Back at It

It looks like the offensive line will be in decent shape when Army kicks off their season Friday night. Linemen Rick Kurz, Bryce Holland, Mike Houghton and Brett Toth all make it into the lineup which gives me a few less things to worry about before the opener. Sal has the entire two-deep with a couple of surprises, and a few personnel notes.

Seeing that crew listed as active was a welcome relief after reading this piece on Fordham's lineup.

Fordham will be tough to stop once again behind quarterback Kevin Anderson who threw for 2,724 yards and 27 TD’s a year ago with Austin Longi and Corey Caddie leading the receiving corps. The Rams rushing attack will be potent as well with Chase Edmonds bringing back 1,799 yards with four starters on the offensive line also returning. Overall, Fordham has eight starters back on offense and seven on defense where the front seven loses four. 

There's no need to overstate Fordham's football playing ability - they're good, and I think they can go punch for punch with Army for a half or longer- but it's not Michigan - Army should be able to play comfortably in their base formations and wear down the rams by spreading the ball around and employing their precise and physical style of play.

I don't know how early Coach Monken will be able to get  his backup QB into the game. I've seenI know he likes to switch out early, but it may be until the middle of the 3rd quarter until the reins get handed over. Check that depth chart again... the backup is listed as soph. Kelvin Hopkins Jr. I've heard a lot of good things about Ahmad Bradshaw's backup and I'm sure he'll see the field.
It's always a fine line when you run such a demanding offense, but I would like #17 to play every meaningful snap through the first third of the season. From my experience, Coach Monken will find a way to share the snaps, so I'll get used to seeing 2 QBs.




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