The Bulldogs opened their season with a 23-10 win over the Holy Cross Crusaders.
Yale methodically marched down on the opening series with a long Klubnik pass and a two yard touchdown scamper from Dudek. Lamar had a nice eleven yard carry on the drive, but signaled for relief to the sideline and was not seen again. Howland suffered a serious injury on the next possession and may be lost for the season. Shohfi was dressed for the game, but did not participate. In his absence, Conte, Herring, and Tipton saw extended action and each was highly impressive. Conte led all receivers with three catches for 54 yards. Klubnik played up to his usual standard, although Rawlings seemed to force a few balls to him when other receivers had more favorable matchups. Dudek appeared to be fully healthy running for 96 yards with an average of 5.1 yards per carry. Alston suffered a serious injury leaving McElwain as Yale’s only healthy power runner. Rawlings wasn’t as crisp as we’ve seen him, yet he showed the same grit and determination as he did in the 2017 campaign. The offensive line play was up and down both in pass blocking and run blocking. Dudek had several large holes paved for him, but on obvious running situations, the Crusaders were able to penetrate the backfield. The line did well against Holy Cross’ base front in passing situations. When Holy Cross decided to blitz, Rawlings was left scrambling for his life.
The tackling on defense is much improved from a season ago. Plays that would have turned into touchdowns last season were contained for the most part. The front seven had a nice showing led by Matthaei. Matthaei racked up six tackles, three TFLs and one sack. Nickerson had three tackles and a momentum changing fumble recovery. Burke, Awodiran, Pope, Dean and Thomas all had good performances at linebacker. The secondary is still a work in progress. Holy Cross had a few receivers streaking wide open on long passes, but Degenhardt failed to deliver catchable passes. The defensive backs still do not turn their heads to play the ball.
The kicking and punting need to be improved in a hurry. Tuckerman missed the first extra point and Bosman only averaged 35 yard per punt with one punt hitting a Bulldog’s helmet as he ran down the field to cover. Rouse is a phenomenal punt returner and should have a touchdown or two in this position over the course of the year.
The offensive play calling was effective, but too predicable at times. Running Dudek on 3rd and short early in the contest when Alston was still available did not make sense. The 3rd and 5 run with Charles was also a mistake. All in all, it was a solid coaching performance for a first game with several star players out.
Next up: the Cornell Big Red
Anonymous says:
Why do the defensive backs STILL not play the ball instead of turning their backs on it? This is got to be a coaching problem, for it has gone on for years now without improvement.
September 23, 2019 — 8:49 PM
remember it well says:
In addition to the injured players previously mentioned. I did not see pro prospect Dieter Eiselen on the field Saturday. Starting another season where several star players are out of action by the first game. Agree with the moderator regarding the kicking game – it’s weak. Kicking unit on any team can rarely improve much during the course of the season.
September 23, 2019 — 9:06 PM
JH says:
Nice job Former Bulldog, Thank goodness for the depth of this team. I wish JJ could catch a break. That kid is a gonna be great.
Looking forward to going on Saturday.Roll Dogd. !!
To Coach Reno, Good job. Hoping to see this team doing fantastic.
September 23, 2019 — 9:17 PM
Anonymous says:
Guys i know your tired of hearing this but same old offense same running plays.They know where the ball is going.Now we have some of our best running backs out with injures. And that was only our first game. Get the freshman ready where going to need them. If things do not change on offense for get the season its will be over. What happen to the new offense Cahill was going to put in or was that just a pipe dream. Get real guys do not put all your eggs in one basket.The way the other teams played sat even brown it could be a long season.
September 23, 2019 — 9:41 PM
JH says:
Absolutely , there’s so much talent you guys should be having so much fun just winging it just having a great time I can see that
Come on put it together. Give the people a show.!!! Give them a reason to come. Especially since. Vicky is The Grinch ,Yale should be trouncing. Every team.
Go Yale
September 23, 2019 — 10:04 PM
Wall St. Dog says:
What brand new offense do you want to see them run? Football is football. There were tons of RPO elements in what the dawgs were running. You must have zero football IQ to think the Yale O is archaic. Do you want them to start running the A-11?
September 24, 2019 — 1:24 PM
JH says:
WSD, hey your loaded with talent so many options. Why not.?
If you have a BMW why ride around in a KIA.? A little imagination goes along way.
September 24, 2019 — 1:49 PM
bob semple says:
can you keep us up to date on the injuries? The Lamar thing is particularly mysterious. The YDN snd NH Register are hopeless on this score. I heard at the Yale Club today that Shohfi has a groin pull. Dieter also mysterious, Alston and Howland obvious.
September 24, 2019 — 1:42 PM
Anonymous says:
Ok wise ass . Run the same offense see how many more backs go down. The hell with you all Univ of new haven here i come.
September 24, 2019 — 3:51 PM
remember it well says:
Groin injuries can take a couple of weeks for a complete recovery. Hope Shohfi’s is not severe.
September 24, 2019 — 4:24 PM
voy vey says:
There was some spark to the offensive scheme at first — Dudek and Lamar on the field at the same time, Dudek lining up in the slot, etc. It seemed like once Lamar left the game, things got a bit more vanilla.
September 24, 2019 — 5:30 PM
JH says:
The Cornell Sun has a article, where. Theyre hoping to essentially catch Yale sleeping.
September 26, 2019 — 4:31 PM
Anonymous says:
I’d say we’re sleeping. Hope to wake up by Saturday am!
September 26, 2019 — 5:30 PM