Columbia-Lafayette Keys to the Game
Columbia must make it a long day for Leopard QB Rob Curley
The Lions are super-hungry for a win after three very close losses that the everyone knows could have been wins.
But Lafayette is certainly no easy opponent. On paper, they certainly seem like the best or close to the best team the Lions have faced all year. On the other hand, Columbia is improving steadily, especially on offense, and the Lions certainly have the weapons to win if they can get the following done:
1) Test and Take it to the Lafayette Offensive Line
For some reason, the Leopards are giving up a lot of sacks and despite having a super physical runner in Maurice White and a superstar wide receiver in Shaun Adair, the team's overall offensive numbers are not as impressive as they should be. I think this is the O-line's fault and Columbia defenders must force the issue and get into the Lafayette backfield early and offense.
Getting pressure on QB Rob Curley is also not an option, it's a must. The Lions need sacks, hurries, knock downs, and generally make Curley feel worse about coming to New York this weekend than a European tourist who didn't realize the dollar has rallied big-time in the last few weeks.
2) Let Shane Kelly do his Magic
Lafayette's front seven is a great strength overall, but the power is centered in linebackers Andy Romans and Brian Leggiero. Kelly needs to get them to back off the line of scrimmage by throwing it long early and then burning the spread-out defense with some option runs and short passes. I think this may be the game for tight end Andrew Kennedy to make some noise.
3) Win on Special Teams
There can be no more excuses now for short kickoffs or any other problems. But avoiding problems is not enough. Columbia needs to hurt the Leopards with long returns, and big hits when they cover kicks.
4) Don't Let Down
Grabbing the momentum has been no trouble for these Lions so far this season, keeping it has been another story. The team needs to resist breathing a sigh of relief when they take leads or tie games up and get hungrier.
posted by Jake @ 7:25:00 PM
3 comments
3 Comments:
Jake, you have been touting Phil Mitchell as a dominating talent for several years. On paper, and based upon his play as a sophomore and as a junior, when he was out of positon, I would have expected him to be turned loose this year. That has not yet happened. Until it happens, and he actually hits the QB, we will not achieve the pressure that we need. Once Phil starts getting double teamed, that should open things up for the other DLs. We also need to do a better job of jamming the WRs and getting them out of their routes. We can't let Adair split the seam in the middle of the field. On the offensive side, field position will be critical, and it starts with our kicking game. We need to keep Lafayette from playing with a short field, because even when we hold them they can pin us back on the ensuing punt. One more point/question: when is Knowlin not on the two deep on offense?
I agree, Mitchell must start to break through right away. And I have no idea why Knowlin has not been listed as a starter in the two-deeps when he has essentially started every game.
Makes things interesting though.
Columbia's offense has played well this season with steady improvement in each of the first three games, particularly in the offensive line. Shane Kelly has been impressive at quarterback and Taylor Joseph, Austin Knowlin and Mike Stephens are solid receivers. Zack Kourouma is a big play threat. Having the very talented Nico Gutierrez back in the lineup is another plus for the passing game. As for the running backs, I liked what I saw of Jordan Davis and Ray Rangel in the Princeton game. Davis is a very tough running back and Rangel is quick and athletic. Good Luck to the Lions this Saturday!
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