After watching film, Tony Reno talked about the poor performance in the 17-7 loss to Columbia.
“Obviously, all of us were disappointed with the outcome of Saturday’s game,” Reno said. “It came down to missed opportunities and lack of execution, especially on the offensive side. We didn’t do enough to give ourselves a chance to win. We regrouped on Sunday and we’re looking forward to getting back on the field. We have one-game seasons each week and that’s how we look at things.”
QB News
Morgan Roberts will start at quarterback on Saturday against Brown. He has 10 turnovers in his last four games.
Sophomore Rafe Chapple replaced Roberts in the second quarter for a drive and then again down the stretch in the fourth.
“I thought he did a nice job,” Reno said. “Some plays I’m sure he’d like to have back. His poise was good. He had a nice throw at the end that was called back. He’s one of those guys that not much rattles him. He’s got pretty good stock in the family as far as QBs go.”
His borther, Lee, played QB for Northern Alabama and his brother, Colton, played QB at Harvard. He also has a brother that plays TE at Georgia.
Reno mentioned freshman and third-string QB Tre Moore is also growing more comfortable with the offense. Logan Scott is currently the fourth QB on the depth chart.
RB News
Here’s a quick look at Yale’s RB situation. So top RB Candler Rich is out for the year. No. 2 Deshawn Salter missed last week’s game against Columbia and it’s unlikely he’ll play against Brown. No. 3 Jon Barton is out for the year and No. 4 Andrew Johnson is out with an injury. No. 5 RB Austin Reuland is currently the starter and No. 6 Jamal Locke is the backup. Freshman Dan Debner is next on the list and QB Stephen Barmore has also moved to RB because of all the injuries.
Staying positive
Sure, Yale has been decimated by injuries and last week’s offensive performance, one of the program’s worst in some time, was a result of that. But Reno has been encouraged by some of those stepping in to bigger roles. Players like WR Chris Williams Lopez and OL Karl Marback are among the list.
“Embrace opportunities,” Reno said. “A lot like life. Things aren’t always going to work out for you. You need to be able to adapt. Our goal here is to win championships and give these guys great skills to use the rest of their lives. This is one of those opportunities.”
When asked if he’d ever dealt with this amount of injuries during his coaching career, Carm Cozza said “never this bad.” He did explain how his 1989 team lost its top three QBs before the season even started, but still went on to win the Ivy League title with the wishbone.
Silver lining
Jason Alessi returned a punt for an 80-yard TD against Columbia. It was the fifth longest in program history.
“A huge play,” he said. “We pride ourselves on being best in special teams. It’s a huge phase of the game.”
Alessi is a two-sport athlete for the Bulldogs. He’s also on the lacrosse team, playing in the second midfield.
“You do what you have to do,” said Alessi, balancing both sports in the spring along with a rigorous academic schedule. “Stay up late, wake up early. It’s what you have to do as an Ivy League student athlete. You find a way to figure it out.”
A quick look at Brown
QB Marcus Fuller is the top passer in the league right now at 311.3 ypg. He has a great group of WRs in Alex Jette, Brian Strachan and Troy Doles. It’s defense is one of the worst in the Ivy, allowing 33 ppg. The faster-paced game on Saturday should be beneficial for Yale. For what it’s worth, the road team has won 14 of the last 19 meetings.
Heroes Day
Yale will host Heroes Day at the Bowl on Saturday.
A partnership between the Yale Veterans Association and the West Haven VA will bring a group of blind veterans to the game. There will be a $5 admission ticket for active duty members, reservists, veterans and first responders (use promo code HERO 15 at yalebulldogs.com). There will be obstacle course and a civil service and military vehicles at the Yale Veterans Association tent in the Hospitality Village.
Fans are also encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy for the U.S. Marine Coprs’ Toys for Tots drive.
In other Ivy news...
Harvard's 21-straight wins is tied with Ohio State for the most in DI football (both FBS and FCS). The Crimson are one of 14 DI teams (three in the FCS) still undefeated.
Injuries may have decimated the offense but it's wrong to say last week's struggle was "a result of that." Columbia has a very good defense, one of the best in the Ivy League. Only Harvard and Dartmouth have given up fewer points and Columbia is challenging those two for fewest yards allowed. You could look it up.
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ReplyDeleteWhat do injuries have to do with the QB fumbling, missing throws behind, over, and at the feet of intended receivers? He is still Yale's best option as the lowest rated QB in the Ivy's with three games left? Harvard is looming.
Thank you for pointing out so clearly that we are down to 5th & 6th RB. If I'm not mistaken Reuland wasn't even supposed to play RB this year. Not making excuses, but how many teams could do well in that situation? Doesn't explain weaknesses on the OL, but the absence of a run game also makes it a lot easier to defend against the passing game.
ReplyDeleteIs Barton out with an injury or has he left the team permanently?
ReplyDeleteHow ironic that Kahill Keys had another year of eligibility and (rightly so) choose not to come back. Like may of his classmates, Reno could not wait to see them all graduate. With Kahill this year, Lesson learned, be careful what you wish for coach
ReplyDelete1:51 Keys was out eligibility what you get a 6th year., know your fact.!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat are yOu talking about 1:51, Keys was not eligible!! NOT ELIGIBLE Troll trying to make trouble.
ReplyDeleteKeys missed his entire freshman football season with an injury. Therefore, had he taken the spring 2015 semester off, he could have come back as a full time student for the fall 2015 semester and played football for Yale. FACT!
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