Yale emerged from Saturday’s contest victorious with a hard fought win over Cornell 27-16.
The first drive started off beautifully with the offensive line opening big holes for Dudek and Rawlings slinging the ball to open receivers. The drive stalled inside Cornell’s redzone and instead of taking the three points on fourth down, Cahill gambled with a Dudek run up the middle that was stopped short. As we mentioned last week, Dudek is not a fourth and short runner. Dudek has excellent vision, balance and quickness, but he needs space to operate that simply is not there on fourth and short situations. Given that our power backs Lamar and Alston were out with injuries, we should have tried for a field goal or come up with a short passing play to our plethora of talented wideouts and tight ends. There seems to be a disconnect on the offensive side of the ball as to how to utilize the talent that we have effectively. The offensive line play started off strong, yet deteriorated as the game went on. Rawlings never seemed comfortable in the pocket finishing with 181 yards passing, one touchdown and one interception. Running a slant pattern in the redzone is no longer a safe option at the collegiate or pro level with every safety and corner looking to jump the route. Klubnik, Shohfi, and Tipton each hauled in four passes, while Roman had another strong showing at tight end.
The Bulldog’s defense was a lifesaver in this contest. Burke and Pope were out with injuries and Dean was injured during the contest, so the front seven struggled to contain Cornell’s potent rushing attack. With their backs against the wall, the secondary came up with big play after big play. Rodney Thomas had two interceptions including a “pick six”, while Dathan Hickey also had two interceptions at critical moments. Awodiran had a nice showing as he racked up a total of 10 tackles on the day. Ifesinachukwu added the lone sack for the Elis and continues to get better each week.
The special teams play improved tremendously in just a week. Tuckerman did not miss a kick, while Bosman averaged just shy of 40 yards per punt. Shohfi had the second best highlight of the afternoon (behind Thomas’ interception for a score) taking an onside kick back for a touchdown to destroy any chance of a Cornell comeback. Other Ivy opponents will be thinking twice before attempting an onside kick against us.
14 replies on “Cornell Notes”
A very fair assesment. Offense average, due to poor playing calling and poor OL execution. Defense performing much better. We must have a dozen key players injured to date. (But who are they?). This is a perennial problem for Yale (and it seems a lot of the IL). What is going on?
Great write up and I look forward to them, but could you also add your thoughts on Vicki Chun. How she performs and rank her against other A.D.s we are facing this season. I think that is why there is only one reply in the past few days. Not enough talk about what doesn’t go on the field
Why is there so much worry about Vicki Chun? I think she is doing a fine job. The Yale AD position is one I do not envy. The entire department is living in the dark ages and all of the crotchety alums are standing in the way of progress.
WSD…I’m being facetious…people (here, FB & voy,) clamor for info in the off season….and when the season is approaching/happening, no one talks X & Os it’s just a bitchfest. and the attendance…..my God……they don’t give it a rest
Glad we are seeing eye to eye. Hope for a speedy recovery for your boy
He’ll be in there vs his old line coach this weekend
You are exactly right! Some people just have never adjusted to the FCS version of the Ivy League. Virtually all the bitching we see could easily be directed to any one of the other Ivy schools, including attendance. Yes, there is a difference in coaching success, but there always has been and there always will be.
Never had to until Vicky Chun came to town.
There is no point in discussing either Amy Chun or Tony Reno. There is no way she is gong to fire Reno and there is no way Peter Salovey is going to fire her.
How much of an advantage is it that Fordham’s head coach was Yale’s OC just two years ago? Probably not much as it seems every opponent has known what plays Yale was going to run so far this season.
Im not saying one word about the offense we all been writing about it four years.It will be the death of this team if changes are not made starting this weekend,I can see them winning two more games and thats it.What a shame with all that talent.
No coverege in the Register? I lived in Worcester for several years, and I cannot imagine the Telegram & Gazette not having leading coverage of Holy Cross. Has there been a falling out with Yale athletics? Now the FYA News Letter has been shut down for lack of a writer?!!
Gentlemen; my hats off for the fine coverage of the big red clash. My concern this week is the depth at linebacker. The coaches need to get the reserves ready to play. reserve linebacker number 35 had no clue he was supposed to cover the big red halfback out of the back field resulting in an 89 yard touchdown. This weekend against the rams would be good time to give reserve linebackers some experience. Hopefully the offensive cordinator wakes up this week and allows our signal caller to throw the ball down the field to our best split ends as suggested by the commentator mr. ford.
I am expecting a big Saturday for the blue offense. We lead the Ivy’s in time of possession and they have been moving the ball. If we can limit the drive killing penalties we will be fine. I agree we need to take more shots downfield but we have to let our big guys wear down the opposing defense. As bad as they played the last two weeks they owned the fourth quarter thanks to the guys up front.