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Post by hc87 on Oct 2, 2021 20:34:28 GMT -5
Hard to tell....curious what others here feel. Two dismal home performances against 3 solid road wins...hard to get a read on this team.
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Post by KY Crusader 75 on Oct 2, 2021 20:52:10 GMT -5
We have a good team . Today's game was puzzling--Harvard is a very, very good team so the loss is not surprising, What is surprising is the incredibly ineffective HC passing game today. I'll bet we could go back a long way before we found as poor a passing performance (Yards/attempt, completion percentage, TDs vs Ints, whatever measure you like) as the stats suggest we had today. It seems to me--and I'll ask our more expert observers to weigh in--that we had a lot of poor throws and quite a few drops. We had open receivers but could not connect with them. If that ends up being just a terrible anomaly we'll be okay. If our passing game has fallen apart it's another story.
I like our chances in PL play
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Post by sader1970 on Oct 2, 2021 21:30:03 GMT -5
Having been at the game to the bitter end (not on the baseball field like some, apparently), it was an abysmal offensive performance. KY and other hit it on the head - passes were generally poor but even when catchable, too many were dropped. Our receivers are supposed to be good and better than Pop Warner receivers but generally not so today.
Now, taking nothing away from a very good Harvard team who beat us fair and square, I thought the refs were horrible and mostly one-sided, especially with pass interference calls. Admittedly, from the stands, sometimes the perspective is not good but it appeared to me that pass interference calls were skewed the Johnnies way. There were a couple of plays where it appeared the Harvard defender was all over, at least once literally over our receivers back, and no call. Conversely, if our defender was within 2 yards, we got called for interference. I'd say it was just my purple-colored glasses but I wasn't the only one in the stands that saw it that way.
Ng missed a makeable FG and for awhile we did hold their runners to under what we had. Just not enough pressure put on their QB who had too much time. That's a tribute to their O-line.
It is very curious though how we had two home game stinkers and played considerably better on all the road games.
Total aside: Went to the official opening of The Jo and did the open house. For those of us who made use of the Fieldhouse, this isn't it. It is gorgeous. As to the ceremony, two things stuck out: 1. Joanne Chouinard-Luth's speech was very long and evidence that she's not a good speaker (but we thank her for her millions in donations) and 2. The road (driveway?) next to The Jo has been named after BoT member and former chair John Mahoney '73. That's the good news. The bad news was despite Tracy Barlok, Vince R. and Joanne pronouncing his name "Maa-han-ee" literally dozens of times in their speeches, a student from the Class of 2022 was the last speaker to thank them on behalf of the students and must have been sleeping through the other speeches because he must have used the traditional pronunciation for "Mahoney" at least 10 times. Most everyone squirmed.
Last, I did pick up a hard copy of "The Spire" and there is literally nothing about Holy Cross athletics in it unless you want to include the HC Cheer Team.
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Post by Ignutz on Oct 2, 2021 22:18:34 GMT -5
Having been at the game to the bitter end (not on the baseball field like some, apparently), it was an abysmal offensive performance. KY and other hit it on the head - passes were generally poor but even when catchable, too many were dropped. Our receivers are supposed to be good and better than Pop Warner receivers but generally not so today. Now, taking nothing away from a very good Harvard team who beat us fair and square, I thought the refs were horrible and mostly one-sided, especially with pass interference calls. Admittedly, from the stands, sometimes the perspective is not good but it appeared to me that pass interference calls were skewed the Johnnies way. There were a couple of plays where it appeared the Harvard defender was all over, at least once literally over our receivers back, and no call. Conversely, if our defender was within 2 yards, we got called for interference. I'd say it was just my purple-colored glasses but I wasn't the only one in the stands that saw it that way. Ng missed a makeable FG and for awhile we did hold their runners to under what we had. Just not enough pressure put on their QB who had too much time. That's a tribute to their O-line. It is very curious though how we had two home game stinkers and played considerably better on all the road games. Total aside: Went to the official opening of The Jo and did the open house. For those of us who made use of the Fieldhouse, this isn't it. It is gorgeous. As to the ceremony, two things stuck out: 1. Joanne Chouinard-Luth's speech was very long and evidence that she's not a good speaker (but we thank her for her millions in donations) and 2. The road (driveway?) next to The Jo has been named after BoT member and former chair John Mahoney '73. That's the good news. The bad news was despite Tracy Barlok, Vince R. and Joanne pronouncing his name "Maa-han-ee" literally dozens of times in their speeches, a student from the Class of 2022 was the last speaker to thank them on behalf of the students and must have been sleeping through the other speeches because he must have used the traditional pronunciation for "Mahoney" at least 10 times. Most everyone squirmed. Last, I did pick up a hard copy of "The Spire" and there is literally nothing about Holy Cross athletics in it unless you want to include the HC Cheer Team. I’d add that the second Harvard touchdown appeared to me (from the stands) to be an obvious OFFENSIVE pass interference. As soon as I saw the flag come out, I thought that the TE had been caught - not to be. And yes, the remarks from the student who spoke at the Jo were cringe-worthy - especially since John M had just remarked that it wouldn’t be long before students started wondering who this MaHOney guy was. C’mon, man! |
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Post by bringbackcaro on Oct 2, 2021 23:06:05 GMT -5
2-0 vs teams playing their first game since November 2019
1-2 vs other teams
—
We need to name a starting QB and stick with him. Siderman seems like the only logical choice to be the primary QB, and Sluka should serve strictly in a limited gadget role until Siderman has had a chance to prove himself.
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Post by mm67 on Oct 2, 2021 23:24:53 GMT -5
One Fan's Point of Vew:
HC's O was overmatched for much of this game.. The O was, under almost constant intense pressure from the H defensive line. There was little space for the QBs and almost no room for error by the receivers. The talented H D line didn't budge and were able to shut down Sluka's runs. The H D line was in Siderman's face. He tried to throw over the H rushers resulting in overthrown passes. Possibly due to inexperience Siderman was not able to find open passing lanes. Mistakes such as dropped passes and the missed fg were caused in large part by the inability of HC to handle the intense pressure H's superior talent was able to exert.
In the first half HC's D line was overwhelmed by the strong H lines and generated very little penetration and little of a pass rush. Led by the blocking of that great tough H O Line their extremely fast backs repeatedly were able to turn the corner for healthy gains. Once sprung by blockers their faster backs were able to outrun HC's defenders and with a head of steam break tackles. First half HC was not able to pressure H and disrupt their well coordinated powerful O. HC D plagued by poor tackling and missed assignments was all due in part to the pressure exerted by the more talented H team.H's offense was cruising in the first half. Obviously, in the second half `HC's D rose to the challenge, played much better and was able to exert its will at times. The D is a cause for much hope. But H did score 38 pts.
Overall, this game was a stress test for the offense & defense. The players felt pressured and did not rise to the challenge. HC cracked and did not execute well under the intense pressure generated by H's far superior talent. As always it all came down to execution. And, HC for reasons stated above did not execute well for vast stretches of this game.Clearly H has better talent by far.They are an experienced, talented, well coached team - beautiful to watch. There was no way this H team was going to lose to this HC team. But, HC could have and should have played better to make it a bit more of a closely contested game.
HC will have to suck it up, show resilience and execute much better for them to have an outstanding championship season. Luckily none of the PL teams can match H's level of talent. But FU & LU are talented enough to pose a real challenge. Also, upsets, trap games are always a possibility.
HC is a good team but not a great team. Better good than what HC had a few years ago. It will take more time to turn HC into a truly great winning program.
Realistically, at this point in the season 8 and 3 or 7 and 4 seem most likely.
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Post by ndgradbuthcfan on Oct 3, 2021 5:40:15 GMT -5
Overly negative and pessimistic IMHO. Harvard punted 8 times so D must have been doing something right. Fully expect HC to go 6-0 in PL.
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Post by alum on Oct 3, 2021 5:59:53 GMT -5
Maybe kaftan12 is right .
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Post by timholycross on Oct 3, 2021 7:04:00 GMT -5
2-0 vs teams playing their first game since November 2019 1-2 vs other teams — We need to name a starting QB and stick with him. Siderman seems like the only logical choice to be the primary QB, and Sluka should serve strictly in a limited gadget role until Siderman has had a chance to prove himself. I didn't like either one's performance yesterday, mind you, but I do adhere to the adage "if you have two starting quarterbacks you don't have any" (straight option attack like Army's excepted). Maybe they were outmatched, but the way I look at it, the defense did not give up a pick 6 (could have been two), a fumble inside the 20 and a short field (around the 35) after going for it and failing (awful play call, but worth the risk). Allowing a point total in the low 20s gives you a decent chance to win. |
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Post by HC92 on Oct 3, 2021 7:29:46 GMT -5
The most important thing to know after our OOC performance is that the Fordham game is on the road.
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Post by CHC8485 on Oct 3, 2021 7:58:22 GMT -5
Where are we after the OOC?
To put a finer point on ‘92’s comment …
We are a great road team that stinks at home.
I can handle home losses but to me it is mind boggling that the team can look so good on the road and so awful and uninspired at home.
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Post by purplehaze on Oct 3, 2021 8:22:34 GMT -5
Made the trip for the game
- Harvard was better at every position - the score could have been worse - most glaring was our offensive line being manhandled by Harvard’s D line
- crowd was a legit 10000 and enthusiastic
- our natural playing surface might be the best I’ve seen
- H-Y-P will dominate the Ivy and those games will be low FBS caliber
- We will be ready for the PL schedule and should be the clear favorite
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Post by trimster on Oct 3, 2021 8:47:14 GMT -5
When I looked at the schedule, I thought there was a very real chance HC would be 1 up and 4 down in OOC play so I think 3 and 2 is a very pleasant surprise.
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Post by rgs318 on Oct 3, 2021 8:52:56 GMT -5
Having been at the game to the bitter end (not on the baseball field like some, apparently), it was an abysmal offensive performance. KY and other hit it on the head - passes were generally poor but even when catchable, too many were dropped. Our receivers are supposed to be good and better than Pop Warner receivers but generally not so today. Now, taking nothing away from a very good Harvard team who beat us fair and square, I thought the refs were horrible and mostly one-sided, especially with pass interference calls. Admittedly, from the stands, sometimes the perspective is not good but it appeared to me that pass interference calls were skewed the Johnnies way. There were a couple of plays where it appeared the Harvard defender was all over, at least once literally over our receivers back, and no call. Conversely, if our defender was within 2 yards, we got called for interference. I'd say it was just my purple-colored glasses but I wasn't the only one in the stands that saw it that way. Agreed.Ng missed a makeable FG and for awhile we did hold their runners to under what we had. Just not enough pressure put on their QB who had too much time. That's a tribute to their O-line. It is very curious though how we had two home game stinkers and played considerably better on all the road games. Perhaps this is the football equivalent of the hoop team that won the PL tournament and an NCAA game - all on the road. Football "road warriors."Total aside: Went to the official opening of The Jo and did the open house. For those of us who made use of the Fieldhouse, this isn't it. It is gorgeous. As to the ceremony, two things stuck out: 1. Joanne Chouinard-Luth's speech was very long and evidence that she's not a good speaker (but we thank her for her millions in donations) and 2. The road (driveway?) next to The Jo has been named after BoT member and former chair John Mahoney '73. That's the good news. The bad news was despite Tracy Barlok, Vince R. and Joanne pronouncing his name "Maa-han-ee" literally dozens of times in their speeches, a student from the Class of 2022 was the last speaker to thank them on behalf of the students and must have been sleeping through the other speeches because he must have used the traditional pronunciation for "Mahoney" at least 10 times. Most everyone squirmed. Last, I did pick up a hard copy of "The Spire" and there is literally nothing about Holy Cross athletics in it unless you want to include the HC Cheer Team. Thanks for sharing that reaction to the game and the building and the tour. As to the newspaper, when the abandoned the paper I knew and loved at HC - the "Crusader" - I abandoned them. HC does not have a school paper. I am, afraid what they have is a typical rag with delusions of grandeur dressed up with some nice graphics.. |
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Post by dharry13 on Oct 3, 2021 9:03:24 GMT -5
I think 3 and 2 is a solid start against a legit OOC schedule, although it wasn't great to see Duquesne pound Merrimack.
With all that said, QB isn't my biggest worry. I think they both have ability and will perform against a weak league. My biggest issue is Pass Defense. I think the pressure HC puts on a QB is poor. They have to blitz to create any pressure. Because of this it puts guys on islands and our pass coverage isn't great - outside of John Smith - at least that's my take.
Yesterday - zero sacks. Whitley through 5 games - 19 tackles and a half of a tackle for loss. That's not a miss print - one half of a tackle for loss. Kuznetsov - 2 tackles for loss in 5 games. They have a combined one sacks in 5 games.
If they don't get things going I don't know how HC will score with Fordham. They will torch HC through the air again, and I'm not sure Sluka will bail them out again like he did in the Spring.
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Post by gks on Oct 3, 2021 9:14:17 GMT -5
At 3-2 with three high-quality wins....I'd say pretty good.
Harvard is an excellent team. It's too bad that the Ivies play in their own little planet. Love to see them compete nationally. It'd be good for FCS college football.
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Post by KY Crusader 75 on Oct 3, 2021 9:41:36 GMT -5
I think the 3-0 road record and 0-2 home record is a total anomaly that means nothing. I believe decades of data for hundreds of teams would show that every team has a better home record than road record. We threw a clunker versus Merrimack and then lost to a much better team in Harvard. I wish all of our PL games were at Fitton.
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Post by Pakachoag Phreek on Oct 3, 2021 10:22:36 GMT -5
Having been at the game to the bitter end (not on the baseball field like some, apparently), it was an abysmal offensive performance. KY and other hit it on the head - passes were generally poor but even when catchable, too many were dropped. Our receivers are supposed to be good and better than Pop Warner receivers but generally not so today. Now, taking nothing away from a very good Harvard team who beat us fair and square, I thought the refs were horrible and mostly one-sided, especially with pass interference calls. Admittedly, from the stands, sometimes the perspective is not good but it appeared to me that pass interference calls were skewed the Johnnies way. There were a couple of plays where it appeared the Harvard defender was all over, at least once literally over our receivers back, and no call. Conversely, if our defender was within 2 yards, we got called for interference. I'd say it was just my purple-colored glasses but I wasn't the only one in the stands that saw it that way. Ng missed a makeable FG and for awhile we did hold their runners to under what we had. Just not enough pressure put on their QB who had too much time. That's a tribute to their O-line. It is very curious though how we had two home game stinkers and played considerably better on all the road games. Total aside: Went to the official opening of The Jo and did the open house. For those of us who made use of the Fieldhouse, this isn't it. It is gorgeous. As to the ceremony, two things stuck out: 1. Joanne Chouinard-Luth's speech was very long and evidence that she's not a good speaker (but we thank her for her millions in donations) and 2. The road (driveway?) next to The Jo has been named after BoT member and former chair John Mahoney '73. That's the good news. The bad news was despite Tracy Barlok, Vince R. and Joanne pronouncing his name "Maa-han-ee" literally dozens of times in their speeches, a student from the Class of 2022 was the last speaker to thank them on behalf of the students and must have been sleeping through the other speeches because he must have used the traditional pronunciation for "Mahoney" at least 10 times. Most everyone squirmed. Last, I did pick up a hard copy of "The Spire" and there is literally nothing about Holy Cross athletics in it unless you want to include the HC Cheer Team. My great, great grandmother is a Mahony, although this is the Irish spelling -- no "e" -- consistently spelled this way through several generations preceding her, including printed records of the Crown. Apparently, later Anglicized, for reasons unknown, to Mahoney. A Maa-han-ee pronunciation would be more consistent with the Irish spelling. The introduced "e" turns it into Maa-hown-ee. |
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Post by sader1970 on Oct 3, 2021 10:40:48 GMT -5
Good for you, Phreek, because I am the worst when it comes to trying to spell a word or name phonetically (did I spell that right?). But, I guess you got the idea. I really felt badly for the student because apparently he was the only one who didn't recognize his mistake but since it was being videoed, I guarantee he'll realize it soon enough.  Mahoney was pretty poker-faced whenever it was said and suspect the first one or two times he might have thought the student was kidding. So kudos to John. |
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Post by longsuffering on Oct 3, 2021 11:23:16 GMT -5
Thank you to John Mahoney for his generosity to HC. I am sure he long ago resolved any animosity towards people who pronounce his last name as it is written and generally spoken. I would not know to pronounce it differently unless I read this thread, even though I've read his name many times. My friend's father pronounced their family name in a unique way. Since he has passed she reverted to the way it is generally pronounced and written to reduce hassle.
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Post by sader1970 on Oct 3, 2021 12:39:08 GMT -5
I'm with him. My last name is pronounced like a common German name but it is Irish and has an extra "e" in it that throws everyone off. Been putting up with it for my entire life but fully understand why new friends don't get it right and know they aren't trying to be insulting - that'd be my friends who've known me for years. Forced me to be creative. Worked for a national insurance company for many years and their logo was very useful for me. Whenever I had to deal with new agents, I explained how my name was pronounced but the spelling was easy to remember. . . . . take the company logo which was the combination of a letter and a picture of a certain American symbol. Worked every time! Probably got into their heads every time they saw the ubiquitous logo they thought about me.  |
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Post by KY Crusader 75 on Oct 3, 2021 13:58:15 GMT -5
Good story, Mr Prudentiale!
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Post by Ignutz on Oct 3, 2021 14:16:08 GMT -5
When I looked at the schedule, I thought there was a very real chance HC would be 1 up and 4 down in OOC play so I think 3 and 2 is a very pleasant surprise. I think that many, or most, on this board would have signed up on 8/15 for a 3-2 record heading into the bye week. That being said, the way things played out, I don’t think we err that far away from sitting at 5-0. Merrimack was good, but I would put money on us beating them seven or eight times out of ten. We were very close to overcoming yesterday’s first-half clunker - down eleven in the first minute of Q4, and moving the ball. A fourth down pass that would have given us a 1st & 10 at the Harvard 25 should have been caught. Can you imagine being down only 3 or 4 with 12:00 minutes to play after trailing 24-0 at the half? It is what it is, two disappointing home losses. I will be much more disappointed if we don’t end the regular season at 9-2. |
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Post by KY Crusader 75 on Oct 3, 2021 16:15:47 GMT -5
Here's a quick comparison of some stats versus last year'
STAT = LY/TY
W-L= 3-1/3-2
SOS= #202/#187
HC RUSH YDS/ATT= 4.5/4.8
OPP RUSH YDS/ATT= 3.4/3.4
HC RUSH 1ST DOWNS=37/39
OPP RUSH 1ST DNS=21/33
HC RUSH TDS=5/10
OPP RUSH TDS=3/5
HC PASS YDS/ATT=4.4/7.5 Would never have guessed this
OPP PASS YDS/ATT= 6.1/6.3
HC COMP %= 56.4%/55.6%
OPP COMP %= 58.1%/57.2%
HC PASS TDS= 5/10
OPP PASS TDS=3/5
HC INTS THROWN= 2/4
OPP INTS THROWN= 7/8
HC 1ST DOWNS=17/35
OPP 1ST DOWNS= 42/53
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Post by rgs318 on Oct 3, 2021 16:28:13 GMT -5
OK, now what about our PL league opener? Too soon?
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Mahoney was pretty poker-faced whenever it was said and suspect the first one or two times he might have thought the student was kidding. So kudos to John. 