FB: New Jersey Athletic Conference

[RU Fan]

Dr. xGSC

I played the game as well and also coached a bit in my time ... so I'm not the typical computer QB/coach if that's what you're trying to say.  I too have seen quite a few RU teams over the years and the direction this team is taking is troubling.  Just because someone doesn't agree with your opinion doesn't mean that their opinion is wrong.

The Profs are into the NJAC schedule now and, quite frankly, in my opinion, don't look as good as the did in the CNU game.  Sure, you can say that RMU is a D1-AA team but I didn't think that RMU looked a whole lot better than they did last year.  The special team miscues killed the momentum in that game and downhill we went.  This last game could have ended in disaster and, if you're being honest, you'll have to admit that it could have gone the other way easily.

I agree with you that a win is a win but unfortunately, a loss is a loss .... and if adjustments aren't made, we may be saying that in the not too distant future. I also agree with you that RU is a successful program because of their ability to  do the right things .... that is, if they are doing the right things!

This team has the ability to bring the BIG ONE home.  They just have to be put into the position to do so!

[JT]

Dr. xGSC

I played the game as well and also coached a bit in my time ... so I'm not the typical computer QB/coach if that's what you're trying to say.  I too have seen quite a few RU teams over the years and the direction this team is taking is troubling.  Just because someone doesn't agree with your opinion doesn't mean that their opinion is wrong.

The Profs are into the NJAC schedule now and, quite frankly, in my opinion, don't look as good as the did in the CNU game.  Sure, you can say that RMU is a D1-AA team but I didn't think that RMU looked a whole lot better than they did last year.  The special team miscues killed the momentum in that game and downhill we went.  This last game could have ended in disaster and, if you're being honest, you'll have to admit that it could have gone the other way easily.

I agree with you that a win is a win but unfortunately, a loss is a loss .... and if adjustments aren't made, we may be saying that in the not too distant future. I also agree with you that RU is a successful program because of their ability to  do the right things .... that is, if they are doing the right things!

This team has the ability to bring the BIG ONE home.  They just have to be put into the position to do so!

If we had that moron Warker at the helm, I'd be worried.  I think that as long Rowan keeps evolving they'll be OK.  If Rowan isn't on the upswing offensively by the Montclair game, then I'd worry.

[Knightstalker]

I'm sure this week at TCNJ will be a "W" for the Profs, especially after reading the posts about the Lions and their lack of offense as well.  I'm sure that the Prof's "D" will shut them down.  I will be making the trip down to Trenton this week, to cheer on my Profs, but I'm sure that I will be leaving disappointed again with another exhibition of the single wing offense.

I think a bunch of people thought that back when NJCU came to town when Ornstein was you QB.  Looks like TCNJ is trying to become NJCU on the football field.     Couldn't resist Phil.

[Pat Coleman]

Each year I'm telling various Prof players that Pat Coleman doesn't hate Rowan.  With 234 teams, he can't play favorites and be reputable.  Then I point out some of the nice things d3football.com has done for/about Rowan.

It's far more likely that the hatred goes the other direction.

Seriously, though, let's put away the game against Robert Morris for a second. Can you really say that Western Connecticut should be hanging with a Top 5 team on the road? I was on board after Robert Morris but you yourself say this team's receivers have a lot to learn. Since that's the major question with this team, it seems reasonable that Rowan is not as good right now as the former No. 3 ranking.

That's all. It's not like Rowan was ranked No. 18 this week or something. I know the team only sees the negative but shoot, we're trying to just be accurate. If Rowan plays like the No. 3 team again, like last year, then they just might get ranked up there. When Rowan has to score twice in the fourth quarter to win at home against the team that finished fourth in the league last year -- well, then things happen too.

[rowanlb92]

xgsc,
Not being negative here.  Just stating the obvious.  With the quality of returning starters of Rowan, it would be reasonable for most Prof fans to assume that that the profs would have a little more of "IT" going on.  Instead of heading into our fourth game wondering what the offense needs to do to get a first down.  My eight year old son had more offensive yardage this pass weekend. 

I know though, I've been there before.  "The offense just needs time to gell."  This is true, it may happen again.  But it may not.  It appears like the offensive coordinator is trying to force a type of offense that just isn't there.  I can remember some Mount Union teams in the early nineties, when they would pass for over 400 yards per game.  95% of there passes were short dumps to the flat, or short crossing patters and some miss direction.  They would grind the hell out of it, and play mistake free football.  Thats what the profs need.  Why go deep on a 2nd and long without a breakaway reciever, then be faced with a third and long. 

I hope the profs start getting it together.  I will be a TCNJ on friday.  I am giving my mighty mite team off of practice to bring them to the game.  I hope the weather is good .  I hope to see you there.

Pat,
I'm surprised that Rowan is Ranked higher than 15 right now.

JT,
stop being a politician 

[phil]

Well, now that the multiple predictions of WestConn "Monkey Stomps" from the Rowan faithful failed to materialize on the playing field I guess we can start anaylizing what's wrong in Rowansville ... only kidding. From what I saw against Montclair I would say that Rowan should be able to effectively shut down Montclair's offense and have enough on offense themselves to win the game. The 27-7 Montclair win over TCNJ was a bit misleading as the two blocked punts led to 10 immediate points and a TCNJ chip shot field goal hit the goal post. In the end, I'm not sure Montclair can get by Rowan with their offense against Rowan's defense. Cortland v. Rowan could very well be another story this year – tho' I'm not about to pick against Rowan in an NJAC game of this magnitude ... at least not yet.

As for Rowan v. TCNJ, the recipe isn't tough. Stick eight in the box to pressure the QB and stop the run cold and let the Lion's special teams score a few points for the Profs. The TCNJ defense deserves much better, as they must spend most of the game on the field. Rowan 42-0 with at least 17 points handed to the Profs on a silver platter.

Knightstalker,
What time is the TCNJ/NJCU kickoff this year? Dohh! 

[JT]

Each year I'm telling various Prof players that Pat Coleman doesn't hate Rowan.  With 234 teams, he can't play favorites and be reputable.  Then I point out some of the nice things d3football.com has done for/about Rowan.

It's far more likely that the hatred goes the other direction.

Seriously, though, let's put away the game against Robert Morris for a second. Can you really say that Western Connecticut should be hanging with a Top 5 team on the road? I was on board after Robert Morris but you yourself say this team's receivers have a lot to learn. Since that's the major question with this team, it seems reasonable that Rowan is not as good right now as the former No. 3 ranking.

That's all. It's not like Rowan was ranked No. 18 this week or something. I know the team only sees the negative but shoot, we're trying to just be accurate. If Rowan plays like the No. 3 team again, like last year, then they just might get ranked up there. When Rowan has to score twice in the fourth quarter to win at home against the team that finished fourth in the league last year -- well, then things happen too.

Don't know why some players would think d3football.com doesn't like Rowan, but I do try to tell them the truth when asked.

I thought West Conn looked pretty good.  Much better than CNU, and CNU's performed well since playing Rowan.  It remains to be seen how the rest of the season will go.  If Rowan and/or Cortland stumble, then the West Conn performance in Glassboro loses luster.

I don't know where feeling slighted as a football team is generated. Certain players will mention feeling slighted by the polls or by the press.  The AFCA poll bothered a few guys.  Maybe it is just one of the motivating tools they use.

For me, the polls are self correcting. Teams will settle in the correct spots up or down. The Profs won't stay in the top ten if special teams and the offense doesn't get better.

[4merprof]

Wow,

When people and fans start talking negatively about RU, this board comes alive.  Well first off, I'm never one to point fingers, but I will make an exception.  The Ornstein game verse NJCU, was completely his fault, he threw 4 ints and was scared.  I don;t know how a kid that played in front of 80K at Notre Dame and Michigan St., could look like a deer in headlights.  Second exception... JT, I agree that Warker was a complete, in your words "moron", and I feel much more comfortable with Orihel at the helm as well, but we are not using him at all.  

While I am on the bashing of my team rampage.  What were the coaches doing in the off season...  It certainly wasn't recruiting WR's.  It is hard for me to fathom, that the coaches just thought that everything was going to be okay at the WR position.  Let's see, we lost Wright, Silva, D'Imperio, Jenkins, Jackson, Berry, and the Sty's bros, and I'm probably leaving another few kids out.  We come into this season with absolutely no deep threat.  I bet that fastest WR we have probably runs a 4.7.  With the Defense this team has, and Orihel back for his last year, one would think that finding someone that can be a playmaker would be of the utmost priority.  Another thing to consider is this.  Our defense backs, as a whole are fast, and we have plenty of kids in the rotation, why not try out Wetstone or Belamy at WR to give you a deep threat.  Belamy is athletic enough to return punts and shows great athletism.  You have an AA QB with no one to throw to, and it's like playing tennis by yourself.

Last year when we played goal line defense, we put Silva and Wright as DB's. This year we should just flip the script.

I know I have been tough on the Profs lately, however I do fully support them.  As Prof fans that have been through the Keeler and Acorsi years, and failed Stagg Bowl runs.  I felt preseason that this was the year to finally get the monkey's off of our backs.  The expectations for our program fall nothing short of that and with an AA QB, that has broken every RU/GSC record, and their have been great RU QB's, in his final season, and with the best "D" in D3, nothing short of the walnut and bronze will be an accomplishment.  

The coaches have to make changes, bottom line.  I know Dr. GSC will disagree, but I don't care about another NJAC championship, and probably the majority of other Prof fans could care less as well, we are yearning for the championship that comes in December.  I'm sure RU Fan and RowanLB will agree, if we don't make changes now, cancel your hotel reservations for Salem.  We are NOT a running offense, and a running offense will not win the Stagg Bowl.  Orihel isn't an option QB, and we don't run the wishbone.  To think about it, wishbone offense's probably pass the football more.

This week at TCNJ is also not going to be a good judge either, because TCNJ is having a down year.  However, it would be a great opportunity to try and pass the ball and find 4 guys that can get the job done.  I think we have to start thinking outside the box, and possibly bring over one of the DB's.  Deion Sanders played both ways.  I'm sure that Belamy, Wettstone, Joseph, etc., those guys have to run in the 4.4's.

[4merprof]

JT,

To respond to your last post.  The only poll that matters, is the one that comes out in late December.  I don't care personally, if Rowan is even in the top 25.  The only thing that is nice about the rankings, is having home field advantage for the playoffs and not having to travel to Oregon.

[JT]

I hate traveling to Ewing.  You know the saying, "You can't get there from here."  That what it feels like going to TCNJ from North Jersey.

[4merprof]

I can't believe that no one has responded to my posts...  TCNJ in less than 3 days...  Lets get the smack talking going.  What other match ups this week in the NJAC could be interesting???

[cstate19]

ummm Keane-Cortland? no seriously I heard their D is solid....whats that? Buff State WR 10 cathches for 250+........ummm I heard that...uhhhhh...nevermind.....How many days till Rowan-Cortland?

[phil]

Cocky up in Cowland are we? Let's give Kean (no "e") some credit. I thought the firing of their coach (under a cloak of politicized secrecy), might have doomed their year before it began. They've done a nice job thusfar.

JT,
I'm in north Jersey (well at least for another month or so), and the trip to Ewing only takes 70 minutes. You're spoiled by the games at WPU, Kean and Montclair. You wanna talk about a trip to bumf***? North Jersey down to Rowan is a joyfull ride along the Turnpike. Once I see the "You can't get there from here" sign, I know I only have a 45 minute ride left. My suggestion for the trip to TCNJ would be to make a day of it and stop by Lambertville and New Hope for the brewpubs and antiquing.

4merprof,
Talk smack? Not with this Lion team. TCNJ could have 4 receivers who run in the low 4's ... it just doesn't matter when your QB can't even get past the second step in his drop before having to run for his life. I could bring up the academic rankings and talk some smack-filled stuff about the Princeton Review, Barrons, and US News, but it's not just the same as watching the Brown and Yellow drop a game in Ewing!

[YoungCougar]

cstate19- ummmm, ugggggg, first of all it's KEAN, not KEANE. Second of all, you sure are confident. I HOPE C-state under estimates their opponent on 10/7.  The Cougars have been playing well, and from the looks of it C-state has just about given up as many point as Kean has this season. They haven't been blowing tems out of the water. So step down a bit. If I were you I wouldn't be so cocky. Let's see what happens on Sat. afternoon.

[JT]

JT,
I'm in north Jersey (well at least for another month or so), and the trip to Ewing only takes 70 minutes. You're spoiled by the games at WPU, Kean and Montclair. You wanna talk about a trip to bumf***? North Jersey down to Rowan is a joyfull ride along the Turnpike. Once I see the "You can't get there from here" sign, I know I only have a 45 minute ride left. My suggestion for the trip to TCNJ would be to make a day of it and stop by Lambertville and New Hope for the brewpubs and antiquing.

I can get to the 'Boro in about a 1:40 - 1:45 generally.  And I'm off the TPKE at exit 7 and on 295.

The problem is that there isn't a relatively straight interstate route to TCNJ.  80 West to 202/206 South to 31.  I'm planning to work from home. If Ms. King doesn't give me creds... odds are she won't, me and my bro might hit a couple of brew pubs. 

Don't have to worry about antiquing.  Since she became my one and only, she avoids football games like the plague.  She feigned interest for a while. Once the ring went on... forget it.  She thinks its boring.  Don't play much football in the Philippines, I guess.  At least she's a Yankee fan and rarely asks me to go shopping.

She may go to homecoming or when the whole Wilson clan goes to a game (at WPU or Montclair) but that's about it.  I might be able to drag her to Salem, VA one of these days.