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Post by longsuffering on Sept 2, 2022 10:01:38 GMT -5
I'm expecting Zergiotis to be seeing purple ghosts again this year. His sideline pouting last year did not indicate grace under pressure or keeping his head in the game.
But he must have talent to be named starting QB two season openers in a row and the Merrimack coach must have skill to have defeated HC last year.
I won't call it a Holy War, but Merrimack has quickly become an interesting opponent for HC with the various story lines of two coaches graduating together into MA. D-1 from MA. D-2, both nearby Catholic Colleges, etc.
Not a CAA opponent but better than scanning the country for an FCS tomato can.
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Post by midwestsader05 on Sept 2, 2022 10:13:38 GMT -5
I’ve scouted Merrimack quite closely (how the fell apart last season etc.) Here is my pre-game take: Remember, every game is a tale of two teams. Both teams have a ceiling and a floor. I start by asking if both teams match their potential (both teams play well, both teams play average or both teams play poor) what is the likely outcome? All things being equal, pound for pound I believe we are 7-14 points the better team (hence my pick of HC by 8) Now, as we saw last year (and I can be just as guilty as any of anchoring bias), we know what will happen if we play poorly and they play well. They will beat us convincingly. Two plays turned the tide in that game, the one-handed pick 6 in the 2nd quarter and the awkward punt bounce that hit our player and set up MC to score again just before half. I point out those two plays because one was skill and the other luck, and both happen in most games. Conversely, we’ve seen what can happen if we play our A game and another talented team does not (Monmouth last season). For those of you picking HC by “at least” 2 TD’s and closer to 24, that’s what it would take. Our guys forcing them into costly mistakes and getting a couple bounces. Keys to the game are the keys to the season…Sluka getting the ball to our playmakers in stride (too many times last year they had to adjust just make the catch. If you hit our top WR’s in stride and space, they are extremely dangerous) It is a top 5 WR core in FCS IMO. Also, I’ll be watching his ability to be accurate when not setting his feet while on the move. The ball would too often sail on him or he would “short arm” it. Finally, he’s one of the best running QBs in FCS, his bias is to use his legs to make plays when all else fails. Will he stand in the pocket and go through his progression or will he look to tuck and run? As for the D…I’ll be watching those 4-5 DT’s early. Can they hold the line and get a push? Can they get up field and soak up blockers on blitzes to allow Dobbs and Anderson to go one on one with a RB or TE (good luck to those fellas trying to block those two with a full head of steam)
Go Purp!
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Post by hcpride on Sept 2, 2022 11:13:21 GMT -5
/\ While I'm thinking we win by 20ish, I do share an offensive concern regarding QB arm/accuracy and I'll add the other concern I've had for the last two seasons - footspeed out of the backfield. But those are season-long concerns that might be decisive v our very strongest opponents and not necessarily v Merrimack.
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Post by hchoops on Sept 2, 2022 11:15:30 GMT -5
Thanks for this thorough preview, mw05
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Post by Ignutz on Sept 2, 2022 11:44:54 GMT -5
/\ While I'm thinking we win by 20ish, I do share an offensive concern regarding QB arm/accuracy and I'll add the other concern I've had for the last two seasons - footspeed out of the backfield. But those are season-long concerns that might be decisive v our very strongest opponents and not necessarily v Merrimack. I considered Stuka to be more of a Freshman-and-a-half last year, and I’m betting that with last year’s experience and a full (and normal) off-season, we’ll be very happy with him this season.
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Post by hc6774 on Sept 2, 2022 12:17:26 GMT -5
I’ve scouted Merrimack quite closely (how the fell apart last season etc.) Here is my pre-game take: Remember, every game is a tale of two teams. Both teams have a ceiling and a floor. I start by asking if both teams match their potential (both teams play well, both teams play average or both teams play poor) what is the likely outcome? All things being equal, pound for pound I believe we are 7-14 points the better team (hence my pick of HC by 8) Now, as we saw last year (and I can be just as guilty as any of anchoring bias), we know what will happen if we play poorly and they play well. They will beat us convincingly. Two plays turned the tide in that game, the one-handed pick 6 in the 2nd quarter and the awkward punt bounce that hit out player and set up MC to score again just before half. I point out those two plays because one was skill and the other luck, and both happen in most games. Conversely, we’ve seen what can happen if we play our A game and another talented team does not (Monmouth last season). For those of you picking HC by “at least” 2 TD’s and closer to 24, that’s what it would take. Our guys forcing them into costly mistakes and getting a couple bounces. Keys to the game are the keys to the season…Sluka getting to ball to our playmakers in stride (too many times last year they had to adjust just make the catch. If you hit out top WR’s in stride and space, they are extremely dangerous) It is a top 5 WR core in FCS IMO. Also, I’ll be watching his ability to be accurate when not setting his feet while on the move. The ball would too often sail on him or he would “short arm” it. Finally, he’s one of the best running QBs in FCS, his bias is to use his legs to make plays when all else fails. Will he stand in the pocket and go through his progression or will he look to tuck and run? As for the D…I’ll be watching those 4-5 DT’s early. Can they hold the line and get a push? Can they get up field and soak up blockers on blitzes to allow Dobbs and Anderson to go one on one with a RB or TE (good luck to those fellas trying to block those two with a full head of steam) Go Purp! agree the development of the DTs is needed to maximize the over all D where do you rank the Fordham WR corps?
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Post by midwestsader05 on Sept 2, 2022 12:20:18 GMT -5
Don’t get me wrong…I love Sluk. As DHarry says “he’s a sh*t kicker” and a guy you want to go to battle with. We’ve seen him make all the plays and throws in his best games (Fordham, UCONN, Monmouth, Lafayette etc) It’s all about the consistency now. Minimizing the mistakes and poor throws.
Also Developing between his ears and relying less on his pure athleticism, which again is top in FCS.
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Merrimack
Sept 2, 2022 12:21:28 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by HC92 on Sept 2, 2022 12:21:28 GMT -5
Just checked my map. Traffic already building. Says it’s almost 3 hours for me. Without traffic, it should be 2:10. Not going to get better as the afternoon wears on.
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Post by midwestsader05 on Sept 2, 2022 12:33:37 GMT -5
I’ve scouted Merrimack quite closely (how the fell apart last season etc.) Here is my pre-game take: Remember, every game is a tale of two teams. Both teams have a ceiling and a floor. I start by asking if both teams match their potential (both teams play well, both teams play average or both teams play poor) what is the likely outcome? All things being equal, pound for pound I believe we are 7-14 points the better team (hence my pick of HC by 8) Now, as we saw last year (and I can be just as guilty as any of anchoring bias), we know what will happen if we play poorly and they play well. They will beat us convincingly. Two plays turned the tide in that game, the one-handed pick 6 in the 2nd quarter and the awkward punt bounce that hit out player and set up MC to score again just before half. I point out those two plays because one was skill and the other luck, and both happen in most games. Conversely, we’ve seen what can happen if we play our A game and another talented team does not (Monmouth last season). For those of you picking HC by “at least” 2 TD’s and closer to 24, that’s what it would take. Our guys forcing them into costly mistakes and getting a couple bounces. Keys to the game are the keys to the season…Sluka getting to ball to our playmakers in stride (too many times last year they had to adjust just make the catch. If you hit out top WR’s in stride and space, they are extremely dangerous) It is a top 5 WR core in FCS IMO. Also, I’ll be watching his ability to be accurate when not setting his feet while on the move. The ball would too often sail on him or he would “short arm” it. Finally, he’s one of the best running QBs in FCS, his bias is to use his legs to make plays when all else fails. Will he stand in the pocket and go through his progression or will he look to tuck and run? As for the D…I’ll be watching those 4-5 DT’s early. Can they hold the line and get a push? Can they get up field and soak up blockers on blitzes to allow Dobbs and Anderson to go one on one with a RB or TE (good luck to those fellas trying to block those two with a full head of steam) Go Purp! agree the development of the DTs is needed to maximize the over all D where do you rank the Fordham WR corps? Their top 3 are right there with ours (D Carter, Fotis Koko, and Wright). However, our 4-6 are better.
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Post by gks on Sept 2, 2022 12:33:42 GMT -5
Just checked my map. Traffic already building. Says it’s almost 3 hours for me. Without traffic, it should be 2:10. Not going to get better as the afternoon wears on. Huh....usually 495 through Lowell and Lawrence is a driver's dream on a Friday of a holiday weekend......... Go Cross!
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Merrimack
Sept 2, 2022 12:43:29 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by longsuffering on Sept 2, 2022 12:43:29 GMT -5
Tickets are still available according to the Merrimack website.
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Merrimack
Sept 2, 2022 12:44:42 GMT -5
via mobile
gks likes this
Post by Ignutz on Sept 2, 2022 12:44:42 GMT -5
Just checked my map. Traffic already building. Says it’s almost 3 hours for me. Without traffic, it should be 2:10. Not going to get better as the afternoon wears on. I’m about a twenty minute drive away, but we’ve made 5:00 dinner reservation about a 1/2 mile from the campus. It’s going to be a beautiful evening - in more ways than one🫰!
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Merrimack
Sept 2, 2022 12:45:27 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by Ignutz on Sept 2, 2022 12:45:27 GMT -5
Tickets are still available according to the Merrimack website. Could be like a Red Sox or Yankee game at the Trop!
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Post by sader1970 on Sept 2, 2022 13:53:33 GMT -5
Less than 5 hours to kick-off!
GO CROSS GO!!!
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Post by mm67 on Sept 2, 2022 14:29:06 GMT -5
Merrimack anticipation is sizzling among alums. Still believe it will be a tough win. No doubt after last year's Merrimack win these guys think they have HC's number. Expect they will get a lesson in math. HC by 7-10.
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Merrimack
Sept 2, 2022 14:58:20 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by longsuffering on Sept 2, 2022 14:58:20 GMT -5
Less than 5 hours to kick-off! GO CROSS GO!!!Keep your hands on the wheel.🤣
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Post by HCFC45 on Sept 2, 2022 14:59:48 GMT -5
Leaving here at 4:30pm!
GO CROSS GO!!!!!!
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Post by rgs318 on Sept 2, 2022 14:59:51 GMT -5
Now less than 3 hours...and I am keyed up big time! GO CROSS GO
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Merrimack
Sept 2, 2022 15:00:29 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by longsuffering on Sept 2, 2022 15:00:29 GMT -5
Merrimack anticipation is sizzling among alums. Still believe it will be a tough win. No doubt after last year's Merrimack win these guys think they have HC's number. Expect they will get a lesson in math. HC by 7-10. Your doorman went to Merrimack?😂 Only kidding it's a fine institution. HOF Yaz is a graduate of Merrimack. Go Cross Go!
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Post by longsuffering on Sept 2, 2022 15:04:30 GMT -5
Leaving here at 4:30pm! GO CROSS GO!!!!!! Enjoy the second half.😄 You should be fine.
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Post by longsuffering on Sept 2, 2022 15:27:00 GMT -5
Too bad NBC Sports Boston didn't pick up this game because during the game hours they have all re-run shows except for a half hour of a generic sports update.
Peak Marketing could have pitched this to them in coordination with Merrimack but perhaps they just focus on what is specified in their HC contract and they are compensated for, and not encouraged to market the HC FB story to anyone who could help move the program forward.
To me it's a more attractive offering for a regional sports channel than re-runs and they probably could have simulcast or shared resources with NEC Front Row.
I got into watching the Bryant game to the end last night even though I didn't intend to because it was a real nail biter. Live sports have an element that pulls people in.
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Post by bikeman on Sept 2, 2022 16:15:53 GMT -5
I’m sad there’s no more radio broadcasts. We miss you Mr E.
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Merrimack
Sept 2, 2022 16:18:46 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by longsuffering on Sept 2, 2022 16:18:46 GMT -5
I’m sad there’s no more radio broadcasts. We miss you Mr E. Yes. Glad we still have Mr. B.
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Post by hc87 on Sept 2, 2022 16:27:16 GMT -5
I'm sure Mr E will be broadcasting this 2nd evah meeting between these two fine institutions somewhere....
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Post by Sons of Vaval on Sept 2, 2022 16:53:41 GMT -5
I'm sure Mr E will be broadcasting this 2nd evah meeting between these two fine institutions somewhere.... The Warriors or the Mack, whichever you prefer.
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