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Post by Sons of Vaval on Nov 7, 2023 18:41:36 GMT -5
You’ve mentioned this a bunch but I need you to explain further. In one scenario (win our last two and we are in), we control our own destiny.In the other scenario (needing help from Fordham or Lehigh), we don’t control our own destiny. In sports, you always want to be able to control your own destiny. I simply can’t wrap my head around the logic of holding back Sluka or Dobbs if they’re healthy enough to play this weekend, with the hope that Lafayette drops a game. I don't think we are in if we win our last two...and don't think were beating Army in any case (we can agree to disagree).
Starting with that thought, for arguments sake, can you see the logic in doing everything you can to beat Georgetown? (Of course, we know Chesney has his own analysis and he has unlimited discretion in terms of "playing" certain players for a certain number of snaps, etc etc for reasons he may or may not care to share.). Okay, this makes sense and the first time I've seen you mention this. If we are making the assumption that we are for sure out at 8-3, then I can see the rationalization for resting our big guns if they aren't fully healthy this weekend.
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Post by efg72 on Nov 7, 2023 18:57:45 GMT -5
I think some here could use a shot of optimism that Coach Chesney exudes. I'm with ChuChu (or maybe he's with me?), that we win out and we have a more than decent shot - no, not 100% - of getting an at-large. While I'd like us to win out and have Laffy lose one more in order to get the PL title and autobid outright, I think us winning out has to make us a strong candidate: 1- Two FBS games - lost to P5 team by 3 (and could have won); beat second FBS team (Army) 2- Co-Champ of PL with Laffy 3- Past performance vs. last year's national champs 4- Perhaps one of the best, if not best QB in FCS (Sluka) - Walter Peyton Award finalist 5- Perhaps one of best, if not best defensive player in FCS (Dobbs) - All-American and Campbell Trophy finalist 6. FCS losses by 3 to PL co-champion; 10 point loss (ouch!) to probable IL champion But. lose to Army, and we don't get in even with a GU win UNLESS Laffy loses a game. If we lose to Army but beat GU and Laffy wins out, they are co-champs with us but they get the head-to-head tiebreaker and no way we get at large. Think the world of you and your thinking, but the committee members don't think much of Northeast football They value and appreciate what is done, but think many from the Sky and Valley would be undefeated with our schedule, ranked in the low 40s and higher than some they promote We beat Army and Gtown we feel great, but don't think this committee gives us an at large unless we see a ton of upsets over the next two weeks Tell me I am wrong and I am fine, hope I am, but don't see the at large pathway- I do see Fordham beating Laffy by more than a field goal. The coach at Laffy is good, the question to me remains the maturity of the players to overcome adversity if they fall behind, which happened last week. If they win, congrats they deserve the title
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Post by sader1970 on Nov 7, 2023 19:37:27 GMT -5
Can't tell you with absolute certainty that you are wrong but absolutely do believe you are for the reasons I stated above.
I may be naive but don't believe the committee is as biased against northeast teams as you suspect. Sure, the committee has their own biases but in the end I don't think they will be putting a 3rd, 4th team in before us.
But, a HUGE but, we have to win out or my arguments are academic. Lose to Army, a real possibility, and we have to pray Lafayette loses . . . . and we beat Georgetown.
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Post by efg72 on Nov 7, 2023 19:43:17 GMT -5
I think they will put in a 6th or 7th place team from the Valley in front of us and at 7-4 and with ranked wins they deserve to be in
Not that we don't at 8-3 but we aren't there yet and they won't be worse than 7-4
My comments only relate to an at large bid
Auto bid is a differentconversation
Regardless 8-3 and 7-4 seasons are incredible outcomes for the program given the circumstances
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Post by cruskater31 on Nov 7, 2023 19:56:39 GMT -5
I have a question for many of you. I love all the playoff prognostication and I am one of the first to post rankings and bracketology updates.
We have a huge game on Saturday. What do you think are the keys to the game and what do you think think HC needs to do to win?
My two cents: it will be close either way. On record in the pick 'em 35-31 HC, but I think the nature of their offense means not a lot of points. I've watched a bunch of Army film on YouTube and I don't have a good read on their defense. They seem to have a decent run defense but can be burned over the top/outside. Our D has been improving steadily. I think our ST and turnovers will be the deciding factor. I think if it is a blowout or not a close game...it is because our D has the game of the season!
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Post by midwestsader05 on Nov 7, 2023 20:04:14 GMT -5
I have a question for many of you. I love all the playoff prognostication and I am one of the first to post rankings and bracketology updates. We have a huge game on Saturday. What do you think are the keys to the game and what do you think think HC needs to do to win? My two cents: it will be close either way. On record in the pick 'em 35-31 HC, but I think the nature of their offense means not a lot of points. I've watched a bunch of Army film on YouTube and I don't have a good read on their defense. They seem to have a decent run defense but can be burned over the top/outside. Our D has been improving steadily. I think our ST and turnovers will be the deciding factor. I think if it is a blowout or not a close game...it is because our D has the game of the season! Agree we should take this thread back to this topic and move the Playoff talk (which I love) to the other. I have thoughts on the game will share when able.
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Post by hchoops on Nov 7, 2023 20:12:05 GMT -5
Having watched most of the second half of Army-Air Force and I am not optimistic for us. Their offensive line dominated a good D. Daily is a very good runner, similar to Matt S. Their D caused 6 turnovers. They gang tackle and try to strip the ball. They succeeded 4 times. Their pass rush prevented the Air Force QB from seeing any options. Air Force was outcoached and outplayed.
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Post by efg72 on Nov 7, 2023 20:12:32 GMT -5
I think some here could use a shot of optimism that Coach Chesney exudes. I'm with ChuChu (or maybe he's with me?), that we win out and we have a more than decent shot - no, not 100% - of getting an at-large. While I'd like us to win out and have Laffy lose one more in order to get the PL title and autobid outright, I think us winning out has to make us a strong candidate: 1- Two FBS games - lost to P5 team by 3 (and could have won); beat second FBS team (Army) 2- Co-Champ of PL with Laffy 3- Past performance vs. last year's national champs 4- Perhaps one of the best, if not best QB in FCS (Sluka) - Walter Peyton Award finalist 5- Perhaps one of best, if not best defensive player in FCS (Dobbs) - All-American and Campbell Trophy finalist 6. FCS losses by 3 to PL co-champion; 10 point loss (ouch!) to probable IL champion But. lose to Army, and we don't get in even with a GU win UNLESS Laffy loses a game. If we lose to Army but beat GU and Laffy wins out, they are co-champs with us but they get the head-to-head tiebreaker and no way we get at large. Think the world of you and your thinking, but the committee members don't think much of Northeast football They value and appreciate what is done, but think many from the Sky and Valley would be undefeated with our schedule, ranked in the low 40s and higher than some they promote We beat Army and Gtown we feel great, but don't think this committee gives us an at large unless we see a ton of upsets over the next two weeks Tell me I am wrong and I am fine, hope I am, but don't see the at large pathway- I do see Fordham beating Laffy by more than a field goal. The coach at Laffy is good, the question to me remains the maturity of the players to overcome adversity if they fall behind, which happened last week. If they win, congrats they deserve the title Contrarian views and comments or the possible reaction from the selection committee 1- Two FBS games - lost to P5 team by 3 (and could have won); beat second FBS team (Army)- wins matter not being competitive 2- Co-Champ of PL with Laffy-watch the CAA and how the Committee responds to ties 3- Past performance vs. last year's national champs- different team and one year back do it for a decade like Dakota’s and Montanta’s and it has an impact 4- Perhaps one of the best, if not best QB in FCS (Sluka) - Walter Peyton Award finalist- award is interesting but likely going to SDSU QB or RB 5- Perhaps one of best, if not best defensive player in FCS (Dobbs) - All-American and Campbell Trophy finalist- award likely going to Tennessee State playet who has big time TfL numbers 6. FCS losses by 3 to PL co-champion; 10 point loss (ouch!) to probable IL champion- who did we beat that was ranked at the time we played them Please know I want this to have a great outcome, but we must win the PL imho I fully support the strategy and approach/game plan by the staff Fingers crossed and I truly hope my thinking is way off base
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Post by dharry13 on Nov 7, 2023 20:33:25 GMT -5
I don’t think your opinion is off.
I actually happen to be of the frame of mind that if HC goes 8-3 they will get in. Because they won’t have a bad loss. And will have two quality wins in Fordham and Army.
That said I see why people don’t think so. Because it’s an easier league and most often it’s not a 2 bid league. And we know our D really isn’t a playoff D.
But at the end of the day I think 8-3 gets in for HC if it works out that way. Lets beat Army!
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Post by KY Crusader 75 on Nov 7, 2023 21:06:35 GMT -5
Which Army team will we be playing--the one that lost to UMass or the one that thumped formidable Air Force Academy?
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Post by hchoops on Nov 7, 2023 21:08:45 GMT -5
Which Army team will we be playing--the one that lost to UMass or the one that thumped formidable Air Force Academy? Unfortunately I think it will be the more recent game vs Air Force when their star QB returned.
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Post by cruskater31 on Nov 7, 2023 22:00:59 GMT -5
Daily played in 8 games this year for Army. 780 yards through the air, 6 TD's and 6 INT's. 100 yards rushing vs UTSA and 170 yards rushing vs. AF. Reminds me of a lite version of Sluka. Lowers the shoulder. Runs inside and outside. No speed burst like DePrima. Had his long of the season vs AF at 62 yards. BC gave up 105 in the air with a touchdown and 99 on the ground. He had a long of 23 yards vs BC. They are really the only comparable. Massey has us as favorites vs ULM, UMass, and heavy favorites vs Del State. Dogs against Troy, AF, Syracuse. Not scientific by any means but I think we go 4-5 vs Army's current schedule and our current, work in progress defense (w vs ULM, Delaware St, BC (I know I know), and UMass). I think this is a very even game. If they had DePrima we lose.
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Post by lou on Nov 7, 2023 22:05:11 GMT -5
Saw this today, from Army
Do not print out your digital ticket as printed digital tickets will not be accepted at the gate.
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Post by cruskater31 on Nov 8, 2023 9:44:57 GMT -5
I believe West Point requires everyone to present an ID/license at the campus gates prior to arriving at the parking lots, so make sure you have those and your parking passes handy.
Just checked the Army website and there are not many tickets left for the game, mostly singles. I don't expect near as many HC students at the game as BC due to the distance, but I hope there will still be a fair amount. Anyone have an idea? Perhaps they have a couple of busses going? When I was at HC we managed 1 bus to Colgate for the defacto PL title game late in November and 1 bus down to American for a hoops title game. 3 hours isn't too bad and would give the students plenty of time to prepare themselves for the game.
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Post by nycrusader2010 on Nov 8, 2023 10:02:43 GMT -5
I bought two tix in the Holy Cross section in the end zone.
Haven't looked into a parking pass yet. That's something I have to buy thru the AWP site? Havent DRIVEN to a football game at Michie since 2018 so memory a little rusty. I'm yoo used to the easy in and out for hoops and hockey games at Chrystl.
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Post by midwestsader05 on Nov 8, 2023 10:32:44 GMT -5
So for the game this week. The ESPN match-up predictor currently gives HC a ~21% chance to win which feels about right if BOTH Sluka and Dobbs not only play but can play to their potential. If one or the other (especially Matt) cannot perform to their standard, that number gets at least cut in half IMHO.
We've already said that a must have for victory is to AT LEAST fight to a draw on turnovers and ideally net at least one possession if not two. Again, both teams have had TOs break their hearts in games they were supposed to win (Harvard for HC; ULM and UMASS for Army) or carry them to victory (Fordham and Air Force). Same for ST's. We cannot extend them a margin in starting field position.
As for the Offense, Joe P's sample size is still relatively small so it's hard to draw sweeping conclusions. I think Joe has the arm talent and what it takes b/t the ears to compete for a PL title with enough good pieces around him (which the offense currently has). What I'm less certain of is if he can compete against top end FCS talent (upper tier CAA, MVC etc.) and FBS. Should Joe be the guy on Saturday, the game will be much faster to him than it was v the Fordham and Lehigh defenses. What that means for a QB is likely more pressure in the pocket, smaller windows to throw in and having to move through your progressions faster. There is a reason against these types of teams (UNH, SDSU, BC etc) Matt uses his running prowess to power the offense. That adds a whole other dimension to the Offense that limits a Defense to just pin its ears back and get after a QB or traditional running game. We aren't going to line up and just pound the ball to Fuller 30 times and win this game. Army's front 6/7 will be too good for that.
Bottom line, we need Matt do be darn close to 100% IMO to have a chance in the 4th quarter.
The Defensive key to the game is no surprise. How do we stop Army's rushing attack from just moving the ball methodically down the field with 4-6 yard chunk running plays all day. They will go for it on 4th down in almost any short yardage scenario which puts added pressure on a D. We don't have the personnel currently, so we are going to have to take some chances on various run stunts/blitzes which as we've seen leaves you one missed assignment or tackle away from a 50 yard TD run or play action pass over the top. This is again why if we don't force at least 1 TO and hopefully more, it's tough to see how we keep Army from scoring in the 40's.
Kicking game is still a cause for concern as you can't afford to leave any points off the board this week. I expect Coach to continue to ride the offense unless it's 4th and long and a chip shot FG where taking the 3 is okay.
I haven't authored many thoughts pre-game this year and left most commentary for post-game. Those that I speak with directly know I didn't feel great about Harvard (had us getting upset 38-35) or Laffy (had us narrowly winning 28-24). I'll just reiterate that it will take a phenomenal effort with some better fortune this week to find that W.
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Post by princetoncrusader on Nov 8, 2023 10:42:36 GMT -5
I bought two tix in the Holy Cross section in the end zone. Haven't looked into a parking pass yet. That's something I have to buy thru the AWP site? Havent DRIVEN to a football game at Michie since 2018 so memory a little rusty. I'm yoo used to the easy in and out for hoops and hockey games at Chrystl. Parking pass is part of the ticket package. You should have clicked on a tab to get one when you ordered. I think the ticket office will send you an email regarding the game day experience with the usual caveats about arriving early, what you can and cannot bring into the stadium as well as shuttle bus info. In said email, there should be a link to get a parking pass. Hope that helps. Go Cross!
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Post by nycrusader2010 on Nov 8, 2023 10:48:40 GMT -5
Saw this today, from Army Do not print out your digital ticket as printed digital tickets will not be accepted at the gate. Pretty much every major sporting venue now is mobile only. It sucks. Up until COVID, I kept every tickets stub I had from EVERY game I went to since I was a kid. Had a whole book that I was planning on adding to over the years. The rare exception being the handful of times I went to a game as a guest of someone who opted to use mobile entry on their phone. And now that whole project is up in smoke. The real reason behind it is two-fold: 1) Data mining - knowing EXACTLY who's actually entering the arena. Allows venues and organizations to gather info about you and target you when it comes to email lists, marketing campaigns and such. Also, all this data is able to be sold to other companies. ' 2) Enforcing bans -- facial recognition obviously helps but it's a lot easier for organizations to block a specific user from scanning in now. The Yankees actually had a decent idea that they did for a couple of games this year but didn't continue it for whatever reason. Everyone that scanned into at least a couple games this year was given a "complimentary commemorative ticket stub" after they had entered the stadium. Effectively the same thing as a traditional ticket except for not being the actual vessel that got you checked into the arena.
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Post by Chu Chu on Nov 8, 2023 12:21:29 GMT -5
The last time we played Army, I was inducted into the CrossSports Hall of Fame for being the only person who predicted a Holy Cross win.
I do so again. Sluka and Dobbs are ready to go. Let's make it two in a row!
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Post by newfieguy74 on Nov 8, 2023 12:36:32 GMT -5
The last time we played Army, I was inducted into the CrossSports Hall of Fame for being the only person who predicted a Holy Cross win. I do so again. Sluka and Dobbs are ready to go. Let's make it two in a row! One can only ask whether there is an honor above induction into the Crossports Hall of Fame.
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Post by midwestsader05 on Nov 8, 2023 12:39:11 GMT -5
The last time we played Army, I was inducted into the CrossSports Hall of Fame for being the only person who predicted a Holy Cross win. I do so again. Sluka and Dobbs are ready to go. Let's make it two in a row! I’ll be there for the first time since 2002 (and first HC game this year), hopefully sending some of the vibes from the 2002 upset.
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Post by cruskater31 on Nov 9, 2023 11:42:28 GMT -5
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Post by nycrusader2010 on Nov 9, 2023 11:50:38 GMT -5
What year was the original Crossports founded? I know its changed interfaces a couple times.
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Post by Sons of Vaval on Nov 9, 2023 12:03:48 GMT -5
What year was the original Crossports founded? I know its changed interfaces a couple times. Happy reading -- www.voy.com/61698/10/
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Post by Chu Chu on Nov 9, 2023 12:52:34 GMT -5
What year was the original Crossports founded? I know its changed interfaces a couple times. Happy reading -- www.voy.com/61698/10/Well, that was fun! According to the" Wayback machine", Crosssports was first online November 21, 2002. If you wish to find old versions of CROSSPORTS going back to 2002, go the the "Wayback Machine" Here is a link: web.archive.org/web/20230000000000*/http:/www.crossports.com
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