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As an avid video game fanatic, I recall playing a game called QWOP. In the game, you had to use your keyboard to get an Olympic runner to run a 100 Meter Dash.It was the most frustrating game to play. Actually, it was considered one of the worst video games ever. If you never heard of it, try it.
It took me a while to get my thoughts right so I can talk about this week. Watching the CIAA compete this week was as frustrating as playing said video game (probably one of the worst opening weekends ever). The conference collectively went 1-9 in true OOC competition. That one team standing tall was Virginia State, which did little wrong in their total dismantling of South Atlantic Conference foe Lenoir-Rhyne on the road nonetheless. Thank you, Trojans, for saving face for the rest of us. The Trojans were about as balanced as can be on offense. All three RBs scored in that game via the ground and the air. The Trojans locked down on defense, only susceptible to some long passing plays. There was probably some pent up frustrations taken out on L-R given the lackluster performance to start the last couple of seasons. The difference a coach and a season can make.
In my real life profession, I troubleshoot situations first by diagnosing the root cause of the problem.
SPOILER ALERT
Conference teams accounted for the following pitiful statistics:`
- Lost a game due to safeties (2 teams)
- Called a timeout during a kickoff (1)
- Had more than 100 yards in penalty yards (3)
- Had negative rushing yards (2 more after Chowan)
- Had four or more turnovers (2)
- Blew a lead of 14 points or more (1)
For entertainment purposes, can you spot who did what?
Winston-Salem State (Lost to DII Independent UNC-Pembroke 20-17)
What went wrong: I wanted to highlight this game because there was no back and forth (like Bowie), offensive impotence (like some of our compadres), or simply being overmatched. WSSU was up 17-0 at one time and had UNC-P searching for answers. The Braves simply locked down on defense, the Ram offense went plain vanilla after the half (mostly run and not many plays), and the defense ran out of gas in the end.
How can it be fixed: Ram fans should remember the beginning of the 2013 season when Connell Maynor went for the knockout punch against UNCP and it royally backfired.The talent sure is there, but someone needs to do something with the offensive play call. Either you tailor the offense to your talent or you get the talent to run the offense.For the vaunted running back stable, you never saw a multiple RB set or anything.Whatever you do, you never give up that kind of a lead against a quality opponent and you never play to lose.
What went wrong: Where do I start? Moreover, the Panthers were in midseason form with drive-killing penalties and costly turnovers. Yes, the Panthers outgained the Pioneers 359-228, but the Panthers had 14 penalties for 117 yards. Shawheem Dowdy threw three interceptions, which killed a lot of momentum and put Post in position to capitalize.
How can it be fixed: I can understand that you want your players to have a nasty streak and be very physical, but at some point Head Coach Mark James has to recognize that something has to be done about the penalties. I suspect that the safeties may have been first game jitters, but they needs to be shaken off rather quickly.
What went wrong: In any other game, 48 points scored would result in a blowout victory. Perhaps it was first game jitters, but at one point Bowie blew TWO timeouts on trying to set up a kickoff after a touchdown. Bowie also caught a case of panther-itis: They had 11 penalties for 121 yards. Ultimately, the teams were so even that the difference in margin came down to a couple of stops and a missed BSU Field Goal.
How can it be fixed: Welp, this loss fell squarely on the defense, which is a surprising for a unit that was so dominant last year. The lapses have to be fixed in a hurry. BSU lived off the big plays, and moved the ball through the air really well. This was a game that could have slowed down some with a productive ground game. Bowie will be able to blow out teams with a pass game that potent, but balance will need to be achieved to challenge the upper echelon of the Region.
): Very good for a win. These two teams have meet the last three years, with Bowie sporting a 2-1 record. While Bowie will be challenged by the Golden Bulls secondary, they should have an easier time rushing than last week. That will make the difference.
Shaw (Lost to DII Independent Limestone 38-6)
What went wrong:Shaw starred in the sequel, totaling eight turnovers. How many yards did they have at the end of the first half you ask?
How can it be fixed: Shaw is an extremely young team, and young players have to learn to avoid turnovers.Half of the turnovers were from lost fumbles, and that means ball carriers have to maintain ball control. The positive side of Saturday was first year starting QB Timothy Abbott was able to put the ball into the air. A second positive note: Bruce Parker prevented the shutout with the pick six.
Miniscule. Wingate is a much better team than Limestone, and JCSU is a much better than Shaw. This one has the potential to get ugly.
What went wrong: It was every bit of a chess match between the two schools.The difference came down to two significant areas. The Lions lost this game because of the lack of a kicking game. Moreover, Lincoln still does not have even a capable passing game to release pressure off of RB Stephen Scott.
How can it be fixed: Lincoln may or may not be able to fix the kicking game this season with only one dedicated Kicker/Punter on the roster.As if the Lions needed anymore obstacles, an inability to fix that issue this year places them at a significant disadvantage in games. The offensive line is a big and decent unit, so the coach staff will need to find a way to either get Scott or the WRs the ball through the use of screens or short passes.
The Missouri team was more effective through the air than they were on the ground.Nonetheless, the offense only put up 13 points. (sigh) I threw a dart and chose the Lions.
What went wrong: This futbol-type score was the result of nonexistent offensive production. Literally. The offense produced points for Benedict via a safety (Again?! Yes, I know, someone else lost because of a safety). The loss of Drew Powell is very evident, as the Tigers keyed in on Jarius Richardson; hence, the Blue Bears only had eight yards rushing.
How can it be fixed: Welp, someone will need to produce on offense, as the defense held their ground.
50-50. Edward Waters played Morehouse tough before faltering late. The Tigers are a slightly easier opponent than Benedict.I stand with Ed.
What went wrong: Two things stand out in the loss: Although JCSU outpassed the Bulldogs, the running game was impotent with negative 20 yards. Wingate was able to use their own rushing game to convert 50 percent of third downs, thus extending drives.
How can it be fixed: Both the offensive and defensive lines need attention. Missed tackles and an inability to penetrate the offensive line did the Golden Bulls in, and that has to change. Rushing has to be get better somehow, someway, and that starts on the offensive line.
Not good, as noted in the Bowie State writeup.
What went wrong:
How can it be fixed: While there is monetary compensation for this game, games like this wont even put the team in a position to win.
Below Zero. C-N is pissed after losing to highly-ranked Humboldt State in a shootout on their home field. Combine that attitude with facing a rarely seen option offense, and you might as well expect to see another 40+ to 0 game.
Fayetteville State (Lost to Chowan 14-13)
What went wrong: The Broncos continue their tradition of not being able to capitalize off of weakened teams. Somehow, the Broncos more than tripled their opponent in yards gained (322 to 102 yards); the spirit of last season lives on with four turnovers (two interceptions, two lost fumbles). Most importantly, a missed PAT was the difference maker in this game.
How can it be fixed: There is a lot of new to this offense, but FSU needs to avoid slow starts to not end up in this position. Good lord, can someone hold onto the football? The Broncos are just not a team that can afford to get in the hole early. Kicking certainly needs attention; every point is valuable.
50-50. Surprisingly, this is a game that always seems close. Just like the last couple of years, FSU has had their chances to win this game. Could it happen? Yes, and its justifiably to choose the Broncos. Will it happen? Probably not. With sulking, I choose UNC-P.
(Added motivation for the Broncos: win this game and you can really troll your division rival)
Elizabeth City State (Lost to FCS Norfolk State 20-12)
ECSU went up the street to Norfolk and collected their paycheck. I have very little bad to say about the Vikings, who more than held their own to NSU. The Vikings actually outgained the Spartans, and had an equal number of first downs, though neither team could kick their way through a paper bag (okay, maybe I had one thing bad to say). The difference appears to be that the Spartans were just able to do a little bit more than the Vikings. Not bad, Vikings, not bad.Just stay healthy.
As for our two winners:
Virginia State should roll over a Tusculum (SAC) team that performed poorly last week (hell, and last year too against the Trojans).
chances against Campbell, in a rare FCS home game, are not good. Campbell has just steamrolled the Hawks over the last two years even when the Hawks were at full strength.Look for the Camels to take yet another win.
As viewer, the objective is to be patient and optimistic this weekend.