Columbia 38 Marist 3
Why Columbia Won
The Lions controlled the offensive line of scrimmage for 60 minutes, shut down the Marist running game from the start, and made almost no mistakes in a game that was essentially over before the end of the first quarter.
Why Marist Lost
The Red Foxes had no answers for the Columbia offensive line, and its own offense couldn't put together any consistency.
Key Turning Points
-The very first play from scrimmage really set the tone for the game as emergency starting RB Joey Giorgi burst through a giant hole for 12 yards and a 1st down. Giorgi and the other Lion backs feasted on the O-line's dominant play all night.
-Six plays after the first Giorgi run, QB Joe Green found WR Bryson Canty well behind his cover man for an easy 44 yard TD pass and the Lions had the lead they would never give up.
-With Columbia still leading 7-0 and about 7:30 left in the 1st quarter, Green was pressured and he threw an INT to Marist's Clayborne Fields about one yard deep in the end zone. But the play was called back because of a roughing the passer penalty on Kyle Coffindaffer. Two plays later, it was 14-0.
Columbia Positives
-The veteran and talented O-line did not disappoint, as Columbia racked up 226 rushing yards on 5.1 yards per carry and gave up no sacks.
-Giorgi, Ty'son Edwards. Malcom Terry, etc. not only ran well through the holes, but ball security was excellent for the entire team. That included a great job of holding on to a catch by WR Wills Meyer, who took a hard shot from Fields on Columbia's first pass of the game.
-The most consistent aspect of the Lion defense was the quick response to Marist runs, especially the ones that attempted to sweep and then turn the corner. Marist finished with just 55 yards on the ground on a 2.5 yards per carry average.
-Columbia's receivers consistently got open and were generally sure-handed all night. When they weren't wide open, Green still had numerous throws that beat the coverage, especially the TD pass to Marcus Libman that was a perfect throw.
-PK Alex Felkins had a near-perfect night, capped off by his school record 53-yard FG to end the 1st half. He was also 5-5 on PATs and sharp on kickoffs from the out-of-conference 35-yard line (we kick from the 40 in the Ivies).
-The Lion secondary contained the Red Foxes with some key pass breakups and quick tackles when passed were completed. Bryan Bell-Anderson's first career interception turned into an easy-looking pick six.
-A big number of Columbia backups got some key game experience, most notable backup QB Caden Bell who moved and threw nicely.
-Punt returner Connor McFadden was extremely sure-handed and he made a nice return on one of Marist's punts early in the game.
Columbia Negatives
-The Lions didn't get consistent pressure on Marist QB's, but there were times in the game when that almost seemed by design. Next week, Columbia will probably need a different strategy against Georgetown's much more seasoned and talented QB.
-While Bell-Anderson and fellow starting CB Seth Parker had excellent games, it's clear opposing teams will use WR height advantages against the Lions to at least complete short passes almost at will. Columbia will have to make adjustments.
-Felkins is still struggling with a bit of inconsistency, as he followed up his record-breaking 53-yard FG with a miss from 35 yards out.
-Columbia's nine penalties were too much, including a blocking out of bounds flag against safety Mason Tomlin that led to the Lions losing the shutout. But for a first game, fewer than 10 penalties is not a disaster.
Not Terrible, but...
-Columbia's punters had a mixed night. Cameron Burt split the punting with significant time at WR and got off a great first boot, but also a bad kick later in the game. Andrew Donovan had one good punt and one subpar boot.
-Marist only kicked off deep once the entire game and KR/WR Ernest Robertson let it slip through his hands. Robertson was focused enough to pick up the ball in the end zone for a touchback, but the status of the kickoff return team is still a mystery.
Columbia MVP
We expected the CU offensive line to dominate this game, and it did not come close to disappointing anyone. The entire O-line gets the MVP nod for this game for putting on a clinic on how great front line play can make this game look easy.
7 comments:
The highlight of the evening was the 53 yarder, which cleared the bar, with only the slightest of breezes behind it. Another bright spot was the Offensive Coordinator’s willingness to pass the football, though he still is wed to throwing the ball 20+ yards to the sideline to gain two yards. Heaven forbid a gambling cornerback jumps one of those routes one day.
As spectacular as the 53 yarder was, I thought the Coach’s timeouts during Marist’s last drive of the half, in order to gain an extra possession was a bit of piling on. Had a Harvard done that to us, we would be incensed, indicting them for “ running up a score”. You are up 28-0, the other team has really not threatened all night; yes, they get the football to start the second half. To anyone there, the outcome was never in doubt. Very surprising to me. Not Corinthian.
The roughing the passing call that negated the.Marist goal line interception, could have easily been a “no call”, having taken place after the interception. Maybe, this will be a year we catch a break.
But let’s be real. Erasmus Hall High School (think Sid Luckman and Curtis Samuel of the Commanders) has 7.000 students enrolled, Marist barely has 5,000 undergraduates. (Erasmus is ranked the fourth best football team in New York State.) OK! Harvard played Merrimack. I think I get it. But how much can really glean from last evening?
I think we will need to tighten up the pass defense and develop more of a rush. No sacks and too much time for the QB to go through his possessions. Can Coleman is missed. PS, Joey Georgi etc are not just “emergency backs” but part of a regular rotation.
I always enjoy Jake's take... Once again right on... I concur with One of the Cardiacs about throwing 20 to gain two.. Fabish is in love with the Bubble screen, flat passes... In other words play safe...I am starting to believe that we will never see a game where Green throws for 300 yards and 4 tds.....Yet how can I argue against this current conservative winning formula? Great defensive pursuit and wonderful use of the roster in terms of experience gained....liked Brown at LB, Newblatt on the OL...Many to single out for praise...
Marist looked like a high school team playing on a high school field
I'll take the win against Marist, but let's be real. Marist football should be Division II, possibly III.
TOD HOWARD HAWKS
Is playing Marist any worse than playing Merrimack? Most of the Ivies played cupcakes for week one. I think it’s smart. Our consultant basically told us we were crazy to start our season playing Fordham and running the risk of losing several starters to injuries in week one. I remember Archie Roberts’ senior season in 1964–we were primed for a great season, played a tough opponent in week one, and wound up losing some key starters for the rest of the season.
Fordham might not make for the best opener but there's a whole lotta other FCS teams to choose from before reaching the depths of DIII-ish Marist.
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