October 2, 2025 • 41 mins
A charged homecoming turns into a statement win as special teams swing the game early, the defense swarms to the ball, and the offense cashes in before we turn fully to a ranked road test at Cortland. We share what’s in the “sauce”: execution, middle-eight mastery, and playing loose together.
• homecoming energy, hall of fame honors, and community tailgate
• special teams sparks with two blocked punts, a blocked field goal, and a smart bloop kick
• defense flying to the ball and stuffing the run
• quarterback room depth and situational packages
• middle eight scoring and drive management
• skill group versatility after injuries and role changes
• punting, PATs, and field position as winning edges
• defensive line rotation and individual standouts up front
• developing depth with game reps and second units
• recruiting fit, conference strength, and scheduling hard tests
• scouting Cortland’s power run, QB keepers, and 3–4 disguises
• road focus, penalty trends, and mental readiness
• final message: play loose, trust each other, execute
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Rocky (00:35):
Good evening, everybody.
Welcome to another live editionhere on Inside Utica University
Football Podcast here on theRock Pile tonight, episode
number five here with CoachFaziano.
We'll bring Coach on here injust a second.
We'll be recapping last week'sbig homecoming win and then the
big game this week againstnationally ranked Cortland
State.
So we'll talk to Coach aboutthat and much more.
(00:56):
If you're tuning in tonightacross all the social media
platforms, make sure to hitsubscribe and uh share the
videos as much as you can.
We've been averaging over about4,000 uh views with Coach and
I.
It's been a it's been a funshow.
I'm looking through my stuffhere, and it's hard to believe
it's already week five of theshows here in the game.
So the season goes really quickhere in the fall.
(01:17):
You wish it upon us, and thennext thing you know, you turn
around, you look, and you say,Where'd the season go?
And the fall weather's here.
It was nice, nice and cooltonight at practice.
I know coach mentioned the samething, the weather's starting
to turn.
So excited for that, excitedfor all that and more tonight.
Again, if you're following oniHeartRadio, Apple Podcast too
as well.
I appreciate you listening andtuning in on all the podcast
(01:39):
platforms.
Make sure to hit subscribe onYouTube.
And if you got a question orcomment for Coach tonight, put
it in the comment box.
We'll bring over as many as wecan.
So let's bring Coach on.
There he is.
Coach, what's happeningtonight?
Yankees.
Go Yankees.
Yeah, I was telling you, my dadcalled and he's like, you know,
you guys are up against theYankee game tonight.
(01:59):
I said, Dad, I know.
We go a half hour, maybe we'llmiss a couple innings.
And then there's a footballgame on at nine.
There's a college game ontonight.
Sam Houston State and um oh whothey who's Sam Houston playing
tonight.
I was looking at the gamestonight.
Uh New Mexico State.
So we got a college game on.
Coach Faggiano (02:16):
Those are always those are always good games.
Rocky (02:18):
They're always good games.
I feel like all those lategames sometimes, some of the
ones are on at 10 and 11.
Nobody pays attention to.
They end up being really goodgames.
So, coach, let's uh let's getto it.
Um, I was at this one lastweek, and I was telling you when
we came on, I walked throughthe tailgate, and man, though
those kids were getting after,they were having a lot of fun.
(02:38):
It was packed over in thattailgate area.
Coach Faggiano (02:41):
Homecoming at Utica is the real deal.
Everyone comes back home, andyou know, it's it's always the
same thing during the week.
You know, all the sororitiescome up, you know, coach, can we
get our tailgate passes and thehockey team and the different
lacrosse teams?
And and um, you know, it'sreally just a fun atmosphere and
you know, really unique thisyear because for the first time
(03:02):
uh we inducted our Hall of Famethe same weekend, and I know
they they felt went very well.
You know, Friday night was thethe ceremony uh along with our
Knight of Square Society folks,and and then but then uh
honoring the Hall of Famers athalftime was really special.
So so some unique things thisyear at homecoming.
Rocky (03:19):
Yeah, and coach, let's start with it too, Alford State,
their first year in theconference.
We talked about that on acouple of the shows here coming
into uh last week.
You guys had I I loved it.
Special teams was the big storyhere for you guys.
You guys had some black punts,a big black punt that set up
your first score.
Talk about how special thespecial team play was for you
guys.
Coach Faggiano (03:39):
Well, I mean, it was huge.
You know, it every year there'sthose guys that all of a sudden
make the decision to bedominant on special teams,
right?
So like Nate Hernandez startedweek one, had a couple
struggles.
His name was called again thisweek, and just came out and
played outstanding.
Not only did he block the twopuns, but then he was his punt
coverage was outstanding.
Um, you know, so really, reallylike how he stepped up, um, you
(04:03):
know, just a sophomore safetyuh, you know, out of the Albany
area.
And you know, then the you knowBrion Campbell comes in and
blocks a field goal, which ishuge.
And you know, we go to do thebloop kick and uh you know,
really heads-up play by TonyRzinski, you know, Whitesboro
here and local guy, and recoversthe fumble on their sideline.
And what was really great aboutit is you know we blocked the
(04:23):
punt, we recovered the fumble,we do have the interception on
defense, and our offense scoredon all those opportunities
early.
Um, and uh so definitely, youknow, you know, was was happy
with that.
Now it didn't end the way Iwanted.
Everyone's wondering why I'mupset.
Well, because we gave up akicker turn for a touchdown at
the end of the game, you know.
But uh their running back's agood player, you know.
We had six touchdowns the weekbefore.
(04:45):
Um, it's like literally, it'slike they're running up the
middle or they're pitching theball out on the numbers, so
there's some challenges to that.
And uh, you know, but just likehow our kids played overall.
Rocky (04:54):
Coach, I know you've been talking since we've been doing
a show.
Your defense just flies around,and this was the first time I
got to see him in person.
And some of the some of thoseguys on the back ends, the
linebackers, the DBs, they wereall over the field flying around
and making plays.
I think you guys held um AlfredState, I think just under 70
yards rushing, but that defensereally flew around.
Coach Faggiano (05:15):
You know, uh Coach McClendon, you know, we
talk about in our defensivemeetings and uh, you know, run
into the football, you know, runinto the football.
And that's one thing our guysdo.
Um, it may not always bepretty, but if a guy misses a
tackle, there's two or threemore guys that are that are
going to show up, you know, andand uh and so definitely like uh
how it uh with the intent thatthat group is playing for sure.
Rocky (05:36):
Coach, and I know this game that the score was a little
out of hand late in the game,and I know you as as all coaches
would say, you guys gave upthat kick return for a
touchdown, so you weredisappointed in that.
But you guys feature, I thinkyou guys played all your
quarterbacks.
There are some differentformations, a lot of quarterback
runs.
How nice is it to be able toget some of those guys into the
game?
Coach Faggiano (05:55):
Oh, that's just huge.
We would buy in.
You know, I was I was lookingat our game notes quick tonight,
and just the number ofdifferent receivers and ball
carriers, uh, it was prettyimpressive.
The fact that Polaris comes inin our in our Raven package and
did a great job.
And and then it was the firstthat we saw.
You know, we've had thatpackage for Nazir and kind of
unveiled that a little bit, gotdone on film.
(06:17):
Both those guys are New Jerseyguys, very committed.
You know, Coach uh Zanelovic'sgot a great quarterback room
right now, you know, and thenFuller gets an opportunity, goes
five for five, and throws atouchdown pass to Gabe.
And so uh, you know, certainlywas was pleased how those guys
played.
You know, as the game went on,it was like we just made the
decision we're gonna run theball and and stay healthy going
into the next week, you know, iskind of what happened.
(06:37):
But you know, one of the thingsin football they talk about is
the middle eight.
And so I was really pleasedwith how we played in the middle
eight minutes of the of the ofthe game.
Um, you know, and uh you know,the the what was really wild was
scoring before half.
I mean, I think it was under aminute, you know, 54 seconds,
and we go the length of thefield and score a touchdown.
And so that yeah, that was areally uh big going in, uh going
(06:59):
into halftime, being able toscore like that.
Rocky (07:02):
And coach, I know when we talked during the season two
earlier in the year, we said,and I thought you guys had one
of the best, not onlyquarterback rooms, but skilled
rooms with receivers, yourrunning backs, and a group that
you were bringing back.
A lot of guys are been havebeen catching balls from Tyler.
I mean, Bryce was Bryce, 10catches, 112 yards.
Ty was tie with 285 yards andfour touchdowns.
(07:22):
But talk to us a little bitabout the skilled guys and how
special they are for you guys.
Coach Faggiano (07:27):
Oh, for sure, and and and showing some depth.
You know, everyone kind of bynow knows we lost Tyson Taylor.
Uh, you know, unfortunatelybroke his caliber number 13,
just an amazing young man out ofSyracuse IT.
And and um, you know, losinghim is is a big big hurt, but
other guys have stepped up andyou know, Lorenzo Velez and
Games of Walla, and some guysand stepping up into those
roles.
And then and then using Logan,uh Frederick, you know, both not
(07:50):
only as an on-ball, offballtight end, but as a receiver.
Um, you know, I think thosehave been things that that have
helped uh you know helped ouroffense as far as you know being
balanced.
Rocky (07:59):
And coach, I know we always talk special teams, and
we talked about the Black Punts,but I want you to talk about
the kickers too, because I thinkyour punter had three kicks
down inside the 20.
I think you made all six extrapoints, and I think Nico kicked,
I think, a 23, 24-yard fieldgoal.
So special teams all around hada good day.
Coach Faggiano (08:15):
Nico, Nico, uh great middle extra points, had a
nice field goal.
You know, we obviously wanted atouchdown there, but we needed
the field goal.
I think that took us from 35 to38 points.
Um, had a great bloop kick.
He's really talented at doingthose types of kicks, and and
that's helped our kickoff teamand take some pressure off of
those guys.
Um, you know, particularly whenyou play some dynamic
returners, it's you know, theability to bloop uh you know is
(08:38):
key to be able to do that andtry not to put it in the hands
of a team's best player.
Um, you know, and then DevinTaylor, you know, he's a very
talented punter out of Tampa,Florida.
He's a physical therapy major,and Devin uh I think he averaged
40 and it got along a 50.
And you're right, he had a fewinside the 20, so he really
played well um in his role, too.
Rocky (08:57):
And on the defensive side of the ball, I finally, again,
I got a chance to see some ofthese guys in person.
And Isaiah IT was special foryou, had a nice game.
I think he had seven or eighttackles.
Uh, and then CJ played well astoo, but those guys up front can
move as well.
Coach Faggiano (09:11):
They can't.
I thought Jordan Davis wasreally dominant in the game.
Um, they had a hard timeblocking uh JD, as we call him,
and uh, you know, the wholegroup, you know, Moranowitz, um,
DeForest, and then we rotateguys in.
Uh, you know, Nemhart, Jerome,Austin DeGroat, Christian, uh,
Param Roan, those guys allrotate in and they're making
plays, and then that buckposition makes them scary.
(09:33):
Uh, Cam Brister, like rotatingthose guys and keeping them
fresh.
That kind of helps free upthose linebackers, you know,
whether it be uh, you know, wecall them IT, right?
IT, Isaiah Thomas or CJ or LukeSheldon.
Um, you know, I think it's ait's it's makes it nice playing
behind those big bodies up frontand they're they're playing uh
they're playing physical.
Rocky (09:50):
Coach, how nice it is because it seemed like you were
able to get a lot of guys onboth sides of the ball in um in
this past week's game againstAlfred State.
Talk to us a little bit abouthow nice it is to get some of
those guys in there and get themsome experience.
Coach Faggiano (10:02):
Well, yeah, you know, it's something that you
know we'd like to be able to domore of, you know.
Uh I can I can tell you in thepast, you know, I've been
frustrated where it's like wehaven't been able to do that,
you know what I mean, and in ain a game where you're hoping,
you know, if if you think that'sgonna happen, then it never
happens, right?
If you expect you're gonna goin and beat somebody by three,
four scores and get everybody inthe game, right?
(10:24):
Like, you know, it just kind ofhappens and certainly uh
appreciate it.
We got ourselves in thatposition so we could get those
guys those game reps, you knowwhat I mean?
Get the second offensive lineout there, uh get some other
guys on defense out there, um,you know, get those, you know,
get those guys like a JoeyGentile that's a package guy out
of Proctor at safety, but thenall of a sudden you got to get
some good reps at safety thereand give Eli a blow.
(10:45):
So, you know, you know, some ofthose guys um that's just big
for them, you know what I mean?
So it just makes for a great,great homecoming, you know,
weekend, and then the JBs wentdown to Hartwick Sunday and got
a win.
And so I know a lot of theparents came up and spend the
whole weekend, uh, you know,went down to the short ride down
to Hartwick.
So um, you know, our parentsright now, well man, the
tailgate is uh is is second tonone.
(11:06):
It really is.
And you talk about a familyatmosphere and and welcoming
people in.
And you know, we you know,we've had recruits at the last
couple home games, you know,close to 25 recruits at each
game, and their families comeinto the tailgate, and then
that's all they talk about, justhow welcoming everyone is, um,
and uh, you know, and theatmosphere that we have.
So really appreciative of that.
Rocky (11:25):
I love the atmosphere for you guys coming out onto the
field, but you know, going backto the tailgate, this is really
funny because most people wouldwould always say, Hey, you're
coach little C or Coach C.
I walked through some of thetailgate stuff, Coach, and
people actually knew who I was.
Some of them said, You're thatguy on the podcast with coach.
I said, All right, at least afew people know who I am, but
(11:46):
most people say you're theyou're coach little C.
People were saying you'reyou're on the podcast with
Coach.
So did you meet Moose Hogan andMr.
Coach Faggiano (11:53):
All Day football?
Did you meet those guys orwhat?
Rocky (11:56):
I couldn't tell you who I met.
I met so many people came up tome.
There's a lot of guys that hadthe football lum shirts on,
which was pretty cool.
But I was just laughing, like,at least I'm known for something
with Coach, right?
It was pretty cool, though.
I loved it.
Coach Faggiano (12:07):
Those guys are all in, you know, they're all
in.
There was uh uh first source,you know, had the tent, you
know, and John Calvin Reese is aUtica lum, and um, and they had
a blast, and all our guys wentin there and they they like
doing autographs with theplayers, you know.
So our guys are all in the tentand doing autographs after the
game.
And I know all the folks atfirst source had a good time,
and it was a teacherappreciation game as well.
So, you know, appreciate uh allthe folks at first source for
(12:31):
supporting us.
And you know, uh, I believe wehad some new Hartford football
players in there because I knowPam Way was in there, you know,
and I'm hoping that her son anduh their quarterback and some
guys were in there watching us.
So, you know, um, but you know,it's great people and uh glad
they had a great time.
Rocky (12:47):
So, coach in comes Court, or you guys go to Cortland.
I'm sorry to say in comesCortland, but 28 straight
conference wins.
I was looking at another crazystat.
45-5, four umpire eight titles.
Um, 2023 obviously was anational championship year.
That's since 2021.
28 straight.
That's got to pump your teamup.
(13:08):
Say, let's go up there and giveit a shot.
Coach Faggiano (13:10):
Well, you know, again, they they have obviously
they're they're very goodathletic school, you know, have
a great idea uh athleticdirector, you know, familiar,
great dude, and you know, reallygood people.
And obviously, you know, CoachFitzpatrick did a great job
there uh the minute he showedup, you know.
And I think uh their program,they've always had some really
good athletes, and and and uhyou know, Coach Fitz showed up
and and right out the gate, youknow, and and that whole staff
(13:33):
he put together, you know, CoachMorgan was on his staff for I
forget if it was a year or twoyears before he became the head
coach at Buff State.
So, you know, had had a lot ofsuccess there for sure, you know
what I mean?
And and um, and wasn'tsurprised, you know, wasn't
surprised.
You know, he's a good footballcoach, and and um, this is a
game we're looking for, youknow, we're looking forward to,
no doubt about it.
Everyone knows, you know, thelast couple years, right?
(13:54):
Cortland won the conference uhand won the national
championship, right?
And then the year before,before that, I think Brockport
had beat Cortland like sevenyears in a row, right?
In Brockport kind, and thenbefore Brockport, it was Alfred,
right?
And so obviously at Utica,we're battling like when when's
it gonna be our time, right?
So certainly a big game.
Um, you know, uh, you know,it's interesting as people look
(14:15):
at the scores, you know, in inuh you know, Grove City, you
know what I mean?
And they obviously it's verysimilar to like they lose to
Grove City, they turn the ballover, right?
You know, and then we lose toHobart, we turn the ball over in
a bad field position.
So um, you know, it's uh I toldthe guys, you know, it's a big
game because of all the workthat we've put in to make it a
big game.
And you know, you're certainlyexcited, but you gotta just
(14:38):
play, you just gotta go play.
You know what I mean?
And you can't, it's so big,like you try too hard, you try
to do too much, you makemistakes, right?
Just do your job, love playingwith your brothers, uh, play for
the guy to your right and theguy to your left, and kind of
surrender the outcome and justgo play.
And uh, our guys have beenloose.
We had a great week of practiceand you know, excited for the
opportunity for sure.
Rocky (14:59):
Yeah, I mean, I would imagine too, the team's got to
be pumped up to say, you know,it's it's a challenge.
And again, I don't thinkanybody's gonna pick you guys to
go down there and find a way toupset them.
But if I'm a player, you get achance to go play in, you know,
great atmosphere, a ranked team,nationally ranked team, nothing
to lose.
Let's go out there and play.
And you guys, as we said,coach, you guys have been
challenged.
You know, your your first threenon-conference games are
(15:20):
against three really good teams.
So you guys um are wellchallenged, right?
Leading up into this game.
Coach Faggiano (15:27):
Yeah, like I said, when it's all said and
done, and you're looking at week10, looking back, I still
believe the first three teams weplayed are gonna have winning
records.
I really believe that.
I know Hobart had a tough closeloss, one score lost to Ithaca
this past weekend, but you know,RPI is obviously a very good
football team.
They beat Rockport in overtime,um, you know, New York Division
III football is you know, weall beat each other up, right?
(15:49):
We're just just trying to towin a conference or get to that
postseason.
And um, you know, it's notalways an easy thing to do.
There's great football andgreat coaching, as we talked
about on the show.
It's great coaching in the inthe conference.
So, you know, and then W and Jturns around, they get they had
a bye week, which helped themkind of regroup, and then they
got after Grope City, you know.
So um, that's you know, it'sall fun to talk about.
Now we'll talk about it on theshow.
(16:10):
It's probably the only timeI've really talked about it, but
um, it's more about you know,what's our game plan, right?
What kind of what coverage arethey gonna give us on third
down, right?
What's what are they gonna doon special teams, you know?
And I think that's the guyshave been making fun of me
about, you know, we talk aboutthe sauce and the secret sauce.
And like that, what's in thesauce for this weekend is just
executing the game plan um tohigh level.
(16:32):
And the team that executes moreis gonna find a way to win the
game, you know.
And in uh, I'm sure Cortland'slooking at that Hobart game, and
Hobart played a smart, air-freefootball game.
Uh, you know, CoachBlumenauer's got a great staff
he put together there,well-coached football team.
Um, they're very good atrunning the football.
Anytime you have a quarterbackthat's a big, big part of the
run game, always gives youchallenge.
(16:52):
It's almost like playing theoption, right?
And uh, so it's reallyimportant that guys uh do their
responsibility and don't try todo too much and fit the run
accordingly, you know, and andthey're certainly going to make
some plays, and just you gottafind a way to make a few more
plays than they do at the end.
Rocky (17:07):
Yeah, and and I know we talked a little bit about it
last week, but you kind of youhate to say you score watch and
you look through some of theseteams in the conference and
stuff, and we said thisconference to me, I think is is
wide open, top to bottom.
It's it's it's good every week.
And then I look at the CortlandState where they lost to Grove
City.
I think they turned it overlike seven times.
I think they had like sixinterceptions, a fumble, like
something you don't see fromCortland State, but you take
(17:29):
that away.
Um, they were right in thatgame for most of that game.
They were.
Coach Faggiano (17:33):
They were, and then I'll tell you what, Union
Union game was was a good gamefor about three quarters, and
then Cortland pulled away in thefourth quarter on that.
You know, union union get unionseems like they're they've
improved from a year ago forsure.
Um, so it's interesting.
And then, you know, we're allhuman, so everyone, you know,
everyone looks at the scores onSaturday night, you know, and
just but uh you don't spend alot of time on it, right?
(17:54):
It's back to what's the gameplan, and you're watching the
game film, and um, you know, anduh it's all it's all about the
teaching, you know.
Rocky (18:02):
Coach, is there any parts from from looking at Cortland
State?
Is there anything that you seethat you feel like you guys will
be able to kind of attack acertain area, you know, come
Saturday?
I know coaches are gonna say wegot to be able to run the
football, play really gooddefense, stop the run, special
teams.
I know all that, but are isthere any areas that you can see
that you guys can attack?
Coach Faggiano (18:21):
I'll talk about their strengths.
I'll talk about Cortlandstrengths.
Like they they run the footballvery well.
Their quarterbacks had threestraight hundred-yard rushing
games, and he is and we'd sayhe's got the strongest arm that
we've seen as far as throwingthe ball down the field, right?
So they're gonna take theirshots.
Um, the running backs are bigand physical.
Uh, you know, and times it'snot just the one running back,
they get both running backs inthere.
Uh, two of probably the biggestphysical tight ends that we're
(18:43):
gonna see in the run game, uh,the experienced offensive line.
So I think you know, those areall key things.
And I know their receivers arechopping at the bit to get
involved in the pass game.
So from a defensive standpoint,um, you know, they they they're
well coached, you know, they'rethey're they look they try not
to give up the big play, and uhthey're gonna find the times to
pressure you, you know, andthey're in that 3-4 hybrid, and
(19:06):
you don't know, they bring infour, they bring in five, they
do a good job of disguisingthat.
Um, you know, it's it's uh youknow a good football team, but
you know, we're also a goodfootball team as well, and I
think this is uh it's gonna be agreat, great game on Saturday,
I think.
Rocky (19:19):
And coach, talk to us too.
I know you guys have played upthere before, but the the
atmosphere there at that stadiumis always packed, they always
get really good crowds, it'salways electric up there.
Talk to us a little bit aboutthat that atmosphere on the road
up there.
Coach Faggiano (19:32):
It's funny, it depends when we played them.
You know, I I I um I'll becurious.
You know, I think I think it'stheir fall break, you know, so
I'm not sure if their studentsare there or not, you know, and
and I've told a few people likeI'm I'm kind of glad that we're
on the road, to be honest withyou.
Sometimes being on the road andyou know, a little bit less
distractions, um you know, likeall kinds of things.
We always always have all stuffgoing on at home, you know, at
(19:54):
our home games.
So um, you know, being able toget on the bus and just go play
play the game that they love andplay together.
Um, you know, I'm just reallyproud of our guys to be at the
point that we're at, that thisis a big game.
I think if a lot of people backin the offseason saw a
non-conference and like, ohgeez, you know, they're playing.
RPI, Hobart, and WJ, like, youknow, kind of, and I thought
(20:16):
we've come out of that, um, youknow, a better football team,
you know, even with the loss.
You hate to say it, but youknow, we needed to have that,
and uh, and so we could learnfrom that, probably no different
than Cortland with with theGrove City game.
Since then, they've protectedthe football very well, you
know, since that game.
And I'm sure that you knowthat's been an emphasis.
So, but um yeah, lookingforward to again, looking
(20:37):
forward to that football game.
Rocky (20:39):
Coach, how much how how important I always say maybe
like the first five, six minutesof that game, the emotions for
your team.
How how important is thosefirst five, six minutes of that
game for you guys?
Coach Faggiano (20:49):
Oh, it's huge.
Yeah, they gotta take a deepbreath and and just play.
You know, they got saw wood andthey're gonna be fired up.
Um but uh you know, they gottathey gotta play through the ups
and downs of the game, andthey've done that.
You know, they've done that.
Like you gotta remember, you goback to W and J, they went
right down the field and scored.
First drive.
Right?
Our guys didn't flinch.
Yeah, I really like that.
(21:09):
You know, there's a lot of newstarters and watching what do I
do a lot of watching these daysand how they responded to that.
I'm like, oh boy, we we've gota special group, right?
These guys play together andand they play through the ups
and downs of the games well.
And we had a ton of penaltiesin that first game, and every
week it's gone down, right?
Went from like I think it was15.
(21:29):
Yeah, they may have declined acouple, but we had 15, so it may
have only been 12 in the stats.
Then I think it was down tolike eight.
And this past weekend we mayhave only had five.
So we're like, like I'm glad tosee that.
Like our guys are settling inand like playing hard, but
playing between the whistles andand learning how to do that.
Um, because a lot, you know, alot of them, it's their first
time playing.
(21:50):
You know, everyone kind offorgets that.
Mason Moranowitz is his firsttime playing as much as he's
playing.
Mason Muscari, Nick DeForest,Isaiah Thomas.
These guys did not play 60, 70plays a game last year, you
know, and so just to watch thoseguys get better each week has
been huge.
On offense, same thing.
Our you know, our starting lefttackle, right?
Was playing defensive line lastfall, right?
(22:10):
And doing a great job.
Our starting center, first yearstarting, right?
And these guys are just playingtogether, you know.
So uh, so I've been proud ofhow our guys have played in
those in those difficult games.
And it just brings me back tomy old college coach, and it's
if you want to be good, you gotto play good people.
You want to win yourconference, you got to play
strong non-conference.
And uh, you know, so I thinkwe've set ourselves up for that.
Rocky (22:31):
And coach, I think you said this our first episode.
We talked about like this isone of the selling points of
coming to UC.
You get to play in games likethis against nationally ranked
teams, and here's anotheropportunity for your team to go
out there in the spotlight andplay a really good team on the
road.
So, I mean, it's a greatselling tool for UC to be able
to play in games that meansomething.
Coach Faggiano (22:51):
I mean, I'm glad you bring it up.
I mean, many times as you go torecruit the best, we're trying
to get the guys, don't go walkon somewhere, right?
Don't go play Division II,right?
Come play in one of the bestconferences in the country in an
unbelievable atmosphere, right?
With a great culture.
And um, you know, our coach andstaff in our university have
(23:12):
done a great job of being ableto, you know, recruit and and
find guys that fit our school.
You know, we have a greatuniversity and um some amazing
majors, and uh, you know, uh,but yeah, that recruiting to to
the conference is uh is a bigdeal, you know.
Rocky (23:27):
And I think it's awesome, Coach.
I think since you've you'vecame to UC, I know you talk
about you're the old guy now, uhat this conference, but I think
it's great though, because theenergy that you have, it's like,
you know, we'll go, we're notscared to go play anybody.
I mean, we I know you talkedabout that non-conference
schedule, and I don't think alot of people thought that
followed D3 probably didn'tthink you guys would come out at
(23:48):
what, three and one, which youyou could have been four and oh
easily with with the Hobartgame, but I don't think anybody
really thought you guys wouldcome out of it the way you guys
did.
But then I go back and and andand I'm sitting here saying to
myself, there's not a game onthe schedule you look at and you
say, Let's go compete and let'sgo play.
These are those types of gameswhere you just you look at and
(24:08):
you say, We have nothing tolose, we have everything to
gain, let's go open up some eyeson the road this week.
Coach Faggiano (24:14):
You know, it it really is.
In in more and more of theinterviews, I've been pleased
with how the the players andcoaches talk, right?
Because our guys are all ontheir phones and they're on
social media.
And what's nice is you know,we're not the only people that,
hey, we gotta gotta go one andoh this week, right?
And you and you hear that now.
And so I think a lot of thatpositive messaging in college
football is there, which isgreat.
(24:36):
So it kind of reinforces, youknow, if some D1 coach says it,
you know, what Coach Klaus orCoach McClennon or Coach
Zelovaker is saying to our guys,you know, because they're
they're uh really dialed in, youknow, because our guys love
football.
So um, yeah, we're it's again,it's it's uh it's you know, it's
we're excited to play the game,right?
And you know, we're not a biggive anybody any bulletin board
(25:01):
material type of program.
Our guys know better.
And uh we're just gonna give alot of respect to our opponent
and uh looking forward to it's asad I can't we can't literally
cannot wait for Saturday.
Well, we have one more day ofwork, we have important practice
tomorrow uh to just kind ofclean up our game plans.
And uh, you know, one thingwe've learned is that like we
we're we we prepare our guys forstuff that we don't even see on
(25:23):
film, and I give really givecredit to my coaching staff.
And you know, if there's acoverage that maybe they didn't
run on film, we know you knowwhat, they're gonna run it
against us if there's somethingoffensively, like we're coach
McClennon's throwing trick playsat them and doing all this
stuff to because that just seemsto be as we slowly chip away
this thing, um, uh and build ourprogram, you know, we tell guys
(25:47):
they're we're always gonna gettheir best game, right?
And you know, Cortland's gonnathey're gonna give us their best
game that they've played sofar, you know, and and uh and
our guys have bought into that,and that's how we've got built
into our preparation.
So it's our job to put them inpressure all week so they can
just go have fun on Saturday andgo perform.
Rocky (26:04):
Coach, I feel like that gap in in the Empire rate,
though, whether it's withyourself and some of the other
teams, like I feel like that gaphas closed.
I mean, Cortland's been the topdog for for a while, but I feel
like those middle of the packteams now, like they're close,
they're inching a lot closer umto being those top teams.
I know like you're talkingwe're talking about you guys
here tonight and every week, butI feel like that gap's closing
(26:26):
a little bit.
Is that is that due torecruiting and the success of
some of these programs?
Coach Faggiano (26:32):
Or which which gap are you talking about with
like like Austin and some otherplaces?
Rocky (26:38):
I think some of the some of the mid-tier teams like you
know in the middle of the pack,I think are much closer now to
catching though catching theCortland States and catching
those top dogs.
I think that conference overallhas gotten so much better over
the years.
I think that window's closing alittle bit.
Coach Faggiano (26:55):
Well, I think I think we had obviously a lot of
turnover in coaches.
Rocky (26:59):
Yeah, right.
Coach Faggiano (27:00):
And you can already see Coach Rogers is
doing a really good job atHardwick.
You already see that.
Um you can see a coach Raby isdoing a nice job at Fisher and
what they're in what they'redoing right now.
I know they had a tough loss toRochester where they turn
around and beat Alfred, Ibelieve, this past weekend,
right?
So I think that's kind ofwhat's different this year,
which is unique, is um is theturnover in coaches and okay,
(27:24):
who can who can get things goingas quickly as possible?
Yeah, what's been nice for usis I've had some consistency
with Coach McClendon, with CoachKlaus, with Coach Inilovic.
You know, that's been big.
A lot of my younger coaches areall new, but three quarters of
them played for us, right?
So they know the expectation,they kind of know the culture,
and then we've had some greatguys from outside.
(27:45):
Um, you know, Coach Lou beingfrom Bethune Cookman, uh, Coach
Tribino, a disciple, uh youknow, uh Coach Coach Murph from
from Michigan.
So we had some guys from theoutside, which gives you a good
perspective, but you know, topdown, it's again, it's a great
conference, you can't fallasleep.
Um, you know, we learned welearned those hard lessons last
year.
If anything, you talk about youknow what we've learned, and
(28:05):
the guys have talked about thatthis week.
Like we know, like we learnedthe lessons about uh our season
last year, right?
And uh, and you know, and thedifference between win and
losing is a is a is a smallmargin, right?
And um so that you know they'rethey're they're fired up.
It's gonna be and it's big,like we have uh Cortland, and
then it's uh we're back homefrom Morrisville for a breast
(28:27):
cancer awareness game, andthat's a buy.
And like you mentioned earlier,it's crazy to think here we are
mid season.
Rocky (28:32):
Yeah.
Coach Faggiano (28:33):
And one thing that I really like is I really
right now our upperclassmen,particularly our freshmen are
figuring it out, but the upperclassmen are doing really well
academically, you know, and it'salways like it seems like right
big conference games, it's likemidterms, you know what I mean?
And our our guys are doing agood job of balancing that right
now, which which I've beenpretty impressed, you know, and
being able to balance school uhwith their midterms coming up
(28:54):
here.
I think next week is when theyreally start uh getting ready
for those, along with you know,getting ready for a big empire
rate play.
Rocky (29:02):
So, Coach Sattery, when you guys take the field and the
last time you you talked to theteam, what'll be your final
message on to the guys onSaturday?
Coach Faggiano (29:10):
You're gonna ask me that one.
I mean, I'm gonna tell we weplay best, we play loose, and we
have fun and we play for eachother, right?
And don't make it bigger thanit is, right?
And and and you know, play withplay with love in your hearts
for each other, right?
And just go out there and havefun.
I think you can see that theway we play on the field.
Um, when when a guy makes aplay on the field, the whole
sideline erupts.
(29:30):
And I think we definitely thisis a tight group, and um they do
that, you know, and uh we'llput our best foot forward for
sure.
Rocky (29:37):
All right, coach.
I said before we came on, youtook the lead on me here in some
picks.
So I'm uh I'm 500 at 11 and 11,and you're at 13 and 9.
Um, you had a good week lastweek at 4 2.
So I got some got some newgames this week, some new teams.
Uh the first one I'm gonna giveus is Iowa State at Cincinnati.
I can't figure the lines out onhere, but Vegas knows more of
(29:59):
that.
I do.
Cincinnati's favored at homeagainst Iowa State.
Who I I love Matt Campbell.
I think he's one of the bestcoaches in the country.
But he is.
Coach Faggiano (30:08):
Yes, he's he's a very good coach.
And um he's got one of the bestarticles on recruiting.
I don't know if I evermentioned that to you.
Um that I I save and give it tothe coaches every year to
reread.
And just know who you are, likeknow who you are and recruit
the people that fit your school,and don't be so worried about
all everybody else and who wasoffered.
(30:28):
You know, it's a really great,great article.
But I'll go right out the gate,I'm gonna go Iowa State on that
one.
Rocky (30:34):
Yeah, I'm uh I'm I'm all in on this one.
I think this is an easy one,but I don't know.
Vegas always knows something.
I just can't believeCincinnati's favored.
Coach Faggiano (30:41):
Well, they got it, they've always in the past,
and I haven't watched them atall.
They they they're a lot ofexplosives, right?
They always seem to be fast.
Maybe that could be the key,right?
Like, I think surely that'll bea key with Iowa State uh you
know, limiting the Cincinnatiexplosive plays.
Rocky (30:57):
Yeah, and I think um Cincinnati, I think the coach is
Coach Satterfield, who was atApp State over there.
So, and this is another game.
I can't figure this one out.
So Vandy's off to the greatstart.
Diego Pavier, the quarterback'sgetting a lot of attention.
He's played well.
And then Alabama comes in lastweek, and Kirby Smart's got a
Bama problem because he can'tbeat Alabama, but not many teams
(31:18):
can.
Calen DeBore's got this thinggoing.
They're a 10 and a half pointfavorite to Vandy.
Vandy beat him last year whenthey carried the goalposts
through Nashville, they did, um,which was really cool.
You think Vandy gets him again,or you think Bama's just
cruising right now?
Coach Faggiano (31:33):
I think, I think on this one, again, I love what
they're doing at Vanderbilt.
I think that's outstanding.
I was very happy for them lastyear.
But I think right now, Alabamacoming off that Georgia game, I
think they're in a good placeright now.
And I'm gonna go with Alabamaon this one.
Rocky (31:46):
Yeah, I'm gonna I'm gonna agree with you here.
I I love Kalen DeBoer.
I think he's got this thingfigured out.
Ty Simpson, the quarterback,'splaying really well.
And you know, you don't knowhow big that Florida State, you
know, that first game trying tofigure things out against
Alabama.
I think Alabama's got itfigured out.
It's a big line, though, 10 anda half at home.
So we'll see.
But I'm with you on that one.
So so far we agree on both.
(32:07):
I got to pick a coupledifferent ones here to try to
pick some up.
Um, Virginia.
Virginia had the upset win overFlorida State at Virginia.
This is another one of the onesI can't figure this out.
Louisville's undefeated and notranked.
They're a seven and a halfpoint favorite at home to
Virginia.
You think Virginia keeps thisthing going or Louisville?
I love their coach.
(32:27):
Coach Brahm does a really goodjob played there.
Um, you think Louisville getshim at home?
Coach Faggiano (32:33):
I'm gonna go Louisville.
Rocky (32:38):
I kind of like Louisville too, but I don't know.
I might have to switch thisone.
I don't know.
I'm gonna go Louisville too.
I I like Jeff Brahm.
I think he's a great coach.
I loved him when he played.
It that line's just reallyweird because Virginia's ranked
coming off the big win, andthey're a seven and a half point
underdog um on the road in thatgame.
Just a weird line.
Coach Faggiano (32:58):
I don't want to, yeah, I don't want to go into
games being ranked.
unknown (33:01):
Right?
Coach Faggiano (33:01):
It just gives gives more feed fuel to fire the
other team.
Rocky (33:05):
So here's the big game.
This is uh Miami, FloridaState.
Um, Florida State, I actuallywe just talked about loses to
Virginia.
So Florida State is home.
Uh Miami's looked really goodin the trenches offensively,
defensively, the front four isplaying really well.
Carson Beck looks like the oldCarson Beck.
Uh Mario Cristobal.
Maybe this is the year he getsto the playoff and has a chance
(33:26):
to win a national championship.
Florida State, this is anotherone.
They're a four and a half pointunderdog at home, the Miami.
You like the Knowles at home?
I'm gonna go with Miami.
I'm I'm as much as I want to gowith Coach Hand in Florida
State.
I just saw a nice interviewwith Coach did a podcast with uh
(33:47):
a West Merlin alum that he wentto school with.
A great it was a greatinterview.
Um and I'm pulling for him, butunfortunately, I think Miami
right now is is I think Miami'sthe best team in the country
other than Ohio State.
So I'm gonna roll with uh withthe you in this one as well.
All right, Mississippi State atAM.
(34:07):
Mississippi State had the gamelast week against Tennessee all
but one um in the last uhovertime Tennessee scored.
But Mississippi Statecontrolled that game.
They go to AM.
I feel like not many people aretalking about AM.
Um 14 and a half point favoriteat home.
Does AM continue to keep thisthing going?
Coach Faggiano (34:27):
They do.
Rocky (34:28):
They'll go AM.
Yeah, I'm uh I'm on the trainwith you there, coach.
This might be this last game,might be.
We always got to pick theSyracuse game.
Coach Faggiano (34:37):
We do have multiple weeks.
We got multiple weeks.
Rocky (34:39):
Um Syracuse last week.
Coach Faggiano (34:42):
This is tough.
This is this is one of thoseones where like last week if I
voted my heart, I I would havewent Penn State, but I went with
Oregon.
And like my my heart saysSyracuse, but this is tough.
Rocky (34:55):
I'm gonna go SMU.
I Syracuse looked off.
I know it was the quarterback,the backup there's first game.
Um, he didn't look that greatlast week at all.
I don't know.
SMU, I know they went to theplayoff last year.
I love their coach.
Coach Faggiano (35:07):
Um SMU's two wins.
Rocky (35:10):
I don't know who the two are against, um, but I do know
that uh a 16 and a half pointline is a really big line.
Coach Faggiano (35:18):
This is gonna be the one where you may get me,
but I'm gonna I'm gonna goSyracuse.
Rocky (35:21):
Arya, are you just doing that so the local people like
you and they don't say coach isgoing against Syracuse?
You think they get it rightthis week?
I could say they looked reallybad last week.
Coach Faggiano (35:30):
I'll tell you what, when when I heard Coach
Brand's coach uh excuse me, FranBrown's interviews, excuse me.
Um he talked positively abouthis quarterback.
Rocky (35:40):
He did.
Coach Faggiano (35:40):
I mean, and like you know, um they're they're
really good coaches, right?
And so like they had they kindof had a a week to figure out
without their starter, which wasawful for the loser starter,
like that.
And um, you know, I think theythey've got they've got some
guns on their on you, they gotsome weapons, and uh you know,
even though they're down theirquarterback, I think that the
(36:01):
they like the backup, and Ithink they're gonna put
themselves in a position to havean opportunity to win the game.
I think it'll be a tight one.
I think it'll certainly be atight one, but I think Syracuse
can pull it out.
Rocky (36:10):
I think they'll figure the offense out.
I'm more worried aboutdefensively.
They they couldn't stop anybodylast week.
I mean, Duke did whatever theywanted to do, but uh we'll see
because losing that quarterbackreally hurts.
They got a tough schedulecoming up.
They play a lot of good teamsin the ACC, those
middle-of-the-pack games that uhthey said earlier, they can go
50-50.
But um, I got to bring on uh somy guy Dingo talk here.
(36:32):
I follow him on Twitter, hefollows us all the time.
He retweets that Moose Hoganlives on.
Coach Faggiano (36:39):
You know, uh we've got some parents that that
uh have alter egos and and uhand have some fun with it, you
know.
So Moose Hogan was a character.
Um I don't know.
I there's some other onesthough that I even like, you
know, I'm about again, I was abig wrestling fan back in the
day when when Mr.
Maldonado was as well.
And so I was a huge Hulk Hoganfan and macho man and all that
(36:59):
stuff.
So I mean there were peoplethat you know all of my guys,
whether you know the Utica guysthat have coached here at the
Udica coaching tree, like whatwe're all we're all talking
about Mr.
Maldonado's videos every week.
You know, I think we miss them,you know.
And then uh Mr.
Malzahn with his all-dayfootball is is got his own logo,
you know, with hoodies goingon, and and I love it.
(37:20):
You know, I love it.
Back in the day we had a tightend from Somers, Mr.
Muller, and he had these, youknow, let the the the Moose's
loose shirts that he had made.
So you know, I love when myparents get into it, you know,
it's what makes it fun.
Rocky (37:31):
Coach, you know what's really cool is ever since we've
been doing this show, I've metmore D3 guys that that followed
Division III football, which Ithink is really cool because
obviously everybody follows alot, you know, the D1 programs,
and there's a lot of guys thatfollow D2, and there's a lot of
good D2 programs out thereacross the country, but the
following for the D3 is special,man.
I didn't I didn't know therewas that many people outside of
(37:54):
you know myself who just lovescollege football, but D3
special, man.
There's a lot of good peoplethat follow um everybody across
the country.
Coach Faggiano (38:02):
Well, just it's sheer numbers, right?
You know, 250 teams, um, youknow, the history of behind it,
you know, programs that have hadfootball for over 100, 120, 150
years that had programs.
It's pretty wild.
You know, uh last week goinginto homecoming, I tried to do
as good a job, or we tried to doas good a job as a program to
kind of throw some recognitionto uh the original pioneers, you
(38:25):
know, uh the guys that playedat Utica, you know, from 67 to
71.
There's some great footballlore there because back then
that everyone was playing club,you know, it was club, you know,
they're playing Portland andSt.
Lawrence and uh uh you knowit's funny they used to call
Utica, they call them the Utesif you look at some of the old
articles and they they playedColgate and Hamilton and because
(38:46):
there wasn't really anydivisions, you know.
But you know, you talk aboutyou know playing for the love of
the game, and you know, whenour alumni come back and they
talk about you know that theirlocker room was in the basement
of North Hall and they had hooksto put up their helmet on a
hook, you know, and and if iftheir helmet had a face mask,
right?
Um but um for sure.
I mean division three football,particularly in the northeast,
(39:08):
you know, it's growing it'sgrowing in in the west, it's
growing just you don't have asmuch of it, right?
You know, which is a shame, youknow, uh particularly like in
the south.
You got states that reallydon't have uh much division
three football.
So just the number, sheernumber of guys that played is is
is big and uh and just it wassuch an impact on their lives.
You know, that's that's whatit's it's been for them, was for
me.
Rocky (39:28):
Well, coach, let's go watch the Yankees.
Give them hell on Saturday.
You know, I love talking withyou every week, and uh, we'll
look forward to it again nextweek.
Coach Faggiano (39:36):
Appreciate you, Rock, for the moves.
Rocky (39:38):
All right, coach.
So that was Coach BlazeFazziano and uh love him, man.
Love love talking to him everyweek.
I w I wish I had more time tosit on here and talk college
football with him, but theYankees are on, so I gotta get
them to watch the Yankees, metoo.
But uh hey, let's go give it ashot on Saturday.
Let's go play a nationallyranked team.
That's what Utica's gonna do,and they're gonna give them
(39:59):
hell, they're gonna play hardfor four quarters.
Um, and we'll we'll talk toCoach again uh next week.
So again, if you're followingon YouTube across all social
media platforms, make sure tohit subscribe um to all the
shows.
You can catch me on any socialmedia platform, iHeartRadio,
Apple Podcast, and more.
So, on behalf of the Rock Pile,I always say here the rock pile
(40:20):
is where dreams become reality.
Have a good evening, everybody.
Good evening, everybody.
Welcome to another live editionhere on Inside Utica University
Football Podcast here on theRock Pile tonight, episode
number five here with CoachFaziano.
We'll bring Coach on here injust a second.
We'll be recapping last week'sbig homecoming win and then the
big game this week againstnationally ranked Cortland
State.
So we'll talk to Coach aboutthat and much more.
(00:56):
If you're tuning in tonightacross all the social media
platforms, make sure to hitsubscribe and uh share the
videos as much as you can.
We've been averaging over about4,000 uh views with Coach and
I.
It's been a it's been a funshow.
I'm looking through my stuffhere, and it's hard to believe
it's already week five of theshows here in the game.
So the season goes really quickhere in the fall.
(01:17):
You wish it upon us, and thennext thing you know, you turn
around, you look, and you say,Where'd the season go?
And the fall weather's here.
It was nice, nice and cooltonight at practice.
I know coach mentioned the samething, the weather's starting
to turn.
So excited for that, excitedfor all that and more tonight.
Again, if you're following oniHeartRadio, Apple Podcast too
as well.
I appreciate you listening andtuning in on all the podcast
(01:39):
platforms.
Make sure to hit subscribe onYouTube.
And if you got a question orcomment for Coach tonight, put
it in the comment box.
We'll bring over as many as wecan.
So let's bring Coach on.
There he is.
Coach, what's happeningtonight?
Yankees.
Go Yankees.
Yeah, I was telling you, my dadcalled and he's like, you know,
you guys are up against theYankee game tonight.
(01:59):
I said, Dad, I know.
We go a half hour, maybe we'llmiss a couple innings.
And then there's a footballgame on at nine.
There's a college game ontonight.
Sam Houston State and um oh whothey who's Sam Houston playing
tonight.
I was looking at the gamestonight.
Uh New Mexico State.
So we got a college game on.
Coach Faggiano (02:16):
Those are always those are always good games.
Rocky (02:18):
They're always good games.
I feel like all those lategames sometimes, some of the
ones are on at 10 and 11.
Nobody pays attention to.
They end up being really goodgames.
So, coach, let's uh let's getto it.
Um, I was at this one lastweek, and I was telling you when
we came on, I walked throughthe tailgate, and man, though
those kids were getting after,they were having a lot of fun.
(02:38):
It was packed over in thattailgate area.
Coach Faggiano (02:41):
Homecoming at Utica is the real deal.
Everyone comes back home, andyou know, it's it's always the
same thing during the week.
You know, all the sororitiescome up, you know, coach, can we
get our tailgate passes and thehockey team and the different
lacrosse teams?
And and um, you know, it'sreally just a fun atmosphere and
you know, really unique thisyear because for the first time
(03:02):
uh we inducted our Hall of Famethe same weekend, and I know
they they felt went very well.
You know, Friday night was thethe ceremony uh along with our
Knight of Square Society folks,and and then but then uh
honoring the Hall of Famers athalftime was really special.
So so some unique things thisyear at homecoming.
Rocky (03:19):
Yeah, and coach, let's start with it too, Alford State,
their first year in theconference.
We talked about that on acouple of the shows here coming
into uh last week.
You guys had I I loved it.
Special teams was the big storyhere for you guys.
You guys had some black punts,a big black punt that set up
your first score.
Talk about how special thespecial team play was for you
guys.
Coach Faggiano (03:39):
Well, I mean, it was huge.
You know, it every year there'sthose guys that all of a sudden
make the decision to bedominant on special teams,
right?
So like Nate Hernandez startedweek one, had a couple
struggles.
His name was called again thisweek, and just came out and
played outstanding.
Not only did he block the twopuns, but then he was his punt
coverage was outstanding.
Um, you know, so really, reallylike how he stepped up, um, you
(04:03):
know, just a sophomore safetyuh, you know, out of the Albany
area.
And you know, then the you knowBrion Campbell comes in and
blocks a field goal, which ishuge.
And you know, we go to do thebloop kick and uh you know,
really heads-up play by TonyRzinski, you know, Whitesboro
here and local guy, and recoversthe fumble on their sideline.
And what was really great aboutit is you know we blocked the
(04:23):
punt, we recovered the fumble,we do have the interception on
defense, and our offense scoredon all those opportunities
early.
Um, and uh so definitely, youknow, you know, was was happy
with that.
Now it didn't end the way Iwanted.
Everyone's wondering why I'mupset.
Well, because we gave up akicker turn for a touchdown at
the end of the game, you know.
But uh their running back's agood player, you know.
We had six touchdowns the weekbefore.
(04:45):
Um, it's like literally, it'slike they're running up the
middle or they're pitching theball out on the numbers, so
there's some challenges to that.
And uh, you know, but just likehow our kids played overall.
Rocky (04:54):
Coach, I know you've been talking since we've been doing
a show.
Your defense just flies around,and this was the first time I
got to see him in person.
And some of the some of thoseguys on the back ends, the
linebackers, the DBs, they wereall over the field flying around
and making plays.
I think you guys held um AlfredState, I think just under 70
yards rushing, but that defensereally flew around.
Coach Faggiano (05:15):
You know, uh Coach McClendon, you know, we
talk about in our defensivemeetings and uh, you know, run
into the football, you know, runinto the football.
And that's one thing our guysdo.
Um, it may not always bepretty, but if a guy misses a
tackle, there's two or threemore guys that are that are
going to show up, you know, andand uh and so definitely like uh
how it uh with the intent thatthat group is playing for sure.
Rocky (05:36):
Coach, and I know this game that the score was a little
out of hand late in the game,and I know you as as all coaches
would say, you guys gave upthat kick return for a
touchdown, so you weredisappointed in that.
But you guys feature, I thinkyou guys played all your
quarterbacks.
There are some differentformations, a lot of quarterback
runs.
How nice is it to be able toget some of those guys into the
game?
Coach Faggiano (05:55):
Oh, that's just huge.
We would buy in.
You know, I was I was lookingat our game notes quick tonight,
and just the number ofdifferent receivers and ball
carriers, uh, it was prettyimpressive.
The fact that Polaris comes inin our in our Raven package and
did a great job.
And and then it was the firstthat we saw.
You know, we've had thatpackage for Nazir and kind of
unveiled that a little bit, gotdone on film.
(06:17):
Both those guys are New Jerseyguys, very committed.
You know, Coach uh Zanelovic'sgot a great quarterback room
right now, you know, and thenFuller gets an opportunity, goes
five for five, and throws atouchdown pass to Gabe.
And so uh, you know, certainlywas was pleased how those guys
played.
You know, as the game went on,it was like we just made the
decision we're gonna run theball and and stay healthy going
into the next week, you know, iskind of what happened.
(06:37):
But you know, one of the thingsin football they talk about is
the middle eight.
And so I was really pleasedwith how we played in the middle
eight minutes of the of the ofthe game.
Um, you know, and uh you know,the the what was really wild was
scoring before half.
I mean, I think it was under aminute, you know, 54 seconds,
and we go the length of thefield and score a touchdown.
And so that yeah, that was areally uh big going in, uh going
(06:59):
into halftime, being able toscore like that.
Rocky (07:02):
And coach, I know when we talked during the season two
earlier in the year, we said,and I thought you guys had one
of the best, not onlyquarterback rooms, but skilled
rooms with receivers, yourrunning backs, and a group that
you were bringing back.
A lot of guys are been havebeen catching balls from Tyler.
I mean, Bryce was Bryce, 10catches, 112 yards.
Ty was tie with 285 yards andfour touchdowns.
(07:22):
But talk to us a little bitabout the skilled guys and how
special they are for you guys.
Coach Faggiano (07:27):
Oh, for sure, and and and showing some depth.
You know, everyone kind of bynow knows we lost Tyson Taylor.
Uh, you know, unfortunatelybroke his caliber number 13,
just an amazing young man out ofSyracuse IT.
And and um, you know, losinghim is is a big big hurt, but
other guys have stepped up andyou know, Lorenzo Velez and
Games of Walla, and some guysand stepping up into those
roles.
And then and then using Logan,uh Frederick, you know, both not
(07:50):
only as an on-ball, offballtight end, but as a receiver.
Um, you know, I think thosehave been things that that have
helped uh you know helped ouroffense as far as you know being
balanced.
Rocky (07:59):
And coach, I know we always talk special teams, and
we talked about the Black Punts,but I want you to talk about
the kickers too, because I thinkyour punter had three kicks
down inside the 20.
I think you made all six extrapoints, and I think Nico kicked,
I think, a 23, 24-yard fieldgoal.
So special teams all around hada good day.
Coach Faggiano (08:15):
Nico, Nico, uh great middle extra points, had a
nice field goal.
You know, we obviously wanted atouchdown there, but we needed
the field goal.
I think that took us from 35 to38 points.
Um, had a great bloop kick.
He's really talented at doingthose types of kicks, and and
that's helped our kickoff teamand take some pressure off of
those guys.
Um, you know, particularly whenyou play some dynamic
returners, it's you know, theability to bloop uh you know is
(08:38):
key to be able to do that andtry not to put it in the hands
of a team's best player.
Um, you know, and then DevinTaylor, you know, he's a very
talented punter out of Tampa,Florida.
He's a physical therapy major,and Devin uh I think he averaged
40 and it got along a 50.
And you're right, he had a fewinside the 20, so he really
played well um in his role, too.
Rocky (08:57):
And on the defensive side of the ball, I finally, again,
I got a chance to see some ofthese guys in person.
And Isaiah IT was special foryou, had a nice game.
I think he had seven or eighttackles.
Uh, and then CJ played well astoo, but those guys up front can
move as well.
Coach Faggiano (09:11):
They can't.
I thought Jordan Davis wasreally dominant in the game.
Um, they had a hard timeblocking uh JD, as we call him,
and uh, you know, the wholegroup, you know, Moranowitz, um,
DeForest, and then we rotateguys in.
Uh, you know, Nemhart, Jerome,Austin DeGroat, Christian, uh,
Param Roan, those guys allrotate in and they're making
plays, and then that buckposition makes them scary.
(09:33):
Uh, Cam Brister, like rotatingthose guys and keeping them
fresh.
That kind of helps free upthose linebackers, you know,
whether it be uh, you know, wecall them IT, right?
IT, Isaiah Thomas or CJ or LukeSheldon.
Um, you know, I think it's ait's it's makes it nice playing
behind those big bodies up frontand they're they're playing uh
they're playing physical.
Rocky (09:50):
Coach, how nice it is because it seemed like you were
able to get a lot of guys onboth sides of the ball in um in
this past week's game againstAlfred State.
Talk to us a little bit abouthow nice it is to get some of
those guys in there and get themsome experience.
Coach Faggiano (10:02):
Well, yeah, you know, it's something that you
know we'd like to be able to domore of, you know.
Uh I can I can tell you in thepast, you know, I've been
frustrated where it's like wehaven't been able to do that,
you know what I mean, and in ain a game where you're hoping,
you know, if if you think that'sgonna happen, then it never
happens, right?
If you expect you're gonna goin and beat somebody by three,
four scores and get everybody inthe game, right?
(10:24):
Like, you know, it just kind ofhappens and certainly uh
appreciate it.
We got ourselves in thatposition so we could get those
guys those game reps, you knowwhat I mean?
Get the second offensive lineout there, uh get some other
guys on defense out there, um,you know, get those, you know,
get those guys like a JoeyGentile that's a package guy out
of Proctor at safety, but thenall of a sudden you got to get
some good reps at safety thereand give Eli a blow.
(10:45):
So, you know, you know, some ofthose guys um that's just big
for them, you know what I mean?
So it just makes for a great,great homecoming, you know,
weekend, and then the JBs wentdown to Hartwick Sunday and got
a win.
And so I know a lot of theparents came up and spend the
whole weekend, uh, you know,went down to the short ride down
to Hartwick.
So um, you know, our parentsright now, well man, the
tailgate is uh is is second tonone.
(11:06):
It really is.
And you talk about a familyatmosphere and and welcoming
people in.
And you know, we you know,we've had recruits at the last
couple home games, you know,close to 25 recruits at each
game, and their families comeinto the tailgate, and then
that's all they talk about, justhow welcoming everyone is, um,
and uh, you know, and theatmosphere that we have.
So really appreciative of that.
Rocky (11:25):
I love the atmosphere for you guys coming out onto the
field, but you know, going backto the tailgate, this is really
funny because most people wouldwould always say, Hey, you're
coach little C or Coach C.
I walked through some of thetailgate stuff, Coach, and
people actually knew who I was.
Some of them said, You're thatguy on the podcast with coach.
I said, All right, at least afew people know who I am, but
(11:46):
most people say you're theyou're coach little C.
People were saying you'reyou're on the podcast with
Coach.
So did you meet Moose Hogan andMr.
Coach Faggiano (11:53):
All Day football?
Did you meet those guys orwhat?
Rocky (11:56):
I couldn't tell you who I met.
I met so many people came up tome.
There's a lot of guys that hadthe football lum shirts on,
which was pretty cool.
But I was just laughing, like,at least I'm known for something
with Coach, right?
It was pretty cool, though.
I loved it.
Coach Faggiano (12:07):
Those guys are all in, you know, they're all
in.
There was uh uh first source,you know, had the tent, you
know, and John Calvin Reese is aUtica lum, and um, and they had
a blast, and all our guys wentin there and they they like
doing autographs with theplayers, you know.
So our guys are all in the tentand doing autographs after the
game.
And I know all the folks atfirst source had a good time,
and it was a teacherappreciation game as well.
So, you know, appreciate uh allthe folks at first source for
(12:31):
supporting us.
And you know, uh, I believe wehad some new Hartford football
players in there because I knowPam Way was in there, you know,
and I'm hoping that her son anduh their quarterback and some
guys were in there watching us.
So, you know, um, but you know,it's great people and uh glad
they had a great time.
Rocky (12:47):
So, coach in comes Court, or you guys go to Cortland.
I'm sorry to say in comesCortland, but 28 straight
conference wins.
I was looking at another crazystat.
45-5, four umpire eight titles.
Um, 2023 obviously was anational championship year.
That's since 2021.
28 straight.
That's got to pump your teamup.
(13:08):
Say, let's go up there and giveit a shot.
Coach Faggiano (13:10):
Well, you know, again, they they have obviously
they're they're very goodathletic school, you know, have
a great idea uh athleticdirector, you know, familiar,
great dude, and you know, reallygood people.
And obviously, you know, CoachFitzpatrick did a great job
there uh the minute he showedup, you know.
And I think uh their program,they've always had some really
good athletes, and and and uhyou know, Coach Fitz showed up
and and right out the gate, youknow, and and that whole staff
(13:33):
he put together, you know, CoachMorgan was on his staff for I
forget if it was a year or twoyears before he became the head
coach at Buff State.
So, you know, had had a lot ofsuccess there for sure, you know
what I mean?
And and um, and wasn'tsurprised, you know, wasn't
surprised.
You know, he's a good footballcoach, and and um, this is a
game we're looking for, youknow, we're looking forward to,
no doubt about it.
Everyone knows, you know, thelast couple years, right?
(13:54):
Cortland won the conference uhand won the national
championship, right?
And then the year before,before that, I think Brockport
had beat Cortland like sevenyears in a row, right?
In Brockport kind, and thenbefore Brockport, it was Alfred,
right?
And so obviously at Utica,we're battling like when when's
it gonna be our time, right?
So certainly a big game.
Um, you know, uh, you know,it's interesting as people look
(14:15):
at the scores, you know, in inuh you know, Grove City, you
know what I mean?
And they obviously it's verysimilar to like they lose to
Grove City, they turn the ballover, right?
You know, and then we lose toHobart, we turn the ball over in
a bad field position.
So um, you know, it's uh I toldthe guys, you know, it's a big
game because of all the workthat we've put in to make it a
big game.
And you know, you're certainlyexcited, but you gotta just
(14:38):
play, you just gotta go play.
You know what I mean?
And you can't, it's so big,like you try too hard, you try
to do too much, you makemistakes, right?
Just do your job, love playingwith your brothers, uh, play for
the guy to your right and theguy to your left, and kind of
surrender the outcome and justgo play.
And uh, our guys have beenloose.
We had a great week of practiceand you know, excited for the
opportunity for sure.
Rocky (14:59):
Yeah, I mean, I would imagine too, the team's got to
be pumped up to say, you know,it's it's a challenge.
And again, I don't thinkanybody's gonna pick you guys to
go down there and find a way toupset them.
But if I'm a player, you get achance to go play in, you know,
great atmosphere, a ranked team,nationally ranked team, nothing
to lose.
Let's go out there and play.
And you guys, as we said,coach, you guys have been
challenged.
You know, your your first threenon-conference games are
(15:20):
against three really good teams.
So you guys um are wellchallenged, right?
Leading up into this game.
Coach Faggiano (15:27):
Yeah, like I said, when it's all said and
done, and you're looking at week10, looking back, I still
believe the first three teams weplayed are gonna have winning
records.
I really believe that.
I know Hobart had a tough closeloss, one score lost to Ithaca
this past weekend, but you know,RPI is obviously a very good
football team.
They beat Rockport in overtime,um, you know, New York Division
III football is you know, weall beat each other up, right?
(15:49):
We're just just trying to towin a conference or get to that
postseason.
And um, you know, it's notalways an easy thing to do.
There's great football andgreat coaching, as we talked
about on the show.
It's great coaching in the inthe conference.
So, you know, and then W and Jturns around, they get they had
a bye week, which helped themkind of regroup, and then they
got after Grope City, you know.
So um, that's you know, it'sall fun to talk about.
Now we'll talk about it on theshow.
(16:10):
It's probably the only timeI've really talked about it, but
um, it's more about you know,what's our game plan, right?
What kind of what coverage arethey gonna give us on third
down, right?
What's what are they gonna doon special teams, you know?
And I think that's the guyshave been making fun of me
about, you know, we talk aboutthe sauce and the secret sauce.
And like that, what's in thesauce for this weekend is just
executing the game plan um tohigh level.
(16:32):
And the team that executes moreis gonna find a way to win the
game, you know.
And in uh, I'm sure Cortland'slooking at that Hobart game, and
Hobart played a smart, air-freefootball game.
Uh, you know, CoachBlumenauer's got a great staff
he put together there,well-coached football team.
Um, they're very good atrunning the football.
Anytime you have a quarterbackthat's a big, big part of the
run game, always gives youchallenge.
(16:52):
It's almost like playing theoption, right?
And uh, so it's reallyimportant that guys uh do their
responsibility and don't try todo too much and fit the run
accordingly, you know, and andthey're certainly going to make
some plays, and just you gottafind a way to make a few more
plays than they do at the end.
Rocky (17:07):
Yeah, and and I know we talked a little bit about it
last week, but you kind of youhate to say you score watch and
you look through some of theseteams in the conference and
stuff, and we said thisconference to me, I think is is
wide open, top to bottom.
It's it's it's good every week.
And then I look at the CortlandState where they lost to Grove
City.
I think they turned it overlike seven times.
I think they had like sixinterceptions, a fumble, like
something you don't see fromCortland State, but you take
(17:29):
that away.
Um, they were right in thatgame for most of that game.
They were.
Coach Faggiano (17:33):
They were, and then I'll tell you what, Union
Union game was was a good gamefor about three quarters, and
then Cortland pulled away in thefourth quarter on that.
You know, union union get unionseems like they're they've
improved from a year ago forsure.
Um, so it's interesting.
And then, you know, we're allhuman, so everyone, you know,
everyone looks at the scores onSaturday night, you know, and
just but uh you don't spend alot of time on it, right?
(17:54):
It's back to what's the gameplan, and you're watching the
game film, and um, you know, anduh it's all it's all about the
teaching, you know.
Rocky (18:02):
Coach, is there any parts from from looking at Cortland
State?
Is there anything that you seethat you feel like you guys will
be able to kind of attack acertain area, you know, come
Saturday?
I know coaches are gonna say wegot to be able to run the
football, play really gooddefense, stop the run, special
teams.
I know all that, but are isthere any areas that you can see
that you guys can attack?
Coach Faggiano (18:21):
I'll talk about their strengths.
I'll talk about Cortlandstrengths.
Like they they run the footballvery well.
Their quarterbacks had threestraight hundred-yard rushing
games, and he is and we'd sayhe's got the strongest arm that
we've seen as far as throwingthe ball down the field, right?
So they're gonna take theirshots.
Um, the running backs are bigand physical.
Uh, you know, and times it'snot just the one running back,
they get both running backs inthere.
Uh, two of probably the biggestphysical tight ends that we're
(18:43):
gonna see in the run game, uh,the experienced offensive line.
So I think you know, those areall key things.
And I know their receivers arechopping at the bit to get
involved in the pass game.
So from a defensive standpoint,um, you know, they they they're
well coached, you know, they'rethey're they look they try not
to give up the big play, and uhthey're gonna find the times to
pressure you, you know, andthey're in that 3-4 hybrid, and
(19:06):
you don't know, they bring infour, they bring in five, they
do a good job of disguisingthat.
Um, you know, it's it's uh youknow a good football team, but
you know, we're also a goodfootball team as well, and I
think this is uh it's gonna be agreat, great game on Saturday,
I think.
Rocky (19:19):
And coach, talk to us too.
I know you guys have played upthere before, but the the
atmosphere there at that stadiumis always packed, they always
get really good crowds, it'salways electric up there.
Talk to us a little bit aboutthat that atmosphere on the road
up there.
Coach Faggiano (19:32):
It's funny, it depends when we played them.
You know, I I I um I'll becurious.
You know, I think I think it'stheir fall break, you know, so
I'm not sure if their studentsare there or not, you know, and
and I've told a few people likeI'm I'm kind of glad that we're
on the road, to be honest withyou.
Sometimes being on the road andyou know, a little bit less
distractions, um you know, likeall kinds of things.
We always always have all stuffgoing on at home, you know, at
(19:54):
our home games.
So um, you know, being able toget on the bus and just go play
play the game that they love andplay together.
Um, you know, I'm just reallyproud of our guys to be at the
point that we're at, that thisis a big game.
I think if a lot of people backin the offseason saw a
non-conference and like, ohgeez, you know, they're playing.
RPI, Hobart, and WJ, like, youknow, kind of, and I thought
(20:16):
we've come out of that, um, youknow, a better football team,
you know, even with the loss.
You hate to say it, but youknow, we needed to have that,
and uh, and so we could learnfrom that, probably no different
than Cortland with with theGrove City game.
Since then, they've protectedthe football very well, you
know, since that game.
And I'm sure that you knowthat's been an emphasis.
So, but um yeah, lookingforward to again, looking
(20:37):
forward to that football game.
Rocky (20:39):
Coach, how much how how important I always say maybe
like the first five, six minutesof that game, the emotions for
your team.
How how important is thosefirst five, six minutes of that
game for you guys?
Coach Faggiano (20:49):
Oh, it's huge.
Yeah, they gotta take a deepbreath and and just play.
You know, they got saw wood andthey're gonna be fired up.
Um but uh you know, they gottathey gotta play through the ups
and downs of the game, andthey've done that.
You know, they've done that.
Like you gotta remember, you goback to W and J, they went
right down the field and scored.
First drive.
Right?
Our guys didn't flinch.
Yeah, I really like that.
(21:09):
You know, there's a lot of newstarters and watching what do I
do a lot of watching these daysand how they responded to that.
I'm like, oh boy, we we've gota special group, right?
These guys play together andand they play through the ups
and downs of the games well.
And we had a ton of penaltiesin that first game, and every
week it's gone down, right?
Went from like I think it was15.
(21:29):
Yeah, they may have declined acouple, but we had 15, so it may
have only been 12 in the stats.
Then I think it was down tolike eight.
And this past weekend we mayhave only had five.
So we're like, like I'm glad tosee that.
Like our guys are settling inand like playing hard, but
playing between the whistles andand learning how to do that.
Um, because a lot, you know, alot of them, it's their first
time playing.
(21:50):
You know, everyone kind offorgets that.
Mason Moranowitz is his firsttime playing as much as he's
playing.
Mason Muscari, Nick DeForest,Isaiah Thomas.
These guys did not play 60, 70plays a game last year, you
know, and so just to watch thoseguys get better each week has
been huge.
On offense, same thing.
Our you know, our starting lefttackle, right?
Was playing defensive line lastfall, right?
(22:10):
And doing a great job.
Our starting center, first yearstarting, right?
And these guys are just playingtogether, you know.
So uh, so I've been proud ofhow our guys have played in
those in those difficult games.
And it just brings me back tomy old college coach, and it's
if you want to be good, you gotto play good people.
You want to win yourconference, you got to play
strong non-conference.
And uh, you know, so I thinkwe've set ourselves up for that.
Rocky (22:31):
And coach, I think you said this our first episode.
We talked about like this isone of the selling points of
coming to UC.
You get to play in games likethis against nationally ranked
teams, and here's anotheropportunity for your team to go
out there in the spotlight andplay a really good team on the
road.
So, I mean, it's a greatselling tool for UC to be able
to play in games that meansomething.
Coach Faggiano (22:51):
I mean, I'm glad you bring it up.
I mean, many times as you go torecruit the best, we're trying
to get the guys, don't go walkon somewhere, right?
Don't go play Division II,right?
Come play in one of the bestconferences in the country in an
unbelievable atmosphere, right?
With a great culture.
And um, you know, our coach andstaff in our university have
(23:12):
done a great job of being ableto, you know, recruit and and
find guys that fit our school.
You know, we have a greatuniversity and um some amazing
majors, and uh, you know, uh,but yeah, that recruiting to to
the conference is uh is a bigdeal, you know.
Rocky (23:27):
And I think it's awesome, Coach.
I think since you've you'vecame to UC, I know you talk
about you're the old guy now, uhat this conference, but I think
it's great though, because theenergy that you have, it's like,
you know, we'll go, we're notscared to go play anybody.
I mean, we I know you talkedabout that non-conference
schedule, and I don't think alot of people thought that
followed D3 probably didn'tthink you guys would come out at
(23:48):
what, three and one, which youyou could have been four and oh
easily with with the Hobartgame, but I don't think anybody
really thought you guys wouldcome out of it the way you guys
did.
But then I go back and and andand I'm sitting here saying to
myself, there's not a game onthe schedule you look at and you
say, Let's go compete and let'sgo play.
These are those types of gameswhere you just you look at and
(24:08):
you say, We have nothing tolose, we have everything to
gain, let's go open up some eyeson the road this week.
Coach Faggiano (24:14):
You know, it it really is.
In in more and more of theinterviews, I've been pleased
with how the the players andcoaches talk, right?
Because our guys are all ontheir phones and they're on
social media.
And what's nice is you know,we're not the only people that,
hey, we gotta gotta go one andoh this week, right?
And you and you hear that now.
And so I think a lot of thatpositive messaging in college
football is there, which isgreat.
(24:36):
So it kind of reinforces, youknow, if some D1 coach says it,
you know, what Coach Klaus orCoach McClennon or Coach
Zelovaker is saying to our guys,you know, because they're
they're uh really dialed in, youknow, because our guys love
football.
So um, yeah, we're it's again,it's it's uh it's you know, it's
we're excited to play the game,right?
And you know, we're not a biggive anybody any bulletin board
(25:01):
material type of program.
Our guys know better.
And uh we're just gonna give alot of respect to our opponent
and uh looking forward to it's asad I can't we can't literally
cannot wait for Saturday.
Well, we have one more day ofwork, we have important practice
tomorrow uh to just kind ofclean up our game plans.
And uh, you know, one thingwe've learned is that like we
we're we we prepare our guys forstuff that we don't even see on
(25:23):
film, and I give really givecredit to my coaching staff.
And you know, if there's acoverage that maybe they didn't
run on film, we know you knowwhat, they're gonna run it
against us if there's somethingoffensively, like we're coach
McClennon's throwing trick playsat them and doing all this
stuff to because that just seemsto be as we slowly chip away
this thing, um, uh and build ourprogram, you know, we tell guys
(25:47):
they're we're always gonna gettheir best game, right?
And you know, Cortland's gonnathey're gonna give us their best
game that they've played sofar, you know, and and uh and
our guys have bought into that,and that's how we've got built
into our preparation.
So it's our job to put them inpressure all week so they can
just go have fun on Saturday andgo perform.
Rocky (26:04):
Coach, I feel like that gap in in the Empire rate,
though, whether it's withyourself and some of the other
teams, like I feel like that gaphas closed.
I mean, Cortland's been the topdog for for a while, but I feel
like those middle of the packteams now, like they're close,
they're inching a lot closer umto being those top teams.
I know like you're talkingwe're talking about you guys
here tonight and every week, butI feel like that gap's closing
(26:26):
a little bit.
Is that is that due torecruiting and the success of
some of these programs?
Coach Faggiano (26:32):
Or which which gap are you talking about with
like like Austin and some otherplaces?
Rocky (26:38):
I think some of the some of the mid-tier teams like you
know in the middle of the pack,I think are much closer now to
catching though catching theCortland States and catching
those top dogs.
I think that conference overallhas gotten so much better over
the years.
I think that window's closing alittle bit.
Coach Faggiano (26:55):
Well, I think I think we had obviously a lot of
turnover in coaches.
Rocky (26:59):
Yeah, right.
Coach Faggiano (27:00):
And you can already see Coach Rogers is
doing a really good job atHardwick.
You already see that.
Um you can see a coach Raby isdoing a nice job at Fisher and
what they're in what they'redoing right now.
I know they had a tough loss toRochester where they turn
around and beat Alfred, Ibelieve, this past weekend,
right?
So I think that's kind ofwhat's different this year,
which is unique, is um is theturnover in coaches and okay,
(27:24):
who can who can get things goingas quickly as possible?
Yeah, what's been nice for usis I've had some consistency
with Coach McClendon, with CoachKlaus, with Coach Inilovic.
You know, that's been big.
A lot of my younger coaches areall new, but three quarters of
them played for us, right?
So they know the expectation,they kind of know the culture,
and then we've had some greatguys from outside.
(27:45):
Um, you know, Coach Lou beingfrom Bethune Cookman, uh, Coach
Tribino, a disciple, uh youknow, uh Coach Coach Murph from
from Michigan.
So we had some guys from theoutside, which gives you a good
perspective, but you know, topdown, it's again, it's a great
conference, you can't fallasleep.
Um, you know, we learned welearned those hard lessons last
year.
If anything, you talk about youknow what we've learned, and
(28:05):
the guys have talked about thatthis week.
Like we know, like we learnedthe lessons about uh our season
last year, right?
And uh, and you know, and thedifference between win and
losing is a is a is a smallmargin, right?
And um so that you know they'rethey're they're fired up.
It's gonna be and it's big,like we have uh Cortland, and
then it's uh we're back homefrom Morrisville for a breast
(28:27):
cancer awareness game, andthat's a buy.
And like you mentioned earlier,it's crazy to think here we are
mid season.
Rocky (28:32):
Yeah.
Coach Faggiano (28:33):
And one thing that I really like is I really
right now our upperclassmen,particularly our freshmen are
figuring it out, but the upperclassmen are doing really well
academically, you know, and it'salways like it seems like right
big conference games, it's likemidterms, you know what I mean?
And our our guys are doing agood job of balancing that right
now, which which I've beenpretty impressed, you know, and
being able to balance school uhwith their midterms coming up
(28:54):
here.
I think next week is when theyreally start uh getting ready
for those, along with you know,getting ready for a big empire
rate play.
Rocky (29:02):
So, Coach Sattery, when you guys take the field and the
last time you you talked to theteam, what'll be your final
message on to the guys onSaturday?
Coach Faggiano (29:10):
You're gonna ask me that one.
I mean, I'm gonna tell we weplay best, we play loose, and we
have fun and we play for eachother, right?
And don't make it bigger thanit is, right?
And and and you know, play withplay with love in your hearts
for each other, right?
And just go out there and havefun.
I think you can see that theway we play on the field.
Um, when when a guy makes aplay on the field, the whole
sideline erupts.
(29:30):
And I think we definitely thisis a tight group, and um they do
that, you know, and uh we'llput our best foot forward for
sure.
Rocky (29:37):
All right, coach.
I said before we came on, youtook the lead on me here in some
picks.
So I'm uh I'm 500 at 11 and 11,and you're at 13 and 9.
Um, you had a good week lastweek at 4 2.
So I got some got some newgames this week, some new teams.
Uh the first one I'm gonna giveus is Iowa State at Cincinnati.
I can't figure the lines out onhere, but Vegas knows more of
(29:59):
that.
I do.
Cincinnati's favored at homeagainst Iowa State.
Who I I love Matt Campbell.
I think he's one of the bestcoaches in the country.
But he is.
Coach Faggiano (30:08):
Yes, he's he's a very good coach.
And um he's got one of the bestarticles on recruiting.
I don't know if I evermentioned that to you.
Um that I I save and give it tothe coaches every year to
reread.
And just know who you are, likeknow who you are and recruit
the people that fit your school,and don't be so worried about
all everybody else and who wasoffered.
(30:28):
You know, it's a really great,great article.
But I'll go right out the gate,I'm gonna go Iowa State on that
one.
Rocky (30:34):
Yeah, I'm uh I'm I'm all in on this one.
I think this is an easy one,but I don't know.
Vegas always knows something.
I just can't believeCincinnati's favored.
Coach Faggiano (30:41):
Well, they got it, they've always in the past,
and I haven't watched them atall.
They they they're a lot ofexplosives, right?
They always seem to be fast.
Maybe that could be the key,right?
Like, I think surely that'll bea key with Iowa State uh you
know, limiting the Cincinnatiexplosive plays.
Rocky (30:57):
Yeah, and I think um Cincinnati, I think the coach is
Coach Satterfield, who was atApp State over there.
So, and this is another game.
I can't figure this one out.
So Vandy's off to the greatstart.
Diego Pavier, the quarterback'sgetting a lot of attention.
He's played well.
And then Alabama comes in lastweek, and Kirby Smart's got a
Bama problem because he can'tbeat Alabama, but not many teams
(31:18):
can.
Calen DeBore's got this thinggoing.
They're a 10 and a half pointfavorite to Vandy.
Vandy beat him last year whenthey carried the goalposts
through Nashville, they did, um,which was really cool.
You think Vandy gets him again,or you think Bama's just
cruising right now?
Coach Faggiano (31:33):
I think, I think on this one, again, I love what
they're doing at Vanderbilt.
I think that's outstanding.
I was very happy for them lastyear.
But I think right now, Alabamacoming off that Georgia game, I
think they're in a good placeright now.
And I'm gonna go with Alabamaon this one.
Rocky (31:46):
Yeah, I'm gonna I'm gonna agree with you here.
I I love Kalen DeBoer.
I think he's got this thingfigured out.
Ty Simpson, the quarterback,'splaying really well.
And you know, you don't knowhow big that Florida State, you
know, that first game trying tofigure things out against
Alabama.
I think Alabama's got itfigured out.
It's a big line, though, 10 anda half at home.
So we'll see.
But I'm with you on that one.
So so far we agree on both.
(32:07):
I got to pick a coupledifferent ones here to try to
pick some up.
Um, Virginia.
Virginia had the upset win overFlorida State at Virginia.
This is another one of the onesI can't figure this out.
Louisville's undefeated and notranked.
They're a seven and a halfpoint favorite at home to
Virginia.
You think Virginia keeps thisthing going or Louisville?
I love their coach.
(32:27):
Coach Brahm does a really goodjob played there.
Um, you think Louisville getshim at home?
Coach Faggiano (32:33):
I'm gonna go Louisville.
Rocky (32:38):
I kind of like Louisville too, but I don't know.
I might have to switch thisone.
I don't know.
I'm gonna go Louisville too.
I I like Jeff Brahm.
I think he's a great coach.
I loved him when he played.
It that line's just reallyweird because Virginia's ranked
coming off the big win, andthey're a seven and a half point
underdog um on the road in thatgame.
Just a weird line.
Coach Faggiano (32:58):
I don't want to, yeah, I don't want to go into
games being ranked.
unknown (33:01):
Right?
Coach Faggiano (33:01):
It just gives gives more feed fuel to fire the
other team.
Rocky (33:05):
So here's the big game.
This is uh Miami, FloridaState.
Um, Florida State, I actuallywe just talked about loses to
Virginia.
So Florida State is home.
Uh Miami's looked really goodin the trenches offensively,
defensively, the front four isplaying really well.
Carson Beck looks like the oldCarson Beck.
Uh Mario Cristobal.
Maybe this is the year he getsto the playoff and has a chance
(33:26):
to win a national championship.
Florida State, this is anotherone.
They're a four and a half pointunderdog at home, the Miami.
You like the Knowles at home?
I'm gonna go with Miami.
I'm I'm as much as I want to gowith Coach Hand in Florida
State.
I just saw a nice interviewwith Coach did a podcast with uh
(33:47):
a West Merlin alum that he wentto school with.
A great it was a greatinterview.
Um and I'm pulling for him, butunfortunately, I think Miami
right now is is I think Miami'sthe best team in the country
other than Ohio State.
So I'm gonna roll with uh withthe you in this one as well.
All right, Mississippi State atAM.
(34:07):
Mississippi State had the gamelast week against Tennessee all
but one um in the last uhovertime Tennessee scored.
But Mississippi Statecontrolled that game.
They go to AM.
I feel like not many people aretalking about AM.
Um 14 and a half point favoriteat home.
Does AM continue to keep thisthing going?
Coach Faggiano (34:27):
They do.
Rocky (34:28):
They'll go AM.
Yeah, I'm uh I'm on the trainwith you there, coach.
This might be this last game,might be.
We always got to pick theSyracuse game.
Coach Faggiano (34:37):
We do have multiple weeks.
We got multiple weeks.
Rocky (34:39):
Um Syracuse last week.
Coach Faggiano (34:42):
This is tough.
This is this is one of thoseones where like last week if I
voted my heart, I I would havewent Penn State, but I went with
Oregon.
And like my my heart saysSyracuse, but this is tough.
Rocky (34:55):
I'm gonna go SMU.
I Syracuse looked off.
I know it was the quarterback,the backup there's first game.
Um, he didn't look that greatlast week at all.
I don't know.
SMU, I know they went to theplayoff last year.
I love their coach.
Coach Faggiano (35:07):
Um SMU's two wins.
Rocky (35:10):
I don't know who the two are against, um, but I do know
that uh a 16 and a half pointline is a really big line.
Coach Faggiano (35:18):
This is gonna be the one where you may get me,
but I'm gonna I'm gonna goSyracuse.
Rocky (35:21):
Arya, are you just doing that so the local people like
you and they don't say coach isgoing against Syracuse?
You think they get it rightthis week?
I could say they looked reallybad last week.
Coach Faggiano (35:30):
I'll tell you what, when when I heard Coach
Brand's coach uh excuse me, FranBrown's interviews, excuse me.
Um he talked positively abouthis quarterback.
Rocky (35:40):
He did.
Coach Faggiano (35:40):
I mean, and like you know, um they're they're
really good coaches, right?
And so like they had they kindof had a a week to figure out
without their starter, which wasawful for the loser starter,
like that.
And um, you know, I think theythey've got they've got some
guns on their on you, they gotsome weapons, and uh you know,
even though they're down theirquarterback, I think that the
(36:01):
they like the backup, and Ithink they're gonna put
themselves in a position to havean opportunity to win the game.
I think it'll be a tight one.
I think it'll certainly be atight one, but I think Syracuse
can pull it out.
Rocky (36:10):
I think they'll figure the offense out.
I'm more worried aboutdefensively.
They they couldn't stop anybodylast week.
I mean, Duke did whatever theywanted to do, but uh we'll see
because losing that quarterbackreally hurts.
They got a tough schedulecoming up.
They play a lot of good teamsin the ACC, those
middle-of-the-pack games that uhthey said earlier, they can go
50-50.
But um, I got to bring on uh somy guy Dingo talk here.
(36:32):
I follow him on Twitter, hefollows us all the time.
He retweets that Moose Hoganlives on.
Coach Faggiano (36:39):
You know, uh we've got some parents that that
uh have alter egos and and uhand have some fun with it, you
know.
So Moose Hogan was a character.
Um I don't know.
I there's some other onesthough that I even like, you
know, I'm about again, I was abig wrestling fan back in the
day when when Mr.
Maldonado was as well.
And so I was a huge Hulk Hoganfan and macho man and all that
(36:59):
stuff.
So I mean there were peoplethat you know all of my guys,
whether you know the Utica guysthat have coached here at the
Udica coaching tree, like whatwe're all we're all talking
about Mr.
Maldonado's videos every week.
You know, I think we miss them,you know.
And then uh Mr.
Malzahn with his all-dayfootball is is got his own logo,
you know, with hoodies goingon, and and I love it.
(37:20):
You know, I love it.
Back in the day we had a tightend from Somers, Mr.
Muller, and he had these, youknow, let the the the Moose's
loose shirts that he had made.
So you know, I love when myparents get into it, you know,
it's what makes it fun.
Rocky (37:31):
Coach, you know what's really cool is ever since we've
been doing this show, I've metmore D3 guys that that followed
Division III football, which Ithink is really cool because
obviously everybody follows alot, you know, the D1 programs,
and there's a lot of guys thatfollow D2, and there's a lot of
good D2 programs out thereacross the country, but the
following for the D3 is special,man.
I didn't I didn't know therewas that many people outside of
(37:54):
you know myself who just lovescollege football, but D3
special, man.
There's a lot of good peoplethat follow um everybody across
the country.
Coach Faggiano (38:02):
Well, just it's sheer numbers, right?
You know, 250 teams, um, youknow, the history of behind it,
you know, programs that have hadfootball for over 100, 120, 150
years that had programs.
It's pretty wild.
You know, uh last week goinginto homecoming, I tried to do
as good a job, or we tried to doas good a job as a program to
kind of throw some recognitionto uh the original pioneers, you
(38:25):
know, uh the guys that playedat Utica, you know, from 67 to
71.
There's some great footballlore there because back then
that everyone was playing club,you know, it was club, you know,
they're playing Portland andSt.
Lawrence and uh uh you knowit's funny they used to call
Utica, they call them the Utesif you look at some of the old
articles and they they playedColgate and Hamilton and because
(38:46):
there wasn't really anydivisions, you know.
But you know, you talk aboutyou know playing for the love of
the game, and you know, whenour alumni come back and they
talk about you know that theirlocker room was in the basement
of North Hall and they had hooksto put up their helmet on a
hook, you know, and and if iftheir helmet had a face mask,
right?
Um but um for sure.
I mean division three football,particularly in the northeast,
(39:08):
you know, it's growing it'sgrowing in in the west, it's
growing just you don't have asmuch of it, right?
You know, which is a shame, youknow, uh particularly like in
the south.
You got states that reallydon't have uh much division
three football.
So just the number, sheernumber of guys that played is is
is big and uh and just it wassuch an impact on their lives.
You know, that's that's whatit's it's been for them, was for
me.
Rocky (39:28):
Well, coach, let's go watch the Yankees.
Give them hell on Saturday.
You know, I love talking withyou every week, and uh, we'll
look forward to it again nextweek.
Coach Faggiano (39:36):
Appreciate you, Rock, for the moves.
Rocky (39:38):
All right, coach.
So that was Coach BlazeFazziano and uh love him, man.
Love love talking to him everyweek.
I w I wish I had more time tosit on here and talk college
football with him, but theYankees are on, so I gotta get
them to watch the Yankees, metoo.
But uh hey, let's go give it ashot on Saturday.
Let's go play a nationallyranked team.
That's what Utica's gonna do,and they're gonna give them
(39:59):
hell, they're gonna play hardfor four quarters.
Um, and we'll we'll talk toCoach again uh next week.
So again, if you're followingon YouTube across all social
media platforms, make sure tohit subscribe um to all the
shows.
You can catch me on any socialmedia platform, iHeartRadio,
Apple Podcast, and more.
So, on behalf of the Rock Pile,I always say here the rock pile
(40:20):
is where dreams become reality.
Have a good evening, everybody.
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