Split Decision

The NE-10 had two teams in the playoffs for the first time since 2008 and it was a split decision for the conference. LIU Post defeated Winston Salem State 48-41 while Shepherd defeated Assumption 48-31.

Post used their usual balanced offensive attack to jump out to an early lead before hanging on at the end. The Pioneers will now host Shepherd this weekend.

Assumption fell behind early and despite several chances during the game, they were just never able to overtake Shepherd. The Rams move on to the second round and will face another NE-10 opponent this weekend.

The NE-10 is in the second round of the playoffs for the second straight year. It will be also the first time since 2012 that they will play host to a second-round game.

Fourth Down

LIU Post was without kicker/punter Joey Tolgyesi on Saturday and it was evident in their play calling. They decided to go for it more fourth downs and were very successful at it.

They were five for five on fourth down attempts and scored on all five drives that they converted. Jeff Kidd was five for five passes on fourth down as two of those passes resulted in touchdowns to James Higgins and David White.

Several of the play calls were on the fringe of field goal range but without their usual kicker on the field, head coach Bryan Collins decided to roll the dice and it worked time after time.

Mr. November

Malik Pierre is stepping up in big games and is quickly earning a new nickname.

In the NE-10 championship game, he found the end zone three times in the victory over Assumption. And in the playoffs, he is picking up where he left off.
He found the end zone three more times in the victory over WSSU. Two touchdowns in the second quarter and another in the third quarter now give him a team best 15 scores on the season.

He also chipped in with 115 yards on the ground, 16 through the air and 23 in the return game.

Two Headed Monster

The LIU Post running attack is more than just Pierre. David White is a capable back and had another 100-yard game in the playoffs.

During the 2014 game at Virginia State, White stepped in for the injured Mike Williams and gained 105 yards in the loss. Last Saturday, he continued his stellar play in the playoffs as he rushed for a team best 134 yards. He added another 56 through the air and a score.

Just when you think that you have one of the Post backs stopped, another one will run right over you.

60 Minutes

While watching film to prepare for Shepherd, I am sure that the LIU coaching staff will continue to stress a full 60-minute performance. It is crucial in the playoffs and nearly cost the Pioneers last Saturday.

They were in full control of the game after three quarters. They led 48-24 and were well on their way to the next round. But WSSU stormed back in the final stanza and caused some hearts to beat faster on the Post sideline.

Jeff Kidd completed a key third down to Shane Hubbard in front of the Rams' sideline that was key. Pierre and White then ran for first downs on the drive and the Pioneers killed the last 5:49 of the clock.

Post will need to play a full 60 minutes this weekend if they are going to advance.

2005Rough Start

When you are on the road, you need to play well early and get the crowd out of the game. That was one of the keys for Assumption that they were not able to sustain in their 48-31 loss at Shepherd.

CJ Davis took the opening kickoff back to the Assumption 8 yard line and then Jeff Ziemba ran the ball into the end zone for the touchdown. On the next drive, Shepherd scored again and it was 14-0 four minutes in the game.

Not the start that Assumption and head coach Bob Chesney envisioned during their preparation for the game.

It just seemed like when the Greyhounds were starting to mount a comeback, Shepherd was there to answer and extend their lead. It happened several times during the game and it all started with the opening four minutes of the game.

Special Teams

It has always been a strength of Assumption over the past several years. They were always the better team in special teams and on Saturday, they were given a taste of their own medicine.

It started on the opening kickoff when Davis returned the ball 87 yards to set up the first touchdown for the Rams. It happened later in the game when Cole Tracy had two points after tries blocked. Tracy also hit the upright on a field goal attempt in the first quarter.

The nightmare continued in the third quarter when Seamus Wallace had a punt blocked that led to another Shepherd touchdown. The Rams also had a touchdown return called back due to a holding penalty.

It was not the day for Assumption in the third phase of the game.

Injuries

Assumption was missing a big part of their offense as NE-10 Offensive Player of the Year Ashton Grant did not play against Shepherd. The Greyhound offense could have used his play making ability inside the red zone.

He was injured during the game against LIU Post as it appeared that he might have strained his leg.

Deonte Harris also seemed to be slowed at times during the game. He was active in the passing catching department as he hauled in seven passes but had just 40 yards. That is not the explosive nature of Harris.

He did return a kickoff for a touchdown in the first quarter but besides that play, he didn't break off many plays on the typical bubble screens that they throw his way.

Weather

Per the box score, the weather was 60 degrees and sunny with a minimal wind. But if you watched the game, you would question that.

The clouds moved in during the second half and at one point, the temperature dropped to 43 degrees and a little rain was falling. Plus, the flags in the end zone were whipping around.

That is not an excuse for the Assumption loss as it is typical New England weather that they face that during their season.

NFL Caliber

Shepherd wide receiver Billy Brown has been drawing NFL scouts to the campus and you can see why. The receiver is big and physical and Assumption had no answer for him.

He hauled in 12 passes for 193 yards and three scores. He was unstoppable at times and unbelievable at others. He made a one-handed catch for a touchdown and as a defensive back, you have no defense for that.

They threw the ball in catchable areas for Brown the entire afternoon and he just kept hauling them in. Post is going to have to find a way to take him out of the game but as 11 previous opponents have found, it is next to impossible.

Senior Class

The Assumption senior class will graduate as the best in school history. They accumulated a 33-14 record over their four years that including a NE-10 championship and two trips to the NCAA playoffs.

They bested the other top class by six victories but it might be short lived. The current junior class will have plenty of weapons back and will probably top this current classes' record.