What'd I say, 38-10? Had UNH made its kicks it would have had 38. Had Central executed a little better, it could have had 10 easily.
The good news from this one is that it wasn't so bad that it would harm Central's psyche for the future. Even better if that many of the mistakes were correctable. The penalties were brutal, taking away some big plays and giving UNH good field position.
Let's be honest, Central wasn't going to win this one, but the Blue Devils could have been closer.
Bad news: Special teams. UNH ran too many kicks back for too many yards, including the big one that set the tone for the day. While the defense was put in a host of bad positions, it could have been better, too.
Offensively, the backs who were asked to fill in for Brian Fowler didn't do enough. But remember, this is the best team Cent
ral will play. Let's see what Nate Pagan and his cohorts can do when facing some other teams. What did you guys think?
Hey Matt,
ReplyDeleteAt least CCSU didn't get blown out by fifty like they did in 2003. This game could have very easily gotten away from the Blue Devils but they gained their composure and played a 7-0 second half. I will say that I still am uncomfortable with the fact that CCSU gets off to such poor first half starts It is great the coaching staff can adjust so well at half time but I'd like to see them have the team more prepared out of the gate. If they could play half as well in the first half of a game as they do in the second half then CCSU would have a much better chance against the big boys of the FCS. If they get off to their usual slow start vs Youngstown then the Blue Devils will be sunk once again. The coaching staff needs to better prepare these guys. Like I said, it's great the coaching staff can adjust so well at half time, but the only way CCSU will be success is if the Blue Devils are prepared before the game.
I'm not against the run-first, run often offense. However, unless Brian Fowler is healthy I don't the Blue Devils have that Harriston or Mallorey type player in the backfield this year to execute their usual type offense. Fowler may not even be of the Harriston/Mallorey level player. I really liked what I saw from Gunner and the receivers and think it can get better as they gain experience and improve timing
CCSU will be able to effectively run the ball only if they can effectively pass it . Also, a few of the 2cd and 15 or 3rd and 11 plays when they ran the ball, what is up with that? Four receivers in the game and Coach Mac thinks they are going to fool the opponent by running the ball 3rd and 11? UNH was all over CCSU's backs. Coach Mac didn't fool anyone. Run firs, run often is fine, but could we please play some sensible football out there also? Running on 2cd and 15 or 3rd and 11, come on, give me a break.!
All in all, it was a decent game. A thirty point loss to a Top 10 team in game one of the season isn't a crushing blow. A good learning experience for everyone. Hopefully the players and the coaches came away learning something , they'll be more prepared before the game, and we wont' have to wait until the second half to see some real football vs Bently.