[EKUAlum05]

I know Belfry has a great running attack. But if there was ever a team built to negate that it would be this DeSales defense. They're front seven are really aggressive and quick to the ball. From the games I've seen from Belfry, they're secondary can be attacked. DeSales ran a empty backfield look for most of the game against CAL, which was very successful. Reputations are hard to get rid of sometimes, and the rep that DeSales won't throw the football just isn't true. They will toss it around the field. i think that will be the difference in this game. Throw it to set up the run. Again I like the size, athleticism, and physicality of both teams. I think the speed advantage goes to the Colts. The home field advantage obviously Colts. I also like the coaching advantage. I know you guys have a really good one on the sideline, however we have 2 really good ones, and one of them knows Belfry pretty good.
I just don't see Belfry being able to run the ball (enough) which is the key word on this defense to beat us at home. I like the home field advantage that much in this match up. If the game was at Belfry I'd definitely take the Pirates.

DeSales D-Line is super impressive on film and Scott is dominant on both sides of the ball.

IF Belfry can get it into the second level they are going to give DeSales fits. The LB's and DB's are very opportunistic, but they miss a lot of tackles one on one. The problem is that is definitely easier said than done because that Front 4 sets the table for the entire Defense and between Watkins dominating inside and Scott being un-blockable outside, that is a very tall task.

DeSales OLine surprised me with how excellent they were at pass blocking. They are decent at run blocking but if the Pirates can make them rely on the run that will be a big advantage to Belfry. The two strengths of DeSales is that D-Line and their WR's. Very, very impressive group with great size, hands, and speed.

If Scroggins does not play I think you will see Avery under Center a lot more. Scroggins is the more accurate passer and throws a prettier ball down field, but Avery is more than capable of making you pay with his arm. Avery is also a more polished runner and basically a second HB. Yo can tell Scroggins is at his best in the Spread stepping in and delivering and Avery is at his best throwing off some movement or using heavy play action.

DeSales will have a Special Teams advantage.

Belfry also has a slight advantage in that DeSales has seen nothing like this Belfry scheme this year. Obviously having Scroggins to tell them what to look for in the film room is a big help to alleviate that, but that is a tall task to gameplan for on a week with a holiday included.

Paducah Tillghman was probably the closest thing to Belfry but Tilghman's base offense was still more spread predicated and the blocking scheme was much different. Tilghman also made the mistake of thinking they had enough speed to outflank those DE's and lightning quick OLB's and Safeties. They were wrong!

It all comes down to that battle in the trenches of Belfry's O vs. DeSales' D. If Belfry can't get to that second level I have no doubt DeSales will hit a couple big plays and have enough points to win. If Belfry finds some sustained success it is going to be very hard for DeSales to counter punch. Should be a great game.