Cornell football coach addresses slow start

For the third straight week we walked off the field a play or two from victory, and it again was a frustrating lesson for everyone in the program. After holding leads late into the fourth quarter in our first two games, this time we launched a furious comeback against a strong Colgate team. We ended the game 10 yards from sending the game into overtime or going for the win on our home field.Colgate has been at the top of the Patriot League for nearly two decades for a number of reasons – their continuity in systems and coaching, executing their recruiting plan, support for the program from all arms of the University. At Cornell, we are working every day to build the same thing. Against three like opponents from a season ago, all of whom beat us by at least two touchdowns in 2014, we’ve had chances to make plays to win the game in the fourth quarter. While these first three games have been heartbreaking, and we did not come away with the win, we’re advancing this program forward, and there is no doubt about it. My Inbox is flooded with countless positive messages of support from people across campus, and alumni across the world. Thank you!Welcoming a Harvard team to Schoellkopf Field that is the two-time defending Ivy League champions, nationally ranked and winners of 17 consecutive games would seem to come at the wrong time. Our team isn’t overwhelmed – they see it as an opportunity to show people around the country on national television that we can compete against the very best.I hope you’ll come out to Schoellkopf Field to support us this weekend against the Crimson, or watch live on the American Sports Network or on the Ivy League Digital Network. Your support lifts our team and our program, and it’s felt the strongest on the days we most need it.