Cortland Gridiron Report: Week 5

Coach MacNeill believes Red Dragons responded well to adversity last week and claims he was “taken by surprise” with the sudden acquisition of Alex Smith.

(Photo's courtesy of Dan Padavona and Montclair Athletics)

Q: The Cortland Red Dragons bounced back in a big way last weekend with a 42-13 victory at Buffalo State. Were there any concerns in your team’s performance coming out of this game?

A: Last week’s victory over Buffalo state was a severely needed one. I liked how our team responded to adversity. The win speaks volumes to who we are as a team and the culture we represent. The biggest bugaboo in our team’s performance was turnovers. We really need to stop committing so many turnovers if we want to move forward. The turnovers bring a lot of stress into the game even when our team is winning by a wide margin and it gives the opponent more opportunities. The good thing is that it is easier from a coaching standpoint to solve fumbles rather interception in terms of turnovers.

Q: The Red Dragons rushed for a season high 242 yards rushing against the Bengals last week. Coming into the matchup verse Buffalo State, Cortland had 345 yards on 112 carries on the season. What was the difference this week in practice and game action that finally helped the rushing game break through?

A: The number one difference in last week’s running game was fullback Dom Sair, our offensive player of the game. Every time Dom Sair touched the ball he amassed positive yardage. That was something that really stood out and it’s a big attribute to our offensive line. We also had a complement of different running backs come into the game and do a great job as well. This included Anthony Giuliano, Justin Autera, Bill Smith, Corey Russell, and Will Loeb.

Q: Junior fullback Dom Sair rushed for 64 yards on 17 carries with 4 touchdowns. The Red Dragons defense held the Bengals to seven first downs and 150 total yards. This performance was a total team effort this week bouncing back from the loss against Kean in week four. Who got the game ball last week after the game?

A: From a defensive standpoint when you take away the punters rushing touchdown for Buffalo State our defense truly did not even give up as many rushing yards as the stats indicate. That play was a special team’s error due to missed tackling. Our football team really physically dominated Buffalo State throughout the whole game. The effort in the second half may have been even better than it was in the first half. That is the beauty of football because it is a physical game. Offensively we really consumed the clock. We had the ball thirteen more minutes than our opponent did. The win was a total team effort, but we still had the give the game ball to Dom Sair.

Q: The victory over Buffalo State improved Cortland’s record to 3-1 overall on the season in the New Jersey Athletic Conference. This week the Red Dragons travel to Montclair, New Jersey to take on the Red Hawks. Montclair State is undefeated in the NJAC. (3-0) How do you prepare the team mentally for what seems to be the most important game of the season thus far?

A: The next game is always the most important one for our football team. We take the season one game at a time and can’t take any opponent more lightly than any other. That being said Montclair State has a great program. Montclair State is a big and strong physical team just like our football team. We are preparing for another outstanding continuation of New Jersey Athletic Conference rivalry.

Q: Cortland edged out Montclair State 23-17, at home last season in week five. The Red Hawks now have Tom Fisher under center instead of Ryan Boysen. Fisher has thrown for 893 yards this season and five touchdown passes. In your mind is this Montclair State team any different than it was at this time last year?

A: Montclair State seems to be a more seasoned team this season. They do have a quite bit of players as mentioned that are returning from last season. They many weapons offensively especially at the quarterback position with Tom Fisher. Jeff Bliss compliments a great running game as well. They also have a big offensive line. Our special teams have to be better than our opponents. That can always be a difference maker in a game of this caliber. Our offense will have their hands full with the big size and physical nature of Montclair State’s defense.

Q: Last Friday the Red Dragons grabbed many headlines in Division III when former quarterback and graduate assistant coach Alex Smith was granted playing eligibility by the NCAA Division III. NCAA Division III rules normally allow student-athletes only 10 full-time semesters in which to play four seasons. Alex Smith is in his 11 full-time semester here at Cortland. Smith was given a medical hardship to retain his eligibility from the 2007 season, when he was out for the season after suffering an ACL tear in week one. When were you made aware that Smith was going to apply for eligibility and were you surprised?

A: The move made by Alex Smith did take me my by surprise. When Dan Pitcher went down in week two and was presumed out for the season, Alex made an inquiry with our athletic department. The NCAA Division III looked at Alex’s unique case and granted him the opportunity to play for the rest of this season. The move makes me feel very good for Alex. Everyone wants to a leave a sport they love with no regrets. Alex Smith now has the opportunity to do that. Alex did have his career cut short by injuries before this. It is always a good thing as a coach when you can acquire a player of Alex’s skills.

Q: What is the current playing status of Alex Smith? Is Alex in playing shape to even have a chance at competing for the starting quarterback position this week verse Montclair? Will Smith have any kind of impact on the offense this week?

A: Alex Smith is now back as a player on this team. He will be competing for the starting quarterback position just like every player is competing for their jobs. We haven’t seen Alex in pads nor do anything yet as a coaching staff to make any decisions. We are anxious as a coaching staff to see what Alex can do. The team will enjoy either quarterback who is under center. The competition at quarterback will bring out the best in both Hudson Woodward and Alex Smith. I’m certain that will help this team.

Q: Lastly, how do you evaluate Hudson Woodward’s performance last week against Buffalo State?

A: Hudson did a great job last week. He was very accurate in the passing game and did a great job at dispersing the ball to different receivers. Hudson Woodward is our starting quarterback at this point. Alex Smith has a lot of work to do in order to be considered for the starting quarterback position. My advice to Hudson would be to never look over your shoulder at the players behind you. Hudson needs to always be looking ahead and moving forward. All Hudson can do is play to the best of his ability and let the chips fall where they may.

The Cortland Gridiron Report can be heard in its entirety every Monday from 6-8 on “Into the Fire” on WSUC 90.5 FM (Cortland.edu/wsuc) and also seen at www.cortlandfootball.com.