Columbia Wrapup

Xboreturns · Joined: 31 Aug 2007 Posts: 231

Well first of all, a big thank you to the Columbia head coach who played the entire second half assuming his 21 points would win the game. I really didn't see much to be happy about on our side except for the two great catches made by Stripe on the final drive.

Three picks in the red zone by Curley made this a much more difficult game. All three were just bad decisions on his part. He did redeem himself on the closing drive with a couple of nice runs and the passes to Stripe.

The O-line really struggled getting the running game going, what was our longest run, maybe 8 yards? Pass defense was terrible. Number 79 got beat four straight plays after getting called for a holding penalty.

Secondary play was too soft in the first half and we were unable to get pressure on Columbia's QB. I don't think we would have won the game if CU used the same game plan in the second half.

Bottom line is a win is a win, we'll take it and move on to Harvard.

carney2 · Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Posts: 1177

Just back from Fisher. A real thriller. Some quick observations:

Good teams find a way to win. Are we looking at a good team?

At the very least, this bunch just passed a test of character.

On the other hand, very disappointed by the play in the trenches. Columbia seemed to control the line of scrimmage most of the way. The pocket seemed to be collapsing around Curley all evening. On the other side of the ball, our front shut down the run after those first 3 Columbia scores, but there was little to no pressure on the QB all evening.

Curley seemed "off" for stretches. At times, it was the constant pressure, but other times he was just misfiring.

We seem to have a receiving corps that just picks each other up. If it isn't Layton or Bennett, it's Stripe. These guys can flat out go get it.

The running game continues MIA.

Pard94 · Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Posts: 766 Location: Weare, NH

The Maroon · Joined: 23 Feb 2007 Posts: 459 Location: Bethlehem, PA

Curley still had 295 yards against a nice secondary with less time. He still made some beautiful plays. The INT in the end zone was the only one I really didn't get...He had running room and NO chance to complete the pass. Not seeing a defender happens...Seeing 4 defenders and thinking you can thread the needle when you are in field goal range and having open field ahead of you? Not his best move.

But hell..he knows that.

Curley's on pace for over 2,600 yards....teams are basically saying "if you are going to beat us than Rob Curley's gonna have to do it" and he's delivering. They through some crazy blitzes at him tonight...again...they made a game plan thinking Curley couldn't handle the heat.

Fordham had about 900 yards against these guys in defeat. There's always just enough to keep us humble.
_________________
I bleed Maroon

65Pard

Tavani when interviewed said Curley has not been feeling well...one, if not two, of the INTs looked like mis communication on the route. Curley gave a credible impersonation of Elway on that last drive.....he would not be denied, even under immense pressure, scrambling when he had to.......Bodes well for the future.

Seemed like our guys did not really believe that this was a different Columbia team, until they saw it for themselves in the first half....Credit them for the gut check turnaround; a mark of , yes Carney, a good team.

Colgate, HC and LC have all been exposed......PL championship may well come down to superiority in game plan preparation and adjustments. The players have the talent and mojo to make it happen, assuming Curley stays healthy...He seems to be the key.

carney2 · Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Posts: 1177

I was surprised to see the statistical superiority, to wit:

1st downs: LC 26, C 12
Total Yards: LC 405, C 294
Time of Possession: LC 36, C 24

According to Paul Reinhard, Columbia only recorded two first downs in the second half. I guess trailing for 59 minutes and 47 seconds has a way of making things look bleak.

Andy · Joined: 23 Feb 2007 Posts: 867

Curley is what George Steinbrenner calls "a warrior". He can play for me any time. I loved that display of emotion after the scramble for first down. I'd like to see him favor the run more in run/pass decisions a la Maurer. Man, he threw some strikes yesterday, not all caught: remembering the bullet to Stripe (I believe) to the two yd line KFH end and others. Bad decision on the INT off the scramble, sure, but he wont do that again. There was basically double coverage on Layton taking away the deep ball, the overthrows were easy pickin's. So Stripe filled the void. He seems to have made great strides as a receiver. How bout Doty? Not bad for a guy who many saw as a D lineman.

One of my few worries is third and short failure to convert running the ball. I dont like having to resort to fade patterns from the 2 yd line.

Anyway, that was a great college football game and one we might not have won in past years. Go Pards!

X, sorry I missed you, scanned the nose bleed sections where u like to sit, no luck.

What, no PEP BAND?! Thrilled that Columbia left their band at home.

TheRock90 · Joined: 06 Aug 2007 Posts: 217 Location: Easton

Liberty bused our pep band down to their game so they could play at halftime. Really, I think the students were n break.

Franks Tanks · Joined: 23 Mar 2007 Posts: 545

Andy · Joined: 23 Feb 2007 Posts: 867