The question now for Columbia is whether Saturday's performance proved that the Lions can play with the best teams in the Ivies and should be considered a contender (if someone else knocks off Princeton), or if Columbia was just beaten in a close game and still lacks enough weapons to do better than 5-5 or 6-4 on the year.
I don't think we have a definitive answer right now, other than what the typical optimist or pessimist would say after a tough, close game like that. It's possible Princeton was as good as its billing and CU did a great job... or Princeton was only very good on defense and the Lions won't be able to beat enough other teams to contend.
I thought the game was flat out won by the Princeton defense, which looked like the most sure thing in a sea of uncertainties before this season started and it has lived up to that expectation. The CU defense played very well, and the CU offense was beaten, but not throughout the game. The lack of any Lion turnovers was a bright spot.
The only pessimism I take away from this game is the fact that CU did have a chance to win this game and did lose it. It wasn't a huge chance, but it was there. The penalties early on were also a problem and the sudden collapse in field goal kicking needs to end now.
Another thing I see after three games is that the Lions seem to be playing up to their competition each week, regardless of how good that competition is. That's not always a bad thing, but it's scary when Columbia takes on weaker teams like their upcoming opponent CCSU.
Finally, it's clear the offense needs a threat at WR to emerge. I think QB Joe Green has been hampered by not having guys getting open deep enough of the time. Let's see if another week back in action will spring WR Mike Roussos more often. Also, let's see if Gabriel Hollingsworth will return after being MIA for the last two weeks with no public explanation. If not, Columbia will need to work on some new schemes.
3 comments:
Our Columbia jv football team just scored 56 points for the second time this season and has an offensive line that averages about 6'5" and 300 + pounds. That seems like a good indication of how strong the Columbia Football program has become and how much depth we actually have this year. Our junior varsity offensive line is probably bigger than any offensive line in the school's history. Give credit for sure to Coach Bagnoli and his staff.
Stan Waldbaum
Good point, but as we saw in the Georgetown and Princeton games, it isn’t just size. Georgetown had huge lines and we dominated them. Princeton was not huge on either line but very fast. So it isn’t just size, although that certainly helps. I do think, however, that we are still a little small on the DL.
I think you can say that regardless of final outcome, we were competitive on the road against what could be this years Ivy champion. So, do we continue to improve from here on, or play up or down to the level of our opponents. Consistent improvement will take coaching, depth and adjustments. I say its all out there for the taking, as the raw talent is there !
Post a Comment