Game #8 - at #25/NR New Hampshire

[epx]

This should be an interesting game to watch. Statistically, the defenses are similar both in rushing and passing. Offensively, Elon holds a definite edge especially in rushing, but also in passing. My opinion is Elon has certainly played a tougher FCS schedule so far this season, including wins over two ranked opponents. However, the Elon O did not appear to be the same offense against Towson and especially Rhode Island as the one that played against Vanderbilt, William & Mary and Richmond. One particular eyesore is 3rd down conversion. UNH is 3rd in the CAA, Elon is 11th. This is arguably due to predictable play calling on third downs, but regardless the stats are what they are. One particularly concerning stat is Sacks: Elon is 4th with 16 UNH is 1st with 23. Elon has had lots of trouble keeping the opponents' defenses out of our backfield for the last two games. In addition, New Hampshire is #1 in rushing defense in the conference. They are #8 in pass defense which bodes well for Elon, so one would hope the coaches have dialed up some play action and up tempo quick release plays for McKay & the receiving corps. Had I not seen what happened last week in Kingston, I would say this is a solid win opportunity for Elon. However, since I did see last week's game, I will be optimistic and say these two teams are well matched and the outcome is a toss-up.

Game notes: elonphoenix.com/documents/2022/10/18/FULL_Game_Notes_vs_UNH.pdf

UNH message board: unhsports.boards.net/board/1/unh-football

Go Phoenix!

[fearthephoenix]

Thanks for the thread epx!

[phawkes]

New Hampshire is another proud CAA program, making the playoffs for many years. We've played them well at Elon in recent years, but have yet to win in NH. We'll have our hands full Saturday. Which Phoenix will show up? The W&M/Richmond/Towson Phoenix or the URI Phoenix?

Go, Phoenix!

[epx]

Oct 20, 2022 14:32:00 GMT -5 fearthephoenix said:

Thanks for the thread epx!

I like it better when you do it but I had stuff I wanted to post before I forgot it 

[euphoenix99]

Glad to see Parham on the depth chart. Really need a win tomorrow going into the Delaware game.

Go Phoenix!

[fearthephoenix]

New Hampshire plays a physical brand of football. It is a part of their DNA and always has been. If we hope to win this game, we have to match their physicality and make plays down field. I expect another 4 quarter game for the Phoenix.

[elonlax01]

I think this is the game that will determine if the team gets a shot at the playoffs. 8-3 in the CAA usually means a playoff bid. Delaware will be a challenging game, but the last 2 "should" be wins.

[bjiyf]

This game is not worth watching. OL can’t block, #1 WR lackadaisical. Can’t move with any speed at all. Maybe they’ll wake up after the half.

[everelon]

Once again, this team is not prepared. We absolutely need an offensive coordinator/ quarterback coach and an offensive line coach. This group is not motivated.

[euphoenix99]

Same mistakes week after week. Keep saying you need to clean things up and then don't clean things up.

Go Phoenix!

[everelon]

On that third touchdown up the middle untouched, we had second and third string linebackers in #55 and 51. That has been when we give up big plays. Looks like Tony is trying to give this game to his friend. This will be the end of playoff aspirations and I’m certain that a berth is not deserved by this coaching staff, while the players deserve better.

[epx]

The left center of our OL may as well not be there on pass plays. No footwork, no physicality. Hard to watch.

[epx]

I miss Skrosky, Strollo and Wroblewski as OL coaches.

[everelon]

Once again no starters out there on last touchdown except #2 Jones and he was the first of 4 missed tackles. Coaching mistake not putting them in 4th down. Should not have accepted the penalty. This is all around a very poorly coached team. By the way, we need a consistent punter like NH.

[epx]

My biggest complaint of Elon over the past few seasons is we don't understand the concept of designing our offense around our talent. We try to force the players to fit in an offense they aren't exactly suited to. Up tempo, play action passes is what we do best. Why not play the up tempo game early, get a few scores on the board, THEN grind out the ground game. Yes, we have a very talented running back. But we don't have a talented/experienced OL. Our most talented offensive players are wide receivers and a QB that can throw on the run.

Well since our bye week is the last week of the regular season, we'll be finished early. I just don't see any chance at all of beating Delaware. The way our offense is run, there's really just no way we'll be able to overcome Delaware's defense.