SUNY-CORTLAND RED DRAGONS (8-2/7-2) VS. ALBRIGHT COLLEGE LIONS (6-4/4-4)

The Lions of Albright College will square off this Saturday against the Cortland Red Dragons in the ECAC Div. III South-East Bowl. The Red Dragons will host the first-ever meeting between the two teams, on their home field within the SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex in Cortland, New York. Although the Lions dropped three in a row to MAC conference opponents mid-season, they ended with two impressive wins in the final three games of the regular season. Even with its strong finish, Albright will need to have a paramount performance to best the stout defensive unit Cortland has built its program around.

When: Saturday, November 19
Where: SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex
Start Time: 12 p.m.
Weather: Cloudy with highs in the upper 40's
 
Gameday Media:
LiveStats: http://www.cortland.edu/athletics/football/live/xlive.htm
Live Audio: http://www.wxhc.com/

Game Program
Albright Roster
Albright Stats
Albright Depth Chart
Cortland Roster
Cortland Stats
Cortland Depth Chart

ONSLAUGHT AT OWINGS MILLS, MD:

For the third time this season the Lions put up over 50 points on more than 500 yards of total offense; Albright's offensive showing against Stevenson was reminiscent of the first four games of the season. The Lions didn't skip a beat as the offense scored touchdowns on each of their first eight drives. In fact, every Albright drive resulted in a touchdown until  the fourth quarter when first team All-MAC punter Brooks Mitzkewich was called into action. At halftime Albright walked into the locker room with a 36-0 lead over the Stevenson Mustangs and had no intentions of relinquishing it. Scott Pillar and Caleb Shilko combined for 15 receptions, 253 yards and three touchdowns as the Lions again found success through the passing attack.
 
ALBRIGHT OFFENSE:

Against Stevenson TJ Luddy had his best performance to date by throwing more touchdowns than incomplete passes. Early in the year the majority of the Lions' offensive production came through the air, but since then they've become more conservative in their play calling by running the ball more often. Senior back Josan Holmes picked up two scores and 114 yards on 17 carries. So, while its been throwing the ball effectively that has been the primary reason for Albright's outbursts of offense, Holmes remains an intricate and necessary aspect of the offensive game plan.

ALBRIGHT DEFENSE:

The Albright defensive unit allowed Stevenson to score only 18 points, but in some aspects they still struggled with the same issues that have plagued them all year. When they last took the field Albright allowed 250 yards on the ground and an average of 17 yards per catch. Keith Bruno was a positive, as he continued his recent success with an interception and five tackles. It hasn't been all bad for the defense, they've done well on third-downs and red zone conversions. They're not giving up easy points inside the twenties and they're getting off the field quickly by stopping opposing offenses when given the chance.

SUNY CORTLAND:

Cortland's success this season has come in much the same manner Albright's has. With a superior pass-heavy offense and a defense that has allowed just 19 points per game, the Red Dragons have compiled an excellent résumé, outscoring opponents 368-192 and scoring double the touchdowns they've allowed. Their record of eight wins and two losses could very easily be a perfect season; both losses were by a combined six points to Kean and Montclair State. Quarterback Dan Pitcher's offseason improvements are a big reason for this season's success as Cortland transformed from a team that scored 24 rushing touchdowns and 20 passing touchdowns a year ago, to one that scored 20 on the ground and 29 through the air this season.

CORTLAND OFFENSE:

Led by experienced graduate student Dan Pitcher the Red Dragons play a similar style of football to that of the Green Bay Packers; a high powered pass attack combined with a platoon backfield. In every game but one this season Pitcher threw for at least two touchdowns. Leading receiver John Babin has been another reason for the increase in offensive production. With just one reception for 25 yards last season, Babin burst on the scene this year and quickly became the favored target, amassing 68 receptions for 1110 yards and 15 touchdowns. Although the Red Dragons have moved more toward a passing-style offense, senior Dorian Myles and freshman Bronson Green have averaged 17 and 12 carries per game respectively. This metaphoric two-headed monster combines Myles' speed with Greene's power for an effective one-two punch.

CORTLAND DEFENSE:

Cortland's defense ranks in the top-25 nationally in sacks, tackles for loss and rushing defense and 26th in total defense, helping to limit teams in the red-zone and create turnovers. In 12 years as a member of the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Cortland has recorded 30 or more sacks in the last 11 seasons, including 50 in 2006- best in Division III. Cortland's four upperclassmen linebackers (Bill Smith, Cody Allen, Chris Bright, Mike Wilson) are the heart and soul of the defense, combining for 31 tackles for loss, 11 sacks and four interceptions. Up front, sophomore standout defensive end Joe Kirchner leads the team with three forced fumbles and a total of seven sacks, although he has started just one game all season. The experience of the Red Dragon defense is likely another reason for their success as they'll start five seniors and six juniors, barring any game time changes.

ALBRIGHT'S KEYS TO THE GAME:

1) Protect the quarterback - Albright's offensive line has allowed 21 sacks this season, but against the incredibly strong pass rush Cortland will bring the offensive line must hold up to give Scott Pillar time to stretch the field.
2) Red zone defense - Albright has allowed opponents to score a touchdown on just 60% of their trips inside the red zone. Cortland's Bronson Greene has 11 touchdowns this year, ten of which have come from inside of five yards, making him a powerful goal line presence worth paying attention to.
3) Get ahead early - At 5-0 when they've scored first and 1-5 when their opponents have done so, it's easy to see that the Lions are a much better team when they can get ahead and stay there.

CORTLAND'S KEYS TO THE GAME:

1) Downfield passing - Cortland's style of offense combined with Albright's struggles to defend the big play means that we should see Pitcher and Babin trying to connect downfield early. If they're able to do so it could mean success for the Red Dragons.
2) Pick it - In the final five games of Courtland's regular season they intercepted opponents ten times. With twelve picks all season it seems this secondary has found its stride and combined with the Lions' occasional susceptibility to passing struggles that we've seen at times, the opportunity for more should be there.
3) Rush the passer (effectively) - This is somewhat obvious seeing as it seems to be Cortland's specialty, but getting to the quarterback does very little unless you're bringing him down. In their two losses this season the Red Dragon's combined for just three sacks. It seems that the wins come when their opponents are on the ground and Albright backup quarterback Adam Galczynski has shown elusiveness in the past that could make him a threat to this defense's success.