The Observer, September 19, 2008
Volume XLI, Issue 4
Baum, Bott dismantle Rochester in home opener
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Not knowing much about its opponent and having injuries to key players left Case with many questions before kickoff this past Saturday. Defeating the University of Rochester 38-6 answered those questions.
In their home opener, the Spartans played host to the Yellow Jackets and improved their record to 2-0. Statistically, Rochester outrushed the Spartans 153 yards to 137 and threw for 143 compared to Case's 112. While the total yard differential was only 47 yards, the total offensive play spread was massive. The University of Rochester's offense took 79 snaps compared to Case's mere 37. One word can describe the Spartan offense on Saturday: efficient. The Case defense held Rochester to an average of 3.7 yards per play while the Case offense put up an impressive 6.7 yards per play.
The Case offense scored early and often and spent little time putting points on the board. The Spartans scored two touchdowns in the first five offensive plays: one a 44-yard completion to Ryan Kolesar and the other a 28-yard scamper by running back Corey Checkan. The next score came with 7:19 left in the second quarter, when kicker Sam Coffey drilled a 37-yard attempt. The ensuing Rochester drive resulted in an interception by junior cornerback Bobby Bott, who returned the ball 50 yards to the Rochester 31-yard line. Capitalizing on the opportunity, sophomore running back Billy Deitman finished off the half by scoring a touchdown from 20 yards out, leaving the halftime score at 24-0.
Also a kick returner, Bott provided an electric start to the second quarter by returning the kickoff 84 yards for a score. The Rochester offense showed signs of life, driving the ball 57 yards to the Case 5-yard-line before linebacker Jeff Brown intercepted the ball in the end zone, ending a promising drive. Rochester finally got on the board their next possession, but failed to convert the two-point conversion, leaving the score at 31-6 at the end of the third quarter. The final score of the game came in the fourth quarter by a 9-yard run from Derek Bush. Capping off a stellar day was Bott, who had his second interception of the day on Rochester's third-to last drive of the day.
The Spartan backfield was very balanced, with each of the four running backs equally carrying the load. Leading the way for the Spartans with 54 yards was junior Greg Meyer (10.8 yards per carry). Quarterback Joey Baum only threw the ball a total of six times and completed four of the attempts. Three of four completions were to Zach Homyk for 68 yards and the other was to Kolesar, which resulted in a touchdown. Defensively, Brown and Mike Pelyak lead the way with eight tackles apiece. Sophomore defensive lineman Jake Mey had a great game with 2.5 tackles for loss resulting in a loss of four yards, half a sack, and a forced fumble (recovered by Luiz Goncalves) at the end of the first quarter. Also recording sacks were freshman lineman Richard Doolin and senior Gian Genovesi.
Even without a few standout players, the Spartans managed to dominate the game and put doubts to rest about their depth. Saturday should prove to be another challenge for the team as they travel to Oberlin College to take on the Yeomen.
