Ewing, NJ ... Putting big numbers up on the scoreboard is nothing new for The College of New Jersey football team. Last season, they scored over 40 points in their first three games and scored 48 more in game 5. So in their 2009 season-opening 47-31 victory over Buffalo State, it's not what they did, but rather how they did it. Every scoring play was achieved without the ball being tossed in the air.
 
According TCNJ offensive coordinator Bobby Acosta, the primary objective for this year's offense was to improve their ground attack. It's safe to say that following week one's execution and three running scores of over 40 yards, Acosta is pleased with the direction the Lions' running game is headed – towards the end zone. 

“Being in the spread offense, most people think it's to throw the football,” explained Acosta, who is in his second year of service as the Lions offensive general. “But we can spread it out to run. Last year we didn't have enough of a running game. Our objective going into this year was to improve our running game so it can set up the pass. The potential for our running back core is extreme. ” 

The 'spread' offense also characterizes their running core. There is an assortment of running backs who can inflict damage on opposing defenses and that could not have been more evident during their home opener. Junior Michael Yetka (Holmdel, NJ/Holdmel) led all TCNJ carriers with 101 yards and two touchdowns, one of which was a 50-yard dash. Sophomore Justin Doniloski (Rockaway, NJ/Morris Hills) raced 46 yards for a touchdown in the game's opening drive, a play from which the Buffalo State defense never seemed to fully recover. 

Senior Chase Misiura (Holmdel, NJ/Holmdel), Yetka, and Dolinowski spearhead a revitalized running game that stunned the Bengals defensive unit and seeks to wreak havoc in the New Jersey Athletic Conference battle for supremacy. Junior Tim Giacomini (Bound Brook, NJ/Belvidere), sophomore Erik Smithman (Barnegat, NJ/Barnegat), and speedy freshman Kevin Brown (Atlantic City, NJ/Atlantic City) round out a multi-faceted attack for the Lions. Misiura also rushed for 49 yards and a touchdown. 

“This group of guys can do a lot of different things,” noted Acosta. “We can set up for a power running game, a zone running game, or an option running game. When you're an opposing defense, how do prepare for that? It's not like we can't throw the ball either. 

“Yetka is more of a finesse runner and if he gets into the open field, he's going to be running for a while. Misiura has some finesse, but he's also a smash-mouth type. He has the ability to be a tailback or a fullback. Doniloski has been a big surprise this fall. He can run the ball with power, but also has speed. And there are other guys that can do things as well. Brown has more breakaway speed than anyone.” 

As if that weren't enough, TCNJ ran a triple option that placed the ball in hands of senior Bill Picatagi (Hamilton, NJ/Hamilton West) who stormed down the sideline for a 43-yard scoring run. Senior quarterback Chris James (Brick, NJ/Brick) also chipped in with 51 yards on the ground. In all, TCNJ racked up 312 rushing yards, a number that far eclipses the 2008 season-high of 222 yards and their average of 128.3 yards per game in '08. 

A prominent ground game, coupled with the arm of James and a dangerous receiving core should cause quite a few headaches for defensive coordinators in the NJAC. It is Acosta's job is to determine each week which plan of attack provides the best option to penetrate the opposing line of defense.
“We are going to have to figure out a way to get everyone enough reps,” lamented Acosta. “That's a good problem to have.”