Who wins and why?

Poll, Always a Poll

This will be your classic matchup Size vs Speed. The Tigers MUST contain the edges, something they were unable to do against the Rocks 2 weeks ago. If X can sustain long drives on multiple series this could be an interesting game. I feel like I keep saying this, but the secondary has to limit the deep ball another thing they seem to get beat on a lot. Look for #74 on the Tigers O-Line to clear space up the middle for Ridder and Taylor in the backfield.

X has played Male tighter during the Wolford Era, but just can't get a W. Could be way off here, but I think X is finally able to knock of the Bulldogs as Ridder makes key plays to keep the pressure on the Male offense to score points and also by keeping the X defense on the sideline.

 

X - 26

M - 21

X has to let Ridder be Ridder. I don't think they did that in the first quarter of the Trinity game. Let him create with his feet. X's receivers aren't going to be able to just beat Male's secondary so play action is crucial.

 

I think it's close but Male wins in the end.

 

21-14

I think a HUGE part of this game will be can Male's defense get consistent pressure on Ridder. Manual could not and paid the price. If Male can do this, it will place a ton of pressure on Ridder and likely lead to errors for St X. I think this one is really tight though, as I don't think Male's offense is as prolific as last season and X's defense is solid. Better get both punter's their Wheaties before this game!

Can X's DBs stop the Male passing attack? If X can stop the long ball, they have a chance. If the Male receivers get chances in the X defensive backfield, its over.

 

Male-34

St X-24

I'll take Male.

Is the concern with X's DBs a schematic issue?

In no way would an X victory surprise me here. In fact, I don't know if I give H more than a 55/45 edge.

A win by X here would surprise me after having seen both teams play, not saying it's impossible but I just think Male has too much speed & talent for the Tigers. Just don't see how X's db's are going to be able to stop Male's passing attack, Trinity barely slowed it down.

 

Male - 35

X - 21

Dissapointed can't go to game since UofL playing Fri night. Hate that college games are sometimes on Fridays.

Male has a LOT of speed

X is going to give a great game early but in the end they have zero answers for Male's passing attack. Can the Bulldogs slow down the X running game? We shall see. Rider is an excellent qb and adds another dimension with the read. The Tigers have to show they can get the ball down field or Wolfe will load the box and plug every hole.

 

Male finds their offensive rhythm and has another second half like they did against PRP.

 

X 17

H 41

Is the concern with X's DBs a schematic issue?

I think it is more of a talent issue than a scheme issue vs. the Male passing attack. St. X plays a very soft coverage which is designed to take away the deep ball and force the offense to throw underneath. That is what Trinity had much success with earlier in the season, along with running the ball. Male will challenge the Tiger DB's with the deep ball regardless of the coverage in which they align. It will come down to whether or not the St. X DB's can challenge the deep routes. It will be a tall task.