Collegefootballfan.com Week 4

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Army at Buffalo

We are in Amherst. New York today to see a match-up between programs under fairly new competent coaching staffs. One is already making significant progress.  The other is s work in process. Army under third-year Head Coach Jeff Moncken is a surprising 3-0.  Their defense is looking solid and their offense is coming around with FB Andy Davidson powering yardage up the middle to give the option a basis to get the yardage around the ends.  Buffalo (0-2) is under HC Lance Leipold in his second season here in Amherst.  Leipold, who led Wisconsin-Whitewater to six national championships at the D3 level, led the Bulls to a 5-7 season a year ago.  Still working on building his roster, he is a year or some from getting things turned around for this MAC program.  Army has the momentum coming in today, but the Bulls will be looking to build with a tough chore ahead of them to stop Army’s running game in their home game tonight. Kickoff is at 7 pm.

Army surprised Temple in this year's opener as Andy Davidson (40) provide power running on the dive play to improve Army's option play.

Army surprised Temple in this year’s opener as Andy Davidson (40) provide power running on the dive play to improve Army’s option play.

Game # 514: Rutgers overcomes 21-point deficit to avoid New Mexico upset, 37-28

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Rutgers overcomes 21-point deficit to avoid New Mexico upset, 37-28

New Brunswick, NJ: “The Birthplace” – The Scarlet Knights of Rutgers (2-1) fell behind 21-0 in the first period to the New Mexico Lobos (1-2), but three seconds left in the period, QB Chris Laviano connected with WR Juwan Harris for a 75-yard TD pass to cut the lead.  The Knights would score the next 24 points of the game before the Lobos would score again, and then walk-on PK David Bonagura would add two FGs late to give RU the final points to seal the victory.  They overcame a 21-point deficit to avoid a New Mexico upset bid, 37-28.

WR Janarion Grant’s early fumble resulted in New Mexico’s first score, but his diverse contributions later would be keys to the Scarlet Knights’ win.  Guest Game Analyst Frank Scarpa, RU fan and grad, was very happy with the result, but contemplating the Knights’ future starting Big Ten play next week.

RB Tyrone Owens of New Mexico gets the Lobos some running room early in the first period.

RB Tyrone Owens of New Mexico gets the Lobos some running room early in the first period.

New Mexico’s first punt of the game was mishandled by Grant and gave them possession at the Rutgers 17.  RB Daryl Chestnut (41 rushes for 114 yards) ran the ball in for a 19-yard TD.  Two offensive series later, QB Austin Apodaca who platooned with Lamar Jordan at the position every other series, threw a 37-yard TD strike to WR Patrick Reed.  On their next possession, Jordan sped 52 yards on an option from the pistol formation for the Lobos third score of the first 15 minutes looking like they were going to turn this game into a laugher with a 21-0 lead. On his run near the sideline, RU safety Anthony Cioffi gave Jordan a shove which did not knock him out of bounds, but instead propelled him up the field for the score.  During various plays during the game, Frank and I spoke about our dislike for the option run from the pistol formation –  a back three yards behind the QB in the shotgun.  The pitches to the deep backs risk more losses more than gains because of the depth of the play compared to the triple option that Navy runs from right under center.  Ten seconds later in the frame, Laviano connected with Juwan Harris with a pass directly down the middle for a 75-yard TD pass to close the first quarter scoring at 21-7.

RB Daryl Chestnut breaks free on long scamper for the Lobos in the second period

RB Daryl Chestnut breaks free on long scamper for the Lobos in the second period.

Rutgers’ first series of the second resulted in a well-executed play with Laviano sprinting to his right and pitching back to Grant on a fake reverse.  Grant looked into the end zone and tossed a spiral into the end zone to WR Andre Patton for a 21-yard TD pass.  The Scarlet Knight defense forced another punt after a three and out series.  Eighty yards later, RU fired by UNM on a dive play up the middle by Robert Martin (21 carries for 169 yards) who went virtually untouched for the score.  The momentum was now with the home team with 39,680 fans in attendance.  Late in the period, New Mexico punted from its 35.  Grant fielded the low kick on a bounce, started left, and then cut down the right sideline for a 69-yard touchdown return with 1:04 left and a Scarlet Knight 28-21 lead.  Apodaca came out throwing the ball with a drive starting from his 34, but his typical floater of a pass was intercepted by DB K.J. Gray at the ten where RU took a knee on the final play of the half. Frank noted that SUNY QB Tom Wright we’d seen in the D-3 clash the evening before had much better arm strength than did the New Mexico QB.  After and early morning tailgate consisting mostly of Bloody Mary’s and peach crumb cake, I went out into the concession area and got us my favorite stadium food anywhere – two Premio Italian sausage sandwiches with peppers and onions, a perfect lunch at halftime.

This young Rutgers fan was just emotionally drained after watching his Scarlet Knights overcome their 21-0 deficit in the second period.

This young Rutgers fan was just emotionally drained after watching his Scarlet Knights overcome their 21-0 deficit in the second period.

Rutgers recovered a UNM fumble in the third period which we could not believe was reviewed having seen so many evident calls delayed to be replayed.  The turnover resulted in a 40-yard FG by Bonagura to put the Knights up by ten, 31-21.  Neither team scored again in the third, and Los Lobos were in business at the the RU 39 when the period ended.

From 22 yards out, RB Richard McQuarley took the dive handoff through the middle and went unscathed for a New Mexico TD to bring the Lobs back to within three with 12:12 left to play.  Rutgers next drove to the 28, intentionally took a delay to punt at the 33 as HC Chris Ash decided to forgo a FG or first down attempt.  The call worked perfectly as Dacoven Bailey downed the punt putting the Lobos on their one.  Rutgers got the ball back on their 35 with Zach Allen replacing an ineffective Laviano (11 of 27 passing for 152 yards, 1 TD) at QB.  Stopping RU around the Lobo 30 for a fourth down and six, UNM S Lee Crosby pulled the bonehead play of the season thus far with an unsportsmanlike penalty by running up behind Janarion Grand and belting him from behind well after the play was over.  Lobo HC Bob Davie deservedly chewed him out and pulled him out of the game for such a stupid, bonehead penalty after a big stop for his defense.   We wonder how far down the depth chart Crosby falls after this.  His idiocy gave RU new life, and Bonagura drilled a 33yard FG to go up six, 34-28.  An ensuing New Mexico punt from the eight was returned by Grant (7 punt returns for 112 yards) to the New Mexico 16.  With 3:05 left, Bonagura converted a 28-yard FG to seal the game against the fading Lobos behind now by nine points.  New Mexico, however, drove deep into RU territory with over one-minute left.  The attempt to get back within six to try to win with the benefit of an ensuing, recovered onsides kick, but the dream went away as Jason Sanders 33-yard attempt went wide left. Final score:  Rutgers 37 New Mexico 28.  It was a great come from behind win for the home team, but how many more wins will they enjoy this season?

Most of the action this afternoon at our end of the stadium was performed by the RU Dance Team.

Most of the action this afternoon at our end of the stadium was performed by the RU Dance Team.

Next Saturday at noon, RU opens Big Ten play against Iowa coming off a 23-21 loss to FCS five time defending champ North Dakota State.  New Mexico hosts San Jose State.  Collegefootballfan.com had plans to go to Princeton after this game to see the Tigers host the Lafayette Leopards in their season opener at 5 pm, but the traffic out of The Birthplace and good games on tap on the tube this evening changed that plan.  Princeton won, 35-31.  Next Saturday, we shuffle off to Buffalo to see improving 3-0 Army play the Buffalo Bulls (1-2).

Extra points: Two defensive linemen led RU in tackles.  Julian Pinnix-Odrick had 12 with 5 solos, and Darius Hamilton garnered ten with five solos also.

"U-rah! U-rah! Rutgers Rah!"

“U-rah! U-rah! Rutgers, Rah!”

Game # 513: SUNY Maritime Privateers sail past the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, 20-16

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SUNY Maritime Privateers sailed past the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, 20-16

Throggs Neck, NY – On the banks of the Long Island Sound in Throggs Neck in New York City on the State University of New York Maritime campus, it was a beautiful, cool, clear evening looking out toward the Freedom Tower in Manhattan as the SUNY Privateers celebrated Heroes Appreciation Day.  Many of the graduates from both schools go on to serve in the US Military.  In a game that intensified as the game played out into the fourth quarter, the SUNY Maritime Privateers sailed past the U.S. Merchant Marine academy, 20-16.

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Honoring America’s heroes before the coin toss at SUNY Maritime.

After the pregame festivities, the USMMA Mariners forced a punt on three and out and took over from their 33.  From there, they drove the length of the field as QB Robert Moore (32 carries for 142 yards) scored a three-yard run to give the visitors from Kings Point an early 7-0 lead.  Early in the second period, SUNY lit up the scoreboard with a 26-yard FG by Matt Murphy.  Late in the second period, Moore’s fumbled pitch was recovered by MLB Paul Lamarca at the Merchant Maine 18.  Four plays later, Murphy converted again from 32 to close the first half scoring and to cut the lead down to 7-6 in favor of the Merchant Marine Academy going into the halftime intermission.

The Privateers (in white) opening drive.

The Privateers (in white) opening drive.

On the first series of the second half, USMMA drove the length of the field 68 yards to put up another six points with Wiley Martin’s four-yard TD plunge.  A bad snap on the point after negated the extra point and the Mariners were up, 13-6.  On their next possession, the Privateers converted twice on fourth downs starting from their 28 to get to the King’s Point 19.  Strong-armed QB Tom Wright tossed the ball deep into the back of the end zone in the right corner to WR Christian Castle for a 19-yard scoring strike to even things up, 13-13.  The SUNY Privateers next forced the Merchant Marines to punt from their ten and took over with good field position before entering the final period at the USMMA 47.

SUNY picks up yards on its third period scoring drive

SUNY picks up yards on its third period scoring drive

On third and seven at the Mariners’ 11-yard line, Wright (21 for 26, 173 yards, two TDs passing) zipped another pass to WR Brett McKinney for six points and 20-13 Privateer lead. The Mariners responded with a drive to the Privateer 11 where they had to settle for Erik Swayne’s 28-yard GB with 11:07 remaining in the game.  The Mariner defense held SUNY Maritime to a three and out.  Their next offensive series was halted by the stingy Privateers at the 38 of SUNY where they took over on downs.  However, the home team Privateers gained no yardage and punted back.  With 1:46 remaining, Moore (1 of 5 for 17 passing yards) was intercepted by CB Brian Price.  Game over and the SUNY Privateers (2-1) celebrated their second win of the season, 20-16.

The Privateers' defense rose to the occasion late in the game to preserve the win.

The Privateers’ defense rose to the occasion late in the game to preserve the win.

It was a quick game completed in about two hours and 30 minutes.  Two linebackers led both teams with many tackles.  Merchant Marine MLB Josh Woodburn tallied 14 tackles including 12 solos.  For the Privateers, OLB Eric Wallace garnered 17, nine of which were solo.  Guest Game Analyst Frank Scarpa and I had pizza from the Third Avenue Pizza concession stand in the parking lot near the bleachers. They fired up the stove oven to 900 degrees. Pizzas baked in less than two minutes, but our opinion was that they should pull them out a little quicker as the pizzas we and others had were slightly over-charred, but they still tasted pretty good.

All USMMA players displayed the Stars and Stripes during the game.

All USMMA players displayed their Stars and Stripes during the game.

The Privateers are off next week before starting Eastern Collegiate Football Conference play at home against Husson of Maine on October 1.  The Mariners (1-1) also start conference play in the Liberty League next week when they play home against Rochester. Collegefootballfan.com headed back to Jimmy’s in Haledon, NJ for wings and to catch up on other Friday night games.  The next morning, we were heading to The Birthplace of College Football to see Frank’s favorite team, Rutgers, host the Lobos of New Mexico.

A beautiful, clear night to gaze on The Freedom Tower next to Old Glory.

A beautiful, clear night to gaze on The Freedom Tower in the distance next to Old Glory from the bleachers at SUNY Maritime.

Collegefootballfan.com Week 3

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Collegefootbalfan.com Week 3

Big week of great matchups between ranked teams in nonconference games this week in Collegefootballfan.com Week 3.  We are looking for this to happen:  Louisville over Florida State as the Cardinals QB Lamar Jackson is hot and FSU’s defense is not.  LU’s defense is tough; Ole Miss over Alabama as the Rebels rolled back the Tide the last two years and the Hotty Toddies will be fired up before this game coming from in The Grove; the Irish over Michigan State on DeShone Kizer’s arm; Ohio State over Oklahoma based on Urban Myer outcoaching Bob Stoops; Stanford beats up USC after a week off and McCaffrey running wild; Oregon over Nebraska with a lot of points…

The Buckeye’s will be looking to hammer Oklahoma this Saturday.

We settle for New Mexico (1-1) at Rutgers (1-1) looking for the Lobos to edge the Scarlet Knights out because RU will be over confident.  Bob Davie has an experienced defense returning and RU is still trying to figure out what they got in Collegefootballfan.com Week 3. And in all fairness, Chris Ash is learning how to be a head coach on the job.   They struggled in the first half to 14-14 draw with FCS Howard last week. WR Janarion Grant might not be enough to get the Scarlet Knights on the board if they don’t get off to a quicker star this week.  They can’t take UNM lightly …

Rutgers may need a Knight in shining armor upon a noble steed to compete with the Lobos this Saturday.

Our Army at Buffalo kick off is scheduled for 7 pm on Oct. 24…Penn State’s offense got rolling last week late in their 42- 39 loss to Pitt until some questionable play-calling finished off a potential rally. We look for them to battle a tough Temple team coached by former Lion LB Matt Rhule in another tight one as Temple will not be intimidated and will continue to improve. PSU will be looking for revenge.  Temple hopes to get all-Conference RB Jahad Thomas back on to the field.  The Nittany Lion offense has to get clicking early…We’re interested seeing No. 25 Miami visit Appalachian State who almost pulled the opening weekend upset of Tennessee before falling in OT.  Miami is trying to climb back into significance under former Georgia HC Mark Richt, but ASU is an up and coming team under Scott Satterfield and is just looking for an opportunity like this to make a statement that the Sun Belt is a conference to be reckoned with in the future. They finished 11-2 last season.   I think they will come out on top…

 Appy State – up and coming since we saw them destroy Georgia State two years ago, 44-0.

What’s with Houston HC Tom Herman giving a peck on the cheek to all his big, hairy Houston Cougar players before game?   Ugh!  Give me a break! This is football.  There is no kissing in football!…The Alma Mater, D3 Juniata College, has gotten off to a flying start at 2-0 and face the Gettysburg Bullets this Saturday in Collegefootballfan.com Week 3. They took a 42-21 decision over Dickinson last Saturday. QB Hank Coyne threw 13-of-23 for 280 yards and three touchdowns. RB David Vidovic added a pair of scores and 59 yards rushing. Juniata picked off three passes.  Great start by HC Tim Launtz and his team…Mount Union (1-0) is at No. 1 in D3 with Wisconsin Whitewater (2-0) ranked No. 2.  Delaware Valley made a statement with a win over Wesley in its opener to step in at No. 14, and George Lazarides’ alma mater, Johns Hopkin’s, is No. 12… North Dakota State (2-0) is No. 1 in the FCS followed by the Richmond Spiders.  Fordham (1-1) is one game off the Top 25 after a big win over Elizabeth City State last week. They are off this week before hosting Ivy power Penn. Delaware (2-0) heads to play Wake Forest…

Delaware steps up to take on an ACC team this week.

Among the Ivy openers, returning co-champ Dartmouth has the greatest challenge hosting in-state rival New Hampshire (1-1).  I Collegefootballfan.com Week 3, we will tack on the Princeton Tigers game after the Rutgers game Saturday to see them play Lafayette (1-1), a team they knocked off last year, 40-7.  QB Joe Lovett returns to lead the Tigers after tying for the League led in TDs last season with 10…This Saturday the Arizona Wildcats will wear uniforms that will remember and honor the U.S.S. Arizona and its crew, which was bombed in the Pearl Harbor attack 75 years ago.  They host Hawaii. Their jerseys and helmets will display decals and patches commemorating the battleship. Players’ jersey back nameplates will feature the ship’s hull number, helmets will display U.S.S. Arizona’s battle cry, “At ’em Arizona”, and the “A” on their helmets’ sides will be that of the ship’s team’s logo worn by players on the ship now a Memorial site at Pearl Harbor. A nice tribute to the memory of that fatal day.  The Army-Navy game will be played three days after the actual anniversary. Surely there will be a tribute at the game that we will be at to see in Baltimore on December 10.

 

 

Game 512: Navy stop at one-yard line with six seconds tops UConn, 28-24

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Navy stop at one-yard line with six seconds tops UConn, 28-24

Nobody at this game knelt for the Flag.

Nobody at this game knelt before the Flag.

Annapolis – UConn used its final time-out after Bryce Sherriffs completed a pass to Hergy Mayala who caught the pass and landed on his butt out of bounds at the Navy one with 17 seconds remaining.  Then, Bob Diaco’s UConn staff sent RB Ron Johnson up the middle where he was met by a Navy stop by the heart of the defensive interior who turned him away for no gain before the final six seconds ran down, and Navy (2-0) defeated the UConn Huskies, 28-24, in an exciting American Athletic Conference finish.

Navy FB Chris High nears UConn goal line in first half.

Navy FB Chris High carries the ball in from the six for the Mids’ first score.

The Midshipman were in total command of the Huskies late in the second period 21-0 before UConn blocked a low 32-yard FG attempt by Bennett Moehring.  Prior to that miss, Navy chewed up yardage and the clock throughout the first two periods and looked like they would sail on to an easy victory.  The Mids scored on their first two possessions driving 96 yards with FB Chris High scoring from the six in the first, and they followed with an 80-yard drive finished off by QB Will Worth plunging over from the one with 10:55 left in the second.  Navy’s next possession covered 55 yards to the UConn one where the Huskies halted their drive and took over on downs.  However, on the very next play, UConn’s Shirreffs fumbled the ball on a tackle by strong safety Alohi Gilman who also recovered the ball in the end zone for the third Navy score to build the lead, 21-0.  On the ensuing kickoff, Navy caused another fumble and Gilman recovered the ball once again to put USNA at the Huskies’ 22 before Moehring’s attempt was blocked.  With ten tackles, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries and his touchdown, Gilman was named AAC Defensive Player of the Week.  After the block, however, the complexion of the game changed drastically.

UConn QB Brant Shirreffs and the rest of the Huskies' running game were held in check by Navy early in the game.

UConn QB Bryant Shirreffs (4) and the rest of the Huskies’ running game were held in check by Navy early in the game.

UConn opted away from its preferred running game and took to the air waves.  Each time Sherriffs dropped back to pass, Navy blitzed from deep in their secondary, but to no avail. Instead, Sherriffs (23 of 26 for 239 yards, no INTs) hit receivers wide open before much pressure could be applied.  With 1:10 left in the half, Shirreffs connected with WR Noel Thomas for a touchdown on a 34-yard slant pass before the Navy Drum and Bugle Corps presented its halftime presentation to the Navy crowd for the second Saturday in a row.  St. Laurie and I went for some shade under the upper deck of Navy-Marine Corps Memorial and some cold drinks heavy with ice to get out of the sweltering 90 degree temps and bright sunshine.

Shirreffs connected with WR Noel Thomas (5) on this slant pass to put UConn on the scoreboard for the first time.

Shirreffs connected with WR Noel Thomas (5) on this slant pass to put UConn on the scoreboard for the first time.

UConn’s defense adjusted and seemed to have some answers for Navy’s triple option when the second half began.  Not surprising since UConn HC Bob Diaco had faced Navy over the years as the defensive coordinator at Notre Dame.  They forced the Mids to a three and out on their next possession.  A completion on a fourth and five to TE Tyler Davis set up a three-yard score by RB Ron Johnson to put the Huskies within reach, 21-14.  Navy started to churn out the yardage once again starting from their 25 and seemingly ready to score again at the Husky seven when DT Mikal Myers knocked the ball loose from Chis High and CB Jamar Summers (East Orange HS, NJ) scooped up the ball and raced 93 yards the other way to tie the game at 21-all.

QB Will Worth (15) led Navy on long drives all day long.

QB Will Worth (15) led Navy on long drives all day.

In the final period, Navy punted away and Sherriffs continued to make progress through the air. Navy held their formidable running attack to only 90 yards in this game.  Navy held UConn to a 38-yard FG by Bobby Puyols that gave UConn its sudden first lead of the game, 24-21.  Both teams punted after their subsequent series.  UConn’s punt from its nine was returned by Calvin Cass for 26 yards to the UConn 17.  The Brigade of Midshipman directly across the field from us waved a flag and chanted its famous last words of US Navy officer James Lawrence in a battle during The War of 1812, “Don’t give up the ship!  Don’t give up the ship!”  With 3:08 remaining, Worth (19 carries for 44 yards and two TDs, and 6 of 8 passing for 130 yards) righted his team’s ship with another one-yard plunge to put Navy back in the lead, 28-24. Even St. Laurie noted, “They may have left too much time for UConn to score again.”  Her words seemed prophetic and UConn moved the ball at will.  The Huskies moved down field from the 20 to Navy’s 23 with :45 left.  It didn’t look good for the Navy.  Mayala caught the ball on the seat of his pants literally to stop the clock before Diaco called a play during his last time-out. The Navy stop of Johnson’s run seemed to bewilder UConn, and the Husky offense slowly unraveled with no clue as to what they should do next.  Navy watched the clock run down to “00:00” and the celebration at 2-0 began.

Navy Plebes celebrated with fans after their fourth long drive of the game and then cheered for their defense to stop the Huskies.

Navy Plebes celebrated with fans after their fourth long drive of the game and then cheered for their defense to stop the Huskies.

The Mids in the stands got Liberty call for their spirit in the last second win.  It was a nail-biter for Navy as it won its twelfth consecutive game at Navy-Marine Corp.  Its next game will probably be one of the greatest home challenges ever there when Houston, currently ranked No. 6 in the nation, comes calling.  We’re not sure when the last time a team ranked that high came to play Navy in Annapolis.  With a potent passing attack led by Heisman candidate Greg Ward, Jr, the Mids’ pass defense will need to improve a lot to stop the Cougars based on how they struggled to stop a run-oriented UConn passing attack.  We’ll be there for that one, and the Brigade will be fired up if they can get by Tulane in New Orleans, another run-oriented team next week and against archrival and option-oriented Air Force on October 1 out in Colorado Springs.

The Huskies (1-1) host Virginia next week at “The Rent” in East Hartford.  We will see them play there later this season when they host Temple.  Collegefootballfan.com has three games in our plans for next weekend starting with a confrontation between two other sea-faring programs on Friday night.  The Mariners of the US Merchant Marine Academy (1-0) of Kings Point, NY will travel a few miles east to Throggs Neck to do “battle under the bridge” against the Mariners of SUNY Maritime (1-1) in a local, D3 rivalry that we look forward to.  The USMMA defeated The Coast Guard Academy last week. SUNY Maritime defeated Maine Maritime in their opener and fell 28-24 to Mass Maritime last week. It seems like a D3 round robin for all the maritime schools. Maybe they can get Christopher Newport U in Virginia into some of this action or possibly the guys from “Wicked Tuna!”  On Saturday, we will be at the noon kickoff between Rutgers (1-1) and New Mexico (1-1) at the Birthplace of College Football.  Rutgers thinks they already have this game won (“RU-tude”),  so we know that they will struggle at the very least.  It will be our second time seeing the Lobos play.  We saw then defeat Missouri in 2005.   At least we’ll have Bloody Mary’s and Crumb cake in our fabulous Jersey breakfast tradition, but I’ll probably miss out on Frank’s award-winning BBQ after the game.  I’m planning to head down the road to Princeton for the 5 pm Tiger opener against Lafayette College (1-1).  If this works out as planned, we’ll have already attended eight games over the first three weeks of the college football season. We hope to see a few more like last week’s game in Annapolis.

Navy cheerleaders.

Navy cheerleaders.

Extra points: Great tailgate with Brian, Navy Al, his buddy Dave even though he’s an Alabama and Army fan, and Air Force Jay.  Between a platter St. Laurie and I brought, pizzas that Jay brought, and BBQ Al brought prepared by his son who’s a professional chef, we had a lot to eat.  We were joined by a work colleague of mine, Dave and his son Nathaniel who’s five and attended his first football game.  Later, we tailgated after the game with Dennis and Tracy who are planning to retire in Delaware next year.  St. Laurie and I had a good time with them closing down the Navy parking lot.

Navy CB Tyris Wooten, like Gilman, also had 10 tackles for the Mids. Husky LB Matt Walsh led his team with 12 tackles followed by FS Obi Melifonwu who had 10.

Navy WR Jamir Tillman had four catches for 75 yards. For the few times you get to see him make a play, you can tell he’s an outstanding receiver and would be a cog in anybody’s passing offense.  We look for him to come up with some big catches when Navy needs them later this season.  Noel Thomas had 11 caches for 116 yards for UConn including his 34-yard TD.

 

Game # 511: Montclair State overcomes FDU-Florham, 25-15, as DiStefano totals 350 yards

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 Montclair State overcomes FDU-Florham, 25-15, as DiStefano totals 350 yards

Madison, NJ – D-3 teams Montclair State and FDU-Florham played this past Friday night for the first time in 22 years, and the visiting MSU Red Hawks overcame a surprising first half FDU lead with RB John DiStefano totaling 350 yards of offense and scoring three TDs to give Montclair State a 25-15 win in the season opener for both teams. With the win, the Red Hawks still carry the best all-time record in Collegefootballfan.com history in all divisions remaining undefeated with a 13-0-1 record.   For Montclair HC Rick Giancola, it was the 231st win of his career as HC of the Red Hawks as he enters his 34th season.

The Montclair State Red Hawks took an early 7-0 lead on a short pass hauled in by RB John DiStefano who raced downfield fighting off Red Devil tacklers for a 70-yard touchdown in the first.  Frank Schneeberger tacked on three more points to the MSU lead with a 32-yard FG conversion early in the second period.  However, The FDU Red Devils put up more of a fight than we figured starting with a nine-yard out pass from QB Joe McCain to RB Marquis Wright out of the backfield.  On the conversion, back-up QB Robert Madison stood up pivoted around and raced for the right pylon in the end zone for a two-point conversion.  More trickery followed on the ensuing kickoff as PK Nick Maciejewski tapped the ball forward ten yards before recovering it on the 47 to retain possession for the Red Devils.  The result of the chicanery was a scoring drive capped by a 24-yard touchdown pass from to 6-6 frosh WR John Pellegrini to give FDU Florham the lead at the half, 15-10.

Montclair fumbled the ball away on its first possession of the second half, but after taking a punt and starting from the 26, DiStefano struck like lightning again.  On the first play, he swerved and juked as the Devils missed him with several poor arm tackles to take it all the way for a 74-yard TD run.  A two-point try failed, but MSU retook the lead, 16-15.   On the evening, the senior from Red Bank Catholic set his MSU career-highs carrying 26 times for 184 yards, had a 70-yard TD reception, and averaged 25.5 yards on two kickoff returns. Late in the third, a snap from center for FDU sailed over the punter’s head and through the end zone for a safety to add to the Montclair lead heading into the final period, 18-15.

The resulting punt put Montclair at the FDU 49.  The Red Hawks scored quickly as the rain intensified from a light mist to a steady downpour as DiStefano ran it in from two with 13:23 left in the game to make the final score, 25-15, in favor of Montclair (1-0).  Red Hawk defensive tackle Chris DePalma caused a Devil fumble at the MSU 35 that was recovered by DE Joe Falato with 3:52 left. Montclair ran out the clock to seal the victory.  The Red Hawk defense held FDU to -21 yards rushing.

The first half was competitive as both teams seemed to shake out the cobwebs to enter the season, but as the game wore on, play got sloppy with blatant penalties (MSU – 122 yards; FDU – 82 yards) , numerous injury time-outs, poor pass protection primarily by FDU, as well as the aforementioned poor tackling. I wondered if that is a result of limited tackling in practice. I also wonder if pass blocking suffers from limited hitting in practices as well.  A game with no media time-outs whatsoever, lasted about 3 hours and 25 minutes.

FDU (0-1) plays another Friday night game at Robert T. Shields Field in Madison next weed hosting Widener University in its first Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom game.  All remaining games will be against MAC conference rivals.  Montclair starts its New Jersey Athletic Conference schedule with a trip to play Salisbury in Maryland next Saturday.  Collegefootballfan.com headed to Annapolis, Maryland for the second week in row to see Navy (1-0) open its American Athletic Conference schedule against the UConn Huskies (1-0).

Collegefootballfan.com Week 2

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Collegefootballfan.com Week 2 Steveo’s Salvos

We travel back to Annapolis this weekend for Navy’s American Athletic opener against the UConn Huskies (1-0). The Mids have won 11 straight at home since 2014. UConn defeated FCS Maine last Thursday as PK Bobby Puyols converted a 37-yard FG with eleven seconds remaining for the win. Like Navy, the Huskies are a run oriented team. QB Bryant Shirreff rushed for 95 yards on 20 carries and completed 16 passes for 162 yards. RB Ron Johnson gained 65 yards and scored two TDS. The Huskies ran 50 times for 200 yards. The UConn defense allowed the Maine Black Bears only 40 rushing yards on 19 carries. Will Worth will start at QB for Navy in Collegefootballfan.com Week 2 and replaces Tago Smith who was lost for the year with a knee injury suffered against Fordham. Interesting side note to this game: Shirreff and Navy NG Pat Forrestal both had grandfathers, John and Tom respectively, who played together on the 1957 Navy team that went 9-1-1 and defeated Rice in the Cotton Bowl, 20-7…. Granted the SEC was exposed last weekend opening up with a 6-6 record. However, Tennessee was a 20-13 winner over Appalachian State and favored to win the SEC East. Beware of the Mountaineers of ASU. They were always a perennial FCS power (of course, the win over Michigan). After an 11-2 season last year including an early loss to Clemson and a win in the Camellia Bowl, this program is going to make its mark in the FBS in the Sun Belt conference. We already have them on our schedule next season at their nearby foe, Wake Forest…Christian McCaffrey of Stanford gained 126 yards running, scored two TDs, caught seven passes for 40 yards, returned a kick for 28, and gained 16 on punt returns in the cardinal win over a good Kansas State program, 26-13. He’s the reason we plan to see The Cardinal play at Notre Dame and Cal this year.  We’ve also got Stanford among our Final Four…Michigan State got by FCS Furman, 28-13, getting new QB Tyler O’Connor a start under his belt. He completed 13 of 18 for 190 yards and three TDs. They skip Collegefootballfan.com Week 2 and wait to visit Notre Dame the week after…Alabama hosts a very competitive and confident Western Kentucky team that finished 12-2 a year ago and defeated Rice 46-14 in their opener last week. Then the Tide visits Ole Miss the following Saturday. The Rebels are probably their greatest challenge to the SEC West title this season despite their loss to Florida State on Monday night. USC hosts rebuilding Utah State before going to Stanford who’s owned the Trojans beating them four of the last five seasons. This two-week stretch will answer our question…Big Ten’s best wins among their 14-2 record on week one: Minnesota over Oregon State and Wisconsin over LSU…FCS Albany defeated Buffalo, 22-16. We will see the UB Bulls host Army, upset winner over Temple that we attended, in two weeks. We also penciled in Army vs. Air Force as a potential change on November 5…No surprise, DeShone Kizer was named starting QB for Notre Dame vs. Nevada this week. We called that. There was no way that two QB system was going to last for the Irish. It changed during the comeback led by Kizer despite the 50-47 double OT loss at Texas. We thought it would last a game or two, but it lasted only into the second half…You had to love the Texas’s play-calling in that game though. Frosh QB Shane Buechele’s arm gets the Horns down field and then they bring in 250-lb Tyrone Swoopes when the get inside the ten and put him in the shotgun to get a running start into the line. It’s going to take a big defensive line to stop him in that situation…AAC’s first week went 10-2. Biggest win of course, Houston 33-23 over Oklahoma. They’ll be joining the Big 12 in the future. We look forward to seeing them play at Navy on October 8. They beat the Mids a year ago, 52-31. The Brigade will be pumped for that. The Cougars will be the highest ranked visitor to play at Navy-Marine Corps in a long time…Penn State at Pitt this weekend during Collegefootballfan.com Week 2. Neither team showed everything in their respective wins over Kent State and FCS Villanova respectively. All the stops will be pulled out this Saturday for sure. The revival of this long, lost rivalry will hopefully be renewed to be played every year again…TCU, one of our choices to be among his year’s Final Four, struggled against FCS South Dakota State into the fourth before their 59-41win. And we always think of HC Gary Patterson’s Horned Frogs as defense oriented…No. 14 Washington beat up Rutgers, 48-13. Long season ahead for RU. They get a reprieve against the Howard Bison this weekend, 52-13 loser to the other Big Ten team on their schedule, Maryland. We will see the Scarlet Knights at home against New Mexico (1-0) the following week. The Knights have probably notched that game as a “win” already. That means that they will lose. We call it “RU-tude”… Florida struggled to a 24-7 win over UMass leading only 10-7 heading into the final period, and Steve Spurrier was in the House! UMass?…Colorado over Colorado State in the Rocky Mountain Showdown, 44-7. QB Sefo Liufau went out last year when we saw CU lose to USC. He completed 23 of 33 for 318 yards and a TD. Go Buffs!…Hawaii travelled through what? Twelve time zones to get beat in Australia by Cal 51-31 in Australia and then by Michigan, 63-3, within eight days. There has to be a better way for the Rainbows…Best FCS Wins – Richmond 37-20 over Virginia; Albany 22-16 over Buffalo; Northern Iowa 25-20 over Iowa State; Eastern Washington over Washington State, 45-42…What a difference a coaching change can make. Dino Babers at Syracuse took over and QB Eric Dungey responded completing 34 of 40 for 355 yards and two TDs against FCS Colgate. Let’s see what happens this weekend when they play rising Louisville, who dumped Charlotte, a second-year FBS team, 70-14. We will see what happens…Best SEC losses: Wisconsin 16-14 over LSU; South Alabama 21-20 over Mississippi State; West Virginia 26-11 over Mizzou; Southern Miss 44-35 over Kentucky (Mike Stoops is a goner), and Florida State over Ole Miss, 45-34. We still have the Rebels in our Final Four winning the SEC which may not mean much this year…Enjoy Collegefootballfan.com week 2. We will also see Montclair State and FDU Florham open their seasons in a D-3 game this Friday night.

Game # 510: Navy at full speed ahead overwhelms Fordham, 52-16; starting QB Tago Smith injured

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Game # 510:  Navy at full speed ahead overwhelms Fordham, 52-16; starting QB Tago Smith injured

Talk about the 12th man! One of these Mids in white would be wearing pads before this game was over.

Talk about the 12th man! One of these Mids in white would be wearing pads before this game was over.

Annapolis – Despite the graduation of 10 starters on offense including Heisman candidate Keenan Reynolds, the U.S. Naval Academy recovered a Fordham fumble on the opening kickoff and dominated the FCS playoff team of the last two seasons for a 52-16 victory before 28,238 opening day fans.  However, on the short end, starting QB Tago Smith, a senior who waited patiently as Reynold’s sub the last two seasons, left the game in the second period with leg injury.  No update has been released yet as of Monday on his status.  During his short stint on the field, he ran 10 times from the triple option for 109 yards scoring two touchdowns from six and eleven yards.  He completed all three of his pass attempts for 78 yards.  Defensively, Senior LB and co-captain Dan Gonzales led all Navy tacklers with ten stops.

Navy starting QB Tago Smith scores early from the six-yard line.

Navy starting QB Tago Smith (2) scores early from the six-yard line.

Overall, the Mids’ offense totaled 550 yards with 427 on the ground.  The running game was bolstered by 224-lb. FB Chris High who amassed 176 yards and two TDs on ten carries.  A 30-yard Fordham FG by Makay Redd was followed by Smith’s second TD of the first period.  On the Rams’ next possession, Fordham QB Kevin Anderson (26 of 45, 302 yards, 1 TD) connected with 6′-8″ TE Pahzahn Odom for a 34-yard scoring pass.  Navy led at the end of the first, 21-10.

USNA LB Brandon Jones (3) got pressure on Anderson before he released this pass.

USNA LB Brandon Jones (3) got pressure on Ram QB Kevin Anderson before he released this pass.

Smith left the game after a long gain on the next series. Will Worth subbed for him and finished this drive with an eight-yard TD run.  He would complete his day with nine rushes for 28 yards and a TD along with one pass completion on his only attempt for a 45-yard TD pass to SB Toneo Gulley.  Navy’s defense next forced FU to punt from the one and Navy started its drive at the Ram 22.  High punctuated the short drive with a five-yard TD run up the middle.  Navy stopped Fordham’s star RB Chase Edmonds (18 carries for 83 yards) at the line of scrimmage on the last Ram possession before the heading into the locker room with a 35-10 lead.  Despite one of the lowest rushing totals of his three-year career, Edmonds showed what a tough runner he is against Navy.  He runs hard and is tough to bring down. He bounces off people and more than one tackler always has to take him down.  He earned many of these yards on his own.  We’ll watch for him to play on Sundays for somebody in the future.

Fordham All-American RB Chase Edmonds worked hard for his 83 yards today.

Fordham All-American RB Chase Edmonds, to the right of QB Kevin Anderson,  worked hard for his 83 yards today.

 

We tailgated this day with Navy stalwarts Al and Mickey, good friends of Brian Donnelly who was here after the night before at Army-Temple, but with his girlfriend, Laurie, this time.  They planned a short vacation after the game down in Ocean City, Maryland.  I brought along first-time Guest Game Analyst George Lazarides (Catonsville CC and Johns Hopkins).  A colleague from work and a Maryland native now living in central Jersey, this was George’s first game at Annapolis.  He expects to attend games here regularly in the future as his niece has been accepted at USNA next year and was recruited by the Women’s La Crosse team.  After his experience this weekend going to the game and tailgating with us, he will definitely be back.  We noted the parking configuration for season ticket holders is a bit tighter this year.  It’s due to the success of the Navy football program.  Because of the program’s success, there are more Admiral Row members – contributors to the Naval Academy Athletic Association – who get a reserved parking space.  They take up more spaces.  Go Navy! But don’t take away our spaces in the parking lot.

The Naval academy Drum and Bugle Corps performs at halftime.

The Naval Academy Drum and Bugle Corps performs at halftime.

Fordham scored first in the second half with Redd’s 23-yard FG, but on Navy’s next play from scrimmage, High rambled 70 yards for his second touchdown and a 42-13 lead.  Navy stopped a desperate Fordham offense again on downs on its next series at the Navy 39.  That’s when Worth eventually connected with Gulley down the left sideline for a 49-13 lead.

Navy FB Chris High (33) gains some of his 176 yards on this run.

Navy FB Chris High (33) gains some of his 176 yards on this run.

 

In the fourth, Bennett Moehring put up a 23-yard FG for Navy and Redd converted his third for a 31-yarder to close out the games score at 52-16.  The big story during this part of the blow-out belongs to Midshipman Fourth Class (Freshman) Malcolm Perry.  The 5-9, 185-lb QB marched on the field before the game, but was summoned from the stands to go down to the locker room during the game to suit up when Tago Smith left the game with his injury.  He came into the game during the final period and ran the option adeptly carrying seven times for 30 yards.  He’s supposedly the first Midshipman in USNA history to march on to the field before a game and end up marching with the team down the field!

Based on seven TDs, seven PATs, and one FG totaling 52 points, most plebes performed 248 push-ups at last Saturday's game. Malcolm Perry only did 42 before being called in to run Navy's triple option later in the game.

Based on seven TDs, seven PATs, and one FG totaling 52 points, most plebes performed 248 push-ups at last Saturday’s game. Malcolm Perry only did 42! He got called in to run Navy’s triple option later in the game.

Next week, we return to Annapolis and meet up with Brian and Al among others to tailgate and watch Navy play UCONN (1-0), winners over the Maine Black Bears last Thursday, 24-21, in an American Athletic Conference game. The question is will Worth still be at QB for the Mids, or can Tago Smith return?  The night before that one, Collegefootballfan.com will attend a D-3 game near home.  We will see Montclair State (12-0-1 in our annals) visit FDU-Florham, a perennially struggling D-3 program, in Florham Park on the FDU campus.  Fordham returns to The Bronx to host Elizabeth City State (0-1 loser to Norfolk State, 20-12).

Game 509: Improved Army looked sharp defeating Temple, 28-13

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Improved Army looked sharp defeating Temple, 28-13

Philadelphia – In the season opener for both teams, the Cadets of Army looked sharp in defeating Temple, 28-13, nine months after their latest defeat on the same turf where they lost to Navy.  For Army coming off a 2-10 season from a year ago, it was a stimulating victory.  For the Owls coming off a 10-4 season in 2016, the loss was a tragic letdown.    For Collegefootballfan.com, this was our second game of the very young season and our first FBS game of 2016.

Army's defense truly impressed us this evening. The stop here is made by LB Hayden Haupt (30).

Army’s defense truly impressed us this evening. The stop here is made by LB Hayden Haupt (30).

The keys to Army’s win over the Owls were the toughness and quickness of its defense led by Senior LB Jeremy Timpf who garnered eight tackles.  Army effectively stopped runs around both ends throughout the game and held TU to 105 net yards on the ground.  Four sacks and significant pressure on QB P.J. Walker (12 of 26 for 168 yards) along with tight coverage in passing situations resulted in three INTs for the Black Knights of the Hudson.  Offensively, the Cadets seemed to have an answer to a much needed power runner.  Soph FB Andy Davidson rambled through the Owl line 22 times gaining 121 yards and scoring two TDs.  Army totaled 329 yard on the ground while its two QBs combined to complete one pass each for a total of 15 passing yards.  Junior QB Ahmad Bradshaw started ahead of Soph Chris Carter, a surprise to us as we saw Carter lead the Cadets against Rutgers and Navy in a close one at the end of last season. The Junior added 64 yards and a touchdown on his 16 carries.  Temple all-American Athletic conference RB Jahad Thomas sat out the evening with a hand strain injury suffered in an earlier practice and was replaced by Soph RB Ryquell Armstead.  He led the Owls in rushing with only 77 yards of their 105.

David Hood (24) carries early in the game for the Temple Owls.

David Hood (24) carries early in the game for the Temple Owls.

Neither team scored until 28 seconds into the second period when Armstead put the finishing touch on a 78-yard Owl drive with a six-yard scoring run off left tackle to lead 7-0.  Army countered right off the bat with a 75-yard drive with Bradshaw finding room up the middle for a seven-yard TD run to even up the score.  Carter replaced Bradshaw for the next and his only series of the game. The Cadets booted the ball away from their 16, but it was partially blocked and rolled out of bounds at the Army 23. The defense displayed its staunchness at this point holding Temple to a 41-yard field goal by Austin Jones.  The score stood at 10-7 in favor of the Owls at halftime before the Owl Marching Band and Dance Team put on another one of their entertaining performances in front to the 34,005 in attendance.

Army FB Andy Dickinson rambles through the Owl defense for a few tough yards.

Army FB Andy Dickinson rambles through the Owl defense for a few tough yards.

The first score of the second half came much more quickly than the first one even though Army was very methodical with its triple option.  The Cadet drive started from its 23 and Davidson scored from the three with 8:18 left in the third to take a 14-10 lead.  Temple got into FG range on its next possession as Jones converted a 27-yard FG to put Temple within one before the game entered the final 15 minutes.

Again staying on the ground and converting on a fourth and one at the 25, the Black Knights drove 81 yards culminating in a TD as Bradshaw pitched to Taylor Campbell on an option right for a 12-yard scoring play.  With a 21-13 lead, a FG attempt by Army PK Mitch Howard failed wide right and Temple took back over from their 30.  On the next play, Walker was sacked by DT John Voit for a four-yard loss. With more pressure up front, LB Ken Brinson intercepted to give Army possession at Temple’s 36.  The Black Knights extended their lead as Davidson’s 17-yard charge through the middle made it into the end zone with only 2:28 remaining and only a possible Miracle for the Owls to comeback.  Again under pressure, Walker threw into tight coverage and this time CB Mike Reynolds intercepted to seal the upset victory for Army (1-0) with 1:39 left.

Army LB Alex Aukerman was among the Army defenders who applied the pressure on QB PJ Walker most of the evening.

Army LB Alex Aukerman was among the Army defenders who applied the pressure on QB PJ Walker most of the evening.

It was quite an unexpected defeat for the Owl fans who only a year ago filled Lincoln Financial Field for the Owls opening day upset over Penn State, their first victory over the Nittany Lions since 1941.  That game and a good showing at home losing to Notre Dame on their way to a 10-4 season left the Temple fans optimistic for another good season and an improving program overall.  I believe there is still hope for them when Jahad Thomas returns, and we will see them again on other Friday nights this season hosting South Florida and at UConn in what should be key AAC Eastern division battles.   Temple came in as two-touchdown favorites against an Army team off a 2-10 record in 2015.  Army impressed Guest Game Analyst Brian Donnelly and me.  It should be an even greater battle when we see them play Navy in December in Baltimore.   Davidson got better as the game went on running through around and over people for some tough yards.  Bradshaw, however, needs to get out of his “catcher’s crouch” position quicker under center, and slot backs need to run harder or avoid contact better before contact is made by defenders.  Both teams will surely improve as the season continues.

The "L" in TEMPLE definitely does not stand for "losers."

The “L” in TEMPLE definitely does not stand for “losers.”

The Cadets go back to West Point to host Rice (0-1, losers to Western Kentucky, 46-14) next Saturday.  We will see the Cadets again at Buffalo on September 24.  Temple faces FCS Stony Brook (1-0) next week back at the Linc before heading up to Happy Valley for a shot to knock off the Nittany Lions for a second year in a row.  Staying in Philly on Friday night, Collegefootballfan.com headed to Annapolis to watch Navy and Fordham open their seasons the next morning.

Extra Point: Dan and his sister Eileen met me at an offsite lot to tailgate before the game at a local food distribution logistics center.  They had gotten a couple of Famous Philly cheese steaks from the well-known Patsy’s establishment north of the stadium on their way in.  None of us were as impressed as we had been before.  Eileen also said that the person working there was kind of nasty.  We’ll go to Gino’s next time.

Though our parking lot was convenient near the stadium and cheaper than others, a tank truck pulled up to fill up a load from a storage tank right across from us.  It was loud and hard to have normal conversation.  As we left for the game after eating and a few drinks, the loading was finished and it got a lot quieter.  The driver apologized and said he was surprised that we’d stayed.  Nice guy.  Live and learn, until next time.

Despite 329 rushing yards, we think Army's run game can be even more effective I QB Ahmad Bradshaw (17) can start more quickly from under center.

Despite 329 rushing yards,  Army’s run game can become even more effective if QB Ahmad Bradshaw (17) can start more quickly from under center.

Game 508: First State Rivalry? Turnover Town Blow-out!

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                                 First State Rivalry?  Turnover Town Blowout!

Newark, Delaware – Four Delaware State Hornet intercepted passes and a fumble added fuel to the fire for the Fighting Blue Hens of Delaware who burned the Hornets’ nest early in a 56-14 blow-out in the seventh game between the two Delaware FCS programs in the First State Rivalry. It was the opener of our 2016 www.collegefootballfan.com season and our first of three college football games within a 72-hour period.

Hornet RB Brycen Allenye returned kicks and scored a TYD late in the game.

Hornet RB Brycen Allenye returned kicks and scored a TD late in the game.

Blue Hen RB Wes Hills rushed for a career best 212 yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns.  Thomas Jefferson of Passaic (NJ) Tech added 70 yards on the ground, and workhorse Jalen Randolph got the tough yards scoring two TDs on 11 carries for 55 yards. The home team Hens drove 74 yards on the opening drive for Randolph’s two-yard run.  A pick by UD DE John Nassib got the ball back on DSU’s first series, and QB Joe Walker’s one-yard plunge capped the 48-yard drive for a quick 14-0 Delaware lead before the first stanza ended.  The Hornets could not move the ball without turning it over.  Starting QB Dan Epperson was replaced by Kobie Lain who fumbled the ball away on his first series.

QB Joe Walker (3) bulls over from the one for a 14-0 lead.

QB Joe Walker (3) bulls over from the one for a 14-0 lead.

In the second period, Hills ran up the middle for 13 yards before lunging over the goal line for another UD score. After a DSU Hornet punt, Hills started with the ball from the wildcat formation and raced around the left for a 59-yard TD run. So much for this First State Rivalry. The Turnover Town Blow-out continued when LB Anthony Jackson picked off another Epperson pass to preserve the 28-0 lead entering the halftime intermission.

DSU's band, "The Approaching Storm", put on an exhibition during halftime.

DSU’s band, “The Approaching Storm”, put on an exhibition during halftime.

In the third, DSU’s offense had no answer in the First State Rivalry turned into the Town Turnover Blow-out.  After receiving a punt, neither did the defense.  Randolph capped a 70-yard Blue Hen drive with a four-yard scoring jaunt. Jackson’s second INT resulted in a 25-yard TD pass to Diante Cherry from Joe Walker ( 6 of 9,66 yards, 1 TD). The game was basically sealed at 42-0 with 9:38 left in the third,  Ho-hum.  The Hornets finally sustained a drive with Epperson tossing a six-yard pass to Mason Rutherford.  Second team QB Blake Rankin filled in for the Blue Hens’ Walker and led them 48 yards before finding TE Chris Scarff in the back of the end zone for a 10-yard TD pass.

Delaware cheerleaders had plenty to cheer about in this season's opener as the Blue Hens scored early and often!

Delaware cheerleaders had plenty to cheer about in this season’s opener …

To start the fourth, this Hornet offensive series ended quickly as LB Troy Reeder picked Epperson and closed out the UD scoring with a 13-yard interception return.  The practice scrimmage began and DSU scored for the second time as Epperson (13 of 26, 4 INTs, 118 yards) completed a 13-yard pass to Bryceon Allenye in the end zone to close out the score at 56-14 with 11:49 remaining.  I’d seen enough along with my niece Kassie and her friends Kelsey and Cassie, all Delaware grads class of 2015.  We left for beers and ice cream at the UD Cremery near where we had parked.

...and plenty to smile about, too!

…and plenty to smile about, too!

It was a letdown of a game for what’s titled the First State Rivalry. Delaware State was 1-10 in 2015 and evidently still has a lot work ahead of them.  A UD fan, Lutz, that I got to meet during the game, was asked by his son whom he had call to give an update, “Was Delaware that good, or was DSU that bad?”  He answered, “Yes.”  Good answer.  It will be a few games before anyone will really know how good UD is.  They play at Lafayette, another 1-10 team from last year, next Saturday.  A bigger test for them will come a week later at FBS Wake Forest before settling into their Colonial Athletic Association schedule at James Madison, a perennial conference contender.  Delaware State will host the Monmouth Hawks next week. I am meeting up with friends Brian Donnelly and his sister Eileen in Philadelphia for the Army-Temple game at “the Linc”. Hopefully, the Cadets and Owls will both be up for a battle.

Delaware State's Dance Team performed with The Approaching Storm at halftime.

Delaware State’s Dance Team performed with The Approaching Storm at halftime.

Extra points:  DE John Nassib’s early INT confirmed we’d now seen four Nassibs play intercollegiate football. His brother Ryan at Syracuse now with the Giants, his brother who graduated Penn State last year now with the Browns, and his father Gil who we saw in our first of all 508 games when he played for the Delaware national champs in 1979 as a tight end with the Blue Hens in a 49-14 win at Rhode Island.  I went to that game with Kassie’s parents – my sister Mary Kay and then boy friend Gunther – when they were attending URI as students.  You do this long enough…

Soph Vinny Papale, son of Vince, the former Eagle WR who the movie “Invincible” was about, returns punts for the Blue Hens.