Portland State--Where do we go from here?

[JALMOND]

This may seem a bit self-centered, but with a large percentage of posters here representing the Big Sky, I thought I'd post this here. After pondering the events of the last 24 hours in Portland, I wanted to throw this out as to what I think Portland State should do (there is a lot of talk from the so-called "experts" in the Portland media, some of whom only know Portland State exists when something like this happens).

The next coach will show just where the PSU football team is heading. Simply, if the Vikings are content with staying in the Big Sky, they will hire someone familiar with the Big Sky, someone who understands the nuances of the conference; the opponents, the coaches, the teams, etc. If they are listening to those in Portland who are wanting a move to the WAC, they will hire a big name coach to try to drum up the interest and support from the Portland community. Three years ago, Glanville was a hire towards a perceived move to the WAC, a move that, of course, did not happen. Glanville and Davis were supposed to come in and, in their belief and the belief of the city, more or less claim superiority in the Big Sky to force a move to the WAC. The main problem was, no one (Glanville, Davis, none of the boosters, no one within the city) realized how tough the Big Sky conference was. Davis remembered how easy it was to beat the Big Sky when he was coach and automatically thought (actually, knew is a better word) that he could do it again. It didn't take long for Glanville to realize that situation was not going to happen (it took Davis a little longer).

So who do I think should be the next coach. No question. Pflugrad was a PSU player so he knows about what its like playing for Portland State. He was an Oregon assistant so he knows the recruiting area involved and can get the athletes here. He was an assistant at Montana, so he knows about what it takes to win in the Big Sky (the time, the effort, the knowledge). If we are to stay in the Big Sky, and not chase a pipe dream of joining the WAC, Pflugrad is the one for the job. A hire towards a move to the WAC can result in the hiring of another Glanville type coach and I think we are not looking for that.

Whoever we hire, I'll come back and tell you if it is a hire for a run through the Big Sky or a hire for a move to the WAC. It should be obvious at that time.

[SuperHornet]

I was shocked and flabbergasted by this move.

My top two choices for PSU after this would be the Mouse or maybe (OMG, am I actually saying this?) Angus McClure. He's been deserving of an HC job for quite some time, and he's spinning his wheels at UCLA. Angus belongs in the Big Sky. He'll be a player's coach who really knows his X's and O's.

[Tailbone]

shouldn't a guy named Angus be coaching at an Ag school?

Har, I crack me up!

[SuperHornet]

shouldn't a guy named Angus be coaching at an Ag school?

Har, I crack me up!

Angus will NEVER go to the Manure Pile. Hell will freeze over before that happens.

[SouthDakotaGrizzly]

Keep your hands off Pflugrad ! He's our replacement for Hauck when he leaves to be the next coach at Notre Dame . Seriously, though, look what happened to NAU after they hired Souers away from the Griz. Sure, they've had some good seasons and playoff appearances, but the losing streak against UM stands at 12 now (I think). Hands off!

[Screamin_Eagle174]

That's a complete shock to me that PSU had thoughts of making a push towards moving up and going into the WAC. Complete pipe-dream at the time being. The attendance and therefore the $, let alone a FOOTBALL stadium or a consistent winning record within the conference, just aren't there. I'd be surprised if PSU didn't offer the job to Pflugard or whatever his name is.

[Mvemjsunpx]

So who do I think should be the next coach. No question. Pflugrad was a PSU player so he knows about what its like playing for Portland State. He was an Oregon assistant so he knows the recruiting area involved and can get the athletes here. He was an assistant at Montana, so he knows about what it takes to win in the Big Sky (the time, the effort, the knowledge). If we are to stay in the Big Sky, and not chase a pipe dream of joining the WAC, Pflugrad is the one for the job. A hire towards a move to the WAC can result in the hiring of another Glanville type coach and I think we are not looking for that.

Whoever we hire, I'll come back and tell you if it is a hire for a run through the Big Sky or a hire for a move to the WAC. It should be obvious at that time.

If PSU wants to keep the run-and-shoot (or something similar), Pflugrad would be a good choice; he was an assistant under Don Read for more than a decade. If the Viks want to return to something more akin to Tim Walsh's scheme, then they should probably go with someone else.

[JALMOND]

One thing is for sure, Davis is not the answer. If anything became clear in this whole "experiment" was that Glanville needed Davis and Davis needed Glanville. This was doomed to fail as soon as one of the "wise old guys" left. If Davis was hired now, it would keep the whole delusion alive of it still being the 1970's during the glory years. No Davis, it is time to move forward.

[JALMOND]

Keep your hands off Pflugrad ! He's our replacement for Hauck when he leaves to be the next coach at Notre Dame . Seriously, though, look what happened to NAU after they hired Souers away from the Griz. Sure, they've had some good seasons and playoff appearances, but the losing streak against UM stands at 12 now (I think). Hands off!

First off we need to keep in mind of where we are, and where we've been for 15 years now, not where we might want to be someday. Glanville and Davis learned about the Big Sky on the fly and still hadn't had it figured out three years later. If that is all the time the PSU administration is willing to give the head coach, we need someone who understands the conference that we are in, not some other conference that we probably will never be in. Pflugrad knows the conference and he knows Oregon and that is why I think he would be a great fit here, if we plan to stay in the Big Sky (which makes the most sense to me).

[JALMOND]

So who do I think should be the next coach. No question. Pflugrad was a PSU player so he knows about what its like playing for Portland State. He was an Oregon assistant so he knows the recruiting area involved and can get the athletes here. He was an assistant at Montana, so he knows about what it takes to win in the Big Sky (the time, the effort, the knowledge). If we are to stay in the Big Sky, and not chase a pipe dream of joining the WAC, Pflugrad is the one for the job. A hire towards a move to the WAC can result in the hiring of another Glanville type coach and I think we are not looking for that.

Whoever we hire, I'll come back and tell you if it is a hire for a run through the Big Sky or a hire for a move to the WAC. It should be obvious at that time.

If PSU wants to keep the run-and-shoot (or something similar), Pflugrad would be a good choice; he was an assistant under Don Read for more than a decade. If the Viks want to return to something more akin to Tim Walsh's scheme, then they should probably go with someone else.

The system Walsh left was not broken. Davis came in and threw it out anyway. Now we have the run and shoot (at least that was what Glanville called it) and, to me, it would make the most sense to at least keep it with these kids coming back next year. PSU's administration has established precedence with the way they handled Glanville that they are willing to wait only three years for positive results. That is why I'm thinking, the less change the better. I think Pflugrad would like the offense that is in place, but may need some "tweaking".

[travelinman67]

If PSU wants to keep the run-and-shoot (or something similar), Pflugrad would be a good choice; he was an assistant under Don Read for more than a decade. If the Viks want to return to something more akin to Tim Walsh's scheme, then they should probably go with someone else.

The system Walsh left was not broken. Davis came in and threw it out anyway. Now we have the run and shoot (at least that was what Glanville called it) and, to me, it would make the most sense to at least keep it with these kids coming back next year. PSU's administration has established precedence with the way they handled Glanville that they are willing to wait only three years for positive results. That is why I'm thinking, the less change the better. I think Pflugrad would like the offense that is in place, but may need some "tweaking".

The problem with PSU's run and gun is other than McClintock's 3 yds and a cloud of dust outs, PSU's OL cannot provide consistent pocket protection for the long ball, which makes it easy for opposing D's. Repeatedly, I heard "they had us scouted" time after time from frustrated players. It wasn't the scouting, it was the thin playbook.
Moreso, defensively, it seems as though other than a great MLB and Corner, the coaches overlook the other positions. They need a killer Safety and two killer DE's and they could make a go of it.

[bpcats]

A few things to keep in mind, is that PSU has one of the youngest teams in the FCS so that is a good thing for whoever replaces Glanville. I also think that the talent level has increased under Glanville, but will need to post some more wins to really start winning the recruiting battles.

Hire the coach that can win games in the Big Sky, until PSU can battle for a conference championship each year then a move up doesn't make sense. Got to win the gain the support for such a move.

[Wedgebuster]

Hire Scott Downing, please.

[kalm]

Wait a couple of weeks and Paul wulff and/or his oc Todd sturdy might be available.

[travelinman67]

A few things to keep in mind, is that PSU has one of the youngest teams in the FCS so that is a good thing for whoever replaces Glanville. I also think that the talent level has increased under Glanville, but will need to post some more wins to really start winning the recruiting battles.

Hire the coach that can win games in the Big Sky, until PSU can battle for a conference championship each year then a move up doesn't make sense. Got to win the gain the support for such a move.

Agreen. Talent has increased under Glanville, but I'm fearful may fall backwards if PSU goes for a homer coach. There is a strong group of "homer" alum that push local talent, which often isn't up to snuff for the Big Sky, much less a move up. They're further hampered by stingy financial aid, which, with out of state tuition running 27k+, plus high cost of living in dtown Portland, makes PSU a hard sell to the out of state talent. Why go to PSU when an unaided player can go to Oregon or UW, walk on, and still have change left in their pocket? PSU needs to get serious with local and state grant aid if they are serious about picking up talent.

The wins>recruiting game is obviously a chicken>egg conundrum...so...

[BlackFalkin]

This is what portland state needs to do to win the Big Sky conf...

1. Bring back green into their uniform & place a logo on the side of the helmet... these uniforms must be NEW. remember 'look better,play better'.<-fact!
2. Add some "PORTLAND STATE VIKINGS" signage to pge park.. even at psu's games it doest look like it belogs to them... im sure in one way or another it feels like an away game to them... Portland state should also consider building a small stadium on campus... Its not gonna be pretty at first but the stadium will sell out, & it will a 'home' advantage.
3. Stop trying to move to the wac... your not there yet... FOCUS on what you have, a great conf where you can actually have a shot at the Conf title & Nat' title. Stop living in a fairy tale land. FOCUS on the Big Sky
4. Get Back Back 2 Basics.. Recruit a top power, 30 rush per game, type back & some hogs up front and focus on the run game... Get a 'pro type' Qb and TRAIN him to be a GREAT qb. stop that 'run & shoot' crap... focus on 60% run 40% pass on off & have a hard nose def. " If we score alot of points, we may win. If they dont score any points, we WILL win."
-Former Ga State Coach

[Tailbone]

This is what portland state needs to do to win the Big Sky conf...

............
4. Get Back Back 2 Basics.. Recruit a top power, 30 rush per game, type back & some hogs up front and focus on the run game... Get a 'pro type' Qb and TRAIN him to be a GREAT qb. stop that 'run & shoot' crap... focus on 60% run 40% pass on off & have a hard nose def. " If we score alot of points, we may win. If they dont score any points, we WILL win."
-Former Ga State Coach

The 2006 Vikes were the kind of team needed to win the 'Sky.
That was IMO, the best PSU team in recent memory.
Would have loved to see them tear some "new ones" in the FCS play-offs, fortunately for many FCS play-off teams......The AD STUPIDLY scheduled the Vikes out of the play-offs with FBS games.

That (FBS scheduling) seems to be epidemic in the Big Sky.
Short term solutions for long term problems....that's not the way to build a program.

[BlackFalkin]

thats right, they had a decent QB, a great wr Shaun Bodiford, & a pretty big RB, I forgot his name... i also think Dominic Dixon was still there too... Portland State was a contender back then...

[Shellin]

Pflugrad might very well work out to be a good head coach, I haven't followed him that closely (other than knowing the where he ends up) very much since he left Washington State for Oregon after the 2005 season. However, I will say that most people at WSU lay a lot of the blame for WSU's current problems on Pflugrad's recruiting in his last two seasons in Pullman. He was the head recruiter in at WSU under Price and Doba and his 2004 and 2005 classes (would be the redshirt seniors and seniors this year) may have been the two worst recruiting classes in Pac-10 history, I believe from those 2 classes nearly 30 out of the 50 recruits washed out by their second year in school. Obviously WSU is a difficult place to recruit to (as will be Portland State) but those 2 recruiting classes came on the heels of 3 consecutive 10 win seasons.

With that said, pretty much everyone liked him and thought he did a good job at Oregon and I've only heard positive things about his current tenure at Montana. With his Oregon and Big Sky ties, I'm not surprised to see his name on the short list though.

[Willie]

I was called into my coach's office today, as a sophomore teammate of mine is transferring to PSU. He's from Seattle and is familiar with the program. Coach knew I was from MT and a big Griz fan and was wondering if the kid has a shot at playing there. Now to go from D-III to FCS is a BIG step. And I think the kid doesn't really have a shot, but he's determined to try. Kid's name is Rob Weisner, plays defensive end. Keep an eye out for his name in the spring.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Wait a couple of weeks and Paul wulff and/or his oc Todd sturdy might be available.

[JALMOND]

A few things to keep in mind, is that PSU has one of the youngest teams in the FCS so that is a good thing for whoever replaces Glanville. I also think that the talent level has increased under Glanville, but will need to post some more wins to really start winning the recruiting battles.

Hire the coach that can win games in the Big Sky, until PSU can battle for a conference championship each year then a move up doesn't make sense. Got to win the gain the support for such a move.

It will be interesting to see who stays out of the youngsters. The whole coaching staff left, not just Glanville so the kids are looking at new coaches everywhere. Rather scary, I say.

[JALMOND]

I was called into my coach's office today, as a sophomore teammate of mine is transferring to PSU. He's from Seattle and is familiar with the program. Coach knew I was from MT and a big Griz fan and was wondering if the kid has a shot at playing there. Now to go from D-III to FCS is a BIG step. And I think the kid doesn't really have a shot, but he's determined to try. Kid's name is Rob Weisner, plays defensive end. Keep an eye out for his name in the spring.

A lot of times with a new coaching staff, all positions are virtually up for grabs. I'd say he might have as much of a chance as anyone, if he is willing to show the new coach that he wants to work.

[JALMOND]

Something like this gives all those Portland sportswriters something about Portland State to write about. It is a lot of fun when these Duck and Beaver followers show off their ignorance of PSU and Viking football. John Canzano says we have nothing but "leftovers" playing for us...

http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/oregon ... man_w.html

Also, on his radio show tonight, said that PSU was ranked in the preseason poll in 2007 just because Glanville was named head coach that winter. Obviously having tons of returning talent from a team that went 6-2 against the FCS the year before never did factor into that.

I can't believe that I really hope for some recognition from this Portland media staff. There's more blatant distortion of the facts among the Portland sportswriters than there is on AGS (CS posters seem to research their facts more ).

[travelinman67]

This is what portland state needs to do to win the Big Sky conf...

1. Bring back green into their uniform & place a logo on the side of the helmet... these uniforms must be NEW. remember 'look better,play better'.<-fact!
2. Add some "PORTLAND STATE VIKINGS" signage to pge park.. even at psu's games it doest look like it belogs to them... im sure in one way or another it feels like an away game to them... Portland state should also consider building a small stadium on campus... Its not gonna be pretty at first but the stadium will sell out, & it will a 'home' advantage.
3. Stop trying to move to the wac... your not there yet... FOCUS on what you have, a great conf where you can actually have a shot at the Conf title & Nat' title. Stop living in a fairy tale land. FOCUS on the Big Sky
4. Get Back Back 2 Basics.. Recruit a top power, 30 rush per game, type back & some hogs up front and focus on the run game... Get a 'pro type' Qb and TRAIN him to be a GREAT qb. stop that 'run & shoot' crap... focus on 60% run 40% pass on off & have a hard nose def. " If we score alot of points, we may win. If they dont score any points, we WILL win."
-Former Ga State Coach

Dunno 'bout the uniform stuff...Nike has a uniform deal, and I thought their gear was better than most 1AA's.
Agree about PG&E park...it's an architectural/functional abortion that needs to be torn down and a regular stadium built. I don't know where they would build on campus, though...unless they leveled the practice field and that small group of buildings to the west of it...otherwise...the campus is impacted. In either case, absence of parking is a MAJOR issue that needs to be fixed at either location. Attendance has always been weak, IMHO, largely because Portland's parking enforcement makes China's Maoist oppressors appear Rudolf Steineresque: Post game entertainment generally includes watching attendees searching for their vehicles that have been towed and impounded.
PSU is decades away from a WAC (or whatever conference exists then) move.
Absolutely agreed about a talented RB...McClintock's a solid short yardage guy, but they have no gamemaker RB's on the depth chart. And also agreed on the QB. Drew, Ty and Connor have talent, but not the supporting cast to utilize their skills. Watched local kid/AF transfer Nick Green in spring ball...could boot, had mobility and looked pretty good (didn't get to see him run it, though his footwork showed signs of an option QB), but was weak in accuracy (timing was OK, but touch was off...regularly over/underthrew) and consistency...which obviously could improve with a little work. The other newbie from Mt. Union...haven't seen him on the field yet, but stats paint him as another run and gun QB. Like you said, however, put together a pro-style offense, expand the playbook, and start making their opponents D's earn their wins.

Good eval, Falkin.