Keys to Defeating Lehigh

• Limit Brad Mayes

In last year’s contest, Mayes threw for over 500 yards and 6 touchdowns in back-up duty.  Now as the full time starter this season, Mayes has thrown for over 300 yards in both contests.  Keeping Mayes under 300 yards passing will be a tall task for Rymiszewski and company.  The defense will have to employ a bend, but not break mentality.  We can give up the short passes and let them burn the clock, but if Lehigh’s receivers beat our corners and safeties over the top, it will be a grueling day for the Bulldogs.

• Slow down Bragalone

Bragalone is a strong, patient runner that keeps defenses off balance.  Yale will not be able to stack the box to stop Bragalone as this will leave the secondary exposed.  We will have to rely on determined play from our defensive line and linebackers to fill the running lanes.

• Establish a rhythm offensively

This will be Lehigh’s third contest of the season and we can expect their offense to be crisp.  We will experience some early mental mistakes by the Bulldogs in their first contest, but if Rawlings can get in rhythm with talented wideouts like Williams-Lopez, we can put up points on Lehigh’s leaky defense.  The best defense is a good offense and we need to focus on methodical drives to keep the ball away from Lehigh.  If Lamar is still out with an injury, Salter and Dudek will have to step up to keep our offense from becoming one dimensional.  Many have compared Dudek to Lehigh’s Bragalone due to their high school roots, so it will be interesting to see how they compare on the same field of play.

• Execute on the offensive line

Yale has the most talented receiving corps in the Ivy League, but if we can’t protect Rawlings, there will be no hope of stretching plays downfield.  The team that can win in the trenches will win this game.  Diagnosing blitzes and communicating along the line can give Rawlings enough time to pick apart Lehigh’s secondary.