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Post by hc2020 on Aug 21, 2021 20:23:33 GMT -5
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Post by bringbackcaro on Aug 21, 2021 21:28:17 GMT -5
Re: the defense carried the day, with Sluka taking most of the first team snaps. That was the question with respect to Sluka last season. Tremendous performance when no team had tape on him. After teams saw how he could be defensed, the performance tailed off. It may be the scrimmage featured vanilla Sluka, but we will see for real in two weeks. Could it be that South Dakota State did a better job of stopping Sluka than Fordham and Bucknell did, not because SoDakSt had video of him but because SoDakSt is simply a much better team, much better defense, than Fordham and Bucknell? Bucknell: 8-11 for 78 yards (1 INT), 18 rushes for 80 yards Sluka came back to earth in the Bucknell game, not SDSU.
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Fall Camp
Aug 21, 2021 21:35:12 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Aug 21, 2021 21:35:12 GMT -5
So now that Media day has passed and with just over 3 weeks till kick-off, I thought I would share some observations and pontificate about a few things to watch during the rest of camp. This post will just cover our Offensive unit and assumes all are healthy heading into Week 1… (Defense to follow separately) Quarterback: I think most observers expect Sluka to be the starter and while he likely will be and is our best all-around athlete at QB, I would expect to see Siderman play against UCONN as well. It sounds like Coach Ches and Coach Roper have playbooks tailored to both player’s strengths and the rotation could even be situational at times. Look for Sluka with a large RPO centered playbook and Siderman with a more traditional West Coast package. It’s probably too early to say if and when Frosh Joe P gets any burn as it likely depends on the performance of the first two. Running back: Seniors Oliver and Abrams return having the most experience with Oliver likely to be the starter. I’m sure others are curious about the prospects of JR. Jordan Forrest who DNP in the Spring but coaches were high on his Freshman year in 2019. It does look like Junior Tyler Purdy is working in with the RB’s (still listed at DB) so expect more “Purdy packages”. Soph Ezema DNP in the Spring. Wide Receiver: Likely our most talented and deepest position on the offensive roster. I would expect the three starters to be Asante, Ayeni and Gilliam. Next three up would most likely be Sophomore’s Shipman and Corker with Senior Jewell adding great depth. One wild card is Junior Dominik Thomas who also showed great potential as a freshman in 2019 but fought injuries the latter part of that season and DNP in the Spring due to injury. TE/H-back/Fullback: Sean Morris is the returning starter and the only other player to see the field was SR Alex Sloan. As I and others have noticed, Senior Cullen Honohan is still listed at LB but has clearly switched to this position and will likely provide much needed depth here. Offensive Line: On the interior, Senior Nick Olaska will anchor the group at Center with SR Jack McCauley as his back-up. Returning starter 5th yr SR John Brekke will likely remain at LG. The other guard looks to be JR. CJ Hanson. Hanson rotated with Jack Bowler last year even before Bowler’s injury prevented him from playing against SDSU (Hanson also has the frame and athleticism to play OT) As others have noticed O-Line Coach Smith likes to rotate lineman and I expect JR Daddona and Soph Eric Schon to provide that depth as first IL’s up. At OT we return JR. Pat McMurtrie who looked very good as a Soph in the Spring. The other Tackle spot (to replace Brian Foley) should be an open battle between SR Grady Smith (who got hurt first series of the SDSU game but appears to be healthy), Soph Luke Newman (who played a fair amount off the bench in the spring and has great feet/athleticism and 5th year Senior Mike Pizziketti. Feel free to opine on anything you are watching or that I might have missed…Go Purp! I love Jeff Oliver, but his son should not be a starting TB. Way too slow and stiff
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Post by KY Crusader 75 on Aug 22, 2021 0:05:15 GMT -5
Is Peter Oliver indeed slow?
His bio says that he tied his high school's record for the 55 meter dash with a 6.68 second run. That equates to a 4.5 40 yard time. but assuming he's running faster at the end that during the first 40 yards I'd still say that could be a 4.7 and that was in high school. He's had at least a 45 yard run in each of his first three seasons, so it's not like he can't break a long run. I'd be interested in the insights of our many observers more expert than I am on football. Through three years he's averaging 4.4 yards per carry and that is not bad.
Having said this, of course I'm looking forward to see what all the RB's can do, especially the new guys
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Fall Camp
Aug 22, 2021 4:32:06 GMT -5
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Post by hcpride on Aug 22, 2021 4:32:06 GMT -5
/\ /\ Eyeball test the last couple of years has me thinking along the lines of 4crusader3. Peter is a physically strong (6-0, 220) and effective back at PL level Even as a frosh you could see it. I’d like to see a quicker guy at tailback to bust a few long ones v stronger competition.
(Hoping there is a budding Domenic Cozier-type back on the roster.)
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Post by sader1970 on Aug 22, 2021 5:41:19 GMT -5
I’ve probably been watching too much Ted Lasso but when we absolutely need 2-3 yards to keep a drive alive, Oliver is the guy I’d like to see get the ball.
While he may not be lightning fast, when he gets by the first line, and the defense has to tackle him from behind after he gets up a head of steam, he’s seems pretty hard to bring down and gets those 45 yard runs KY noted.
Glad he’s on the team regardless who his father happens to be.
Would like to see if Fuller inherited his father’s football genes.
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Post by Pakachoag Phreek on Aug 22, 2021 5:47:08 GMT -5
I agree with HC2020 that Sluka is the most ready to play. He will start against UConn. He has far more more game minutes than Siderman, and the other two QBs have none.
But to the stat sheet. Fordham game: Sluka plays the second half and is sensational. 12 rushes for a net of 145 yards. 33 yards passing.
Bucknell game. Bucknell has film for two quarters.. 18 rushes for a net of 61 yards, Respectable. 78 yards passing.
SDSU game. SDSU has film for six quarters. (And is #2 in FCS.) 13 rushes for a net of 27 yards. 76 yards passing.
HC total offense vs. Opponent total offense
Fordham 362/526 Bucknell 289/217 SDSU 198/439
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Post by sader1970 on Aug 22, 2021 6:52:43 GMT -5
The moral of Phreek's story: don't play South Dakota State.
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Post by sader1970 on Aug 22, 2021 7:00:27 GMT -5
Observations of the Chesney clip:
1. Interesting shirt: Not only no Crusader (never would expect that) but not even the HC shield 2. the clouds look ominous, like a hurricane is coming (we know now, it's not - just a tropical storm - and RI/CT will take most of that punch by the time it hits Worcester) 3. might be my imagination but looks like Chesney's been working out in the weight room. More so than in the past. 4. Upbeat as usual. Team hasn't reached its peak but lots of good things to like. I think they'll be ready for UConn.
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Post by crossbball13 on Aug 22, 2021 7:32:59 GMT -5
Could it be that South Dakota State did a better job of stopping Sluka than Fordham and Bucknell did, not because SoDakSt had video of him but because SoDakSt is simply a much better team, much better defense, than Fordham and Bucknell? Bucknell: 8-11 for 78 yards (1 INT), 18 rushes for 80 yards Sluka came back to earth in the Bucknell game, not SDSU. Bucknell an awful measuring stick of Sluka’s abilities. All HC needed was to win the game so they played extremely conservatively. I give zero value to Sluka’s depressed stats during that game. He did what he was asked to do to win the game (not pad his stats).
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Fall Camp
Aug 22, 2021 8:22:02 GMT -5
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Post by bringbackcaro on Aug 22, 2021 8:22:02 GMT -5
Bucknell: 8-11 for 78 yards (1 INT), 18 rushes for 80 yards Sluka came back to earth in the Bucknell game, not SDSU. Bucknell an awful measuring stick of Sluka’s abilities. All HC needed was to win the game so they played extremely conservatively. I give zero value to Sluka’s depressed stats during that game. He did what he was asked to do to win the game (not pad his stats). “All HC needed was to win the game” — great analysis here! Such a different scenario than every other game. What would be a measuring stick for Sluka? (Just for the record, the comment about coming back to earth was simply about production — 12.1 rushing yards per attempt vs Fordham, 4.4 vs Bucknell. Nothing to do with “padding stats.”)
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Post by hcpride on Aug 22, 2021 8:34:12 GMT -5
Bucknell an awful measuring stick of Sluka’s abilities. All HC needed was to win the game so they played extremely conservatively. I give zero value to Sluka’s depressed stats during that game. He did what he was asked to do to win the game (not pad his stats). “All HC needed was to win the game” — great analysis here! Such a different scenario than every other game. What would be a measuring stick for Sluka? (Just for the record, the comment about coming back to earth was simply about production — 12.1 rushing yards per attempt vs Fordham, 4.4 vs Bucknell. Nothing to do with “padding stats.”) To be fair, Sluka replaced a slow-footed HC quarterback midway thru the Fordham game and their defense was not at all prepared to stop someone like that. I've noted before that Sluka is a PL matchup nightmare on the ground given his combo of quickness and strength...the Fordham game added the important element of surprise. I really believe a superior athlete like Sluka can do great damage in the PL. I'd be shocked if Sluka was not #1 for us all season long (barring injury).
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Post by breezy on Aug 22, 2021 9:23:40 GMT -5
There are 6 Running Backs listed on the HC roster. Five of them are listed at 6-0 in height; Tyler Purdy is 5-11. Purdy and Will Ezema are listed at 190 pounds. The other four are heftier -- Abrams is listed as weighing 209; Jordan Forrest at 215 (I have high hopes for him); Oliver is at 219, and Fuller is at 225.
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Post by KY Crusader 75 on Aug 22, 2021 9:27:11 GMT -5
There are 6 Running Backs listed on the HC roster. Five of them are listed at 6-0 in height; Tyler Purdy is 5-11. Purdy and Will Ezema are listed at 190 pounds. The other four are heftier -- Abrams is listed as weighing 209; Jordan Forrest at 215 (I have high hopes for him); Oliver is at 219, and Fuller is at 225. Bigger backs, perhaps one or more like an old favorite Eddie Houghton of whom I always said : "tough to bring down"
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Post by hc2020 on Aug 22, 2021 10:06:01 GMT -5
I’ve seen pictures of Fuller. He is a monster. Built like Dobbs with arms like a bodybuilder
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Post by Pakachoag Phreek on Aug 22, 2021 10:07:49 GMT -5
In the SDSU game, with HC in poor field position, inside the 10 yard line?, Siderman replaced Sluka. To me, that spoke a few volumes about the coaches having more confidence in Siderman (who had not yet played a down IIRC) getting a first down or two in that situation than Sluka achieving that.
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Post by newfieguy74 on Aug 22, 2021 10:31:14 GMT -5
QB's who mostly run can be stopped. QB's who can pass, but who also run effectively are hard to stop. Do we really know how well Sluka passes?
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Post by breezy on Aug 22, 2021 10:32:51 GMT -5
There is no way that I could prove that this is wrong, but I think there is a possible alternative explanation — which has been mentioned before on this board — that the pre-game plan was that Siderman would have one or more series at QB, and the coaches decided that this would be done at the next possession, and then by happenstance the possession began at the one-yard line. My feeling is that this does not say anything about having more confidence. Actually, the best indicator of confidence would be who is the starter.
Just my $.02.
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Fall Camp
Aug 22, 2021 10:33:07 GMT -5
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Post by crossbball13 on Aug 22, 2021 10:33:07 GMT -5
Bucknell an awful measuring stick of Sluka’s abilities. All HC needed was to win the game so they played extremely conservatively. I give zero value to Sluka’s depressed stats during that game. He did what he was asked to do to win the game (not pad his stats). “All HC needed was to win the game” — great analysis here! Such a different scenario than every other game. What would be a measuring stick for Sluka? (Just for the record, the comment about coming back to earth was simply about production — 12.1 rushing yards per attempt vs Fordham, 4.4 vs Bucknell. Nothing to do with “padding stats.”) Was referring to the fact that HC was far superior compared to Bucknell and that the defense would take care of the game if the offense didn’t aggressively pursue scoring and result in turnovers (which is the only variable that would result in an HC loss). But you knew that. And if your comment was about production and stats isn’t your measuring stick of that (unlike what your post suggests), then I suppose that I’m confused.
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Post by cmo on Aug 22, 2021 10:48:54 GMT -5
In the SDSU game, with HC in poor field position, inside the 10 yard line?, Siderman replaced Sluka. To me, that spoke a few volumes about the coaches having more confidence in Siderman (who had not yet played a down IIRC) getting a first down or two in that situation than Sluka achieving that. I think it was more “you’re in next series” and then the punt rolled inside the 1. Not, punt rolled down to the 1 so “quick, let’s get Siderman in!” If anything, Sluka was probably a better option there to get us out of our own endzone, but decision to make switch was already made.
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Post by midwestsader05 on Aug 22, 2021 12:06:29 GMT -5
Spoke with a couple of guys who watched the scrimmage from afar. Overall, the defense carried the day. Some general comments about players: Sluka took most of the first team reps at QB. Freshman QB Pesansky may be the best overall passer of the group, and has good size and arm strength. At the moment, however, it looks like Sluka’s ability to run the RPO offense should put him in the driver’s seat as the starter. First team defense looked solid overall. Whitley and Dobbs stand out, with Smith a solid DB in both pass and run defense. All 3 are the anchors at their positions. Some of the underclassmen who stood out: Terrence Spence looks like a solid CB. He will definitely push the upperclassman for playing time. Bolden also looks to be a solid LB with good range and instincts. Newman should also be in the mix at OT. A good athlete with excellent size for a sophomore. Shipman and Coker are talented WRs who will continue to be in the mix for playing time. Rivers seems like he can be a solid S who plays multiple positions. Plays like a LB out there and has good size and range, similar to how Joe Lang played the position. Ruane seems to be getting a lot of looks at S. Only a freshman, he needs to learn the position but he has good instincts and is athletic. Fuller is a beast at RB. Can’t miss him out there, even as a freshman. A real downhill runner who is a handle to bring down. Will update if I get anything more to share. Heard from a primary source last night and they validated a lot of this. Most importantly, verified 0 injuries!
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Post by midwestsader05 on Aug 22, 2021 12:11:21 GMT -5
So now that Media day has passed and with just over 3 weeks till kick-off, I thought I would share some observations and pontificate about a few things to watch during the rest of camp. This post will just cover our Offensive unit and assumes all are healthy heading into Week 1… (Defense to follow separately) Quarterback: I think most observers expect Sluka to be the starter and while he likely will be and is our best all-around athlete at QB, I would expect to see Siderman play against UCONN as well. It sounds like Coach Ches and Coach Roper have playbooks tailored to both player’s strengths and the rotation could even be situational at times. Look for Sluka with a large RPO centered playbook and Siderman with a more traditional West Coast package. It’s probably too early to say if and when Frosh Joe P gets any burn as it likely depends on the performance of the first two. Running back: Seniors Oliver and Abrams return having the most experience with Oliver likely to be the starter. I’m sure others are curious about the prospects of JR. Jordan Forrest who DNP in the Spring but coaches were high on his Freshman year in 2019. It does look like Junior Tyler Purdy is working in with the RB’s (still listed at DB) so expect more “Purdy packages”. Soph Ezema DNP in the Spring. Wide Receiver: Likely our most talented and deepest position on the offensive roster. I would expect the three starters to be Asante, Ayeni and Gilliam. Next three up would most likely be Sophomore’s Shipman and Corker with Senior Jewell adding great depth. One wild card is Junior Dominik Thomas who also showed great potential as a freshman in 2019 but fought injuries the latter part of that season and DNP in the Spring due to injury. TE/H-back/Fullback: Sean Morris is the returning starter and the only other player to see the field was SR Alex Sloan. As I and others have noticed, Senior Cullen Honohan is still listed at LB but has clearly switched to this position and will likely provide much needed depth here. Offensive Line: On the interior, Senior Nick Olaska will anchor the group at Center with SR Jack McCauley as his back-up. Returning starter 5th yr SR John Brekke will likely remain at LG. The other guard looks to be JR. CJ Hanson. Hanson rotated with Jack Bowler last year even before Bowler’s injury prevented him from playing against SDSU (Hanson also has the frame and athleticism to play OT) As others have noticed O-Line Coach Smith likes to rotate lineman and I expect JR Daddona and Soph Eric Schon to provide that depth as first IL’s up. At OT we return JR. Pat McMurtrie who looked very good as a Soph in the Spring. The other Tackle spot (to replace Brian Foley) should be an open battle between SR Grady Smith (who got hurt first series of the SDSU game but appears to be healthy), Soph Luke Newman (who played a fair amount off the bench in the spring and has great feet/athleticism and 5th year Senior Mike Pizziketti. Feel free to opine on anything you are watching or that I might have missed…Go Purp! I love Jeff Oliver, but his son should not be a starting TB. Way too slow and stiff As it relates to our personnel at RB, I expect Oliver to start against UCONN based on his experience. That doesn’t necessarily mean he will get the most carries. I suspect we again start the season with a “RB by committee” approach and see how it settles out. From practice footage, looks like Soph Ezema is healthy and plays quicker/shiftier than our bigger RB’s. Again, we’ve only seen Oliver and to a lesser extent Abrams in multiple game situations.
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Fall Camp
Aug 22, 2021 12:15:05 GMT -5
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Post by lou on Aug 22, 2021 12:15:05 GMT -5
PL preview
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Post by efg72 on Aug 22, 2021 12:47:40 GMT -5
My sense is our WR's might be a level above our RBs in terms of skillset and explosiveness. Regardless of who plays QB, I hope we use them more this fall.
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Post by hc2020 on Aug 22, 2021 13:09:14 GMT -5
Obviously very early, but I get a sense that the Nov. 13 game @ Fordham could be for the PL title.
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