Island Hoping

Columbia Lions at Wagner Seahawks

October 8, 2016

Location: Wagner College Stadium

Kickoff Time: 6:00pm

Game Time Weather Forecast:  Light rain

The Spread: Wagner is favored by 4 1/2 points

Columbia Game Notes

Wagner Game Notes

TV/RADIO

The game video is available online on NEC Front Row. Superior audio commentary from Jerry Recco and Sal Licata is available on the Columbia Audio Network. 

Leading Story Lines


1) Wagner has undergone a seemingly overnight transformation from one of the worst FCS teams in the country to possibly one of the best. The strong stream of transfers and junior college players now eligible are starting to make a very positive impact as evidenced by the Seahawks' 45-20 surprise win over Sacred Heart last week. What looked like Columbia's most winnable game of the season just a few weeks ago, not looks like an uphill climb.


2) Columbia QB Anders Hill is likely to get the start again over Skyler Mornhinweg. Despite falling to Princeton by 35 points last week, Hill played the entire game for the Lions. Will he get all the snaps again, and why does Head Coach Al Bagnoli seem to be ditching the two-QB system?


3) Will a little angry revenge be in the air after the Lions steamrolled Wagner 26-3 in last year's game at Wien Stadium?


Players to Watch

-Columbia QB Anders Hill #12 needs to prove he deserves this starting spot.  

-Wagner RB Matt McKinnon #11 is built like a truck and can accelerate. He had a 150-plus yard performance last week and looks like he's now set to prove he's the premier back in the prorgam. 

-Columbia DT Lord Hyeamang #95. Hyeamang was pushed around in several key moments during the loss to Princeton last week. Now, he needs to prove he can stand up to Wagner RG Titus Richards or risk getting replaced. 

-Wagner LB Santoni Graham #32 was a major D-I prospect who has landed at Wagner and is making an immediate impact this year. I expect him to blitz regularly but also take aim at Columbia's primary receivers. 


If, Then

-If the Wagner team that shredded Sacred Heart last week shows up, looking comfortable with its array of transfers and JUCO additions, then this is going to be a long night for the Light Blue.


-If Hill and the offense can take advantage of Wagner's aggressive defense with screen plays and improvised QB runs, then the Lions could surprise and frustrate the Seahawks.


-If Wagner decides to pass the ball equally or more often than they run, despite they deep and talented running back corps they enjoy, watch for the game to be closer than expected.