Richmond or bust

[phawkes]

As Spiders' coach Huesman says, this is a playoff game.  We lose, we're out.

Flo predicts Elon 27, Richmond 24.  At beginning of season I thought of this game as only a possible win for us.  Then, with Richmond off to a bad start, I began to think of this as a probable win for us.  With Richmond's rebound, now it's back to a possible.  I do have one major concern:  Despite the passing offense's strong showing against Delaware, we did have at least three drops that might have been crucial to the outcome.  Brayboy dropped two, one that could have been a TD.  Bonner also had a bad drop.  With Richmond's pass defense, we can't afford any drops.

Turnovers, always important, may be critical Saturday.  If Delaware hadn't fumbled the opening kickoff (way to play, Marion!), and if they hadn't fumbled inside the red zone on their last drive, things might have turned out very differently last week.

I like Flo's prediction, but I think both squads will be hard-pressed to put points on the board at recent levels.  I'll say Phoenix 21, Richmond 17.

On a separate issue, I have a complaint against what I perceive as ongoing bias for the elites of the CAA.  Flo's top 10 plays last week featured two Delaware passes, one not even a touchdown, but only one Phoenix pass, the 65-yarder to Brayboy.  Miller's 70-yard TD was omitted from the list.  I think it should have been number one.  Also, what does Downing have to do get player of the week?  Sure, Burris had a good day for Hampton, but the Phoenix-Blue Hen game was the game of the week in the conference.  Anyway . . .

Go, Phoenix!

[bjiyf]

Phawkes - Lots of good points in your post. I feel we could have overcome an early score, but the final UR fumble was crucial to our holding on for a win. I have faith in our defense too, but we have got to STOP playing not to lose in the 4Q. This nerve racking situation is happening too often where the game’s on the line late after having been up 2 plus scores in early 4Q. I have no problem slowing the game down in the last 2-3 minutes if we’re at least 2 touchdowns ahead, but the UD and Campbell games could easily have gone the other way.

[phawkes]

bust

[eu96]

Did not see or hear the game, but just based on the Gamecast, it appears it was never really a game after it was 14-7. That’s a shame. I really hope we show up against a well below average Hampton team (I know some of you think Hampton is decent. They are not…they are terrible). We really need to finish 6-5. Worried about what crowd we get as well. The game Saturday will tell us a lot about Coach T’s program.

[phawkes]

Actually, we did pretty good, considering we only played three quarters.

Go, Phoenix! Beat Hampton!

[euphoenix99]

I didn't comment after the Delaware game, because I knew this would likely follow. Any time there is a glimmer of hope, they waste no time snuffing it out.

I still made the trip up today. Richmond was the better team all around. Play-calling, execution, etc. This team is just incredibly mediocre. Not bad, but games like this just show how far off they are from being a legitimate contender. Felt very much like the Furman game last year.

Also, how many times are we going to try and power our way up the middle on 4th and 1? They have tried it all season with what feels like a 20% success rate. I knew exactly what play they were going to run as they came to the line and it ended in the same result.

Was hoping to have to try and get back up to Elon from Rock Hill next Saturday for the Hampton game and then race back for the Sat night basketball game. Probably just staying put in Rock Hill for the weekend. Not worth the effort.

Go Phoenix!