By Michael Kelley ’14
Photo by Ally Hill ’15
Hopes for a Patriot League Championship may have ended with last Saturday’s 65-41 loss to Colgate, but for Lafayette football, a winning record hangs in the balance and that is all the reason to keep fighting.
For some programs, a winning record is a given. But for Lafayette (5-4, 2-2 PL) and the senior class, it’s a mission they’ve been attempting to accomplish since 2009. A win this Saturday against Fordham (5-4) would guarantee a winning record heading into the final game of the season against the undefeated Lehigh Mountain Hawks.
THREE KEYS TO VICTORY
Limit the Fordham offense: Here’s the good news: nothing can get worse than last week when the Lafayette defense got torched for a Patriot League Record 755 yards of total offense and 65 points against Colgate. Coach Frank Tavani and his defense better have learned some tips on what not to do to apply to tomorrow’s game against a Fordham team that averages 29.8 points per game, 145 rushing yards per game, 282.2 passing yards per game, and 5.6 yards per play.
Establish the running attack: Against Colgate last Saturday, the Lafayette ground game had its most successful outing of the season, rushing for 284 yards, 142 from Ross Scheuerman ‘15 and 120 from Vaughn Hebron ‘13. To win against Fordham, Scheuerman and Hebron need to run the ball successfully to control the tempo of the game and the time of possession. However, it may be more difficult than last week, as Fordham boasts a defensive front that Tavani described as “the biggest he’s seen this season.”
Win the turnover battle: It’s no secret: when Lafayette turns the ball over, they lose games. In their four losses, the Leopards have a turnover margin of -10. In five wins, they are +15. Whether it is Andrew Shoop ‘13 or Zach Zweizig‘15 that starts at quarterback, limiting turnovers will be essential to leaving the Bronx with a victory tomorrow afternoon.
