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carney2
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Columbia PREgame ThreadEnough babbling about what was. Let's talk about things yet to come.
I'm keeping the bourbon bottle handy. This team is starting to excite me. Every time this has happened in the past however, my Leopards have ripped my heart out, thrown it on the floor and stomped on it. I keep telling myself "Not yet. Not yet." and I keep the bourbon handy just in case.
A very difficult Columbia team to figure out. They squeaked by a Fordham team that is sleep walking to who knows where, lost to the same Central Connecticut that pasted the ChickenSquawks on opening day, and ran up some 4th quarter points on a really bad Princeton. What does it mean? At the very least, it means that this is not your father's Columbia. They've learned how to win. Take them lightly and you may pay the price. Still, it's Columbia, so...
Looking even further ahead:
HARVARD will be a very difficult nut to crack - especially up there.
Please, don't let the 24th be the day that FORDHAM wakes up!
Does anyone really think that BUCKNELL has a chance?
Undefeated or not, I am still not (yet) sold on COLGATE.
HOLY CROSS will be defeated only if John Loose earns his pay.
LEHIGH will improve, but how much?
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pards48
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This is the stretch that will make or break our season and give us momentum going into league play. If we can find a way to win the next 2, that puts us at 5-1 going into league play. It would also most likely put us in the top 25 with a win at Harvard. I think we have it in us. If we keep playing the way we are and Curley can stay healthy we are a team to beat. The last 2 years 1 play lossed us the game against harvard. in 07 it was us in the redzone down 3 on a 3rd and 2 and Dipaola bootlegs and instead of throwing it out of bounds keeps it in bounds and gets it picked for a tocuhdown. If he takes the sack or just throws it out of bounds we tie it up and who knows what happens. Last year it was a BOGUS call on our sideline, a ball curley definately should thrown into the stands out of bounds, but instead for some reason threw it somewhat in bounds and had it picked off, the Harvard db landed out of bounds because one of our players was under his feet in bounds. The referee's called him in bounds giving them an INT with us driving and threatning to take the lead. That deflated us. If we can avoid that one play and get wins here in these next 2, we can be a very very dangerous team. I believe our team has what it takes! Lets get it done PARDS. BEAT COLUMBIA!
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Pard94
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Here's the thing about this year's addition of the Lafayette Leopards that really impresses me...at least thus far...they are living up to the hype and more. For the last 2-3 years we have had this team that was built around a QB (insert whatever name you like) that was supposed to be serviceable if not good, Recievers that were supposed to be good if not great, a two or three or four headed monster at TB that was supposed to be a smorgasboard (sp?) of diffferent running styles that would keep opponents guessing, an OL that was supposed to be nothing short of a brick wall and a ferocious hard hitting defense anchored by studs in the linebacking corp. This has been the hype on us for a while now and to what end? Mediocrity at best. This year? Everyone in the above checklist has shown up for some serious work!
I really don't know what is more exciting...the play of Curely, Layton, et.al. And if they are the winner you have to point to offensive line play that has been nothing short of sparkling. Or perhaps it's the fact that we can finally throw Coon at you if the opponent requires "pop in the mouth" old fashioned Frank Tavani football or just as easily throw out a Demorrow or "Rudy" if a little more elusiveness is called for. Oh and don't forget that Leggerio and Schmidlien are making a hell of a case for first team PL honors this year. We've seen from this team everything they were supposed to be on paper thus far and it has been a blast.
Not to over-simplify things but I think the main difference between this year and last has been Mickey Fein. As I mentioned, we've had this identical team on paper for three years now. The difference this year is we're actually using all of our talent in such a way that is proving to be devastating to opponents. And if we agree that Mickey Fein is The Man then we have to extend some credit...brace yourself Carney...to Frank Tavani for hiring him. The best leaders in all walks of life are the one's who recognize thier deficiencies and put the best people around them to compensate for those deficiencies and compleiment their strengths. We have a long way to go yet in this season. Now's not the time to be handing out awards. However, if (and it's a big if) the dream season continues...Carney, you my friend, are going to owe Frank a big apology.
In the meanwhile, I think the Leopards are going to role over Columbia. Harvard looms large on the calendar.
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Franks Tanks
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| Pard94 wrote: | Here's the thing about this year's addition of the Lafayette Leopards that really impresses me...at least thus far...they are living up to the hype and more. For the last 2-3 years we have had this team that was built around a QB (insert whatever name you like) that was supposed to be serviceable if not good, Recievers that were supposed to be good if not great, a two or three or four headed monster at TB that was supposed to be a smorgasboard (sp?) of diffferent running styles that would keep opponents guessing, an OL that was supposed to be nothing short of a brick wall and a ferocious hard hitting defense anchored by studs in the linebacking corp. This has been the hype on us for a while now and to what end? Mediocrity at best. This year? Everyone in the above checklist has shown up for some serious work!
I really don't know what is more exciting...the play of Curely, Layton, et.al. And if they are the winner you have to point to offensive line play that has been nothing short of sparkling. Or perhaps it's the fact that we can finally throw Coon at you if the opponent requires "pop in the mouth" old fashioned Frank Tavani football or just as easily throw out a Demorrow or "Rudy" if a little more elusiveness is called for. Oh and don't forget that Leggerio and Schmidlien are making a hell of a case for first team PL honors this year. We've seen from this team everything they were supposed to be on paper thus far and it has been a blast.
Not to over-simplify things but I think the main difference between this year and last has been Mickey Fein. As I mentioned, we've had this identical team on paper for three years now. The difference this year is we're actually using all of our talent in such a way that is proving to be devastating to opponents. And if we agree that Mickey Fein is The Man then we have to extend some credit...brace yourself Carney...to Frank Tavani for hiring him. The best leaders in all walks of life are the one's who recognize thier deficiencies and put the best people around them to compensate for those deficiencies and compleiment their strengths. We have a long way to go yet in this season. Now's not the time to be handing out awards. However, if (and it's a big if) the dream season continues...Carney, you my friend, are going to owe Frank a big apology.
In the meanwhile, I think the Leopards are going to role over Columbia. Harvard looms large on the calendar. |
Good Post Pard94
I also wanted to point out that our interior D-line is playing great. Polson is a stud, we all know that and #55 Ian Dell is also becoming a beast. He had two sacks against Yale where he just abused the Guard and crushed the Yale QB. Very impressive play from both of these guys.
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Pard94
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| Franks Tanks wrote: | | Pard94 wrote: | Here's the thing about this year's addition of the Lafayette Leopards that really impresses me...at least thus far...they are living up to the hype and more. For the last 2-3 years we have had this team that was built around a QB (insert whatever name you like) that was supposed to be serviceable if not good, Recievers that were supposed to be good if not great, a two or three or four headed monster at TB that was supposed to be a smorgasboard (sp?) of diffferent running styles that would keep opponents guessing, an OL that was supposed to be nothing short of a brick wall and a ferocious hard hitting defense anchored by studs in the linebacking corp. This has been the hype on us for a while now and to what end? Mediocrity at best. This year? Everyone in the above checklist has shown up for some serious work!
I really don't know what is more exciting...the play of Curely, Layton, et.al. And if they are the winner you have to point to offensive line play that has been nothing short of sparkling. Or perhaps it's the fact that we can finally throw Coon at you if the opponent requires "pop in the mouth" old fashioned Frank Tavani football or just as easily throw out a Demorrow or "Rudy" if a little more elusiveness is called for. Oh and don't forget that Leggerio and Schmidlien are making a hell of a case for first team PL honors this year. We've seen from this team everything they were supposed to be on paper thus far and it has been a blast.
Not to over-simplify things but I think the main difference between this year and last has been Mickey Fein. As I mentioned, we've had this identical team on paper for three years now. The difference this year is we're actually using all of our talent in such a way that is proving to be devastating to opponents. And if we agree that Mickey Fein is The Man then we have to extend some credit...brace yourself Carney...to Frank Tavani for hiring him. The best leaders in all walks of life are the one's who recognize thier deficiencies and put the best people around them to compensate for those deficiencies and compleiment their strengths. We have a long way to go yet in this season. Now's not the time to be handing out awards. However, if (and it's a big if) the dream season continues...Carney, you my friend, are going to owe Frank a big apology.
In the meanwhile, I think the Leopards are going to role over Columbia. Harvard looms large on the calendar. |
Good Post Pard94
I also wanted to point out that our interior D-line is playing great. Polson is a stud, we all know that and #55 Ian Dell is also becoming a beast. He had two sacks against Yale where he just abused the Guard and crushed the Yale QB. Very impressive play from both of these guys. |
Thanks Tanks. Excellent point. LB's are nothing without great play by the d-line. As I was thinking about my post this morning it occured to me that I might have to acknowledge that Coach Heff moving on might be a blessing in disguise. He was a great O-line coach...maybe quite simply the best in the league. When he became the Assistant HC/OC or whatever the hell he was called I think things were perhaps convuluted at best. Not to suggest Heff couldn't run the show if given the chance. I think he could but when you have the like of Heff, Tavani, Fein and god knows who else having their say, I would imagine tactics and even strategies become muddled. Maybe it's as simple as Frank now feeling comfortable turning over the offensive duties to Fein with a smattering of Frank just for good measure. Whatever it is...please continue to do it because it is working. I don't want to listen to Carney for the next 3 years if Frank steps in and makes this offense look like something out of the George Barclay days.
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Pard4Life
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I'm going to sound like a disciple of carney, but I refuse to be overly enthusiastic until we beat Colgate. Maybe will show some if we beat Harvard.
But, our offense is very exciting and unpredictable, which is a good sign. At Yale, our passes opened up the run. The result: Mo White 100+ yards. Tavani seems to be reverting back to 02-04 Glavic-like offenses. That Stripe reverse, the second this year, wasn't run at all in 2008.
The O-line coach sounds like a beast on the sidelines. He even makes me want to hit somebody.
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seenalot
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Agree with essentially all I have heard (except hiding the bourbon) - but I think we saw that reverse alot with Adair late last year. Then it almost got to be a steady diet - now, the smattering is an example of the more creative offense Fein seems to be developing.
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Kiltedpard
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I'm with Carney on this one as well, except I have a bottle of scotch.
Every year, just when I start to get excited about the team they throw up on their cleats and we have a mediocre season.
I will say this. This D can play with anyone. They fly to the ball and have alot of spirit.
So far this offense has had their opponents off balance most of the game. And Layton is just playing insane! I almost forgot about, you know, that wideout we used to have, #9, oh yeah Adair.
If we stay healthy, play em one at a time, the scotch will be used to savor the season.
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carney2
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| Pard94 wrote: | Here's the thing about this year's addition of the Lafayette Leopards that really impresses me...at least thus far...they are living up to the hype and more. For the last 2-3 years we have had this team that was built around a QB (insert whatever name you like) that was supposed to be serviceable if not good, Recievers that were supposed to be good if not great, a two or three or four headed monster at TB that was supposed to be a smorgasboard (sp?) of diffferent running styles that would keep opponents guessing, an OL that was supposed to be nothing short of a brick wall and a ferocious hard hitting defense anchored by studs in the linebacking corp. This has been the hype on us for a while now and to what end? Mediocrity at best. This year? Everyone in the above checklist has shown up for some serious work!
I really don't know what is more exciting...the play of Curely, Layton, et.al. And if they are the winner you have to point to offensive line play that has been nothing short of sparkling. Or perhaps it's the fact that we can finally throw Coon at you if the opponent requires "pop in the mouth" old fashioned Frank Tavani football or just as easily throw out a Demorrow or "Rudy" if a little more elusiveness is called for. Oh and don't forget that Leggerio and Schmidlien are making a hell of a case for first team PL honors this year. We've seen from this team everything they were supposed to be on paper thus far and it has been a blast.
Not to over-simplify things but I think the main difference between this year and last has been Mickey Fein. As I mentioned, we've had this identical team on paper for three years now. The difference this year is we're actually using all of our talent in such a way that is proving to be devastating to opponents. And if we agree that Mickey Fein is The Man then we have to extend some credit...brace yourself Carney...to Frank Tavani for hiring him. The best leaders in all walks of life are the one's who recognize thier deficiencies and put the best people around them to compensate for those deficiencies and compleiment their strengths. We have a long way to go yet in this season. Now's not the time to be handing out awards. However, if (and it's a big if) the dream season continues...Carney, you my friend, are going to owe Frank a big apology.
In the meanwhile, I think the Leopards are going to role over Columbia. Harvard looms large on the calendar. |
What?! WHAT?!!! How do I get smacked around over the hiring of Mickey Fein?
It's not easy being me.
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Pard94
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| Kiltedpard wrote: | I'm with Carney on this one as well, except I have a bottle of scotch.
Every year, just when I start to get excited about the team they throw up on their cleats and we have a mediocre season.
I will say this. This D can play with anyone. They fly to the ball and have alot of spirit.
So far this offense has had their opponents off balance most of the game. And Layton is just playing insane! I almost forgot about, you know, that wideout we used to have, #9, oh yeah Adair.
If we stay healthy, play em one at a time, the scotch will be used to savor the season. |
Oh don't get me wrong. Apprehensive doesn't begin to sum up how I feel right now about this season. You are correct...if it's going to go south for Lafayette right about now is when we'll start to see it. I guess I am optimistic only becuase we are in totally uncharted waters as far as the type of offfense we are running (or more aptly...passing). I'd like to think we know full well what happens when the rest of the FCS world figure out that, regardless of their talent, Lafayette is going to run the ball up the gut. Defend that and you've defended Lafayette. Now, I would have to think our opponents have no idea what to expect. That has to work in our favor. By the way ALL of this is predicated on the assumption that no big name players get hurt. We are not so good that we aren't a concussion away from mediocrity.
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Pard94
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| carney2 wrote: | | Pard94 wrote: | Here's the thing about this year's addition of the Lafayette Leopards that really impresses me...at least thus far...they are living up to the hype and more. For the last 2-3 years we have had this team that was built around a QB (insert whatever name you like) that was supposed to be serviceable if not good, Recievers that were supposed to be good if not great, a two or three or four headed monster at TB that was supposed to be a smorgasboard (sp?) of diffferent running styles that would keep opponents guessing, an OL that was supposed to be nothing short of a brick wall and a ferocious hard hitting defense anchored by studs in the linebacking corp. This has been the hype on us for a while now and to what end? Mediocrity at best. This year? Everyone in the above checklist has shown up for some serious work!
I really don't know what is more exciting...the play of Curely, Layton, et.al. And if they are the winner you have to point to offensive line play that has been nothing short of sparkling. Or perhaps it's the fact that we can finally throw Coon at you if the opponent requires "pop in the mouth" old fashioned Frank Tavani football or just as easily throw out a Demorrow or "Rudy" if a little more elusiveness is called for. Oh and don't forget that Leggerio and Schmidlien are making a hell of a case for first team PL honors this year. We've seen from this team everything they were supposed to be on paper thus far and it has been a blast.
Not to over-simplify things but I think the main difference between this year and last has been Mickey Fein. As I mentioned, we've had this identical team on paper for three years now. The difference this year is we're actually using all of our talent in such a way that is proving to be devastating to opponents. And if we agree that Mickey Fein is The Man then we have to extend some credit...brace yourself Carney...to Frank Tavani for hiring him. The best leaders in all walks of life are the one's who recognize thier deficiencies and put the best people around them to compensate for those deficiencies and compleiment their strengths. We have a long way to go yet in this season. Now's not the time to be handing out awards. However, if (and it's a big if) the dream season continues...Carney, you my friend, are going to owe Frank a big apology.
In the meanwhile, I think the Leopards are going to role over Columbia. Harvard looms large on the calendar. |
What?! WHAT?!!! How do I get smacked around over the hiring of Mickey Fein?
It's not easy being me. |
I'm not saying you were against Fein hiring...I'm suggesting that you'd sooner suit up and play Nose Guard for Lehigh in November than you would give Frank Tavani credit for making a good decision.
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Pards Rule
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| Pard4Life wrote: | I'm going to sound like a disciple of carney, but I refuse to be overly enthusiastic until we beat Colgate. Maybe will show some if we beat Harvard.
But, our offense is very exciting and unpredictable, which is a good sign. At Yale, our passes opened up the run. The result: Mo White 100+ yards. Tavani seems to be reverting back to 02-04 Glavic-like offenses. That Stripe reverse, the second this year, wasn't run at all in 2008.
The O-line coach sounds like a beast on the sidelines. He even makes me want to hit somebody. |
LOL - I love Stan Clayton!! He is a beast! I called out his name when he was walking into the tunnel after the game and offered him a hit from my stogie!
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carney2
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| Pard94 wrote: | | I'm not saying you were against Fein hiring...I'm suggesting that you'd sooner suit up and play Nose Guard for Lehigh in November than you would give Frank Tavani credit for making a good decision. |
Oh, you wicked man. Frankie T. is the savior of the program and I love him to death. He serves however, warts and all.
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notleo
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Hiring Fein was a good move, utilizing the offensive weapons you have, being creative with play calling while not being so predictable will enable this team to go farther than many before them. We needed fresh blood to see past 80% running game and only 20% passing game (& usually go to it when are backs are against the wall!) We all know the running game sets up the passing game, BUT we finally have coaches, willing to have a nice balanced offensive attack. It keeps opponents on their heels. Frank has a RB mindset, run, run, run. The problem is, our opponents knew that's what we were goin to do too, (so much easier to zero in and prepared for the run). Now Fein is opening the offense up, here's hoping he keeps it up! GO PARDS
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Pards Rule
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Yes I agree. Loved the play calling on Saturday! Do not take the Lions lightly!
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Kiltedpard
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| notleo wrote: | | Hiring Fein was a good move, utilizing the offensive weapons you have, being creative with play calling while not being so predictable will enable this team to go farther than many before them. We needed fresh blood to see past 80% running game and only 20% passing game |
Looks like we were 55.6% rushing to 44.4% passing. Pretty balanced. And everything Fein dialed up worked.
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carney2
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| Kiltedpard wrote: | | notleo wrote: | | Hiring Fein was a good move, utilizing the offensive weapons you have, being creative with play calling while not being so predictable will enable this team to go farther than many before them. We needed fresh blood to see past 80% running game and only 20% passing game |
Looks like we were 55.6% rushing to 44.4% passing. Pretty balanced. And everything Fein dialed up worked. |
It helps when the personnel are contributing. Curley is looking all-league - well, not 1st team. WRs, especially Layton and Bennett are living up to expectations. The D is so good that it gives the O additional options.
Is this a magical year?
Let's shelve that thought for at least two games.
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TheRock90
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This is the proverbial trap game, just like it was last year. Last year it was the week before Liberty, this year the week before Harvard. We scored just one TD in last years game and the game was still a one TD game until we kicked a FG late in the fourth to win 13-3. As usual, the game was won by the D. The stopped the Lions cold at the one yard for three plays at the end of the first half and held them to 30 yards rushing for the day.
The O needs to continue to be agressive and put points on the board eaely to take the fight out of the Lions.
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Pards Rule
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^^^ Agreed Rock. O needs to get a solid lead in first half and let D take over in second half.
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