This is a pretty active fan base and a good forum, so I thought I'd add a few thoughts about the game. I watched the first 3 quarters live on TV and the final one later (although I already knew the score).
In many, many ways, this was a repeat of the playoff game last year. Richmond dominating TOP and keeping Lehigh's offense off-balance and in-check in the first half. However, finishing drives and scoring seems to be a consistent theme for the Spiders. That said, the Lehigh defense was tremendous this past weekend (even missing its top two defenders), so that certainly contributed to UR's challenges. Lehigh's offense looked awful for the first 28 minutes of the game, but got into a rhythm. UR's defense is stout, but does seem a little susceptible to big(ger) plays. Regardless, they only surrendered 20 and 21 points to a capable Lehigh offense.
Overall, UR has a lot of talent and some very good speed, which will evidence itself the rest of the season and I expect UR to be in the hunt for the title in November. Lehigh was a little shaky on offense, but I think they will work some things out. It's a team with talent, but the OL is mostly rebuilt, so I do think there will be some occassional weakness throughout the season. Lehigh's D will keep them in every game.
I think the score reflected what we all knew: two top 25 teams that are not separated by much. Last year's game had a 4 point differential; this year's was 7, so there is that 3 point home-field advantage.
UR is a great addition to the PL and I think you'll start to enjoy this league more and more, especially after this initial sting wears off. To be fair, I think when the league change was announced most UR fans figured the PL would be a cake-walk. Obviously the loss last year to Lehigh reset some expectations. The legacy league is getting better so should be a fun season.
I'm looking forward to visiting the Brick House again next year as I love UR's campus.
In many, many ways, this was a repeat of the playoff game last year. Richmond dominating TOP and keeping Lehigh's offense off-balance and in-check in the first half. However, finishing drives and scoring seems to be a consistent theme for the Spiders. That said, the Lehigh defense was tremendous this past weekend (even missing its top two defenders), so that certainly contributed to UR's challenges. Lehigh's offense looked awful for the first 28 minutes of the game, but got into a rhythm. UR's defense is stout, but does seem a little susceptible to big(ger) plays. Regardless, they only surrendered 20 and 21 points to a capable Lehigh offense.
Overall, UR has a lot of talent and some very good speed, which will evidence itself the rest of the season and I expect UR to be in the hunt for the title in November. Lehigh was a little shaky on offense, but I think they will work some things out. It's a team with talent, but the OL is mostly rebuilt, so I do think there will be some occassional weakness throughout the season. Lehigh's D will keep them in every game.
I think the score reflected what we all knew: two top 25 teams that are not separated by much. Last year's game had a 4 point differential; this year's was 7, so there is that 3 point home-field advantage.
UR is a great addition to the PL and I think you'll start to enjoy this league more and more, especially after this initial sting wears off. To be fair, I think when the league change was announced most UR fans figured the PL would be a cake-walk. Obviously the loss last year to Lehigh reset some expectations. The legacy league is getting better so should be a fun season.
I'm looking forward to visiting the Brick House again next year as I love UR's campus.
