Can the Leopards solve their third-down dilemma?

Two Ivy League football teams, one Patriot League team and one of my “favorite” all-time FCS teams – the Leathernecks of Western Illinois – all outrank the 0-6 Lafayette Leopards in third-down ineptitude in 2019.

According to the latest NCAA FCS football statistics, through games played on Saturday, WIU ranks No. 124 in third-down conversions, having been successful just 21 of 90 times in six games for 23.3 percent.

The three C’s – Columbia, Colgate and Cornell – rank No. 119-121, respectively.  The Lions and the Big Red have played just four games, while the Raiders have played seven and been successful on just 25 of 91 chances on third down.

All that should come as no consolation for John Garrett, the head coach, offensive coordinator and play caller for the Leopards, who are 25-of-86, for 29.1 percent to sit in 115^th place on the national list.

But Lafayette should be concerned about the fact that the sixth game of the season was its worst showing yet and the Leopards opener their Patriot League season on Saturday at Georgetown,  which, while not at the top of the list with 32-of-90 third-down conversions allowed (34^th in the FCS with 35.6 percent), does rank No. 1 in the PL in that category.

And even of more concern should be the fact that the Hoyas – that rebel non-scholarship university that is arguably the envy of the league right now in many respects – also ranks No. 3 in the country in total defense with an average of 276.7 yards per game given up.

Now, understand, third-down efficiency has not been anything to brag about throughout Garrett’s tenure on College Hill. The stats indicate the Leopards were 47-of-159 for 31 percent success rate in 2017 and 49-of-151 for 32 percent last season. Only marginally better than this season.

The lack of third-down offense was accentuated on Friday night at Princeton, when Lafayette was 2-of-16. I decided to break down that one down. Here’s how it played out from beginning to end.

·         3^rd-and-9  -- rush for minus-1 yard.

·         3^rd-and-9 – pass intercepted

·         3^rd-and-2 – pass to #89 incomplete

·         3^rd-and-5 – pass to #89 incomplete

·         3^rd-and-9 – pass to #22 … 0 yards.

·         3^rd-and-3 – rush for minus-4 yards

·         3^rd-and-2 – rush for 1 yard … followed by rush for 0 yards on 4^th down.

·         3^rd-and-14 – rush for 7 yards … followed by a pass for 11 yards & FD on 4^th down.

·         3^rd-and-1 – rush for 1 yard and FD

·         3^rd-and-5 – pass to #85 incomplete … followed by a FG made on 4^th down.

·         3^rd-and-9 – pass to #85 incomplete

·         3^rd-and-4 – pass to #6 incomplete

·         3^rd-and-1 – rush for 0 yards … followed by rush for 4 yards on 4^th down

·         3^rd-and-10 – QB sack for minus-6 yards

·         3^rd-and-4 – pass for 7 yards and FD

·         3^rd-and-16 – pass intercepted

The final third-down results show that Lafayette gained two net yards on seven rushes (one a sack), seven yards on two pass completions, two first downs, five incomplete passes, two passes intercepted and eight punts. Way too many blown opportunities.

Conclusion: Garrett’s call for “constant and consistent improvement” hasn’t had positive results when it comes to third down. What happened? Execution? Better opponent defensive players? Not putting playmakers in the best position to succeed?

Is there a cure? If not, my bold prediction for the Leopards is in big trouble.