TCNJ feels like it’s close to breakthrough
Throughout the course of the season, there games that provide an identity to a team and there are games that show how close a program is to turning the corner.
When The College of New Jersey faced Montclair State last Saturday, the Lions showed both an identity and just how close they are.
The character of TCNJ is one of a team that is all on the same page, and while it might not be the most talented, it is not backing down.
Getting over the hump is another thing.
The Lions have not had a .500 season since 2013 and have not had a winning season in seven years (7-3 in 2011).
However, the Lions are making positive strides. Although they have not turned the corner, they are getting a glimpse of it.
“It has not been easy to rebuild this thing,” said TCNJ’s third year coach Casey Goff. “I think we are ahead of where we thought we’d be. Even though we are seeing progress, we have to win ball games.”
After the disappointing 10-7 loss to the Red Hawks in the final minutes, the Lions host Kean on Homecoming Day this Saturday at 2 p.m.
The Lions (1-4, 1-1 NJAC) will be facing an angry Kean (2-3, 1-1 NJAC) team that is coming off a 52-7 drubbing at the hands of Rowan.
Could this be the week the Lions put it all together?
“We have gotten better in every aspect of the game each week,” said TCNJ captain and defensive end Erik Graham. “We have to remember it’s a four quarter game. We’ve had some great opening drives and we have to learn to be more consistent.”
TCNJ scored on the first series against Montclair State and was kept off the board the rest of the game.
“We have done that several times this season,” said quarterback Andrew Donoghue, who is the second ranked signal caller in the NJAC. “We come out real hot and now we have to find a way to continue to get it done in every aspect of the game. We have to be better getting the little things done.”
Montclair State received three first place votes in the preseason poll and were picked to finish third in the poll.
“This was one of the teams picked to win the division so we are not that far off,” said Goff. “I know our kids are going to be locked in and ready. We have to get to the point where the kids say we belong and once we get there we’ll get over that hump.”