4-Down Friday

Here is a look at four things to keep an eye on when Yale hosts No. 8 Fordham on Saturday.

Another challenge: Yale's young defense has exceeded all expectations so far. Saturday will be its biggest challenge yet. The Rams are among the nation's top-scoring offenses at 40.6 ppg and averaging just under 500 ypg. UConn-transfer QB Michael Nebrich leads the nation completing 74.2 percent of his passes. He is great at taking what the defenses give him. They also have a talented RB in Carlton Koonce and another UConn transfer in WR Tebucky Jones, Nebrich's top target.
 Also, keep in mind, Fordham has outscored its opponents 82-44 in the fourth quarter.

Stepping up: LB Will Vaughan has emerged this season as a real factor on the defensive side for the Bulldogs. He has a knack for getting to the ball and is averaging 10.5 tackles a game (he had 20 tackles last week) and also has a sack this season. Yale will need a big day from Vaughan this week.

Down a playmaker?: Chris Smith left the game with a knee injury in the second quarter last week and did not return. His status for Saturday's game is unknown. If he's unable to go, look for players like Grant Wallace and maybe Cam Sandquist to step in and really get a shot to contribute. Both were key players in last year's passing game. And if Smith is out, that should mean increased targets for Deon Randall.

Bouncing back: QB Henry Furman struggled last week and had his worst performance of the year, completing 15-32 passes for 144 yards with one interception. He did rush for a 17-yard touchdown. But Furman just didn't seem comfortable in the pocket, failing to complete passes he made earlier in the year. Yale will need Furman to bounce back in a big way if the Bulldogs are going to have any shot in keeping up with Fordham's offense.