September 18, 2025 • 38 mins
We break down Utica University Football's impressive 41-14 victory over RPI in the emotional Believe Bowl, highlighting both the pregame tributes and dominant on-field performance that has the Pioneers off to a 2-0 start.
• Quarterback Tyler Szalkowski continues his exceptional play, completing 27 of 29 passes for 385 yards and 6 touchdowns against RPI
• The defense held RPI to just 14 points, with standout performances from Eli Douglas who recorded both a forced fumble and interception
• Special teams and turnovers remain key focus areas for improvement despite the dominant victories
• Coach Faggiano previews the upcoming challenge at Hobart, emphasizing their strong home record and quality program despite their 0-2 start
• The team's unique chemistry and leadership has been shaped by seniors who experienced both 10-2/9-2 seasons and last year's 5-5 campaign
• Local freshman Austin DeGroat from Oneida has earned increased playing time on the defensive line
Join us for Homecoming on September 27th as the Pioneers take on Alfred State in the first Empire 8 Conference game of the season!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Rocky (00:17):
Thank you.
Coach Faggiano (00:34):
Good evening everybody.
Welcome to another live editionhere on the Rock Pile.
The Rock Pile tonight brings usInside Utica University
Football Podcast episode numberthree.
We bring it on Coach BlazeFaggiano here in just a moment.
If you're listening on YouTube,make sure you hit subscribe.
Share it across all socialmedia platforms.
I was just telling Coach priorto coming on.
We've had a good following overthe last two weeks over 4,000
(00:57):
views on all social mediaplatforms.
So I really appreciate thefollowers.
I really appreciate thesubscribers.
Always great to talk UCfootball with Coach.
It's fun that he's actuallysneaking a little college
football preview.
I was looking at his picks herethat I got him on.
We both were 3-2 last week, sowe'll get some more games this
week.
I think I snuck in six gamesfor Coach to pick, but they're
(01:19):
off to a great start, off to a2-0 start.
They're on the road this weekand then they'll open up on
Parade Conference play next week.
So we'll bring on Coach herewithout further ado.
Coach, let me switch us up here.
Let's see there we go.
How are you Coach?
Rocky (01:37):
Excellent, excellent.
Before we go, talk us afootball with you.
Coach Faggiano (01:43):
So, Coach, I'll give you the opening statement.
I'll give you the floor again.
A big 41-14 win over RPI lastweek.
Rocky (01:53):
The Believe Bowl for you.
It was a great night forfootball.
Talk to us about that game.
Well, first, it was a veryemotional game.
We took a moment of silence forJames Salas, our player, who we
lost last year.
It was very important that wedo that and take that
opportunity Again.
At the same time our honorarycaptains, victor and Nancy from
the Utica fire department andNew York mills lady, lady
(02:16):
auxiliary, who are battlingcancer honorary captains, are
out there with all theirfamilies.
I mean it was really emotionalto start the game and you know.
So I really give our guyscredit.
You know kind of, you knowliterally wiping some tears away
and then going playing footballand you know just a great
example of.
You know very proud of theatmosphere that we built and the
(02:38):
tent was rocking.
You know Master Vito, hyundaiFrank and Colleen the tent.
I think they had 150 to 200people in the tent.
I think we had just over 2,000people at the game.
One thing that was funny thathappened is Sheriff Maceo.
I find out we're going to havea flyover at the anthem, so I
got everybody the whole campus.
It never comes right.
They unfortunately had to go dosomething because of the mercy
(03:00):
flight.
They had to do something else.
In the middle of the secondquarter the chopper buzzes, the
stance once turns around andthen goes over the middle of the
field like between our lightsBrian Finn, the head official.
They didn't know what to do.
Everyone's looking what's goingon, because the second pass was
really low and they had toreset the clock and so we had
(03:21):
our first flyover and I know alot of the alumni got a kick out
of that because one of thethings we've joked about, you
know, having the games but I wasreally proud of how our guys
played, you know came outswinging.
I have a lot of respect for RPI,a very good program.
Historically they win.
Historically they go topostseason.
You know I was looking back atlike the last times that they
were held to 14 points or lesswas against teams like North
(03:45):
Central Ithaca and CarnegieMellon, right, that are all like
mainstays in Division IIIfootball.
You know what I mean.
Over the years and I think itwas the last time someone scored
41 on them was 2005,.
Alfred did Like it's been a bit, you know.
So, like you know, I thinkagain we're just working hard
(04:05):
and things are going well andthe kids are playing hard and
we're gelling, so it was a greatatmosphere.
Coach Faggiano (04:11):
Coach, your offense continues to roll.
You guys jumped out to a big28-0 halftime lead and then you
guys really never looked back.
But talk to us about thisoffense and you guys just came
out flying on all cylinders youknow, there are some things that
we wanted to establish as aprogram.
Rocky (04:27):
Better from week one right, we wanted to play better
defense we did.
We wanted to have lesspenalties we did.
We wanted to run the ballbetter yeah and we did.
You know those are all things inthe stat line and that helps
free up.
You know free up the pass gameand you know the pass game yards
sometimes are funny becausewe're not calling a pass, it's
an RPO, right?
So so you don't know, you knowjust your trust in Tyler to make
(04:50):
the right decision.
You know he's doing a great job.
You know, and our coaches aredoing a great job preparing our
guys.
That doesn't matter what we sawon film, you know, it's like
we're, we're preparing to goagainst three high safeties, max
coverage, since we just threwfor over 500 yards, even though
we haven't seen it on film fromRPI, and don't they come out and
do that and we're ready for it,right.
(05:11):
And the confidence that kidshave just in the game prep uh,
you know, the coach, klaus coachand a little bit coach
McClendon are putting our guysin is tremendous.
Coach Faggiano (05:20):
Yeah, and coach, we'll talk about Tyler again
here.
I mean, yeah, coach, we'll talkabout tyler again here.
I mean another huge game forhim 27 to 29 for 385, six
touchdown passes tied the singlegame record.
He's just off to a fantasticstart.
Uh, these first two games, butwhat I was impressed with, coach
, is both your opening two games, his completion percentage I
mean he's completing balls he'saccurate sorry, I think it's
(05:42):
like 79 percenter.
Rocky (05:43):
Yeah, that's crazy.
Credits our receivers, you knowmaking good decisions with the
football.
You know he's mad.
He was only 10 of 11 on thirddown because he could have been
11 of 11.
That's how he is.
Excuse me, I'm going to have tocough for a minute and Coach.
Coach Faggiano (06:01):
I know we've talked a lot about Tyler, the
first two games and rightfullyso, the numbers we put up, but
you're talking about thereceiving core too.
You got a dvs grad that's putup some good numbers, too good
player, and tayshawn played welltoo for the first two games he
did, you know, bryce palmer, uh,antonio cianferrani, tyshawn
taylor those guys are playinggreat.
Rocky (06:20):
And then, you know, it was really nice to see some guys
in the game step in, like youknow, lorenzo Velez and Gabe
Zawala came in and made someplays and you know we're pretty
deep at receiver, you know, andso you know the way those guys
are running.
We're going to have to be, youknow, because they're going to
get gassed.
You know we have someconfidence in them and our own
line is doing a great jobprotecting Tyler and giving us
(06:42):
opportunities to run thefootball.
I think the big thing for Tylerhe's just got you know, I was
talking to my office today justa good story Like he's had.
It's been such a long timesince he's had Paul and playing
football.
He has to almost go back toAquinas, you know, and so,
unfortunately for him, he didn'thave a good experience at
Albany.
Robert Morris, which is thenultimately fortunate for us,
(07:03):
right, and all the good thingscome in time and happen for a
reason, and you know he's reallygelled well with our guys.
He's a unique guy all the way.
You know, the quarterback roomis a strong room.
Those guys are tight and pushfor each other and you know
we're firing on all cylinders.
The guys are, you know,confidence is high and you know,
know we've got a big challengecoming this week.
Coach Faggiano (07:25):
And Coach, I know before the season started I
think the Empire 8 said youguys had one of the best skilled
groups in the conference comingback this year and your skilled
group obviously led by Tylerand you've got a great receiving
core.
But I want to just talk aboutthe defense, because your
defense has been really good thelast two weeks as well and
you've got a senior defensiveback and Eli Douglas was all
over the field.
I think he had what a forcedfumble.
(07:46):
I think he had an interceptionfor you.
He was all over the place fromthe backfield.
Rocky (07:51):
You know Coach McClendon's doing a good job of
moving him around within thedefense and you're not sure
where he's going to be or whatzone he's going to be, and
sometimes he's back deep in thethird or half and in the third
or half and other times he'sunderneath coverage and allows
Eli to have fun and kind of doboth and has been a really
strong leader back there.
you know and he's just come along way you know from from
(08:12):
being a freshman that you knowhis claim to fame was the
blocked punt against Susquehannain the playoffs and just
contributed a bit and all theguys that kind of were leaders
for him and helped him throughthe process.
And now he's given back to ouryounger guys and is really a
strong leader as a captain andthe secondary back there.
So he's playing at a high level, I think, right down the middle
(08:33):
Eli Douglas, isaiah Thomas andJordan Davis, those three and
all the old coaches I've beenaround.
I know all of a sudden now I'mthe old coach, but you've got to
be strong down the middle ofyour defense, you know.
I think those guys are allplaying at a high level for us.
Coach Faggiano (08:48):
Coach.
Another young guy that playedsome minutes for you was a
freshman, Austin DeGroote fromOneida, and I remember last year
I was helping Jay coach theAll-Star game and I saw that kid
running around.
I said, man, that kid's goingto be a stud.
He got in place in good timefor you guys.
Rocky (09:07):
Yeah, got in place some good time for you guys.
Yeah, you know it's funny.
Like you know, he worked hardin the summer, put some weight
on and came back a little, evenbigger than we thought he was
going to be right, because is hegoing to be a linebacker at the
end, is he going to be a hybridguy and you know, I don't
forget what.
I think it was 250, 260 comerolling into camp like not a big
guy.
You know we're going to getyour hand on the ground, you
know and you know be adealignment for for us.
So each week he's played moreand more and we like to rotate
our defensive line.
He's got a great motor runs tothe ball and he's playing some
(09:28):
special teams in there as welland he's a really coachable guy
and we're glad to have him thelocal guy and keep him here in
town for sure.
Coach Faggiano (09:39):
So, Coach, before we get into Hobart, what
are a couple things from thispast week's game that you look
to improve on heading into weekthree here?
Rocky (09:47):
You know it's hard, but I told the guys you've got to
really put the score aside andsay, okay, what were our
mistakes?
Right, because as the games getbigger and closer and tighter,
those mistakes can come back andget us Like the one I didn't
like is we give up.
Their two scorers are offturnovers, right.
So now our defense answered thecall on two of the four right.
(10:09):
One huge play was Nick DeForestright.
Howell and Patton blocked,blocked the field goal, right.
But they give a big you knowbig kick return and then we have
a penalty out of bounds.
We give them the ball at greatfield position, a great field
position, they score right.
And then we have a fumble andthey score right and like we
can't, I'm sorry, actually theyscored after the blocked punt
when they blocked it.
So we punt one time and we giveup a blocked punt.
(10:31):
Well, now everyone's going tocome after our punts.
Now, right, and so those aresome things that you know we
really just hey, we got to getthese things fixed.
The guys are bought in.
I think our special teams arestill young and have to continue
to improve.
You know that's an area I spenda lot of time with, but I think
one of the big things too isjust, you know, every week's
different, every opponent'sdifferent, and then they're
(10:53):
starting to get into a routine.
Our coaches are getting into aroutine.
We have a lot of new youngcoaches.
Many of our guys who playedfirst last year are first-year
coaching and they'reenthusiastic, energetic and
working their butts off.
They're getting in a routine,as well as our players now as
they get into the thick of thesemester.
So you know, balance inacademics and athletics is key.
And you know our mentoringprogram.
(11:14):
We do our UDIC Advantage.
If you came in the office maybepeople would think we'd be in
there watching film and you'regoing to see four young coaches
having one-on-ones with our,with our players.
You know we have this orangebook that's called the Utica
Vans.
We've done it since I've beenhired and when I first got hired
and it's.
It's great for our players.
It's time management, you knowit's.
(11:35):
You know there's a mentorprogram with it and a lot of
questions about their goals intheir lives and goal setting,
and so that's really at fullforce right now as well.
Coach Faggiano (11:45):
Now, Coach, is there any different preparation
for you guys between prep andfor a home game?
I know the Bleed Bowl is a bigevent for you guys, but now you
go back on the road.
Is preparation different whenyou're going on the road?
Rocky (11:56):
It is, it's easier.
You know it's easier.
We had a lot going on, you know.
I remember when coach mcclendonfirst got hired four years ago.
He's like coach, is every homegame gotta be like the super
bowl?
You know what I mean, likecolor guards and people singing
the anthem and the tents packedand said, yeah, that's that's
how it's gonna, that's how it'sgonna be, that's how it's gonna
roll.
You know and I think you talkeda lot about the distractions
(12:19):
are always different yeah right.
So the week one was not readingall the press about how good w
and j was and it's crazy.
Right now it right.
And if you ask the kids that inthe first two teams, the first
three teams we've played, thatthey've only had one win, which
would be rpi against wpi, likeno way.
(12:40):
These are good football teams,like alfred is a good football
team we were playing later on inlife.
Mention them.
Rpi excuse me is going to havea winning season, right.
W and j is going to have awinning season.
Right, hobart is going to havea winning season.
These.
These are really good teams.
Hobart, they're 0-2.
Come on, turn the ball over orthey beat Alfred Battled with
Brockport.
(13:00):
A lot of respect there.
That was a battle.
Brockport's a good physicalfootball team out of our
conference.
I know they're reeling.
They play very well at home.
I don't know, it's some crazynumber.
They don't lose at home.
One of their few losses was acouple of years ago in the bowl
game to us.
And how do they respond?
Deep in the NCAA playoffs andit took Susquehanna, you know,
(13:22):
to the wire.
So you know a lot of credit forCoach DeWall as we're getting
into Hobart here and theirfootball team here.
It's a, it's a huge game forall different reasons and I kind
of like our guys like it.
It's a mindset hey, let's takeour show on the road.
You know, hop on the bus, lockin.
It's nice, it's not that far atrip, you know, I like being
able to just go down the thruwayand play a great opponent.
(13:44):
And one thing that's true andI've said this in the committee
I was on as many times I can say, as Division III York football,
division III football, some ofthe best in the country period
Always has been, always will be.
So yeah, it's going to be a waron Saturday.
They're a very good team.
Coach Faggiano (14:01):
And Coach, you know them well.
You mentioned the ECA, theClayton Chapman Bowl.
You guys played them a fewyears ago and I think you guys
had a late drive, a seven-playdrive, late in the fourth
quarter to score, to go ahead.
Touchdown was a low-scoringgame.
It was like 10-6 that you guyswon.
I think that year you guysfinished 9-2, which was a great
year for you guys.
So you know them well, a littlebit right.
Rocky (14:19):
We do, we do and they're a little different.
We'll see what happens onSaturday, but a little different
, we'll see.
We're certainly prepared forall of it.
You've got to prepare for theman blitzing and the pressure.
You got to prepare for the maxcoverage.
They're a little more zonepressure this year.
(14:39):
Very good defense, certainly,as you know.
A coach on the defense side ofbob and focused on some of their
offensive players.
A running back um is very good.
Ej taylor he's a big dude.
You know gotta tackle him.
I'm sorry I've been coughingtoday, everyone yeah, I mean
some coaches and go give Coach awater.
Coach Faggiano (14:57):
You mentioned their first two games.
I mean they were in a good onewith Alfred, that's really good.
I know we'll talk about themlater in the season.
And then Brockport, I think,scored late against them to beat
them 14-10, so that was backand forth.
So they've started off likeyourself two really tough games
right out of the gate.
Rocky (15:12):
Yeah, there's no easy games out the gate.
Their one receiver number threeis really good, johnny Harding.
He plays lacrosse.
He's a D1 lacrosse player outof Rochester.
Their one wideout number five,marcus Peterson, is a really
good player.
So they've got some goodfootball players and they're
really well coached.
Coach Seth Williams was on mystaff at Utica, was part of the
tree.
Coach Jake Williams was part ofthe Utica tree.
(15:33):
So those guys know us prettywell and I'm sure they know
they've had this game markedafter that tough loss at their
place in the bowl game.
Our guys are excited.
They want a challenge very well, regardless of record.
The best football team we'veplayed to date is what we've
been telling our guys and weknow that they're going to swing
(15:55):
back.
You know what I mean.
I think our guys came out fastand furious these first two
games and maybe surprised theteam and we kind of got after
them.
And then you know, our guysknow a whole bar like they're
not going to go away, likethey're going to keep battling.
They're a tough football teamand they show that.
You know again, what's you know?
Is it a big game?
Cause it's the next game.
You know our guys are reallybought into that and cause
(16:19):
they've learned, you know,they've seen it, they've seen it
over the years our veterans,you know you can build some
games up too much you can.
You can, you know, play down toyour opponent at times.
And I think, truly, these guyslove playing football together,
very close group.
And one thing I said to himthis week is every team we play
is going to have good players,but the best team is going to
(16:40):
win.
And DeForest sent out an old BoSchembecker video of the team,
the team, the team, and it was agreat timing because he had
sent the video out before I eventalked about that.
So we're on the same page andlooking forward to another week.
Coach Faggiano (16:56):
And Coach, how much does the non-conference
schedule help you guys headinginto the Empire 8 play next week
?
I know you don't like to lookahead, like every coach doesn't,
but how much does thisnon-conference schedule really
prepare you guys for conferenceplay?
Rocky (17:09):
I mean it's huge.
I mean we had Andrew Banquet atpractice today, a Hall of Fame
quarterback for us, and he wasin town and he's like coach.
He's like things are a littledifferent.
Like what do you mean?
He's like, well, we're notopening up, you know, I won't
say the schools, but X, x school, maybe, say from new England,
you're opening up with RPI andWJ and Hobart.
You know what I mean.
(17:30):
So, and you're having success,those things are a little
different and I think certainlythat's going to help prepare us
more.
So for conference play, it'skind of funny how it goes in
waves.
There was a really good stretchwhere we were playing Union, we
were playing RPI those aregames I want to play and then,
for reasons we won't talk abouton the show, the games don't
(17:51):
happen.
But now it's kind of locked innice with the Empire 8 Liberty
League, where there's a contractfor two non-league games.
That's how it should be.
And so for us you know I wasjoking around with people oh, we
must be getting better, becauseour draw was whole bar RPI.
So like, all right, thanks forthe compliment, you know we're
getting better.
So we have those teams for twoyears and then I think after
(18:12):
that it goes Ithaca St Lawrence,which is great Again.
New York Central, new York.
We haven't played Ithaca since18.
St Lawrence was again anotherreally good game We'd play at
night with them.
I've got a good relationshipwith Coach Puck and Coach Terp
at Ithaca, so this is reallygood for New York football.
Our Empire 8 versus LibertyLeague.
Coach Faggiano (18:35):
I think people get amped up for that Coach.
I feel like after that firstwin for you guys and I think we
were talking two weeks ago whenwe started this show I said all
these shows had you guys kind ofpicked towards the middle of
the pack and they definitelydidn't pick you to win the first
game and I feel like you'resimilar to a lot of coaches.
It's like you know what we'llplay, anybody, anywhere, we're
going to go compete, no matterwho we play.
But I feel like that game was abig statement for you guys,
(18:57):
because now all these differentshows I follow, they're all
talking about UC saying watchout for these guys.
Come on, pirate, play.
Rocky (19:05):
You know, the guys talked about it.
It's like, hey, we're startingto get recognition and that's
nice and that's good for ourprogram or university.
We talk about it all the timethat we want to put a team on
the field, that our universityalumni and community are proud
of.
But you know they love playingtogether.
We just want to go win afootball game and they know that
we have to handle success wetalk about.
We have to handle successbecause it's going to come Right
(19:28):
and so important and we had agreat week of practice and the
young guys are really startingto learn the scout great week of
practice and the young guys arereally starting to learn.
The scout teams are gettingbetter the last two weeks right
and they're they're excited aswell and, um, you know what's
going on.
They've played two really toughuh openers to erie community
college in courtland, both likeone score type games.
They had opportunities to win.
They're looking for their firstfirst jv when, uh, this sunday
(19:51):
they're home, uh, against alfredat one.
So I know they're pretty ampedup for that as our young guys
and young coaches get geared up.
And we're certainly beenwatching those films to see,
okay, you know who's going toget the call.
Every year there's someone whogets a call.
You know, last year it was,like you know, mason Payton,
who's now starting to strike,and Isaiah Thomas was starting
linebacker, got the call forspecial teams midseason and were
(20:13):
playing in the Fisher game inpackages.
So we're watching those tapesand watching our guys develop.
Coach Faggiano (20:24):
Coach, how would you say this team so far
through the first couple weeksof the season is different?
I know every year every team'sdifferent and some teams get
your head on offense or yourhead a little bit on defense and
in the conference play.
But how is this team differentthrough the first few weeks than
last year's?
Rocky (20:36):
Well, yeah, I mean, every team has a one-year life
expectancy and every team hasjust a different chemistry and
you have different leaders andyou know I try to develop them
best I can on my end, and ourcoaches do a great job of that
and it's just a unique group,you know, I think it's a unique
group right now.
They and it's just a uniquegroup, you know, I think it's a
unique group right now.
They've learned.
It's nice when you have seniorsthat have been around.
(20:59):
They've been there for 10 and 2and 9 and 2, and they were
there for 5 and 5.
And they did not like 5 and 5last year, right, and worked
really hard to get back and havethat success.
And, at the end of the day,they love playing football and
everyone's only guaranteed 10,and they don't want to turn
their equipment in after 10.
That's our goal every year.
(21:20):
Whatever that looks like, we'regoing to do everything in our
power to play as many footballgames as we can and that's been
the mindset that's set by theplayers.
I mean, they go in the weightroom and it's like a whole
different deal.
We're going to get some callsfor playing the music too loud
in the neighborhood, I'm sure,but the music's blaring, the
(21:40):
energy in the weight room isexcellent, and I just give
credit to our leadership counciland our captains for, you know,
for leading this football team,because it can't just come from
me, it can't just come from thecoaches, you know.
Coach Faggiano (21:57):
Coach, you mentioned a couple of the
players for hobart I want tojust talk a little bit about.
You mentioned their juniorrunning back, ej taylor, who
last year was at 1100 yard backand he's off to a good start.
They feed him a lot 35 carriesweek one, 21 carries uh, or,
excuse me, 21 carries againstalfred.
He had 14 carries againstbrockport, so it looks like he's
the workhorse for them.
Good back, big back, quick back.
What do you know about him?
Rocky (22:18):
He's tough to tackle We've been tackling stations all
week, you know and a hugeoffensive line, and so they do a
nice job in their run game, youknow.
And so we're just all right.
What might we see different?
You know they've played twoquarterbacks at times.
You know we recruited AidenConrad.
He's a really good quarterback,talented young man, great
family.
But they've also played truestyles and he seems to run the
(22:42):
ball a little more.
One of their touchdowns in theAlfred game he's in and is a
quarterback and more of arunning-type quarterback.
But yeah, they're a goodfootball team.
On defense, alex Smith man, he'sall over the place, number one,
and he's on special teams.
They have probably the bestspecial teams we've played so
far.
They're a kicker, they're apunter, they're a kickoff guy
(23:02):
Very good special teams, right,they're a field goal guy, you
know he can make it from longways, you know.
So we definitely have achallenge there.
So our guys know like, knowlike they, you know, have an
empathy like.
All right, put yourself inhobart shoes.
They're coming swinging right.
Oh, and two, they know they'rebetter than that.
Um, I want to get anon-conference win before they
get in, deliberately, play right, because the end of the day,
(23:22):
it's about number one indivision three football, winning
your conference right.
You win your conference, youget the aq right, and then next
is it doing everything in yourpower to make sure you're nine
and one, because if, if, you're9-1, you have a really, really
good chance of I think all the9-1 teams got in last year with
the new expanded bracket, butyeah.
Coach Faggiano (23:42):
Yeah, and I know you know that Liberty League
that they're in.
They're picked to actuallyfinish first in that league and
then Ithaca's right behind themanother strong conference.
And, like you said, youmentioned Coach DeWall, who's
been there, for he's been thereover 15 years.
I think he was an assistantthere for a long time before
being named a head coach, Ithink in 18.
But they've done nothing butpost back-to-back five straight
postseason bids.
(24:02):
They won the Liberty last year,picked again Good conference.
Rocky (24:07):
I mean, you know Hobart athletics are big right, their
hockey program right, battlingthem in the national
championship, their lacrosseprogram being division one.
You know the William Smith,their female space really,
really good.
You know student athletes thereat Hobart very well respected
in other sports.
So you know, and coach, theyall played for coach Craig.
You know who built Hobart.
(24:28):
You know what I mean.
When I back in the earlynineties they weren't quite
there yet and then, and coachCraig built that place along
with my good friend Chris, chrisPhelps and DeWalt played for
those guys and you know they'vegot a lot, a lot of strong
tradition of winning at Hobartfor sure.
So, coach, what are a couple ofkeys, whether it's offense,
defense a couple of keys to thisweek of of going up there and
(24:57):
coming out with a win.
I always say the same thing,but it's about turnovers and
possessions.
Hobart beats Alfred.
If they don't turn the ballover.
In my opinion, they gave Alfredsome great field position on a
couple turnovers Actually, onewas a pick six and one was a
fumble down in their red zonearea and I think that's a really
big thing.
We've turned the ball over acouple of times.
It hasn't hasn't been the game,but our guys know, hey, we got
to protect the football, right,we don't want it, we don't want
(25:19):
to make the other team earn it.
Let's make them earn it.
Let's make them go.
You know, 80 yards, 70 yards,and not give them the ball on
the 40 plus yard line, rightCause the chance of any football
team.
These guys throw it up andthey're going to make a play,
you know.
So you know, make them earn.
You know, earn their points.
I always say the same thingsince it's it's, you know,
(25:41):
special teams, the guys knowit's huge.
It's all about the fieldposition in the game.
You know.
I think that's key.
Their punt team's got all thesecrazy formations.
That gives us, you know theirspread formations in their
punting right.
It's like we're trying, youknow, doing our best to work on
that, and number one's the guyin motion so they can free him
up to go make make the tackleright.
So so that's been a challenge,um, you know.
(26:02):
So they're well coached team.
I know these guys really welland, uh, again, we're looking
forward to taking the show onthe road for sure coach.
Coach Faggiano (26:10):
I think I feel like every week when we talk, we
talk about all these othercoaches and there's so many
great coaches across the countryin division three and
especially here in new yorkstate, and every week it's just
a tough matchup, no matter whoyou play, and it's a lot of
great coaching all over theplace there's some great great
programs in new york state andin the Northeast for sure.
Rocky (26:32):
You know Pennsylvania too has a great history of Division
III football.
Obviously Ohio right and theMount Unions and the Heidelbergs
and Ohio Northerns and allthose guys and the John Carrolls
, you know the Baldwin-Wallaces.
It was just really good andthen it's really picking up.
You know what I mean.
You know, all of a sudden, whenTexas figured out, hey, we're
going to switch from NIADivision III, right, boom,
(26:53):
they're right away like doinggreat things.
You know, it's just greatfootball out there.
The Mary Harden-Baylor and MaryHarden-Simmons you know those
are just some tremendousprograms and their schools have
put a lot of investment in thoseprograms.
Coach Faggiano (27:06):
I feel like it's getting bigger and bigger every
year.
Rocky (27:09):
Well, you know, in Division III it's really, it's
funny, division I, there's atleast some rules where it's
relatively equal.
Right, the scholarships are thesame.
Yeah, right, you got to havecertain size stadiums, like
there's all these.
Or Division III is like allover the place.
It's all over the place, youknow, you know, you got.
You know massive stadiums.
You got tiny stadiums, you got.
(27:30):
You know guys are trying to, youknow, make sure they can.
You know class schedules, notlike at the division one level,
you have guys that are runningdown from labs to practice, you
know, from pt lab and everything.
And you know again, uh, youknow division three, guy right,
played division three, lovedivision three.
Um, you know, always wanted tocoach division three.
(27:51):
Um, you know, always wanted tocoach Division III.
You know, didn't alwaysnecessarily think about being a
head coach, it just kind ofhappened.
You know, when the time wasright, at that time, you know,
we were in Rochester and I'mjust putting all my time and
effort into Fisher, you know,and like Coach Vosburgh's
texting me.
You know, after the WashingtonJ win, you know, and like that's
(28:13):
what's great about the game offootball, right is the people
you meet and the guys youcompete against.
You know.
Coach Faggiano (28:19):
All about relationships.
Rocky (28:21):
Yeah, that's what makes it special.
So, yeah, looking forward toseeing Coach Lee's and Coach
Williams and Coach DeWall andtheir staff and I'm sure it's
going to be a it's certainly oneyou don't want to miss and
their staff, I'm sure it's goingto be a it's certainly one.
Coach Faggiano (28:33):
You don't want to miss this one.
I think it's going to be a goodfootball game.
Well, coach, one of my favoriteparts of the week here is at
the bottom of the hour we getinto our picks.
So I added a couple extra onesand we're both tied here.
We went 3-2 last week, allright, so I snuck in.
I think I got six games thisweek, six games this week, but
the first one we're going to gois Texas Tech.
That's 3-0.
At Utah, that's 3-0.
(28:54):
Utah's minus 3.5.
We're not counting spreads, butI got to put them up there.
This one's at Utah.
Who do you like?
Rocky (29:02):
When it's that close like that, I'm going to go with the
home team, you're going to rollwith Utah.
Coach Faggiano (29:06):
Okay, I like Utah this year.
Rocky (29:08):
This is your favorite part.
This is like.
I love it.
Man, I'm terrible at this.
You're going to laugh at this.
Don't listen to Coach Foggiano.
Coach Faggiano (29:16):
I've had some guys you're going to laugh at
this, but I've had some guys sayCoach Fogg's picks aren't too
bad, like there's people thatpay attention to the picks.
Rocky (29:24):
All right, we'll keep down.
Coach Faggiano (29:25):
We'll keep it All.
I'm going to roll with Utah too.
I do like them at home thisyear.
I love their coach.
I think Windingham's a greatcoach.
This is another one.
I'm big on Venables Auburn 3-0at Oklahoma.
Oklahoma is minus 6.5.
John Matera, the quarterbackfor Oklahoma right now, is
playing as good as anybody inthe country, but this is a big
(29:48):
game for both teams and Oklahomaand Norman, you think Auburn's
got a shot.
Rocky (29:51):
I think they do.
I think it looks like it'llprobably be a one-score game,
but I'm going to go withOklahoma.
They're playing great right now.
Coach Faggiano (29:57):
Yeah, I'm a Michigan guy.
It's hard for me to go againstVenables, so beat Michigan.
And defensively.
I think this is the best teamhe's had since he's taken over
there for Stoops, so I like him.
Good coach, good coach.
I hope they have a good season,all right.
Bryce Underwood was good lastweek against Central Michigan.
They used them running the ball.
They did a little bit of both.
I feel like with Sharon Mooreout, they kind of opened up the
(30:19):
offense a little bit.
I left.
I love Biff Pogge, the interimhead coach.
They're filling in line guy.
Could they go in and Nebraskabeat Matt Ruhl?
Ruhl hasn't had a lot ofsuccess against Michigan here
the last three years.
This might be the better teamhe's had, do you?
Rocky (30:35):
think Nebraska gets him.
I know a lot of guys that havecoached with Coach Rule, you
know, and a lot of respect forhim and his ups and downs, you
know, in the profession from theNFL and back in college, kind
of like Coach Shiano at Rutgers.
Coach Faggiano (30:52):
You know this one I'm going to go Hart and go
Nebraska.
I'm a Michigan guy.
Rocky (30:55):
I don't know if Michigan will have enough offense.
We'll see.
Coach Faggiano (30:57):
I worry about Michigan's offensive line but I
love their running game withJackson Hayes, the transfer from
Alabama, If they keep thetraining wheels.
I know you don't watch a lot ofcollege football with you guys
in the season, Coach, but Idon't know if you've seen this
Underwood kid.
He is a beast.
He's a big kid, Freak athlete.
Rocky (31:18):
I know Nebraska's going to be rocking.
I know this is a huge game forCoach Rule.
Coach Faggiano (31:23):
Oh, Lincoln's going to be huge.
All right, here's another one.
I love Billy Napier.
I feel like every week if heloses, they want to fire him.
He's on the hot list right nowto be fired and they're already
saying John Gruden's going tocome in and take over the
Florida Gators.
Rocky (31:37):
Leave him alone.
Coach Faggiano (31:39):
Did you see their schedule, though?
Every week they're playing.
I think their next six, sevengames are all against ranked
teams.
Rocky (31:46):
Here's my thing on firing coaches.
I'll give you this.
Here's my thing on firingcoaches.
I'll give you this right.
Here's my thing on firingcoaches.
Right, the Browns and the Billshad more head coach changeover.
It was like some crazy number,right.
And then you looked at theSteelers and you look at the
Patriots right.
That's what you just have tolearn from that.
Right there, it's like give thecoach a chance.
And now the Bills have settledin, right, and I really like the
(32:09):
Browns head coach.
I've got to figure some otherthings out.
You've got to give these guys achance.
He's a good coach.
It's going to happen.
It's about your program.
I know.
I'm sure he's working at it.
I'm not a big mid-seasonget-ready coach.
Coach Faggiano (32:21):
It's crazy.
You know what it is, coach.
The rule is, if they fire acoach in-season, these kids can
go right into the transferportal as soon as possible.
So you could lose half yourteam.
Rocky (32:34):
Oh God, that's a whole other show, whole other
conversation, that nonsense.
Coach Faggiano (32:38):
In-state game.
Miami's looked really goodthrough the first three weeks
and Carson Beck's looked reallygood.
The transfer from Georgiathey're at home minus 7.5.
Any chance Florida gets them.
Rocky (32:49):
No, no, I actually watched Carson play a little bit
.
It seems like he's fit inreally well there.
A fresh start.
I'm going with the U.
Coach Faggiano (32:59):
I'm with you.
I don't think there's a chance.
Even though I love Billy Napier, I just don't see it happening.
Another big game in a Big Ten.
I'm a Big Ten homer, indiana.
At home they haven't playedanybody yet.
But man, he's changed theculture there at Indiana From a
basketball school now it's afootball school.
They were in the playoff lastyear.
But Brett Bielema fightingIllini, he's brought that old
(33:20):
school run the football, playreally good defense.
Who are you liking that onethat's at Indiana.
Rocky (33:26):
I'm going with the local Utikins.
We're going for Brett Bielema.
A lot of local guys know CoachBielema.
One of his director of footballoperations is a local Utica guy
.
I've met him a couple times.
He's a great human being.
I'm going Illinois on this one.
Coach Faggiano (33:45):
I'm with you on that one.
I think it's the perfect fitfor him.
When he got this job, I thoughtit was the perfect fit.
When he got hired there, Ididn't think it was the right
fit for him.
When he got this job, I thoughtit was the perfect fit um.
When he got hired there um, Ididn't think it was the right
fit for him.
When he was at arkansas in thesec.
He's a big 10 guy um to me andit's good to see him back and
it's always.
Rocky (34:01):
You always wonder when those guys make those decisions.
You know what I mean.
I know it's a lot of money, youknow a lot of money, but like
they're like in a good place,you got things, things rolling.
It's kind of like whenRodriguez left West Virginia,
now he's back.
You know what I mean.
Coach Faggiano (34:17):
But you had a big win last week the backyard
brawl.
They beat that he did.
He did Great win for WestVirginia.
Rocky (34:22):
I was a big fan back when they were rolling at West
Virginia.
I liked what they were doingback then.
Coach Faggiano (34:27):
All right, coach , I got one last bonus pick.
I'm going to be at the gameCoach Fitz opens up.
Patriot League play at homeagainst my Fordham Rams that
have struggled.
Colgate's moved the ball.
I mean his offense has beenputting up some points.
They're at home this weekagainst Fordham.
You going with one of yourformer coaches.
Rocky (34:45):
So here I do have to give you a little background.
So it's wild in these games.
So Colgate a couple weeks agowas playing Villanova.
Well, the D-line coach atVillanova is Nick Woodman, utica
Proctor grad.
That's right, he's full-timethere.
Coach Franti hired him, so nowColgate is playing Fordham and
James Lenahan another Utica alum.
(35:06):
Yes, sir Ward number 24, likeEli Douglas, Great player, great
safety for us.
But 24 like Eli Douglas, Greatplayer For us.
But I tell you what I've got togo with the Red Raiders at home
and go against their alma matercoach.
I think the Colgate's going toget it done.
It's going to be a littledifferent now that they get in
conference play.
I know they're really wellcoached.
They've played some really goodfootball teams.
They moved the ball againstSyracuse.
Coach Faggiano (35:25):
They have.
He's going to get it going.
I know we talked about it lastweek.
Rocky (35:30):
The big question is what are you going to do?
That's the big question.
Coach Faggiano (35:34):
I really want to pick Colgate to beat him, but I
got to go with my alma mater.
I want to see Joe Conlon.
He's had a tough couple yearsat Fordham and there's all these
rumors that he's on the hotseat.
He's been really good to meover the years.
I'm going to hope Fordham comeshere with a win.
I'll be on the sidelines.
I'll be on the sidelines forthe game Saturday Bring my son
it's going to be packed.
Rocky (35:54):
I've got to imagine it's going to be packed.
I know Coach Fitz has got thatuniversity fired up, Coach the
weather has been fantastic sofar.
Coach Faggiano (36:03):
Knock on wood through the first few weeks of
the season.
What great fall weather.
Rocky (36:07):
It's been great.
You're right, knock on woodkeeps it going, because we've
had some crazy ones.
But yeah, looking forward tothose guys get their first win.
They're doing some really goodthings there Coach Fetz, coach
Dubino, coach Rodsford, you know, coach Boyes, you know Crazy.
So they're doing some goodthings.
Coach Faggiano (36:27):
Well, Coach, listen, bring home a W.
I look forward to talking toyou next week as we get an
Empire 8 play next week.
And fear the moose, as always,and go get them this week.
Rocky (36:35):
Thank you.
If you didn't know everyone,september 27th is homecoming.
Come on back to homecoming.
Pioneers versus pioneers as wetake on Alfred State.
But thanks for listening.
Fear the moose.
Coach Faggiano (36:44):
Sounds good, coach, good luck.
So that was coach faziano.
Let me just sneak my thing offhere.
I appreciate him coming on here.
I love talking to him.
I love talking football withhim weekly.
It's a great half hour, one ofmy favorite half hours of the
(37:07):
week.
Um, he's got things going toher off to a fantastic start.
Another big game this week.
Three tough games right out ofthe gate for him before they
head into umpire.
Eight play next week, whichwe'll get into then.
Make sure to follow me on allsocial media platforms.
I'll get this playback up there.
I'll share it again tonight.
I'll get some clips of Coachfrom tonight's show, as always
(37:29):
Next week.
I think what I'll try to do.
If anybody's got any questionsfor coach, I'll try to take him
before so I can ask him.
Maybe we'll add a couplesegments as we go throughout the
season.
So I want to make sure that Ithank coach for that and best of
luck to them this week as theytake on Hobart.
So, without further ado, thanksto coach.
(37:50):
Thanks for tuning in tonight tohear on the Rockpile.
The Rockpile is where dreamsbecome reality.
Have a good evening everybody.
Thank you.
Coach Faggiano (00:34):
Good evening everybody.
Welcome to another live editionhere on the Rock Pile.
The Rock Pile tonight brings usInside Utica University
Football Podcast episode numberthree.
We bring it on Coach BlazeFaggiano here in just a moment.
If you're listening on YouTube,make sure you hit subscribe.
Share it across all socialmedia platforms.
I was just telling Coach priorto coming on.
We've had a good following overthe last two weeks over 4,000
(00:57):
views on all social mediaplatforms.
So I really appreciate thefollowers.
I really appreciate thesubscribers.
Always great to talk UCfootball with Coach.
It's fun that he's actuallysneaking a little college
football preview.
I was looking at his picks herethat I got him on.
We both were 3-2 last week, sowe'll get some more games this
week.
I think I snuck in six gamesfor Coach to pick, but they're
(01:19):
off to a great start, off to a2-0 start.
They're on the road this weekand then they'll open up on
Parade Conference play next week.
So we'll bring on Coach herewithout further ado.
Coach, let me switch us up here.
Let's see there we go.
How are you Coach?
Rocky (01:37):
Excellent, excellent.
Before we go, talk us afootball with you.
Coach Faggiano (01:43):
So, Coach, I'll give you the opening statement.
I'll give you the floor again.
A big 41-14 win over RPI lastweek.
Rocky (01:53):
The Believe Bowl for you.
It was a great night forfootball.
Talk to us about that game.
Well, first, it was a veryemotional game.
We took a moment of silence forJames Salas, our player, who we
lost last year.
It was very important that wedo that and take that
opportunity Again.
At the same time our honorarycaptains, victor and Nancy from
the Utica fire department andNew York mills lady, lady
(02:16):
auxiliary, who are battlingcancer honorary captains, are
out there with all theirfamilies.
I mean it was really emotionalto start the game and you know.
So I really give our guyscredit.
You know kind of, you knowliterally wiping some tears away
and then going playing footballand you know just a great
example of.
You know very proud of theatmosphere that we built and the
(02:38):
tent was rocking.
You know Master Vito, hyundaiFrank and Colleen the tent.
I think they had 150 to 200people in the tent.
I think we had just over 2,000people at the game.
One thing that was funny thathappened is Sheriff Maceo.
I find out we're going to havea flyover at the anthem, so I
got everybody the whole campus.
It never comes right.
They unfortunately had to go dosomething because of the mercy
(03:00):
flight.
They had to do something else.
In the middle of the secondquarter the chopper buzzes, the
stance once turns around andthen goes over the middle of the
field like between our lightsBrian Finn, the head official.
They didn't know what to do.
Everyone's looking what's goingon, because the second pass was
really low and they had toreset the clock and so we had
(03:21):
our first flyover and I know alot of the alumni got a kick out
of that because one of thethings we've joked about, you
know, having the games but I wasreally proud of how our guys
played, you know came outswinging.
I have a lot of respect for RPI,a very good program.
Historically they win.
Historically they go topostseason.
You know I was looking back atlike the last times that they
were held to 14 points or lesswas against teams like North
(03:45):
Central Ithaca and CarnegieMellon, right, that are all like
mainstays in Division IIIfootball.
You know what I mean.
Over the years and I think itwas the last time someone scored
41 on them was 2005,.
Alfred did Like it's been a bit, you know.
So, like you know, I thinkagain we're just working hard
(04:05):
and things are going well andthe kids are playing hard and
we're gelling, so it was a greatatmosphere.
Coach Faggiano (04:11):
Coach, your offense continues to roll.
You guys jumped out to a big28-0 halftime lead and then you
guys really never looked back.
But talk to us about thisoffense and you guys just came
out flying on all cylinders youknow, there are some things that
we wanted to establish as aprogram.
Rocky (04:27):
Better from week one right, we wanted to play better
defense we did.
We wanted to have lesspenalties we did.
We wanted to run the ballbetter yeah and we did.
You know those are all things inthe stat line and that helps
free up.
You know free up the pass gameand you know the pass game yards
sometimes are funny becausewe're not calling a pass, it's
an RPO, right?
So so you don't know, you knowjust your trust in Tyler to make
(04:50):
the right decision.
You know he's doing a great job.
You know, and our coaches aredoing a great job preparing our
guys.
That doesn't matter what we sawon film, you know, it's like
we're, we're preparing to goagainst three high safeties, max
coverage, since we just threwfor over 500 yards, even though
we haven't seen it on film fromRPI, and don't they come out and
do that and we're ready for it,right.
(05:11):
And the confidence that kidshave just in the game prep uh,
you know, the coach, klaus coachand a little bit coach
McClendon are putting our guysin is tremendous.
Coach Faggiano (05:20):
Yeah, and coach, we'll talk about Tyler again
here.
I mean, yeah, coach, we'll talkabout tyler again here.
I mean another huge game forhim 27 to 29 for 385, six
touchdown passes tied the singlegame record.
He's just off to a fantasticstart.
Uh, these first two games, butwhat I was impressed with, coach
, is both your opening two games, his completion percentage I
mean he's completing balls he'saccurate sorry, I think it's
(05:42):
like 79 percenter.
Rocky (05:43):
Yeah, that's crazy.
Credits our receivers, you knowmaking good decisions with the
football.
You know he's mad.
He was only 10 of 11 on thirddown because he could have been
11 of 11.
That's how he is.
Excuse me, I'm going to have tocough for a minute and Coach.
Coach Faggiano (06:01):
I know we've talked a lot about Tyler, the
first two games and rightfullyso, the numbers we put up, but
you're talking about thereceiving core too.
You got a dvs grad that's putup some good numbers, too good
player, and tayshawn played welltoo for the first two games he
did, you know, bryce palmer, uh,antonio cianferrani, tyshawn
taylor those guys are playinggreat.
Rocky (06:20):
And then, you know, it was really nice to see some guys
in the game step in, like youknow, lorenzo Velez and Gabe
Zawala came in and made someplays and you know we're pretty
deep at receiver, you know, andso you know the way those guys
are running.
We're going to have to be, youknow, because they're going to
get gassed.
You know we have someconfidence in them and our own
line is doing a great jobprotecting Tyler and giving us
(06:42):
opportunities to run thefootball.
I think the big thing for Tylerhe's just got you know, I was
talking to my office today justa good story Like he's had.
It's been such a long timesince he's had Paul and playing
football.
He has to almost go back toAquinas, you know, and so,
unfortunately for him, he didn'thave a good experience at
Albany.
Robert Morris, which is thenultimately fortunate for us,
(07:03):
right, and all the good thingscome in time and happen for a
reason, and you know he's reallygelled well with our guys.
He's a unique guy all the way.
You know, the quarterback roomis a strong room.
Those guys are tight and pushfor each other and you know
we're firing on all cylinders.
The guys are, you know,confidence is high and you know,
know we've got a big challengecoming this week.
Coach Faggiano (07:25):
And Coach, I know before the season started I
think the Empire 8 said youguys had one of the best skilled
groups in the conference comingback this year and your skilled
group obviously led by Tylerand you've got a great receiving
core.
But I want to just talk aboutthe defense, because your
defense has been really good thelast two weeks as well and
you've got a senior defensiveback and Eli Douglas was all
over the field.
I think he had what a forcedfumble.
(07:46):
I think he had an interceptionfor you.
He was all over the place fromthe backfield.
Rocky (07:51):
You know Coach McClendon's doing a good job of
moving him around within thedefense and you're not sure
where he's going to be or whatzone he's going to be, and
sometimes he's back deep in thethird or half and in the third
or half and other times he'sunderneath coverage and allows
Eli to have fun and kind of doboth and has been a really
strong leader back there.
you know and he's just come along way you know from from
(08:12):
being a freshman that you knowhis claim to fame was the
blocked punt against Susquehannain the playoffs and just
contributed a bit and all theguys that kind of were leaders
for him and helped him throughthe process.
And now he's given back to ouryounger guys and is really a
strong leader as a captain andthe secondary back there.
So he's playing at a high level, I think, right down the middle
(08:33):
Eli Douglas, isaiah Thomas andJordan Davis, those three and
all the old coaches I've beenaround.
I know all of a sudden now I'mthe old coach, but you've got to
be strong down the middle ofyour defense, you know.
I think those guys are allplaying at a high level for us.
Coach Faggiano (08:48):
Coach.
Another young guy that playedsome minutes for you was a
freshman, Austin DeGroote fromOneida, and I remember last year
I was helping Jay coach theAll-Star game and I saw that kid
running around.
I said, man, that kid's goingto be a stud.
He got in place in good timefor you guys.
Rocky (09:07):
Yeah, got in place some good time for you guys.
Yeah, you know it's funny.
Like you know, he worked hardin the summer, put some weight
on and came back a little, evenbigger than we thought he was
going to be right, because is hegoing to be a linebacker at the
end, is he going to be a hybridguy and you know, I don't
forget what.
I think it was 250, 260 comerolling into camp like not a big
guy.
You know we're going to getyour hand on the ground, you
know and you know be adealignment for for us.
So each week he's played moreand more and we like to rotate
our defensive line.
He's got a great motor runs tothe ball and he's playing some
(09:28):
special teams in there as welland he's a really coachable guy
and we're glad to have him thelocal guy and keep him here in
town for sure.
Coach Faggiano (09:39):
So, Coach, before we get into Hobart, what
are a couple things from thispast week's game that you look
to improve on heading into weekthree here?
Rocky (09:47):
You know it's hard, but I told the guys you've got to
really put the score aside andsay, okay, what were our
mistakes?
Right, because as the games getbigger and closer and tighter,
those mistakes can come back andget us Like the one I didn't
like is we give up.
Their two scorers are offturnovers, right.
So now our defense answered thecall on two of the four right.
(10:09):
One huge play was Nick DeForestright.
Howell and Patton blocked,blocked the field goal, right.
But they give a big you knowbig kick return and then we have
a penalty out of bounds.
We give them the ball at greatfield position, a great field
position, they score right.
And then we have a fumble andthey score right and like we
can't, I'm sorry, actually theyscored after the blocked punt
when they blocked it.
So we punt one time and we giveup a blocked punt.
(10:31):
Well, now everyone's going tocome after our punts.
Now, right, and so those aresome things that you know we
really just hey, we got to getthese things fixed.
The guys are bought in.
I think our special teams arestill young and have to continue
to improve.
You know that's an area I spenda lot of time with, but I think
one of the big things too isjust, you know, every week's
different, every opponent'sdifferent, and then they're
(10:53):
starting to get into a routine.
Our coaches are getting into aroutine.
We have a lot of new youngcoaches.
Many of our guys who playedfirst last year are first-year
coaching and they'reenthusiastic, energetic and
working their butts off.
They're getting in a routine,as well as our players now as
they get into the thick of thesemester.
So you know, balance inacademics and athletics is key.
And you know our mentoringprogram.
(11:14):
We do our UDIC Advantage.
If you came in the office maybepeople would think we'd be in
there watching film and you'regoing to see four young coaches
having one-on-ones with our,with our players.
You know we have this orangebook that's called the Utica
Vans.
We've done it since I've beenhired and when I first got hired
and it's.
It's great for our players.
It's time management, you knowit's.
(11:35):
You know there's a mentorprogram with it and a lot of
questions about their goals intheir lives and goal setting,
and so that's really at fullforce right now as well.
Coach Faggiano (11:45):
Now, Coach, is there any different preparation
for you guys between prep andfor a home game?
I know the Bleed Bowl is a bigevent for you guys, but now you
go back on the road.
Is preparation different whenyou're going on the road?
Rocky (11:56):
It is, it's easier.
You know it's easier.
We had a lot going on, you know.
I remember when coach mcclendonfirst got hired four years ago.
He's like coach, is every homegame gotta be like the super
bowl?
You know what I mean, likecolor guards and people singing
the anthem and the tents packedand said, yeah, that's that's
how it's gonna, that's how it'sgonna be, that's how it's gonna
roll.
You know and I think you talkeda lot about the distractions
(12:19):
are always different yeah right.
So the week one was not readingall the press about how good w
and j was and it's crazy.
Right now it right.
And if you ask the kids that inthe first two teams, the first
three teams we've played, thatthey've only had one win, which
would be rpi against wpi, likeno way.
(12:40):
These are good football teams,like alfred is a good football
team we were playing later on inlife.
Mention them.
Rpi excuse me is going to havea winning season, right.
W and j is going to have awinning season.
Right, hobart is going to havea winning season.
These.
These are really good teams.
Hobart, they're 0-2.
Come on, turn the ball over orthey beat Alfred Battled with
Brockport.
(13:00):
A lot of respect there.
That was a battle.
Brockport's a good physicalfootball team out of our
conference.
I know they're reeling.
They play very well at home.
I don't know, it's some crazynumber.
They don't lose at home.
One of their few losses was acouple of years ago in the bowl
game to us.
And how do they respond?
Deep in the NCAA playoffs andit took Susquehanna, you know,
(13:22):
to the wire.
So you know a lot of credit forCoach DeWall as we're getting
into Hobart here and theirfootball team here.
It's a, it's a huge game forall different reasons and I kind
of like our guys like it.
It's a mindset hey, let's takeour show on the road.
You know, hop on the bus, lockin.
It's nice, it's not that far atrip, you know, I like being
able to just go down the thruwayand play a great opponent.
(13:44):
And one thing that's true andI've said this in the committee
I was on as many times I can say, as Division III York football,
division III football, some ofthe best in the country period
Always has been, always will be.
So yeah, it's going to be a waron Saturday.
They're a very good team.
Coach Faggiano (14:01):
And Coach, you know them well.
You mentioned the ECA, theClayton Chapman Bowl.
You guys played them a fewyears ago and I think you guys
had a late drive, a seven-playdrive, late in the fourth
quarter to score, to go ahead.
Touchdown was a low-scoringgame.
It was like 10-6 that you guyswon.
I think that year you guysfinished 9-2, which was a great
year for you guys.
So you know them well, a littlebit right.
Rocky (14:19):
We do, we do and they're a little different.
We'll see what happens onSaturday, but a little different
, we'll see.
We're certainly prepared forall of it.
You've got to prepare for theman blitzing and the pressure.
You got to prepare for the maxcoverage.
They're a little more zonepressure this year.
(14:39):
Very good defense, certainly,as you know.
A coach on the defense side ofbob and focused on some of their
offensive players.
A running back um is very good.
Ej taylor he's a big dude.
You know gotta tackle him.
I'm sorry I've been coughingtoday, everyone yeah, I mean
some coaches and go give Coach awater.
Coach Faggiano (14:57):
You mentioned their first two games.
I mean they were in a good onewith Alfred, that's really good.
I know we'll talk about themlater in the season.
And then Brockport, I think,scored late against them to beat
them 14-10, so that was backand forth.
So they've started off likeyourself two really tough games
right out of the gate.
Rocky (15:12):
Yeah, there's no easy games out the gate.
Their one receiver number threeis really good, johnny Harding.
He plays lacrosse.
He's a D1 lacrosse player outof Rochester.
Their one wideout number five,marcus Peterson, is a really
good player.
So they've got some goodfootball players and they're
really well coached.
Coach Seth Williams was on mystaff at Utica, was part of the
tree.
Coach Jake Williams was part ofthe Utica tree.
(15:33):
So those guys know us prettywell and I'm sure they know
they've had this game markedafter that tough loss at their
place in the bowl game.
Our guys are excited.
They want a challenge very well, regardless of record.
The best football team we'veplayed to date is what we've
been telling our guys and weknow that they're going to swing
(15:55):
back.
You know what I mean.
I think our guys came out fastand furious these first two
games and maybe surprised theteam and we kind of got after
them.
And then you know, our guysknow a whole bar like they're
not going to go away, likethey're going to keep battling.
They're a tough football teamand they show that.
You know again, what's you know?
Is it a big game?
Cause it's the next game.
You know our guys are reallybought into that and cause
(16:19):
they've learned, you know,they've seen it, they've seen it
over the years our veterans,you know you can build some
games up too much you can.
You can, you know, play down toyour opponent at times.
And I think, truly, these guyslove playing football together,
very close group.
And one thing I said to himthis week is every team we play
is going to have good players,but the best team is going to
(16:40):
win.
And DeForest sent out an old BoSchembecker video of the team,
the team, the team, and it was agreat timing because he had
sent the video out before I eventalked about that.
So we're on the same page andlooking forward to another week.
Coach Faggiano (16:56):
And Coach, how much does the non-conference
schedule help you guys headinginto the Empire 8 play next week
?
I know you don't like to lookahead, like every coach doesn't,
but how much does thisnon-conference schedule really
prepare you guys for conferenceplay?
Rocky (17:09):
I mean it's huge.
I mean we had Andrew Banquet atpractice today, a Hall of Fame
quarterback for us, and he wasin town and he's like coach.
He's like things are a littledifferent.
Like what do you mean?
He's like, well, we're notopening up, you know, I won't
say the schools, but X, x school, maybe, say from new England,
you're opening up with RPI andWJ and Hobart.
You know what I mean.
(17:30):
So, and you're having success,those things are a little
different and I think certainlythat's going to help prepare us
more.
So for conference play, it'skind of funny how it goes in
waves.
There was a really good stretchwhere we were playing Union, we
were playing RPI those aregames I want to play and then,
for reasons we won't talk abouton the show, the games don't
(17:51):
happen.
But now it's kind of locked innice with the Empire 8 Liberty
League, where there's a contractfor two non-league games.
That's how it should be.
And so for us you know I wasjoking around with people oh, we
must be getting better, becauseour draw was whole bar RPI.
So like, all right, thanks forthe compliment, you know we're
getting better.
So we have those teams for twoyears and then I think after
(18:12):
that it goes Ithaca St Lawrence,which is great Again.
New York Central, new York.
We haven't played Ithaca since18.
St Lawrence was again anotherreally good game We'd play at
night with them.
I've got a good relationshipwith Coach Puck and Coach Terp
at Ithaca, so this is reallygood for New York football.
Our Empire 8 versus LibertyLeague.
Coach Faggiano (18:35):
I think people get amped up for that Coach.
I feel like after that firstwin for you guys and I think we
were talking two weeks ago whenwe started this show I said all
these shows had you guys kind ofpicked towards the middle of
the pack and they definitelydidn't pick you to win the first
game and I feel like you'resimilar to a lot of coaches.
It's like you know what we'llplay, anybody, anywhere, we're
going to go compete, no matterwho we play.
But I feel like that game was abig statement for you guys,
(18:57):
because now all these differentshows I follow, they're all
talking about UC saying watchout for these guys.
Come on, pirate, play.
Rocky (19:05):
You know, the guys talked about it.
It's like, hey, we're startingto get recognition and that's
nice and that's good for ourprogram or university.
We talk about it all the timethat we want to put a team on
the field, that our universityalumni and community are proud
of.
But you know they love playingtogether.
We just want to go win afootball game and they know that
we have to handle success wetalk about.
We have to handle successbecause it's going to come Right
(19:28):
and so important and we had agreat week of practice and the
young guys are really startingto learn the scout great week of
practice and the young guys arereally starting to learn.
The scout teams are gettingbetter the last two weeks right
and they're they're excited aswell and, um, you know what's
going on.
They've played two really toughuh openers to erie community
college in courtland, both likeone score type games.
They had opportunities to win.
They're looking for their firstfirst jv when, uh, this sunday
(19:51):
they're home, uh, against alfredat one.
So I know they're pretty ampedup for that as our young guys
and young coaches get geared up.
And we're certainly beenwatching those films to see,
okay, you know who's going toget the call.
Every year there's someone whogets a call.
You know, last year it was,like you know, mason Payton,
who's now starting to strike,and Isaiah Thomas was starting
linebacker, got the call forspecial teams midseason and were
(20:13):
playing in the Fisher game inpackages.
So we're watching those tapesand watching our guys develop.
Coach Faggiano (20:24):
Coach, how would you say this team so far
through the first couple weeksof the season is different?
I know every year every team'sdifferent and some teams get
your head on offense or yourhead a little bit on defense and
in the conference play.
But how is this team differentthrough the first few weeks than
last year's?
Rocky (20:36):
Well, yeah, I mean, every team has a one-year life
expectancy and every team hasjust a different chemistry and
you have different leaders andyou know I try to develop them
best I can on my end, and ourcoaches do a great job of that
and it's just a unique group,you know, I think it's a unique
group right now.
They and it's just a uniquegroup, you know, I think it's a
unique group right now.
They've learned.
It's nice when you have seniorsthat have been around.
(20:59):
They've been there for 10 and 2and 9 and 2, and they were
there for 5 and 5.
And they did not like 5 and 5last year, right, and worked
really hard to get back and havethat success.
And, at the end of the day,they love playing football and
everyone's only guaranteed 10,and they don't want to turn
their equipment in after 10.
That's our goal every year.
(21:20):
Whatever that looks like, we'regoing to do everything in our
power to play as many footballgames as we can and that's been
the mindset that's set by theplayers.
I mean, they go in the weightroom and it's like a whole
different deal.
We're going to get some callsfor playing the music too loud
in the neighborhood, I'm sure,but the music's blaring, the
(21:40):
energy in the weight room isexcellent, and I just give
credit to our leadership counciland our captains for, you know,
for leading this football team,because it can't just come from
me, it can't just come from thecoaches, you know.
Coach Faggiano (21:57):
Coach, you mentioned a couple of the
players for hobart I want tojust talk a little bit about.
You mentioned their juniorrunning back, ej taylor, who
last year was at 1100 yard backand he's off to a good start.
They feed him a lot 35 carriesweek one, 21 carries uh, or,
excuse me, 21 carries againstalfred.
He had 14 carries againstbrockport, so it looks like he's
the workhorse for them.
Good back, big back, quick back.
What do you know about him?
Rocky (22:18):
He's tough to tackle We've been tackling stations all
week, you know and a hugeoffensive line, and so they do a
nice job in their run game, youknow.
And so we're just all right.
What might we see different?
You know they've played twoquarterbacks at times.
You know we recruited AidenConrad.
He's a really good quarterback,talented young man, great
family.
But they've also played truestyles and he seems to run the
(22:42):
ball a little more.
One of their touchdowns in theAlfred game he's in and is a
quarterback and more of arunning-type quarterback.
But yeah, they're a goodfootball team.
On defense, alex Smith man, he'sall over the place, number one,
and he's on special teams.
They have probably the bestspecial teams we've played so
far.
They're a kicker, they're apunter, they're a kickoff guy
(23:02):
Very good special teams, right,they're a field goal guy, you
know he can make it from longways, you know.
So we definitely have achallenge there.
So our guys know like, knowlike they, you know, have an
empathy like.
All right, put yourself inhobart shoes.
They're coming swinging right.
Oh, and two, they know they'rebetter than that.
Um, I want to get anon-conference win before they
get in, deliberately, play right, because the end of the day,
(23:22):
it's about number one indivision three football, winning
your conference right.
You win your conference, youget the aq right, and then next
is it doing everything in yourpower to make sure you're nine
and one, because if, if, you're9-1, you have a really, really
good chance of I think all the9-1 teams got in last year with
the new expanded bracket, butyeah.
Coach Faggiano (23:42):
Yeah, and I know you know that Liberty League
that they're in.
They're picked to actuallyfinish first in that league and
then Ithaca's right behind themanother strong conference.
And, like you said, youmentioned Coach DeWall, who's
been there, for he's been thereover 15 years.
I think he was an assistantthere for a long time before
being named a head coach, Ithink in 18.
But they've done nothing butpost back-to-back five straight
postseason bids.
(24:02):
They won the Liberty last year,picked again Good conference.
Rocky (24:07):
I mean, you know Hobart athletics are big right, their
hockey program right, battlingthem in the national
championship, their lacrosseprogram being division one.
You know the William Smith,their female space really,
really good.
You know student athletes thereat Hobart very well respected
in other sports.
So you know, and coach, theyall played for coach Craig.
You know who built Hobart.
(24:28):
You know what I mean.
When I back in the earlynineties they weren't quite
there yet and then, and coachCraig built that place along
with my good friend Chris, chrisPhelps and DeWalt played for
those guys and you know they'vegot a lot, a lot of strong
tradition of winning at Hobartfor sure.
So, coach, what are a couple ofkeys, whether it's offense,
defense a couple of keys to thisweek of of going up there and
(24:57):
coming out with a win.
I always say the same thing,but it's about turnovers and
possessions.
Hobart beats Alfred.
If they don't turn the ballover.
In my opinion, they gave Alfredsome great field position on a
couple turnovers Actually, onewas a pick six and one was a
fumble down in their red zonearea and I think that's a really
big thing.
We've turned the ball over acouple of times.
It hasn't hasn't been the game,but our guys know, hey, we got
to protect the football, right,we don't want it, we don't want
(25:19):
to make the other team earn it.
Let's make them earn it.
Let's make them go.
You know, 80 yards, 70 yards,and not give them the ball on
the 40 plus yard line, rightCause the chance of any football
team.
These guys throw it up andthey're going to make a play,
you know.
So you know, make them earn.
You know, earn their points.
I always say the same thingsince it's it's, you know,
(25:41):
special teams, the guys knowit's huge.
It's all about the fieldposition in the game.
You know.
I think that's key.
Their punt team's got all thesecrazy formations.
That gives us, you know theirspread formations in their
punting right.
It's like we're trying, youknow, doing our best to work on
that, and number one's the guyin motion so they can free him
up to go make make the tackleright.
So so that's been a challenge,um, you know.
(26:02):
So they're well coached team.
I know these guys really welland, uh, again, we're looking
forward to taking the show onthe road for sure coach.
Coach Faggiano (26:10):
I think I feel like every week when we talk, we
talk about all these othercoaches and there's so many
great coaches across the countryin division three and
especially here in new yorkstate, and every week it's just
a tough matchup, no matter whoyou play, and it's a lot of
great coaching all over theplace there's some great great
programs in new york state andin the Northeast for sure.
Rocky (26:32):
You know Pennsylvania too has a great history of Division
III football.
Obviously Ohio right and theMount Unions and the Heidelbergs
and Ohio Northerns and allthose guys and the John Carrolls
, you know the Baldwin-Wallaces.
It was just really good andthen it's really picking up.
You know what I mean.
You know, all of a sudden, whenTexas figured out, hey, we're
going to switch from NIADivision III, right, boom,
(26:53):
they're right away like doinggreat things.
You know, it's just greatfootball out there.
The Mary Harden-Baylor and MaryHarden-Simmons you know those
are just some tremendousprograms and their schools have
put a lot of investment in thoseprograms.
Coach Faggiano (27:06):
I feel like it's getting bigger and bigger every
year.
Rocky (27:09):
Well, you know, in Division III it's really, it's
funny, division I, there's atleast some rules where it's
relatively equal.
Right, the scholarships are thesame.
Yeah, right, you got to havecertain size stadiums, like
there's all these.
Or Division III is like allover the place.
It's all over the place, youknow, you know, you got.
You know massive stadiums.
You got tiny stadiums, you got.
(27:30):
You know guys are trying to, youknow, make sure they can.
You know class schedules, notlike at the division one level,
you have guys that are runningdown from labs to practice, you
know, from pt lab and everything.
And you know again, uh, youknow division three, guy right,
played division three, lovedivision three.
Um, you know, always wanted tocoach division three.
(27:51):
Um, you know, always wanted tocoach Division III.
You know, didn't alwaysnecessarily think about being a
head coach, it just kind ofhappened.
You know, when the time wasright, at that time, you know,
we were in Rochester and I'mjust putting all my time and
effort into Fisher, you know,and like Coach Vosburgh's
texting me.
You know, after the WashingtonJ win, you know, and like that's
(28:13):
what's great about the game offootball, right is the people
you meet and the guys youcompete against.
You know.
Coach Faggiano (28:19):
All about relationships.
Rocky (28:21):
Yeah, that's what makes it special.
So, yeah, looking forward toseeing Coach Lee's and Coach
Williams and Coach DeWall andtheir staff and I'm sure it's
going to be a it's certainly oneyou don't want to miss and
their staff, I'm sure it's goingto be a it's certainly one.
Coach Faggiano (28:33):
You don't want to miss this one.
I think it's going to be a goodfootball game.
Well, coach, one of my favoriteparts of the week here is at
the bottom of the hour we getinto our picks.
So I added a couple extra onesand we're both tied here.
We went 3-2 last week, allright, so I snuck in.
I think I got six games thisweek, six games this week, but
the first one we're going to gois Texas Tech.
That's 3-0.
At Utah, that's 3-0.
(28:54):
Utah's minus 3.5.
We're not counting spreads, butI got to put them up there.
This one's at Utah.
Who do you like?
Rocky (29:02):
When it's that close like that, I'm going to go with the
home team, you're going to rollwith Utah.
Coach Faggiano (29:06):
Okay, I like Utah this year.
Rocky (29:08):
This is your favorite part.
This is like.
I love it.
Man, I'm terrible at this.
You're going to laugh at this.
Don't listen to Coach Foggiano.
Coach Faggiano (29:16):
I've had some guys you're going to laugh at
this, but I've had some guys sayCoach Fogg's picks aren't too
bad, like there's people thatpay attention to the picks.
Rocky (29:24):
All right, we'll keep down.
Coach Faggiano (29:25):
We'll keep it All.
I'm going to roll with Utah too.
I do like them at home thisyear.
I love their coach.
I think Windingham's a greatcoach.
This is another one.
I'm big on Venables Auburn 3-0at Oklahoma.
Oklahoma is minus 6.5.
John Matera, the quarterbackfor Oklahoma right now, is
playing as good as anybody inthe country, but this is a big
(29:48):
game for both teams and Oklahomaand Norman, you think Auburn's
got a shot.
Rocky (29:51):
I think they do.
I think it looks like it'llprobably be a one-score game,
but I'm going to go withOklahoma.
They're playing great right now.
Coach Faggiano (29:57):
Yeah, I'm a Michigan guy.
It's hard for me to go againstVenables, so beat Michigan.
And defensively.
I think this is the best teamhe's had since he's taken over
there for Stoops, so I like him.
Good coach, good coach.
I hope they have a good season,all right.
Bryce Underwood was good lastweek against Central Michigan.
They used them running the ball.
They did a little bit of both.
I feel like with Sharon Mooreout, they kind of opened up the
(30:19):
offense a little bit.
I left.
I love Biff Pogge, the interimhead coach.
They're filling in line guy.
Could they go in and Nebraskabeat Matt Ruhl?
Ruhl hasn't had a lot ofsuccess against Michigan here
the last three years.
This might be the better teamhe's had, do you?
Rocky (30:35):
think Nebraska gets him.
I know a lot of guys that havecoached with Coach Rule, you
know, and a lot of respect forhim and his ups and downs, you
know, in the profession from theNFL and back in college, kind
of like Coach Shiano at Rutgers.
Coach Faggiano (30:52):
You know this one I'm going to go Hart and go
Nebraska.
I'm a Michigan guy.
Rocky (30:55):
I don't know if Michigan will have enough offense.
We'll see.
Coach Faggiano (30:57):
I worry about Michigan's offensive line but I
love their running game withJackson Hayes, the transfer from
Alabama, If they keep thetraining wheels.
I know you don't watch a lot ofcollege football with you guys
in the season, Coach, but Idon't know if you've seen this
Underwood kid.
He is a beast.
He's a big kid, Freak athlete.
Rocky (31:18):
I know Nebraska's going to be rocking.
I know this is a huge game forCoach Rule.
Coach Faggiano (31:23):
Oh, Lincoln's going to be huge.
All right, here's another one.
I love Billy Napier.
I feel like every week if heloses, they want to fire him.
He's on the hot list right nowto be fired and they're already
saying John Gruden's going tocome in and take over the
Florida Gators.
Rocky (31:37):
Leave him alone.
Coach Faggiano (31:39):
Did you see their schedule, though?
Every week they're playing.
I think their next six, sevengames are all against ranked
teams.
Rocky (31:46):
Here's my thing on firing coaches.
I'll give you this.
Here's my thing on firingcoaches.
I'll give you this right.
Here's my thing on firingcoaches.
Right, the Browns and the Billshad more head coach changeover.
It was like some crazy number,right.
And then you looked at theSteelers and you look at the
Patriots right.
That's what you just have tolearn from that.
Right there, it's like give thecoach a chance.
And now the Bills have settledin, right, and I really like the
(32:09):
Browns head coach.
I've got to figure some otherthings out.
You've got to give these guys achance.
He's a good coach.
It's going to happen.
It's about your program.
I know.
I'm sure he's working at it.
I'm not a big mid-seasonget-ready coach.
Coach Faggiano (32:21):
It's crazy.
You know what it is, coach.
The rule is, if they fire acoach in-season, these kids can
go right into the transferportal as soon as possible.
So you could lose half yourteam.
Rocky (32:34):
Oh God, that's a whole other show, whole other
conversation, that nonsense.
Coach Faggiano (32:38):
In-state game.
Miami's looked really goodthrough the first three weeks
and Carson Beck's looked reallygood.
The transfer from Georgiathey're at home minus 7.5.
Any chance Florida gets them.
Rocky (32:49):
No, no, I actually watched Carson play a little bit
.
It seems like he's fit inreally well there.
A fresh start.
I'm going with the U.
Coach Faggiano (32:59):
I'm with you.
I don't think there's a chance.
Even though I love Billy Napier, I just don't see it happening.
Another big game in a Big Ten.
I'm a Big Ten homer, indiana.
At home they haven't playedanybody yet.
But man, he's changed theculture there at Indiana From a
basketball school now it's afootball school.
They were in the playoff lastyear.
But Brett Bielema fightingIllini, he's brought that old
(33:20):
school run the football, playreally good defense.
Who are you liking that onethat's at Indiana.
Rocky (33:26):
I'm going with the local Utikins.
We're going for Brett Bielema.
A lot of local guys know CoachBielema.
One of his director of footballoperations is a local Utica guy
.
I've met him a couple times.
He's a great human being.
I'm going Illinois on this one.
Coach Faggiano (33:45):
I'm with you on that one.
I think it's the perfect fitfor him.
When he got this job, I thoughtit was the perfect fit.
When he got hired there, Ididn't think it was the right
fit for him.
When he got this job, I thoughtit was the perfect fit um.
When he got hired there um, Ididn't think it was the right
fit for him.
When he was at arkansas in thesec.
He's a big 10 guy um to me andit's good to see him back and
it's always.
Rocky (34:01):
You always wonder when those guys make those decisions.
You know what I mean.
I know it's a lot of money, youknow a lot of money, but like
they're like in a good place,you got things, things rolling.
It's kind of like whenRodriguez left West Virginia,
now he's back.
You know what I mean.
Coach Faggiano (34:17):
But you had a big win last week the backyard
brawl.
They beat that he did.
He did Great win for WestVirginia.
Rocky (34:22):
I was a big fan back when they were rolling at West
Virginia.
I liked what they were doingback then.
Coach Faggiano (34:27):
All right, coach , I got one last bonus pick.
I'm going to be at the gameCoach Fitz opens up.
Patriot League play at homeagainst my Fordham Rams that
have struggled.
Colgate's moved the ball.
I mean his offense has beenputting up some points.
They're at home this weekagainst Fordham.
You going with one of yourformer coaches.
Rocky (34:45):
So here I do have to give you a little background.
So it's wild in these games.
So Colgate a couple weeks agowas playing Villanova.
Well, the D-line coach atVillanova is Nick Woodman, utica
Proctor grad.
That's right, he's full-timethere.
Coach Franti hired him, so nowColgate is playing Fordham and
James Lenahan another Utica alum.
(35:06):
Yes, sir Ward number 24, likeEli Douglas, Great player, great
safety for us.
But 24 like Eli Douglas, Greatplayer For us.
But I tell you what I've got togo with the Red Raiders at home
and go against their alma matercoach.
I think the Colgate's going toget it done.
It's going to be a littledifferent now that they get in
conference play.
I know they're really wellcoached.
They've played some really goodfootball teams.
They moved the ball againstSyracuse.
Coach Faggiano (35:25):
They have.
He's going to get it going.
I know we talked about it lastweek.
Rocky (35:30):
The big question is what are you going to do?
That's the big question.
Coach Faggiano (35:34):
I really want to pick Colgate to beat him, but I
got to go with my alma mater.
I want to see Joe Conlon.
He's had a tough couple yearsat Fordham and there's all these
rumors that he's on the hotseat.
He's been really good to meover the years.
I'm going to hope Fordham comeshere with a win.
I'll be on the sidelines.
I'll be on the sidelines forthe game Saturday Bring my son
it's going to be packed.
Rocky (35:54):
I've got to imagine it's going to be packed.
I know Coach Fitz has got thatuniversity fired up, Coach the
weather has been fantastic sofar.
Coach Faggiano (36:03):
Knock on wood through the first few weeks of
the season.
What great fall weather.
Rocky (36:07):
It's been great.
You're right, knock on woodkeeps it going, because we've
had some crazy ones.
But yeah, looking forward tothose guys get their first win.
They're doing some really goodthings there Coach Fetz, coach
Dubino, coach Rodsford, you know, coach Boyes, you know Crazy.
So they're doing some goodthings.
Coach Faggiano (36:27):
Well, Coach, listen, bring home a W.
I look forward to talking toyou next week as we get an
Empire 8 play next week.
And fear the moose, as always,and go get them this week.
Rocky (36:35):
Thank you.
If you didn't know everyone,september 27th is homecoming.
Come on back to homecoming.
Pioneers versus pioneers as wetake on Alfred State.
But thanks for listening.
Fear the moose.
Coach Faggiano (36:44):
Sounds good, coach, good luck.
So that was coach faziano.
Let me just sneak my thing offhere.
I appreciate him coming on here.
I love talking to him.
I love talking football withhim weekly.
It's a great half hour, one ofmy favorite half hours of the
(37:07):
week.
Um, he's got things going toher off to a fantastic start.
Another big game this week.
Three tough games right out ofthe gate for him before they
head into umpire.
Eight play next week, whichwe'll get into then.
Make sure to follow me on allsocial media platforms.
I'll get this playback up there.
I'll share it again tonight.
I'll get some clips of Coachfrom tonight's show, as always
(37:29):
Next week.
I think what I'll try to do.
If anybody's got any questionsfor coach, I'll try to take him
before so I can ask him.
Maybe we'll add a couplesegments as we go throughout the
season.
So I want to make sure that Ithank coach for that and best of
luck to them this week as theytake on Hobart.
So, without further ado, thanksto coach.
(37:50):
Thanks for tuning in tonight tohear on the Rockpile.
The Rockpile is where dreamsbecome reality.
Have a good evening everybody.
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