Lehigh got what it needed -- a win

FROM KEITH GROLLER

Lehigh fans were probably a miserable bunch through most of the second half of tonight's game at Drake if they watched on TV. They saw a lot of things that reminded them of last year and even parts of 2008 and 2007 for that matter.

They saw a team that got very careless with penalties and nearly totally gave away a 21-0 halftime lead.

But this team did what the 2009 version usually failed to do -- and that's step up and seize the moment and gain a desperately-needed victory. Yes, they did it on the Al Pierce overtime interception against Lafayette last year, but it really didn't happen any other time last season.

With Drake threatening to tie the game after a totally botched kickoff return, nose tackle David Brown came up with a big sack on fourth down to end a Bulldogs threat and the Mountain Hawks then put the game with a well-executed.drive that featured a great play-calling mix.

The naysayers, and Lehigh has attracted more than its share in recent years, will dwell on the mistakes that made the game closer than it should have been.

However, after seeing Lehigh snatch defeat from the jaws of victory so many times in recent years, it was refreshing to see the squad respond to the adversity and refuse to lose when Drake had seized momentum.

New first-string QB Chris Lum had some excellent moments and there's more variety with the passing attack. Jay Campbell and the running game had solid stretches as well, as did the receivers.

The defense wasn't bad except for the penalties which greatly aided the two Drake scoring drives.

And there were the special teams miscues. Again.

There will be plenty to clean up as Lehigh prepares to welcome Villanova to Goodman Stadium next week, but at least the Mountain Hawks will face the overpowering Wildcats with a win under their belt.

Had Lehigh let this one get away, especially after how well they played in the first half, it could have been the kind of devastating defeat that leads to the destruction of a season.

That didn't happen.

I know a 42-7 blowout would have been better, especially considering Lehigh outgained Drake 420-177.

But Lehigh got what it needed -- a win. That's really the bottom line.

http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/