Quote from: Ice Bear on December 19, 2024, 11:02:19 AMHow about a good ole East Region end of the year top ten?

I need to think about mine but will post soon. Love to see what you guys think. Hope you are all well and having a great Thursday.

Susquehanna/Johns Hopkins
Johns Hopkins/Susquehanna
Triple-Option School
Carnegie-Mellon
Triple-Option School
Hobart/Cortland
Grove City
Endicott
Cortland/Hobart
Mass-Darthmouth/Kings College

Just wanted to come over and extend a congratulations on Mount making it to the Semi-Finals. You have some talented players. Although Echeverry may not have the impressive stat line, he was a great talent to see. Sanders also made some great catches that allowed you guys to continue to keep Mount at a distance. Defensively, Mount edge rushers and pursuit defense was the best I've seen in some year's, Rossy and Kaleb were fantastic. Kudos to the coaching staff on a great game plan, they schemed appropriately to stop Salisbury run game, and lived with Salisbury 50/50 deep passes, which your CBs made great plays all game. Offensively, the pass coordinator took advantage of the defensive scheme, especially on the outside and perimeter. Good luck in the semi-finals.

Quote from: MRMIKESMITH on December 13, 2024, 09:47:55 PMWeather is expected to be great for this time of the year. I expect both teams will be ready for what I believe to be one of four great matchups Saturday.

Salisbury will have to be on their "A" game all day against a formidable opponent in Mount Union. Mount Union will be the fastest and most athletic team Salisbury will have faced all season.

Offensively, I expect Salisbury will be well prepared for Mount Union defense, having played them two seasons ago. Salisbury will have to play turnover free and limit wasted snaps. Offensively, WRs will have to be aggressive and be the athletes they are, as Mount will play man and run a 5-1-1 or 5-2 front. Capitalizing on plays where there its 1 on 1 will be key. Watching Mount, they are very aggressive and rely on their talented edge players while playing man on the outside, playing off coverage with help from single high safety. Salisbury have to adjust accordingly and have all the wrinkles ready.

Defensively, Salisbury will have to be prepared for both the run and pass, as Mount does both well. Mount will run the ball 30 to 40 times if you let them or they will throw the ball 30 to 40 times if you let them. The key is to be multiple and be the aggressor. Salisbury has a fast front, but I think bringing timely blitzes with stunts throughout the game to keep the OL off script. The DBs will have to play with great anticipation and confidence, understanding down and distance and what can hurt you. Salisbury will be successful bring pressure, however if they play conservative, that will be a recipe for disaster.

Specials teams can be key, a missed xp or fg can have consequences late in the game and/or effect momentum. Punt team will have to prepared for different rushes as Mount loves to bring pressure, either effecting punter's timing. Kickoff coverage will have to be key as Mount has a plethora of fast players at returners. Salisbury return team will have to be smart and fair catch when appropriate, keeping good field position.

Salisbury has been very good with penalties, continuing to do that will keep them in good down and distances on both sides, while increasing opportunities to keep drives alive. If Salisbury can protect the ball, capitalize on big plays, be the hunter, they will have a good opportunity to do something many aren't expecting. With all due respect, this team is much more experience than two year's ago and I expect a great game from both teams, as such, Salisbury 34 Mount Union 31.

First I would like to congratulate the Salisbury Football players, coaches, and support staff. This was a wonderful season. Although this team finished 12-1, the team was dealt with a lot of adversity throughout the season, whether on the field or off. They overcame many of those obstacles. I would also like to extend a thank you to the 5th year and Seniors who played their last collegiate game, I'm so proud of them, I know for players to stick it out through 4 years and even playing an extra year is a testament to their character. Another extended appreciation to the coaches and support staff, they worked their tails off this season, playing this late in the season, they had to endure spending time away from family, miss family events, etc.

With that, hats off to a tremendous Mount Union team, the players and coaches were well prepared and took advantage of the opportunities. Mount played a well balanced game and although the stat line may not indicate the production, Tyler Echeverry impacted the game with his timely plays, he's an explosive member. Also, kudos to Sanders, he had the game changing explosives with two big catches. Defensively, Rossy and Kaleb had tremendous speed, chasing down the toss play or having tremendous pursuit from backside. Again, hats off to the team.

Now from a fan prospective, Salisbury played a good game, but where we fell short were missed opportunities, turnovers, scheme, and one huge penalty.

Salisbury missed multiple opportunities to capitalize on explosives, it was 3 to 4 plays where the QB missed his WR and one instance of WR not going up for ball. As in previous games, we get half of those, its a different ball game.

Turnovers, were huge, especially in the third quarter, where back to back fumbles and turnover on downs from the offense didn't take advantage of the strong defensive output the defense played with. The offense couldn't take advantage of turnovers and great field position.

Schematically, Salisbury are who they are, however it is painstaking to know that if a team is able to stop the run game, it puts the team at an extreme disadvantage and although the OC has been phenomenal this year with calling pass plays at a clip higher than any of the previous 20+ years, it was the lack of diversity in the pass scheme that hurt. Mount was well prepared for the limited routes. Mount challenged Salisbury and force them to check the ball down or to make the 50/50 deep passes and Salisbury was unable to capitalize on the 50/50 deep passes.

Defensively, many were hurt and after rewatching the broadcast, I understand the sentiment, the defensive scheme allowed for way to many deep outs/curls, the CBs were not effective on crucial third downs, Mount WRs just went to the sticks and got easy first downs. Then when the CBs were in man, they had poor man technique. On many occasions, they were in good position, but never go their head turned around (this was evident throughout season). Defensively, the scheme does a great job at limiting teams run game, but the the conservative approach on the outside allowed many teams to be successful this year.

Then the one big penalty and that was probably 1 of 2 penalties of the day, change the game in the 2nd quarter. After successfully stopping
the Mount offense, the penalty gave them new life and instead of either getting the ball back right before half and going up 17-14 or down 14-13, it was 21-10. That was a key moment in the game, you can't have mistakes like that against good teams.

Overall, it was a great season, the team will have a lot of players coming back, a lot of Freshman, Sophomores, and Juniors played this year. What I would like for the offseason, is for the players to continue to be closely bonded, offensive coaches continue to grow, the choice to pass the ball more was great this year, I think the next step is to get into some passing clinics and find some passing schemes that can get you 5 to 15 yards without relying on PA. Maybe growing the shot-gun package similar to Ferris State and traditional flex-bone like the academies displayed this year. Defensively, push the players to be better in zone and man, practice both more. Be able to run Cover 1, Cover 2, Cover 4, Cover 3 and man at a high level, don't settle on living and dying in Cover 4. Again, I'm proud of the players and coaches. I think a their is a lot to improve in, and not only execution, but growth as program in offensive scheme and defensive scheme, I saw glimpses of that growth this year, I know the OC/DC are highly intelligent and the type of players that are currently being recruiting can do more. Let's continue to lift the floor and raise the ceiling. The best is yet to come.

Weather is expected to be great for this time of the year. I expect both teams will be ready for what I believe to be one of four great matchups Saturday.

Salisbury will have to be on their "A" game all day against a formidable opponent in Mount Union. Mount Union will be the fastest and most athletic team Salisbury will have faced all season.

Offensively, I expect Salisbury will be well prepared for Mount Union defense, having played them two seasons ago. Salisbury will have to play turnover free and limit wasted snaps. Offensively, WRs will have to be aggressive and be the athletes they are, as Mount will play man and run a 5-1-1 or 5-2 front. Capitalizing on plays where there its 1 on 1 will be key. Watching Mount, they are very aggressive and rely on their talented edge players while playing man on the outside, playing off coverage with help from single high safety. Salisbury have to adjust accordingly and have all the wrinkles ready.

Defensively, Salisbury will have to be prepared for both the run and pass, as Mount does both well. Mount will run the ball 30 to 40 times if you let them or they will throw the ball 30 to 40 times if you let them. The key is to be multiple and be the aggressor. Salisbury has a fast front, but I think bringing timely blitzes with stunts throughout the game to keep the OL off script. The DBs will have to play with great anticipation and confidence, understanding down and distance and what can hurt you. Salisbury will be successful bring pressure, however if they play conservative, that will be a recipe for disaster.

Specials teams can be key, a missed xp or fg can have consequences late in the game and/or effect momentum. Punt team will have to prepared for different rushes as Mount loves to bring pressure, either effecting punter's timing. Kickoff coverage will have to be key as Mount has a plethora of fast players at returners. Salisbury return team will have to be smart and fair catch when appropriate, keeping good field position.

Salisbury has been very good with penalties, continuing to do that will keep them in good down and distances on both sides, while increasing opportunities to keep drives alive. If Salisbury can protect the ball, capitalize on big plays, be the hunter, they will have a good opportunity to do something many aren't expecting. With all due respect, this team is much more experience than two year's ago and I expect a great game from both teams, as such, Salisbury 34 Mount Union 31.

Quote from: umhb2001 on December 10, 2024, 08:34:12 PMCru coming this week and no action on this board?

I can tell you this is not the channel. There will be no action here.

Congratulations to the coaches, players, administrators, and support staff. Salisbury is back in the Elite 8, heading back for the first time since 2019. A lot has change from administrative purposes to the current College football landscape since 2019. Salisbury coaching staff has stayed the course and maintained consistency with slowly raising the floor and ceiling on expectations.

I want to congratulate R-MC team, they represented their conference well. They fought from start to finish. With that, many had this game as a toss-up. However, Salisbury played good enough to show that they were the better team from start to finish. I was very impress with Salisbury defense, they set the tone for the game, especially with the offensive struggles very early in the game. Kudos to Salisbury defensive coordinator and players for having a great gameplan and making the necessary adjustments from the very beginning. With the exception of some late 4th quarter drives, when Salisbury was already up 28- and the defense playing a more super conservative defensive approach, the defense was lights out. The front 7 answered the call all game, they were run stoppers, they were filling gaps, playing unselfish. I believe the defensive coordinator has heard the rumblings about the defense and challenge himself and the players to step it up. It was beautiful thing to see. Even with that, I know the defense has not hit the ceiling on where they can be.

Offensively, Salisbury came out very shaky with some self inflicting turnovers, the QB timing on his pitches were slightly off, which led to the ball being on the ground. However, once the QB settled in, Salisbury was able to execute and get out before half and continue that into the third quarter. Salisbury was always a step ahead of what R-MC was trying to do and had an answer. Kudos to the offensive coordinator and the players executing the game plan. Again, if you talk to the players and staff, they will say that they left a few more points off the board, but will take the Win any day.

Special teams was okay today, I would like to see some more sense of urgency of the kickoff team, there were a few returns, where they didn't judge the returner speed appropriately. Also, not sure where the punter from earlier in the year is, but the punts have not been up to par. I expect that this will be a severe point of emphasis this week.

Overall, the defense carried the day, which many (including myself) have been critical, but they appear to be playing with a chip on their shoulder. As aforementioned, they still have another level that can be reach, I'm sure there will be a great gameplan next week and some key adjustments, the level of intensity, is great to see. Offensively, the freshman QB has to continue to stay poised, but become more confident and trust the techniques the staff ask him to execute. Another forgotten stat is penalties, Salisbury has been great all year and they has not hurt themselves on either side of the ball. This is a testament to great coaching and player leadership. This late in the playoffs, protecting ball, being penalty free, and execution will be key. Each 1/11 will have to play with extreme confidence while maintaining great technique and discipline, no one will feel bad for you for not being at your best this weekend, there is no tomorrow unless you take it.

Always a big week of football this time of year when you are playing in December. Salisbury will face what I believe to be one of the better discipline teams. Randolph Macon looks like a team that will play great team defense, will not make any mistakes and allow the game to come to them. Offensively, they want to run the ball, including schedule QB power/counters. Randolph Macon forces team to commit to the run and then boom, either a play-action or a pass play that forces puts a linebacker or safety in a conflicted position.

Randolph-Macon looks on tape to be similar to Kings. Defensively, Randolph-Macon won't do too much disguise, but will rely on its front 7 to play sound/fast defense, they appear to be in the right place at the right time. They were able to get multiple turnovers last week against a good W&J team that allowed them to get back into and out-front. Offensively, they rely on their big guys up front, everything is dependent upon the success up front. Similar to Kings and Muhlenberg, Randolph Macon will use the QB sweeps, QB Power/Counter to impose their will and to get a numbers advantage, especially short yardage. With all that, they do a great job in calling timely passing plays out of run packages, which at times appear to be trick type plays. Offensively, they also have shown the ability to throw out of base sets. Overall, I'm very impressed with Randolph-Macon, especially the defense.

Regarding Salisbury, I expect Salisbury to much more efficient than last week. It will come down to the offensive execution and the star players being the star. As I believe Randolph Macon will be in great position, Salisbury will have to protect the ball, but play fast and keep Randolph Macon on their heels. For Salisbury to separate themselves, they'll need to make the big plays either on the ground or through the air. I expect the QB and WR to be on the same page. Additionallly, with Randolph Macon having played W&L and W&J, the triple option will not be a surprise.  W&L runs similar concepts to Salisbury and W&J ran a lot of option last weekend. This will in fact benefit Salisbury, because they will have a better idea of how the team may approach them.

Defensively, Salisbury will see many similar plays and concepts from last weekend. Randolph-Macon is going to want to establish the run, either from under the center in 12 personnel or shotgun with 12/11. The DL will need to take up gaps to allow lbs to fill. Another key will be the defensive backs being discipline with their eyes, for any PA pass or trickeration, Randolph-Macon will look to lull you asleep and then boom, big pass play.

Now, with the performance the Special Teams played last week, I know that will be a point of emphasis. I expect Salisbury to continue to be aggressive in the return game, but it will be on both the punter and fg kicker to step up this week and execute.

Many have this game as a 50/50, some leaning more Randolph-Macon, however I believe the coaching staff and the players are still not sastified and still playing with a chip on their shoulder, they know last week was not their best. My mid-week prediction is Salisbury 30 Randolph-Macon 21.

First, congratulations to a great King's team, they represented their conference well. Congratulations to Salisbury Coaches, players, and staff, they got the win against a good King's team. It is always wonderful to extend your season during this time of year.

To recap the game from a fan perspective, It was a Sunny, but cold day with slight winds. However, as the saying goes, the game is not always as good as you think it is or as bad as you think. I know Salisbury is happy they were able to get a win against a good MAC team, but I think they know they didn't play their best game in all phases of the game. There is a lot to get better from. Salisbury came out firing, but appeared to be a tad rusty from an offensive standpoint. Salisbury left a lot of points off the scoreboard. The positives from an offensive standpoint is that the players stayed the course and the OC continued to be aggressive with the play calls and had some timely adjustments (especially the last 2nd quarter drive). I think the freshman QB played okay, he made some good plays late in the game to seal the deal for Salisbury, however early on, he was very inaccurate on throws to open receivers and on triple option reads. Kudos to the upperclassmen and coaching staff for helping maintain his composure. The defense was the bright spot for the day, the defense came into the game with what I believe was a chip on their shoulder and displayed some good football play, the DC had a great scheme for King's QB and limited his off script scrambles. Adjusted immediately to the QB draw and had a great 4th down stop early. The DC made great calls throughout the game. With the exception of the DBs being in great position, but not turning their head around and the one drive where there were maybe 10 tackles broken, the defense was lights out. Now if I was disappointed in one phase, it was special teams, the kicker did not have his best performance. Also, the punter did not have best of kicks, while the punt return team did not have its best day. However, one of the roughing the punter that negated a returned touchdown was actually a block. The second one was ill advised.

Overall, Salisbury won the game decisively, there was no doubt who the better team was and Salisbury throughout the game showed their bravado. Again, congrats to the Seagulls for making it to the round of 16.  There are still those that are not believers and those that have already punched their ticket to Semi's (speaking of hypothetical matchups). We'll keep it 1 game at a time over here.

A Happy Thanksgiving to everyone on the boards!

On this thanksgiving morning, I'm thankful for faith, family, friends, and football. Thank you D3football for everything you have provided some former alums, parents, and supporters of the various D3 teams.

With that, had a chance to read up on King's and their history, King's is a proud program and have had some recent success over the past few year's going 8-3 the past two year's. They haven't been a NCAA participant since 2002, where they did in fact beat Salisbury 28-0. This year's Kings team features many Seniors and Grad players that have seen recent success, they have overcome some demons this past weekend by beating Ursinus and finally having a postseason win, which has eluded them over the past few seasons in bowl play. I expect them to come in very prepared, you won't find too many (if any) freshman/sophmore mistakes.

Regarding this upcoming Saturday matchup between Salisbury and King's, weather forecast projects it to be a very cold game (high of 40), but with clear skies. As aforementioned, Salisbury will be looking to continue its revenge tour as they look to revenge the 2002 team. Keys to the game for the offense is to start fast, protect the ball, and keep King's on their heels by efficiently mixing the run with the pass.  Defensively, the keys will be containing the QB scrambles, tackling, and getting off the field on 3rd down. Special teams will be key in maintaining field position, so fielding kicks and making the easy fgs.

Good luck and Safe travels to the players, families, and supporters of all teams traveling for this weekend games.

With Kings beating Ursinus in one of the many close, but great games of the weekend, Salisbury will now face what I believe to be one of the better dual threat QBs in our division. Russell Minor-Shaw, played a great game, being able to will his team with both oncall and off-script running plays. In addition, he made timely accurate throws in crucial situations. Salisbury will have their hands full next weekend. I'm looking forward to see what schemes the defense will come up with to limit Minor-Shaw's scrambling.

From an outside perspective, both Ursinus and King's looked evenly matched, each team had its momements where they appeared to take over, but both teams fought and clawed back each time a team had a momentum swing. However, as aforementioed Minor-Shaw proved to be the difference along with his defense getting timely turnovers.

My early take heading into next week. Salisbury would have had a whole week to get healed, to work on the litte things, and get a head start on its future opponents. As such, I expect Salisbury to be prepared for Minor-Shaw and King's defense. Looking at previous Salisbury games, King's defense reminds me of Rowan and Kings offense while not as explosive, but due to QB ability, very similary to Muhlenberg. If Salisbury offense can protect the ball and Salisbury defense can find a way to limit Minor-Shaw off script scrambles, I see a Salisbury win. Early Prediction - 51-32.

Here we go again. I do believe the NPI has its issues and I believe some teams should be slotted higher and some lower. However, I've already seen the rhetoric of Mount getting a freebie to Semi's. Did we not learn from last year.

Now to the Salisbury Quadrant and its portion of the bracket. I think Salisbury actually has a tough road, there will be no easy games for them. There are no mutual games between Kings and Salisbury, but Ursinus has played Hopkins, Muhlenburg, Rowan, WP, and Kean. That's five mutual opponents. So I'm sure Salisbury has film of them in some capacity. Regarding R-MC and W&J, Salisbury doesn't have any mutual teams, but R-MC has played a mutual opponent in Dickinson with Ursinus, both were very competitive, but R-MC took care of business very early in the season against Dickson, while Ursinus appeared to have a more competitive game. I'd say Salisbury is favorite in its quadrant. I think Salisbury when the offense is executing and protecting the ball, can put up points on anyone. However, making it to the round of 16 and/or 8 will be up to the defense getting off the field on 3rd downs, allowing the offense an opportunity to figure out the opposing teams adjustments. Playoffs are always interesting for Salisbury, you can tell within the first two drive how the game will play out and usually by 2nd quarter.

Hopefully with the week off, this allows the players time to get healthy, watch film, get some good lifting in. I personally would put in some new installs that you traditionally wouldn't have time for in a normal week. Get ahead in breaking down film of opposing teams, look for any trick plays/fakes on tape the past year or two.

With that a big congratulations is in order for this team on getting to the playoffs, completing its season revenge tour, but they are not done yet, job is not finish. A lot of football to be played.
 

Perfect Season Complete. Now it's playoff time.

Recapping this past weeks win against Kean. Salisbury didn't play a great game. Although Salisbury put up 58 points, being able to really score at will, It appeared that the team was trying to take it easy to prevent injuries and as a result, Kean was able to take advantage late in the 2nd and early 3rd. A lot of players were constantly looking at the clock. Salisbury was able to rotate 2nd and 3rd stringers with some of the starters for most of the 2nd half. With roster limits in playoffs, there are going to be players that typically don't play on Special teams or are in rotation that are going to be expected to step in incase of injuries (knock on wood). I did enjoy the defense playing man to man, it allowed players in game reps that will benefit them come playoff time.

Quote from: Ron Boerger on November 17, 2024, 12:52:21 AMWhy is UMHB a five seed when they have the lowest NPI of the Texas trio?

This projection tries to avoid rematches in the 1st and "2nd round". However, per discuss with analysis, the NCAA is not required to do so. It's unfortunate that conference leaders "first game" will be against conference foes. As in D3Football projected bracket, its a possibility that Hardin-Simmons "First game" will be against UMHB.

Quote from: MRMIKESMITH on November 11, 2024, 09:04:56 AMHere's my updated bracket based upon current NPI data - Bracket - Week 10

Bracket - Playoff Projection

Haven't commented surrounding Salisbury Football on this channel in a while. However, want to congratulate the Team and Staff on clinching the automatic bid to the playoffs. I know they will represent the NJAC well.

To recap the last two games, Salisbury offense continues to be one of the best in DIII, the Spread Option attack combined with the timely passing attack continues to be able to put up a lot of points. When this team isn't turning the ball over, it's fun to watch. I continue to be impressed with Salisbury Freshman QB and his attention to detail, he still has his "Freshman" moments, but they continue to become very infrequent. The playmakers continue to help the freshman and the OC continues to empower him by continuing to be aggressive, which has the team ranked as the #2 rushing offense and #9 total offense. The second number is important, because it means that although Salisbury is a predominately rushing team, they aren't abandoning the passing game, but appropriately complimenting the rushing attach with effective passing (currently ranked #1 in passing efficiency). Special teams has been very successful this year, the KOS has been kicking the ball into the endzone, and the FG specialist has made timely fg all season. The punt team is ranked number 1 in the country, so kudos to the punter and the unit. Now, the defense has been a point of concern and has been very inconsistent, last week against an inferior opponent looked very good early on, until 2nd/3rd/4th strings guys gave up some plays late in the game.

 Revisiting the TCNJ game, the defense struggled in the 1st half, but adjusted well in the 2nd only giving up 7 points, which was after an offensive fumble. Defensively, Salisbury effort is fantastic, the players are flying to the ball, however they currently rank 128 in total defense, which is mainly due to the ranking of 210 in passing defense. Salisbury does a great job stopping the run and some would argue that since the offense is firing on all cylinders, opposing teams are passing more. However, I disagree with that, I think Salisbury has to be much better in pass defense, either rushing more players on 3rd down or being more aggressive and playing man-to-man more. It appears that the team rushes 3 and drop 8, but fails to cover WRs or contain QBs. Salisbury has given up too many 3rd downs to QB scrambles or just QBs finding a WR open in front of defenders. With Salisbury possibly getting a "bye-week" with being a sure lock at a #1/#2 seed, the players and defensive staff need to find ways to get off the field on 3rd down and anticipate what offensive routes/schemes can hurt the defensive scheme.

Looking towards this week matchup against Kean, which I think has good defense, will challenge Salisbury offense, I would love for the offense to continue working on protecting the ball, including not putting the ball on the ground (regardless if ball is loss or not). I would like for the team to continue to work on the passing attack and for the young QB to go through his reads/progression and at times give the WRs chances on 50/50s with good ball placement. Defensively, I would use this week to work on 3rd downs, improving and adding to scheme. I would love to see more 4 man rush with Cover 1 with Spy. I think having additional pressure packages and playing a little more Man-to-man and if fortunate to advancing deep (or early) in the playoffs will pay dividends against teams (i.e. Cortlands, Susquehanna, Mount Unions) with elite passing attacks. Although the team was very young a few years ago when they had a trip to Alliance, I don't want to see a team sit in Cover 4, while rushing 3/4 players get picked apart. I think that falls on the defensive coaching staff and players execution. If Salisbury wants to take the next step, it has to be able pass when they can't run and get off the field on 3rd downs and anticipate route schemes that takes advantage of base defense.

Thank you all for attending my ted talk.