I borrowed this idea from my favorite Islanders blog, where Chris Botta dissects the latest game with a list of plusses and minuses.
The Ithaca Bombers (7-3) defeated the SUNY Cortland Red Dragons (7-3) yesterday at Butterfiedl Stadium capturing their third straight Cortaca Jug, and the 34th in school history. Although, the game was not pretty as many mistakes were made by both sides, it was Ithaca capitalizing on their chances.
Plus: Statistically, senior quarterback Brian Grastorf had his worst game of the season, yet still found a way to make good throws late in the 4th quarter to give the Bombers a two-possession lead and some breathing room. 2-0 in Cortaca Jugs.
Minus: In his final game at Ithaca, Grastorf went 12-for-27 with an interception and no touchdowns.
Plus: Sophomore cornerback Mike Conti had himself a ball game! An interception in the first quarter with the Red Dragons driving into Bombers territory, and perhaps the most heads up play of the game when he raced down the field and tipped the ball back into play after a punt was clearly headed for a touchback. The ball was downed on the Cortland 5-yard line, leaving them needing to go 95 yards with only 1:09 left in the game. Definitely one of the three-stars of the game and only a sophomore!
Minus: Coach Welch’s play calling must be looked at with some serious question marks after this game. Welch’s (or the offensive coordinator’s) ran the ball on every first down play, even after it was clear Cortland had recognized the pattern and was shutting down the run game completely. Also, the decision to start playing conservative late in the 3rd quarter was mind-boggling. Only up by a touchdown, Ithaca ran the ball 3 times on 2 drives in a row, both ending with quick punts and putting a defense that did not look all that sharp on the field. Ithaca could have blown this game wide open, but the coaches took their feet off the gas, and played ultra conservative, and it almost cost Ithaca the Jug.
Minus: Cortland could have won this game, but mistakes on special teams, most notably a fumbled return as well as countless big returns for Ithaca, led to great field position for the Bombers.
Plus:Sophomore kicker Andrew Rogowski played a great game. 3/3 on field goal attempts. But where Rogowski really earned his keep was punting. It seemed as if every long snap was high, almost clearing his head on every attempt. Rogowski was sharp though and made great punts that never allowed Cortland to have a big return and set up their offense with good field position. If not for a huge special teams victory for the Bombers, this result of the game could have been much different.
