Re: 2018 Yale Schedule and Analysis
Quote:
Originally Posted by
FUBeAR
So, because the Head Coach ‘loves’ a certain type of game, Yale will beat Mercer? If we want to go with that metric as the primary variable, you should know that Mercer’s Head Coach was the starting QB when Furman beat Georgia Tech and NC State (2x) in 3 successive years. He also led a relatively young & highly inconsistent (Offensively) Mercer Team to within a few minutes of darn-near stealing one of those BIG OOC matchups from Auburn last year. When it comes to “loving” to win Big OOC games, his resume is pretty solid. So, let’s call that one a draw.
While I think Coaching is much Bigly-er at the FCS level than it is in FBS or the NFL, I still think this game will be determined by a few factors beyond what you’ve cited. I know Mercer lost 1 excellent OLman & 2 starting WR’s along with a couple of good LB’s & 1 workmanlike DL Starter, who ‘rolled’ with the backups A LOT. But, they return A TON of experience everywhere and possible talent upgrades in some of those areas mentioned. They also made an ‘intentional’ change at the OC spot, which I believe will address a lot of those consistency issues I mentioned.
I know Yale had an amazing season last year & I know they return their starting QB, top RB, and 2 starting OLmen. I counted among those 2 and the backups returning 22 starts on the OL. So, the new Starters there will be very green. I also know the OC/OL Coach took a HC job & Yale is on their 2nd Replacement Hired to Coach the OL - an individual who has never been THE OL Coach of any Team at any level, if I’m not mistaken. On D, I think the losses might even be a little heavier - most of the Secondary, several Starting DLmen, and an NFL Draft Pick LB (GO FALCONS!); one of 2 LB Starters lost, I think. I know the Top 5 Tacklers departed & I think it is something like 8 of the Top 12 or 14 Tacklers are not returning. Oh, I think the DB Coach & Special Teams Coodinator followed the OC/OL Coach. Not sure of the experience level of his replacement, but I think the Secondary will be very inexperienced also.
So...recognizing a couple of key skill players return on Offense, how does Yale replace the rest of the studs who graduated and key Coaches who departed and, who, I believe, brought the Eli’s their 1st outright IL title in 37 years?
You make some excellent points, but it doesn’t paint the full picture. It’s true Yale is losing a lot of talent, both on the field and with the coaches. However, Yale also has a lot of depth thanks to three consecutive Top 3 FCS recruiting classes which they will use to reload.
The three likely OL replacements each had a start last season. The receiver corps also have replacements with experience, and are actually an upgrade from the graduating seniors.
The coaching turnover could be a benefit to keep things fresh with some new looks. The new offensive line coach, Al Netter, may not have a lot of coaching experience but he was an accomplished lineman in both The Big 10 and in the NFL.
Where Yale is weakest in experience is at the Safety positions. The cornerbacks, defensive line and linebackers however all have a lot of game time experience.
Re: 2018 Yale Schedule and Analysis
I agree that Yale is the pick in the Ivy, but I'm thinking 7-3 (6-1 conference).
Re: 2018 Yale Schedule and Analysis
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Son of Eli
You make some excellent points, but it doesn’t paint the full picture. It’s true Yale is losing a lot of talent, both on the field and with the coaches. However, Yale also has a lot of depth thanks to three consecutive Top 3 FCS recruiting classes which they will use to reload.
The three likely OL replacements each had a start last season. The receiver corps also have replacements with experience, and are actually an upgrade from the graduating seniors.
The coaching turnover could be a benefit to keep things fresh with some new looks. The new offensive line coach, Al Netter, may not have a lot of coaching experience but he was an accomplished lineman in both The Big 10 and in the NFL.
Where Yale is weakest in experience is at the Safety positions. The cornerbacks, defensive line and linebackers however all have a lot of game time experience.
Interesting...
I see 7 1st Team All-Ivy Yalies lost - 2 OL, 1 TE, 1 DL, 1 LB, and 2 DB’s & 1 Returning, the RB
I see 3 2nd Team All-Ivy lost - 1 OL, 1 WR, and 1 LB & 4 Returning - 1 OL, 2 DL, and a Punter
I see 2 HM All-Ivy lost - 1 RB, 1 DB & 3 Returning - 1 OL, QB, and 1 DB
So, 12 All-Ivy lost - 3 OL, 1 TE, 1 RB 1 WR & 1 DL, 2 LB, 3 DB’s
8 All-Ivy Returning - 2 OL, 1 QB, 1 RB & 2 DL, 1 DB & 1 Punter
So...10 on O, 9 on D, and 1 STer made All-Ivy...impressive. I guess that other WR, 1 DL, 1 LB, your Returner, and your Kicker must have sucked. Just kidding.
Nice nucleus Returning, but A LOT lost, especially up front on O - 2/3rd’s of the Front if you count the TE & all of them 1st or 2nd Team All-Ivy with new, rather inexperienced Coaches leading the OL & TE’s & in the back end on D - 5 of 7, with 4 of those 5 1st or 2nd Team All-Ivy. But, the new Starters, barring injuries, will have almost 1/2 season under their belts before the Bears head North, so they will have had time to break-in and will have already faced 2 IL Teams & a good CAA Team, so I expect they will ready & will play like experienced veterans by mid-October.
Re: 2018 Yale Schedule and Analysis
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Son of Eli
Reno loves the big OOC match-ups, so I expect Yale will beat Mercer and Maine.
If Maine and Mercer are considered BIG OOC matchups, keep in mind that Yale's last two big OOC matchups, Cal Poly in 2013 and Maine in 2015, may have resulted in wins, but were also years when they were blown out by Harvard. I hope Tony doesn't over emphasize OOC games. Doesn't mean Yale can't win or doesn't want to win. It's just that we need to remember which games are most important, especially with the IL being more competitive than ever.
Re: 2018 Yale Schedule and Analysis
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Go...gate
I agree that Yale is the pick in the Ivy, but I'm thinking 7-3 (6-1 conference).
Princeton has the most talent and did last year, as well. Injuries and bad luck did the Tigers in. I think they will be the most motivated team in the league, followed closely by Harvard. I could see any team, except Brown and Cornell, winning at least a piece of the title.
Re: 2018 Yale Schedule and Analysis
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bulldog10jw
. I could see any team, except Brown and Cornell, winning at least a piece of the title.
This.
Princeton/Yale/Harvard/Dartmouth/Penn/Columbia is a grab bag depending on grades/health. I suppose you can throw in QB play for Dartmouth and Columbia--both of whom will be breaking in new signal callers, but both of whom have talented options to choose from.
Cornell may be able to knock off any of the above. But I don't see them doing it on a weekly basis.
Brown... may see another winless Ivy season.
Re: 2018 Yale Schedule and Analysis
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bulldog10jw
If Maine and Mercer are considered BIG OOC matchups, keep in mind that Yale's last two big OOC matchups, Cal Poly in 2013 and Maine in 2015, may have resulted in wins, but were also years when they were blown out by Harvard. I hope Tony doesn't over emphasize OOC games. Doesn't mean Yale can't win or doesn't want to win. It's just that we need to remember which games are most important, especially with the IL being more competitive than ever.
Dont forget Yale's victory over Army in 2014. I consider that as big as any Ivy League victory.
My philosophy is until the Ivy League allows for FCS playoff participation Yale's OOC schedule should consist primarily of playoff caliber or FBS teams. That way an Ivy League Championship will have greater significance. Otherwise no one will know how good the Ivy League really is.
Re: 2018 Yale Schedule and Analysis
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Son of Eli
Dont forget Yale's victory over Army in 2014. I consider that as big as any Ivy League victory.
My philosophy is until the Ivy League allows for FCS playoff participation Yale's OOC schedule should consist primarily of playoff caliber teams. That way an Ivy League Championship will have greater significance. Otherwise no one will know how good the Ivy League really is.
It's a shame Harvard doesn't share that philosophy.
Re: 2018 Yale Schedule and Analysis
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Son of Eli
Dont forget Yale's victory over Army in 2014. I consider that as big as any Ivy League victory.
The Army game is in a category by itself. In many ways the Army game in 2014, considering the 100th anniversary of the Bowl and Harvard being a road game, was considered the game to win in 2014.
I don't think I would trade that game for a win against H in 2014 even though a Harvard win would have meant a championship.
Re: 2018 Yale Schedule and Analysis
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Lehigh'98
It's a shame Harvard doesn't share that philosophy.
I dont think the Admins of either H or Y are in favor of playoff participation.