You can't put into words what this win should mean to this team.
After all the uncertainty early in the year; after losing two straight bad-weather games; after all those bad snaps and fumbles in those two games; this game proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is a different team.
Turnovers: 0.
Interceptions against Holy Cross: 2.
Penalties: 0. (OK, well I don't know that, but it seems like we didn't have many penalties at all.)
The fact that this Lehigh team has finally got some redemption for those two bad-weather losses has to be the story of this game. No more critical miscues. No more bad snaps. Lehigh did exactly what they needed to do to exorcise those bad-weather ghosts: they played nearly mistake-free ball and blew the other team away at the line of scrimmage. That spells win.
The defense may have given up some yardage, especially at the end, but they came up with two huge stops at the goal line which left the Crusaders with 0 points. Every man on the defense played a big role, but big #77, NT Eric Rakus, was clearly "the man" for much of the game, getting in QB Dominc Randolph's face, deflecting passes, and also doing great in pass coverage too.
On offense, the "O" line did a fantastic job dominating the Crusaders up front in a way I don't think I've ever seen a Lehigh line do. In the "Air Lehigh" days, we used to spread the offense and do some little blocking underneath. Now, we're getting big push to get big yards. If we can continue to get better as the weeks go on... we may just have a shot at this thing.
The win wasn't perfect. We got very very lucky that an onside kick, with 5:00 to play in the game had an "offside" call that judging by the replay sure didn't look offsides to me. There were still those few periods of mental lapse that still need to be looked at.
But overall, this was a great, inspiring game for Lehigh fans. We survive. Next up: Colgate, who will be coming into Goodman next week desperate not to get that second league loss. It won't be easy. But this team feels like it's hitting its stride at the exact right time, with the ghosts of uncertainty diminishing into the mist at Fitton.
After all the uncertainty early in the year; after losing two straight bad-weather games; after all those bad snaps and fumbles in those two games; this game proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is a different team.
Turnovers: 0.
Interceptions against Holy Cross: 2.
Penalties: 0. (OK, well I don't know that, but it seems like we didn't have many penalties at all.)
The fact that this Lehigh team has finally got some redemption for those two bad-weather losses has to be the story of this game. No more critical miscues. No more bad snaps. Lehigh did exactly what they needed to do to exorcise those bad-weather ghosts: they played nearly mistake-free ball and blew the other team away at the line of scrimmage. That spells win.
The defense may have given up some yardage, especially at the end, but they came up with two huge stops at the goal line which left the Crusaders with 0 points. Every man on the defense played a big role, but big #77, NT Eric Rakus, was clearly "the man" for much of the game, getting in QB Dominc Randolph's face, deflecting passes, and also doing great in pass coverage too.
On offense, the "O" line did a fantastic job dominating the Crusaders up front in a way I don't think I've ever seen a Lehigh line do. In the "Air Lehigh" days, we used to spread the offense and do some little blocking underneath. Now, we're getting big push to get big yards. If we can continue to get better as the weeks go on... we may just have a shot at this thing.
The win wasn't perfect. We got very very lucky that an onside kick, with 5:00 to play in the game had an "offside" call that judging by the replay sure didn't look offsides to me. There were still those few periods of mental lapse that still need to be looked at.
But overall, this was a great, inspiring game for Lehigh fans. We survive. Next up: Colgate, who will be coming into Goodman next week desperate not to get that second league loss. It won't be easy. But this team feels like it's hitting its stride at the exact right time, with the ghosts of uncertainty diminishing into the mist at Fitton.
Comments
LU 76
Given the conditions, the recent mud game performance, this game was as mistake-free as one could hope for. LFN's analysis was spot on. LU looks to be hitting its stride at the right time.
Remember that their four losses were all close, to good teams.
Now they have to continue to improve execution against Colgate on Saturday. This won't be easy, but Colgate will be up against the wall after losing so badly on Saturday AT HOME against Lafayette. One must be wary of desperate Raiders.
I still don't expect any of these teams to go undefeated in the league.
And again, it's looking like LU v. LC will decide it all.
I wish FU and Lehigh could arrange a home and home.
Anyway, good luck on the remainder of your schedule.