Hornets head across the Causeway for a win and in game in possibly the last Causeway game ever. Hornets are coming into this game on a 3 game winning streak and they are looking to rebound from a tough road loss against top ranked Montana State and are jockeying for playoff seeding position. Stakes are pretty high for both teams, but more so for the Hornets.
They have a very efficient offense that uses a lot of mis-direction and high percentage throws that moves the ball down the field very well. This offense has a lot of talented playmakers that fit the system very well. Quarterback Caden Pinnick (170/245, 2221 yds 22 TD, 8 INT, 101 car, 307 yds, 3 TD) is the real deal. he is shifty, hard to tackle, extends plays with his legs. and has a good arm with good accuracy. Running back Jordan Fisher (140 car, 863 yds, 4 TD, 21 car, 240 yds, 1 TD) is a small but speedy runner capable of breaking a big play. In the passing game, wide receivers Samuel Gbatu Jr (53 rec, 822 yds, 9 TD) and Stacy Dobbins (40 rec, 480 yds, 2 TD) are the primary targets and tight end Ian Simpson (22 rec, 349 yds, 2 TD) has played a significant role as well. Gbatu is a playmaker and a threat to break a big play. Up front, the offensive line is sizable and has done well for this offense.
Their defense has been sufficient for most of the year. It's not as stellar as seen in past years but it is more than capable of giving the Hornet offense some fits. Their 3-4 front has some good size and the linebackers have good pursuit to the ball. Safety Jayden Stanley (54 tak, 2 TFL, 1 INT) and defensive back Khalani Riddick (52 tak, 1 INT) leads the team in tackles. Defensive end Jacob Psyk (41 tak, 14 TFL, 8 sac) has been a force on the edge with linebackers Nate Rutchena (50 tak, 3.5 TFL, 2 INT) and Sam Goligoski (29 tak, 8 TFL, 5 sac) round out the 2nd level. This unit has forced 13 fumbles on the year.
Kicker Hunter Ridley (11/16 FG, 37/19 PAT) has had struggles but has a long of 46 yards on the season. Their kick return game is capable and has broken some big return this year.
Not much to say as I'm sure everyone is aware of the implications of this game. I think both offenses will have advantages and the playmaking personnel that can provide a big impact if some mismatches are exploited. They run a lot of different looks and like to get the ball out quick to their playmakers. They can run tempo and Pinnick is talented enough to where the defense has to respect the RPO. From a schematic perspective the Hornets will have to be very disciplined and keep everything in front of them. The Hornet defense is coming in off of a pretty stout performance against a talented Idaho team which bodes well for this game.
The Hornet offense should do well if Coach Marion sticks to their bread and butter of a heavy power run game. The Hornets might work in some new wrinkles like we saw last week but to be honest, if the Hornet executes well in the trenches and takes care of the ball then a win is more than possible in the game.
I think the Hornets come out motivated and take care of business. If the Hornets stick to what got them their 7 wins then I think we see an 8th win this Saturday.
Stingers Up!