Cornell Preview

The 0-1 Cornell Big Red will travel to New Haven this Saturday to take on the Bulldogs at the Bowl.  Kickoff is slated for noon and the game will be televised on ESPN+.

Cornell dropped its season opener to 22^nd ranked VMI 31-21 last weekend in Ithaca.  Senior quarterback Richie Kenney completed 18 of 47 passing attempts for 273 yards and two touchdowns.  VMI was able to contain the Big Red’s rushing attack limiting starting senior running back, SK Howard, to just 35 yards on 11 carries.  Senior wide receiver Thomas Glover accounted for most of the reception yards hauling in 7 catches for 159 yards and a touchdown.  Cornell actually outgained VMI in total offensive yards but lost the time of possession battle and allowed VMI to convert on three 4^th down attempts.  The Bulldogs will face another veteran squad this week as the Big Red feature 19 senior starters many of which are fifth year seniors.

Although Cornell quarterback Richie Kenney struggled with his accuracy and decision making in the opening contest, he was dangerous when on target averaging 15.2 yards per completion.  He showed great poise in the pocket as he was willing to set his feet and deliver a strike before taking big hits from pass rushers.  Kenney poses a much larger passing threat than we saw last week from Holy Cross’ Sluka.  Cornell threw the ball on over 63% of offensive downs and utilizes a more varied offensive scheme than we’ve seen from them in the past with additional spread formations, run-play-option schemes, screens and traditional power-running formations.

Senior running back SK Howard is a balanced, versatile back that averaged 5.7 yards per carry in 2019.  Howard splits carries with fellow seniors Devon Brewer and Delonte Harrell.  Based on the Yale-Holy Cross footage, Cornell may elect to test the Bulldogs’ run defense early on to control the clock.  Our defensive line must take control of the line of scrimmage this week to limit the rushing attack and force Kenney into 3^rd and long throws.    

The wide receivers, in particular senior Thomas Glover, were able to consistently create separation from VMI defenders.  Glover is an extremely athletic wideout and crisp route runner that will have to be schemed against this week.   Senior wide receivers Alex Kuzy and Curtis Raymond III are large targets at 6’2”, 204 lbs. and 6’4”, 208 lbs. respectively that combined for 5 catches and 73 yards.  Cornell also looks to junior Javonni Cunningham on short passing plays to try to utilize his play-making abilities.  Senior tight end Ryan Fitton (6’5”, 245 lbs.) is a solid blocker and pass catcher that hauled in a 40-yard reception in the first contest. 

Cornell always seems to have a large offensive line and this year is no exception.  Senior Hunter Nourzad (6’4”, 298 lbs.) is the most talented of the bunch and was a 2^nd Team All-Ivy League selection in 2019.  Seniors Jack Burns (6’3”, 295 lbs.) and Robert Fatovic (6’3”, 292 lbs.) are both returning starters from 2019 at center and guard respectively.  The offensive line was not able to consistently establish the run game versus VMI but excelled in pass protection by not allowing a single sack on 47 passing plays.  The Bulldogs will have to get more creative this week in dialing up line stunts and blitzes to keep the Big Red off balance. 

Cornell’s defensive coordinator Jared Backus favors a very aggressive defensive scheme with multiple blitz packages.  The Big Red’s secondary is stacked with experience and depth.  Senior safety Logan Thut (6’3”, 214 lbs.) led the defensive effort against VMI with a team-high 7 tackles.  Junior safety Jalyx Hunt (6’3”, 236 lbs.) is an NFL-sized safety that recorded 6 tackles last week.  Senior safety Isiah Hogan racked up 6 tackles while fellow senior safety Eric Diggs had 4 tackles and an interception off of a tipped pass.  Senior cornerback Kenan Clarke had 5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss and a sack against VMI that came on a corner blitz.  

The linebackers are the heart and soul of the Cornell defense.  Junior linebacker Jake Stebbins notched 6 tackles versus VMI and was a 2019 finalist for FCS Freshman of the Year.  Senior linebacker Lance Blass has been a starter since 2018 and racked up 6 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and half a sack last week.   Sophomore Noah Taylor played well in his first career start with 5 tackles, half a tackle for loss and half a sack.  The communication along our offensive front will have to be stellar this week to account for the blitzing linebackers, safeties and corners. Screens, quick-hitting passing plays and tight end targets should be utilized to make Cornell pay for its aggressiveness. 

Senior defensive lineman Jack Muench (6’3”, 263 lbs.) is the leader of the defensive line and had 3 tackles and a sack versus VMI.  Senior Max Lundeen (6’4”, 257 lbs.) and Sophomore Connor Morgan (6’3”, 270 lbs.) are both first-time starters that are stout at the point of attack.  The interior of our offensive line must improve significantly this week to allow Dudek and O’Connor to establish a rhythm.

Senior kicker Scott Lees was 3 for 3 on PAT’s and missed his only field goal attempt, a 39-yard try in the fourth quarter.  Senior punter Koby Kiefer averaged 37.5 yards per punt in the season opener.  Cornell’s punt coverage was excellent allowing just 3.0 yards per punt return, however VMI exposed Cornell’s kickoff coverage returning a kick for 61 yards.  It’s imperative for Yale to play excellent on special teams this week to win the field position battle.

Go Bulldogs!