How good is this team?
- Thread starter Stonewall D
- Start date
early in the season, looking good today, let's take it one game at a time, we are only an injury or two from being in trouble
TBD over the next few weeks but certainly like that we seem to be improving with every game. long season, just need to win the games we should, realize that we are not going to win all of them, too tough. as fan said above, a couple of injuries in the wrong spot and we could be in big trouble. after watching college games all day and night yesterday, just amazed at how quickly teams can go from playoff contenders to the trash pile, every week is a brand new game with so many different matchups, don't assume anything at this point.
Well said WebS. A large percent of the success of a team is determine by luck as well as skill. Go Spiders!!! OneRichmond.
I agree that injuries could derail our season, but thats true for every team in FCS. I think we caught a huge break with the schedule. We play most of our weaker opponents early in the year. That has allowed our young team gain valuable experience while still winning. I know it was the second game of the year, but I feel like the Hampton game was a turning point in the season. Overcomming the officiating fiasco and comming from behind in the second half on the road was a huge step forward for a young football team.
Agree, B, about that 2nd half against Hampton. And would add the 2nd half against VMI after not playing up to their talent and potential in that first half. Not starting strong had been a problem for us until yesterday. Think having the bye and a full week for these guys to focus on improving themselves before focusing on the next game in the 2nd week was huge for this team with so many new guys in spots and playing a new O system.
Maine's offense hasn't scored many points this season but there defense has been stout(except for Tulane).
Danny had his team ready to play in all facets of the game having intentionally practiced in the wind and rain all week to match up with game day weather.Smart.Charlie's offense was operating with all cylinders and pitted UR's quickness and athleticism against the Black Bears plotting ,systematic and physical game.We went after their young secondary all day(Tulane did also)which is exactly what Danny said we would.Our WR's ran routes which no one could touch them.Putting Maine behind the 8ball early put their backs against the wall.An obvious strategy.They do not have a high octane offense.Our OLine did a terrific job in protecting QB Lauletta.Bob Trott's defense was ready for anything they threw at us.Maine's big OLine was neutralized by our quickness and toughness.That was a pleasant surprise.The game also provided Danny with the opportunity to play a ton of people which can only help with our depth especially on the defense as we go deeper into the CAA schedule.All in all a big win which should have us moving up in the polls,likely from #19 to #17.
Danny had his team ready to play in all facets of the game having intentionally practiced in the wind and rain all week to match up with game day weather.Smart.Charlie's offense was operating with all cylinders and pitted UR's quickness and athleticism against the Black Bears plotting ,systematic and physical game.We went after their young secondary all day(Tulane did also)which is exactly what Danny said we would.Our WR's ran routes which no one could touch them.Putting Maine behind the 8ball early put their backs against the wall.An obvious strategy.They do not have a high octane offense.Our OLine did a terrific job in protecting QB Lauletta.Bob Trott's defense was ready for anything they threw at us.Maine's big OLine was neutralized by our quickness and toughness.That was a pleasant surprise.The game also provided Danny with the opportunity to play a ton of people which can only help with our depth especially on the defense as we go deeper into the CAA schedule.All in all a big win which should have us moving up in the polls,likely from #19 to #17.
Last edited:
This team is improving each week. All you can do is beat the team your are matched up with each week and try to improve each game. This team is exceptionally disciplined based on the youth and has committed few penalties and turnovers to this point. If anyone is not impressed with Lauletta's progress your missing the picture. He threw accurately in wind and rain yesterday numerous times and is displaying good instincts. O line did a great job yesterday as Maine stacked the box and tried to cover man to man.
Agree with jpo on KL. KL seems to be a very accurate passer when on the run and doesnt necessary have to have his feet set to be accurate. Take a look at the TD pass yesterday to Brown in the second half. KL delivered a beautiful pass to the pilon in the front corner of the end zone. What makes it an even better ball is that he was under preasure and threw it off his back leg. KL has some room for improvement and will definitely get better each week. Say what you will about Maine, but you have to be excited to see the development of Kyle.
Losing Broadus is a huge loss. Lauletta had to make 7 runs yesterday that David would have taken. Long season with no backup ready to go. With Lauletta the offense will do it's part. We are as good as most in the skill positions. The bend but don't break defense is still suspect and pressure on QB is very sporadic at best. If our front 4 could apply good pressure without blitzing, then they will be a nice unit. Special teams has been adequate with no mistakes. That's most we can ask of them.
I've been a big fan of Lauletta since he committed to UR. He has tremendous upside. I noticed in the Maine game, that he pretty much locked into one receiver, and his eyes stayed glued to that receiver. Defensive backs look for that, and we were often, then, throwing into double coverage. So, it's not just Kyle's talents, that have made us successful, it's that we have big, talented receivers who fight for every throw. Now, you can say this about any number of college quarterbacks, including the Maine qb. But for Kyle to really make his mark, he will need to adjust, and throw off defenses more, by moving his head..
I'm surprised that I haven't read any posts about our substitute defensive players. They went into game early, against Maine regulars, and acquitted themselves well. There is some depth there. Another strong game for Yoder, he's become a much better kickers than most FCS teams enjoy. The kicking specialty teams played very well, a vast improvement from Maryland game. We will face some staunch competition later in season, but I don't count us out on any one we play.
I'm surprised that I haven't read any posts about our substitute defensive players. They went into game early, against Maine regulars, and acquitted themselves well. There is some depth there. Another strong game for Yoder, he's become a much better kickers than most FCS teams enjoy. The kicking specialty teams played very well, a vast improvement from Maryland game. We will face some staunch competition later in season, but I don't count us out on any one we play.
http://espn.go.com/college-football/rankings/_/poll/20/seasontype/2/year/2015/week/7
As far as the question of how good is this team, at this point in the season Coaches Poll has the Spiders at 13th.
As far as the question of how good is this team, at this point in the season Coaches Poll has the Spiders at 13th.
not sure we really know how good this team is yet, but I am cautiously optimistic....
because our schedule is back loaded with the most competitive opponents, the strongest team we have defeated so far is Maine...#64 in the Nolan Power Index...the Spiders are #21 in the NPI...JMU is #2...
we have been impressive taking care of our business week by week...the team has developed and progressed better than I expected...since Hampton we have consistently dominated our opponents with a balanced and powerful offense and a defense that has limited big plays, created turnovers and been stingy, particularly in the second halves...
but as much as I have enjoyed the season so far, I can't get feel totally confident yet that the dominating wins are all about how good we are and not about how weak the opponents have been...
we'll know more beginning October 24..the battle for the CAA and a potential FCS spot begin then...
Go Spiders!
The Spider Gang Group Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/127760237246257/
because our schedule is back loaded with the most competitive opponents, the strongest team we have defeated so far is Maine...#64 in the Nolan Power Index...the Spiders are #21 in the NPI...JMU is #2...
we have been impressive taking care of our business week by week...the team has developed and progressed better than I expected...since Hampton we have consistently dominated our opponents with a balanced and powerful offense and a defense that has limited big plays, created turnovers and been stingy, particularly in the second halves...
but as much as I have enjoyed the season so far, I can't get feel totally confident yet that the dominating wins are all about how good we are and not about how weak the opponents have been...
we'll know more beginning October 24..the battle for the CAA and a potential FCS spot begin then...
Go Spiders!
The Spider Gang Group Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/127760237246257/
Last edited:
I prefer this to NPI
http://www.masseyratings.com/cf/compare1aa.htm
It is too early for NPI he has Dayton above North Dakota State...
http://www.masseyratings.com/cf/compare1aa.htm
It is too early for NPI he has Dayton above North Dakota State...
This team has proven it takes care of the ball and can run the ball effectively. I know we play some tough road games in the next few weeks, but winning the turover battle and an effective ground attack is a good recipe for success on the road against quality teams. Add to it that KL in my opinion is ahead of schedule in his development. We are a dangerous team. Really looking forward to the rest of the season.
Now 5-1. This team has exceeded my expectations. If we go 6-1, with a W over JMU, it will be a great season.
It will be a tough task to go to JMU on their Homecoming and get a win. That said "Go Spiders!" I do believe we can take care of Albany and win two of four against JMU, Villanova, New Hampshire , and William and Mary and finish the regular season 8- 3. I think this is doable for this team. That clearly puts us in the playoffs and would be a great accomplishment for the team and coaching staff. Most of us seemed to think 6 or 7 wins was likely. Eight plus other possible playoff wins would be a great accomplishment for a team that lost 23 graduates last year.
Nova and New Hampshire both 3-3. The Tribe is looking strong since their hiccup at Delaware. That could be a huge game for us (yes, I am looking ahead).
This team has done all we could realistically have expected to this point. They showed some real heart in a gut-check game at Hampton. They have taken care of business each week and Coach Rocco has chosen to give young guys experience versus running up scores. I think we have also played very close to the vest while still putting a lot of things on film for other teams to have to prepare for each week. We hold nothing back Saturday and I am feeling this team will show up big time. Keep it close and let's see what happens at the end.
Similar threads
