Coach Keeler started off his Monday just like every week with the CAA Football Teleconference, followed by his live presser from the BOB. The first big news
here is that Gino Gradkowski will be taking over at center for the Blue Hens when they face Delaware State on Saturday in Newark. Gradkowski was originally a center when he was at West Virginia, and when he transferred he was moved to guard just to get the best five linemen on the field. Keeler described Rob McDowell as "the golfer that can't hit the driver" after there were four horrible snaps that killed Delaware drives. McDowell will be moved back guard, which is where he started for the Hens as a true freshman.
A big theme so far this year for the Hens has been the identity of this team and the coach touched on that issue too.
"I went into this past week saying this is one of the great mysteries of my life. This is one of the great challenges of my life because if you look at us on paper, I think there's enough talent there, it's just, we are making too many mistakes. A lot of work in front of us..."
As a fan, this worries me greatly, because when you look at strong programs across the landscape of college football, they recruit to fit their philosophies and styles, and that the team is still a mystery to the coach is not a good sign. Having young players is something that I can understand. Eventually your seniors graduate and they must be replaced. However, the young players need to step up. Yes, the style of play can be tweaked to try and hide some of the weaknesses of a team, but in this case, the entire defense looked like a weakness vs. West Chester. I wish I had access to the call and could have asked more defense-related questions, but I do not, and no one else did either as the CAA moderator stuck to more offense-based topics (Not sure if he saw the game or was just playing it safe). Keeler had a lot of similar things mentioned in the Press Conference video, so I won't both repeating too much of this.
Keeler did praise Tim Donnelly for his efforts filling in at quarterback for the Hens in Trevor Sasek's absense (right knee). He described Donnelly as efficient, consistent, accurate, and complimented his ability to manage the offense. When the snap got to the QB, you could tell why Keeler contemplated starting Tim over Trevor. I am not saying that I would have done that, but to have that quality of a back-up available to you is going to be more than beneficial if Sasek remains out for a longer period of time.
Speaking of Trevor Sasek, Coach Keeler said that he was throwing during pre-game, but is still day-to-day and will most likely be listed as doubtful vs. Delaware State. He did mention that Sasek was "feeling good" this morning, which is a positive sign for the Hens, but that he remains as doubtful and not a slightly more improved injury-grade is not. In my opinion, this is either a plan to give him another full week of rest before the start of the CAA schedule, or Sasek really is hurt bad enough to miss two straight weeks. I'm thinking the former, but I would like to see Sasek dressed as QB3 on Saturday to put my mind at ease.
With no Nihja White available vs. West Chester, Andrew Pierce got lots of playing time at wide receiver and in two-back sets with David Hayes. The reason this is getting highlighted is that Keeler mentioned not being confident in any of his young guys as replacements and felt better with Pierce in there in. Another sign that this "mystery team" has more issues than those we saw on the field this past weekend.
One great moment on Monday was Mark Schenauer talking about his wide-open touchdown during the West Chester game. Watch the press conference video and go to the 1:53 mark to hear about how the play was practiced all week and how Tim Donnelly heard the crowds moans and realized someone must be wide open. Funny story from the Hens' receiver.
On topic of our next opponent, Delaware State, Coach Keeler described the Hornets as very athletic and having a 3-man line much like the one Villanova runs. He also said they are anxious for this "rivalry" game (I'll give my thoughts on how much of a rivalry this really is later in the week). With a new coaching staff in place down south, Keeler believes there will be some renewed blood and excitement put back into this matchup. As long as the Hens keep getting the better of DSU, this game is always going to be a win-win for both schools (financially), but after their play vs. West Chester, many a Blue Hen are nervous about Saturday's game, including myself.
One great moment on Monday was Mark Schenauer talking about his wide-open touchdown during the West Chester game. Watch the press conference video and go to the 1:53 mark to hear about how the play was practiced all week and how Tim Donnelly heard the crowds moans and realized someone must be wide open. Funny story from the Hens' receiver.
On topic of our next opponent, Delaware State, Coach Keeler described the Hornets as very athletic and having a 3-man line much like the one Villanova runs. He also said they are anxious for this "rivalry" game (I'll give my thoughts on how much of a rivalry this really is later in the week). With a new coaching staff in place down south, Keeler believes there will be some renewed blood and excitement put back into this matchup. As long as the Hens keep getting the better of DSU, this game is always going to be a win-win for both schools (financially), but after their play vs. West Chester, many a Blue Hen are nervous about Saturday's game, including myself.
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