What Kentucky teams have they beaten since Ashland beat them last year?

 

I am thinking much bigger (longer) picture than that LRCW. Come on! Give a Guru a break!

I am thinking much bigger (longer) picture than that LRCW. Come on! Give a Guru a break!

 

 

Their program is on the decline. As soon as Lutz retires it will collapse.

Their program is on the decline. As soon as Lutz retires it will collapse.

 

Then the KY teams should starting beating Ironton, correct?

4 FGs instead of TDs.

 

How did Russell score their 13?

 

I thought they might have picked up a rouge.

I'll be the first to admit that Russell played Ironton closer then I expected. Hats off to them.

 

To further answer your question 'Ru, I was told by someone very close to the Ironton program that Ironton is in bad need of a passing game. The fans that were at the game might be able to help us out on that, but I was told they are all between the tackles this year. Really lacking in anything outside.

I'll be the first to admit that Russell played Ironton closer then I expected. Hats off to them.

 

To further answer your question 'Ru, I was told by someone very close to the Ironton program that Ironton is in bad need of a passing game. The fans that were at the game might be able to help us out on that, but I was told they are all between the tackles this year. Really lacking in anything outside.

 

Ironton runs between the tackles quite a bit, but their backs definitely have the speed to run outside and turn the corner. It just seems like their goal is to physically punish the defense and wear the other team down. They didn't really have to pass very much to beat Russell, so I don't know if they could do so on a regular basis if they were forced to. I seem to recall them throwing 4 or 5 times during the game and completing 2 or 3? It was mainly just to convert 1st downs on 3rd down and nothing to stretch the field...sort of like Russell tries to do.

 

The Ironton-Ashland matchup in a couple of weeks will be interesting because of the complete contrast in styles. Ashland tries to run by the other team and Ironton tries to run over them.

I am more than a little shocked at how close this game was.

 

 

I watched Ironton twice last season and they had zero passing game.

One TD run and 2 FG's. The 4 FG's comment was incorrect.

 

Thanks for clearing that up for me.

 

My bad. I left off in the past 2 weeks. Russell has 4 FGs in the past two weeks thanks to Tanner Locey, but we have to turn those into TDs. On a side note, both FGs Locey hit tonight were mid 20s but both cleared by 20 yards. He could be a nice weapon down the road. And he's only a Junior.

 

Locey is a nice weapon to have. I hope the Russell/Ashland game doesn't come down to the kicking game. But, Tanner is a senior.

 

I'd congratulate Russell for playing tough. But, I don't think Russell fans are into moral victories. Not the ones I know, anyway.

I thought offensively Russell beat them up front. As much as I hate to say it, I thought one of the calls on the first FG drive on 3rd down was poor. I suppose they were taking a shot at catching them off guard with a reverse with only 3 yds to go when they had been pounding it right at them. Had a couple of broken plays, 2 picks, and against a solid team like Ironton, you simply can't make those mistakes.

Frankly, I was less than impressed with Ironton. If Russell punches those in instead of the FG's the score is alot closer and the complexion of the game changes. Once again, impressed by the play of Troy Huffine. I thought that Zack Thompson ran hard. And glad to see Logan DeHoff get up off the turf after hanging on to a pass and got JACKED UP!.

Overall, I think Russell is coming along fairly well. I think they'll have another major hurdle in trying to defend the passing game of Ashland. They've proven to be fairly solid run stoppers. And FWIW, as long as Ashland doesn't get homered across the river, I think Ashland beats Ironton again.

I am waiting for the Russell excuses...Anyone?

 

Ironton. Portsmouth ND. No excuses. Tough schedule for some. I'd like to see the once a decade Muskies face Ironton instead of mighty PND.