2023 Playoffs Round 2: Richmond @ #5 Albany

[Professor Chaos]

Game kicks off Saturday 12/2 at 12PM ET and will be streaming on ESPN+. Winner faces the winner of Southern Illinois and Idaho.


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53356229232_f0f7d39d91_b.jpg

[WWII]

Looking forward to playing the other team tied at the top of the CAA.

[The Cats]

Richmond

[caribbeanhen]

Going With Poff the magic dragan barger

[Sitting Bull]

W&M had the closest game on points with games at UAlbany - and that was 16 points (and a struggle). And the other teams they beat there weren’t cupcakes - Villanova, URI, Fordham and Monmouth.

I think the Danes defensive pressure will be the big factor. I hope they get good support there because they deserve it. And it will be cold.

[WWII]

Santa Claus is going to attend.

[UAalum72]

I hope they get good support there because they deserve it. And it will be cold.
Nah, upper 30s with light wind and the sun breaking thru. But with a noon start the students may not be awake yet

[KPSUL]

Richmond has been a gritty, scrappy team lately but I see the Danes winning by 14 @ Bob Ford Field at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium (or is that Mary & Tom Casey Field at Bob Ford Stadium?)

[SpiderJPO]

All Richmond has done is win the past 7weeks in a row. Each week new offensive weapons are added and the defense remains solid. Looking forward to this battle on Saturday.

[FUBeAR]

Haven't read this thread...don't really intend to...sorry Spider/Great Dane fans, FUBeAR just ain't that into you. He does like your mascots though.

But...since FUBeAR did the research last summer and opened the file for another reason, he thought he would provide some historical data that may interest the peeps posting in this thread...If this has already been posted here or you are uninterested...FUBeAR don't care.

In the 9 prior Playoffs that have utilized the 24 Team / 8 Seeds (with home games AND 1 week rests prior), the record of #5 Seeds vs. Unseeded Opponents, in Round 2, is:

#5 Seeds = 7 WINS and 2 L's
Unseeded = 2 L's and 7 WINS

The Average Score in the 7 #5 Seed WINS has been ~42-~19; a margin of victory of ~23 points.
The Average Score in the 2 Unseeded WINS has been ~43-~33; a margin of victory of ~11 points.

There has not been an unseeded upset of a #5 Seed in Round 2 in the most recent 7 Playoffs (not including the 2021 Spring Playoffs, as it was not a 24/8 structure).

Interestingly, as this year's #5 Seed vs. unseeded matchup is an all-CAA affair, CAA Teams have been 'parties' as 3 of the 4 Teams involved in the 2 upsets of #5 Seeds, as follows...
In 2015, #5 Seed JMU (CAA) lost to unseeded Colgate (Patriot) by the score of 44-38.
In 2013, #5 Seed Maine (CAA) lost to unseeded New Hampshire (also CAA) 41-27.

[NY Crusader 2010]

Albany has historically played very well at home, especially at night. While this game is at noon, Ford Field remains a tough venue for road team. I've only watched a little bit of UR, against W&M and NC Central. Wasn't overly impressed BUT there's a reason the Spiders have won 7 in a row. Every game they've played since early October has effectively been a postseason elimination game. And they won them all. I see this game coming down to the last possession.

Albany 25, Richmond 21.

I also said something in the NC Central thread about how I thought HC was more deserving of being in the playoffs than both Richmond and NC Central. I was going through the "anger" stage of us not making the playoffs. Bottom line is that when a team wins 6 in a row, especially in a league like the CAA to close the season, you deserve to keep playing. We had our chances. Hats off to the Spiders for their terrific run. And great showing by the CAA thus far.

[Karl Havoc]

Albany is favored by 11.5.

[UAalum72]

Albany is favored by 11.5.By who? Massey predicts Albany by 6, Sagarin's different methods have the spread anywhere from 2.8 to 12 points.

[Karl Havoc]

By who? Massey predicts Albany by 6, Sagarin's different methods have the spread anywhere from 2.8 to 12 points.

5Dimes.

They post FCS lines early in the week and it’s usually pretty close to the lines US Sportsbook post closer to kickoff.

[dbackjon]

CAA wins this one!

[ncspiderfan]

Albany has historically played very well at home, especially at night. While this game is at noon, Ford Field remains a tough venue for road team. I've only watched a little bit of UR, against W&M and NC Central. Wasn't overly impressed BUT there's a reason the Spiders have won 7 in a row. Every game they've played since early October has effectively been a postseason elimination game. And they won them all. I see this game coming down to the last possession.

Albany 25, Richmond 21.

I also said something in the NC Central thread about how I thought HC was more deserving of being in the playoffs than both Richmond and NC Central. I was going through the "anger" stage of us not making the playoffs. Bottom line is that when a team wins 6 in a row, especially in a league like the CAA to close the season, you deserve to keep playing. We had our chances. Hats off to the Spiders for their terrific run. And great showing by the CAA thus far.

NY

Thanks for noticing the turnaround of Spiders as the season progressed. Early injury problems at the QB position (4 different starter in 4 games) lead to some suspicious looking results. As things settled down Spiders got back on track to this point.

Spiders got left out at 8-3 one year, 'been there done that' on the disappointment HC fans had to feel with a good team.

This week will be the toughest of Spiders sort of 7 game playoff run. Weather I looked at shows high of 42 degrees for the day and rain. Dane run defense is excellent and Spider's is pretty good as well. Might be grin out defensive dominated game.

[UAalum72]

Should only be a few showers in the morning. Coach said today Albany is as healthy as they've been since the bye week after the Hawai'i game.

[ncspiderfan]

Should only be a few showers in the morning. Coach said today Albany is as healthy as they've been since the bye week after the Hawai'i game.

Like your weather forecast better, even though Poffenbarger probably gets to throw it more.
Checked Spider two deep and looks like all those that have not had year ending surgery are listed. Let's hope both teams are just this healthy when it ends.
I had figured Spiders would get the Danes or Nova if they made it in the second round due to the scrambled schedules the conference had.

[caribbeanhen]

Albany on Poff the Magic Dragon Barger late heroics

[Sitting Bull]

I think UAlbanys defense is the big difference. They are relentless and fast.

[Dane96]

Frankly, this game scares me a whole lot more than the next potential game (except for the travel and the Kibbie Dome). I think Richmond is peaking at the right time and they are insanely physical, with a very good QB.

[ncspiderfan]

Frankly, this game scares me a whole lot more than the next potential game (except for the travel and the Kibbie Dome). I think Richmond is peaking at the right time and they are insanely physical, with a very good QB.

I thought the exact same thing about this match up being the tougher of the two weeks for either of these teams, and that is not slighting the two teams that will play to face the winner of this one, they are both good and the winner of that one will be tough. This one is just conference mates that have not faced each other.

We will see what happens but looks like two really good defensive front sevens and I give Albany the edge in run defense due to the body of work. Albany QB can throw it and run it. Spider QB can run it better of the two and he has developed at throwing it as season progressed after returning from injury. Both teams QBs I believe will feel pressure when they try to throw it, the one that can get away from it and pick up yardage might make the difference.

Spider receivers and Aamir Hall should know each other well, so that could be interesting (one of only a few I remember Spiders losing before graduation). Danes got a good one there, Huesman spoke very highly of Hall today on his radio show and pointed out he deserved to be all CAA.

A blow out either way will be a surprise to me.

[Tribe4SF]

Having seen both these teams in person I give the edge to Albany. They had the best defense we faced all year including UVA.

[Houndawg]

Frankly, this game scares me a whole lot more than the next potential game (except for the travel and the Kibbie Dome). I think Richmond is peaking at the right time and they are insanely physical, with a very good QB.

good to know somebody will be pulling for an upset by SIU - I can't return the favor because I need two upsets for the Salukis to get a home game, but best of luck anyway

[KPSUL]

Albany has out scored the 5 opponents they've played in Albany 165 -41. They've played a pretty solid home schedule: Fordham, Villanova, Rhode Island, W&M and Monmouth. They should beat Richmond by at least 14.

[Houndawg]

Albany has out scored the 5 opponents they've played in Albany 165 -41. They've played a pretty solid home schedule: Fordham, Villanova, Rhode Island, W&M and Monmouth. They should beat Richmond by at least 14.

Is the game outside?

[Dane96]

Yep.

[KPSUL]

Is the game outside?

Yes, no indoor stadiums for FCS in the Northeast.

[caribbeanhen]

Is the game outside?


Yep

same place you use the bano

[SeattleCat]

Albany looks solid, they might make some noise this year.

[SeattleCat]

Richmond's O-line is letting Albany Tee off on their QB, looks like he might be done.

[MR. CHICKEN]

ALBANY 14
RICHMOND 0 11:52 2Q

[Dane96]

Big injury for us with Hicks. Looks like knee. Hopefully he comes back. Long way to go but Albany is throttling Richmond. 20-0. 7 to go in the half.

[Dane96]

Richmond insanely lucky. Kelly a hair off on the kickoff or Albany would have had the ball on the Richmond 18 with the fumble recovery.

- - - Updated - - -

[mainejeff]

I think that Richmond would be a great fit in the Patriot League.

[Dane96]

Albany absolutely smashing Richmond. 27-0 on a Bill Hackett 70 yd INT return for a TD.

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

This says more about Albany than Richmond. Albany has been flying under the radar all year. They seem to be legit title contenders....

[Dane96]

Richmond has beaten Albany in all 7 prior meetings, by less than a score each. Barring something crazy, that ends today.

Amir Hall, a former Spider, with a crazy INT on the sidelines.

[caribbeanhen]

How is my nephew looking?

[Dane96]

At the half, Albany with a commanding lead

Albany 27
Richmond 7

Albany gets the ball coming out of halftime.

- - - Updated - - -


How is my nephew looking?

like his Uncle got him a brand new car for the holidays. He’s on fire.

[Dane96]

Now Poff's gunslingling cost us a bit...oof. INT out of the break.

[Dane96]

Richmond dirty AF...all game.

[Dane96]

And the refs finally have had enough...got rid of Coll. Dirty ****ing play...could have completely hurt the UA CB.

-

[Dane96]

AJ Simon injured for Albany...that's a big injury if he's out for the game...or for next week, presuming we finish this out.

[Dane96]

Reese picks up his own fumbled handoff exchange, scores from 9 yards out.

Albany 34
Richmond 7

5 to go in the 3rd Qtr.

[Dane96]

Albany with a big hit by Joe Greaney (his brother was Tom, a Cleveland Brown camper this year) causes a fumble...and AJ Simon (back in the game) recovers the fumble.

Albany with the ball on the Richmond 40. 330 to go in the 3rd Qtr...Danes up 34-7.

- - - Updated - - -

Poff makes something out of nothing....almost gets sacked, twice...30 yd connection with Renninger. Reese becomes second UA QB ever to go for 3,000 yds in a season.

[Dane96]

Poff to Easton for a 12 yard TD.

Albany 41
Richmond 7

39 seconds left in the 3rd.

[Dane96]

Richmond, through 3...has ZERO yards rushing. Mindboggling.

At the end of the 3rd

Albany 41
Richmond 7

Now looking at the 10pm to see if S. Illinois can pull of the upset.

[UNHWildcat18]

Albany needs to get anyone of questionable health out and put in the back ups, I hope the guys banged up from this game are good to go next week.

[Dane96]

Albany needs to get anyone of questionable health out and put in the back ups, I hope the guys banged up from this game are good to go next week.

Agreed...i just screamed that on our board. Sometimes Gattuso needs to just take the pedal off. Put in the backups now. Juncaj is now limping. No bueno. As Simon and Juncaj go, so do we. The way we played today, even if our offense is off...if both those guys are on and our CBs are healthy, we have a good crack at winning the game.

[UNHWildcat18]

Agreed...i just screamed that on our board. Sometimes Gattuso needs to just take the pedal off. Put in the backups now. Juncaj is now limping. No bueno. As Simon and Juncaj go, so do we. The way we played today, even if our offense is off...if both those guys are on and our CBs are healthy, we have a good crack at winning the game.

I think you guys have a great shot to win next week, but yeah get the starters and limpers out, doesn’t matter how much you win by anymore.

[ncspiderfan]

Albany needs to get anyone of questionable health out and put in the back ups, I hope the guys banged up from this game are good to go next week.

Hope they do.

I missed the first half but looks like I did not miss much from the Spiders. What I did see was Albany DL dominating Spiders for a quarter so far.

Great game for the Danes, well done and good luck next week.

[Sader87]

Holy Cross is/was light years better than Richmond this year....we were screwed by the committee.

[Dane96]

Albany blocks the XP, which means no one has scored more than 13 pts at Casey Stadium (yet) this year.

[caribbeanhen]

At the half, Albany with a commanding lead

Albany 27
Richmond 7

Albany gets the ball coming out of halftime.

- - - Updated - - -



like his Uncle got him a brand new car for the holidays. He’s on fire.

might have to get him one now

[Houndawg]

Richmond, through 3...has ZERO yards rushing. Mindboggling.

At the end of the 3rd

Albany 41
Richmond 7

Now looking at the 10pm to see if S. Illinois can pull of the upset.

It should be closer than this one I think - if the posession time is close I like our chances a little more

[UNHWildcat18]

Holy Cross is/was light years better than Richmond this year....we were screwed by the committee.

Can you stop it please.

[Dane96]

Can you stop it please.

Patriot League fans...been hijacking threads since 1906.

[Sader87]

Seriously though.....do you see a Sluka led HC losing at Albany 41-13 in the 4th?

[UNHWildcat18]

Seriously though.....do you see a Sluka led HC losing at Albany 41-13 in the 4th?

Yeah and UNH beat Albany and you don’t see us going on about it. UNH blew it this season as did holy cross, it doesn’t matter. Just let it go.

[Dane96]

Seriously though.....do you see a Sluka led HC losing at Albany 41-13 in the 4th?

Actually, I do. I don't think you realize HOW GOOD Albany's defense is. Look at what we did to Fordham...and how HC played Fordham.

[Sader87]

Actually, I do. I don't think you realize HOW GOOD Albany's defense is. Look at what we did to Fordham...and how HC played Fordham.

No way....HC actually had probably a Top 5 FCS offense this year.....our Achilles heel was our D.

My basic point is that the CAA shouldn't have been given 4 bids to the PL's one this year.

[caribbeanhen]

No way....HC actually had probably a Top 5 FCS offense this year.....our Achilles heel was our D.

My basic point is that the CAA shouldn't have been given 4 bids to the PL's one this year.

better call Sal Fu BaR

[UNHWildcat18]

No way....HC actually had probably a Top 5 FCS offense this year.....our Achilles heel was our D.

My basic point is that the CAA shouldn't have been given 4 bids to the PL's one this year.

I think you should just start being concerned with who your QB will be next year…

[KPSUL]

I think you should just start being concerned with who your QB will be next year…

Likewise for UNH.

[Sader87]

I think you should just start being concerned with who your QB will be next year…

Joe Pesansky already started and won 2 games this year....at Fordham and at Lehigh....great thrower from Florida.