While my score prediction was off, I did correctly pick the Hawks against the Dukes, putting my overall record this season at 2-1 (the Hawks are 1-2). MU's defense played very well against the Dukes, displaying an opportunistic (4 forced TO's), bend-but-don't-break (387 yards allowed) unit.
Sinisi did get his 100-yards (122), but he needed 32 carries to get it. I thought Kyle Frazier looked a hair sharper than Andrew Mandeville at QB, but Mandeville threw the day's prettiest ball to Rodney Salomon. Those two will continue to each see time this week against week.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Duquesne Scouting Report/My Prediction
Offense: The Dukes offense is listed as running “multiple” sets and that is exactly what they do. Duquesne will line up with a fullback and tight end play, and then in a four-wide, shotgun set the next. The versatile offense has not put up very flashy numbers, but it has been very solid in its execution during the first two games this season against very good competition. DU is averaging 385 total yards per game, including a Northeast Conference-high 237.5 passing yards per contest. Much like the Hawks, the Dukes use two QB’s in Kevin Rombach and Michigan State transfer Connor Dixon. Rombach has completed 48.3% of his passes this season for 173 yards with a TD and a pick, while Dixon has connected on 63% of his passes for 302 yards and two TD’s. Another Michigan State transfer, WR Dave Williams, has been both QB’s favorite target with 12 catches for 228 yards and two TD’s. The ground game, which averages almost 150 yards per game, is paced by true freshman Larry McCoy. He has rushed for 226 yards this season on 48 carries, good enough for second in the league.
Defense: Unlike Coastal Carolina, that changed up its defensive fronts seemingly on every play, Duquesne will stick with their base 4-3 defensive alignment. The Dukes have played very well on the defensive side of the ball this year, allowing 289 total yards per game this season. The Dukes have been vulnerable to the opposition’s ground game this season, giving up 208 yards per game and almost five yards per carry. DU only gives up 81 passing yards per game and allows their opponents to complete only 45.2% of their passes. The Dukes have also intercepted four passes and recovered two fumbles this season. Anthony Rhoades leads the team with 17 tackles, while linebacker Nathan Totino is second with 15 stops and two forced fumbles. Duquesne has four sacks and seven passes defended this season, and has only allowed 16.5 points per game this year. The Dukes have also been effective at getting off the field on third downs, allowing opponents to convert only 33% of its third downs.
Special Teams: The Dukes kicker is freshman Eric Duale, who has converted only one-of-three field goals this season. Duale also handles the kickoff duties for the team. They also have a freshman punter in Charlie Leventry, who has punted 10 times for an average of 34.2 yards per kick. He has put half of his punts inside the 20-yard line. Williams also handles the kickoff return chores, averaging 20 yards per return. Willie Milhouse has returned one kick for 42 yards this season. Three players, Williams, Issac Spragg and Justin Melhado have all returned punts this season for a combined average of eight yards per return.
My take: After two weeks of playing teams in higher profile conferences, the Hawks return to the NEC against the Dukes. Duquesne has also played two very good teams, defeating Bucknell and losing to Nicholls State, both teams that run the triple option offense.
I think MU has a favorable match-up this week and should return to their customary balanced offensive production with David Sinisi and QB's Andrew Mandeville and Kyle Frazier. I would look for the Hawks to churn out close to 200 yards on the ground, throwing for another 150 between both QB's. Duquesne QB's Rombach and Dixon are very good also, and WR Williams is a very productive player. The Dukes are a very good team, but I think MU continues to play hard and comes away with a 27-16 win.
Defense: Unlike Coastal Carolina, that changed up its defensive fronts seemingly on every play, Duquesne will stick with their base 4-3 defensive alignment. The Dukes have played very well on the defensive side of the ball this year, allowing 289 total yards per game this season. The Dukes have been vulnerable to the opposition’s ground game this season, giving up 208 yards per game and almost five yards per carry. DU only gives up 81 passing yards per game and allows their opponents to complete only 45.2% of their passes. The Dukes have also intercepted four passes and recovered two fumbles this season. Anthony Rhoades leads the team with 17 tackles, while linebacker Nathan Totino is second with 15 stops and two forced fumbles. Duquesne has four sacks and seven passes defended this season, and has only allowed 16.5 points per game this year. The Dukes have also been effective at getting off the field on third downs, allowing opponents to convert only 33% of its third downs.
Special Teams: The Dukes kicker is freshman Eric Duale, who has converted only one-of-three field goals this season. Duale also handles the kickoff duties for the team. They also have a freshman punter in Charlie Leventry, who has punted 10 times for an average of 34.2 yards per kick. He has put half of his punts inside the 20-yard line. Williams also handles the kickoff return chores, averaging 20 yards per return. Willie Milhouse has returned one kick for 42 yards this season. Three players, Williams, Issac Spragg and Justin Melhado have all returned punts this season for a combined average of eight yards per return.
My take: After two weeks of playing teams in higher profile conferences, the Hawks return to the NEC against the Dukes. Duquesne has also played two very good teams, defeating Bucknell and losing to Nicholls State, both teams that run the triple option offense.
I think MU has a favorable match-up this week and should return to their customary balanced offensive production with David Sinisi and QB's Andrew Mandeville and Kyle Frazier. I would look for the Hawks to churn out close to 200 yards on the ground, throwing for another 150 between both QB's. Duquesne QB's Rombach and Dixon are very good also, and WR Williams is a very productive player. The Dukes are a very good team, but I think MU continues to play hard and comes away with a 27-16 win.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Coastal wrap-up
So I was wrong about the Coastal-Monmouth prediction, which makes me 0-2 on the season, even though I correctly predicted MU would score 17 points. Also, I predicted the Hawks would score 21 at Colgate and they scored 23. Hopefully this week, my score AND prediction will be right on.
Monmouth was right there with Coastal despite being outgained by over 2-to-1 in total yards. The Hawks defense made two key interceptions to set up both TD's and showed some real mettle in the contest.
This week, the Hawks open up league play against Duquesne. I feel MU has a favorable match-up this week, even though the Dukes have played very well this season, beating Bucknell and falling by a touchdown at Nicholls State.
I will have a full preview and prediction up on Thursday, in the meantime, what are your predictions for the game, which is Monmouth's home opener.
Monmouth was right there with Coastal despite being outgained by over 2-to-1 in total yards. The Hawks defense made two key interceptions to set up both TD's and showed some real mettle in the contest.
This week, the Hawks open up league play against Duquesne. I feel MU has a favorable match-up this week, even though the Dukes have played very well this season, beating Bucknell and falling by a touchdown at Nicholls State.
I will have a full preview and prediction up on Thursday, in the meantime, what are your predictions for the game, which is Monmouth's home opener.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Coastal Carolina Scouting Report
Coastal Carolina Scouting Report
Offense: Coastal Carolina will try to be very close to a 50-50 run-pass team no matter what formation they line up in. The Chants ran it 58% of the time last season, but do have the capability to put up big passing numbers. They will utilize the shotgun, but will also run plays from under center with a fullback. Teams like this, balanced teams that utilize multiple offensive formations, are difficult to defend because of the unknown factor. Last season, the Chants went shotgun, no-huddle against the Hawks and threw the ball for 233 yards. This season, in CCU’s 18-0 loss at FBS-member Kent State last week, they gained 185 yards, only 78 of which came on the ground. Wake Forest transfer QB Zach MacDowall went 12-of-26 passing for 107 yards with an interception and 25 yards rushing against the Golden Flashes last week. Last season he passed was 17-of-26 for 233 yards through the air against the Hawks. True freshman Jeremy Height, who rushed 14 times for 52 yards against Kent State, saw the bulk of the carries last week for Coastal. Junior Marquel Willis led the way with three catches for 37 yards last week for CCU.
Defense: The Chants will play a 4-3 defensive alignment and all three linebackers return this season after seeing extensive time a year ago. Coastal lost last week at Kent State 18-0, but that score is misleading, as the Golden Flashes led at the half only 2-0. CCU held the Flashes to 3.6 yards per carry and intercepted KSU QB Giorgio Morgan twice. Last season, the defensive unit limited MU to 267 total yards when the two squads met in West Long Branch. Safety Dominique Davenport, who had last season cut short by an injury just four games, and corner Josh Norman led CCU with six tackles apiece against Kent State. Last season, Coastal gave up 355 yards per game, including 167.8 yards per game on the ground. CCU did record seven tackles for loss last week and three sacks, so they were able to get pressure on the QB. In the first half against the Golden Flashes, Coastal’s defense forced four punts, record a pick, held KSU on a fourth down attempt and saw the Flashes miss a field goal.
Special Teams: Junior Justin Durham is Coastal Carolina’s kicker, and he missed his only attempt last week, a 43-yarder. He was CCU’s kicker last season as well, converting 9-of-16 field goals and 21-of-25 extra points. Junior Ben Erdman is the Chants punter, and he was a busy man against Kent State, punting eight times for an average of 34.6 yards per kick with a long of 45. Tre Henderson return two kickoffs for 21 yards last week, and he along with Height and DJ McNeill will handle the kickoff returns, with Josh Norman returning punts.
My take: CCU is probably the most talented team the Hawks will face the season. They have speed and size all over the field and present difficult match-ups for MU all over the field. As much as I want to pick the Hawks, I have a hard time predicting a Monmouth win in this spot. I do think the Hawks offense will move the ball and Sinisi will have a solid game, but I see the Chants coming through with a 31-17 win.
Offense: Coastal Carolina will try to be very close to a 50-50 run-pass team no matter what formation they line up in. The Chants ran it 58% of the time last season, but do have the capability to put up big passing numbers. They will utilize the shotgun, but will also run plays from under center with a fullback. Teams like this, balanced teams that utilize multiple offensive formations, are difficult to defend because of the unknown factor. Last season, the Chants went shotgun, no-huddle against the Hawks and threw the ball for 233 yards. This season, in CCU’s 18-0 loss at FBS-member Kent State last week, they gained 185 yards, only 78 of which came on the ground. Wake Forest transfer QB Zach MacDowall went 12-of-26 passing for 107 yards with an interception and 25 yards rushing against the Golden Flashes last week. Last season he passed was 17-of-26 for 233 yards through the air against the Hawks. True freshman Jeremy Height, who rushed 14 times for 52 yards against Kent State, saw the bulk of the carries last week for Coastal. Junior Marquel Willis led the way with three catches for 37 yards last week for CCU.
Defense: The Chants will play a 4-3 defensive alignment and all three linebackers return this season after seeing extensive time a year ago. Coastal lost last week at Kent State 18-0, but that score is misleading, as the Golden Flashes led at the half only 2-0. CCU held the Flashes to 3.6 yards per carry and intercepted KSU QB Giorgio Morgan twice. Last season, the defensive unit limited MU to 267 total yards when the two squads met in West Long Branch. Safety Dominique Davenport, who had last season cut short by an injury just four games, and corner Josh Norman led CCU with six tackles apiece against Kent State. Last season, Coastal gave up 355 yards per game, including 167.8 yards per game on the ground. CCU did record seven tackles for loss last week and three sacks, so they were able to get pressure on the QB. In the first half against the Golden Flashes, Coastal’s defense forced four punts, record a pick, held KSU on a fourth down attempt and saw the Flashes miss a field goal.
Special Teams: Junior Justin Durham is Coastal Carolina’s kicker, and he missed his only attempt last week, a 43-yarder. He was CCU’s kicker last season as well, converting 9-of-16 field goals and 21-of-25 extra points. Junior Ben Erdman is the Chants punter, and he was a busy man against Kent State, punting eight times for an average of 34.6 yards per kick with a long of 45. Tre Henderson return two kickoffs for 21 yards last week, and he along with Height and DJ McNeill will handle the kickoff returns, with Josh Norman returning punts.
My take: CCU is probably the most talented team the Hawks will face the season. They have speed and size all over the field and present difficult match-ups for MU all over the field. As much as I want to pick the Hawks, I have a hard time predicting a Monmouth win in this spot. I do think the Hawks offense will move the ball and Sinisi will have a solid game, but I see the Chants coming through with a 31-17 win.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Colgate Scouting Report/MU Game Notes/Prediction
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Game Week....
The first game of the season is here as the Hawks will venture up to upstate NY to take on Colgate on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 6pm and the game will be broadcast on The Shore Sports Network, FoxSports 1310 AM and WOBM 1160 AM.
I will have a complete Colgate preview up later in the week, in the meantime, I want to know what you think about the first game of the 2009 season here....
I will have a complete Colgate preview up later in the week, in the meantime, I want to know what you think about the first game of the 2009 season here....
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
John Nalbone is getting some serious love in Miami...
http://www.thephinsider.com/2009/8/25/1001226/dolphins-depth-chart-bubble-watch
Listed third on the latest depth chart, Nalbone is playing to rave reviews from The Phinsider in Miami.
"John Nalbone is an excellent blocking tight end - at least from what I could tell from the first two preseason games. And I think since the Dolphins and Dan Henning like using two tight end sets, I don't see the Dolphins keeping only two tight ends. Right now, Nalbone has outplayed Joey Haynos. He's consistently caught the ball in camp (and in the team scrimmage a few weeks back) and, like I said, has really impressed me with his blocking ability. I'm officially the founder of the John Nalbone bandwagon - hop on while there's still room. "
Listed third on the latest depth chart, Nalbone is playing to rave reviews from The Phinsider in Miami.
"John Nalbone is an excellent blocking tight end - at least from what I could tell from the first two preseason games. And I think since the Dolphins and Dan Henning like using two tight end sets, I don't see the Dolphins keeping only two tight ends. Right now, Nalbone has outplayed Joey Haynos. He's consistently caught the ball in camp (and in the team scrimmage a few weeks back) and, like I said, has really impressed me with his blocking ability. I'm officially the founder of the John Nalbone bandwagon - hop on while there's still room. "
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