FB: New Jersey Athletic Conference

[MRMIKESMITH]

Wow that was a tough one for the homecoming crowd today. I won't say Salisbury escaped, but Rowan came to play today and the game went well into the final minute. Kudos to Rowan, they had a really good game plan both offensively and defensively today. Rowan's offensive calls were totally different from what they did against Kean. Mike Husni (Houdini) kept a lot a plays alive with his feet and the Senior WR Maldonado had a great game, he was awesome the whole game, making big catches. Defensively, Rowan did a great job limiting the explosive plays from the Slot/RBs on the outside, but failed to contain the FB/SB explosive plays. However, Kudos to both Rowan Coaches and Players for taking this young, but very talented Salisbury team to the wire.

In terms of Salisbury; Penalties, Penalties, and more Penalties on both sides of the ball and in conjunction with Rowan's play allowed for this game to go into the last minute and drive. This is the 2nd straight week that Salisbury has struggled with too many penalties. This has to be stressed again, it cost them against Stevenson earlier this year and almost cost them against Rowan. With the exception of the penalties and turnovers, Salisbury really moved the ball effectively, the offensive coordinator had some great calls to counter what Rowan was doing. Salisbury just can't put themselves in those long distance situations offensively, it puts a strain on what the offensive coordinator can call as the play sheet  shrinks in the long yardage situations. Salisbury FB/RB continues to be a constant for the offense, he was relied on heavily and didn't disappoint. Additionally, like Rowan, Salisbury Senior WR stepped up big time and made two amazing grabs that kept Salisbury in the game on two occasions. I'd argue that every single one of his catches were critical in Salisbury winning this game. If they can continue to find ways to keep him involved, I think it will open the offense up. I think he proved that he can make those contested catches and should be given more opportunities for them in a strategic way. Now defensively,  as I aforementioned, Rowan Senior QB/WR combo was on point today, Salisbury at moments early on failed to contain the QB which allowed for big plays downfield. I was disappointed in the execution of the Defense as one of Rowan's early tds was the same play that Stevenson had ran earlier in the year, where the #2 Receiver runs a corner and the #1 receiver runs a delay post. Salisbury had done a great job when teams were trying to mirror that play. Rowan definitely showed some additional offensive schemes that Salisbury hadn't seen to much early on and I expect teams to mirror with the quad formations and RPO scheme going forward. It was both a blessing and curse as we got hurt today by it, but can learn before playing both Kean and CNU, who runs a little of it. I expect any playoff team to do as well. Hopefully we can get some defensive calls/audibles when teams come out in certain formations as opposed to sitting in our shell defense. Overall, a win is a win, and it's good that Salisbury was tested and will be tested by the toughest NJAC opponents late in the season as opposed to last year facing the weaker NJAC teams late, which did not prepare them for Hopkins 1st round. Lastly, we have to work on FGA, it is very sad to see we can't make fgs, especially after seeing many teams around the nation win games on very long fgs.

With Salisbury losing to Stevenson early in the year and projected to win out, it is looking like Salisbury will face a very tough opponent in the  opening round, possibly facing a conference champ from the likes of the MAC, CC, ODAC, or PAC, depending on how the bracket is shaped.

[phil]

Worth noting that William Paterson became the second DIII team in history to play an entire game without recording a first down in their 33-2 loss to TCNJ.

[jmcozenlaw]

Worth noting that William Paterson became the second DIII team in history to play an entire game without recording a first down in their 33-2 loss to TCNJ.

1. I never thought anybody would lose to TCNJ 33-2

2. I thought Willy P got a bunch of Wesley transfers

[Pat Coleman]

Worth noting that William Paterson became the second DIII team in history to play an entire game without recording a first down in their 33-2 loss to TCNJ.

It isn't the second time in D-III history -- not sure how poorly updated the NCAA record book is for D-III but in addition to that 1985 game, Mount Union did this to Capital last year.

[Pat Coleman]

Worth noting that William Paterson became the second DIII team in history to play an entire game without recording a first down in their 33-2 loss to TCNJ.

1. I never thought anybody would lose to TCNJ 33-2

2. I thought Willy P got a bunch of Wesley transfers

I think it was 4-6 transfers from Wesley. The biggest name, EJ Lee, is at Alvernia.

[jmcozenlaw]

Worth noting that William Paterson became the second DIII team in history to play an entire game without recording a first down in their 33-2 loss to TCNJ.

1. I never thought anybody would lose to TCNJ 33-2

2. I thought Willy P got a bunch of Wesley transfers

I think it was 4-6 transfers from Wesley. The biggest name, EJ Lee, is at Alvernia.

Thanks Pat! I know the relationship that brought EJ Lee to Alvernia for his final season.............but of all places to go to after all of his success at Wesley. Oy Vey!!! From the penthouse to the outhouse!

[Pat Coleman]

Yeah. But if you want to just play and get carries ...

[CNU85]

And it seems Alvernia is getting serious about football. At least with recent coaching hires. It will be interesting to keep an eye on them in the coming years

[MRMIKESMITH]

Salisbury slogged itself to a W this past weekend against a feisty Kean team that came in well prepared on their Senior Day after having two weeks to prepare for Salisbury. Salisbury had difficulty early on and at various moments throughout the game executing offensively. Much of this could be predicted based upon Kean having two weeks to prepare for the the spread triple option. QB played well, but I think his inexperience showed early in the decision making and "running" the triple option. He has to understand that his ability to run creates opportunities for rest of the playmakers. As such, Salisbury had to rely on the passing game to obtain close to half it's yardage, which historically for spread triple option offenses, typically isn't a good sign. However, big plays by the SR WR allowed Salisbury to capitalize through the air. There we some points left off the board due to errant passes and lack of execution from young QB, but kudos to the offensive coordinator for creating some calls to take the decision making from the young qb and putting the game in the hands of the experienced RBs and WR. Also, kudos to Kean defense as well, they forced the QB to make plays for most of the day and took the ball out of the Salisbury most experienced playmakers in that of the FB/RB and Slot/RBs.

Defensively, for the second week in the row, it looks like teams are capitalizing on the short rpo and out routes due to base alignment, where corners are playing 8-10 yards off. I understand philosophy, but at some point it's okay to be creative and put trust in players talent. I believe Salisbury defense was much more talented than Kean's offense overall, but the conservative base alignment allowed Kean to be very successful on 1st down, which kept them ahead on downs and able to convert over 40% of their 3rd downs and if Kean's RB had caught those screens plays, it would it be close to 70%.  Overall, the defense played a bend don't break defense, giving up a big play early, but held when needed late and also got a defensive td that created separation when the offense was stalling. I think the defense needs to be let off the leash a bit and trust in players to create more pressure on 1st downs and not sit in base defense and play the read and reaction game, which works for the most part when you're more talented than the other team. However, more creativity on 1st and 2nd down will need to be done this week for the NJAC Championship and possibly the playoffs, which today I expect us to face Susquehanna, Delaware Valley, or R-M-C as we will be most likely a #6 or #7 seed come bracketing.

I want to give a shout out to the kicker for nailing two good FGA, those kicks kept the game at two score leads, which kept the pressure off the defense and allowed the coaches to make certain play calls on 3rd down knowing the kicker can make a short fg. The continued improvement in FGs will always be very important for a team, able to get point on the board when drives may stall in the red zone. Again, kudos to the kicker and staff for working with them over the last few games.

Overall, Salisbury has yet to play a complete game, the closest being that TCNJ game, if Salisbury can play to that level, which is definitely Top 25 level, I think they can make some noise not only for this NJAC championship game, but possibly playoffs. However, if they play to the level the last few weeks, it's going to be another Dog fight against a good CNU team that can have Salisbury on selection Sunday looking towards which team they'll host in the ECACs instead of where the 1st round playoff matchup will be. Both players and coaches have to realize that everything is off the table, no holding back plays, schemes, or personnel packages as the playoffs start today.

[thewaterboy]

Oof tough draw for NJAC Champ Salisbury...

[MRMIKESMITH]

First I want to congratulate Salisbury for winning the NJAC and making it into the playoffs. This team has faced so much adversity this year beyond what most spectators may know. This is by far the youngest Salisbury team to have made a playoff in sometime. Again, congratulations to the Players and Coaches for getting them to this point. As far as Playoff selection, can't even argue or be as upset. Salisbury controlled its own destiny from start. Having the "worst" loss in all of R2 and SOS that meh, we were going on the road regardless. I expected a 7 "seed" or at best a 6 "seed", but as I'm sure due to travel budget, we were the odd team out due to the New England Schools being unable to get to Mount Union.

Now to recap a thrilling win yesterday against CNU. I like to again congratulate the Players and Coaching staff for getting the young but talented team into the playoffs. Want to also give a shout out to CNU players, coaches, and fans for making it a championship to remember. CNU really came out inspired on both sides of the ball and the fans were present and supported their team well. Now as far as the game concerned for Salisbury, the FB/RB was the guy of the day, scoring all of Salisbury points with the exception of the XPs (Probably should be up for team of the week). The offensive coordinator called a great game considering the poor execution from the QB. The offensive calls were very much on point for the entirety of the game and when the players executed, it was fun to watch and they couldn't be stop. The one concern I do have is from the most viable position, the QB, he has to be better in his decisions. However, this is expected as this was his 4th of 5th game starting, he was not even expected to play this year or next year according to beginning of the season depth chart. Nevertheless, he is the guy right now and has to own the moments and his decisions. Kudos are in order for him for stepping into the most crucial position for the offense and managing the offense the best you could expect a young player running the spread triple option. Also want to get props to the whole offense for rallying behind the young QB and the offensive coordinator for not panicking and staying true when the team was down early and late into the 2nd. As far as defense, CNU QB is more of an athlete than a traditional QB and his athleticism was showcased majority of the game. Outside of the interception thrown that sealed the deal for Salisbury, CNU offense was not stopped, they literally nickeled and dimed down the field and had 4 drives of 75+ yards.  Maybe somethings outside of the normal fan perspective kept the defense from making alignment changes or adjustments that would have prevented at least half of CNU tds.

Looking forward to this upcoming week against the "Standard" of Division III football. It's going to be a very tall task for this talented but young Salisbury team. It's going to take players executing the offensive scheme and the offensive coordinator being prepared for when the spread option is not working and having a real plan of action for that, which is expected against Mount. As far as defense, they can't do what they did yesterday. Hopefully, we can do somethings to help this young unit out and put them in the better positions to succeed and not just sit back and watch.   

[RowanPhan]

What a game by both Salisbury and CNU in the NJAC Championship game. How Salisbury got out of the initial hole was impressive - especially for an option team.

I will be rooting for Salisbury this weekend.  Let's go NJAC football!

[MRMIKESMITH]

Looking forward to a great game today by Salisbury. Have to execute, no turnovers, get some big plays, keep the game close. The other team will be very confident and Salisbury will have to create opportunities on the defensive side to make the other team play college football.

[MRMIKESMITH]

Congratulations to Salisbury on an awesome year, winning the NJAC and making it 3 straight playoff appearances. Congrats to the Seniors for sticking it out this year and kudos to the entire staff for helping this young team to getting to this point. Salisbury was very young this year and playing with your 5th string QB majority of the season and 80% of the roster being underclassmen, no one would expected them to make the playoffs or make a big run that would have taken beating the #2 team  in the 1st round.

As with every loss, there are always things you can learn from. However, I think I can speak for majority of supporters, we all knew (even was mentioned on d3football.com) that Elite teams do not struggle with option offenses. I think when playing Elite programs where talent is most likely on a level above, going into any game where you are one-dimensional is going to be an uphill battle and hoping that the opposing team will just not know how to play the option is more of a slap in the face to their coaches and players. Those teams are Elite for a reason. Although this team was very young, I don't want to use that excuse. Mount reminded me of the elite Wesley teams with the exception that we had no experience playing them every year or a rivalry to look forward to.

If Salisbury wants to make that jump from being a good regional team to being an "Elite Team", you are going to have to find ways to get much better talent, which I think is a slap in the face to the current players. As such, Salisbury offensively has to be better prepared for these moments against "Elite teams". They have to become much more serious about being more multiple. I think you can truly run the triple option, but you have to be able to pass the ball seriously and have a true passing scheme for these Elite teams. The offensive coordinator had made some great calls all year against inferior competition, but this scenario is the same story for the past 20 years. As previously mentioned, year after year, the triple option creates a ceiling for your team. I just ask for them to take a chance with implementing a true passing attack, Salisbury is already in 10 personnel, why not open it up.

Now to the defense, I'd have to say I'm the most disappointed in. Even though there are young players everywhere on the field defensively, I think the were exposed for the 3rd straight week with not being able to get pressure in the base defense. You can't always rely on the opposing team to make mistakes, Plunk did a great job creating time and easily dissecting Salisbury base defense.  I felt this way all year, I believe the defense should of been more multiple. I felt they should have played man and sent 5 to 6 players each time, they had minor success when they actually brought pressure. Our defensive front was not good enough to get pressure with 3 to 4 guys rushing. I would have rathered loss a quick death than a slow death sitting in base defense. I believe had we played man and brought 5 to 6 players early on, we could have created some momentum.

Special teams was probably the brightest spot all game, which is shocking as it was not the brightest for majority of the season.

Again, congratulations to the Seniors and all the players for an awesome season. A lot to be learned as a player from this season. Have to hit the weight room, have to react better to certain situations. However, I've talked to a lot of College and HS Coaches and majority always point to  the tone at the top. I do think the HC, Off Coordinator, and Def Coordinator have to do some soul search on what they can do with the talent to raise the bar. I think the simple solution is to become truly more multiple, offensively taking the triple option to the next level by adding shot-gun rpo's and hurry up theme. Defensively, stop being conservative in play calling, be the aggressor, send 6 guys.

[unionpalooza]

Congratulations to Salisbury on an awesome year, winning the NJAC and making it to 3 straight playoff appearances. Congrats to the Seniors for sticking it out this year and kudos to the staff for help this young team to this point. Salisbury was very young this year and playing with your 5th string QB majority, no one would expected them to make the playoffs or make a big run that would have taken beating the #2 in the 1st round.

As with every loss, there are always things you can learn from. However, I think I can speak for majority of supporters, we all knew (even was mentioned on d3football.com) that Elite teams do not struggle with option offenses. I think when playing Elite programs where talent is most likely on a level above, going into any game where you are one-dimensional is going to be an uphill battle and hoping that the opposing team will just not know how to play the option is more of a slap in the fact to their coaches and players. Those teams are Elite for a reason. Although this team was very young, I don't want to use that excuse. Mount reminded me of the elite Wesley teams with the exception that we had no experience playing them every year or a rivalry to look forward to.

If Salisbury wants to make that jump from being a good regional team to being an "Elite Team", you are going to have to find ways to get much better talent, which I think is a slap in the face to the current players. As such, Salisbury offensively has to be better prepared for these moments against "Elite teams". They have to become much more serious about being more multiple. I think you can truly run the triple option, but you have to be able to pass the ball seriously and have a true passing scheme for these Elite teams. The offensive coordinator had made some great calls all year against inferior competition, but this scenario is the same story for the past 20 years. As be mentioned year after year, the triple option creates a ceiling for your team. I just ask for them to take a chance with implementing a true passing attack, Salisbury is already in 10 personnel, why not open it up.

Now to the defense, I'd have to say I'm the most disappointed in. Even though there are young players everywhere on the field defensively, I think the were exposed for the 3rd straight week with not being able to get pressure in the base defense. You can't always rely on the opposing team to make mistakes, Plunk did a great job creating time and easily dissecting Salisbury base defense.  I felt this way all year, I believe the defense should of been more multiple. I felt they should have played man and sent 5 to 6 players each time, they had minor success when they actually brought pressure. Our defensive front was not good enough to get pressure with 3 to 4 guys rushing. I would have rathered lost a quick death than a slow death sitting in base defense. I believe had we played man and brought 5 to 6 players early on, we could have created some momentum.

Special teams was probably the brightest spot all game, which is shocking as it was not the brightest for majority of the season.

Again, congratulations to the Seniors and all the players for an awesome season. A lot to be learned as a player from this season. Have to hit the weight room, have to react better to certain situations. However, I've talked to a lot of College and HS Coaches and majority always point to  the tone at the top. I do think the HC, Off Coordinator, and Def Coordinator have to do some soul search on what they can do with the talent to raise the bar. I think the simple solution is to become truly more multiple, offensively taking the triple option to the next level by adding shot-gun rpo's and hurry up theme. Defensively, stop being conservative in play calling, be the aggressor, send 6 guys.

Congrats on a great season, man, and I wouldn't be too down - you were playing a team with nearly 90 freshman, where maintaining an elite program is a core value of the school.  Gulls should hold their heads up high.