ngineer
September 11th, 2005, 11:54 AM
I didn't get home til 2 AM today, so I slept in. Ruminated over the sports page upon finally crawling out--the wife has gone to visit our daughter--probably figures a good day to stay away from me :D Actually, she's wrong. I thought last night's game was magnificient. Like a heavyweight prize fight-each trading haymakers and still standing proud at the end.
There was a lot of sloppiness and significant mistakes on both teams, that it is impossible to point to one turning point. Sure, Musiek's missed/tipped field goal and extra point seem to stick out, but there were a host of other opportunities that were missed. As I've stated previously, LU's achilles heel is it's kicking game and lack of depth and both were major contributors last night.
The depth aspect showed up in the fourth quarter. To me the crucial shift in the game was when UD responded to Lehigh's last regulation score in such quick fashion. If the D had been able to at least force the Hens to drive the 65 yards in 5 min. versus a few big gains in about 1:20, it would have had a significant effect on the clock management later on. PLus, the quick turnaround carries a major psychological shift. Up two scores, LU had the chance to take a stranglehold of the game and didn't. While it was a pleasant night for the fans, it was warm for football, and LU was unable to rotate enough fresh bodies and certainly looked tired hanging on in the last 8 minutes. While much was made of UD's youth, Lehigh's youth was again tested in the nature of the cornerbacks--Nelson did not dress and Thomas went down in the second half. The two soph replacements had great difficulty covering the UD receivers--hence the quick strike turnaround.. Gerran Walker left the game, not to return, after his great touchdown catch in south endzone and his threat was sorely missed in the second half.
I thought Lehigh's defensive front played magnificently. Morgan was being doubleteamed most of the night and still played great. Graziani was everywhere. The O line has also shown great improvement. Borda got hit a few times, but overall he had enough time. Mark showed the warrior he is, but definitely didn't play his best-overshooting several wr's who had beaten the UD secondary. Of course, UD can say the same. Riccio missed a few wide open receivers as well, but, again, showed a great arm and resiliency--he will be fine for the Hens this year.
This was not a moral victory for Lehigh. It is a bitter loss. To go into The Tub and play so hard and have victory within your grasp, only, to lose in such dramatic fashion can be tough to accept. I believe the game showed both teams are top 15 schools--especially in light of what I see having occured around the country. It's too bad this series cannot be renewed on a more regular basis. Hens--beg your AD to get out of the love affair with West Chester and make this a regular 'one night stand' every year. Last night's game is was truly what "college football is all about". A lot of players learned alot about themselves last night.
Here's hoping we can 'do it again' in December. ;)
There was a lot of sloppiness and significant mistakes on both teams, that it is impossible to point to one turning point. Sure, Musiek's missed/tipped field goal and extra point seem to stick out, but there were a host of other opportunities that were missed. As I've stated previously, LU's achilles heel is it's kicking game and lack of depth and both were major contributors last night.
The depth aspect showed up in the fourth quarter. To me the crucial shift in the game was when UD responded to Lehigh's last regulation score in such quick fashion. If the D had been able to at least force the Hens to drive the 65 yards in 5 min. versus a few big gains in about 1:20, it would have had a significant effect on the clock management later on. PLus, the quick turnaround carries a major psychological shift. Up two scores, LU had the chance to take a stranglehold of the game and didn't. While it was a pleasant night for the fans, it was warm for football, and LU was unable to rotate enough fresh bodies and certainly looked tired hanging on in the last 8 minutes. While much was made of UD's youth, Lehigh's youth was again tested in the nature of the cornerbacks--Nelson did not dress and Thomas went down in the second half. The two soph replacements had great difficulty covering the UD receivers--hence the quick strike turnaround.. Gerran Walker left the game, not to return, after his great touchdown catch in south endzone and his threat was sorely missed in the second half.
I thought Lehigh's defensive front played magnificently. Morgan was being doubleteamed most of the night and still played great. Graziani was everywhere. The O line has also shown great improvement. Borda got hit a few times, but overall he had enough time. Mark showed the warrior he is, but definitely didn't play his best-overshooting several wr's who had beaten the UD secondary. Of course, UD can say the same. Riccio missed a few wide open receivers as well, but, again, showed a great arm and resiliency--he will be fine for the Hens this year.
This was not a moral victory for Lehigh. It is a bitter loss. To go into The Tub and play so hard and have victory within your grasp, only, to lose in such dramatic fashion can be tough to accept. I believe the game showed both teams are top 15 schools--especially in light of what I see having occured around the country. It's too bad this series cannot be renewed on a more regular basis. Hens--beg your AD to get out of the love affair with West Chester and make this a regular 'one night stand' every year. Last night's game is was truly what "college football is all about". A lot of players learned alot about themselves last night.
Here's hoping we can 'do it again' in December. ;)