2019 Observations

[GordoK35]

Too soon?

1. We are going to miss Darian Green #33 - Fun to watch, finds the hole, somehow gets yards.
2. If we do not recruit Offensive Lineman that can play, we can kiss 2019 goodbye.
3. Rotate Defensive players. Too many tired players that played almost the entire game without any relief. It hurt us when they could not have the wheels to play well enough in the 4th.
4. Davis Alexander. Needs to mature and learn what to do with the ball when the play unfolds.
5. Final point.... we need OFFENSIVE LINEMAN! (did I already say that)?

 

[bigskyconf]

So we are to "break through" in 2019. How difficult will that be? We will be better than this year (definitely better than 2017) but will that mean something? A lot can (and will) happen between now and August 31, the first game at Arkansas, that will impact not only our season, but the conference as a whole, and there are a bunch of teams we need to leapfrog in order to have a good season and make the playoffs. I think, my own opinion, based on the fact that we were in the playoffs as recent as 2015, in order to be successful this year, we need to be in the playoff hunt and in fact, do make the playoffs.

How difficult will that be?

First, we start against the SEC and while it is not Alabama, it is still the SEC, the most powerful conference in all of DI football. Next, we play a DII school, Simon Fraser, which is better than playing the NAIA, but still could hurt us come playoff time. While the committee will look at teams with less than 7 DI wins, they tend to look more favorably at those schools that play a full DI schedule. One thing in our favor is the Big Sky got 4 teams in this year, 3 were seeded. The committee also looks at overall strength of the conference, so if all four teams do well this year, that will help the conference next year at possibly getting more teams in, and in turn help Portland State. Also, it looks like we miss Cal Poly, North Dakota, Montana State, Sacramento State and Weber State next year. We get Montana, Idaho and Davis all at home, but we have to go to Idaho State and EWU next year. Finally, the conference is going to be tough overall. EWU, Idaho State, Davis and Weber all will want to continue their relative success. Montana, Idaho, Sacramento State, Northern Arizona and Southern Utah all will look to bounce back after a disappointing season. Montana State gets their main QB, Murray, back and Cal Poly tasted a bit of success and will want to continue.

So, next year won't be easy. If Barnum and the team want to make a statement, they are capable, but they have to stay focused as each game will not be easy.

 

[Alan1]

History often provides clues to the future. Our overall football record is around 342–366–10 (.483). During Mr. Barnum's tenure as our head coach we have lost our home field, we have been relegated to a high school field in deep suburbia, our attendance has cratered, and out of his 45 games he has managed to win 16 and lose 29 (.356). These clues do not portend well for 2019 or beyond. I await a pleasing surprise.

 

[VikNut]

I don't think the coach is responsible for the field/stadium situation, but he probably did have a hand in Russian collusion. Why do you even bother with PSU football? Go ride the street car.

 

[bigskyconf]

History often provides clues to the future. Our overall football record is around 342–366–10 (.483). During Mr. Barnum's tenure as our head coach we have lost our home field, we have been relegated to a high school field in deep suburbia, our attendance has cratered, and out of his 45 games he has managed to win 16 and lose 29 (.356). These clues do not portend well for 2019 or beyond. I await a pleasing surprise.

Barnum did not lose the home stadium. We'd be in the same situation even if Mouse Davis was still our coach. The lack of a spine by the city is what sealed our fate. It wouldn't have mattered who the coach was.

I think, being that we know now that we will be in Hillsboro, we can set up the game day to our liking. Having nine months to set it up is a whole lot better than having two months. The main issues that I see are getting the students to the games and setting up some sort of free transit from the Orenco Max stop to the stadium. We have nine months to work on that. A positive is that our handouts at the spring game will correctly show that we are playing in Hillsboro, as compared to my pocket schedule for this season that said "Home games in black at Providence Park".

What do you figure would be a "pleasing surprise" next year? Over .500? In the playoff hunt? Making the playoffs? Winning a playoff game? Or just get through the season?

 

[Alan1]

History often provides clues to the future. Our overall football record is around 342–366–10 (.483). During Mr. Barnum's tenure as our head coach we have lost our home field, we have been relegated to a high school field in deep suburbia, our attendance has cratered, and out of his 45 games he has managed to win 16 and lose 29 (.356). These clues do not portend well for 2019 or beyond. I await a pleasing surprise.

Barnum did not lose the home stadium. We'd be in the same situation even if Mouse Davis was still our coach. The lack of a spine by the city is what sealed our fate. It wouldn't have mattered who the coach was.

I think, being that we know now that we will be in Hillsboro, we can set up the game day to our liking. Having nine months to set it up is a whole lot better than having two months. The main issues that I see are getting the students to the games and setting up some sort of free transit from the Orenco Max stop to the stadium. We have nine months to work on that. A positive is that our handouts at the spring game will correctly show that we are playing in Hillsboro, as compared to my pocket schedule for this season that said "Home games in black at Providence Park".

What do you figure would be a "pleasing surprise" next year? Over .500? In the playoff hunt? Making the playoffs? Winning a playoff game? Or just get through the season?

First of all, I did not say he lost our home stadium, I said: "During Mr. Barnum's tenure as our head coach we have lost our home field...." Fact: we lost Providence; and, it was during his tenure. To quote Pogo: "We have met the enemy and he is us."

Regardless of record, I believe a "pleasing surprise" would be average home attendance of over 5,000.

 

[bigskyconf]

Regardless of record, I believe a "pleasing surprise" would be average home attendance of over 5,000.

Fair enough. Having both Idaho and Montana at home next year will certainly help that average (as well as being able to market the venue right off the bat).

But let me give you a "what if" scenario. If PSU was to win the conference title, but we fall short of 5000 average next year, do you let Barnum go?

 

[Alan1]

Regardless of record, I believe a "pleasing surprise" would be average home attendance of over 5,000.

Fair enough. Having both Idaho and Montana at home next year will certainly help that average (as well as being able to market the venue right off the bat).

But let me give you a "what if" scenario. If PSU was to win the conference title, but we fall short of 5000 average next year, do you let Barnum go?

Absolutely, for this program to grow we must build enthusiasm and with that attendance. Since 2005 there is only one season where the attendance was worse that Barnum's last three. He has drained what little enthusiasm there was for PSU football with poorly coached and badly executed football. Who wants to watch bad football? Our home opener drew 2,354 and our average attendance for 2018 was 3,798, heavily subsidized with fans from Montana State and Eastern Washington. Besides, the game day experience is simply awful. As attendance drains away who is going to stand up for the program.

 

[bigskyconf]

Regardless of record, I believe a "pleasing surprise" would be average home attendance of over 5,000.

Fair enough. Having both Idaho and Montana at home next year will certainly help that average (as well as being able to market the venue right off the bat).

But let me give you a "what if" scenario. If PSU was to win the conference title, but we fall short of 5000 average next year, do you let Barnum go?

Absolutely, for this program to grow we must build enthusiasm and with that attendance. Since 2005 there is only one season where the attendance was worse that Barnum's last three. He has drained what little enthusiasm there was for PSU football with poorly coached and badly executed football. Who wants to watch bad football? Our home opener drew 2,354 and our average attendance for 2018 was 3,798, heavily subsidized with fans from Montana State and Eastern Washington. Besides, the game day experience is simply awful. As attendance drains away who is going to stand up for the program.

I for one was very disappointed in the Cat fans turnout. I was expecting more. :lol:

I like your figure of 5000 average. I think we can do that. If both the Viks and Griz are playing well and we can get the city of Hillsboro to somehow increase the capacity to 10000 (temporary bleachers, etc.) we could get that. Add in 8000 for Idaho, then we need to total only 7000 for the other three games (avg 2325). We can do that. :thumb:

 

[Goofsmaverick]

I have alot of enthusiasm, As I should with a kid on the team. You guy's have been around alot longer than me. All I can do is just listen to what you all say.

 

[goviks2]

Hey TeamHolt,

As you are aware, all sports blogs attract a lot of negative nellying. One doesn't want to take too seriously some of the negative brown muck that's deposited therein.

Good on you for your enthusiasm. Not only is it a better way to approach teams we're supposed to be supporting, next season could well be a good one for the Vikings, even playing in Hillsboro.

 

[pdxfan]

Hey, Teamholt - Having you here on the board has meant that I now pay attention to safeties, looking for your son to move up and pull off some picks. I hope that 2019 is his year. I'll be rooting.

 

[Goofsmaverick]

Hey, Teamholt - Having you here on the board has meant that I now pay attention to safeties, looking for your son to move up and pull off some picks. I hope that 2019 is his year. I'll be rooting.

Thanks that means alot hope he does well. He's home now for the christmas break. One day back and he's already training. He wants to show how he can help the team.