If you look at the statistics, the Hoyas (0-4) have been more than respectable passing this season. But success on the offensive side of the ball has not translated to the scoreboard. In four games the Hoyas have only tallied a mere 31 points, averaging 7.8 points per game, while allowing their opponents gaudy totals of 93 total points and 23.2 points per game. The Georgetown offense has averaged over 220 yards passing per game, but those yards have not been able to produce any points.
And while the Hoyas have had some success in the air, their ground attack has been another story altogether. Averaging only 1.6 yards per carry on the season, the rushing offense accounted for 45 yards on 26 attempts in their recent game against Howard, which ended in a 14-11 loss.
“Offensively we have signs that we’re moving the football better than we have in the last couple of years,” head coach Kevin Kelly said. “We’ve worked really hard this week in the red zone on finishing the drives.”
Another hurdle for the Hoyas has been penalties. Leading 3-0 in the 2nd quarter of the game against Howard, the Hoyas were called for a personal foul, giving up 15 yards, and pass interference for another 12 yards, which both resulted in a Howard first down. The drive resulted in a touchdown, giving the lead to Howard for good.
Following the loss to Howard, the Hoyas have worked hard this week to turn their offensive production into points on the scoreboard, rather than just yards on the stat sheet. A big part of these efforts on the practice field has been improving the goal line offense.
“I think our players are practicing with a chip on their shoulders.” Kelly said. “I’m proud of the guys for working as hard as they’re working.”
This week the Hoyas are traveling to Lewisburg, Pennsylvania to face off against the Bucknell Bison. Last season, these two teams met on Georgetown’s home field in a hard fought battle that came down to the last few minutes of the game. With the ball in their hands at the end of the game, and a chance to overcome a three-point deficit to win, the Hoyas were unable to execute on the offensive side of the ball. The result was a heart-wrenching 27-24 loss to the Bison. There’s no doubt that that game will be in the back of the players minds while walking onto the field on Saturday.
“Our five captains have done a great job keeping the team together and focusing on the next opponent.” Kelly said. “We probably had our best week of practice thus far this season.”
Bucknell is 2-2 this season, but both of their wins have come at home, posing an even greater threat to the Hoyas as they hope to come away with their much-needed first win.
