Richmond @ UNH On NBCSN Saturday at 3pm ET

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

I've seen very little of UNH this year. What's the the cause for the decline? Graduations, injuries, both?

I suspect the Spiders will be prepared for this one given our struggles with the Cats over recent years. We owe the Cats one. The Spiders come into this game with a bit of a question mark about how the Albany game ended. The Danes put a scare in us late. I'm hopeful that Seth Fisher will be back this week. Seth adds teeth to our run game. Otherwise, we are fairly healthy at this point in the season but would still love to get that week off the Saturday after Turkey Day.

[hktribefan]

When we saw UNH a couple of weeks ago, Goldrich seemed to be shaking the rust off in his first week back from injury. Score not necessarily indicative of their quality, and will definitely be a good game. UNH fighting for their playoff lives, so a great match to showcase on NBCSN.

[Mattymc727]

UNH stinks on offense. Crossan is really the only offensive weapon. I don't see any way that the cats compete. Only thing that could possibly make it interesting is that the game is in the dungeon.

[Catsfan90]

If this game was at Richmond it would be a blowout in Richmond's favour. Because this is a home game it will be a little more interesting. After what I saw against URI though, I believe Richmond wins this easily.

[CHIP72]

I've seen very little of UNH this year. What's the the cause for the decline? Graduations, injuries, both?

I think they are tired from their lengthy game with Lafayette. xlolx

[lydiabixby]

I see from the above comments that it really hasn't sunk in how different this year's UNH team is. UNH apparently still living on it's laurels in the minds of those who haven't seen them first hand this year. I thought the Delaware video announcers two weeks ago said it well when near the end of the game they said about UNH, almost disbelievingly, "They just don't have the horses." The nail in the coffin was when the experienced quarterback, Goldrich, went down. That next week, against Stony Brook, they couldn't do anything. Since then they have recovered some but there have been entire half games, like the first half of last Saturday against Rhode Island, when they were unbelievably bad. I do believe that they can be better than they have been since Stony Brook but whether than can find the chemistry and resolve has yet to be evidenced.

[Tribal]

I think UR wins this one 37-17, thus ending the 'cats playoffs hope.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[bluehenbillk]

I see UR winning by double digits - least impressive UNH team in years.

[wmmii]

UNH has a proud history and many times have comes from being dead to win out to make the playoffs. They are at home and know they have to not only win out but to beat Richmond will give them the signature win they lack now.

There loss at UD happened in the 3rd Q where they gave up a 84 yard TD run that was followed by a UNH fumble on the kickoff at their 23 turning the game from a 14-9 UNH lead to 24-14 UD lead and the young bucks at UD then did what happen to the Tribe and go the momentum creating a 10 minute plus 4th Q drive to go up 31-14.

Possible upset by UNH here?

[KPSUL]

To win this game, UNH will have to play a full 60 mins for the first time all season and get some help from Richmond in the form of at least a +2 advantage in turnovers. UNH is outclassed in ever facet of scoring except for the kickoff and punt return game, UNH will need to use the return game to establish a significant field position edge and bust a big one or two. Frankly, I don't believe we have the ability, or confidence, to put this all together unless Richmond cooperates by making multiple mistakes. Most likely what will happen is that our Offense will not be able to match the production of the Richmond offense, the UNH D will spend way to much time on the field, give up several big plays when tired and the game will be out of reach by the end of 3rd quarter. At this point, I'm really just looking for a respectable performance against Richmond and hoping for, but not expecting, a 6-5 winning season.

As far as the whys for a mediocre team in 2015. Well to start, nobody who follows the team closely is surprised. Injuries? We had our share, but probably no worse than a majority of teams at this point in the season. To say that we were effected by graduations is an understatement. As I wrote in an earlier thread, Coach Mac accepted a high level of risk for a future season or two to field back to back national semi-finalist teams by having a disproportionate number of seniors playing almost every key offensive position(some of them 2 deep), and several D positions as well in 2014. I for one am OK with that risk considering the success we had. The program will be back to 2012 level next year and back to full form in 2017.

[Mattymc727]

UNH is also the more desperate team. The cats need to pull out all the trick plays and be aggressive on the play calling. Richmond has a LOT more talent than UNH this year, so the cats will have to find a way to hold onto the ball and keep their defense off the field too.

My head says Richmond by 17.

[Mattymc727]

To win this game, UNH will have to play a full 60 mins for the first time all season and get some help from Richmond in the form of at least a +2 advantage in turnovers. UNH is outclassed in ever facet of scoring except for the kickoff and punt return game, UNH will need to use the return game to establish a significant field position edge and bust a big one or two. Frankly, I don't believe we have the ability, or confidence, to put this all together unless Richmond cooperates by making multiple mistakes. Most likely what will happen is that our Offense will not be able to match the production of the Richmond offense, the UNH D will spend way to much time on the field, give up several big plays when tired and the game will be out of reach by the end of 3rd quarter. At this point, I'm really just looking for a respectable performance against Richmond and hoping for, but not expecting, a 6-5 winning season.

As far as the whys for a mediocre team in 2015. Well to start, nobody who follows the team closely is surprised. Injuries? We had our share, but probably no worse than a majority of teams at this point in the season. To say that we were effected by graduations is an understatement. As I wrote in an earlier thread, Coach Mac accepted a high level of risk for a future season or two to field back to back national semi-finalist teams by having a disproportionate number of seniors playing almost every key offensive position(some of them 2 deep), and several D positions as well in 2014. I for one am OK with that risk considering the success we had. The program will be back to 2012 level next year and back to full form in 2017.

Not sure why I didnt realize this past summer, but losing your top 2 WR, all conference tight end, top 2 RBs, LT, and all conference center would have a devastating impact on offense. I suppose Goldrich coming back had us hopeful, but him getting hurt really put this team back on its heels for a while. Oh, and Goldrich stinks too. The offensive line is a bit young as well.

[UNH_Alum_In_CT]

Not sure why I didnt realize this past summer, but losing your top 2 WR, all conference tight end, top 2 RBs, LT, and all conference center would have a devastating impact on offense. I suppose Goldrich coming back had us hopeful, but him getting hurt really put this team back on its heels for a while. Oh, and Goldrich stinks too. The offensive line is a bit young as well.

After reloading for 11 years and surviving the graduation of Santos and Ball, I think most on AGS had tremendous faith UNH would reload as usual. All those losses in the Offense along with losing five of the eight who rotated on the DL has proven to be much more significant than anticipated. Or many people just didn't do their homework on the loses to graduation! Add in Goldrich along with two on the OL, including one of the three returning starters, going down and everything was compounded.

If the second half UNH team shows up, then there's a good chance it will be a competitive game Saturday. JMHO, but Goldrich has to run like he did in the second half against URI. That threat seemed to open things up for UNH. Kudos to the players for coming back after halftime and dominating the game. Even in the first few years of Coach Mac's tenure when UNH didn't have winning records, I never had the rock bottom feeling that I had at halftime this past Saturday. My lord with the new grandstand opening next season, they really need to finish up strong. Let's hope the players have figured out how to bring that second half team out for the opening kickoff!!

[bostonspider]

So normally when I have come up for the UR-UNH game, I never worried about buying tickets prior. Now that there is NO visitor side due to construction, should I buy ahead this week?

[Catsfan90]

So normally when I have come up for the UR-UNH game, I never worried about buying tickets prior. Now that there is NO visitor side due to construction, should I buy ahead this week?
Yes I would buy them asap, especially if you want a chair back.

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

Not sure why I didnt realize this past summer, but losing your top 2 WR, all conference tight end, top 2 RBs, LT, and all conference center would have a devastating impact on offense. I suppose Goldrich coming back had us hopeful, but him getting hurt really put this team back on its heels for a while. Oh, and Goldrich stinks too. The offensive line is a bit young as well.

How's the defense? Against the run, in particular.

[KPSUL]

How's the defense? Against the run, in particular.

Sort of like: Cats stop them for no gain; 4 yards up the middle, 1 yard off tackle, 3 yards on the sweep; tackled by Turner for a 2 yard loss; etc,. etc,. etc,. THEN out of nowhere on a 3rd and one FILL IN THE BLANK RB FOR "JUST ABOUT EVERYONE" cuts it outside and runs 70 yards untouched for the score!

[Mattymc727]

How's the defense? Against the run, in particular.

Not good. The defense has a pretty good secondary, but is young and inexperienced in the Dline. As KPSUL stated, they have had success stopping the run, except for the 80 yard TD meltdown that happens every game.

[Catsfan90]

Sort of like: Cats stop them for no gain; 4 yards up the middle, 1 yard off, tackle, 3 yards on the sweep; tackled by Turner for a 2 yard loss; etc,. etc,. etc,. THEN out of nowhere on a 3rd and one FILL IN THE BLANK RB FOR "JUST ABOUT EVERYONE" cuts it outside and runs 70 yards untouched for the score!
Doesn't even have to be a RB it seems like. Third and 1. Towel boy goes in: towel boy runs for a 300 yd gain.

[lknspider]

Doesn't even have to be a RB it seems like. Third and 1. Towel boy goes in: towel boy runs for a 300 yd gain.


Hope the Spiders are not reading this thread......too much optimism!! UR just hit the gauntlet of a favorable schedule with a big win at JMU and a second half scare after leading Albany 38-10. That 2nd half scare should be a wake-up call for Richmond at UNH. This will be the biggest game of the year for UNH.......a chance to knock off the front runner and keep their own playoff hopes alive. UNH has not lost at home and this game will be no cake walk. Spiders better not read their press clippings!

[Eight Legger]

I definitely feel better after having read this thread. Which means we probably will lose by 10.

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

Point spread: Richmond -6.5.

[Catsfan90]

Point spread: Richmond -6.5.
Wow, I had expected it to be a lot more. But UNH was also a 9 point favourite over Delaware, so I'm not putting much stock into that.

[Bogus Megapardus]

From what I see the superstructure for the new home side at UNH is completed. Pretty cool to be able show that off on national TV. xthumbsupx

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

Wow, I had expected it to be a lot more. But UNH was also a 9 point favourite over Delaware, so I'm not putting much stock into that.

Self perception is a funny thing. I expected it to be closer to a pick 'em.

[KPSUL]

From what I see the superstructure for the new home side at UNH is completed. Pretty cool to be able show that off on national TV. xthumbsupx

Kinda like the UNH team this season, a basic support system that will grow into a outstanding finished product next year.

[Bogus Megapardus]

Sportsbook:

Richmond (-6½) at New Hampshire o/u 65

(Other lines are on the PL thread as usual)

[Catsfan90]

Sportsbook:

Richmond (-6½) at New Hampshire o/u 65

(Other lines are on the PL thread as usual)
I'll take the under, unless it turns into a blowout...

[Eight Legger]

I'll take the under, unless it turns into a blowout...

I'm not a gambler, but lemme know which book you use that lets you change your pick mid-game like that, and I'll definitely turn into one! :D

[Catsfan90]

I'm not a gambler, but lemme know which book you use that lets you change your pick mid-game like that, and I'll definitely turn into one! :D
Ha-ha I wish! I'd be a millionaire.

[UNH_Alum_In_CT]

So normally when I have come up for the UR-UNH game, I never worried about buying tickets prior. Now that there is NO visitor side due to construction, should I buy ahead this week?

It appears the Visitor's have been getting reserved seats in I believe section E. Not sure what the timing is for buying them via Richmond's Ticket Office.

The first two home games this season had ticket sales capped and a sell out occurred before game day. That didn't happen last week vs. URI, but Halloween is notoriously bad attendance wise. You'll probably get a General Admission or Standing Room Only ticket on Saturday but you'll be taking a risk by waiting. JMHO.

[Catsfan90]

Any other Richmond fans heading up?

[Catsfan90]

I've really thought long about this, and I think that if UNH can score some points on Saturday, and keep Richmond from scoring more points they have a good shot at this.

All the offense has to do is throw, and run the ball and they should be fine. On the Defensive side we need guys to step up and keep Richmond from throwing and running the ball.

As for special teams we need to kick the ball better than them. If UNH does this. Then they should win!!

[Mattymc727]

I've really thought long about this, and I think that if UNH can score some points on Saturday, and keep Richmond from scoring more points they have a good shot at this.

All the offense has to do is throw, and run the ball and they should be fine. On the Defensive side we need guys to step up and keep Richmond from throwing and running the ball.

As for special teams we need to kick the ball better than them. If UNH does this. Then they should win!!

John Madden?

[Catsfan90]

John Madden?
Absolutely.

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

Travel delays got the Spiders into Durham at close to midnight last night. Not good.

[Catsfan90]

Travel delays got the Spiders into Durham at close to midnight last night. Not good.
From what I wonder. The weathers been gorgeous!

[wmmii]

Travel delays got the Spiders into Durham at close to midnight last night. Not good.

Possible upset in the works..........

[tribe_pride]

These are college kids. They don't to sleep before midnight anyway.

[dwtime]

Big catch by Donovan at the 1, UNH scores up 14-7.

[UNHWildcat18]

Breda ****ing sucks and shouldn't be allowed to kick a FG or extra point ever again for this team.

[dwtime]

Breda ****ing sucks and shouldn't be allowed to kick a FG or extra point ever again for this team.

Agree 100% felt that way early last season and yet they still play him.

[dwtime]

UNH should be up, 20-7 but has Villanova syndrome. No kicker.

[UNHWildcat18]

UNH with a great drive to leave Richmond under a min left. 21-7 UNH!

[dwtime]

Shocker in Durham so far, UNH up 21-7 should be 27-7 if we had a kicker.

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

No one watching this?

UNH 27 Richmond 25 7:00 4Q

[UNHWildcat18]

Thank god Breda made a kick, still not sure why UNH doesn't run it on first and goal from the six.

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

UNH with the INT as Richmond was driving...

UNH 30 Richmond 25 3:00 4Q

[UNHWildcat18]

UNH WINS!!!!!

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

Richmond goes down!!

UNH 30 Richmond 25 Final!!

[WileECoyote06]

Fat lady had to go backstage, it wasn't time for her to sing yet.

[dwtime]

Great win for UNH, terrible coaching by Richmond. Should have run the ball on every play, UNH couldn't stop it and why they called an onside kick was beyond me. Richmond fans should be very pissed.

[wmmii]

Possible upset now in the books-Travel delays the Spiders had that got them in at midnight did not help them any-UNH will run the table and be in the conversation for a playoff bid...........

[Terry2889]

UNH's defensive scheme is terrible. Consistently outflanked and outmanned due to only playing with 6 in the box against two tight personnel. No adjustments were made throughout the game. If Richmond had run the ball on every down they would have had 400 yards rushing. UNH's line seems to be gelling at the right time and their young skill players looked very good today in the absence of Crosson. Even if they win out this team should not be considered in the playoff discussion however. Still think they're a year or two away from being back to where they should be.

[UNHWildcat18]

UNH's defensive scheme is terrible. Consistently outflanked and outmanned due to only playing with 6 in the box against two tight personnel. No adjustments were made throughout the game. If Richmond had run the ball on every down they would have had 400 yards rushing. UNH's line seems to be gelling at the right time and their young skill players looked very good today in the absence of Crosson. Even if they win out this team should not be considered in the playoff discussion however. Still think they're a year or two away from being back to where they should be.

They beat a Richmond team that if they win out will be seeded highly and also they beat the patriot league champ if Colgate wins out. While I don't personally think they should get in. If they are at 7-4 with those two wins then I see it happening

[tribefan40]

They beat a Richmond team that if they win out will be seeded highly and also they beat the patriot league champ if Colgate wins out. While I don't personally think they should get in. If they are at 7-4 with those two wins then I see it happening

The committee loves UNH. The at-large pool will be so muddied, a 7-4 UNH is in, IMO.

[WileECoyote06]

lol. .


Nobody is worried about New Hampshire? A win over Richmond at home, and they have two wins over probable playoff teams and a chance to finish 7-4. They'd also be on a four game winning streak to end the season. They'd definitely get an at-large.

Also, Central Arkansas gets Sam Houston at home, and can finish the season with five wins in a row. If they finish 8-3 they are an at-large lock. Even at 7-4 with a power rating inside the Top 40, they're as good a candidate as any.

[Terry2889]

The committee loves UNH. The at-large pool will be so muddied, a 7-4 UNH is in, IMO.

This team is a hot mess. I really don't need to see them get bounced 53-10 in Fargo

[tribefan40]

This team is a hot mess. I really don't need to see them get bounced 53-10 in Fargo

That describes the last 5-10 teams in. That is the reality of a 24 team playoff.

With UNH, I don't necessarily disagree, but there will be few 7-4 teams with a better "resume."

[RootinFerDukes]

Congrats to unh! Making us proud down here in VA! Keep that playoff fight alive!

[art vandelay]

This team is a hot mess. I really don't need to see them get bounced 53-10 in Fargo
I am confused. So are you saying that the UNH team that went 7-4 and lost to undefeated ND in the semi finals shouldn't have made the playoffs? teams can get on a hot steak and if you look at the top 25 from last week there are three 4 loss teams plus two Ivy teams. most likely at least on of those 4 loss teams will lose a fifth which would leave you with 22 teams at most. I would think a UNH at 7-4 would be in. now if they lose one more game they are done but lets just wait and see how they finnish.

[MacThor]

Rocco lays another egg, like so many at Liberty when they were in control of their destiny. Our running game was routinely gaining 8+ yards per carry and you keep forcing throws (4 picks!)?

Our defense plays so soft even the color commentator was incredulous.

The picked up pass interference flag in the end zone was worse than the one in the Dallas-Detroit playoff game last year. You can't interfere with a receiver, have the flag thrown, then turn around and tip the ball and void your PI.

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

I'll wait until next week's result to determine if there's an egg laying. We're still 7-2, 5-1 and lost a close game to a highly respected program. And yes, the refs picking up that DPI flag was just brutal.

[UNHWildcat18]

I'll wait until next week's result to determine if there's an egg laying. We're still 7-2, 5-1 and lost a close game to a highly respected program. And yes, the refs picking up that DPI flag was just brutal.

Yeah I thought the refs did a good job.... Except for that call.

[Catsfan90]

I'll wait until next week's result to determine if there's an egg laying. We're still 7-2, 5-1 and lost a close game to a highly respected program. And yes, the refs picking up that DPI flag was just brutal.
Nothing to be ashamed of with this game. UNH hasn't looked the greatest this year, but this is in no way a bad loss.

[Catsfan90]

I've really thought long about this, and I think that if UNH can score some points on Saturday, and keep Richmond from scoring more points they have a good shot at this.

All the offense has to do is throw, and run the ball and they should be fine. On the Defensive side we need guys to step up and keep Richmond from throwing and running the ball.

As for special teams we need to kick the ball better than them. If UNH does this. Then they should win!!
I'm like a psychic for calling this.

[Terry2889]

I am confused. So are you saying that the UNH team that went 7-4 and lost to undefeated ND in the semi finals shouldn't have made the playoffs? teams can get on a hot steak and if you look at the top 25 from last week there are three 4 loss teams plus two Ivy teams. most likely at least on of those 4 loss teams will lose a fifth which would leave you with 22 teams at most. I would think a UNH at 7-4 would be in. now if they lose one more game they are done but lets just wait and see how they finnish.

Art, that UNH team was a hell of a lot different than the product we are seeing on the field this year (And they still got massacred!). We have lost to two teams that are absolutely abysmal (Stoney Brook & Delaware). Trust me when I say that this version of UNH football is not what we are used to seeing. In a few years we should be back to normal, but for now we are in rebuilding mode. Playoffs would be nice, but not deserved at all.

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

Nothing to be ashamed of with this game. UNH hasn't looked the greatest this year, but this is in no way a bad loss.

Absolutely. Look, I was among a large portion of our fan base that thought going 6-5 this year would meet expectations. We are playing with house money.

[Catsfan90]

Absolutely. Look, I was among a large portion of our fan base that thought going 6-5 this year would meet expectations. We are playing with house money.
For a top team like UR to go and beat a #1 team on the road that is quite an accomplishment! No shame in losing to UNH on the road. What matters is will they let this kill them, or will they pick up the pieces. Move on, and finish strong.

[MacThor]

Absolutely. Look, I was among a large portion of our fan base that thought going 6-5 this year would meet expectations. We are playing with house money.

So was I. However...this game was so winnable. No offense to UNH but that was probably our "softest" remaining game on the schedule. Except for Jacobi they came out flat and looked unprepared.

"Oh, Danny Rocco likes to try the surprise onside/pooch immediately after he goes for two. Be ready." We had all the momentum and our defense was actually fired up early in the 2nd half. Our ST keeps giving the opponent a short field, we don't want to do it intentionally. The game situation was completely different from JMU and we conceded our momentum.

[UNH72Plus]

Rocco lays another egg, like so many at Liberty when they were in control of their destiny. Our running game was routinely gaining 8+ yards per carry and you keep forcing throws (4 picks!)?

Our defense plays so soft even the color commentator was incredulous.

The picked up pass interference flag in the end zone was worse than the one in the Dallas-Detroit playoff game last year. You can't interfere with a receiver, have the flag thrown, then turn around and tip the ball and void your PI.

I don't know where you were watching the game from, but I was in the end zone stands, 15 yards from the play and the contact was mutual and incidental. DeAndrade turn at the last moment and knocked the ball away. The contact was no different than an earlier play where Alison split two defenders on a deep route and was bumped by the safety with no call.

[MacThor]

I don't know where you were watching the game from, but I was in the end zone stands, 15 yards from the play and the contact was mutual and incidental. DeAndrade turn at the last moment and knocked the ball away. The contact was no different than an earlier play where Alison split two defenders on a deep route and was bumped by the safety with no call.

I was watching the game in glorious HD, with several instant replay angles. The official was reaching to throw the flag before the ball arrived. The referee announced they were picking up the flag because the ball was "tipped" which is an incorrect application of the rule. A tip needs to happen before the infraction. The color commentator pointed out the obvious grab while the ball was in the air.

Even so, Richmond abandoning the run, which UNH couldn't stop, and forcing the ball to our WR's (four picks!) is the reason we lost this game. Richmond was flat and outcoached.