Stony Brook Seawolves
Big South
Stony Brook may not even remember losing. The Seawolves started the season with trips to UTEP and Buffalo. They took the Miners to overtime before losing 31-24and lost at Buffalo. They then played Brown at home and lost 21-20. After that disappointing, but mostly understandable 0-3 start, Coach Chuck Priore set up his team for success. They have not lost since, winning eight games in a row and going undefeated in Big South play.
2011 Record: 8-3, 6-0
Last Playoff Appearance: none
Coach: Chuck Priore (36-30 at Stony Brook, 75-39 overall)
Big Wins: 10/29 Coastal Carolina (42-0), 11/19 Liberty (41-31)
Bad Losses: 9/10 at Buffalo (7-35), 9/17 Brown (20-21)
Strengths:
As long as the ball is on the ground, Stony Brook is in good shape. Miguel Maysonet and Brock Jackolski both rushed for over 1,000 yards during the regular season and few teams in all of football have such a dangerous one-two punch at the running back position. Maysonet will get a few more touches than Jackolski, but both average about seven yards per carry and that is very impressive. On the other side of the ball, Stony Brook rarely allows the opposition to make any progress on the ground. The team allows fewer than 100 rushing yards per contest. Many times the opposition will do the smart thing and try to establish the ground game, but it is often too late. The Seawolves are also very good at creating turnovers at opportune times. Stony Brook will rarely turn the ball over themselves and those extra possessions are why this team can compete with just about anybody, even if they are physically outmatched. The other reason they can win big games is due to hidden yardage. Jackolski is not just a running back; he is also one of the best returnmen in the game and the Seawolves will put their offense in great positions whether it is from the return game or off of a turnover.
Weaknesses:
As great as Stony Brook is on the ground on both the sides of the ball, they are bad through the air. Quarterback Kyle Essington does what this team needs him to do. He can make some passes and keeps the turnovers down. However, if Coach Priore needs his team to score quickly, it will not come easy. Essington’s efficiency is due to the dominance on the ground and in obvious passing situations Stony Brook can have some difficulties. Receivers Jordan Gush, Matt Brevi and Kevin Norrell are all pretty dangerous pass catchers and can make plays off of short passes. The pass defense is one of the worst in the Big South and that is how teams can beat the Seawolves. Dan Mulrooney, a transfer from Boston College, is a very good strong safety, but he has to do a lot for this team. He makes a ton of tackles, but he also needs to drop back in coverage when players like Donald Porter and Al-Majid Hutchins need some help against a strong receiver. If Stony Brook can control the tempo of the game and keep the ball on the ground and stop the opposition from throwing too much, they can win a game or two.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Miguel Maysonet, RB, 1,540 yards
Passing: Kyle Essington, QB, 1435 yards
Receiving: Kevin Norrell, WR, 490 yards
Tackles: Dan Mulrooney, S, 63
Sacks: Jawara Dudley, LB, 4.5
Interceptions: Donald Porter, CB, 5
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 287.36 (3rd in nation, 1st in conference)
Passing Offense: 162.00 (99, 5)
Total Offense: 449.36 (6, 1)
Scoring Offense: 39.64 (1, 1)
Rushing Defense: 95.64 (9, 1)
Pass Defense: 239.00 (102, 6)
Total Defense: 334.36 (30, 1)
Scoring Defense: 21.91 (30, 1)
Turnover Margin: 1.45 (4, 1)
Sacks: 1.82 (T-76, 3)
Sacks Allowed:1.09 (16, 2)
