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Post by midwestsader05 on Oct 18, 2023 16:31:02 GMT -5
Yup, once the benefit of having fifth years goes away within a couple years, I'll be really curious to see how competitive we remain. Love what Chesney and the boys have done. Hoping for continued growth and success, but I do see some disadvantages reappearing. A few thoughts. Our opponents who cultivate five year tenures for FB players are vulnerable to the portal once a player has graduated but still has a year of eligibility. Maybe less than HC is with players eligible to graduate if they have grad school, but how much less? When the extra Covid year expires all players only have four full years of eligibility. So HC will have more scholarship sophomores, juniors and seniors, each on average with more experience than their peers on other teams where playing time is reduced for each class as they wait behind each season's fifth year players. An HC senior will have comparable game experience as an opposing fifth year and if he prepped a year like Sluka before matriculating, be the same age. HC made good use of the four year Covid exception to establish a solid football program, which should make recruiting easier whoever is the head coach. This has not been borne out by the facts over the past 3 seasons. HC has lost ONLY 3 players that would have been asked back for a 5th year since Spring 2021. Brian Foley (Duke), Jack Bowler (Richmond) and Ayir Asante (Wyoming). Opposing PL schools have lost at least that many in a given year. Lehigh had 4-5 of its best eligible 5th year players transfer last season (with Tygee Leach having a big year w/ Georgia State) HC has had one of the highest retention rates of 5th year players in the country..FCS or FBS. That's a reflection of a remarkable culture. It's really perplexing the opinions formed here without just the slightest bit of due diligence or experience. I'm still trying to hold my tongue at a couple of the least informed posters blaming Chesney and staff for having Dobbs and Haskins on the field for a PAT attempt after a TD. It literally might have been the worst hot take in some time. The color guy during the Bucknell game (that had coached for 30 years and actually knew football) told the no-nothing primary commentator in the most diplomatic way possible that his question re Dobbs and Haskins being out there was as stupid as they come.
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Post by hc87 on Oct 18, 2023 17:56:51 GMT -5
Sluka kept pestering my friend Matt Lawler '87, who is an actor and guest lectured today at HC, for a selfie....he finally relented and gave the kid one. Said they are amped up for the Lafayette game.
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Post by efg72 on Oct 18, 2023 18:50:17 GMT -5
Unable to attend so if anybody is looking for tickets - 2 sets of 4 and/or two parking tickets- baseball and garage send a message
Naturally no charge - just have a good time and deliver a W
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Post by purplehaze on Oct 18, 2023 19:13:33 GMT -5
The Lafayette site has a preview and their commentators (yes, one-sided) expressed confidence that their running game will push our D line around and at the same time their D line and lb’s will contain Sluka’s scrambles - we’ll see about that
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Post by longsuffering on Oct 18, 2023 19:46:52 GMT -5
A few thoughts. Our opponents who cultivate five year tenures for FB players are vulnerable to the portal once a player has graduated but still has a year of eligibility. Maybe less than HC is with players eligible to graduate if they have grad school, but how much less? When the extra Covid year expires all players only have four full years of eligibility. So HC will have more scholarship sophomores, juniors and seniors, each on average with more experience than their peers on other teams where playing time is reduced for each class as they wait behind each season's fifth year players. An HC senior will have comparable game experience as an opposing fifth year and if he prepped a year like Sluka before matriculating, be the same age. HC made good use of the four year Covid exception to establish a solid football program, which should make recruiting easier whoever is the head coach. This has not been borne out by the facts over the past 3 seasons. HC has lost ONLY 3 players that would have been asked back for a 5th year since Spring 2021. Brian Foley (Duke), Jack Bowler (Richmond) and Ayir Asante (Wyoming). Opposing PL schools have lost at least that many in a given year. Lehigh had 4-5 of its best eligible 5th year players transfer last season (with Tygee Leach having a big year w/ Georgia State) HC has had one of the highest retention rates of 5th year players in the country..FCS or FBS. That's a reflection of a remarkable culture. It's really perplexing the opinions formed here without just the slightest bit of due diligence or experience. I'm still trying to hold my tongue at a couple of the least informed posters blaming Chesney and staff for having Dobbs and Haskins on the field for a PAT attempt after a TD. It literally might have been the worst hot take in some time. The color guy during the Bucknell game (that had coached for 30 years and actually knew football) told the no-nothing primary commentator in the most diplomatic way possible that his question re Dobbs and Haskins being out there was as stupid as they come. I'm trying to rationalize how Holy Cross Football can work around not having graduate school. As you point out HC is in a sweet spot while players have an extra year of Covid eligibility but usually nothing is all advantage and no disadvantage. The more fifpth year scholarship players you have, the fewer year 1-4 scholarship players you can have because there will likely always be a scholarship cap. I think non-nedical redshirts are a no-brainer especially for a fall one semester sport like football but I don't get a vote. My brain wants to think of ways HC FB can compete nationally and not be doomed if the league doesn't vote to allow non-medical red shirts going forward.
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Post by midwestsader05 on Oct 18, 2023 21:09:41 GMT -5
The Lafayette site has a preview and their commentators (yes, one-sided) expressed confidence that their running game will push our D line around and at the same time their D line and lb’s will contain Sluka’s scrambles - we’ll see about that x.com/WatchLSN/status/1714672687853801594?s=20They are pretty spot on in keys to the game.
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Post by longsuffering on Oct 18, 2023 22:06:05 GMT -5
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Post by HC92 on Oct 19, 2023 8:41:01 GMT -5
Probably a better discussion for another thread but would HC be better or worse off if it opened a business school that offered both graduate and undergraduate degrees? Many colleges who are more difficult to get into than HC in 2023, like ND and Villanova, have business schools serving both undergrads and grad students in addition to liberal arts colleges. Seems we might be able to increase apps and strengthen our brand while having the side benefit of strengthening athletics.
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Post by Sons of Vaval on Oct 19, 2023 8:50:52 GMT -5
The Lafayette site has a preview and their commentators (yes, one-sided) expressed confidence that their running game will push our D line around and at the same time their D line and lb’s will contain Sluka’s scrambles - we’ll see about that x.com/WatchLSN/status/1714672687853801594?s=20They are pretty spot on in keys to the game. Nice breakdown. Lafayette does a great job with their coverage. Wish we had a football show like this.
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Post by midwestsader05 on Oct 19, 2023 9:26:35 GMT -5
This has not been borne out by the facts over the past 3 seasons. HC has lost ONLY 3 players that would have been asked back for a 5th year since Spring 2021. Brian Foley (Duke), Jack Bowler (Richmond) and Ayir Asante (Wyoming). Opposing PL schools have lost at least that many in a given year. Lehigh had 4-5 of its best eligible 5th year players transfer last season (with Tygee Leach having a big year w/ Georgia State) HC has had one of the highest retention rates of 5th year players in the country..FCS or FBS. That's a reflection of a remarkable culture. It's really perplexing the opinions formed here without just the slightest bit of due diligence or experience. I'm still trying to hold my tongue at a couple of the least informed posters blaming Chesney and staff for having Dobbs and Haskins on the field for a PAT attempt after a TD. It literally might have been the worst hot take in some time. The color guy during the Bucknell game (that had coached for 30 years and actually knew football) told the no-nothing primary commentator in the most diplomatic way possible that his question re Dobbs and Haskins being out there was as stupid as they come. I'm trying to rationalize how Holy Cross Football can work around not having graduate school. As you point out HC is in a sweet spot while players have an extra year of Covid eligibility but usually nothing is all advantage and no disadvantage. The more fifpth year scholarship players you have, the fewer year 1-4 scholarship players you can have because there will likely always be a scholarship cap. I think non-nedical redshirts are a no-brainer especially for a fall one semester sport like football but I don't get a vote. My brain wants to think of ways HC FB can compete nationally and not be doomed if the league doesn't vote to allow non-medical red shirts going forward. There are well sourced reports that the PL is considering amending their red shirt policy when the Covid waiver expires after the 2024 season. I'm sure we will hear more sooner rather than later b/c the league needs to let the programs prepare for after the 2024 fall season. My guess is something will be announced by next Spring/Summer at the latest. I'm sure HC, Fordham and maybe others are pushing the league to make some changes. That's the only fix in the near term.
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Post by midwestsader05 on Oct 19, 2023 9:39:42 GMT -5
Back to the game, I really don't like this weather forecast. Net favors Laffy in several ways starting with dampening turnout.
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Post by gks on Oct 19, 2023 9:57:35 GMT -5
I'm trying to rationalize how Holy Cross Football can work around not having graduate school. As you point out HC is in a sweet spot while players have an extra year of Covid eligibility but usually nothing is all advantage and no disadvantage. The more fifpth year scholarship players you have, the fewer year 1-4 scholarship players you can have because there will likely always be a scholarship cap. I think non-nedical redshirts are a no-brainer especially for a fall one semester sport like football but I don't get a vote. My brain wants to think of ways HC FB can compete nationally and not be doomed if the league doesn't vote to allow non-medical red shirts going forward. There are well sourced reports that the PL is considering amending their red shirt policy when the Covid waiver expires after the 2024 season. I'm sure we will hear more sooner rather than later b/c the league needs to let the programs prepare for after the 2024 fall season. My guess is something will be announced by next Spring/Summer at the latest. I'm sure HC, Fordham and maybe others are pushing the league to make some changes. That's the only fix in the near term. This is good news. In your opinion Midwestsader05....is this to appease certain members unhappy with silly PL restrictions that have hampered programs for a long time or has the PL office woken up and seen the 5th year players don't equal the apocalypse?
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hc69
Crusader Century Club
Posts: 219
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Post by hc69 on Oct 19, 2023 11:44:14 GMT -5
Probably a better discussion for another thread but would HC be better or worse off if it opened a business school that offered both graduate and undergraduate degrees? Many colleges who are more difficult to get into than HC in 2023, like ND and Villanova, have business schools serving both undergrads and grad students in addition to liberal arts colleges. Seems we might be able to increase apps and strengthen our brand while having the side benefit of strengthening athletics. Our mission has always been as an undergraduate liberal arts college. ND and Nova are universities with several professional schools (in addition to business) that offer undergraduate and graduate degrees. They also offer masters and PHD degrees in a broad range of arts and sciences. Adding professional schools and graduate programs is a time-intensive and costly undertaking that would fundamentally change our mission. I doubt the BOT has any interest in going in that direction. It is certainly not part of our current strategic plan.
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Post by purplehaze on Oct 19, 2023 14:58:33 GMT -5
The Laf site posts two analysis videos each week before their games - here's the other one which is well done
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Post by sader1970 on Oct 19, 2023 15:50:36 GMT -5
This guy knows his stuff. This will be a tough game. Would’ve like to hear what his thoughts are on how weather will impact the game.
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Post by efg72 on Oct 19, 2023 16:04:48 GMT -5
Perhaps a plus for Laffy, but i think a wet field might slow down the rush and impact the Laffy quickness
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Post by ndgradbuthcfan on Oct 19, 2023 16:11:08 GMT -5
It's impacting me; probably not going to make the 5+ hour RT to watch a game and drive in the rain. Looking forward to viewing a solid HC win on ESPN+.
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Post by joutsHC77 on Oct 19, 2023 16:19:45 GMT -5
HC D needs to get penetration, sacks and turnovers.
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Post by longsuffering on Oct 19, 2023 16:23:54 GMT -5
Probably a better discussion for another thread but would HC be better or worse off if it opened a business school that offered both graduate and undergraduate degrees? Many colleges who are more difficult to get into than HC in 2023, like ND and Villanova, have business schools serving both undergrads and grad students in addition to liberal arts colleges. Seems we might be able to increase apps and strengthen our brand while having the side benefit of strengthening athletics. I was told several years ago (1990s) that Clark University had the only fully accredited? certified? by the most respected national organization MBA program in the Worcester area and the part time or part time eligible MBA programs at Assumption, Worcester State, Anna Maria, Nichols (I think most local colleges established MBA programs, I could be wrong) were not. So, HC would want any graduate program to be at a high level I would think. Business studies are in demand but HC might have an easier route to begin graduate studies in an area that is a current strength like sciences. MLS, MSW, Masters in Counseling degrees might be interesting. I think both Assumption and Anna Maria first ventured into graduate studies with Masters in Counseling degrees.
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Post by midwestsader05 on Oct 19, 2023 16:58:15 GMT -5
This guy knows his stuff. This will be a tough game. Would’ve like to hear what his thoughts are on how weather will impact the game. Rain does a couple things besides reducing the crowd / energy for the home team. As Efg points out, it reduces speed as an advantage, especially those that rely on lateral quickness. So yes while neutralizing the strength of Laffy’s D (speed and pressure), It will also have an effect on Sluka in the run game as he relies on lateral change of direction more than straight down hill speed. Could be a factor limiting Coker and Shorter’s athletic advantages as well. Oliver was a perfect back for a rain game b/c he was a guy that relied on his initial burst and getting his pads down hill especially in more ISO and lead runs where at most one lineman might pull. Fuller relies upon his vision more than burst and is why a lot of our running scheme this year is slower developing with more counter/power often pulling 2 OL. Wind is a bigger factor than steady rain (downpour different obviously) in the passing game. Again, this favors Laffy because they likely have to rely less on the pass to move the ball vs our D, whereas our O will need the pass to keep their D honest. If they can just stack the box and make us one dimensional it will be a frustrating afternoon. One tidbit that many on here might not know is that Sluka has massive hands. Those meat hooks will help in a weather game vs a traditional QB trying to grip the ball. (Why hand measurement at the combine is such a big deal for QBs - remember Kenny Pickett 2 years ago?) So he’s got that going for him…which is nice.
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Post by efg72 on Oct 19, 2023 17:08:41 GMT -5
If it is pouring rain wouldn't we adjust this week as we prepare and put more players in the box
Perhaps someone will ask if we have a basket of tricks/adjustment if there is a down pour on the zoom call - only getting a yes answer I guess but worth the ask.
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Post by purplehaze on Oct 19, 2023 17:16:23 GMT -5
The forecast at this hour calls for 77 pct chance of rain and 6 mph winds from the nw - so at least not a wind driven rain and I'm rooting for the 23 pct dry !
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Post by gks on Oct 19, 2023 17:17:53 GMT -5
In a pouring rain storm I'll take Jordan Fuller and our O-Line.
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Post by rgs318 on Oct 19, 2023 17:27:18 GMT -5
Probably a better discussion for another thread but would HC be better or worse off if it opened a business school that offered both graduate and undergraduate degrees? Many colleges who are more difficult to get into than HC in 2023, like ND and Villanova, have business schools serving both undergrads and grad students in addition to liberal arts colleges. Seems we might be able to increase apps and strengthen our brand while having the side benefit of strengthening athletics. MLS, MSW, Masters in Counseling degrees might be interesting. I think both Assumption and Anna Maria first ventured into graduate studies with Masters in Counseling degrees. I helped to start a double MA Counseling program at Mercy College - one for school counseling and one for mental health counseling. A number of athletes took one of those degrees to use as coaches. The courses can be put into place before the overall program is approved, so it does not take long to start.
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Post by cruskater31 on Oct 19, 2023 19:42:53 GMT -5
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