Rocky: 0:17

Thank you.

Coach Faggiano: 0:34

Good evening everybody. Welcome to another live edition here on the Rock Pile. The Rock Pile tonight brings us Inside Utica University Football Podcast episode number three. We bring it on Coach Blaze Faggiano here in just a moment. If you're listening on YouTube, make sure you hit subscribe. Share it across all social media platforms. I was just telling Coach prior to coming on. We've had a good following over the last two weeks over 4,000 views on all social media platforms. So I really appreciate the followers. I really appreciate the subscribers. Always great to talk UC football with Coach.

Coach Faggiano: 1:05

It's fun that he's actually sneaking a little college football preview. I was looking at his picks here that I got him on. We both were 3-2 last week, so we'll get some more games this week. I think I snuck in six games for Coach to pick, but they're off to a great start, off to a 2-0 start. They're on the road this week and then they'll open up on Parade Conference play next week. So we'll bring on Coach here without further ado. Coach, let me switch us up here. Let's see there we go. How are you Coach?

Rocky: 1:37

Excellent, excellent. Before we go, talk us a football with you.

Coach Faggiano: 1:43

So, Coach, I'll give you the opening statement. I'll give you the floor again. A big 41-14 win over RPI last week.

Rocky: 1:53

The Believe Bowl for you. It was a great night for football. Talk to us about that game. Well, first, it was a very emotional game. We took a moment of silence for James Salas, our player, who we lost last year. It was very important that we do that and take that opportunity Again. At the same time our honorary captains, victor and Nancy from the Utica fire department and New York mills lady, lady auxiliary, who are battling cancer honorary captains, are out there with all their families. I mean it was really emotional to start the game and you know. So I really give our guys credit. You know kind of, you know literally wiping some tears away and then going playing football and you know just a great example of. You know very proud of the atmosphere that we built and the tent was rocking. You know Master Vito, hyundai Frank and Colleen the tent. I think they had 150 to 200 people in the tent. I think we had just over 2,000 people at the game.

Rocky: 2:47

One thing that was funny that happened is Sheriff Maceo. I find out we're going to have a flyover at the anthem, so I got everybody the whole campus. It never comes right. They unfortunately had to go do something because of the mercy flight. They had to do something else. In the middle of the second quarter the chopper buzzes, the stance once turns around and then goes over the middle of the field like between our lights Brian Finn, the head official. They didn't know what to do. Everyone's looking what's going on, because the second pass was really low and they had to reset the clock and so we had our first flyover and I know a lot of the alumni got a kick out of that because one of the things we've joked about, you know, having the games but I was really proud of how our guys played, you know came out swinging.

Rocky: 3:31

I have a lot of respect for RPI, a very good program. Historically they win. Historically they go to postseason. You know I was looking back at like the last times that they were held to 14 points or less was against teams like North Central Ithaca and Carnegie Mellon, right, that are all like mainstays in Division III football. You know what I mean. Over the years and I think it was the last time someone scored 41 on them was 2005,. Alfred did Like it's been a bit, you know. So, like you know, I think again we're just working hard and things are going well and the kids are playing hard and we're gelling, so it was a great atmosphere.

Coach Faggiano: 4:11

Coach, your offense continues to roll. You guys jumped out to a big 28-0 halftime lead and then you guys really never looked back. But talk to us about this offense and you guys just came out flying on all cylinders you know, there are some things that we wanted to establish as a program.

Rocky: 4:27

Better from week one right, we wanted to play better defense we did. We wanted to have less penalties we did. We wanted to run the ball better yeah and we did.

Rocky: 4:37

You know those are all things in the stat line and that helps free up. You know free up the pass game and you know the pass game yards sometimes are funny because we're not calling a pass, it's an RPO, right? So so you don't know, you know just your trust in Tyler to make the right decision. You know he's doing a great job. You know, and our coaches are doing a great job preparing our guys. That doesn't matter what we saw on film, you know, it's like we're, we're preparing to go against three high safeties, max coverage, since we just threw for over 500 yards, even though we haven't seen it on film from RPI, and don't they come out and do that and we're ready for it, right. And the confidence that kids have just in the game prep uh, you know, the coach, klaus coach and a little bit coach McClendon are putting our guys in is tremendous.

Coach Faggiano: 5:20

Yeah, and coach, we'll talk about Tyler again here. I mean, yeah, coach, we'll talk about tyler again here. I mean another huge game for him 27 to 29 for 385, six touchdown passes tied the single game record. He's just off to a fantastic start. Uh, these first two games, but what I was impressed with, coach, is both your opening two games, his completion percentage I mean he's completing balls he's accurate sorry, I think it's like 79 percenter.

Rocky: 5:43

Yeah, that's crazy. Credits our receivers, you know making good decisions with the football. You know he's mad. He was only 10 of 11 on third down because he could have been 11 of 11. That's how he is. Excuse me, I'm going to have to cough for a minute and Coach.

Coach Faggiano: 6:01

I know we've talked a lot about Tyler, the first two games and rightfully so, the numbers we put up, but you're talking about the receiving core too. You got a dvs grad that's put up some good numbers, too good player, and tayshawn played well too for the first two games he did, you know, bryce palmer, uh, antonio cianferrani, tyshawn taylor those guys are playing great.

Rocky: 6:20

And then, you know, it was really nice to see some guys in the game step in, like you know, lorenzo Velez and Gabe Zawala came in and made some plays and you know we're pretty deep at receiver, you know, and so you know the way those guys are running. We're going to have to be, you know, because they're going to get gassed. You know we have some confidence in them and our own line is doing a great job protecting Tyler and giving us opportunities to run the football. I think the big thing for Tyler he's just got you know, I was talking to my office today just a good story Like he's had. It's been such a long time since he's had Paul and playing football. He has to almost go back to Aquinas, you know, and so, unfortunately for him, he didn't have a good experience at Albany.

Rocky: 7:00

Robert Morris, which is then ultimately fortunate for us, right, and all the good things come in time and happen for a reason, and you know he's really gelled well with our guys. He's a unique guy all the way. You know, the quarterback room is a strong room. Those guys are tight and push for each other and you know we're firing on all cylinders. The guys are, you know, confidence is high and you know, know we've got a big challenge coming this week.

Coach Faggiano: 7:25

And Coach, I know before the season started I think the Empire 8 said you guys had one of the best skilled groups in the conference coming back this year and your skilled group obviously led by Tyler and you've got a great receiving core. But I want to just talk about the defense, because your defense has been really good the last two weeks as well and you've got a senior defensive back and Eli Douglas was all over the field. I think he had what a forced fumble. I think he had an interception for you. He was all over the place from the backfield.

Rocky: 7:51

You know Coach McClendon's doing a good job of moving him around within the defense and you're not sure where he's going to be or what zone he's going to be, and sometimes he's back deep in the third or half and in the third or half and other times he's underneath coverage and allows Eli to have fun and kind of do both and has been a really strong leader back there.

Rocky: 8:09

you know and he's just come a long way you know from from being a freshman that you know his claim to fame was the blocked punt against Susquehanna in the playoffs and just contributed a bit and all the guys that kind of were leaders for him and helped him through the process. And now he's given back to our younger guys and is really a strong leader as a captain and the secondary back there. So he's playing at a high level, I think, right down the middle Eli Douglas, isaiah Thomas and Jordan Davis, those three and all the old coaches I've been around. I know all of a sudden now I'm the old coach, but you've got to be strong down the middle of your defense, you know. I think those guys are all playing at a high level for us.

Coach Faggiano: 8:48

Coach. Another young guy that played some minutes for you was a freshman, Austin DeGroote from Oneida, and I remember last year I was helping Jay coach the All-Star game and I saw that kid running around. I said, man, that kid's going to be a stud. He got in place in good time for you guys.

Rocky: 9:07

Yeah, got in place some good time for you guys. Yeah, you know it's funny. Like you know, he worked hard in the summer, put some weight on and came back a little, even bigger than we thought he was going to be right, because is he going to be a linebacker at the end, is he going to be a hybrid guy and you know, I don't forget what. I think it was 250, 260 come rolling into camp like not a big guy. You know we're going to get your hand on the ground, you know and you know be a dealignment for for us.

Rocky: 9:22

So each week he's played more and more and we like to rotate our defensive line. He's got a great motor runs to the ball and he's playing some special teams in there as well and he's a really coachable guy and we're glad to have him the local guy and keep him here in town for sure.

Coach Faggiano: 9:39

So, Coach, before we get into Hobart, what are a couple things from this past week's game that you look to improve on heading into week three here?

Rocky: 9:47

You know it's hard, but I told the guys you've got to really put the score aside and say, okay, what were our mistakes? Right, because as the games get bigger and closer and tighter, those mistakes can come back and get us Like the one I didn't like is we give up. Their two scorers are off turnovers, right. So now our defense answered the call on two of the four right. One huge play was Nick DeForest right. Howell and Patton blocked, blocked the field goal, right. But they give a big you know big kick return and then we have a penalty out of bounds. We give them the ball at great field position, a great field position, they score right. And then we have a fumble and they score right and like we can't, I'm sorry, actually they scored after the blocked punt when they blocked it. So we punt one time and we give up a blocked punt. Well, now everyone's going to come after our punts. Now, right, and so those are some things that you know we really just hey, we got to get these things fixed. The guys are bought in.

Rocky: 10:39

I think our special teams are still young and have to continue to improve. You know that's an area I spend a lot of time with, but I think one of the big things too is just, you know, every week's different, every opponent's different, and then they're starting to get into a routine. Our coaches are getting into a routine. We have a lot of new young coaches. Many of our guys who played first last year are first-year coaching and they're enthusiastic, energetic and working their butts off. They're getting in a routine, as well as our players now as they get into the thick of the semester.

Rocky: 11:09

So you know, balance in academics and athletics is key. And you know our mentoring program. We do our UDIC Advantage. If you came in the office maybe people would think we'd be in there watching film and you're going to see four young coaches having one-on-ones with our, with our players. You know we have this orange book that's called the Utica Vans. We've done it since I've been hired and when I first got hired and it's. It's great for our players. It's time management, you know it's. You know there's a mentor program with it and a lot of questions about their goals in their lives and goal setting, and so that's really at full force right now as well.

Coach Faggiano: 11:45

Now, Coach, is there any different preparation for you guys between prep and for a home game? I know the Bleed Bowl is a big event for you guys, but now you go back on the road. Is preparation different when you're going on the road?

Rocky: 11:56

It is, it's easier. You know it's easier. We had a lot going on, you know. I remember when coach mcclendon first got hired four years ago. He's like coach, is every home game gotta be like the super bowl? You know what I mean, like color guards and people singing the anthem and the tents packed and said, yeah, that's that's how it's gonna, that's how it's gonna be, that's how it's gonna roll. You know and I think you talked a lot about the distractions are always different yeah right.

Rocky: 12:21

So the week one was not reading all the press about how good w and j was and it's crazy. Right now it right. And if you ask the kids that in the first two teams, the first three teams we've played, that they've only had one win, which would be rpi against wpi, like no way. These are good football teams, like alfred is a good football team we were playing later on in life. Mention them. Rpi excuse me is going to have a winning season, right. W and j is going to have a winning season. Right, hobart is going to have a winning season. These. These are really good teams. Hobart, they're 0-2. Come on, turn the ball over or they beat Alfred Battled with Brockport. A lot of respect there. That was a battle. Brockport's a good physical football team out of our conference. I know they're reeling. They play very well at home. I don't know, it's some crazy number. They don't lose at home. One of their few losses was a couple of years ago in the bowl game to us.

Rocky: 13:16

And how do they respond? Deep in the NCAA playoffs and it took Susquehanna, you know, to the wire. So you know a lot of credit for Coach DeWall as we're getting into Hobart here and their football team here. It's a, it's a huge game for all different reasons and I kind of like our guys like it. It's a mindset hey, let's take our show on the road. You know, hop on the bus, lock in. It's nice, it's not that far a trip, you know, I like being able to just go down the thruway and play a great opponent. And one thing that's true and I've said this in the committee I was on as many times I can say, as Division III York football, division III football, some of the best in the country period Always has been, always will be. So yeah, it's going to be a war on Saturday. They're a very good team.

Coach Faggiano: 14:01

And Coach, you know them well. You mentioned the ECA, the Clayton Chapman Bowl. You guys played them a few years ago and I think you guys had a late drive, a seven-play drive, late in the fourth quarter to score, to go ahead. Touchdown was a low-scoring game. It was like 10-6 that you guys won. I think that year you guys finished 9-2, which was a great year for you guys. So you know them well, a little bit right.

Rocky: 14:19

We do, we do and they're a little different. We'll see what happens on Saturday, but a little different, we'll see. We're certainly prepared for all of it. You've got to prepare for the man blitzing and the pressure. You got to prepare for the max coverage. They're a little more zone pressure this year. Very good defense, certainly, as you know. A coach on the defense side of bob and focused on some of their offensive players. A running back um is very good. Ej taylor he's a big dude. You know gotta tackle him. I'm sorry I've been coughing today, everyone yeah, I mean some coaches and go give Coach a water.

Coach Faggiano: 14:57

You mentioned their first two games. I mean they were in a good one with Alfred, that's really good. I know we'll talk about them later in the season. And then Brockport, I think, scored late against them to beat them 14-10, so that was back and forth. So they've started off like yourself two really tough games right out of the gate.

Rocky: 15:12

Yeah, there's no easy games out the gate. Their one receiver number three is really good, johnny Harding. He plays lacrosse. He's a D1 lacrosse player out of Rochester. Their one wideout number five, marcus Peterson, is a really good player. So they've got some good football players and they're really well coached.

Rocky: 15:30

Coach Seth Williams was on my staff at Utica, was part of the tree. Coach Jake Williams was part of the Utica tree. So those guys know us pretty well and I'm sure they know they've had this game marked after that tough loss at their place in the bowl game. Our guys are excited. They want a challenge very well, regardless of record.

Rocky: 15:48

The best football team we've played to date is what we've been telling our guys and we know that they're going to swing back. You know what I mean. I think our guys came out fast and furious these first two games and maybe surprised the team and we kind of got after them. And then you know, our guys know a whole bar like they're not going to go away, like they're going to keep battling. They're a tough football team and they show that.

Rocky: 16:09

You know again, what's you know? Is it a big game? Cause it's the next game. You know our guys are really bought into that and cause they've learned, you know, they've seen it, they've seen it over the years our veterans, you know you can build some games up too much you can. You can, you know, play down to your opponent at times. And I think, truly, these guys love playing football together, very close group. And one thing I said to him this week is every team we play is going to have good players, but the best team is going to win. And DeForest sent out an old Bo Schembecker video of the team, the team, the team, and it was a great timing because he had sent the video out before I even talked about that. So we're on the same page and looking forward to another week.

Coach Faggiano: 16:56

And Coach, how much does the non-conference schedule help you guys heading into the Empire 8 play next week? I know you don't like to look ahead, like every coach doesn't, but how much does this non-conference schedule really prepare you guys for conference play?

Rocky: 17:09

I mean it's huge. I mean we had Andrew Banquet at practice today, a Hall of Fame quarterback for us, and he was in town and he's like coach. He's like things are a little different. Like what do you mean? He's like, well, we're not opening up, you know, I won't say the schools, but X, x school, maybe, say from new England, you're opening up with RPI and WJ and Hobart. You know what I mean. So, and you're having success, those things are a little different and I think certainly that's going to help prepare us more.

Rocky: 17:36

So for conference play, it's kind of funny how it goes in waves. There was a really good stretch where we were playing Union, we were playing RPI those are games I want to play and then, for reasons we won't talk about on the show, the games don't happen. But now it's kind of locked in nice with the Empire 8 Liberty League, where there's a contract for two non-league games. That's how it should be. And so for us you know I was joking around with people oh, we must be getting better, because our draw was whole bar RPI. So like, all right, thanks for the compliment, you know we're getting better. So we have those teams for two years and then I think after that it goes Ithaca St Lawrence, which is great Again. New York Central, new York. We haven't played Ithaca since 18. St Lawrence was again another really good game We'd play at night with them. I've got a good relationship with Coach Puck and Coach Terp at Ithaca, so this is really good for New York football. Our Empire 8 versus Liberty League.

Coach Faggiano: 18:35

I think people get amped up for that Coach. I feel like after that first win for you guys and I think we were talking two weeks ago when we started this show I said all these shows had you guys kind of picked towards the middle of the pack and they definitely didn't pick you to win the first game and I feel like you're similar to a lot of coaches. It's like you know what we'll play, anybody, anywhere, we're going to go compete, no matter who we play. But I feel like that game was a big statement for you guys, because now all these different shows I follow, they're all talking about UC saying watch out for these guys. Come on, pirate, play.

Rocky: 19:05

You know, the guys talked about it. It's like, hey, we're starting to get recognition and that's nice and that's good for our program or university. We talk about it all the time that we want to put a team on the field, that our university alumni and community are proud of.

Rocky: 19:19

But you know they love playing together. We just want to go win a football game and they know that we have to handle success we talk about. We have to handle success because it's going to come Right and so important and we had a great week of practice and the young guys are really starting to learn the scout great week of practice and the young guys are really starting to learn. The scout teams are getting better the last two weeks right and they're they're excited as well and, um, you know what's going on. They've played two really tough uh openers to erie community college in courtland, both like one score type games. They had opportunities to win. They're looking for their first first jv when, uh, this sunday they're home, uh, against alfred at one.

Rocky: 19:54

So I know they're pretty amped up for that as our young guys and young coaches get geared up. And we're certainly been watching those films to see, okay, you know who's going to get the call. Every year there's someone who gets a call. You know, last year it was, like you know, mason Payton, who's now starting to strike, and Isaiah Thomas was starting linebacker, got the call for special teams midseason and were playing in the Fisher game in packages. So we're watching those tapes and watching our guys develop.

Coach Faggiano: 20:24

Coach, how would you say this team so far through the first couple weeks of the season is different? I know every year every team's different and some teams get your head on offense or your head a little bit on defense and in the conference play. But how is this team different through the first few weeks than last year's?

Rocky: 20:36

Well, yeah, I mean, every team has a one-year life expectancy and every team has just a different chemistry and you have different leaders and you know I try to develop them best I can on my end, and our coaches do a great job of that and it's just a unique group, you know, I think it's a unique group right now. They and it's just a unique group, you know, I think it's a unique group right now. They've learned. It's nice when you have seniors that have been around. They've been there for 10 and 2 and 9 and 2, and they were there for 5 and 5. And they did not like 5 and 5 last year, right, and worked really hard to get back and have that success. And, at the end of the day, they love playing football and everyone's only guaranteed 10, and they don't want to turn their equipment in after 10.

Rocky: 21:19

That's our goal every year. Whatever that looks like, we're going to do everything in our power to play as many football games as we can and that's been the mindset that's set by the players. I mean, they go in the weight room and it's like a whole different deal. We're going to get some calls for playing the music too loud in the neighborhood, I'm sure, but the music's blaring, the energy in the weight room is excellent, and I just give credit to our leadership council and our captains for, you know, for leading this football team, because it can't just come from me, it can't just come from the coaches, you know.

Coach Faggiano: 21:57

Coach, you mentioned a couple of the players for hobart I want to just talk a little bit about. You mentioned their junior running back, ej taylor, who last year was at 1100 yard back and he's off to a good start. They feed him a lot 35 carries week one, 21 carries uh, or, excuse me, 21 carries against alfred. He had 14 carries against brockport, so it looks like he's the workhorse for them. Good back, big back, quick back. What do you know about him?

Rocky: 22:18

He's tough to tackle We've been tackling stations all week, you know and a huge offensive line, and so they do a nice job in their run game, you know. And so we're just all right. What might we see different? You know they've played two quarterbacks at times. You know we recruited Aiden Conrad. He's a really good quarterback, talented young man, great family. But they've also played true styles and he seems to run the ball a little more. One of their touchdowns in the Alfred game he's in and is a quarterback and more of a running-type quarterback. But yeah, they're a good football team.

Rocky: 22:51

On defense, alex Smith man, he's all over the place, number one, and he's on special teams. They have probably the best special teams we've played so far. They're a kicker, they're a punter, they're a kickoff guy Very good special teams, right, they're a field goal guy, you know he can make it from long ways, you know. So we definitely have a challenge there. So our guys know like, know like they, you know, have an empathy like. All right, put yourself in hobart shoes. They're coming swinging right. Oh, and two, they know they're better than that. Um, I want to get a non-conference win before they get in, deliberately, play right, because the end of the day, it's about number one in division three football, winning your conference right. You win your conference, you get the aq right, and then next is it doing everything in your power to make sure you're nine and one, because if, if, you're 9-1, you have a really, really good chance of I think all the 9-1 teams got in last year with the new expanded bracket, but yeah.

Coach Faggiano: 23:42

Yeah, and I know you know that Liberty League that they're in. They're picked to actually finish first in that league and then Ithaca's right behind them another strong conference. And, like you said, you mentioned Coach DeWall, who's been there, for he's been there over 15 years. I think he was an assistant there for a long time before being named a head coach, I think in 18. But they've done nothing but post back-to-back five straight postseason bids. They won the Liberty last year, picked again Good conference.

Rocky: 24:07

I mean, you know Hobart athletics are big right, their hockey program right, battling them in the national championship, their lacrosse program being division one. You know the William Smith, their female space really, really good. You know student athletes there at Hobart very well respected in other sports. So you know, and coach, they all played for coach Craig. You know who built Hobart. You know what I mean. When I back in the early nineties they weren't quite there yet and then, and coach Craig built that place along with my good friend Chris, chris Phelps and DeWalt played for those guys and you know they've got a lot, a lot of strong tradition of winning at Hobart for sure.

Rocky: 24:43

So, coach, what are a couple of keys, whether it's offense, defense a couple of keys to this week of of going up there and coming out with a win. I always say the same thing, but it's about turnovers and possessions. Hobart beats Alfred. If they don't turn the ball over. In my opinion, they gave Alfred some great field position on a couple turnovers Actually, one was a pick six and one was a fumble down in their red zone area and I think that's a really big thing.

Rocky: 25:12

We've turned the ball over a couple of times. It hasn't hasn't been the game, but our guys know, hey, we got to protect the football, right, we don't want it, we don't want to make the other team earn it. Let's make them earn it. Let's make them go. You know, 80 yards, 70 yards, and not give them the ball on the 40 plus yard line, right Cause the chance of any football team. These guys throw it up and they're going to make a play, you know. So you know, make them earn. You know, earn their points.

Rocky: 25:37

I always say the same thing since it's it's, you know, special teams, the guys know it's huge. It's all about the field position in the game. You know. I think that's key. Their punt team's got all these crazy formations. That gives us, you know their spread formations in their punting right. It's like we're trying, you know, doing our best to work on that, and number one's the guy in motion so they can free him up to go make make the tackle right. So so that's been a challenge, um, you know. So they're well coached team. I know these guys really well and, uh, again, we're looking forward to taking the show on the road for sure coach.

Coach Faggiano: 26:10

I think I feel like every week when we talk, we talk about all these other coaches and there's so many great coaches across the country in division three and especially here in new york state, and every week it's just a tough matchup, no matter who you play, and it's a lot of great coaching all over the place there's some great great programs in new york state and in the Northeast for sure.

Rocky: 26:32

You know Pennsylvania too has a great history of Division III football. Obviously Ohio right and the Mount Unions and the Heidelbergs and Ohio Northerns and all those guys and the John Carrolls, you know the Baldwin-Wallaces. It was just really good and then it's really picking up.

Rocky: 26:47

You know what I mean. You know, all of a sudden, when Texas figured out, hey, we're going to switch from NIA Division III, right, boom, they're right away like doing great things. You know, it's just great football out there. The Mary Harden-Baylor and Mary Harden-Simmons you know those are just some tremendous programs and their schools have put a lot of investment in those programs.

Coach Faggiano: 27:06

I feel like it's getting bigger and bigger every year.

Rocky: 27:09

Well, you know, in Division III it's really, it's funny, division I, there's at least some rules where it's relatively equal. Right, the scholarships are the same. Yeah, right, you got to have certain size stadiums, like there's all these. Or Division III is like all over the place. It's all over the place, you know, you know, you got. You know massive stadiums. You got tiny stadiums, you got.

Rocky: 27:30

You know guys are trying to, you know, make sure they can. You know class schedules, not like at the division one level, you have guys that are running down from labs to practice, you know, from pt lab and everything. And you know again, uh, you know division three, guy right, played division three, love division three. Um, you know, always wanted to coach division three. Um, you know, always wanted to coach Division III. You know, didn't always necessarily think about being a head coach, it just kind of happened. You know, when the time was right, at that time, you know, we were in Rochester and I'm just putting all my time and effort into Fisher, you know, and like Coach Vosburgh's texting me. You know, after the Washington J win, you know, and like that's what's great about the game of football, right is the people you meet and the guys you compete against. You know.

Coach Faggiano: 28:19

All about relationships.

Rocky: 28:21

Yeah, that's what makes it special. So, yeah, looking forward to seeing Coach Lee's and Coach Williams and Coach DeWall and their staff and I'm sure it's going to be a it's certainly one you don't want to miss and their staff, I'm sure it's going to be a it's certainly one.

Coach Faggiano: 28:33

You don't want to miss this one. I think it's going to be a good football game. Well, coach, one of my favorite parts of the week here is at the bottom of the hour we get into our picks. So I added a couple extra ones and we're both tied here. We went 3-2 last week, all right, so I snuck in. I think I got six games this week, six games this week, but the first one we're going to go is Texas Tech. That's 3-0. At Utah, that's 3-0. Utah's minus 3.5. We're not counting spreads, but I got to put them up there. This one's at Utah. Who do you like?

Rocky: 29:02

When it's that close like that, I'm going to go with the home team, you're going to roll with Utah.

Coach Faggiano: 29:06

Okay, I like Utah this year.

Rocky: 29:08

This is your favorite part. This is like. I love it. Man, I'm terrible at this. You're going to laugh at this. Don't listen to Coach Foggiano.

Coach Faggiano: 29:16

I've had some guys you're going to laugh at this, but I've had some guys say Coach Fogg's picks aren't too bad, like there's people that pay attention to the picks.

Rocky: 29:24

All right, we'll keep down.

Coach Faggiano: 29:25

We'll keep it All. I'm going to roll with Utah too. I do like them at home this year. I love their coach. I think Windingham's a great coach. This is another one. I'm big on Venables Auburn 3-0 at Oklahoma. Oklahoma is minus 6.5. John Matera, the quarterback for Oklahoma right now, is playing as good as anybody in the country, but this is a big game for both teams and Oklahoma and Norman, you think Auburn's got a shot.

Rocky: 29:51

I think they do. I think it looks like it'll probably be a one-score game, but I'm going to go with Oklahoma. They're playing great right now.

Coach Faggiano: 29:57

Yeah, I'm a Michigan guy. It's hard for me to go against Venables, so beat Michigan. And defensively. I think this is the best team he's had since he's taken over there for Stoops, so I like him. Good coach, good coach. I hope they have a good season, all right. Bryce Underwood was good last week against Central Michigan. They used them running the ball. They did a little bit of both. I feel like with Sharon Moore out, they kind of opened up the offense a little bit. I left. I love Biff Pogge, the interim head coach. They're filling in line guy. Could they go in and Nebraska beat Matt Ruhl? Ruhl hasn't had a lot of success against Michigan here the last three years. This might be the better team he's had, do you?

Rocky: 30:35

think Nebraska gets him. I know a lot of guys that have coached with Coach Rule, you know, and a lot of respect for him and his ups and downs, you know, in the profession from the NFL and back in college, kind of like Coach Shiano at Rutgers.

Coach Faggiano: 30:52

You know this one I'm going to go Hart and go Nebraska. I'm a Michigan guy.

Rocky: 30:55

I don't know if Michigan will have enough offense. We'll see.

Coach Faggiano: 30:57

I worry about Michigan's offensive line but I love their running game with Jackson Hayes, the transfer from Alabama, If they keep the training wheels. I know you don't watch a lot of college football with you guys in the season, Coach, but I don't know if you've seen this Underwood kid. He is a beast. He's a big kid, Freak athlete.

Rocky: 31:18

I know Nebraska's going to be rocking. I know this is a huge game for Coach Rule.

Coach Faggiano: 31:23

Oh, Lincoln's going to be huge. All right, here's another one. I love Billy Napier. I feel like every week if he loses, they want to fire him. He's on the hot list right now to be fired and they're already saying John Gruden's going to come in and take over the Florida Gators.

Rocky: 31:37

Leave him alone.

Coach Faggiano: 31:39

Did you see their schedule, though? Every week they're playing. I think their next six, seven games are all against ranked teams.

Rocky: 31:46

Here's my thing on firing coaches. I'll give you this. Here's my thing on firing coaches. I'll give you this right. Here's my thing on firing coaches. Right, the Browns and the Bills had more head coach changeover. It was like some crazy number, right. And then you looked at the Steelers and you look at the Patriots right. That's what you just have to learn from that. Right there, it's like give the coach a chance. And now the Bills have settled in, right, and I really like the Browns head coach. I've got to figure some other things out. You've got to give these guys a chance. He's a good coach. It's going to happen. It's about your program. I know. I'm sure he's working at it. I'm not a big mid-season get-ready coach.

Coach Faggiano: 32:21

It's crazy. You know what it is, coach. The rule is, if they fire a coach in-season, these kids can go right into the transfer portal as soon as possible. So you could lose half your team.

Rocky: 32:34

Oh God, that's a whole other show, whole other conversation, that nonsense.

Coach Faggiano: 32:38

In-state game. Miami's looked really good through the first three weeks and Carson Beck's looked really good. The transfer from Georgia they're at home minus 7.5. Any chance Florida gets them.

Rocky: 32:49

No, no, I actually watched Carson play a little bit. It seems like he's fit in really well there. A fresh start. I'm going with the U.

Coach Faggiano: 32:59

I'm with you. I don't think there's a chance. Even though I love Billy Napier, I just don't see it happening. Another big game in a Big Ten. I'm a Big Ten homer, indiana. At home they haven't played anybody yet. But man, he's changed the culture there at Indiana From a basketball school now it's a football school. They were in the playoff last year. But Brett Bielema fighting Illini, he's brought that old school run the football, play really good defense. Who are you liking that one that's at Indiana.

Rocky: 33:26

I'm going with the local Utikins. We're going for Brett Bielema. A lot of local guys know Coach Bielema. One of his director of football operations is a local Utica guy. I've met him a couple times. He's a great human being. I'm going Illinois on this one.

Coach Faggiano: 33:45

I'm with you on that one. I think it's the perfect fit for him. When he got this job, I thought it was the perfect fit. When he got hired there, I didn't think it was the right fit for him. When he got this job, I thought it was the perfect fit um. When he got hired there um, I didn't think it was the right fit for him. When he was at arkansas in the sec. He's a big 10 guy um to me and it's good to see him back and it's always.

Rocky: 34:01

You always wonder when those guys make those decisions. You know what I mean. I know it's a lot of money, you know a lot of money, but like they're like in a good place, you got things, things rolling. It's kind of like when Rodriguez left West Virginia, now he's back. You know what I mean.

Coach Faggiano: 34:17

But you had a big win last week the backyard brawl. They beat that he did. He did Great win for West Virginia.

Rocky: 34:22

I was a big fan back when they were rolling at West Virginia. I liked what they were doing back then.

Coach Faggiano: 34:27

All right, coach, I got one last bonus pick. I'm going to be at the game Coach Fitz opens up. Patriot League play at home against my Fordham Rams that have struggled. Colgate's moved the ball. I mean his offense has been putting up some points. They're at home this week against Fordham. You going with one of your former coaches.

Rocky: 34:45

So here I do have to give you a little background. So it's wild in these games. So Colgate a couple weeks ago was playing Villanova. Well, the D-line coach at Villanova is Nick Woodman, utica Proctor grad. That's right, he's full-time there. Coach Franti hired him, so now Colgate is playing Fordham and James Lenahan another Utica alum. Yes, sir Ward number 24, like Eli Douglas, Great player, great safety for us.

Rocky: 35:10

But 24 like Eli Douglas, Great player For us. But I tell you what I've got to go with the Red Raiders at home and go against their alma mater coach. I think the Colgate's going to get it done. It's going to be a little different now that they get in conference play. I know they're really well coached. They've played some really good football teams. They moved the ball against Syracuse.

Coach Faggiano: 35:25

They have. He's going to get it going. I know we talked about it last week.

Rocky: 35:30

The big question is what are you going to do? That's the big question.

Coach Faggiano: 35:34

I really want to pick Colgate to beat him, but I got to go with my alma mater. I want to see Joe Conlon. He's had a tough couple years at Fordham and there's all these rumors that he's on the hot seat. He's been really good to me over the years. I'm going to hope Fordham comes here with a win. I'll be on the sidelines. I'll be on the sidelines for the game Saturday Bring my son it's going to be packed.

Rocky: 35:54

I've got to imagine it's going to be packed. I know Coach Fitz has got that university fired up, Coach the weather has been fantastic so far.

Coach Faggiano: 36:03

Knock on wood through the first few weeks of the season. What great fall weather.

Rocky: 36:07

It's been great. You're right, knock on wood keeps it going, because we've had some crazy ones. But yeah, looking forward to those guys get their first win. They're doing some really good things there Coach Fetz, coach Dubino, coach Rodsford, you know, coach Boyes, you know Crazy. So they're doing some good things.

Coach Faggiano: 36:27

Well, Coach, listen, bring home a W. I look forward to talking to you next week as we get an Empire 8 play next week. And fear the moose, as always, and go get them this week.

Rocky: 36:35

Thank you. If you didn't know everyone, september 27th is homecoming. Come on back to homecoming. Pioneers versus pioneers as we take on Alfred State. But thanks for listening. Fear the moose.

Coach Faggiano: 36:44

Sounds good, coach, good luck. So that was coach faziano. Let me just sneak my thing off here. I appreciate him coming on here. I love talking to him. I love talking football with him weekly. It's a great half hour, one of my favorite half hours of the week. Um, he's got things going to her off to a fantastic start. Another big game this week. Three tough games right out of the gate for him before they head into umpire. Eight play next week, which we'll get into then.

Coach Faggiano: 37:20

Make sure to follow me on all social media platforms. I'll get this playback up there. I'll share it again tonight. I'll get some clips of Coach from tonight's show, as always Next week. I think what I'll try to do. If anybody's got any questions for coach, I'll try to take him before so I can ask him. Maybe we'll add a couple segments as we go throughout the season. So I want to make sure that I thank coach for that and best of luck to them this week as they take on Hobart. So, without further ado, thanks to coach. Thanks for tuning in tonight to hear on the Rockpile. The Rockpile is where dreams become reality. Have a good evening everybody.