Colgate Scouting Report
Offense: On offense, the ‘gate runs exclusively out of the shotgun, but they are not necessarily a spread offense; they still use basic personnel groupings (multiple backs and a tight end). They will run the all day, as evidenced by the fact they ran it 83% of the time a season ago. The Raiders featured one of the most explosive offenses in the Patriot League a season ago, ranking second in points scored (30.2.ppg) and total offense (416.5 ypg), while pacing the PL and ranking fifth nationally in rushing offense (267.7. ypg). They also led the league in rushing TD’s (35) and averaged 5.1 yards per carry last season. The Raiders did lose the leading rusher in school and Patriot League history in Jordan Scott (5,621 yards), but return their next five leading ball carriers from a season ago. Leading the way is junior dual-threat QB Greg Sullivan, who passed for 1,695 yards and ran for another 898 while accounting for 19 total TD’s last year. Also back is the reigning Patriot League Rookie of the Year Nate Eachus, who ran for 932 yards and 10 touchdowns as a freshman. When they do throw it, Sullivan will look for 6-6 Preseason All-America Pat Simonds (65 catches, 1,136 yds., 9 TD’s).
Defense: Defensively, the Raiders run a 4-3 scheme. They ranked among the lower tier of Patriot League teams, allowing 29.1 points per game (sixth in the PL) and surrendering 378.8 yards per game (last in the league). They allowed a league-high 21 passing TD’s and 23 rushing TD’s a season ago. The ‘gate ranked last in the PL in red zone defense, allowing scores on 84% of its opposition’s possessions and also a league-high 32 touchdowns. The Raiders do return 10 of their 12 leading tacklers from a season ago, led by linebacker Greg Hadley (80 tackles, 3 TFL). Senior strong safety Uzi Idah (62 tackles, 6 TFL, 5 pass break-ups) also returns to lead the secondary. While the Raiders defense did allow the second most points in the PL a season ago, they did generate 18 turnovers.
Special Teams: The Raiders will break in a new placekicker and punter this season in true freshmen Evan Colborne and Evan Goldszak. Colborne will also handle kickoffs this season. In high school, he punted and also kicked, but it will still be high first collegiate action. Goldszak served as team captain in high school and will also make his college debut against Monmouth. Both of the ‘gate’s projected returnmen, John Schademan and Jamar Brown, are also freshmen, making the Raiders specialists a very young unit.
GoMUHawks.com Official Preview: http://www.gomuhawks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=67823&SPID=7664&DB_OEM_ID=14300&ATCLID=204784921
My take: I think this Saturday's game will be a classic old-school, smash-mouth football game between two very well-coached teams. The first game of the year is always touch and go and you will probably see more on the fly adjustment the first few weeks of the season than at any other time during the season.
I think MU matches up very well against Colgate on both sides of the ball, but with that being said, this will be a very competitive contest. David Sinisi begins his FCS All-American candidacy with a 100+ yard-effort and I think the defense will do a good job of containing Eachus and Sullivan on the ground. This game could be a very quick one, as both teams will pound the rock on the ground and I don't think we will see many passes.
I think the Hawks make more big plays in the end, win the battle of field position and come home from upstate NY with a 21-14 win.
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2 comments:
Hi, Ed.
Well, I'd like to think that against what the poll says, that MU will come in first in the NEC, but Albany is tough, as we found out last year.
I'm actually going to the game tomorrow. I'm flying to Syracuse, then renting a car, and staying overnight in the Syracuse area near the airport.
I'll have a better idea of what I think of the team after I've seen them play. Even though it's a non-conference game, seeing how they play tomorrow may get an idea of how they'll do for the season.
Mike, first off, thanks for coming all the way up to Colgate for the game. As you saw in the game, the Hawks can hold their own against better teams, as evidenced by their 16-14 halftime lead. This week will no doubt be a big challenge at Coastal Carolina, but we will see how MU fares. Thanks again for checking in...
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