Boilernation

Valpo doesn't have Charles Salary (great RB at LaPorte and Marian U) or a long time HC eyeing his final shot at a State Final's appearance. The stars aligned for the Slicers in 2014. Snider is fine this year if they just show up and play their game. Valpo doesn't have enough offensive talent to win a shootout. The fact Valpo is still alive is a testament to how well Marshall is coaching them and they were fortunate enough to only have Duneland opponens on their playoff schedule up to this point. I think the run ends Friday night at Northrop.

I've seen enough of Valpo this year to say they have no offense against anyone with a decent defense. Their only shot against Snider is to hold the Panthers to 14 or less. My assumption is Snider beats Valpo by about 17-7. As you said, the Pirates have 2 D1 bound speedsters in Roche (Missouri) and Marshall (Colorado State) and they barely get the ball in the 2nd half. That's just bad coaching.

The reasons for the Crown Point and Chesterton losses were a stretch to say the least. What's the reason for this loss, Cody?

I've viewed The Region and NWI as 2 different areas. The Region is likely just a shortened term for the Calumet River Region, which is what a specific area is commonly referred to. Towns outside of The Region, Michigan City, LaPorte, Lowell, etc. I've just considered as part of NWI.

Lapel has been a work in progress all year because of injuries, youth, and roster shakeups. For instance, the Freshman QB didn't play against Hamilton Heights. They started a Junior for the opener and he has since been playing strictly defense (IIRC). And Dollar was hurt in the 1st Eastern Hancock game. I think it's fair to say Lapel is better than theyir record would indicate. I know the coaches really like the way the kids are playing right now. Their kids are tough and play very physical. They will try to run the ball down Linton's throats with Dollar and then mix in a little bit of the passing game.

I have a feeling the much anticipated Merrillville/Snider game will turn into a bust. Maybe we're foolishly putting too much stock into Cody's ramblings, but something seems off in Pirate land. We've seen Snider punched in the face multiple times this year and responded with a W. Most recently last week when a very talented North team had them on the ropes in the 2nd half. Snider responded by taking that game over in crunchtime. Merrillville has received 2 solid punches and both times they fell apart like a wet paper bag. This kind of reminds me of East Central vs. Evansville Central in 2017. SIAC fans thought Central was too cocky, mentally weak, and would fall apart when East Central hit them in the mouth, which did happen. I'm starting to get the feeling that Snider will curb stomp Merrillville because the Pirates fall apart mentally once Snider hits them in the mouth. Or, Cody could be completelly uninformed and the Pirates roll to a 5A Title win 🤷‍♂️

Wow. I like the way he he ripped apart each one of the chain markers. That was efficient. I'm assuming that was an Ohio State play by play announcer considering he the way he justifies Woody's behavior.

Thanks! Sounds like he's really taking advantage of the limiited opportunity he's receiving this year.

Where did he transfer from?

I really hate this scenario; however, IMO, you have to put LSU in if they win the SEC. I have a feeling scenarios like the above are going to be extremely frequent when the field expands. We could end up often seeing a National Chamption with at least 1 suspect loss.

As much as we can theorize that the Committe will try to put 2 SEC teams in, I have a feeling they'll try avoiding 2 Big Ten teams. Oregon has to have zero chance due to the Georgia loss. I can easily see USC having a chance if they can just find a way to beat UCLA, ND, and Oregon.

No idea. And honestly, would he still be considered an attractive candidate? All I've ever heard is that his family absolutely loves living in West Lafayette. Maybe this is our reality. Landed a coach this is consistantly in the 5-8 win range.

This is the never ending gut punch of being a Purdue fan. I thought the Wisconsin loss was predictable and expected. Didn't see this one coming. Of course we would be the one time Iowa could move the ball on and dominate. Of course....

Haha. I cringe everytime I see that clip. That was essentially the end of his career, correct? I know nothing about Woody. Did he have a coaching history of mental instability as well?

Ineligible all season until now? Transfer?

I'm not sure USC should be out of the conversation. They still have potential 1 loss oppoenents UCLA and Oregon on the schedule as well as Notre Dame. I could see them gaining favor from the committe if they were to dominately win those games.

I learned that in the '90's with Bobby. Too young to remember his antics in the '80's outside of what's been recorded. Granted this was in the '90's, but this guy turns into an absolutely psychopath at the 30 second mark.

They’re in. The committee can easily sell their schedule was much tougher than the loser of UM/OSU. Honestly, I think the SEC Champ has to be an auto bid. I couldn’t help but feel good for Kelly tonight. He’s won over a lot Bayou Bengals tonight with that one. Nobody will forget he he didn’t back down to Bama and went for the W. That was a huge W. Won support of the fan base and showed recruits he can beat Saban. His comments after the game were classy and professional. Would love to know what he said when he was ripping into someone when he called TO before the 2 pt conversion. How much does this W hurt UT? It diminishes their Bama win and they were thoroughly dominated today. Are the Mich/OSU loser? I’m assuming 1 loss(which will happen) TCU is definitely out.

To be fair. At this point it may sound like hyperbole; however, I’m OK with no Duneland team being ranked in the Top 25 until they actually beat a team from outside of NWI that’s good.

I don’t know if I agree. Fealt like North choked a win away and Snider did what I would expect Snider to do. Stay mentally and physically tough and fight back for an impressive win. Give me Jontae and a 6’3 WR who can play college ball anywhere and I’m grinding clock. Loved the run game with Jontae. Very surprised they didn’t find high percentage plays to get Tae Tae the ball on wildcats, jet sweeps, or screens. Dickerson was running for his life every time he dropped back to pass. Screens and/or sweeps for Tae Tae are easy plays to get the ball into the hands of the best playmaker on the field and let him pick away at Sniders D. Again, not trying to take anything away from Snider. Maybe they win regardless. Just didn’t like the North play calling in the 2nd half.

Overrated. I love Region football and will always watch. But, enough is enough. 6A football up there just isn’t good. If I were Buzea I would strictly focus on scheduling Central Indiana teams in OOC. Rivalry games against Andrean and Lowell do nothing but add fluff to the Dogs record.

Is he better off staying at Ball State or entering the portal and trying his luck at a Power 5 school?

How is this not criticizing the Crown Point coaching staff?

I agree with you that Crown Point is overrated. But, I think you sound like a fool for criticizing their coaching staff. Buzea has a very solid staff.