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Post by Non Alum Dave on Nov 11, 2023 22:37:18 GMT -5
2 field goals away from beating 2 FBS teams in the same season.
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Post by fillfittonfield on Nov 11, 2023 22:49:22 GMT -5
Just looked at the game times for next week.
The Lehigh v Lafayette game is at 12 PM.
The HC v GU game is at 12 PM.
Get prepared now!
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Post by hcpride on Nov 12, 2023 7:07:57 GMT -5
It is interesting that in our last two losses (Lafayette and West Point) Sluka ran a total of 65 (!!) times. In both cases our receivers were predicted to have very good games and certainly had very favorable matchups. In those two losses we completed just 23 passes for 241 yards.
(It is also true [FWIW] that Sluka gained an amazing 500 (!!) yards on the ground in those two losses.)
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Post by Sons of Vaval on Nov 12, 2023 7:59:14 GMT -5
It is interesting that in our last two losses (Lafayette and West Point) Sluka ran a total of 65 (!!) times. In both cases our receivers were predicted to have very good games and certainly had very favorable matchups. In those two losses we completed just 23 passes for 241 yards. (It is also true [FWIW] that Sluka gained an amazing 500 (!!) yards on the ground in those two losses.) It's a very fair question to ask whether we'd have been better off with either of the following: 1) Sluka, but we use fewer design running plays for him and he picks his spots when to run. 2) Pesansky slings the ball around the field 35+ times. Granted, Army was probably playing a bit of a prevent defense on our final offensive drive, but we effectively moved the ball down the field when we decided to actually pass. Coker and Shorter are better than anyone Army had in their secondary.
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Post by hc1996 on Nov 12, 2023 8:08:24 GMT -5
Lots of tears shed on the field after the post game handshake. Almost like they knew their chance at the postseason was blown. Coker and Purdy were very upset. Those guys have it their all.
Also, #2 for Army was a dirty player. It really got on Coker’s nerves. I assume that was what caused the scuffle during the handshakes.
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Post by hchoops on Nov 12, 2023 8:09:39 GMT -5
It is interesting that in our last two losses (Lafayette and West Point) Sluka ran a total of 65 (!!) times. In both cases our receivers were predicted to have very good games and certainly had very favorable matchups. In those two losses we completed just 23 passes for 241 yards. (It is also true [FWIW] that Sluka gained an amazing 500 (!!) yards on the ground in those two losses.) It's a very fair question to ask whether we'd have been better off with either of the following: 1) Sluka, but we use fewer design running plays for him and he picks his spots when to run. 2) Pesansky slings the ball around the field 35+ times. Or 3- a combination of both
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Post by hcpride on Nov 12, 2023 8:43:02 GMT -5
It is interesting that in our last two losses (Lafayette and West Point) Sluka ran a total of 65 (!!) times. In both cases our receivers were predicted to have very good games and certainly had very favorable matchups. In those two losses we completed just 23 passes for 241 yards. (It is also true [FWIW] that Sluka gained an amazing 500 (!!) yards on the ground in those two losses.) It's a very fair question to ask whether we'd have been better off with either of the following: 1) Sluka, but we use fewer design running plays for him and he picks his spots when to run. 2) Pesansky slings the ball around the field 35+ times. Granted, Army was probably playing a bit of a prevent defense on our final offensive drive, but we effectively moved the ball down the field when we decided to actually pass. Coker and Shorter are better than anyone Army had in their secondary. I’ve never been a fan (who is?) of running the passing QB out there when we need to pass but given the passing opportunities presented (and lost) versus both Lafayette and Army … Fordham, a mid-pack Patriot League team, remains our best win this year. Fingers crossed for the auto-bid.
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Post by timholycross on Nov 12, 2023 9:38:33 GMT -5
Defense allowed 10 points to ARMY! 10! Why didn’t we throw ball more against a poor secondary. 37 QB runs seems odd. Not sure what the problem was today but our WR’s were wide open all day. Huge opportunity to sneak in the playoffs today. Kudos the the defense incredible day today! I couldn’t help thinking there is a throwing arm issue going on as part of Sluka’s injury. Yes, and the way plays started, with him having the option to take off; he was usually not in a solid throwing position. Too many adjustments to make! When (2024 or 2025) he's not the qb, wonder what tweaks they will do with the offense. Pesansky for sure is better utilized as mostly a drop back guy.
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Post by cruskater31 on Nov 12, 2023 10:59:50 GMT -5
I found thr game script baffling. From the endzone we had a good look at what plays were RPO, which were QB runs, and which were passes that broke down and Sluka took off. We didn't attempt enough passes in passing situations. I love when he takes off on broken plays and often times the LB core has spread out covering guys, but we had too many QB runs for 4 or 5 yards that were not from broken plays. I had hopes that Kennedy would keep much the same from Chris, but I am not sure. It is easy to play Sunday morning QB on here, but I just wonder why we never take points in close games. For crying out loud give Palenzuela a shot. I am of the belief, and many might disagree, that coaching decisions may have cost us in the Laffy and Army games as our D continued their fight to struggle and improve.
Joe P could have thrown for 300+ on that secondary. At least two of the Army "sacks" were Sluka stepping up trying to run when the pocket collapsed. We needed to give our passing game more of a shot. IMO, committing to a low scoring Academy style football game was giving it to Army. I am so incredibly proud of how this D played yesterday. You could feel the emotion on the goal line stand by Frankie. Feel bad for our guys actually, we should have played OT against both Laffy and Army.
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Post by hc2020 on Nov 12, 2023 11:29:10 GMT -5
Having had time to reflect, it’s quite disappointing that the #5 preseason ranked FCS team is unlikely to make the playoffs. Granted, we have had several injuries, but if you have a talented enough squad to earn the #5 ranking in FCS you should be able to find a way to at least secure a playoff spot. While we still have a puncher’s chance to back into the auto-bid if Lafayette should throw up on themselves next week and we take care of business over Georgetown, it’s still very disappointing that we find ourselves in this situation.
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Post by mm67 on Nov 12, 2023 11:33:06 GMT -5
Will wait till post season for the post mortem. Mum for now.
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Post by efg72 on Nov 12, 2023 11:33:19 GMT -5
My guess is we had a few other injured players that have tried to play through injuries all season, including Dobbs and Sluka who eventually had to sit. As I said to someone the other day this team has had almost as many injuries as the Church has Saints. Next man up sounds easy, as a one-off,but we all know it is way more complicated. The staff has been asked to keep things together at a higher level than was physically possible and experience allowed. Great effort by the younger players, but many of them are or were a year away from contributing meaningful minutes
I know the players and coaches are hurting right now, but honestly they have this group 12 points away from a PL auto bid and a seed in the playoffs.
The ball takes some funny bounces during the course of the season, and they usually even out. Luck and good fortune might not be easy next weekend, but we are due to deliver a few breaks and welcome all games that help us extend the season.
Go Cross Go✝️✝️✝️🍀🍀🍀🏈
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Post by timholycross on Nov 12, 2023 11:40:32 GMT -5
Thought of this several times during the season. Reminds me too much of the 77-78 basketball team. Should have been able to match the previous season's accomplishments, showed flashes; but could never put it together consistently.
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Post by midwestsader05 on Nov 12, 2023 12:07:50 GMT -5
Great day at Michie stadium yesterday sans the loss. It's really a special place to watch a college football game. Chilly but the moments when the sun came out was a perfect fall weather football day in the Northeast.
Game observations: I stated that I believed we had to fight to a draw on TO's and win ST's to get a W. I guess I was right and wrong. We obviously didn't win either and lost the game, but I really believe if we just win back one of those 3 possessions, we win that game. Just one. We could have still netted them a possession or even two and still won given the Defensive performance. Also, don't forget we ended up empty on a 4th down conversion in Army territory (I think their 30-35 yd line) late in the 1st quarter. Not technically a TO but close.
Offense: I had a really good view of our OL v their DL and we were better. Army was smaller and had good team speed, but I watched our OL (specifically Newman) bully some of their DL a good chunk of the game. As for the debate on Sluka, when you have one of the best athletes in all D1 (not just FCS) playing QB, you take the good with the bad. He definitely looks to Jalen first on almost every pass play (for good reason I guess) but a lot of pre-snap coverage would have dictated to look elsewhere. Purdy and Jake P were open on a couple checkdowns, but Matt still trusts his legs more. Credit to Army for bringing lots of different pressures and spying Sluka with their MLB that still had a tough time v Matt one v one but did as well as anyone I've seen. FWIW, I think Matt still gave us the best chance to win and Joe P would have likely struggled with Army's team speed.
Defense: I had a good feeling Jarmo was returning this week so went back and watched a couple series v BC. He and Curtis play so well off each other, and each are excellent run support safeties. Don't underestimate how much losing him for 7-8 weeks hurt. Him back there as the QB of the secondary allowed our other guys to play more freely, granted Army did not or could not really keep us honest v their pass. Still, the DL and especially Monte played lights out considering what they were up against. Army (like me) thought they would simply line up and run their base O against us all day and effectively move the ball. Kudos to coach James for a great scheme. #6 is freshman strong safety Carlo Crocetti who made his debut last week and played every series this week. The kid could be special. Fantastic size and speed and v Army rush attack played a lot of a stand-up edge OLB type position as well. Will be interesting to watch his development and if this was more a schematic personnel adjustment and if the other freshman safeties (Stu, Due, and Chis) play more next week v G'Town, who has a more balanced offensive scheme.
Still plenty to play for next week with at minimum a share of the title on the line and sending this senior class out with a much-deserved Dub for their last game at Fitton.
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Post by purple1 on Nov 12, 2023 12:44:14 GMT -5
I second the Michie game experience yesterday..... the turnovers were the difference. two potential HC touchdowns were missed - the interception at the 10 yard line by Army & the 1 yard jump pass on 4th down in the 3rd quarter. The score should have been HC 28 - Army 17, even with the blocked punt for a touchdown in 1st quarter. Very good possession of football by HC with 26 first downs to 11 for Army. The defense was awesome and played lights out. Dante Bolden's hit on the Army QB at the goal line was the defensive play of the game !! I welcome to see another season of Dante at LB next year..... Crocetti can play, great pass defender with his size. Very little passing within the hash marks where lanes were open and HC had superior size to the Army DB's. Holy Cross can compete with Army every day of the week and win the majority of games. Hanson & Newman pan caked many Army defenders throughout the day.
Let's hope Kelly & Fuller are not too banged up, both wearing a boot on their ankle. It certainly had to be tough for Dobbs to watch from the sideline, he would have provided even more defensive resistance to the Army offense . Procedure calls (4) should not be occurring with the offense at this time of year and the late hit on the Army QB in the 4th quarter was questionable. He was hit as he threw the ball 5 yards short of a 10 - 12 yard pass route, no replay in the stadium. Officials reviewed too many plays and stopped momentum constantly. Lots of holding the faster HC players by Army in my opinion, as they grabbed our shoulder pads and jerseys. You are not going to get the calls at West Point..... period !
On to Georgetown and play a complete game, hope for some help from Lehigh, but still tough for committee to keep Holy Cross out of the playoffs.
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Post by hcpride on Nov 12, 2023 13:34:50 GMT -5
On to Georgetown and play a complete game, hope for some help from Lehigh, but still tough for committee to keep Holy Cross out of the playoffs. I don’t think it’s tough to keep HC out of the playoffs (if I understand correctly) when one considers that our quality win is a 2-pointer over a mid-pack Patriot League team.
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Post by midwestsader05 on Nov 12, 2023 15:07:48 GMT -5
Sluka is the best running quarterback Monken says he’s faced. So that’s quite a statement when you look at some of the QBs they played, including Daniels from LSU this year. Not to mention many great running quarterbacks from Air Force and Navy many seasons.
“The probabably beat us if they covert that 4th down pop pass”
To Monken, they needed all 3 Net possessions (2 TO and punt block) to win.
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Post by JRGNYR on Nov 12, 2023 16:00:27 GMT -5
Despite the result, it was a great afternoon of football at Michie yesterday. First time I'd been in many, many years. The Army fans were classy and it was a pretty special moment to see the new enlistments take their oath. It's a pain in the rump to get around that campus, though.
Disappointing result but the team gave it everything they had. Zero problems with the effort. There were a few defensive breakdowns but overall the D showed up yesterday. The offense wasn't able to spring Sluka for any big runs except one that I can recall. So much of the offense is run through him that if he can't break multiple 30-yarders, it's just a little bit more difficult. Army's defense is a half-step faster than most that HC sees during the course of the season.
In many ways, the game was a microcosm of the season overall. A lot of good things but enough bad to prevent them from getting over the hump.
Considering how the season has gone, that HC still has a shot at the league title and postseason is pretty remarkable. Let's see how next week plays out. If things break against HC next week, maybe going into an offseason as a hunter instead of the hunted isn't such a bad thing.
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Post by Non Alum Dave on Nov 12, 2023 16:10:50 GMT -5
Personally, I think that jump pass works better a little further away from the goal line (think playoff game last year).
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Post by midwestsader05 on Nov 12, 2023 16:19:40 GMT -5
On to Georgetown and play a complete game, hope for some help from Lehigh, but still tough for committee to keep Holy Cross out of the playoffs. I don’t think it’s tough to keep HC out of the playoffs (if I understand correctly) when one considers that our quality win is a 2-pointer over a mid-pack Patriot League team. Don’t look now but Yale could still win the Ivy if they beat the Johnnies next week. Colgate could also beat Fordham. Boat racing both those might end up as better wins than Fordham. Not saying it will matter re playoff but those 2 wins look increasingly impressive compared to the Rams.
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Post by cmo on Nov 12, 2023 16:22:37 GMT -5
Personally, I think that jump pass works better a little further away from the goal line (think playoff game last year). I would’ve liked it on 3rd down And a little more to the right
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Post by midwestsader05 on Nov 12, 2023 16:49:05 GMT -5
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Post by efg72 on Nov 12, 2023 16:59:39 GMT -5
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Post by alum on Nov 12, 2023 17:36:20 GMT -5
Personally, I think that jump pass works better a little further away from the goal line (think playoff game last year). 100% agree. Need room to get some separation.
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Post by longsuffering on Nov 12, 2023 18:07:29 GMT -5
On to Georgetown and play a complete game, hope for some help from Lehigh, but still tough for committee to keep Holy Cross out of the playoffs. I don’t think it’s tough to keep HC out of the playoffs (if I understand correctly) when one considers that our quality win is a 2-pointer over a mid-pack Patriot League team. If Merrimack beats Duchesne for the NEC AQ, we gain a victory over a playoff team and if Yale wins the IL that gives us a victory over a second league champion. Those might qualify as quality wins.
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