THE RIVALRY #153, LAFAYETTE AT LEHIGH

[ngineer]

I know it has been a piss poor year for the PL and both of these two storied programs, but it IS Lehigh-Lafayette Week! (or as it's known in Easton, PA, "Lafayette-Lehigh Week"). A PL championship is still on the line. I believe someone had some stats a few years ago showing how many times the PL championship was decided by this game, and it is a lot. So while SOME hearts may not be in to it as much this year, I still believe we need a thread dedicated to the College Football's Most Played Rivalry regardless of division. It may also be,now, the longest uninterrupted series in the country. I will leave that to others to research.

For this game, the weather forecast is currently showing 70% chance of "showers". That implies sporadic rain and not a steady rain or down pour event, so there could be impact on the game. Lehigh's fairly new natural grass field drains very well, so it will take a lot of rain to create any kind of quagmire. A wet ball, thought, could create some turnover opportunities.

The Leopards, despite their struggles this year, have shown a strong defense led by All-American candidate Bryant. That unit and its leader will be the key to any chance the 'ards would have for a big upset. Lafayette's offense has been downright anemic. While their freshman QB has shown flashes that indicate a bright future, the offense has been woefully ineffective.

On the flip side, Lehigh as lived off its offense with too much pressure placed upon it due to the inept defense through most the year. Lehigh's D actually was good enough to beat Villanova, except that the offense made some critical mistakes that led to the loss. Since that game, the Defense swirled around the toilet bowl giving up huge plays against following opponents. Ironically, Lehigh's D has been very good on third down conversions allowed, but the huge chunks of yardage yielded on 1st, 2nd, and 4th downs have been killers. There has been a ray of sunshine the past couple weeks with some nice performances against Bucknell and Holy Cross, so there is cause for optimism against the 'pards offense. Lehigh's offense was all the rage preseason, and while the team has put up some very good numbers, the offense has had its own trouble during the season, with a number of missed opportunities with dropped passes, not seeing open receivers, and costly turnovers that could have easily resulted in 2 or 3 more wins at this point. While the QB tends to get the most attention, I believe at this point is certain that the MVP for Lehigh this year is Dom Bragalone. He has become a beast and rarely is brought down by a single tacker once he gets rolling. He has also become a good receiver, and his use out of the backfield may be a big asset this coming Saturday.

So that is my 'skinny'. I also give Lehigh the edge on special teams now that Ed Mish is back as both PK and Punter. My crystal ball says that Lehigh may see some early game frustration from the Lafayette defense. But, eventually, the offense will get rolling and Lehigh's defense will be 'good enough' to handle the 'pards offense. Mountain Hawks will soar, 41-17.

Oh,yes, as I have traditionally done since 1971. I replicate the banner my fraternity would hang as part of "The Hill" house decoration contest:


NOVEMBER 18, 2017...THAT TIME OF THE MONTH FOR THE PUSSY TO BLEED!!!! xthumbsupxxdrunkyxxsmiley_wixxshakefistxxawesomexx troublexxsmileyclapxxbeerchugxxhypedxxhypedxxhyped xxhypedxxhurrayxxhurrayxxhurrayxxslapfightxxasswhi pxxlmaoxxanim_chaixxcoachxx406xxshakingmadxxdizzyx

[JSUSoutherner]

TL;DR

[Lehigh Football Nation]

The Rivalry: Enjoy The Best Part Of Going to Lehigh Or Lafayette

https://lehighfootballnation.blogspot.com/2017/11/the-rivalry-enjoy-best-part-of-going-to.html

[93henfan]

How many times in college football history has a conference champion had a losing record? Has anyone looked up that stat yet?

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

How many times in college football history has a conference champion had a losing record? Has anyone looked up that stat yet?

Lafayette was 5-6 in 2013 when they won the auto-bid. They beat then 8-2 Lehigh for the outright league title. Leave it to the PL to potentially replicate the losing season feat twice in 5 seasons....

[RichH2]

I know it has been a piss poor year for the PL and both of these two storied programs, but it IS Lehigh-Lafayette Week! (or as it's known in Easton, PA, "Lafayette-Lehigh Week"). A PL championship is still on the line. I believe someone had some stats a few years ago showing how many times the PL championship was decided by this game, and it is a lot. So while SOME hearts may not be in to it as much this year, I still believe we need a thread dedicated to the College Football's Most Played Rivalry regardless of division. It may also be,now, the longest uninterrupted series in the country. I will leave that to others to research.

For this game, the weather forecast is currently showing 70% chance of "showers". That implies sporadic rain and not a steady rain or down pour event, so there could be impact on the game. Lehigh's fairly new natural grass field drains very well, so it will take a lot of rain to create any kind of quagmire. A wet ball, thought, could create some turnover opportunities.

The Leopards, despite their struggles this year, have shown a strong defense led by All-American candidate Bryant. That unit and its leader will be the key to any chance the 'ards would have for a big upset. Lafayette's offense has been downright anemic. While their freshman QB has shown flashes that indicate a bright future, the offense has been woefully ineffective.

On the flip side, Lehigh as lived off its offense with too much pressure placed upon it due to the inept defense through most the year. Lehigh's D actually was good enough to beat Villanova, except that the offense made some critical mistakes that led to the loss. Since that game, the Defense swirled around the toilet bowl giving up huge plays against following opponents. Ironically, Lehigh's D has been very good on third down conversions allowed, but the huge chunks of yardage yielded on 1st, 2nd, and 4th downs have been killers. There has been a ray of sunshine the past couple weeks with some nice performances against Bucknell and Holy Cross, so there is cause for optimism against the 'pards offense. Lehigh's offense was all the rage preseason, and while the team has put up some very good numbers, the offense has had its own trouble during the season, with a number of missed opportunities with dropped passes, not seeing open receivers, and costly turnovers that could have easily resulted in 2 or 3 more wins at this point. While the QB tends to get the most attention, I believe at this point is certain that the MVP for Lehigh this year is Dom Bragalone. He has become a beast and rarely is brought down by a single tacker once he gets rolling. He has also become a good receiver, and his use out of the backfield may be a big asset this coming Saturday.

So that is my 'skinny'. I also give Lehigh the edge on special teams now that Ed Mish is back as both PK and Punter. My crystal ball says that Lehigh may see some early game frustration from the Lafayette defense. But, eventually, the offense will get rolling and Lehigh's defense will be 'good enough' to handle the 'pards offense. Mountain Hawks will soar, 41-17.

Oh,yes, as I have traditionally done since 1971. I replicate the banner my fraternity would hang as part of "The Hill" house decoration contest:


NOVEMBER 18, 2017...THAT TIME OF THE MONTH FOR THE PUSSY TO BLEED!!!! xthumbsupxxdrunkyxxsmiley_wixxshakefistxxawesomexx troublexxsmileyclapxxbeerchugxxhypedxxhypedxxhyped xxhypedxxhurrayxxhurrayxxhurrayxxslapfightxxasswhi pxxlmaoxxanim_chaixxcoachxx406xxshakingmadxxdizzyx
Well said. A season of disappointed expectations. This team, particularly the D, took much longer ro gel than anyone expected. If indeed they have gelled.
O has been a bit inconsistent with much of the blame put on Mayes. Brad has his flaws but they are not the sole or even primary cause of O up and down swings. #1 has to be the injuries to the WR corps. Christiano lost for the season. Casey and Portoreal out for various periods. Injuries on the OL to Short and Riccotilli as well as Evans and Wilkinson. Some seem to forget that we had revolving doors at Gs and C this season. We have started a G not on the 2 deep at the start of the season. Run blocking has not suffered but pass protection has been spotty at best.
Hopefull going into 153 our D will have the same focus as last week. O needs to be at the top of their game. Pard front 7 is excellent.

[Go...gate]

Lafayette was 5-6 in 2013 when they won the auto-bid. They beat then 8-2 Lehigh for the outright league title. Leave it to the PL to potentially replicate the losing season feat twice in 5 seasons....

IIRC, Lafayette was also PL champion at 5-6 in 1994.

[DFW HOYA]

http://luspecialcollections.tumblr.com/post/167461854842/special-collections-is-celebrating-the-153rd

[ngineer]

Whatever rain is to occur on Saturday is now forecast to be only in the a.m., so the tailgating may be impacted, but precipitation may conclude by kickoff at 12:37 p.m. I agree with RichH2 that the key will be Lehigh's OL that has been a patchwork most of the season, including the loss of TE Paulsen. Mayes will need to be protected, but I fully expect the 'pards to come from all angles to put pressure on him. Brad must recognize the blitz's and adjust accordingly.

[ngineer]

http://luspecialcollections.tumblr.com/post/167461854842/special-collections-is-celebrating-the-153rd

Great find. I did not get notice of this, or I did and inadvertently trashed it. Thanks.

[RichH2]

Whatever rain is to occur on Saturday is now forecast to be only in the a.m., so the tailgating may be impacted, but precipitation may conclude by kickoff at 12:37 p.m. I agree with RichH2 that the key will be Lehigh's OL that has been a patchwork most of the season, including the loss of TE Paulsen. Mayes will need to be protected, but I fully expect the 'pards to come from all angles to put pressure on him. Brad must recognize the blitz's and adjust accordingly.
Also Baur. Now down to 3rd TE. But, OL s/b healthy. Expect Pards to blitz us often.

[ngineer]

Also Baur. Now down to 3rd TE. But, OL s/b healthy. Expect Pards to blitz us often.

Agreed. Brisson should have a *****ful of plays lined up using Brags as a receiver, including some screens. The one thing we do have are multiple weapons and LC should not be able to address them all. We have to be smart enough to figure out what their DC is doing and adjust accordingly. This game might well give us a sense as whether Brisson has what it takes to adjust in a big game....and this is a big game. I don't care what the records are. As a former player, this is a huge game. There will still be 16,000 people and there will be expectations. The first five games this year don't matter if we beat the Leotards.

[Franks Tanks]

Some notes on the Pards over the last 3 games.

3- TD's allowed by the defense

2 - TD's scored by the offense

3- TD's scored by the offense for the other team (all pick sixes)

The Lafayette offense has allowed more TD's than they've scored over the last 3 weeks. We would be better off kneeing down for 3 plays and punting the ball!

[ngineer]

Some notes on the Pards over the last 3 games.

3- TD's allowed by the defense

2 - TD's scored by the offense

3- TD's scored by the offense for the other team (all pick sixes)

The Lafayette offense has allowed more TD's than they've scored over the last 3 weeks. We would be better off kneeing down for 3 plays and punting the ball!

Don't you mean defense in #3? That is my nightmare if Mayes does not respond well to the expected pressure from the 'pards...and the only real chance LC has.

[Franks Tanks]

Bad phrasing on my part.

Our QB has thrown 3 pick sixes over the last 3 weeks. Two against Bucknell and one against Colgate. The offense scored 2 TD's in that timeframe. The offense has given up more TD's on turnovers than they scored.

Our D has been generating turnovers, but we haven't scored a TD on D in that stretch.

[SU FAN]

A staple of college football indeed

[Lehigh Football Nation]

I updated an old post of mine about the last game at Taylor Stadium, the frigid 1987 one that was referred to a few weeks back. Almost like an oral history of the game!

http://lehighfootballnation.blogspot.com/2012/11/flashback-november-21st-1987-lehigh-17.html

[RichH2]

I updated an old post of mine about the last game at Taylor Stadium, the frigid 1987 one that was referred to a few weeks back. Almost like an oral history of the game!

http://lehighfootballnation.blogspot.com/2012/11/flashback-november-21st-1987-lehigh-17.html

Great read. Brought back frigid memories :)

[ngineer]

Forecast has shifted, and not for the good. Forecast now calling for 90% chance of Saturday a.m. "showers" but turning to a "steady rain" in the afternoon. Projections of about 1/2" of rain. This will be my 47th L-L game and do not recall any of them played in the rain. I recall some with snow on the ground or light snow or flurries falling, but never "rain". Anyone have a memory of rain for our classic? I love the old sobriquet for rain and a football game, "the great equalizer". LC's best shot at beating us is with turnovers happening. Need to protect the piggy.

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

Forecast has shifted, and not for the good. Forecast now calling for 90% chance of Saturday a.m. "showers" but turning to a "steady rain" in the afternoon. Projections of about 1/2" of rain. This will be my 47th L-L game and do not recall any of them played in the rain. I recall some with snow on the ground or light snow or flurries falling, but never "rain". Anyone have a memory of rain for our classic? I love the old sobriquet for rain and a football game, "the great equalizer". LC's best shot at beating us is with turnovers happening. Need to protect the piggy.

My memory is really good but nothing stands out. 2002 (14-7 Lafayette win at Fisher) had some showers but nothing steady. Someone might be able chime in regarding the 1992, 1994 and 1996 games. For some reason there has been a lot more cloudy, damp days at Fisher compared to Goodman. The first game at Goodman, 1989, was snow correct? I wasn't at that game but can recall the stories.

I'm not going on Saturday (1st missed LU-LC game since 1996) after hearing about the weather. I was going to get a GA ticket but rather stay dry and pull for the Mountain Hawks in comfort. If they win I'd like to go to the playoff game if its within reason. Hoping for Delaware....

[ngineer]

My memory is really good but nothing stands out. 2002 (14-7 Lafayette win at Fisher) had some showers but nothing steady. Someone might be able chime in regarding the 1992, 1994 and 1996 games. For some reason there has been a lot more cloudy, damp days at Fisher compared to Goodman. The first game at Goodman, 1989, was snow correct? I wasn't at that game but can recall the stories.

I'm not going on Saturday (1st missed LU-LC game since 1996) after hearing about the weather. I was going to get a GA ticket but rather stay dry and pull for the Mountain Hawks in comfort. If they win I'd like to go to the playoff game if its within reason. Hoping for Delaware....

I think the first L-L game at Goodman was also "The Catch in the Gloamin'" in double overtime. Yes, I recall a number of "damp" days with cloudy skies, but never a steady rain. I am also hoping for a win and trip to Delaware. Not a bad drive, the Tub is a fun place to watch a game, plus we have long history with the Hens that needs reviving.

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

I think the first L-L game at Goodman was also "The Catch in the Gloamin'" in double overtime. Yes, I recall a number of "damp" days with cloudy skies, but never a steady rain. I am also hoping for a win and trip to Delaware. Not a bad drive, the Tub is a fun place to watch a game, plus we have long history with the Hens that needs reviving.

The OT game was in 1995. Interestingly, 1995 was the first year OT was used in the regular season at the D1 level.

The 1989 game saw Lafayette win 36-21. Leopard running back Tom Costello had 245 yards and 3 TDs on 45 carries. That was Lafayette's 69th win in series. The Leopards are still 2 wins away from escaping the 70's. Lehigh has won at a 2 to 1 clip since Goodman Stadium opened.

For some reason Lafayette only played 10 games that year?

[Lehigh Football Nation]

On the 100th anniversary of this game, can Lehigh improve on this score?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DOpyVvBXUAABPcr.jpg:large

[Lehigh Football Nation]

I remember some damp days at Goodman and some cold days at Goodman with some snow, but none in a true driving rain. I remember 1988, 1990, and 1994 being played in some pretty cold weather (and 1990's game kicked off at 10:45 AM in a misguided effort to curtail drinking.

1989's and 1991's I don't remember being snowy or particularly cold at Goodman. 1991 was the infamous throwing-sod-at-the-cops/Peter Likins tear gas game, the official end of the postgame riot era.

The wettest game I remember at Goodman was a Holy Cross game in 2011, the 14-7 game Lehigh lost on a punt return for TD. That game was treacherous.

[Lehigh'98]

Agreed. Brisson should have a *****ful of plays lined up using Brags as a receiver, including some screens. The one thing we do have are multiple weapons and LC should not be able to address them all. We have to be smart enough to figure out what their DC is doing and adjust accordingly. This game might well give us a sense as whether Brisson has what it takes to adjust in a big game....and this is a big game. I don't care what the records are. As a former player, this is a huge game. There will still be 16,000 people and there will be expectations. The first five games this year don't matter if we beat the Leotards.

Every game matters. Obviously we want to beat Lafayette, but to dismiss the most embarrassing four game stretch in recent memory just makes it likely we continue to trend down.

[Pards Rule]

I updated an old post of mine about the last game at Taylor Stadium, the frigid 1987 one that was referred to a few weeks back. Almost like an oral history of the game!

http://lehighfootballnation.blogspot.com/2012/11/flashback-november-21st-1987-lehigh-17.html

Great recollections. I sat through the whole game and watched some of the "5th quarter" action. One thing if you could address is the stands werent half full at the end of the game, there was a mere couple hundred left. I left with some 6 foot or so brown 2x4 that somehow I was able to get into my 4 door Ford Escort hatchback. I still remember where I parked that day, popping a curb and parking on some grass up the hill.

[Pards Rule]

Forecast has shifted, and not for the good. Forecast now calling for 90% chance of Saturday a.m. "showers" but turning to a "steady rain" in the afternoon. Projections of about 1/2" of rain. This will be my 47th L-L game and do not recall any of them played in the rain. I recall some with snow on the ground or light snow or flurries falling, but never "rain". Anyone have a memory of rain for our classic? I love the old sobriquet for rain and a football game, "the great equalizer". LC's best shot at beating us is with turnovers happening. Need to protect the piggy.

Ngineer, yes. 1990 game in Easton was rain, albeit just a misty rain.

[Pards Rule]

My memory is really good but nothing stands out. 2002 (14-7 Lafayette win at Fisher) had some showers but nothing steady. Someone might be able chime in regarding the 1992, 1994 and 1996 games. For some reason there has been a lot more cloudy, damp days at Fisher compared to Goodman. The first game at Goodman, 1989, was snow correct? I wasn't at that game but can recall the stories.

I'm not going on Saturday (1st missed LU-LC game since 1996) after hearing about the weather. I was going to get a GA ticket but rather stay dry and pull for the Mountain Hawks in comfort. If they win I'd like to go to the playoff game if its within reason. Hoping for Delaware....

1989 I recall well. I was behind the east stands in the concession line at halftime when I heard this roar. Curious, I stepped out of line and peered down the tunnel and saw it coming across Goodman from the west: a snow squall. The students still hadnt excised their love of snow as it usually could portend a day off from school - but not anymore! Anyway, there were a couple of other mild (not blinding by any means) snow squalls in the third quarter and that was it. There was no accumulation at all as ground was too warm, yet in every year (this is my 38th straight game), there was no snow DURING the game except for the aforementioned 1989 event. However, in 1980, it snowed a good 4 inches I believe the Wednesday before the game which stayed around because of an early season cold blanket. That year the game was in Easton and I recall the snowballs raining down on members of the Easton PA Police Department. They had their revenge, however, at the end of the game when the fans rushed the posts: the clubs were a swinging and many bloodied men were seen as a result. Note to file: this was a time when stadium security was primarily provided by the local police force (I assume extra shift officers in full uniform paid by the host college) with a smattering of student "ushers" doubling as extra security. They would wear yellow plastic pullover vests, remember? Not sure when the local police werent an option anymore. I understand there were some lawsuits from the clubbed students against the police for excessive force and most settled out of court for money for plaintiffs. However, back then Easton was strapped and didnt want its insurance to climb, so eventually the authority to allow the police at games was rescinded, Im thinking mid 80s? Not sure of the Bethlehem side of this scenario but assume likewise.

[Pards Rule]

The OT game was in 1995. Interestingly, 1995 was the first year OT was used in the regular season at the D1 level.

The 1989 game saw Lafayette win 36-21. Leopard running back Tom Costello had 245 yards and 3 TDs on 45 carries. That was Lafayette's 69th win in series. The Leopards are still 2 wins away from escaping the 70's. Lehigh has won at a 2 to 1 clip since Goodman Stadium opened.

For some reason Lafayette only played 10 games that year?


Yes they did. Not sure why either, but they also played 10 games in 1984, going 5-5 but upsetting Lehigh 28-7. In 1996, they also played 10 games but it was a cancelled game vs Fordham that led to that 10 as a Ram player dropped dead during pregame warmups, most tragically. Also tragically, I think most teams only played 10 games in 2001 as the games the Saturday after 9/11 were all cancelled I believe, certainly for the Patriot League. Not sure if a I-AA division wide decision.

[Pards Rule]

I remember some damp days at Goodman and some cold days at Goodman with some snow, but none in a true driving rain. I remember 1988, 1990, and 1994 being played in some pretty cold weather (and 1990's game kicked off at 10:45 AM in a misguided effort to curtail drinking.

1989's and 1991's I don't remember being snowy or particularly cold at Goodman. 1991 was the infamous throwing-sod-at-the-cops/Peter Likins tear gas game, the official end of the postgame riot era.

The wettest game I remember at Goodman was a Holy Cross game in 2011, the 14-7 game Lehigh lost on a punt return for TD. That game was treacherous.

LFN I think you meant 1987 instead of 1988, as 88 was fairly mild as I recall. 1990 was necessarily cold just uncomfortable due to a misty rain falling off and on during the game. You were right on 1994. The warmest game I recall was last year and then by the evening as a front moved in it was wet snowing by 9:30 in the evening!! Can you believe that! I was at the Knights Inn (formerly Microtel Inn) and looked out the window and was shocked! I believe it actually was 70 degrees for last years 2016 game, right?

[Pards Rule]

On the 100th anniversary of this game, can Lehigh improve on this score?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DOpyVvBXUAABPcr.jpg:large

Was this the worst Pard beatdown in the series in 1917?

[Pards Rule]

LFN, please clear msg box. It is full :)

[Lehigh Football Nation]

LFN, please clear msg box. It is full :)

I fixed, that, thanks.

For the blog, I am going through the history of the Rivalry going through the games by decade from 1887 to 2007. If I can ever get it finished thanks to day job considerations.

[LehighU11]

Yet again, that college in Easton has failed to sell out their allotment for The Rivalry. It was the same story last year, despite the fact that it was their first true home game since 2012. Aside from the 150th, when was the last time LC sold all of their tickets?

[Lehigh Football Nation]

The Rivalry Through the Decades: From 1887 to 2017

http://lehighfootballnation.blogspot.com/2017/11/therivalry-through-decades-from-1887-to.html

For fun I walked through the Rivalry games by decade, 1887, 1897, all the way up to 2007. It's a nice microcosm of the history of the Rivalry and of college football.

[Engineer86]

My memory is really good but nothing stands out. 2002 (14-7 Lafayette win at Fisher) had some showers but nothing steady. Someone might be able chime in regarding the 1992, 1994 and 1996 games. For some reason there has been a lot more cloudy, damp days at Fisher compared to Goodman. The first game at Goodman, 1989, was snow correct? I wasn't at that game but can recall the stories.

I'm not going on Saturday (1st missed LU-LC game since 1996) after hearing about the weather. I was going to get a GA ticket but rather stay dry and pull for the Mountain Hawks in comfort. If they win I'd like to go to the playoff game if its within reason. Hoping for Delaware....

I am waiting the weather out. I know Taps is opening at 9:30am Saturday, so that may just have to serve as my game day spot. Love the idea of Delaware. I have not been down there since the missed 2004 overtime extra point hit me in the shoulder.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

I am waiting the weather out. I know Taps is opening at 9:30am Saturday, so that may just have to serve as my game day spot. Love the idea of Delaware. I have not been down there since the missed 2004 overtime extra point hit me in the shoulder.

Dear heavens I watched that game on TV. Eric Rath converts that 4th down in OT, they somehow will themselves to get a touchdown... and the extra point gets shanked. I remember it as if it were yesterday.

[ngineer]

I remember some damp days at Goodman and some cold days at Goodman with some snow, but none in a true driving rain. I remember 1988, 1990, and 1994 being played in some pretty cold weather (and 1990's game kicked off at 10:45 AM in a misguided effort to curtail drinking.

1989's and 1991's I don't remember being snowy or particularly cold at Goodman. 1991 was the infamous throwing-sod-at-the-cops/Peter Likins tear gas game, the official end of the postgame riot era.

The wettest game I remember at Goodman was a Holy Cross game in 2011, the 14-7 game Lehigh lost on a punt return for TD. That game was atrocious.

Fixed it for ya! I was there, too, but I am pretty sure it was longer ago than 6 years. I think Sedale Threatt was the QB. Clearly a great example of rain being "the great equalizer". We had a much better team that year and that game cost us the championship. Players shoes were coming off due to the suction of the mud. No one could move and the rain so hard it was hard to see at times.

[ngineer]

Weather forecast improving a bit for Saturday. Now, just a few light, "passing showers" in a.m. and early afternoon. Steady rain expected after 7 p.m. so, hopefully, conditions will be tolerable. High temp at 48, so around 40-42 at kickoff, winds 5-10 mph.

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

Fixed it for ya! I was there, too, but I am pretty sure it was longer ago than 6 years. I think Sedale Threatt was the QB. Clearly a great example of rain being "the great equalizer". We had a much better team that year and that game cost us the championship. Players shoes were coming off due to the suction of the mud. No one could move and the rain so hard it was hard to see at times.

The monsoon game against HC was in 2005. I was there for that disaster. Borda was the QB for that game. He broke his leg the following week against Yale.

2011 was the snowstorm year. Didn't Lehigh have to practice off campus due the power outages the week leading up to the Holy Cross game?

Finally, the Delaware OT game was 2005. I was also at that one. Lehigh blew a 17 point 4th quarter lead iirc. That was a terrible loss. All 3 losses (HC monsoon game/Big Hurt) that year were extremely painful.

If anyone ever needs to know dates and scores of Lehigh games since about 1990 I'm nearly as good as CFBdatawarehouse.com :D

[Engineer86]

Weather forecast improving a bit for Saturday. Now, just a few light, "passing showers" in a.m. and early afternoon. Steady rain expected after 7 p.m. so, hopefully, conditions will be tolerable. High temp at 48, so around 40-42 at kickoff, winds 5-10 mph.
Chance of rain during the day listed as 20%. Very manageable.

[LehighU11]

2011 was the snowstorm year. Didn't Lehigh have to practice off campus due the power outages the week leading up to the Holy Cross game?



Good memory! That was my last semester on South Mountain and we were all forced to evacuate on Sunday 10/30 because the entire campus and surrounding neighborhoods were without power. I watched Lehigh trounce Colgate up in Hamilton on TV that Saturday and later in the day we lost power. It wasn't restored until Wednesday. As an RA/Gryphon, it was a nightmare coordinating the evacuation of all of the students. The administration was mulling putting everyone up in Rauch Fieldhouse as a sort of emergency shelter. Fortunately, most of the student body lives within a 2 hour radius and it didn't come to that.

I believe the football team wound up preparing for the game over at Moravian, but they definitely were forced to practice off campus for the following weekend's game against HC. That weekend was Parents' Weekend and it wound up drawing a huge crowd--over 9,200.

[Pard4Life]

Wha... there is a game Saturday? I guess I'll be there in a physical sense.... might have been a good game if we could score more than 7 points like any other offense in college football... shows you how bad a job Tavani and Co. did...

[Pard4Life]

If anyone ever needs to know dates and scores of Lehigh games since about 1990 I'm nearly as good as CFBdatawarehouse.com :D

Can you tell me the score and synopsis of the 2005 game? Need a refresher...

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

Can you tell me the score and synopsis of the 2005 game? Need a refresher...

The Big Hurt was covered along with The Monsoon and OT XP Shank of 2005. The Lafayette game was simply the capper to the trilogy.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Can you tell me the score and synopsis of the 2005 game? Need a refresher...

For some reason I've blocked out 1994, 2005, and some mythical game I heard was played in Yankee Stadium. Sounds like it could have been cool.

[CHIP72]

For some reason I've blocked out 1994, 2005, and some mythical game I heard was played in Yankee Stadium. Sounds like it could have been cool.

I've tried blocking out the uniforms from that game, especially Lehigh's.

[RichH2]

I've tried blocking out the uniforms from that game, especially Lehigh's.

So true. Ugh!!

[CHIP72]

I'm slightly annoyed that I will miss watching part of this game. I'm visiting my brother at Mississippi State and arriving on Saturday. (I was able to get a good airline fare to Columbus/Starkville/West Point, MS by flying back on Black Friday. That airport only has 2-3 flights per day to/from Atlanta, but at least it is served by a large airline, Delta.) At the time I booked my flights, it didn't look like there was a snowball's chance in hell that L-L 153 would be meaningful for either team beyond pride. So much for that idea. With luck, I'll be able to get a sports bar in/near Starkville by sometime in the latter half of the 2nd quarter. (My flight to Columbus, MS is scheduled to arrive about 12:15 PM CT/1:15 PM ET.)

I should note that my original plan after I booked my flight was that my brother and I would go Alabama's game against Mercer after I landed; Tuscaloosa is only a little more than an hour from that airport, and for the last couple years Alabama has never played 12 PM ET/11 AM CT games. So much for that idea too.

On the flip side, if Lehigh does beat Lafayette in L-L 153 and then plays at Delaware in the first round of the playoffs, there's a good chance I'll attend that playoff game, something that would have been more difficult if I was visiting the family in the Lehigh Valley at Thanksgiving.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

#Rivalry153 Game Preview: The Great - Yet Terrifying - Bowl Game To End the 2017 Regular Season

https://lehighfootballnation.blogspot.com/2017/11/rivalry153-game-preview-great-yet.html

[ngineer]

Zach really hit the nail on the head. I expect the guys to be up for this.

[Engineer86]

Weather seems to be sliding back with rain most of the afternoon likely but watching on TV is not the same. I fear this is the type of big game, besides the rivalry that the team has not shown up for in recent past.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

#Rivalry153 Game Breakdown and Fearless Prediction: Leopards' Veteran D Will Be Tough To Crack


https://lehighfootballnation.blogspot.com/2017/11/rivalry153-game-breakdown-and-fearless.html

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Double post

I fear this game immensely

[Pards Rule]

Double post

I fear this game immensely

Wow, LFN be it that close and it will be a memorable game. Great breakdown as always! He predicts LU 21 LC 20

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

Wow, LFN be it that close and it will be a memorable game. Great breakdown as always! He predicts LU 21 LC 20

This game is basically a toss-up imo. I can see Lafayette's defense harassing Mayes all day. I think it will come down to turnovers and field position...

[RichH2]

Showers but little wind. Agree with most TOs and STs will be crucial tomorrow. Expect a dogfight. As best I can gather Lehigh guys psyched. We have a lot of 1st timers for this game. Pards on D at least are mostly veterans.
May be epic hopefully for us and not for Pussies.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

#Rivalry153 Lehigh Football Senior Spotlight


https://lehighfootballnation.blogspot.com/2017/11/rivalry153-lehigh-senior-spotlight.html

[ngineer]

#Rivalry153 Game Breakdown and Fearless Prediction: Leopards' Veteran D Will Be Tough To Crack


https://lehighfootballnation.blogspot.com/2017/11/rivalry153-game-breakdown-and-fearless.html

Good break down. I agree the Laughyette could give us problems with their experienced and very good defense. However, I think the OL has improved since the Fordham game. Using Brags in all sorts of ways will be key, including as a receiver to slow down the rush. I think the 'pards OL has been a huge factor in their lousy offensive numbers. They are thin in numbers and I expect Lehigh to come with a lot of pressure on O'Malley. Mistakes are always key and the team that makes the least will win. How many TO's can be forced, either by the opposition or the weather, will determine outcome. If the rain holds off (currently predicted to become 'steady' as opposed to scattered showers after 3 p.m.) that will be more in Lehigh's favor. The worse the "great equalizer" gets, the higher the Leotard's chances. Best case is for Lehigh to jump out early and force LC to press. Lehigh's record this year when scoring first is 4-0. Certainly in a game like this, Lafayette winning is not beyond reason, but Lehigh should win this game. But it ain't played on paper and how focused and emotional the players are will be critical. Finally, Lehigh has it's own defensive weapon in Ed Mish, whose punting has become stellar. LC has a good one, too, so flipping field position is always important. LC may hang around for awhile, but I really believe Lehigh will eventually take control, 41-20.

[Sitting Bull]

Lafayette was 5-6 in 2013 when they won the auto-bid. They beat then 8-2 Lehigh for the outright league title. Leave it to the PL to potentially replicate the losing season feat twice in 5 seasons....

W&M won the Southern Conference Championship and auto Tangerine Bowl berth in 1970 with a 5-6 overall record. The coach was Lou Holtz and we ended with a 3-1 conference record, clinching with a Hail Mary, 34-33 win at UR.

OOC included Miami FL, West Virginia, Virginia Tech and UVA. Tribe lost to undefeated and nationally ranked Toledo in the Tangerine Bowl.

[Pards Rule]

W&M won the Southern Conference Championship and auto Tangerine Bowl berth in 1970 with a 5-6 overall record. The coach was Lou Holtz and we ended with a 3-1 conference record, clinching with a Hail Mary, 34-33 win at UR.

OOC included Miami FL, West Virginia, Virginia Tech and UVA. Tribe lost to undefeated and nationally ranked Toledo in the Tangerine Bowl.

Nationally ranked Toledo? I never thought I would see those words together!

[Nova09]

Leopards, I understand you may not want me after seeing our fb team outscore your bball, in fact our fb outscoring your fb/bball combined (ok that's just the same bball score), and our fb/bball scores combining to over a hundred point victory of yours, but in consolation I do want to offer my support in your quest to prevent a rival from making the playoffs, as we share a seat in that boat. Your view seems to be a bit more interesting, though, perhaps a balcony while we live in the bowels.

[Pards Rule]

Wow, just looked at NBC10 radar in Philly and a "train of rain" is heading toward the Lehigh Valley. Some noticeable yellow, dark green with pockets of red. It has already started raining steadily in Harrisburg. This might be my first game (every year at game since 1980) with significant rain. The only other year I recall was a misty rain at times in 1990 at Fisher Field. This rain train trails all the way back to Ohio!

[BisonFan02]

Go Pards!

[Sitting Bull]

Nationally ranked Toledo? I never thought I would see those words together!

Yes and they had some extensive winning streak, 20 games or more during that time.

[CHIP72]

Wow, just looked at NBC10 radar in Philly and a "train of rain" is heading toward the Lehigh Valley. Some noticeable yellow, dark green with pockets of red. It has already started raining steadily in Harrisburg. This might be my first game (every year at game since 1980) with significant rain. The only other year I recall was a misty rain at times in 1990 at Fisher Field. This rain train trails all the way back to Ohio!

Hey, as long as it isn’t like that Lafayette game at Delaware a couple years ago, you’ll be fine. Right? 😄


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

Nationally ranked Toledo? I never thought I would see those words together!

Toledo has been ranked a bunch! They've been a really solid FBS program since the late 90's in addition to their run the 70's....

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

The radar looks really ugly! I have a feeling there's not going to be many people in the stands. Going to be a dead, wet vibe...

[CHIP72]

I really hope L-L 153 isn’t played in a steady, cold rain. I attended a game with those kind of conditions a few years ago (the 2014 Liberty/Villanova playoff game at ‘Nova), and sitting there with a heavy jacket AND poncho on AND having to hold an umbrella to hold off a windy rain was no fun at all.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[CHIP72]

I just looked at the radar for where my parents live (in the LV), and it looks like it will be BAD rain-wise at the game today with heavy rain for much of the game. I hope everyone who attends is able to stay reasonably warm and dry.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Neighbor2]

Live across the street. Light rain falling NOW. Temp 46. More rain moving in from the West.

[katss07]

I really hope L-L 153 isn’t played in a steady, cold rain. I attended a game with those kind of conditions a few years ago (the 2014 Liberty/Villanova playoff game at ‘Nova), and sitting there with a heavy jacket AND poncho on AND having to hold an umbrella to hold off a windy rain was no fun at all.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I remember watching that game. AWFUL weather. Just like Nova’s kicking game that year...
Stinks this will be played in bad weather. Huge game, which is strange to say about a end of season game involving two teams below .500

[Professor Chaos]

They just picked this game on College Gameday. Guest picker Craig T Nelson didn't make any new fans at Lehigh with his comments although he, along with the rest of them, all picked Lehigh.

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

They just picked this game on College Gameday. Guest picker Craig T Nelson didn't make any new fans at Lehigh with his comments although he, along with the rest of them, all picked Lehigh.

What did he say?

Real heavy rain is about to move in just in time for kickoff! The Leopards have to love their defense in what will be a mess of game...

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

If anyone wants to check it out..

https://watchstadium.com/live/lafayette-at-lehigh-4/

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

Lehigh's defense is horrific. Lafayette already exceeding their per game rushing average on the first drive....

[NorthChuckSouth]

What did he say?

Real heavy rain is about to move in just in time for kickoff! The Leopards have to love their defense in what will be a mess of game...

The normal condescending attitude you see all the time about FCS schools.. "Lehigh is a college??"

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

Like a hot knife through butter!! TD Leopards!!

7-0 Lafayette 9:02 1Q

Lehigh is 0-6 when allowing a TD on their opponents opening drive...

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

And Lehigh's offense goes right down the field on the Leopard D!!

7-7 6:30 1Q

[Professor Chaos]

What did he say?

Real heavy rain is about to move in just in time for kickoff! The Leopards have to love their defense in what will be a mess of game...
He said something like "Lehigh? Is that even a college????".

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

Lehigh with a crucial turnover at the Lafayette 5 yard line. Another brutal mistake....

The play was reversed! Wow!!

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

TD Lehigh!! Pelletier breaks the PL record for TD receptions!

14-7 1:41 1Q

[RichH2]

Pard D not as tough as I expected. :)

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

'Pards fake a punt at their own 35 yard line and fail to get as the punter made a poor throw to an open receiver.

Lehigh 14-7 End 1Q

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

Pard D not as tough as I expected. :)

Lehigh OL kicking butt so far.

Mayes has to learn how to handle pressure up the middle. He just clams up rather then stepping outside of the pocket where he can still be dangerous....

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

Lehigh muffs a punt, Lafayette ball deep in Mountain Hawk territory. Lehigh is just so frustrating to watch. They just kill themselves..

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

The Leopards make Lehigh pay!! Two plays and the Leopards have their second rushing TD of the day (3rd of the year!)!

14-14 12:06 2Q

[katss07]

I have to cheer for Lafayette. I can’t watch a game next weekend involving a team that has a losing record.

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

I have to cheer for Lafayette. I can’t watch a game next weekend involving a team that has a losing record.

I think the playoff committee should look into extending bids to team's with losing records.

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

Lehigh fumbles the kickoff!! Lafayette ball once again deep in LU territory!!

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

Leopards get a FG

17-14 Lafayette 10:22 2Q

[PAllen]

I think the playoff committee should look into extending bids to team's with losing records.

While I could agree with excluding teams with losing records in theory, the problem is that all it does is promote cupcake schedule ooc.

- - - Updated - - -

How can Lehigh be this flat?

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

While I could agree with excluding teams with losing records in theory, the problem is that all it does is promote cupcake schedule ooc.

- - - Updated - - -

How can Lehigh be this flat?

Turnovers sucked the life out of them. They were fine until the return men forgot to secure the ball..

[RichH2]

Boy STs really trying to give Pards this game. Ugh

[aceinthehole]

Go Colgate!

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

Boy STs really trying to give Pards this game. Ugh

How bad is the defense? The edge containment is terrible!

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

Lafayette ground game (151 yards 3 TDs in the first half!!), the worst in the country, is punishing the Lehigh defense!!

24-14 Lafayette!!

[PAllen]

So last week I watched navy throw the ball once in a win over SMU. How bad is this run defense going to look in game 1 2018?

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

So last week I watched navy throw the ball once in a win over SMU. How bad is this run defense going to look in game 1 2018?

Lehigh has no business playing that game! I laughed 3 years ago when it was scheduled....

[PAllen]

Where is the leadership on this team? No excuse for standing around with hands on hips at this point of this game.

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

Lehigh another turnover!! Bragalone this time with the fumble!

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

Lehigh with a dead ball personal foul on defense on what would have been a 4th and 11. my goodness...lol

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

Lafayette muffs the hold on a short FG attempt to close out the half

Lafayette 24-14 Half

If you needed any proof as to how bad Lehigh's defense is just watch this first half....

[Lehigh'98]

What an embarrassing performance so far. Making Garrett look like Bill Walsh.

[PAllen]

Andy wants to calm them down at halftime. This team needs to get fired up not calm down. Totally lost all faith in this coach. Not sure what is going on in his world, but he's not all in this one.

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

Lafayette outrushed Lehigh 172-29 in the first half...lol. xlolx

[Neighbor2]

Ugh!

I'm in a Yankee Stadium State of Mind. xthumbsdownx

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

Lehigh opens the 2nd half with another personal foul penalty. This one turns to be a 64 yard penalty. Instead of first and goal at the Lafayette 8, made it first and 35..

[PAllen]

When your best play of the last quarter and a half is a punt, you're not having a good game.

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

When your best play of the last quarter and a half is a punt, you're not having a good game.

Get them 1st down at the 1 yard line and you jump offside on first down, free 5 yards for Lafayette. Just horrific mistakes...

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

TD Lehigh! right down the field...lol

24-21 Lafeyette 24-21 7:12 3Q

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

Lafayette with a 94 yard kickoff return TD!! Boom what an answer! Lafayette has dominated the special teams today!! Lehigh is playing for a championship today and this is what they come up with....

31-21 Lafayette 6:57 3Q

[TheRevSFA]

If this holds, Colgate will get the PL chipper and autobid

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

TD Lehigh! Again, pretty efficient offense! Pelletier is killing Parham in coverage. This is crazy game, fitting between two teams of this caliber...


Lafayette 31-28 2:25 3Q

[PAllen]

Jones should not be back to return kicks again.

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

Lehigh will have it 2nd and 8 at the Lafayette 47 when the 4th quarter starters. The offense has been moving the ball all day when given holding onto the football. They lost 2 possessions with special team fumbles.

Also, this game is proof Lehigh desperately needs lights! It is dark!!

[PAllen]

I will say this is looking more and more like 1995

[PAllen]

And yes, you could sell me on the need for lights

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

A key 3rd and short and Bragalone comes out?

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

Mish converts a 33 yard FG! Tie game....

Tied at 31 12:00 4Q

[aceinthehole]

Come on Colgate ... I mean Lafayette ;)

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

TD Lehigh!! 41 yard beauty to Casey in the end zone!! Mayes is carving up the Leopard secondary..

38-31 Lehigh 7:49 4Q

[katss07]

Come on Leopards! Save the Patriot League!!! I will NOT be happy if the Mt Hawks win this unless Lehigh has to come to Sam.

[PAllen]

So Lehigh has arguably the best two WRs and one of the best RB in the country, an average QB, a losing record..

[katss07]

So Lehigh has arguably the best two WRs and one of the best RB in the country, an average QB, a losing record..
I would argue that best two WRs claim. SHSU has quite a trio.

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

Lehigh will win 38-31! PL Co-Champions and a win over Lafayette is nice but this is an ugly team.

[Lafalumni29]

So Lehigh has arguably the best two WRs and one of the best RB in the country, an average QB, a losing record..

What world do you live in?

[BisonFan02]

What world do you live in?

The one that thought Lum was going to tear up NDSU.

[RichH2]

Hell of a comeback. Lehigh shook 1st half yips. D actually decided to play in the 2nd half. Gate may be the better team right now but hopefully we'll not embarrass PL in playoffs.
An "average quarterback" ??? Not hardly. And certainly not today. We chewed up Pard's vaunted D.

[Lafalumni29]

The one that thought Lum was going to tear up NDSU.

+1000

[Doc QB]

What world do you live in?

A world where we spotted you guys points and a big lead on several turnovers, and your men didn't have the stones to close it out. Our two WRs, QB, and RB did.

[Pards Rule]

Hey, as long as it isn’t like that Lafayette game at Delaware a couple years ago, you’ll be fine. Right? 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


Yeah, no trash bag parka required this year! I didnt even use an umbrella!

[LehighU11]

Yeah, no trash bag parka required this year! I didnt even use an umbrella!
The real question is did the Pard get a trash bag parka?

[Pards Rule]

The real question is did the Pard get a trash bag parka?

Some fine coeds I met walking around Pard tailgates made sure he was well protected :)..they loved him. I got a pic of them petting him!

[ngineer]

Well I suffered through that game today at Goodman and loved my Gortex rain suit. Didn't love all the turnovers and mistakes the offense made, yet they still had almost 500 yards with alot more called back on stupid penalties. AS much as many denigrated the D, I thought, overall, they did okay once LC exhausted all their trick play gimmicks in the first half. Our young secondary didn't keep with some assignments early, and it led to some big gainers for the 'pards. But, imo, the D won this game. They shut out the 'pards in the second half when it was needed. I don't think 'pards had 100 yards the entire second half. Cavenas played huge. Lehigh gave the 'pards ten points on turnovers, and negated at least 7 if not 14 on a turnover and a penalties.

i said earlier this week, that Laughyette could beat us if we did not protect the ball, and that almost happened. we were -2 in turnovers, and the standard rule is if you are -4 you rarely win. The stupid penalties that cost major gainers, especially the unsportsman conduct was inexcusable. STILL...WE WON! I think the kids need to be given a ton of credit for not giving up when it looked like the wheels were falling off. Mayes' passes were excellent, considering the rain. The bomb to Casey was a think of beauty. Lehigh beat three opponents today, the weather, themselves and the Leotards. Six PL Championships or co-championships in the past 12 years. While they don't get 'style' points, they have achieved their primary goal set at the beginning of the season. They did not quit at 0-5. I think we did see some leadership today. I saw Zach talking to all the starters up and down the sideline, including Mayes after that horrible series that saw our first and goal at the 8 reversed to having a first and 35 at our own 30. No one panicked. The kept to their jobs and found a way to get it done. THAT is the mark of a champion.

I also want to give kudos to Lafayette. They should be proud of the effort they gave today and I give credit to Garrett for throwing the kitchen sink from the playbook at us. It worked in the first half. But once the game settled into "traditional" football, we took control. 'pards came ready to play. I wish the schools could find a way to keep the students off the field until the players have had a chance to shake hands. To me, a necessary element.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Lehigh beat three opponents today, the weather, themselves and the Leotards.

I'm going to respectfully steal this. Maybe not the Leotards part. Excellent synopsis.

[Lafalumni29]

A world where we spotted you guys points and a big lead on several turnovers, and your men didn't have the stones to close it out. Our two WRs, QB, and RB did.

Give credit where it’s actually due... to your OL. Mayes had 4-5 seconds to throw and one sack. The best (and fastest) receiver on the field was 84.

[LehighU11]

Give credit where it’s actually due... to your OL. Mayes had 4-5 seconds to throw and one sack. The best (and fastest) receiver on the field was 84.

Who? #84 who has 21 catches this season, with none of them even 30 yards? Sure.

[Pards Rule]

Who? #84 who has 21 catches this season, with none of them even 30 yards? Sure.


I think he was referring to our 84 who had 45 yard catch and run, fumbled at end, recovered by us

[LehighU11]

I think he was referring to our 84 who had 45 yard catch and run, fumbled at end, recovered by us

Yep, I was referring to Pearson as well. He may be a good athlete, but I have no clue how Lafalumni29 can claim him to be the top WR for Lafayette, let alone for both teams. Mrazek and Palumbo have better resumes.

[Pards Rule]

Yep, I was referring to Pearson as well. He may be a good athlete, but I have no clue how Lafalumni29 can claim him to be the top WR for Lafayette, let alone for both teams. Mrazek and Palumbo have better resumes.

Pearson was injured most of the year. Troy and number 30 (name?) did very well yesterday. Glad rain basically held off to 4th quarter. That parking zone in the grass was a muddy morass after game. Did I see right: a super duty tow truck I guess called to haul a car out got stuck itself??!!

[RichH2]

Pearson was injured most of the year. Troy and number 30 (name?) did very well yesterday. Glad rain basically held off to 4th quarter. That parking zone in the grass was a muddy morass after game. Did I see right: a super duty tow truck I guess called to haul a car out got stuck itself??!!

Yup not an uncommon event on rainy warm days :)

[Doc QB]

Give credit where it’s actually due... to your OL. Mayes had 4-5 seconds to throw and one sack. The best (and fastest) receiver on the field was 84.

L29, My response was specifically to your comment about our QB and WRs. Yes, should credit OL, as they did outperform the vaunted Laf defensive front. But it was a performance in the downpour put on by our QB Mayes w Gatlin and Troy that made the difference. They played like it was dry, and Brad was slingin' it late in game.

I was impressed w the speed of #84. But to call him best on field is laughable. He can't hold the jocks of our #3 and #8. Their careers were excellent, debate me all you want, our two WRs have the W's, rings, stats, school records, and weekly and year end season accolades.

[Pards Rule]

L29, My response was specifically to your comment about our QB and WRs. Yes, should credit OL, as they did outperform the vaunted Laf defensive front. But it was a performance in the downpour put on by our QB Mayes w Gatlin and Troy that made the difference. They played like it was dry, and Brad was slingin' it late in game.

I was impressed w the speed of #84. But to call him best on field is laughable. He can't hold the jocks of our #3 and #8. Their careers were excellent, debate me all you want, our two WRs have the W's, rings, stats, school records, and weekly and year end season accolades.

I will give credit to all 4: OL the two WRs and Mayes. Attendance wasnt the ticket sales number of 15K+ they gave - I hate that with all attendance reporting. Give me turnstiles cranked! Anyways, it looked like half the Lehigh stands were empty due ro impending rain and I assume our side too. Hard to get a perspective on our side sitting on it. I guess they let folks with "grassy knoll" tickets sit in regular seats as nobody was in the SRO grassy knoll. Hey, great place on a warm day like 2009 as I sat there but a beast yesterday!

[ngineer]

I estimated about 10-12,000 in the stands halfway through first quarter. After that, it thinned out.

[Pards Rule]

I estimated about 10-12,000 in the stands halfway through first quarter. After that, it thinned out.


Good eye! I think I would figure more on the 10K side

[Lehigh Football Nation]

The game was "officially" a sellout but as you all mentioned some didn't make it in with the bad weather. Tailgating was really strong though with a full contingent braving the rain.

Part of me thought when the game was tied at 31 what might happen if the game had gone to OT. It's conceivable they couldn't have ended it due to darkness. When Lehigh didn't have an autobid to the playoffs, that wasn't an issue. But that could have been a big black eye for Lehigh and the Patriot League had that happened. Either that, or, as some folks joked, they could have gotten the buses to point their headlights at the field to close out the game.

[CHIP72]

The game was "officially" a sellout but as you all mentioned some didn't make it in with the bad weather. Tailgating was really strong though with a full contingent braving the rain.

Part of me thought when the game was tied at 31 what might happen if the game had gone to OT. It's conceivable they couldn't have ended it due to darkness. When Lehigh didn't have an autobid to the playoffs, that wasn't an issue. But that could have been a big black eye for Lehigh and the Patriot League had that happened. Either that, or, as some folks joked, they could have gotten the buses to point their headlights at the field to close out the game.

And then seen those buses get stuck in the mud while trying to leave after the game. xlolx

[Lafalumni29]

Yep, I was referring to Pearson as well. He may be a good athlete, but I have no clue how Lafalumni29 can claim him to be the top WR for Lafayette, let alone for both teams. Mrazek and Palumbo have better resumes.

The other 2 may have better resumes but there’s a reason for that. Pearson played D last year and was injured 3-4 games this year. Pearson got past your corners 2x but our QB couldn’t make the throw ( he might have had the second if not for the interference). Other than Bragalone, Pearson (and CJ) were the best athletes on the field. That’s my only point. It’s not an argument because it’s an easy observation.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Down by Double Digits, Halftime Speech Sparks Lehigh's #Rivalry153 Rally As Lehigh Wins 38-31


https://lehighfootballnation.blogspot.com/2017/11/down-by-double-digits-halftime-speech.html

[ngineer]

Down by Double Digits, Halftime Speech Sparks Lehigh's #Rivalry153 Rally As Lehigh Wins 38-31


https://lehighfootballnation.blogspot.com/2017/11/down-by-double-digits-halftime-speech.html

Nice write up! Liked you included the video of "Casey's Catch".