Friday, July 7, 2017

2017 Opponent Preview: Marist


Mike White


Columbia will travel to Marist College’s tiny 5,000 seat Tenney Stadium in week four to reciprocate two games in recent years, (a 31-7 win in 2007, and a 10-9 squeaker in 2012), where the Lions hosted the Red Foxes at Wien Stadium.

I’m selfishly happy about this arrangement because Marist is very close to the lovely town of Rhinebeck, NY and its bevvy of incredible restaurants run by graduates of the nearby Culinary Institute of America.

But getting back to the game, Marist is another opponent that’s a little harder to measure than most. The Red Foxes had a mixed year in 2016, going 5-6 overall, but failing to win any games against its non-conference opponents. That included a 20-17 loss to Georgetown at home.

Here’s what we need to expect from Marist this season:

OFFENSE

Coming back this season is the somewhat erratic but still potentially dangerous starting QB Mike White. He had some good numbers in 2016 with a 21 TD pass-to-11 interceptions ratio and an average of 266 yards passing per game. But he only logged a 48% completion rate and he took more than an average of three sacks per game.

Also back is Marcellus Calhoun, a very experienced RB who led the team in rushing with 604 yards and six TD’s, but only averaged 3.6 yards per carry.

Top 2016 WR Juston Christian returns after an impressive sophomore year where he hauled in 48 passes for 1,018 yards and eight TD’s.

The offensive line returns a decent three starters, but again this is a unit that could not run block all that well and gave up more than three sacks per game.

DEFENSE

The good news for the Red Foxes is the defense returns seven of 11 starters from 2016, including  top tackler and demon ball hawk safety Wesley Beans, excellent linebacker Willie Barrett and rising sophomore sensation DE Peter Delatour.

The bad news is Marist’s defense was a weak link last year, playing very poorly against the run. The Red Foxes gave up an average of 207 yards rushing per game, 4.6 yards per attempt, and 24 rushing TD’s in 11 games.

The pass defense was better, but since running was so easy to do against Marist it’s hard to judge those passing stats the same way. The Red Foxes did do a very good job at picking off the ball, however, with 18 as a team for 2016. Another safety, Jordyn Jean-Felix has good size and talent to round out the Red Fox secondary.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Top punter/kicker Mike Maccarone has graduated while Marist’s two top kick returners are coming back.

The Red Foxes have some weapons, but on paper they look like the weakest opponent Columbia will face in 2017. 

2 comments:

alawicius said...

Trap game, beware.

Big Dawg said...

Great time of year to travel upstate. Don't know about Rhinebeck. Too many West Side people like trooping up there. Might as well go to Zabar's. But Marist is an easy ride.

We have to think this is a win.