Very, very strange game to say the least yet also a terrific and fun game as NC won 34-21 coming from behind for the win.
Rice took a pretty commanding 21-7 lead at the half as the Crusaders just basically had it's way with the Redhawks especially f=the first few series of the game. Brother Rice went on the attack and ran no huddle shotgun on a quick count and really picked apart the NC defense the first few series.
Rice? I can easily see why the Crusaders won a ton of games in 2014. They had a terrific offense and QB Alex Alarcon was outstanding here. Alarcon was a tough thrower and runner, showed a ton of patience and just let the attack well. Rice also has some weapons on WR Ricky Smalling along with NIU commit RB Marcus Jones.
The defense? Played well early then had issues especially in the second half.
To me Rice just looked like a young and inexperienced team when NC made it's run to get back into the game. NC took momentum and basically never gave it back, yet Rice also had chances and never took it back either.
NC? Took about half but we saw what this team is capable of all season.
When Central is on they have the ability to hit you with the big play. When QB Connor Joyce is on then so is the NC offense. The running game works well when the passing game is there etc. This was definitely NOT the case in the first half but was the case in the second.
More to follow on NC in the scouting reports.
Rice took a pretty commanding 21-7 lead at the half as the Crusaders just basically had it's way with the Redhawks especially f=the first few series of the game. Brother Rice went on the attack and ran no huddle shotgun on a quick count and really picked apart the NC defense the first few series.
Rice? I can easily see why the Crusaders won a ton of games in 2014. They had a terrific offense and QB Alex Alarcon was outstanding here. Alarcon was a tough thrower and runner, showed a ton of patience and just let the attack well. Rice also has some weapons on WR Ricky Smalling along with NIU commit RB Marcus Jones.
The defense? Played well early then had issues especially in the second half.
To me Rice just looked like a young and inexperienced team when NC made it's run to get back into the game. NC took momentum and basically never gave it back, yet Rice also had chances and never took it back either.
NC? Took about half but we saw what this team is capable of all season.
When Central is on they have the ability to hit you with the big play. When QB Connor Joyce is on then so is the NC offense. The running game works well when the passing game is there etc. This was definitely NOT the case in the first half but was the case in the second.
More to follow on NC in the scouting reports.
