Prior to taking over the Yale football program, Tom Williams spent two seasons as a defensive assistant with the Jacksonville Jaguars where he and the rest of the Jaguars' staff had to play the Indianapolis Colts twice a season. So it should not come as a shocker that Williams believes the Colts' four-time NFL Most Valuable Player Peyton Manning could be the 'x' factor.

"I think it could be a great game between two offensive teams but if it's close, I like Peyton," Williams said. "Indy's been there before and I like No. 18 (Manning) to make the big plays."

FLANDERS STEPS UP
When Yale recruiting coordinator Mike Sanford left to becoming the quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator at Western Kentucky, Williams did not have to look far for his replacement.

Defensive backs coach Rick Flanders, one of two holdovers from Jack Siedlecki's staff, added the title of interim recruiting coordinator to his duties. While the Yale coaches can't comment on recruits until the official list is announced in May, word is that the Bulldogs' staff is thrilled with the more than 20 players who have committed early.

Williams said he will start concentrating on finding a replacement for Sanford, who was also Yale's tight ends coach, in the coming weeks.