Notes from Tuesday's Media Luncheon

Yale added another dimension to its offense in Saturday’s 47-24 loss to Colgate.

Freshman QB Eric Williams proved to be a dual threat for the Bulldogs, finishing with 114 yards on 17 carries. He also threw for 171 yards and two touchdowns.

Williams came into Saturday’s game with just 23 yards on 14 rushing attempts.

Yes, he struggled with his accuracy and now has eight interceptions through three games. But it was a positive sign for the Yale offense to see Williams thrive at times with both his arm and legs.

He did take his share of hits though.

"I’ve more than encouraged him to slide to put it mildly," Yale coach Tony Reno said. "You can see why we really like because he’s tough, he can run, he can throw, he can do all those things. But it’s not high school anymore. Guys here, when they hit you, they hit you a little harder than they do in Ohio." 

LOOKING BACK

Reno also reflected Tuesday on the Bulldogs loss to the Raiders.

Yale’s offense was impressive early on, scoring on its first three drives. The Bulldogs also limited their penalties and turnovers, which has been a problem so far this season.

"We saw what we can do when we don’t hurt ourselves with mistakes," Reno said. "We played a pretty clean half."

Defense was a different story.

"We weren’t even a speed bump," Reno said. "We were getting pounded."

Colgate scored on its first five possessions and did not have to punt until early in the third quarter. Yale has given up 92 points over its last two games. Of those, 70 have come in the first half.

"We’ve been playing at a higher level in the second half," senior linebacker Ryan Falbo. "We need to find a way to come out with that same intensity or sense of urgency. We can’t let them be the aggressor."

INJURY UPDATE

RB Mordecai Cargill is back practicing after missing Saturday’s loss to Colgate with an injury, so that is a good sign he will be ready to go against Dartmouth Saturday barring any setbacks.

Also, Reno said WR Sebastian Little will be back on the field in a couple of weeks. The former Cheshire standout was injured in the season opener against Georgetown.