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Post by rgs318 on Dec 4, 2021 12:18:14 GMT -5
You have an interesting perspective on statistics. I looked at the box score from the Villanova game and HC had better numbers in almost every category (except, finally score, of course). Your focus on Coker neglects some others who are talented receivers so the "trouble" you mention may not have been there (unless your bias causes you to expect to see it in advance).
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Villanova
Dec 4, 2021 12:38:04 GMT -5
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Post by longsuffering on Dec 4, 2021 12:38:04 GMT -5
The Ivy board--some very interesting comments about Holy Cross-you should visit this I wonder if "Old blue devil" is really HC'87 spreading the faith?š DFW Hoya contributes some good train history. Road trips on the "iron horse" could have been quicker a century ago than today's bus travel through the crowded northeast corridor. Nice to see outside observers praising HC's sports tradition and following.
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Villanova
Dec 4, 2021 12:50:25 GMT -5
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Post by bringbackcaro on Dec 4, 2021 12:50:25 GMT -5
You have an interesting perspective on statistics. I looked at the box score from the Villanova game and HC had better numbers in almost every category (except, finally score, of course). Your focus on Coker neglects some others who are talented receivers so the "trouble" you mention may not have been there (unless your bias causes you to expect to see it in advance). Shorter was also excellent last night and has a very bright future. My comment re: Coker was about his performance over both games ā 11 rec for 173 yards ā 52% of completions and 51% of passing yards, and an incredible play on the Hail Mary to not only catch the ball, but also get in the end zone as the pass was short of the goal line.
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Villanova
Dec 4, 2021 12:53:25 GMT -5
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Post by longsuffering on Dec 4, 2021 12:53:25 GMT -5
You have an interesting perspective on statistics. I looked at the box score from the Villanova game and HC had better numbers in almost every category (except, finally score, of course). Your focus on Coker neglects some others who are talented receivers so the "trouble" you mention may not have been there (unless your bias causes you to expect to see it in advance). Shorter was also excellent last night and has a very bright future. My comment re: Coker was about his performance over both games ā 11 rec for 173 yards ā 52% of completions and 51% of passing yards, and an incredible play on the Hail Mary to not only catch the ball, but also get in the end zone as the pass was short of the goal line. And hold onto the ball throughout.
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Post by HC92 on Dec 4, 2021 12:58:31 GMT -5
If Sluka played for Nova last night and their QB played for us, we lose by 3-4 TDs. In addition to his own play, it just seems like the others rally around him and play with a little more juice when heās out there. Same with the defense and Dobbs.
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Post by KY Crusader 75 on Dec 4, 2021 13:14:47 GMT -5
That's an intriguing insight: that our best receiver had two big games
Looks like you didn't want to look at how Sluka's passing has improved over his short career at HC. Maybe we can just leave it at this: Matt Sluka has been able to fool Coach Bob Chesney, Offensive Coordinator Justin Roper, the New England Football Writers Association, ESPN+ play-by-play announcers and color commentators, and 95% of the visitors to this board--BUT he has not been able to fool you!
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Post by longsuffering on Dec 4, 2021 13:15:53 GMT -5
The great success of the golden'80's were an outlier. No doubt they were aided in part of a relatively soft Coloni al League schedule of scholarship HC against non-scholarship basically Div II teams, Bucknell, etc. We had a big advantage against our Colonial League foes. Some said our scholarships for 5 years were a away to smooth the transition to non-scholarship football. HC did win some games against the few scholarship teams we played. But, HC was spared the rigors of a full slate against scholarship teams. No doubt the results would have been markedly different. HC did lose to scholarship W. Carolina in the playoffs. No excuses notwithstanding the loss of Fenerty due to injury At the time some of us exultant alums nonetheless were concerned about the distortion in goals & values among the HC students. We worried that some would never be satisfied with less gaudy W-L records. Some would believe if HC did it in the 80's, we could do it again and again and again.. This thinking was entirely unrelated to the facts and unrealistic.Thus valuing academics would become secondary to our goals of athletics success. Naturally, as the benefits of scholarships ended our records fell more in line with our past. Today, no amount of success satisfies some.Possibly, some subconsciously compare our successes and failures to the glorious but advantaged teams of the 80's. This year's team was 10-3 and won the first post season game in the school's history. HC won on an even playing field unlike the teams of the'80's. But, some continue to condescendingly criticize rather than recognizing and enjoying the tremendous accomplishments of this team. We went 10-3 this year on a playing field tilted uphill against us against OOC foes in the sense that the Ivies are in a sweet spot for attracting talented recruits and the others all have grad students, red shirts, etc. So your point that we should appreciate this team is well founded.
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Post by trimster on Dec 4, 2021 13:16:24 GMT -5
You have an interesting perspective on statistics. I looked at the box score from the Villanova game and HC had better numbers in almost every category (except, finally score, of course). Your focus on Coker neglects some others who are talented receivers so the "trouble" you mention may not have been there (unless your bias causes you to expect to see it in advance). Shorter was also excellent last night and has a very bright future. My comment re: Coker was about his performance over both games ā 11 rec for 173 yards ā 52% of completions and 51% of passing yards, and an incredible play on the Hail Mary to not only catch the ball, but also get in the end zone as the pass was short of the goal line. I canāt imagine a more perfect throw by Sluka to give Coker the chance to outduel the defender(s) for the ball. If the throw is a few yards longer so it comes down in the end zone, maybe Coker isnāt able to make the catch.
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Post by longsuffering on Dec 4, 2021 13:17:42 GMT -5
That's an intriguing insight: that our best receiver had two big games Looks like you didn't want to look at how Sluka's passing has improved over his short career at HC. Maybe we can just leave it at this: Matt Sluka has been able to fool Coach Bob Chesney, Offensive Coordinator Justin Roper, the New England Football Writers Association, ESPN+ play-by-play announcers and color commentators, and 95% of the visitors to this board--BUT he has not been able to fool you! Said better than PT Barnum himself.š
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Post by sader1970 on Dec 4, 2021 13:20:58 GMT -5
Don't worry about Dobbs coming back. He tells me it is his ankle (a sprain) and feels he's got plenty of time to get healthy. He is absolutely coming back to Holy Cross next season and has high expectations for the team. I know of others coming back as it seems this season has whet their appetites for even greater success.
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Villanova
Dec 4, 2021 13:27:57 GMT -5
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Post by bringbackcaro on Dec 4, 2021 13:27:57 GMT -5
That's an intriguing insight: that our best receiver had two big games Looks like you didn't want to look at how Sluka's passing has improved over his short career at HC. Maybe we can just leave it at this: Matt Sluka has been able to fool Coach Bob Chesney, Offensive Coordinator Justin Roper, the New England Football Writers Association, ESPN+ play-by-play announcers and color commentators, and 95% of the visitors to this board--BUT he has not been able to fool you! Hence my comparison to Pujals, who also racked up similar accolades. Re: āfoolingā the HC coaches, they employed a 2 QB system because they didnāt trust his passing
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Post by Crucis#1 on Dec 4, 2021 13:33:29 GMT -5
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Post by Chu Chu on Dec 4, 2021 13:38:45 GMT -5
That was a great football game! Our guys played well and had their chances due to their skill and hard work. The coaches and team should be proud and I have no question that everyone did their very best last night. Onwards and upwards! #GoCrossGo !
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Post by KY Crusader 75 on Dec 4, 2021 13:43:43 GMT -5
To :BBC
So you didn't like Pujals either?
"Re: Sluka, he reminds me of Peter Pujals. Great athletes, ability to make excellent plays and put up impressive stats. But if itās 3rd and 7 and you need to fit a tight window throw between a DB and LB or Safety, itās not going to be completed very often. Similar to my take on the current Chesney offense putting a ceiling on the program, not having a QB who can throw that pass is also going to put a ceiling on the offense/program."
Okay--Pujals and Sluka struggle on " 3rd and 7 and you need to fit a tight window throw between a DB and LB or Safety" (talk about creative scenarios!) --how about would Dominic Randolph struggle to rip off a 21 yard run on 3rd and 17 in your own territory with the clock running down? Maybe he would, but overall he was a heck of a QB.
Shouldn't we judge players on the totality of their game, on what they contribute in total, not on shortcomings in very specific scenarios? Maybe a basketball example would help. Jehyve Floyd is not going to go out and nail a three pointer for you or excel at the free throw line, but I'd love to have him as our 21-22 center. Big Tim Clifford is not going to grab a rebound and lead the fast break but I'd love him as center on any HC team as well
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Villanova
Dec 4, 2021 13:45:23 GMT -5
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Post by bringbackcaro on Dec 4, 2021 13:45:23 GMT -5
Shorter was also excellent last night and has a very bright future. My comment re: Coker was about his performance over both games ā 11 rec for 173 yards ā 52% of completions and 51% of passing yards, and an incredible play on the Hail Mary to not only catch the ball, but also get in the end zone as the pass was short of the goal line. I canāt imagine a more perfect throw by Sluka to give Coker the chance to outduel the defender(s) for the ball. Ā If the throw is a few yards longer so it comes down in the end zone, maybe Coker isnāt able to make the catch. Ā I disagree and believe the ball should no have landed short of the end zone because we had no timeouts. If Coker was tackled by one or the two defenders short of the goal line, we have to rush ro the link of scrimmage to spike the ball, then either have one chance for a run (if weāre tackled short the clock runs out) or try to jam a pass in from the 1-2 yard line.
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Villanova
Dec 4, 2021 13:54:26 GMT -5
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Post by bringbackcaro on Dec 4, 2021 13:54:26 GMT -5
To :BBC So you didn't like Pujals either? "Re: Sluka, he reminds me of Peter Pujals. Great athletes, ability to make excellent plays and put up impressive stats. But if itās 3rd and 7 and you need to fit a tight window throw between a DB and LB or Safety, itās not going to be completed very often. Similar to my take on the current Chesney offense putting a ceiling on the program, not having a QB who can throw that pass is also going to put a ceiling on the offense/program." Okay--Pujals and Sluka struggle on " 3rd and 7 and you need to fit a tight window throw between a DB and LB or Safety" (talk about creative scenarios!) --how about would Dominic Randolph struggle to rip off a 21 yard run on 3rd and 17 in your own territory with the clock running down? Maybe he would, but overall he was a heck of a QB. Shouldn't we judge players on the totality of their game, on what they contribute in total, not on shortcomings in very specific scenarios? Maybe a basketball example would help. Jehyve Floyd is not going to go out and nail a three pointer for you or excel at the free throw line, but I'd love to have him as our 21-22 center. Big Tim Clifford is not going to grab a rebound and lead the fast break but I'd love him as center on any HC team as well I think itās clear that weāre not going to get anywhere because you donāt appear to think there is the possibility that someone else shares a different opinion about Sluka being a superstar. ā IMO: Chesney has done an excellent job recruiting. He has done an excellent job with the defense (+Scott James) He has done an excellent job bringing in his strength & conditioning program and Coach Grautski. He has done an excellent job with the program culture. He has done a below average job with the offense. He did a really, really poor job with game management vs Sacred Heart & Villanova. For some reason, if one has the ladder two opinions it means that he thinks Chesney is Hitler.
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Post by matunuck on Dec 4, 2021 13:56:59 GMT -5
Actually, in some respects, we won this year on an uneven playing field, which speaks to the tremendous job BC has done with the program. That said, I graduated in the 1980s, and the decisions made decimated our program (and student/local interest) and did nothing to advance our āgoals and values.ā By the way, if dropping athletic scholarships back then aligned with our āvalues,ā did bringing them back somehow undermine those values and distort our goals? If you look at the latest NCAA graduation rates, the idea that schools like VU and other well regarded colleges have stopped āvaluing academicsā in their pursuit of athlete success is a myth. I certainly wouldnāt put athletics as the top challenge to academic integrity at many higher ed institutions nowadays.
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Post by KY Crusader 75 on Dec 4, 2021 13:57:44 GMT -5
Your favorite type of exaggeration in your last sentence----always entertaining!!!
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Post by cruskater31 on Dec 4, 2021 14:07:36 GMT -5
Not going to jump too much into the fray. I am exceptionally proud of this program, the team, and coaching staff. In the moment last night it is hard not to want more as we were so close to and probably should have won. That being said, onward and upward! Let's bring in some transfers to round out the roster/schollie gaps and hope we have a healthy Purdy and team ad a whole. Maybe Ollie will be back and will form a nice 1-2 punch with Purdy. Looking forward to what is in store next season. Pay that coach!
Anyone know Bezos or another billionaire who can endow a coaching chair or otherwise make a fat donation to help further elevate the program. It is nice seeing HC on the news in the Boston area for something other than Covid protocols or Caro parties. Nice positive light bringing recognition to the school as a whole. Great bonus to a solid sports program.
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Post by HC92 on Dec 4, 2021 14:14:30 GMT -5
Villanova has become a much more selective academic institution in large part because of its athletic success, not in spite of it.
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Villanova
Dec 4, 2021 14:45:19 GMT -5
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Post by longsuffering on Dec 4, 2021 14:45:19 GMT -5
Villanova has become a much more selective academic institution in large part because of its athletic success, not in spite of it. How this simple logic escapes some is puzzling. Conversely the athletic success at Williams and Amherst is a byproduct of their elite academic and overall excellence and being in a much more forgiving division. HC can at least adjust it's attitude to embrace the goal of athletic excellence over the participation model as a start.
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Villanova
Dec 4, 2021 14:55:33 GMT -5
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Post by joutsHC77 on Dec 4, 2021 14:55:33 GMT -5
Iām shocked! We even passed to the TE last night! LOL!
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Post by mm67 on Dec 4, 2021 15:00:28 GMT -5
Are grad transfers & redshirts4 year graduation) included in the evaluations? Disaggregate the numbers for a granular look will give us a truer picture.
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Post by inhocsigno on Dec 4, 2021 15:03:41 GMT -5
In the heat of the game, we second guess and complain - a function of our passion for the program. In all, there are a few takeaways, that I think should be universally agreed upon:
1. The program is in great hands with Chesney. If he leaves at some point in the near future for a larger school, we will be in a better position. I don't think that time is now and I fully expect him to be around for a little while. This staff can recruit, and it will be exciting to see what some of the younger kids can develop into. There is no need to be concerned about transfers, etc. Every team loses a few kids each year. If they don't want to stay and be crusaders, and compete for a starting spot, then good riddance. Next guy up. 2. This was a great season. Near perfect, except for the Harvard and Merrimack game. We should be excited about next year. 3. Last night was a valiant effort, and we gave Nova everything they could handle. It was a one possession game against the 5th ranked team in the nation. 4. Our defense was great all season (in total), and Dobbs is a special player. If given the chance (if some measurables are overlooked, i.e. height), he is good enough to play on Sunday's. Need a little more consistency from some other guys (#18 on that long pass, #17 on the scramble, etc.). I expect Bolden to make an impact next year. 5. Our offense needs some work. Sluka is a talent and competitor. He is young and has time to develop, but obviously needs to improve his throwing. He made some great throws last night, but also made some poor throws in the ground. His legs keep us in drives and thus, games. Our receivers need to catch the ball. They are very talented, but there were some drops at inopportune times. We do need to be more explosive, but I think we have the pieces (#1, #19, etc.). Running Back is a strength. I think Oliver was great, Fuller is going to have a career, and #5 ran hard last night. I think missing Purdy on short passes hurts, but not enough to swing a game. 7.In game coaching. You cannot say enough good things about half-time adjustments all season. That is a testament to good coaching.
3 straight PL champs. 3 straight PO appearances. First playoff win. Almost thirst second round win. HC Football is obviously on the right trajectory.
Congrats to the Coaches and the boys. On to recruiting and the offseason. Let's make it 4 in a row.
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Post by purple1 on Dec 4, 2021 15:33:57 GMT -5
Sluka & Siderman are both freshmen with football experience at the D-1 level. I think they are both excellent in their development phase at Holy Cross. Some of you treat them like Tom Brady.....with your comments. We are blessed !!
Holy Cross needs to compensate Chesney and his staff; try and keep him for 5 more years ( Imperative ).
Holy Cross is no longer a basketball school, since Willard. It has a path to success with the FCS football program for national recognition. Trying to recruit the current 200 - 300 basketball high school seniors to HC is not viable anymore in today's times. Holy Cross values true student athletes and those 200 - 300 players have very few applicants who can meet the standards.
It is a great day to be a Crusader !!!
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