(03-20-2023 04:05 PM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(03-20-2023 03:50 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  My expectation for this team is that there will be few wins. And, each win will be close and a battle. There will be no relaxing blowouts because of the defense. The O will need to play lights out and score like crazy. I do not foresee many games where that will happen. It will also take a lot of good coaching, and we have seen none of that in a very long time. Just buckle your seatbelts and get ready for a bumpy ride.

I'm praying for 8-4 season, bowl victory, decently improved D.

I don't think 8-4 is impossible. It may come down to the OOC games. It's a pretty easy schedule and it may take a 3-1 start to reach 8 wins. You have SIU and then 3 teams all coming off losing records in 22. I'm leaning towards 2-2 with a 7-5 finish.

(03-20-2023 04:05 PM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(03-20-2023 03:50 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  My expectation for this team is that there will be few wins. And, each win will be close and a battle. There will be no relaxing blowouts because of the defense. The O will need to play lights out and score like crazy. I do not foresee many games where that will happen. It will also take a lot of good coaching, and we have seen none of that in a very long time. Just buckle your seatbelts and get ready for a bumpy ride.

I'm praying for 8-4 season, bowl victory, decently improved D.

That is the minimum that I'll expect. After that, I'll put this regime into questionable territory.

(03-20-2023 07:06 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(03-20-2023 04:05 PM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(03-20-2023 03:50 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  My expectation for this team is that there will be few wins. And, each win will be close and a battle. There will be no relaxing blowouts because of the defense. The O will need to play lights out and score like crazy. I do not foresee many games where that will happen. It will also take a lot of good coaching, and we have seen none of that in a very long time. Just buckle your seatbelts and get ready for a bumpy ride.

I'm praying for 8-4 season, bowl victory, decently improved D.

That is the minimum that I'll expect. After that, I'll put this regime into questionable territory.

They're already into questionable territory. The question is - are they learning/improving on the job? If this was Hammock's resume for 15 years you'd probably judge him as below average coach. What we are hoping is that he made some early career mistakes and will do better.

What's scary is that he has Rocky going into year 5 and we are hoping he's above .500. Why that is scary is bc he has the hardest piece to the puzzle....a very good QB. How often do those come around? What's that say about the other 95.5% of his starters?

If Rocky did not return, what would your expectations this season look like?

If it was Hampton I'd guess 5-7. And in year 5 that's a failure.

(03-20-2023 07:17 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-20-2023 07:06 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(03-20-2023 04:05 PM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(03-20-2023 03:50 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  My expectation for this team is that there will be few wins. And, each win will be close and a battle. There will be no relaxing blowouts because of the defense. The O will need to play lights out and score like crazy. I do not foresee many games where that will happen. It will also take a lot of good coaching, and we have seen none of that in a very long time. Just buckle your seatbelts and get ready for a bumpy ride.

I'm praying for 8-4 season, bowl victory, decently improved D.

That is the minimum that I'll expect. After that, I'll put this regime into questionable territory.

They're already into questionable territory. The question is - are they learning/improving on the job? If this was Hammock's resume for 15 years you'd probably judge him as below average coach. What we are hoping is that he made some early career mistakes and will do better.

What's scary is that he has Rocky going into year 5 and we are hoping he's above .500. Why that is scary is bc he has the hardest piece to the puzzle....a very good QB. How often do those come around? What's that say about the other 95.5% of his starters?

If Rocky did not return, what would your expectations this season look like?

If it was Hampton I'd guess 5-7. And in year 5 that's a failure.

Still 8-4. Figure it out. That's why we brought you here.

I actually like what I saw in Hampton. He's got a chance to develop.

(03-19-2023 08:43 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-19-2023 08:35 PM)thxjoenovak Wrote:  

(03-19-2023 08:30 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-19-2023 08:17 PM)BDB5yp Wrote:  When’s our first day of Spring Football? Any going to practices?

According to 247 NIU’s spring schedule runs March 22 to April 22 with the spring “game” on the 22nd at 3pm.

3pm? That’s very odd and not typical of the last 10+ years.

Says 3pm ET…so 2pm.

2pm is less odd than 3pm.

Typically followed by luncheon in Yordon at Noon. We’ll see I guess…

(03-20-2023 07:28 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(03-20-2023 07:17 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-20-2023 07:06 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(03-20-2023 04:05 PM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(03-20-2023 03:50 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  My expectation for this team is that there will be few wins. And, each win will be close and a battle. There will be no relaxing blowouts because of the defense. The O will need to play lights out and score like crazy. I do not foresee many games where that will happen. It will also take a lot of good coaching, and we have seen none of that in a very long time. Just buckle your seatbelts and get ready for a bumpy ride.

I'm praying for 8-4 season, bowl victory, decently improved D.

That is the minimum that I'll expect. After that, I'll put this regime into questionable territory.

They're already into questionable territory. The question is - are they learning/improving on the job? If this was Hammock's resume for 15 years you'd probably judge him as below average coach. What we are hoping is that he made some early career mistakes and will do better.

What's scary is that he has Rocky going into year 5 and we are hoping he's above .500. Why that is scary is bc he has the hardest piece to the puzzle....a very good QB. How often do those come around? What's that say about the other 95.5% of his starters?

If Rocky did not return, what would your expectations this season look like?

If it was Hampton I'd guess 5-7. And in year 5 that's a failure.

Still 8-4. Figure it out. That's why we brought you here.

I actually like what I saw in Hampton. He's got a chance to develop.

Kudos to your faith in the team if you think they can go 8-4 with Hampton. Do you really believe that or do you believe the expectations in yr 5 SHOULD be 8-4 regardless of the players on the field? If you have both Rocky and Ethan as going 8-4 then you have a lot of optimism regarding the other 21 guys on the field. I on the other hand do not but it's really hard to prognosticate these Hammock squads.

(03-20-2023 07:28 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(03-20-2023 07:17 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-20-2023 07:06 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(03-20-2023 04:05 PM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(03-20-2023 03:50 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  My expectation for this team is that there will be few wins. And, each win will be close and a battle. There will be no relaxing blowouts because of the defense. The O will need to play lights out and score like crazy. I do not foresee many games where that will happen. It will also take a lot of good coaching, and we have seen none of that in a very long time. Just buckle your seatbelts and get ready for a bumpy ride.

I'm praying for 8-4 season, bowl victory, decently improved D.

That is the minimum that I'll expect. After that, I'll put this regime into questionable territory.

They're already into questionable territory. The question is - are they learning/improving on the job? If this was Hammock's resume for 15 years you'd probably judge him as below average coach. What we are hoping is that he made some early career mistakes and will do better.

What's scary is that he has Rocky going into year 5 and we are hoping he's above .500. Why that is scary is bc he has the hardest piece to the puzzle....a very good QB. How often do those come around? What's that say about the other 95.5% of his starters?

If Rocky did not return, what would your expectations this season look like?

If it was Hampton I'd guess 5-7. And in year 5 that's a failure.

Still 8-4. Figure it out. That's why we brought you here.

I actually like what I saw in Hampton. He's got a chance to develop.

Me as well. You can only expect him to grow from last year as well. Good arm IMO.

Anything less than 8-4 this season is inexcusable. SIU and Tulsa both should be Ws. Nebraska is in full rebuild this season and is winnable. If we’re under .500 time for TH to be gone or last chance season after.

I will say whatever fan base we have left, needs a good season this year. You are going to lose even more with a bad season like last.

(03-20-2023 07:59 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-20-2023 07:28 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(03-20-2023 07:17 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-20-2023 07:06 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(03-20-2023 04:05 PM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  I'm praying for 8-4 season, bowl victory, decently improved D.

That is the minimum that I'll expect. After that, I'll put this regime into questionable territory.

They're already into questionable territory. The question is - are they learning/improving on the job? If this was Hammock's resume for 15 years you'd probably judge him as below average coach. What we are hoping is that he made some early career mistakes and will do better.

What's scary is that he has Rocky going into year 5 and we are hoping he's above .500. Why that is scary is bc he has the hardest piece to the puzzle....a very good QB. How often do those come around? What's that say about the other 95.5% of his starters?

If Rocky did not return, what would your expectations this season look like?

If it was Hampton I'd guess 5-7. And in year 5 that's a failure.

Still 8-4. Figure it out. That's why we brought you here.

I actually like what I saw in Hampton. He's got a chance to develop.

Kudos to your faith in the team if you think they can go 8-4 with Hampton. Do you really believe that or do you believe the expectations in yr 5 SHOULD be 8-4 regardless of the players on the field? If you have both Rocky and Ethan as going 8-4 then you have a lot of optimism regarding the other 21 guys on the field. I on the other hand do not but it's really hard to prognosticate these Hammock squads.

I think we should be at the very least 8-4. Regardless of who we have or who is starting. If we don't have the talent, then go out and get it. Anything that happens now, is because of what you did to get us here. No blaming past regimes now. Let's see you walk that talk.

(03-20-2023 08:02 PM)HuskiePride12 Wrote:  

(03-20-2023 07:28 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(03-20-2023 07:17 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-20-2023 07:06 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(03-20-2023 04:05 PM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  I'm praying for 8-4 season, bowl victory, decently improved D.

That is the minimum that I'll expect. After that, I'll put this regime into questionable territory.

They're already into questionable territory. The question is - are they learning/improving on the job? If this was Hammock's resume for 15 years you'd probably judge him as below average coach. What we are hoping is that he made some early career mistakes and will do better.

What's scary is that he has Rocky going into year 5 and we are hoping he's above .500. Why that is scary is bc he has the hardest piece to the puzzle....a very good QB. How often do those come around? What's that say about the other 95.5% of his starters?

If Rocky did not return, what would your expectations this season look like?

If it was Hampton I'd guess 5-7. And in year 5 that's a failure.

Still 8-4. Figure it out. That's why we brought you here.

I actually like what I saw in Hampton. He's got a chance to develop.

Me as well. You can only expect him to grow from last year as well. Good arm IMO.

Anything less than 8-4 this season is inexcusable. SIU and Tulsa both should be Ws. Nebraska is in full rebuild this season and is winnable. If we’re under .500 time for TH to be gone or last chance season after.

I will say whatever fan base we have left, needs a good season this year. You are going to lose even more with a bad season like last.

Winning season and a bowl game is necessary for there to be any faith in this staff going forward. It is becoming clear to me why Hammock was stuck at RB coach so long in the NFL without moving up. Does not seem to be able to manage a program. May be better at a small piece rather than head man. Hopes he changes my opinion this year, but I am highly doubtful.

It's all in Rocky's and Rudolph's hands (literally). And, will they be back to form after the injuries? Plus, those two can't do it all on their own. At this point, I do not see anything else that gives me hope for a stellar season. And then there are the usual bonehead calls by the coaching staff. I hope they can pick up some decent players from the portal. This team needs a good shot in the arm. My confidence in Hammock is running out. I have hope for this season, but there is very little to support my hope. Thus, my expectation is at least year's level unless I see some light at the end of the tunnel. Let's see how it all plays out on the field in September.

Hammock has a MAC crown on his resume, he can coach. 2020 was a 6 game covid season TOSS. Last year we were injury struck, but could have squeaked out a couple of wins.

Some of the posters here feel our program is Alabama or something, it is amazing what NIU has accomplished under the circumstances and that we are the TOP FOOTBALL PROGRAM in the MAC. As my signature states, every class since 2008 has left with a MAC Championship. Not every year is going to be roses, but overall we are a quality football program and not to be taken lightly. GO HUSKIES!

8 wins is very doable. Down year for the MAC.

So watching some of the past Hampton games - his WR kind of did their own things. Outside of Tucker the WR were not route technicians. That’s kind of par for the course for college guys - but some of the guys out there were particularly bad. That’s on the coaches. Now Hampton made his own mistakes too - when you couple that together it’s an issue (as was witnessed when Hampton started.)

Often times the reason a veteran QB plays better is they understand the margins for error in WR routes (among many other things.)

So, I guess what I am saying is Hampton is fine. WRs can do better for him.

The defense? That was a **** show of miscommunication and schematic breaks. I will give the coaches some credit, the transfers on defense seem more suited for what they want to do. So…let’s see what happens.

(03-15-2023 10:40 PM)NIU1981 Wrote:  https://niuhuskies.com/sports/football/roster

The spring roster is up:

New on 2023 spring roster
QB Mason Kidd- class of 2023 early enrollee
RB Gavin Williams - transfer from Iowa
TE Grayson Barnes - transfer from American River CC
WR Davis Patterson - transfer from Notre Dame College
WR Isaiah Bragg - back from 2021 roster, was not on 2022 roster
WR Tyler Brueckner - back from 2021 roster, was not on 2022 roster
DE Neveah Sanders - transfer from Iowa Western CC
LB Tyler Jackson - transfer from Lamar
LB Ridge Howard - class of 2023 early enrollee
DB Gabriel Amegatcher - transfer from Nebraska-Kearney
DB Shaad Dabney - transfer from Kansas
K Zach Gordon - class of 2023 early enrollee

Expected for 2023 but not here yet
QB Josh Holst
RB Azhaun Dingle - transfer from Butler CC
RB Jaylen Poe
RB Garrett Gensler
RB Joshua Pridgen
TE Gavin Patrick - transfer from Wabash College
TE Bryce Harrison
TE Jay'Shon Thomas
TE Hyatt Timosciek
TE Devariae Burns
TE Tyler Gaines
WR Kyle Thomas
WR James Smith
WR Ryan McDonald
WR John Gore
WR Kobe Askew
OL Christian Medlock
OL Jacob Welch
OL Landon Hron
OL Luke Skartvedt
OL Michael Jimmer
OL Thomas Paasch
DE ReSean Randall
DE Casey Bending
DE Filip Maciorowski
DT Mark Hensley
DT Ajahvea Robinson
LB Chase Hutchinson
LB Phillip Baynes
DB Makhi Rolle
DB Daron Gilbert - transfer from Lafayette
DB Ethan Tierney
DB Tyler Gentile
K Danny Vuckovic

Gone from 2022
QB Dustin Fletcher
QB Jeff Lomax
FB Brett Bostad
RB Harrison Waylee - transfer to Wyoming
RB Mason Blakemore - transfer to Illinois State
RB Jaiden Credlle - transfer to Middle Tennessee
RB Terron Kellman - transfer to Charlotte
RB Nathan Castor
RB Joshua Brown
TE Liam Soraghan - Grad
TE Kaymar Mimes
WR Cole Tucker - Grad
WR Shemar Thornton - Grad
WR Mohammed Toure
WR Fabian McCray
WR Mason Pierre Antoine - transfer to Northern Iowa
WR Jeremiah Howard - transfer to Minnesota State
OL Marques Cox - transfer to Kentucky
OL Leif Engstrand - Grad
OL Brandon MacKinnon - transfer to UMASS
OL Tony Webb
DE Mike Kennedy - Grad
DE Izayah Green-May - Grad
DE Liam Rempel - transfer to Rutgers
DE Jaden Wilson
DT Jeff Griffin - transfer to North Dakota
DT Jaylin Adams
LB Kyle Pugh - Grad(3)
LB Nick Rattin - Grad
LB Akinimo Asuquo
LB Makhi Nelson-Douglas
LB Elijah Hamm
LB Anthony Hernandez
LB Brian Whitsey
LB Dayven Shinhoster
CB Jordan Gandy
CB Eric Rogers - transfer to Rutgers
CB Sam Robertson - transfer to Iowa Western
S Jordan White
K John Richardson
LS Mike Florentine

Position changes
Jordan Hansen from LB to Huskie
Devin Lafayette from LB to Huskie
Joey Rattin from LB to Huskie
Rashon Myles from LB to Huskie

I think you left Santana Banner off the list - he’s there in the spring. Freshman. Safety…with how bad the Safety play has been I wouldn’t count him (or anyone) out of the mix for playing time.

(03-21-2023 09:04 AM)NIU05 Wrote:  Hammock has a MAC crown on his resume, he can coach. 2020 was a 6 game covid season TOSS. Last year we were injury struck, but could have squeaked out a couple of wins.

Some of the posters here feel our program is Alabama or something, it is amazing what NIU has accomplished under the circumstances and that we are the TOP FOOTBALL PROGRAM in the MAC. As my signature states, every class since 2008 has left with a MAC Championship. Not every year is going to be roses, but overall we are a quality football program and not to be taken lightly. GO HUSKIES!

I don't think being upset that Hammock is 17-27 is anything like thinking NIU is Alabama. The MACC is what is keeping fans from thinking he might be a total bust. It bought him some good will. As it should. But we still don't know if he is really any good. 2021....every single thing went perfect. 2022 everything went awful. I don't write off the 2020 covid year primarily bc of just how putrid the product was. Covid or not...it was not even an FCS level team Ham put out there.

That's why this year is really big. We can't just keep limping along with excuses. Year 5...all your players....3 years of the portal. Let's see who Hammock really is.

(03-21-2023 09:56 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 09:04 AM)NIU05 Wrote:  Hammock has a MAC crown on his resume, he can coach. 2020 was a 6 game covid season TOSS. Last year we were injury struck, but could have squeaked out a couple of wins.

Some of the posters here feel our program is Alabama or something, it is amazing what NIU has accomplished under the circumstances and that we are the TOP FOOTBALL PROGRAM in the MAC. As my signature states, every class since 2008 has left with a MAC Championship. Not every year is going to be roses, but overall we are a quality football program and not to be taken lightly. GO HUSKIES!

I don't think being upset that Hammock is 17-27 is anything like thinking NIU is Alabama. The MACC is what is keeping fans from thinking he might be a total bust. It bought him some good will. As it should. But we still don't know if he is really any good. 2021....every single thing went perfect. 2022 everything went awful. I don't write off the 2020 covid year primarily bc of just how putrid the product was. Covid or not...it was not even an FCS level team Ham put out there.

That's why this year is really big. We can't just keep limping along with excuses. Year 5...all your players....3 years of the portal. Let's see who Hammock really is.

What he said. You can be realistic and have some level of expectation. This year will let us know if 2021 was a fluke.

I'm riding with this team. All the negativity in here, can't wait for all you guys to come back all of a sudden.

We got talent across the board at every position. Stay healthy, and watch out...

(03-21-2023 10:28 AM)HuskieJ Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 09:56 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 09:04 AM)NIU05 Wrote:  Hammock has a MAC crown on his resume, he can coach. 2020 was a 6 game covid season TOSS. Last year we were injury struck, but could have squeaked out a couple of wins.

Some of the posters here feel our program is Alabama or something, it is amazing what NIU has accomplished under the circumstances and that we are the TOP FOOTBALL PROGRAM in the MAC. As my signature states, every class since 2008 has left with a MAC Championship. Not every year is going to be roses, but overall we are a quality football program and not to be taken lightly. GO HUSKIES!

I don't think being upset that Hammock is 17-27 is anything like thinking NIU is Alabama. The MACC is what is keeping fans from thinking he might be a total bust. It bought him some good will. As it should. But we still don't know if he is really any good. 2021....every single thing went perfect. 2022 everything went awful. I don't write off the 2020 covid year primarily bc of just how putrid the product was. Covid or not...it was not even an FCS level team Ham put out there.

That's why this year is really big. We can't just keep limping along with excuses. Year 5...all your players....3 years of the portal. Let's see who Hammock really is.

What he said. You can be realistic and have some level of expectation. This year will let us know if 2021 was a fluke.

Wanting to continue our culture of winning is not the same as believing we are Alabama North. I just expect to go bowling more years than not, as well as being in the MACC convo every year.

(03-21-2023 08:27 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  It's all in Rocky's and Rudolph's hands (literally). And, will they be back to form after the injuries? Plus, those two can't do it all on their own. At this point, I do not see anything else that gives me hope for a stellar season. And then there are the usual bonehead calls by the coaching staff. I hope they can pick up some decent players from the portal. This team needs a good shot in the arm. My confidence in Hammock is running out. I have hope for this season, but there is very little to support my hope. Thus, my expectation is at least year's level unless I see some light at the end of the tunnel. Let's see how it all plays out on the field in September.

Agreed. If Rocky healthy, we will be competitive. Last year, Hammock seemed to coddle the other QBs. Gotta let the kids play their game. We sucked anyway

(03-21-2023 10:40 AM)huskiefanatic89 Wrote:  I'm riding with this team. All the negativity in here, can't wait for all you guys to come back all of a sudden.

We got talent across the board at every position. Stay healthy, and watch out...

Well, we suck. And we have the worst attendance in the entire country. The criticisms are fair. Winning cures everything.

(03-21-2023 02:03 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(03-21-2023 10:40 AM)huskiefanatic89 Wrote:  I'm riding with this team. All the negativity in here, can't wait for all you guys to come back all of a sudden.

We got talent across the board at every position. Stay healthy, and watch out...

Well, we suck. And we have the worst attendance in the entire country. The criticisms are fair. Winning cures everything.

Like i said…talent across the board…and y’all still living in the past season…don’t talk to me when this teams good next year