The first practice of the week did not lack for intensity but after seeing a few scuffles between teammates and some chirping back and forth did not sit well with Yale coach Tom Williams.
Williams began his post-practice address by challenging his players to talk the talk only if they can walk the walk, something that did not happen enough in Saturday's loss at Lafayette.
"I made that point after practice that the line is drawn when the play on Saturday is not a result," Williams said. "When you can talk the game on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and not play that way on Saturday, it is just talk. They have to make sure they back it up. That is my whole point. If you want to be a tough guy, you have to be a tough guy on Saturday. Don't be a tough guy Tuesday-Thursday, be a tough guy on Saturday. I am anxious to see if we can do that."
It was a pretty productive practice other than the stuff after the whistle. Chris Smith, whose 174 receiving yards against Lafayette was the 11th best performance in Yale football history and most since Peter Balsam's 181 yards against Brown in 2008, made some impressive catches including a sweet grab of an underthrown ball which resulted in an enthusiastic greeting from his position coach Kefense Hynson. His fellow receivers were not having as much luck holding onto the ball.
Defensively, Jake Stoller (who has 3 1/2 sacks in the last two games) and Jordan Haynes came away with turnovers with Stoller bringing a fumble back about 50 yards for a score.
Wes Gavin, who started the first four games of the season at left tackle, remains on crutches with his injured left ankle protected by a walking boot. It doesn't look promising for Gavin to be back for Saturday's game against Penn. Freshman defensive back Nick LaTesta, a special teams standout, missed Tuesday's practice with a shoulder injury but Williams is hopeful LaTesta will be ready for Saturday's game.
With Gavin out, there has to be some concerns about the depth at tackle. I heard Talerico is starting to get back to full health but the coaches are not sure if he'll be ready to go this weekend. Would be huge if he could get back on the field for Penn...
ReplyDeleteGavin is a beast. Obviously it's a big loss. Yale would be well-served to do three-step drops and get it out of Witt's hands quickly. The longer a play, the worse he seems to do.
ReplyDeleteTalerico is back and should be able to play this weekend.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing Carbery starts even if Talerico is back, right? And can you publish the updated two-deep depth chart? Haven't seen it since you put it up I think before the first game.
ReplyDeleteYale hasn't published an updated depth chart since the season started but since Talerico got his lone start at guard, I'd think he'd have a better chance to playing there. If something happens to Collins or Carbery, I'd expect to see somebody like a Kyle White but we'll see what happens on Saturday
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