FCS coaching changes ... couple big ones

[fourthandshort]

famous last words .. but Bison lose a lot of seniors next year. If we get our offensive passing game a little more proficient, I'm liking our chances of contending next year. I'll admit .. I had much higher hopes for this past season, but I'll start a thread with my recap and grades.

We have to take into consideration who's in our conference, we're going to have to beat very good, ranked teams every year, BUT - two of our losses were to 2 of the final 4, another to a playoff team (UNI). We lost two "clinkers" on the road to MSU and InSU by a total of 8 points. We win those we're in the playoffs.

I'm hoping Beathard and Davis having some time to work together, improved OL and WR play, will contribute to realizing the high hopes in 2019.

agreed .. suddenly our 5 losses don't look as bad in rear view mirror, except for fact that we played badly against UNI. But if you look at NDSU and SDSU seasons, our losses to them were much closer than most of their games ... both on score board and in box score (i.e. stats). As for our 2 "weakest" losses, ISUb and MoST .. both teams were hot when we played them .. recall MoST was top 25 at time and we played horrible 1st half. Now compare our 2 weak losses this year to last year (NAU and SIU debacles). Also consider while 3 of our 5 losses were to playoff teams, ISUb was considered 1st team out, and further a consensus pick for most screwed team to not make playoffs over other 6-4 teams from much weaker conferences like Lamar, Incarnate Word from Southland. So really we had 4 of 5 losses to playoff teams.

I know, I know, I know ... we still finished 6-5 again, and out of playoffs for 2nd year in a row. But this was one of Spack's youngest 2 deeps ever, and we have quality players on our 2nd string ready to step up.

But couple issues that can't be argued need solving:

- Pass Game .. got to get our short-intermediate pass game on terack to keep defenses honest. A full offseason for Davis with our skill players can only help. Beathard had to narrow his playbook considerably at times because of this ... this really hurt us against good teams with good defenses.
- Field Position .. got to figure out what all contributed to certain game where we got killed in field position. I detailed this in another thread .. there were games where we lost 200 to 350 yards in field position. Many things contributed to this ... inconsistent pass game, special teams miscues on punt/kick coverage, inopportune penalties or turnovers. In our convincing wins, we usually broke even in field position (which says something in itself because we didn't need field position to win). But in our losses, we usually got destroyed in field position. The simple way to interpret importance of this stat ... if you have 225 yard field position disadvantage (15 drives, ours avg start at 22, theirs at 37), then we would have needed our offense to gain 225 MORE total yards just to break even in that game and give us a better chance to win.
- Position Group needs: need immediate help (someone step up or a transfer) at following positions: WR, placekicker, and then speedrusher at DE. I like our DL, but we need more speed at times. Also need our QB to get more proficient in short to intermediate pass game .... need offseason reps !!!!!!

I know people think I am too optimistic at times ... guilty as charged !!! but for good reasons, I think. In rear view mirror, our 5 losses were not as dire looking as many of us thought when they happened. But fact remains, we fell short again and there are things to fix. My point I guess is we're not as far away as it might seem.

p.s. the STX win may not have counted for playoffs, but what does it matter which division our "patsy" played in ... it was going to be an easy win regardless. And our SOS was top 10 again, so while the STX was completely stupid to schedule, this was a 6-5 team that was 2 very close losses from being an 8-3 team. And we played NDSU and SDSU closer than most teams. Yet here we sit watching playoffs.

too much thread drift in my post .. again, blaming it on early start to long off-season ... so starting a new thread with my post above.

 

[MadBird]

Look for Matt Entz, current D Coordinator, to get the job. He's the top candidate in most eyes. He even admitted in an interview on the radio today he was interested and would be talking with our AD this week. Klieman will be taking some staff with, but it's still unclear just how many. We only know of one for sure right now that is going. K-State has a lot of very experienced position coaches who will not all be replaced. Klieman also needs some recruiting ties to Oklahoma and Texas which we have none of.

Here's some NDSU assistants following Klieman:

Kansas State: The following coaches have joined Chris Klieman’s staff from North Dakota State (FCS); Courtney Messingham (OC / TEs), Conor Riley (OL), Joe Klandnerman (safeties), and Jason Ray (WRs).

http://footballscoop.com/the-scoop/

So the Bison lose HC, O coordinators and three other assistants. A "normal" team would feel that, wouldn't you think?? Please??

 

[fourthandshort]

well they are losing lot of seniors as well these coaches:

Offense: losing QB, top 2 RBs, top 3 WRs (5 of top 6), top TE, then 3 of OL ... so only 2 of 11 returning starters, arguably 3 of 11 since they like to go with 2 TEs.

Defense: losing 2 of 4 DBs, 2 of 3 LBs, and 3 of 4 DL ... so returning 4 of 11

So of position players, losing 16 of 21, plus

Special teams: losing Kicker, Punt Returner (WR led league easily), and 1/2 of Kick Returns .. so returning 1.5 of 4 specialists

Conclusion .... next year, the pass game needs to come together for ISU. Davis & Robinson need to be leading those WRs and RBs for OTAs ... get your reps in .. timing is everything. Need to hit ground running for spring ball. Davis had very little offseason coming into this fall ... this is critical. We have a lot coming back ... next should be a playoff run year.

Players ..... Buy in now !!!!!!!

 

[fourthandshort]

well they are losing lot of seniors as well these coaches:

Offense: losing QB, top 2 RBs, top 3 WRs (5 of top 6), top TE, then 3 of OL ... so only 2 of 11 returning starters, arguably 3 of 11 since they like to go with 2 TEs.

Defense: losing 2 of 4 DBs, 2 of 3 LBs, and 3 of 4 DL ... so returning 4 of 11

So of position players, losing 16 of 21, plus

Special teams: losing Kicker, Punt Returner (WR led league easily), and 1/2 of Kick Returns .. so returning 1.5 of 4 specialists

Conclusion .... next year, the pass game needs to come together for ISU. Davis & Robinson need to be leading those WRs and RBs for OTAs ... get your reps in .. timing is everything. Need to hit ground running for spring ball. Davis had very little offseason coming into this fall ... this is critical. We have a lot coming back ... next should be a playoff run year.

Players ..... Buy in now !!!!!!!

NDSU also loses 8 of their top 12 tacklers .. think we lost about that much from a year ago Fortunately, we rotated a fair amount in 2017, so we had bunhc of guys on our 2nd string who were obviously ready to step up as a result.

NDSU reloads better than anyone .. period. But this is a lot to overcome along with coaching departures.

DEFENSIVE LEADERS GP-GS Solo Ast Total TFL-Yds No-Yds Int-Yds BU PD Qbh Rcv-Yds FF Kick Saf
42 Jabril Cox 14-14 53 35 88 9.5 - 29 4.0 - 21 4 - 147 3 7 7 . . . .
48 Dan Marlette 14-14 50 33 83 9.5 - 30 1.0 - 6 . 5 5 1 1 - 38 1 . .
5 Robbie Grimsley 14-14 45 33 78 2.5 - 8 1.0 - 6 6 - 40 5 11 . . . . .
45 Levi Jordheim 14-13 26 32 58 2.0 - 12 1.0 - 9 . 1 1 2 . . . .
6 James Hendricks 14-14 31 16 47 1.0 - 1 . 4 - 2 9 13 . 1 - 0 . . .
91 Derrek Tuszka 14-6 24 20 44 11.0 - 52 6.5 - 40 . . . 7 . 1 . .
69 Blake Williams 13-13 17 20 37 7.0 - 26 2.0 - 19 . 1 1 4 . . . .
96 Greg Menard 14-14 18 15 33 10.0 - 60 8.0 - 52 . 1 1 8 1 - 0 . . .
94 Stanley Jones 14-7 18 15 33 7.0 - 36 3.0 - 24 . . . 4 . 2 . .
23 Jaylaan Wimbush 14-3 22 9 31 0.5 - 2 0.5 - 2 1 - 9 1 2 . . . . .
9 Marquise Bridges 14-14 21 9 30 1.5 - 10 . 2 - 43 5 7 . . 1 . .
63 Aaron Steidl 14-14 8 21 29 4.0 - 9 1.0 - 6 . . . . . 1 . .

4 in bold are only returners from top 12. But they rotate guys too.

 

[Reggie Redbird]

Here’s my hot take: they don’t win the Valley and lose T least 3-4 games.

I’m sure they have a lot of talent coming in, but I think losing a good amount of coaches, most of their top offensive players, and a lot on defense would mean they wouldn’t be the top national championship contenders. They could have the next Wentz or Stick waiting in the wings and some All-American RBs to step up, but that’s asking a lot from a lot of guys who just haven’t had the reps. I’m not saying NDSU will make the playoffs, but I don’t see them winning the MVFC or the playoffs.

I could be completely wrong, but I think someone else runs with the Valley mantle all the way to Frisco next year.

 

[salsa]

Their second string has had a lot of reps and only get limited playing time because of the starters. They'll be fine athletically. The big question is if their next QBs are as good as they say they are (they have a true freshman who could start for 4 years and an Iowa State transfer with 2 years remaining). The new coach should continue the tradition but he's never been a head coach so that's a risk also. If either of those struggle then I see 3-4 losses. Otherwise they are still the most talented team in the MVFC.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[MadBird]

Here's confirmation of the info posted by Reggie Redbird in another thread on our WR coach Brian Anderson leaving for Kansas State, to be RB coach.

http://footballscoop.com/the-scoop/

Kansas State: K-State has officially announced the hirings of Ted Monachino (defensive coordinator/linebackers), Brian Anderson (running backs) and Van Malone (cornerbacks). Monachino spent 2018 as a defensive analyst at Missouri, Anderson as the wide receivers coach at Illinois State and Malone as a defensive quality control at Mississippi State.

 

[ChiRedbirdfan]

Here’s my hot take: they don’t win the Valley and lose T least 3-4 games.

I’m sure they have a lot of talent coming in, but I think losing a good amount of coaches, most of their top offensive players, and a lot on defense would mean they wouldn’t be the top national championship contenders. They could have the next Wentz or Stick waiting in the wings and some All-American RBs to step up, but that’s asking a lot from a lot of guys who just haven’t had the reps. I’m not saying NDSU will make the playoffs, but I don’t see them winning the MVFC or the playoffs.

I could be completely wrong, but I think someone else runs with the Valley mantle all the way to Frisco next year.

Never say never but I will only believe the Bison having 3 and especially 4 losses in the MVFC conference and regular season when I see it. Bison seem to be traditionally real deep on the roster and if this is a good coaching hire then it is likely a 1 or 2 regular season loss at most.

 

[Reggie Redbird]

Here’s my hot take: they don’t win the Valley and lose T least 3-4 games.

I’m sure they have a lot of talent coming in, but I think losing a good amount of coaches, most of their top offensive players, and a lot on defense would mean they wouldn’t be the top national championship contenders. They could have the next Wentz or Stick waiting in the wings and some All-American RBs to step up, but that’s asking a lot from a lot of guys who just haven’t had the reps. I’m not saying NDSU will make the playoffs, but I don’t see them winning the MVFC or the playoffs.

I could be completely wrong, but I think someone else runs with the Valley mantle all the way to Frisco next year.

Never say never but I will only believe the Bison having 3 and especially 4 losses in the MVFC conference and regular season when I see it. Bison seem to be traditionally real deep on the roster and if this is a good coaching hire then it is likely a 1 or 2 regular season loss at most.

They travel to Normal and Brookings. Those are likely their toughest road games as they don't play an FBS team and play their toughest non-con games (UC Davis and North Dakota) in Fargo. I give them credit, they play one of the toughest FCS non-con schedules.

To mention, I was saying they would have 3-4 losses overall and not win the Valley. I could be completely wrong and they could win it all. I just don't personally think so based on all their turnover in every aspect of their roster.

 

[Chi-bird]

Here’s my hot take: they don’t win the Valley and lose T least 3-4 games.

I’m sure they have a lot of talent coming in, but I think losing a good amount of coaches, most of their top offensive players, and a lot on defense would mean they wouldn’t be the top national championship contenders. They could have the next Wentz or Stick waiting in the wings and some All-American RBs to step up, but that’s asking a lot from a lot of guys who just haven’t had the reps. I’m not saying NDSU will make the playoffs, but I don’t see them winning the MVFC or the playoffs.

I could be completely wrong, but I think someone else runs with the Valley mantle all the way to Frisco next year.

Never say never but I will only believe the Bison having 3 and especially 4 losses in the MVFC conference and regular season when I see it. Bison seem to be traditionally real deep on the roster and if this is a good coaching hire then it is likely a 1 or 2 regular season loss at most.

Exactly. It's still NDSU. They didn't skip a beat after Bohl left, and I doubt they skip much of one with Klieman leaving. If they lose 4 games next year, I'll be surprised.

 

[Reggie Redbird]

Exactly. It's still NDSU. They didn't skip a beat after Bohl left, and I doubt they skip much of one with Klieman leaving. If they lose 4 games next year, I'll be surprised.

Bohl left but Wentz was still their starting QB. Any HC walking into a national POtY candidate as the QB is set up pretty nicely, especially if it’s an in-house choice. Completely different roster set-up for their new HC, although he is also from in-house.

 

[salsa]

Exactly. It's still NDSU. They didn't skip a beat after Bohl left, and I doubt they skip much of one with Klieman leaving. If they lose 4 games next year, I'll be surprised.

Bohl left but Wentz was still their starting QB. Any HC walking into a national POtY candidate as the QB is set up pretty nicely, especially if it’s an in-house choice. Completely different roster set-up for their new HC, although he is also from in-house.

Wentz was not the returning starter. He played sparingly his first two years because the previous QB was winning 3 straight national championships. There are a lot of parallels between 2013 and 2018. They could be just as strong next year. But the coach and QB are both unknowns. Their recruiting classes the past couple seasons are higher rated than 2012/13 but ratings aren't always reliable.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[fourthandshort]

Exactly. It's still NDSU. They didn't skip a beat after Bohl left, and I doubt they skip much of one with Klieman leaving. If they lose 4 games next year, I'll be surprised.

Bohl left but Wentz was still their starting QB. Any HC walking into a national POtY candidate as the QB is set up pretty nicely, especially if it’s an in-house choice. Completely different roster set-up for their new HC, although he is also from in-house.

Wentz was not the returning starter. He played sparingly his first two years because the previous QB was winning 3 straight national championships. There are a lot of parallels between 2013 and 2018. They could be just as strong next year. But the coach and QB are both unknowns. Their recruiting classes the past couple seasons are higher rated than 2012/13 but ratings aren't always reliable.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Very good analogy .. both teams are losing lot of seniors and HC, and both teams are arguably " top 5 FCS best ever" candidates.

But I dont think 2013 lost 16 of 22 starters, plus at least 4 other big contributers from their 2 deep. And I'm not sure Bohl took as many coaches with him either ... that I am completely guessing. And Bison fans wanted RS FR Wentz at QB during QB Jensen's JR season (2012) because he was so ineffective that year. But it all came together in 2013 for Bison and QB Jensen .. but Wentz was clearly the future. They think they have another good young one, plus an FBS transfer in the mix .. we shall see.

But I think given all of this turnover, NDSU does look at more of a rebuild than reload for next season .. new coaches, 16 new starters, plus a few more from their 2 deep ... all need to be replaced. This is a lot .. even for NDSU.

 

[Virginia Redbird]

But I think given all of this turnover, NDSU does look at more of a rebuild than reload for next season .. new coaches, 16 new starters, plus a few more from their 2 deep ... all need to be replaced. This is a lot .. even for NDSU.

The NDSU run has been absolutely incredible. They recruit well and success breeds success. If you want to win a National Championship and are an FCS caliber player but not FBS caliber where else would you want to go? All those rings make recruiting a much easier task than it is elsewhere. But all things do come to an end eventually. Just a change in coaching staff can be detrimental. What is facing the Bison on the coaching and experienced player side is pretty substantial. If they can pull this one off and still be business, as usual, they will deserve all the praise that will come their way. I am not certain who will be the team to dethrone them though if they are dethroned as MVC champions.

 

[Reggie Redbird]

Exactly. It's still NDSU. They didn't skip a beat after Bohl left, and I doubt they skip much of one with Klieman leaving. If they lose 4 games next year, I'll be surprised.

Bohl left but Wentz was still their starting QB. Any HC walking into a national POtY candidate as the QB is set up pretty nicely, especially if it’s an in-house choice. Completely different roster set-up for their new HC, although he is also from in-house.

Wentz was not the returning starter. He played sparingly his first two years because the previous QB was winning 3 straight national championships. There are a lot of parallels between 2013 and 2018. They could be just as strong next year. But the coach and QB are both unknowns. Their recruiting classes the past couple seasons are higher rated than 2012/13 but ratings aren't always reliable.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

We learned that, especially considering our top-rated recruiting class following the championship run and how the results didn't materialize. Sometimes it depends on the transfers that come in as well, but then there is also how much a class depends on 1-2 top guys to pan out.

 

[salsa]

Bohl left but Wentz was still their starting QB. Any HC walking into a national POtY candidate as the QB is set up pretty nicely, especially if it’s an in-house choice. Completely different roster set-up for their new HC, although he is also from in-house.

Wentz was not the returning starter. He played sparingly his first two years because the previous QB was winning 3 straight national championships. There are a lot of parallels between 2013 and 2018. They could be just as strong next year. But the coach and QB are both unknowns. Their recruiting classes the past couple seasons are higher rated than 2012/13 but ratings aren't always reliable.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Very good analogy .. both teams are losing lot of seniors and HC, and both teams are arguably " top 5 FCS best ever" candidates.

But I dont think 2013 lost 16 of 22 starters, plus at least 4 other big contributers from their 2 deep. And I'm not sure Bohl took as many coaches with him either ... that I am completely guessing. And Bison fans wanted RS FR Wentz at QB during QB Jensen's JR season (2012) because he was so ineffective that year. But it all came together in 2013 for Bison and QB Jensen .. but Wentz was clearly the future. They think they have another good young one, plus an FBS transfer in the mix .. we shall see.

But I think given all of this turnover, NDSU does look at more of a rebuild than reload for next season .. new coaches, 16 new starters, plus a few more from their 2 deep ... all need to be replaced. This is a lot .. even for NDSU.

Besides Klieman they only retained 2 coaches and both were first year coaches very low on experience. Klieman only took 4 coaches with him so I assume there are 6 left behind. The non starters returning have a lot of experience.

It wouldn't surprise me if they remain just as strong. But the coaching change could cause a road bump that truly ends the run.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[BisonLaw]

Figured I'd chime in on this discussion with my Redbird friends! I have no idea what to fully expect next year. I'm cautiously optimistic because the transition went so smooth the last time we went through this, but there will certainly be some growing pains. I expect our defense to remain strong and offense to take a step back (obviously). Our biggest coaching losses come on the offensive side of the ball with our O-coordinator and O-line coach. Our QB will be a battle between 3 guys, with one being a new transfer from Iowa State. Most of us expect Trey Lance, who will be a redshirt freshman next year, to win the job. But who knows. I'm just glad there will be competition. Also happy we keep our QB coach with no veteran returner. We should remain strong at RB and TE, but Oline and WR will need some new kids to step up.

It's hard to look that far ahead, but my way too early prediction for 2019 would be a 10-2 regular season. Could also go 11-1, or 8-4. I don't see undefeated, and I also don't see losing more than 4 games. Will certainly be a fun battle in Normal against your guys next year. The Valley should be a very entertaining league next year.

Happy holidays!

 

[fourthandshort]

Hey BisonLaw .. welcome to Redbird Nation ...thanks for chiming in !! First of all, good luck this weekend ... EWU will need a near perfect game to beat you guys, but I don't see it happening unless they play very well and some fluke things happen. Otherwise, I see NDSU by 2+ TDs.

As you can see above, we're very "concerned" for your program and would feel just horrible if you guys actually fell back to earth next fall. But hope springs eternal for Redbird nation, and I feel like planets are aligning for us to take another run at you like 2014 ... famous last words, right ?? We do recall (very well) what you accomplished in 2014 (still in therapy for the last 1:38) after similar situation coming out of dominant 2013 team that lost a lot of seniors too.

But we do return a lot next year (17 of 22 starters are back), plus a lot is back from our 2 deep .... while you guys are losing a lot (16 of 22 leave) .. so we can hope, right ??

Anyway, congrats on your season and good luck next week ... most of us here will be rooting for Bison ... we're out, so go MVFC !!!

 

[BisonLaw]

Hey BisonLaw .. welcome to Redbird Nation ...thanks for chiming in !! First of all, good luck this weekend ... EWU will need a near perfect game to beat you guys, but I don't see it happening unless they play very well and some fluke things happen. Otherwise, I see NDSU by 2+ TDs.

As you can see above, we're very "concerned" for your program and would feel just horrible if you guys actually fell back to earth next fall. But hope springs eternal for Redbird nation, and I feel like planets are aligning for us to take another run at you like 2014 ... famous last words, right ?? We do recall (very well) what you accomplished in 2014 (still in therapy for the last 1:38) after similar situation coming out of dominant 2013 team that lost a lot of seniors too.

But we do return a lot next year (17 of 22 starters are back), plus a lot is back from our 2 deep .... while you guys are losing a lot (16 of 22 leave) .. so we can hope, right ??

Anyway, congrats on your season and good luck next week ... most of us here will be rooting for Bison ... we're out, so go MVFC !!!

Thanks! Looking forward to a fun trip, I'm heading down on Thursday. Will never forget 2014, that game was something special.

I'm excited for the parity in the Valley next year, between our two teams, a strong returning Indiana State, and usual powers UNI and SDSU we are looking at at least half the league with a legitimate chance to win the conference and be playoff contenders.

Not to derail this thread, but I just decided to take a look at your 2019 schedule. You guys seem to have a legit chance to start 4-0 with an FBS win over NIU. If we can manage to get through non-conf without slipping up, which I think we will (although at Delaware will be a battle) we could be looking at two 4-0 teams and a Top 10 matchup come October 5 in Normal!

 

[Virginia Redbird]

Hey BisonLaw .. welcome to Redbird Nation ...thanks for chiming in !! First of all, good luck this weekend ... EWU will need a near perfect game to beat you guys, but I don't see it happening unless they play very well and some fluke things happen. Otherwise, I see NDSU by 2+ TDs.

As you can see above, we're very "concerned" for your program and would feel just horrible if you guys actually fell back to earth next fall. But hope springs eternal for Redbird nation, and I feel like planets are aligning for us to take another run at you like 2014 ... famous last words, right ?? We do recall (very well) what you accomplished in 2014 (still in therapy for the last 1:38) after similar situation coming out of dominant 2013 team that lost a lot of seniors too.

But we do return a lot next year (17 of 22 starters are back), plus a lot is back from our 2 deep .... while you guys are losing a lot (16 of 22 leave) .. so we can hope, right ??

Anyway, congrats on your season and good luck next week ... most of us here will be rooting for Bison ... we're out, so go MVFC !!!

Thanks! Looking forward to a fun trip, I'm heading down on Thursday. Will never forget 2014, that game was something special.

I'm excited for the parity in the Valley next year, between our two teams, a strong returning Indiana State, and usual powers UNI and SDSU we are looking at at least half the league with a legitimate chance to win the conference and be playoff contenders.

Not to derail this thread, but I just decided to take a look at your 2019 schedule. You guys seem to have a legit chance to start 4-0 with an FBS win over NIU. If we can manage to get through non-conf without slipping up, which I think we will (although at Delaware will be a battle) we could be looking at two 4-0 teams and a Top 10 matchup come October 5 in Normal!

Good luck next weekend BisonLaw. I hope you are correct and the teams meet with unblemished records next season. It is a long way from SE Virginia to Dekalb, Illinois but I am thinking about making the trip...although who travels across the country to go to DEKALB, ILLINOIS? Maybe I will make the trip during the NDSU weekend instead. There is one thing about your program though that I just can not tolerate. Being a lifelong Bears fan and despising the Green Bay Packers with every ounce of my being ... GREEN and GOLD in any form just makes me nauseous! Not your fault I know but I just can't help it! I enjoy watching the Bison play they are just so well coached but I always have to have a bottle of Pepto nearby! Enjoy Frisco!