this year and there was real folks in attendance not just sold tickets. I had three friends who hadn't been to a home game in 20 years and they were impressed with the in game experience compared back to back then. The big difference is that CC has brought competitive football back to EMU. And competitive football is fun to watch. We've had a cooler and rain filled fall in October this year which has hurt attendance more recently. In terms of GVSU and Ferris St its a big fish in a small pond and neither school is competing with U of M for attendance or media coverage. They are the only game in town. We are not.

It helps that they ARE competing for national titles though.

I remember the nonsense from GVSU back when we were struggling in football and how they would beat us. My high school stadium is actually a shad better than GVSU. Different worlds.

(10-25-2023 05:15 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(10-24-2023 12:05 PM)KPJ Wrote:  

(10-24-2023 04:24 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 06:16 PM)holybovine Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 05:40 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  I will agree with Bob that Creighton has done an amazing job. He took the worst job in the FBS and made us relevant. Sean Lewis did something similar at Kent St but bailed out late last year to be Coach Prime's offensive coordinator this season, a better future career move for sure. Leipold exited Buffalo last minute for another weak FBS job, but that position paid P5 $$$. Creighton has been very good to us, in my opinion.

That stated, I genuinely share Keith's concerns. Are we going to be happy with being a sub .500 team this season after 9-4 last year? Did we reach the next level or was that a momentary blip up for us? Are we destined to be the Rutgers or Vanderbilt of the MAC?

Remember the 2017 team? If not for a late pick-six against CMU that increased the point differential from five to twelve, ALL SEVEN of that team's losses were one possession, three were in OT. No Minnesota or Jacksonville St blowouts like this year. That season was acceptable then, are close losses tolerable now?

I think in the Creighton tenure, we have "stolen" just three games, Hutch completing that fade against WMU, UCCS on Sexton's blocked punt and UMASS on El-Zayat's incredible reception. We are, however, 0-6 in Overtime and seem to lose all of the toss-up games in the MAC as well as the GSU and Pitt bowl games. We play better than expected, but when does a "close loss" become unacceptable?

Wondering what everybody thinks?

All I know is the Ferris State and GVSU students/alums have a lot more fun following their programs and going to games than we do.

Not true. I went to three home games so far this year and there was real folks in attendance not just sold tickets. I had three friends who hadn't been to a home game in 20 years and they were impressed with the in game experience compared back to back then. The big difference is that CC has brought competitive football back to EMU. And competitive football is fun to watch. We've had a cooler and rain filled fall in October this year which has hurt attendance more recently. In terms of GVSU and Ferris St its a big fish in a small pond and neither school is competing with U of M for attendance or media coverage. They are the only game in town. We are not.

It helps that they ARE competing for national titles though.

I remember the nonsense from GVSU back when we were struggling in football and how they would beat us. My high school stadium is actually a shad better than GVSU. Different worlds.

I remember that as well...total nonsense. I had a buddy on the team (at Eastern I mean) back then and he would get pissed at anyone who made the GVSU comparison.

You must have went to nice high school haha!?!? I've always thought Lubbers was really nice. There are some really nice high school fields in that area (Rockford, Hudsonville, Catholic, Jenison, etc.) and I wouldn't say any of those are as nice as GVSU.