FB: New Jersey Athletic Conference

[RowanPhan]

Another close game in the annual Widener vs Rowan kickoff classic. As in other Widener games, Rowan benefited from a few big plays (transfer James Fara had 2 exciting long runs). The Profs did well limiting penalties and creating turnovers, however, the Profs couldn't manage a score in the 2nd half and that proved to be the deciding factor in the game.

Widener's QB (Towson grad) is very talented, and ran the ball well. He made some really good reads and juked the Rowan DL on many plays.

For Rowan, this was a good 'rust buster' game to kickoff the season. They played a ton of players (I'm not sure if that's normal, in some cases they had 4th stringers out there). I think it was by design to get players game action.

On to Springfield

[bman]

I was hoping to watch the entire game in the den, but the wife wasn't getting the hint at the advanced notice given starting on Wednesday. I did catch the rest of the game upstairs at the dinner table.

Bubble screens were as effective as running plays for Widener. Never big yardage, but kept the sticks moving. In the end, Widener QB was also more accurate too.

I'm seeing Rowan at 5-4 this year... unless more playmakers haven't made themselves known yet.

I caught about half of the game...
Neither team looks like they are going to be conference contenders...
Hope all is well JT

Hey Bman,

Things are going well. Austin started kindergarten, and is a yellow belt in karate. I gotta shed those COVID lbs I packed on. Hope all is well with your family.

JT in order to make you feel old...
The last time I partook in your delicious Gumbo, I was on call as my wife was overdue with our first child...
He is a freshman at Juniata this year....that is all...

[@d3jason]

Triston Harris is a great get for Widener at QB. He's from here in Dover, outstanding student and athlete.

[@d3jason]

NJAC went 2-5 this past weekend. Some shocking losses and not so shocking losses. This upcoming weekend, doesn't get any easier. CNU @ Averett, Salisbury v. UW-W, Kean v. Utica, Montclair @ Del Val, Rowan v. Springfield, TCNJ v. Cortland, William P v. FDU. We could easily see a similar record outcome. Hopefully the conference can get some good wins this week and finish above .500

Montclair is going to have to find some offense to to hang with Delaware Valley. They have always had a hard-hitting defense, but you can't expect them to score three touchdowns every week. I wonder when the last time a team that scored three defensive touchdowns lost. It's got to be a rare occurrence. It's not like they don't have some athletes on that side of the ball too. They are going to struggle to score points against a loaded Aggie defense.

Great win for CNU. Don't know what to think of Averett, who has rebuilt the program of the past couples seasons but lost 31-24  to Ferrum last week who had been down for a couple of years. Nice job by the Captain defense holding W&L, an option team, to 4.1 per rush. My worry with them is the ability to get some rushing yards from somebody other than their quarterback. That has been a problem for them the past few years.

Salisbury hosting UWW. I think the Gulls will be able to score some points, especially with Lanham's ability to hit the passes needed to open things up. I also like his size and toughness. When you defend Salisbury, the quarterback has to be pounded all game so that by the fourth quarter, the quarterback is like a boxer staggering into the late rounds.

I worry about the Gulls ability to stop the run. Wesley had success on the ground in the Spring and I thought Albright moved the well on the ground (173 yards) in the few series I watched last Saturday. They are playing the premier "punch you in the face/Pound the Rock" program in D3. I also worry about that game or two that option teams have each year were they turn it over five times. This could be a fantastic game, it's only an hour away from me but I haven't summoned the courage to tell my wife I want to go. 

Utica is a tough opponent for Kean, but at least they are home. The Cougars are another historically physical defense and the offense should move the ball better than last week (just 56 yards). I just don't know that it will be enough. The D will have to find a way off the field after allowing 8/16 on third down and 2/2 on fourth down against the Aggies, who had the ball for over 36 minutes.

The Profs have to be better on third down and get more out of the pass game. The ran for over 200. I think their defense out-athletes the option attack of Springfield.

TCNJ opened with 2019 Semifinalist Muhlenberg last week and though they are home I don't see them fairing much better against Cortland group that dominated a traditional midwest power in Wittenberg last week.

WPU is my darkhorse in the NJAC for most improved and I think they take FDU after falling by three to a West Conn. program that has won eight the past two full seasons.

So likely a 3-4 week for the NJAC.

[MRMIKESMITH]

NJAC went 2-5 this past weekend. Some shocking losses and not so shocking losses. This upcoming weekend, doesn't get any easier. CNU @ Averett, Salisbury v. UW-W, Kean v. Utica, Montclair @ Del Val, Rowan v. Springfield, TCNJ v. Cortland, William P v. FDU. We could easily see a similar record outcome. Hopefully the conference can get some good wins this week and finish above .500

Montclair is going to have to find some offense to to hang with Delaware Valley. They have always had a hard-hitting defense, but you can't expect them to score three touchdowns every week. I wonder when the last time a team that scored three defensive touchdowns lost. It's got to be a rare occurrence. It's not like they don't have some athletes on that side of the ball too. They are going to struggle to score points against a loaded Aggie defense.

Great win for CNU. Don't know what to think of Averett, who has rebuilt the program of the past couples seasons but lost 31-24  to Ferrum last week who had been down for a couple of years. Nice job by the Captain defense holding W&L, an option team, to 4.1 per rush. My worry with them is the ability to get some rushing yards from somebody other than their quarterback. That has been a problem for them the past few years.

Salisbury hosting UWW. I think the Gulls will be able to score some points, especially with Lanham's ability to hit the passes needed to open things up. I also like his size and toughness. When you defend Salisbury, the quarterback has to be pounded all game so that by the fourth quarter, the quarterback is like a boxer staggering into the late rounds.

I worry about the Gulls ability to stop the run. Wesley had success on the ground in the Spring and I thought Albright moved the well on the ground (173 yards) in the few series I watched last Saturday. They are playing the premier "punch you in the face/Pound the Rock" program in D3. I also worry about that game or two that option teams have each year were they turn it over five times. This could be a fantastic game, it's only an hour away from me but I haven't summoned the courage to tell my wife I want to go. 

Utica is a tough opponent for Kean, but at least they are home. The Cougars are another historically physical defense and the offense should move the ball better than last week (just 56 yards). I just don't know that it will be enough. The D will have to find a way off the field after allowing 8/16 on third down and 2/2 on fourth down against the Aggies, who had the ball for over 36 minutes.

The Profs have to be better on third down and get more out of the pass game. The ran for over 200. I think their defense out-athletes the option attack of Springfield.

TCNJ opened with 2019 Semifinalist Muhlenberg last week and though they are home I don't see them fairing much better against Cortland group that dominated a traditional midwest power in Wittenberg last week.

WPU is my darkhorse in the NJAC for most improved and I think they take FDU after falling by three to a West Conn. program that has won eight the past two full seasons.

So likely a 3-4 week for the NJAC.

Good takes d3jason, I want the conference to perform well and can see a 3-4 outcome. I think the Montclair State really has to rebound offensively this week. They need to find offense or you can see the game get away from them. The Defense can only do so much...sheesh they scored 3 td last week. Hopefully, they find some rhythm on O.

CNU, I loved that whole atmosphere last weekend. However, I think Averett is much better than the shortened season indicates. It is going to be tough one for the Captains, especially considering it's Averetts first home game. I think this will be good one, if CNU can limit the turnovers, I think they can get more scoring opportunities that can help get them the W.

I watch the Kean against Delaware Valley and I was impressed for a quarter with their defense. However, offensively, they have to get much much better. Maybe the change a QB will help going forward...not sure, but the Defense was on the field was to long and turnovers didn't help either. I don't think Utica is at the same level as Delaware Valley, but they are respectable in the E8 and typically compete within the middle of pack of E8. I think if Kean can get the QB settled and get some plays, they can make it a game.

Rowan played a good game for a half offensively. They have to be able to make necessary adjustments in 2nd half to continue to get points, they went 5 straight possessions without a 1st down, that really tired the defense out. However, I think they'll respond this week and come up with some more creative ways to get points on the board. They also have faced the option for the past fews year's in Salisbury, so I don't think that they will be as surprised this week with Springfield.

TCNJ had some moments early on against Muhlenberg, but penalties led to longer yard to gains that stop productive drives. However, that was all Muhlenberg needed, they were moving like clockwork early and often. I think if TCNJ can sustain drives and limit the big plays this week, they can make it a game against Cortland, but it's going to take a perfect outing for TCNJ to make this happen and hopefully catch SUNY-Cortland flying high from their big win against Wittenberg.

WPU loss a tough one again against WCONN, I thought this would be the year (still can) that WPU take the next step. They have the athletes on the perimeter. I think if they do a better job not giving opposing team short field and just getting off the field, they'll come out on top against FDU.

As for Salisbury, I think they scored early and often against Albright and played a good bend don't break defense for most of the game. However, for them to be successful this week, they have to play penalty free, can't give them additional chances (because top teams take advantage of those). They will have to be discipline (do your job, and technical in their tackling (first guy wraps, rest swarm) and play fast. Secondary has to be sound on 1on1s, they will take their shots, those will be the plays that swings field position. Offensively, they have to start off fast, no wasted opportunities, protect the ball (every play - tight ball), player execution has to be perfect. Special teams have to be flawless, coverage team has to be sound and willing to make the play,  kickers have to make the "easy fgs", punt team has to protect then cover. Salisbury will not change their identity, so the game will depend upon execution and talent. I do think Salisbury has to be  the discipline aggressor, meaning they have to mix things up both offensively and defensively, you can't allow them to know what you are doing, then it will be easy pickings. Offensively, you have to keep them on their toes, can't let them dictate. Defensively, mixing up coverages and not sitting in base to much. I'm sure the coaches have a gameplan and will get the team ready, but it will be the little things that will decide if they can win this game. Have to expect the unexpected defensively, you'll see things that you haven't seen from prior week, have great anticipation. If not, we will see a similar result like 2011 and other similar results to top tier, like games like the Muhlenberg game in 2019. I think the team will compete from start to finish, no doubt.

[RowanPhan]

Awesome posts fanofd3 and d3jason, thanks for the write ups

+ k

[Ice Bear]

Ice Bear thinking U-Dub-Dub-Dub is really going to trounce the Gulls. Ice Bear means ABSOLUTELY no disrespect and loves him some Seagulls. Ice Bear feels they may have "that one or two games a year" that option teams have and turn the ball over at least three times. Ice also feels Dub will force the Gull's O to have to move away from the run (lose confidence) and start forcing the ball through the air more than they are built to do, which is really the key to defeating an option team.

Ice is hoping to eat some big ass crow come Saturday and see the Gulls pull out a W (or make it a great game) against this very high level opponent.

Let's ****ing go Gulls!

[MRMIKESMITH]

Ice Bear thinking U-Dub-Dub-Dub is really going to trounce the Gulls. Ice Bear means ABSOLUTELY no disrespect and loves him some Seagulls. Ice Bear feels they may have "that one or two games a year" that option teams have and turn the ball over at least three times. Ice also feels Dub will force the Gull's O to have to move away from the run (lose confidence) and start forcing the ball through the air more than they are built to do, which is really the key to defeating an option team.

Ice is hoping to eat some big ass crow come Saturday and see the Gulls pull out a W (or make it a great game) against this very high level opponent.

Let's ****ing go Gulls!

No argument here, Ice Bear. History tells you that your assessment is not out of the realm. I do believe as many podcasters mentioned, this is a "PUT UP" or "SHUT UP" for the program type of game. This game will measure if Salisbury has the talent, coaching, and scheme to compete with tier 1.  I'm totally bias here and want the Seagulls to do run the triple option to perfection, continually to confuse the Warhawks. I want the defense to be discipline, read keys, be aggressive, and make plays. To paraphrase the great Muhammad Ali, I want them to finish game and say they have shooken up the World (DIII). Regardless of the result, my allegiance for the program won't change. I'm excited, this is a Top 10 matchup, all eyes will be pointed towards Salisbury tomorrow. Can't wait.

[thewaterboy]

Ice Bear thinking U-Dub-Dub-Dub is really going to trounce the Gulls. Ice Bear means ABSOLUTELY no disrespect and loves him some Seagulls. Ice Bear feels they may have "that one or two games a year" that option teams have and turn the ball over at least three times. Ice also feels Dub will force the Gull's O to have to move away from the run (lose confidence) and start forcing the ball through the air more than they are built to do, which is really the key to defeating an option team.

Ice is hoping to eat some big ass crow come Saturday and see the Gulls pull out a W (or make it a great game) against this very high level opponent.

Let's ****ing go Gulls!

No argument here, Ice Bear. History tells you that your assessment is not out of the realm. I do believe as many podcasters mentioned, this is a "PUT UP" or "SHUT UP" for the program type of game. This game will measure if Salisbury has the talent, coaching, and scheme to compete with tier 1.  I'm totally bias here and want the Seagulls to do run the triple option to perfection, continually to confuse the Warhawks. I want the defense to be discipline, read keys, be aggressive, and make plays. To paraphrase the great Muhammad Ali, I want them to finish game and say they have shooken up the World (DIII). Regardless of the result, my allegiance for the program won't change. I'm excited, this is a Top 10 matchup, all eyes will be pointed towards Salisbury tomorrow. Can't wait.

This will be an interesting contest for sure. I think Triple Option teams have harder ceilings than those with conventional offenses. Teams with defenses that know the scheme will shut down any kind of offense for a triple option team. Plus, the triple option makes it hard to come back when down scores... that's why Salisbury struggles in the playoffs.

Aside from the annual route 13 rivalry with Wesley, this is probably the biggest matchup for the Gulls since 2011 when they played UWW in the Quarterfinals.

[RowanPhan]

I will be heading over to Glassboro shortly to catch the Rowan game. Weather looks perfect, and I prefer the noon kickoff time.

Will post my 2 cents later on

Hopefully the NJAC has a strong day today

Cheers

[MRMIKESMITH]

Well it was at least a beautiful day in Salisbury today. My personal thoughts is that today's score does not tell the story how close the game was. I think Salisbury is glad that this game happened week 2 instead of week 13 or week 14. I was actually impressed with the play calling offensively today, I didn't expect Salisbury to just run the ball like crazy. I think Salisbury truly intended to be become more balance in it's play calling between the pass and run (option), this is something I haven't really seen in 15 to 20 years. However, due to some poor execution by the QB (Very Surprised), they missed out on opportunities to stay ahead on downs. The QB/WR timing of certain routes were not in sync and the balls came out low/high or short on key downs. The calls were good and there, but was not executed well. I think the only call that I would change would be the 4 and 1 within the 10 early in 2nd that would have most likely led to a 7-7 score, I would have did a QB sneak since the center wasn't covered, considering you have a 6'3 220 QB. I think going forward, this needs to be the type of play calling against the weaker teams Salisbury will face from here on out. I think running and passing out of all those formations will help the QB settle down in the future and be better prepared for better competition. As for the defense, the players played good, with the exception of an untimely penalty (neutral zone infraction). I do think they have to do better with anticipating how offenses are setting you up. We knew they would do the fake wr screen and go (9) route that led to the 70 yard td, that should never happen. I think the deep outs (post corners) and in/slants that led to first downs or tds were due to the team being to conservative in the base defense and were strictly zone breakers. I mentioned in my earlier post that the defense had to be aggressive and I believe every time the defense were aggressive, with the exception of the 1st td, they were able to get pressure on the QB for a sack or short QB run. You can't expect to get pressure with just 3 down lineman (unless they all are All-Americans), you have to help your secondary out. I think they could have mixed up the coverages some more with different looks. As for Special Teams, Punt team (punter) in particular, this was very ugly and the performance was not up to Salisbury standards that I've watch in the past, i'm very disappointed.

Overall and looking ahead, I think Salisbury is still a Top 10 team, this was definitely not their best game, athletically they were not overwhelmed. I didn't see a drastic size difference. I just didn't think they executed offensively with the new play calling and scheme  was new to the coaches and players. Defensively, I think the base defense is very good at stopping the run, but leaves pockets of certain pass routes that good teams are taking advantage of. I think if the defense can become more aggressive, mixing up the blitz and coverages, it can become a dominant defense. Special teams has to get much better, especially punt team. Looking ahead, the NJAC is looking much weaker than expected. I do think Montclair has a very good defense, but outside of that. I think Salisbury may finished unscathed. They have a bye-week this upcoming week. I would work the 1's vs. 1's  (11 on 11) from a pass offense and pass defense perspective to get better in those areas. I don't think the 3rd team scout players can help at this point in those areas if you want to get better to reach new tier. This is something that as a program has to be a big commitment to reach tier 1. I think today was a step forward, especially offensively with the play calling, although it didn't show on scoreboard and stat sheet, you have to be able get reps against teams, even if the other team is overmatched and can't stop the option.

After the bye-week, Salisbury will welcome a good WNE that is looking to make statement. Salisbury will be better after today, I'm very optimistic. I just need the players and coaches to be committed to being better, they saw everything today on what they need to do from player execution to play calling to reach the next tier. This was reason the game was scheduled. If they don't at this point realize what it takes, we will be just a regional (Top 6 - 10) regional team.

[bleedpurple]

Interesting take Fanofd3. I'm glad you are optimistic about your team. My take is that Sailsbury is a very good team that got beat by a better one. I thought UWW's defense was lights out against a very good and unique offense. They held a vaunted rushing attack to 122 yards rushing and if you set aside a 54 yard completion with 5 seconds left in the game, less than 200 total yards and 7 points. The QB was running for his life nearly every time he was throwing to receivers of any depth at all. The Whitewater defense had a ton to do  with any Gull "poor execution". I think Salisbury has an excellent defense and surprised me with their ability to limit the UWW running game. I think the Gulls will run the table the rest of the regular season. They are good. Good luck the rest of the way.

[02 Warhawk]

Yeah, if the Hawks kept their starters in there wouldn't  have been a fumble returned for a TD to make the game appear closer than it actually was.

Salisbury dline did a better job than I anticipated. I really thought Peete was going to run lose, but you guys kept him in check for the most part.

Best of luck the rest of the way

[unionpalooza]

Well it was at least a beautiful day in Salisbury today. My personal thoughts is that today's score does not tell the story how close the game was. I think Salisbury is glad that this game happened week 2 instead of week 13 or week 14. I was actually impressed with the play calling offensively today, I didn't expect Salisbury to just run the ball like crazy. I think Salisbury truly intended to be become more balance in it's play calling between the pass and run (option), this is something I haven't really seen in 15 to 20 years. However, due to some poor execution by the QB (Very Surprised), they missed out on opportunities to stay ahead on downs. The QB/WR timing of certain routes were not in sync and the balls came out low/high or short on key downs. The calls were good and there, but was not executed well. I think the only call that I would change would be the 4 and 1 within the 10 early in 2nd that would have most likely led to a 7-7 score, I would have did a QB sneak since the center wasn't covered, considering you have a 6'3 220 QB. I think going forward, this needs to be the type of play calling against the weaker teams Salisbury will face from here on out. I think running and passing out of all those formations will help the QB settle down in the future and be better prepared for better competition. As for the defense, the players played good, with the exception of an untimely penalty (neutral zone infraction). I do think they have to do better with anticipating how offenses are setting you up. We knew they would do the fake wr screen and go (9) route that led to the 70 yard td, that should never happen. I think the deep outs (post corners) and in/slants that led to first downs or tds were due to the team being to conservative in the base defense and were strictly zone breakers. I mentioned in my earlier post that the defense had to be aggressive and I believe every time the defense were aggressive, with the exception of the 1st td, they were able to get pressure on the QB for a sack or short QB run. You can't expect to get pressure with just 3 down lineman (unless they all are All-Americans), you have to help your secondary out. I think they could have mixed up the coverages some more with different looks. As for Special Teams, Punt team (punter) in particular, this was very ugly and the performance was not up to Salisbury standards that I've watch in the past, i'm very disappointed.

Overall and looking ahead, I think Salisbury is still a Top 10 team, this was definitely not their best game, athletically they were not overwhelmed. I didn't see a drastic size difference. I just didn't think they executed offensively with the new play calling and scheme  was new to the coaches and players. Defensively, I think the base defense is very good at stopping the run, but leaves pockets of certain pass routes that good teams are taking advantage of. I think if the defense can become more aggressive, mixing up the blitz and coverages, it can become a dominant defense. Special teams has to get much better, especially punt team. Looking ahead, the NJAC is looking much weaker than expected. I do think Montclair has a very good defense, but outside of that. I think Salisbury may finished unscathed. They have a bye-week this upcoming week. I would work the 1's vs. 1's  (11 on 11) from a pass offense and pass defense perspective to get better in those areas. I don't think the 3rd team scout players can help at this point in those areas if you want to get better to reach new tier. This is something that as a program has to be a big commitment to reach tier 1. I think today was a step forward, especially offensively with the play calling, although it didn't show on scoreboard and stat sheet, you have to be able get reps against teams, even if the other team is overmatched and can't stop the option.

After the bye-week, Salisbury will welcome a good WNE that is looking to make statement. Salisbury will be better after today, I'm very optimistic. I just need the players and coaches to be committed to being better, they saw everything today on what they need to do from player execution to play calling to reach the next tier. This was reason the game was scheduled. If they don't at this point realize what it takes, we will be just a regional (Top 6 - 10) regional team.

Since a few UWW fans wandered over to share their opinions, my two cents:  I didn't think the Gulls were outmatched on either side of the ball.  A couple big plays (the fourth down stop and the 70-yd TD) go differently and the Gulls would have been up in the third.  I think SU just came in with the wrong game plan, and Lanham had a rare day off.  Way too many passes and QB keeps.  Gleason and Gray ended up averaging 7 yards a rush.  I think if SU had done their usual thing this would have been closer. (And I say that as a Union fan, with respect but no love for the Gulls.)

[CNU85]

CNU loses in OT. 30-27. CNU scores on opening drive. Then yield 17 points before scoring again. I hate the L but am encouraged in the "never give up" attitude in this team. It's been awhile since I've seen this level of fight in the team. Good to see. Also nice to see a 46 yd FG that would have been good for over 50.

On to next week at home against Ferrum. Big celebration next week - 20th anniversary celebration for CNU football.