Fordham Rams
Patriot
Fordham dominated the Patriot League and most conference foes didn’t even give them much of a fight. That has left the Rams relatively untested during the season. Besides the Army contest to end the season, Fordham has not played a top team since they lost to Villanova 50-6 during the second week of the season. The Rams still have a lot to prove and it will have to start in the playoffs.
2014 Record: 10-2, 6-0
Coach: Joe Moorhead
Big Wins: 9/13 Rhode Island (54-7), 11/7 at Bucknell (30-27)
Bad Losses: 9/6 at Villanova (6-50), 11/22 at Army (31-42)
Strengths:
With quarterback Mike Nebrich leading the way, the Rams have one of the best passing offenses in the country. For the season he threw for 3,015 yards and 25 touchdowns, while being picked off just six times. Nebrich is a great quarterback who flings the ball around with ease, but he does have a trio of great wide receivers and one of the best tight ends in the FCS to work with. Tebucky Jones and Brian Wetzel have turned into Nebrich’s favorite targets this season and Sam Ajala averages nearly 17 yards per catch. When Fordham is in the red zone or Nebrich cannot go deep, that is when tight end Dan Light gets involved. Defending all of those weapons is extremely tough for any defense.
Weaknesses:
However, defending the Fordham attack can be made much easier if the opposition has a strong defensive line that can limit Nebrich’s time in the pocket. The Rams offensive line is not bad, but Fordham allowed six sacks against Villanova, the toughest d-line they have faced this season and Nebrich threw two interceptions during that contest. The defense is simply not good enough to make up for the lack of passing offense. This is a team that throws the ball and when that is not working, Fordham is in deep trouble.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Chase Edmonds, RB, 1,539 yards
Passing: Mike Nebrich, QB, 3,015
Receiving: Brian Wetzel, WR, 1,047
Tackles: Austin Hancock, LB, 87
Sacks: Brett Biestek, DL, 11.5
Interceptions: De’Nard Pinckney, LB, 3
2014 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 182.4 (43rd in nation, 2nd in conference)
Passing Offense: 327.3 (3, 1)
Total Offense: 509.6 (4, 1)
Scoring Offense: 43.2 (3, 1)
Rushing Defense: 155.9 (43, 2)
Pass Defense: 161.0 (7, 1)
Total Defense: 316.9 (21, 2)
Scoring Defense: 19.7 (19, 1)
Turnover Margin: 0.55 (24, 2)
Sacks: 2.55 (29, 2)
Sacks Allowed: 2.73 (92, 6)
Recent Playoff Appearances:
2013 First Round Defeated Sacred Heart
2013 Second Round Lost to Towson
2007 First Round Lost to Massachusetts
2002 First Round Defeated Northeastern
2002 Quarterfinals Lost to Villanova
*all team stats through 11/15
