WHATS THE *REAL* PROBLEM WITH IDAHO STATE?

[BengalCub]

I have been a Zamberlin lover and a hater over the past three years.

After having time to calm down (2-21 in two seasons can get people chippy) in the off season I think Zamberlin is starting to make some strides.

When Coach Z came aboard, I think he ran the Bengal program the same way that he ran it at Central Washington. Similar to what Wulff is doing at Washington State, Zamberlin brought kids that could play at Central Washington to Idaho State. That isn't meant to be a knock on Central at all, really it isn't--but Zamberlin does not enjoy some of the benefits that he had at Central when it comes to drop downs and taking chances on kids with questionable academics. ISU lost close to 70% of its FR recruiting classes in his first two seasons and the lack of depth in the program has killed progress in the last two seasons. Even more concerning was the fact that ISU was treading a fine line and risking ramifications and the potential loss of scholarships because of a low APR.

Secondly, ISU lost its OC/OL coach last year and replaced him with a QB coach and a grad assistant. God bless these two fine me, but they were not ready to hold those positions at the Big Sky level. They would have been in time, but not at this point. Next, the team hired an excellent assistant coach in Cullen to help out on the defensive side of the ball and they paid the money that they saved in promoting the two offensive coaches to Cullen--a position coach. In essence two DC's getting paid better than anyone on the offensive staff. It was a high stakes gamble and it did not pay off.

Okay, enough of me being negative. The last two recruiting classes have been solid and the attrition seems to be slowing down. I think Zamberlin is learning from errors that were made in the last three years and he may be slowing the negative momentum. I am confident in saying that the players on the team believe in Zamberlin and their is little doubt that Coach Z is an excellent person. The kind of person that players will play for. ISU addressed some needs (impossible to address all of them) with the last two recruiting classes and the team will have more depth than they have had over the past two years in particular.

The challenges of turning a program around are not easy and few teams in the BSC have had to fight these battles on a consistent basis. There has been quite a bit of turnover in recent history and the challenges of fixing the problem has proven to be more difficult because of this losing tradition. Larry Lewis did great things at Idaho State, but he lost the team over the past two seasons due to his dedication and loyalty to coaches that could not cut it at this level. I simply believe that it is easier to replace coaches at a school like Montana, because that winning tradition and blueprint of success is already established.

It kills me to read on these boards--folks that bash other BSC programs. In fact, I think it is in everyone's best interest to see other conference members be successful. Personally, I want to kick everyone's ass in the BSC on Saturday, but I want to see them all be successful every other week. The truth is, for now, we are all in it together.

A few years ago and even to this day, posters refer to ISU as a program of thugs. In recent history, teams like Montana and Montana State have realized that those types of problems are not issues that they are immune from. Yet, you will rarely see a Bengal fan revel in your challenges and mock your shortcomings.

I hope things at ISU are moving in the right direction. Right now I feel like they a are, but we will see what happens in the fall.

Go Big Sky!

[AZGrizFan]

As I said in a different thread, it benefits ALL if the cellar-dwellers in the BSC step it up.

[Sapper]

BengalCub good to see you. This has to be a record all these Bengal fans on one site.

[kemajic]

I have been a Zamberlin lover and a hater over the past three years.

After having time to calm down (2-21 in two seasons can get people chippy) in the off season I think Zamberlin is starting to make some strides.

When Coach Z came aboard, I think he ran the Bengal program the same way that he ran it at Central Washington. Similar to what Wulff is doing at Washington State, Zamberlin brought kids that could play at Central Washington to Idaho State. That isn't meant to be a knock on Central at all, really it isn't--but Zamberlin does not enjoy some of the benefits that he had at Central when it comes to drop downs and taking chances on kids with questionable academics. ISU lost close to 70% of its FR recruiting classes in his first two seasons and the lack of depth in the program has killed progress in the last two seasons. Even more concerning was the fact that ISU was treading a fine line and risking ramifications and the potential loss of scholarships because of a low APR.

Secondly, ISU lost its OC/OL coach last year and replaced him with a QB coach and a grad assistant. God bless these two fine me, but they were not ready to hold those positions at the Big Sky level. They would have been in time, but not at this point. Next, the team hired an excellent assistant coach in Cullen to help out on the defensive side of the ball and they paid the money that they saved in promoting the two offensive coaches to Cullen--a position coach. In essence two DC's getting paid better than anyone on the offensive staff. It was a high stakes gamble and it did not pay off.

Okay, enough of me being negative. The last two recruiting classes have been solid and the attrition seems to be slowing down. I think Zamberlin is learning from errors that were made in the last three years and he may be slowing the negative momentum. I am confident in saying that the players on the team believe in Zamberlin and their is little doubt that Coach Z is an excellent person. The kind of person that players will play for. ISU addressed some needs (impossible to address all of them) with the last two recruiting classes and the team will have more depth than they have had over the past two years in particular.

The challenges of turning a program around are not easy and few teams in the BSC have had to fight these battles on a consistent basis. There has been quite a bit of turnover in recent history and the challenges of fixing the problem has proven to be more difficult because of this losing tradition. Larry Lewis did great things at Idaho State, but he lost the team over the past two seasons due to his dedication and loyalty to coaches that could not cut it at this level. I simply believe that it is easier to replace coaches at a school like Montana, because that winning tradition and blueprint of success is already established.

It kills me to read on these boards--folks that bash other BSC programs. In fact, I think it is in everyone's best interest to see other conference members be successful. Personally, I want to kick everyone's ass in the BSC on Saturday, but I want to see them all be successful every other week. The truth is, for now, we are all in it together.

A few years ago and even to this day, posters refer to ISU as a program of thugs. In recent history, teams like Montana and Montana State have realized that those types of problems are not issues that they are immune from. Yet, you will rarely see a Bengal fan revel in your challenges and mock your shortcomings.

I hope things at ISU are moving in the right direction. Right now I feel like they a are, but we will see what happens in the fall.

Go Big Sky!

Good post; offered more than the rest of the thread combined. Sapper offered nothing of substance and couldn't keep his facts straight. ISU is a BSC charter member and former NC, the BSC needs ISU to step up and I don't see any reason they can't. They were better at the end of last year; this could be the year to move up.

[BengalCub]

That would be to your credit, Sapper. That military background of yours must include a little recruiting. After further thought, the least I could do is have your back and rise up to the challenge.

You need some grunts in your company.

[dbackjon]

Great post, Bengal Cub and welcome!

[lagneb]

When you hire a coach you expect him to be capable, prepared to coach at that next level. Mr. Zimberlin has clearly demonstrated over the past three years that he was no way near ready for the ISU assignment. He has made numorus judgement errors. Poor assistant coach selections, recruiting errors up the ying-yang, and absolutley no improvement over three years. Last year's recruiting class was okay, nothing outstanding but okay; same with this year's recruits. He has assistant coaches revolving in and out every year which causes constant change and varability. Some of these coaches should have never been hired initially, others have used ISU as a parking place for a year, waiting for better opportunities to open.

A new coach simply can not afford to make such numerous and very poor decisions and expect to maintain a loyal fan base. During the past three years, ISU has gone from an average or fair team to one of the nation's worest. In doing so, ISU has lost not only fans but thousands of contributions.

Over Mr. Zimberlin's tenture we have heard countless excusses from his office trying to excuss the poor performance. Time has run out for this coach. If substantial improvement is not made over his current two year contract, mens' sports may very well be at risk at ISU.

[WyomingGrizFan]

Larry Lewis - 8 seasons, '99-'06; record of 40-49, including BSC Co-Champs in 2002
I'm not sure ISU realized how good they had it in Larry Lewis.

He's probably enjoying himself a lot more at Colorado State where he's the Special Team coordinator and Safeties Coach: http://www.coachfair.colostate.edu/pages/lewis.asp

[WyomingGrizFan]

That would be to your credit, Sapper. That military background of yours must include a little recruiting. After further thought, the least I could do is have your back and rise up to the challenge.

You need some grunts in your company.

I've read in the latest VFW magazine that there are an estimated 23 million individuals walking the streets of America that claim to have had some kind of prior military service and/or campaign involvement that are out-right liers and/or deceivers prying a trade to secure veteran benefits under false premises. Some just to make themselves sound important when in all actuality they've never been any closer to being a member of the services that a mere watching it on TV. This here Mr. 'Sapper' doesn't convince me: for instance, a soldier has an answer for everything; Mr. 'Sapper' only makes up excuses. When you're on the firing line, you better know when to duck.

If he really is whom he says he is, etc., then answer this question Mr. 'Sapper:' on what page in the latest VFW magazine does the information I hinted at above appear on?..what, didn't get your copy yet? You might think this is all quite innocent and a little bit of fun on your part but it is a Federal crime these days to play the imposter of prior military service. It carries a penalty as well. Sure, you may hide behind an anonymous UserID on this site but what about other sites and institutions? I happen to know a couple Federal Judges and FBI Special Agents that can easily access this site with a subpoena for your actual name and address. They might just be interested enough to come knocking on your door and start asking questions on whether or not you are in fact what you say you are and if so, whether your are receiving legitimate pension and financial remuneration for your services, if disabled or not; as your lack of intellectual capabilities seems to testify. Or whatever other relevant discrepancies you happen to be involved with.

This isn't the first time some type of pathological lying has been uttered by this person. Perhaps he ought to seek professional help. Maybe a scan of the following might help in that direction: http://www.news-medical.net/news/2005/10/18/13840.aspx

[SUUTbird]

Personally from what i have seen is you guys have alot of speed and do have some talent and the ability to compete in the Big Sky as the Montana game showed. However i think alot of the problem lays on the youth of your players and the majority number of athletes on your team. Also part of it lies in i believe youroffense and defense currently being run, you may not just have the players to run them very effectively. I think if you guys went to an offense such as the Wing-T (Like Tubby Raymond did with Deleware) or the flexbone it would benefit you. Both offenses allow teams who dont neccesarily have the talent of other schools to compete and i think that could really help you guys also in the terms of throwing in an offense that will give your opponents scout teams fits to run effectively and give their starters a good look

[89Hen]

The turf problem will be solved soon.

The orange turf is going to look awesome.

[hotshot]

The turf a problem??? Give me a break!! That's nothing but a cough out! My son played high school there for 3 years on the "turf".

Here is the real problem....until ISU pulls their heads out of their azz and starts recruiting "local" talent, they will never build a real program. ISU does a terrible job recruiting. They have two of the top high schools in the state in town and this year they signed one athlete from all of eastern Idaho. Last year they signed two. Local kids=fan base. Look at Montana and MSU. Over 50% of their roster is Montano natives.

[Sapper]

ISU has signed 24 Idaho kids over the last three years with 8 this year. Last year according to the media guide on page 40 http://issuu.com/frankmercogliano/docs/ ... ipBtn=true ISU had 30 players from Idaho, 28 from California, 19 from Washington, 3 from Arizona, 2 from Nevada, 1 from Utah, Oregon, Texas and Louisiana. This year the University of Idaho signed 4 and Boise 2. I think ISU is doing a good job getting local talent. I dont think thats the problem.

P.S. Wyoming Grizz Yes I am in the Army and will continue to serve in the Army if you would like to see my DD 214 I am sure we can arrange something.

[mlbowl]

The turf a problem??? Give me a break!! That's nothing but a cough out! My son played high school there for 3 years on the "turf".

I don't know what the hell a "cough out" is...but ISU's turf is definitely a problem for ANYONE that plays on it!

[hotshot]

The turf a problem??? Give me a break!! That's nothing but a cough out! My son played high school there for 3 years on the "turf".

I don't know what the hell a "cough out" is...but ISU's turf is definitely a problem for ANYONE that plays on it!

I am not saying that it is a great field to play on by any means. But, I dont think the "turf" is a deciding factor on whether a player signs with ISU or not (maybe that's just me). I am just sick of hearing how ISU does such a great job recruiting in Eastern Idaho. The old Ricks College used to make a living off of Eastern Idaho kids. They were always in the top 10 in the country at the JC level. I guess I am ready to see ISU get out of the cellar and the only way they are going to do it is by getting the community involved.

[Silenoz]

I don't know what the hell a "cough out" is...but ISU's turf is definitely a problem for ANYONE that plays on it!

I am not saying that it is a great field to play on by any means. But, I dont think the "turf" is a deciding factor on whether a player signs with ISU or not (maybe that's just me). I am just sick of hearing how ISU does such a great job recruiting in Eastern Idaho. The old Ricks College used to make a living off of Eastern Idaho kids. They were always in the top 10 in the country at the JC level. I guess I am ready to see ISU get out of the cellar and the only way they are going to do it is by getting the community involved.

It would be for me if I was a recruit and caught the UM-ISU game in 07 or 09...

[hotshot]

ISU has signed 24 Idaho kids over the last three years with 8 this year. Last year according to the media guide on page 40 http://issuu.com/frankmercogliano/docs/ ... ipBtn=true ISU had 30 players from Idaho, 28 from California, 19 from Washington, 3 from Arizona, 2 from Nevada, 1 from Utah, Oregon, Texas and Louisiana. This year the University of Idaho signed 4 and Boise 2. I think ISU is doing a good job getting local talent. I dont think thats the problem.

Local? Out of the 8 kids this year there are only 3 from Eastern Idaho and the McElwein twins were recruited last year. The other 5 are all from the Boise valley. I disagree, ISU cannot get the local talent. Part of the problem is leakage. It is tough to compete with Utah, Boise, BYU, ect. But, there is a lot of talent that ISU never even talks to. They wait to see if they can get them to just walk on.

[mlbowl]

But, I dont think the "turf" is a deciding factor on whether a player signs with ISU or not (maybe that's just me).

OK...I can understand what you're saying from a recruiting standpoint...I'm just saying that the turf has been proven, with numerous injuries, that it is dangerous.

[hotshot]

But, I dont think the "turf" is a deciding factor on whether a player signs with ISU or not (maybe that's just me).

OK...I can understand what you're saying from a recruiting standpoint...I'm just saying that the turf has been proven, with numerous injuries, that it is dangerous.

I agree 100%. It is a problem and needs to be upgraded after 40+ years.

[Sapper]

The turf in the Dome was purchased in 2000-02 I am not sure but according to the AD it is not that old. There was not enough money for sports turf so new astro-turf was purchased. ISU has $500,000 and needs 1.2 million for sports turf so hopefully in the next 2-3 years.

[Grizo406]

ISU has signed 24 Idaho kids over the last three years with 8 this year. Last year according to the media guide on page 40 http://issuu.com/frankmercogliano/docs/ ... ipBtn=true ISU had 30 players from Idaho, 28 from California, 19 from Washington, 3 from Arizona, 2 from Nevada, 1 from Utah, Oregon, Texas and Louisiana. This year the University of Idaho signed 4 and Boise 2. I think ISU is doing a good job getting local talent. I dont think thats the problem.

P.S. Wyoming Grizz Yes I am in the Army and will continue to serve in the Army if you would like to see my DD 214 I am sure we can arrange something.

Thank for your service!

But, if you're in the Army, and continue to serve, why would you have a DD 214? My DD Form 214, says it's a Certificate of Release/Discharge from Active Duty.

[Sapper]

I am now in the reserve. My most recent DD 214 from August of 2009 released me from active duty and then I was reassigned to my reserve unit.

[Montanan]

ISU has signed 24 Idaho kids over the last three years with 8 this year. Last year according to the media guide on page 40 http://issuu.com/frankmercogliano/docs/ ... ipBtn=true ISU had 30 players from Idaho, 28 from California, 19 from Washington, 3 from Arizona, 2 from Nevada, 1 from Utah, Oregon, Texas and Louisiana. This year the University of Idaho signed 4 and Boise 2. I think ISU is doing a good job getting local talent. I dont think thats the problem.

P.S. Wyoming Grizz Yes I am in the Army and will continue to serve in the Army if you would like to see my DD 214 I am sure we can arrange something.

Thank for your service!

But, if you're in the Army, and continue to serve, why would you have a DD 214? My DD Form 214, says it's a Certificate of Release/Discharge from Active Duty.

good catch.

that said, in the modern (Bush-Post Bush era) is there such a thing as release from active duty? just sayin'...

[Benne]

Thank for your service!

But, if you're in the Army, and continue to serve, why would you have a DD 214? My DD Form 214, says it's a Certificate of Release/Discharge from Active Duty.

good catch.

that said, in the modern (Bush-Post Bush era) is there such a thing as release from active duty? just sayin'...

Which reservists and guard members are given after every deployment ends.

[SouthDakotaGrizzly]

What's the real problem with ISU? How about Holt Arena? I don't think it would be going out on a limb by saying it's the worst football venue in the Big Sky. Unfortunately, it seems highly unlikely that the university would be able to scrounge up enough money to construct something better (at least in the near future), unless Jared Allen can be convinced to reach deep into his pockets.

Another problem is location. Not Pocatello, specifically, but more of their regional location. They're competing for top-tier local recruits with Boise St, Idaho, Utah and BYU at the FBS level and lower-tier recruits with Weber St. and even Montana and Montana St. at the FCS level. When you look at their past success (or relative lack thereof) and combine that with their facilities, there's not a lot of incentive for a recruit to pick ISU over any of those other programs.