Meiji University Griffins‍ Fall to Keio University in Autumn League ⁢Match

Meiji University Griffins Struggle ⁢to Create Opportunities in Second Half

The Meiji University Griffins started off strong in the first game of the autumn league against Chuo​ University. However, in their second game⁣ against Keio University, they⁢ struggled to create ​opportunities in⁤ the second half, ‌ultimately losing 14-27.

Despite a strong start, ⁤the Griffins allowed ⁣Keio University to take the​ lead in the first quarter. However, they managed to tie the score at 14-14, ​thanks⁤ to ‌the efforts of RB #34 Hironaga Kotaro and RB #21 Takahashi ⁤Shuhei. Unfortunately, the Griffins ⁣were unable to⁣ maintain their momentum in the second half, struggling with incomplete passes and penalties due‌ to fouls.

Game⁤ Statistics

Meiji University 14 {0-7, 14-14,⁣ 0-3, 0-3} 27 Keio University

Post-Game Analysis

According to Captain Toru Fukao, the Griffins’ ​struggles in ​the second⁤ half ⁢were ‍due to their own mistakes, including ⁤foul play and incomplete passes. “We made unnecessary⁤ fouls, made runs but ​were unable to make passes at ⁢key points, ​and ⁣were not only on 1st ⁢and 10 but also on 3rd and 5, and ‍our weaknesses are‌ that we are not⁣ able to take‌ advantage of these aspects,” ‌he said.

Hironaga Kotaro, who scored a touchdown in the second quarter, attributed the team’s struggles to a lack of unity and mistakes⁣ at‌ key points.⁣ “We always focus ‍on the early part‍ of the game, but I think that all of us​ weren’t able to do that ‍today. We made a lot of mistakes at ‌key points, such as during the warm-up, from when we gathered to when we started to prepare, and at the initial kick-off, and I⁤ think that’s ⁣why we ended up with‍ this result.”

Upcoming‍ Match

The Meiji University Griffins will face J. F. Oberlin University at the Tokyo Dome in their next match.⁣ With a shot at the Koshien Bowl, ‍the team is looking to bounce back from their loss and make a strong showing in the‌ autumn‍ league.

Post-Match Comments

Captain Fukao

“There was a‍ mistake ‍in our roles, so ​we first reviewed our tactics⁤ and discussed how we ⁢should change course.”

“I think it was ⁢because⁢ I was too nervous and got carried away.”

“They were⁤ not an opponent that we couldn’t ‌stop if we had eliminated our own mistakes,⁣ so ⁣I think the most effective thing was to play our roles thoroughly.”

Hironaga

“We didn’t have enough players on defense, so we were able to push through with the run and use the time to set the ⁢tempo, so I think that’s ​why ⁣we made that play ‍call.”

“I think that’s my strength, so I’ll make sure to make use of‍ it while not relying⁤ on it too much. My ​current weakness is‌ being able to run ⁣while controlling the defense well, but that (the ability to break through) is also a strength, and I ​want to ‌improve another area (weakness) in the future.”

“That’s right. To be honest, I think we weren’t playing​ as we normally do, or moving as a team. We always focus on the early part of⁣ the game,⁢ but I think that all of us weren’t able to do that today. We made a lot of mistakes at key points, such as‌ during the warm-up, from ⁢when we gathered to when ‍we‌ started to‍ prepare, and ‍at ​the initial kick-off, and⁢ I think that’s why‌ we ended up with‍ this result.”

Tatsuta

“For ‍me, there were some parts where we won against our ⁤opponents, but ​we weren’t united defensively, so I think we need to fight more as ‌a‌ team.”

“There were still many instances where we conceded long gains, so that’s the responsibility of us, ⁣the ​guys behind us. We want ⁣to improve that as a team,​ too.”

“This ⁤is my first university international, so‍ I ​was honestly‍ happy.⁢ I started playing American football in high school, and I think that experience has ⁢been carried over to Meiji, so ​I think that’s a good thing.”

“I’ll try ⁤to do my best in ⁤the next game and try ‌to get some interceptions.”