FCS & Big Sky News

[SWeberCat02]

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Montana senior CB Trumaine Johnson, senior DT Renard Williams and senior SS Matt Johnson of reigning FCS champion Eastern Washington, senior LB A.J. Storms of Idaho St, senior DE Zack Nach of Sacramento St, and senior CB Asa Jackson of Cal Poly are all on the 20-player Watch List for the 2011 Buck Buchanan Award.

 

[SWeberCat02]

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In the FCS Huddle: Reaching the next level

"Sacramento State Hornets

Last season: 6-5 (5-3 Big Sky). The next level: Top-three finish in the Big Sky, playoff appearance.

The Hornets are stuck on the ledge between the Big Sky's power programs and the rest of the pack. In a conference with defending FCS champion Eastern Washington, Top 10-ranked Montana State and historical power Montana, Sacramento State has slowly risen in the standings since 2007.

However, now they Hornets have reached the roadblock of making that jump from a mid-level Big Sky team to potential playoff participant. And now it's the perfect time to make that jump into the conference's playoff-bound teams, as Montana seems to be on the downswing while the Hornets are charging hard.

Sacramento State's three Big Sky losses last season - all to the three teams above them in the standings - all came by four points or less. If they can learn from those close losses and have another strong year from senior quarterback Jeff Fleming, they could be making plans for the playoffs."

 

[SWeberCat02]

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2011 Big Sky position rankings: Offensive line

1 - J.C. Oram, Sr., G, Weber State
Comment: All-American has made 32 career starts.
2 - Chris Powers, Sr., C, Eastern Washington
Comment: The anchor to EWU's success up front.
3 - Caleb Turner, Sr., T, Weber State
Comment: Protected Cameron Higgins' blind side to beautifully.
4 - Gabe Jackson, Sr., T, Eastern Washington
Comment: Entering his third season as Eagles' left tackle.
5 - Alex Terrien, Sr., C, Montana State
Comment: A picture of consistency up front.
6 - Alex Mott, Sr., G, Northern Arizona
Comment: Helped NAU get more than 1,500 yards in '10.
7 -Adam Kleffner, Sr., C, Portland State
Comment: Solid run-blocker thrives in Pistol offense
8 - Dustin Waldron, Sr., T, Portland State
Comment: Has made 24 consecutive starts for Vikings.
9 - Jon Opperud, Sr., T, Montana
Comment: Healthy again; aims to regain '09 form.
10 - Nate Doverspike, Sr., T, Sacramento State
Comment: O-line anchor of a high-powered offense.

It seems like J.C. Oram has been opening holes at Weber State forever, and it's no wonder. Oram has played in 36 games in his career, making 32 starts. The 6-foot-4, 300 pounder is the only returning lineman in the Big Sky that was named an All-American last season. There's no reason to believe Oram won't be even better this year

Record-setting quarterback Cameron Higgins had a big safety net in left tackle Caleb Turner. Turner protected Higgins for two seasons, allowing the QB to set the Big Sky's all-time record for touchdown passes (98).

THE PROTECTOR: Entering his fourth year as a starter, J.C. Oram has been a mainstay along the offensive line at Weber State. Oram has become the best lineman in the Big Sky Conference.

 

[SWeberCat02]

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2011 Big Sky position rankings: Defensive line

1 - Zack Nash, Sr., DE, Sacramento State
Comment: Terrorized QBs to the tune of 13 sacks.
2 - Renard Williams, Sr., DT, Eastern Washington
Comment: All-American considered one of best in FCS.
3 - Isaac Bond, Sr., DE, Northern Arizona
Comment: Consistently dominant throughout career.
4 - Bryan Waldhauser, Sr., DT, Montana
Comment: Team leader simply makes plays.
5 - Zach Minter, Jr., DT, Montana State
Comment: Expect breakout year from big man in middle.
6 - Carl Sommer, Sr., DE, Portland State
Comment: Stats tell the story of major impact.
7 - Ryan Fetherston, Sr., DE, Montana
Comment: Has morphed into UM's best pure pass rusher.
8 - Nick Hernon, Sr., DE, Northern Colorado
Comment: Pressures quarterbacks to no end.
9 - Jordan Monga, Sr., DT, Idaho State
Comment: Tied for team lead with 10 tackles for loss.
10 - Adam Segapolutele-White, Jr., DT, Weber State
Comment: Strength and quickness make him tough to block.

A mouthful for broadcasters but a handful for offensive linemen, Adam Segapolutele-White had 41 tackles from his interior position to go along with 5 1/2 tackles for loss.

 

[SWeberCat02]

http://billingsgazette.com/sports/college/blogs/catgrizinsider/article_878269f2-b7d2-11e0-9e63-001cc4c002e0.html

2011 Big Sky position rankings: Defensive line

1 - Zack Nash, Sr., DE, Sacramento State
Comment: Terrorized QBs to the tune of 13 sacks.
2 - Renard Williams, Sr., DT, Eastern Washington
Comment: All-American considered one of best in FCS.
3 - Isaac Bond, Sr., DE, Northern Arizona
Comment: Consistently dominant throughout career.
4 - Bryan Waldhauser, Sr., DT, Montana
Comment: Team leader simply makes plays.
5 - Zach Minter, Jr., DT, Montana State
Comment: Expect breakout year from big man in middle.
6 - Carl Sommer, Sr., DE, Portland State
Comment: Stats tell the story of major impact.
7 - Ryan Fetherston, Sr., DE, Montana
Comment: Has morphed into UM's best pure pass rusher.
8 - Nick Hernon, Sr., DE, Northern Colorado
Comment: Pressures quarterbacks to no end.
9 - Jordan Monga, Sr., DT, Idaho State
Comment: Tied for team lead with 10 tackles for loss.
10 - Adam Segapolutele-White, Jr., DT, Weber State
Comment: Strength and quickness make him tough to block.

A mouthful for broadcasters but a handful for offensive linemen, Adam Segapolutele-White had 41 tackles from his interior position to go along with 5 1/2 tackles for loss.

No Ryan Eastman? No disrespect to Saga-White, but with the return of the Beast, he isn't even the best D lineman on the team. This blogger needs to do a better job of researching who is returning. He also missed Francisco.

 

[n.ogdencat]

I think people in the conference are going to be shocked by our DL this season, heavens, by the entire defense. It might be the best defense since Mac was made coach.

 

[Wildcat 100]

http://billingsgazette.com/sports/college/blogs/catgrizinsider/article_878269f2-b7d2-11e0-9e63-001cc4c002e0.html

2011 Big Sky position rankings: Defensive line

1 - Zack Nash, Sr., DE, Sacramento State
Comment: Terrorized QBs to the tune of 13 sacks.
2 - Renard Williams, Sr., DT, Eastern Washington
Comment: All-American considered one of best in FCS.
3 - Isaac Bond, Sr., DE, Northern Arizona
Comment: Consistently dominant throughout career.
4 - Bryan Waldhauser, Sr., DT, Montana
Comment: Team leader simply makes plays.
5 - Zach Minter, Jr., DT, Montana State
Comment: Expect breakout year from big man in middle.
6 - Carl Sommer, Sr., DE, Portland State
Comment: Stats tell the story of major impact.
7 - Ryan Fetherston, Sr., DE, Montana
Comment: Has morphed into UM's best pure pass rusher.
8 - Nick Hernon, Sr., DE, Northern Colorado
Comment: Pressures quarterbacks to no end.
9 - Jordan Monga, Sr., DT, Idaho State
Comment: Tied for team lead with 10 tackles for loss.
10 - Adam Segapolutele-White, Jr., DT, Weber State
Comment: Strength and quickness make him tough to block.

A mouthful for broadcasters but a handful for offensive linemen, Adam Segapolutele-White had 41 tackles from his interior position to go along with 5 1/2 tackles for loss.

No Ryan Eastman? No disrespect to Saga-White, but with the return of the Beast, he isn't even the best D lineman on the team. This blogger needs to do a better job of researching who is returning. He also missed Francisco.

Nash from Sac State was Pre-season All Conference 2 years ago as a Soph with Eastman. A couple of injuries for Eastman that season, played 1/2 the season but was still recognized as Honorable Mention Post Season.

He also has had 21 months since William and Mary to prepare since he red-shirted last year. Eastman still has 2 to play 2, and will be ready. The entire D line is going to be very effective this year, it should be very, very exciting this season, very exciting.

 

[Wildcat 100]

I think people in the conference are going to be shocked by our DL this season, heavens, by the entire defense. It might be the best defense since Mac was made coach.

Our D line, actually the Front 7 is going to be N-A-S-T-Y..... :stir:

 

[WSUnPurple]

I think people in the conference are going to be shocked by our DL this season, heavens, by the entire defense. It might be the best defense since Mac was made coach.

Our D line, actually the Front 7 is going to be N-A-S-T-Y..... :stir:

you said this last season, but the only thing nastier than our near loss to the Bengals was our loss to Suck it..

I do hope your right this time... opcorn:

 

[bigskychamps07]

I think people in the conference are going to be shocked by our DL this season, heavens, by the entire defense. It might be the best defense since Mac was made coach.

Our D line, actually the Front 7 is going to be N-A-S-T-Y..... :stir:

you said this last season, but the only thing nastier than our near loss to the Bengals was our loss to Suck it..

I do hope your right this time... opcorn:

Hmm. I don't know if our front 7 will be a whole lot better than last year. Sedillo is gone and we're breaking in a new MLB. (Granted he got some good reps last year). Eastman returning is huge but I don't know if we're going to be "nasty". I would call our defense "solid" next season against the run and "nasty" on the pass rush.

 

[Wildcat 100]

I think people in the conference are going to be shocked by our DL this season, heavens, by the entire defense. It might be the best defense since Mac was made coach.

Our D line, actually the Front 7 is going to be N-A-S-T-Y..... :stir:

you said this last season, but the only thing nastier than our near loss to the Bengals was our loss to Suck it..

I do hope your right this time... opcorn:

Hmm. I don't know if our front 7 will be a whole lot better than last year. Sedillo is gone and we're breaking in a new MLB. (Granted he got some good reps last year). Eastman returning is huge but I don't know if we're going to be "nasty". I would call our defense "solid" next season against the run and "nasty" on the pass rush.

i can agree with that, the depth will determine the level of tenacity. nothing like fresh legs, although Sedillo was a player, he made some poor decisions at critical times.... but that's the beauty of college football. either way, it should be a great season. :thumb:

 

[Wildcat 100]

I think people in the conference are going to be shocked by our DL this season, heavens, by the entire defense. It might be the best defense since Mac was made coach.

Our D line, actually the Front 7 is going to be N-A-S-T-Y..... :stir:

you said this last season, but the only thing nastier than our near loss to the Bengals was our loss to Suck it..

I do hope your right this time... opcorn:

you're right, but we have more experienced players with more games under their belt, and i guess i was being cautiously optimistic.... but we do have the ingredients to be solid !!! :clap:

 

[SWeberCat02]

I think people in the conference are going to be shocked by our DL this season, heavens, by the entire defense. It might be the best defense since Mac was made coach.

Our D line, actually the Front 7 is going to be N-A-S-T-Y..... :stir:

you said this last season, but the only thing nastier than our near loss to the Bengals was our loss to Suck it..

I do hope your right this time... opcorn:

you're right, but we have more experienced players with more games under their belt, and i guess i was being cautiously optimistic.... but we do have the ingredients to be solid !!! :clap:

There's no question the defensive line should be improved this year. Sam Fenn and Alofaifo Levale are gone (anyone know what happened to Levale?), but Ryan Eastman and Caldwell Taylor return to the team. They will join a good list of returning lettermen in Saga-White (starter), Bowers (starter), Pletcher (starter), Rolf, Sauni, Fiso, and Mullarkey. Plus, there are some impressive incoming freshman in James Washington, Connor Myers, Utah transfer Sione Tupouniua, and Tevia Tolutau.

 

[Purplefanzz]

Levale's knee injury has proved to be too bad to come back from. He's still on campus but not part of the team anymore. Bummer, he's a good guy.

 

[SWeberCat02]

Levale's knee injury has proved to be too bad to come back from. He's still on campus but not part of the team anymore. Bummer, he's a good guy.

Thanks for the info. I figured it had something to do with the injury. That really sucks.

 

[talhadfoursteals]

Levale's knee injury has proved to be too bad to come back from. He's still on campus but not part of the team anymore. Bummer, he's a good guy.

Not to contradict you or anything, but according to my sources he isn't going too be at camp due to a residency issue with Alaska, but that he will be back at the end of the month and playing. Who knows though. I could definitely be wrong. Happens all the time. LOOOL :blah: However, there are a number of other players coming in who are going to contribute immediately. Connor Myers and James Washington both will get some reps. Also, there are a number of other guys who are back and ready to go.

What about Stutson...why isn't he on the roster?

 

[hawkssb04]

Kind of shocked not to see Ryan Eastman on the top 10 defensive linemen. Perhaps there are some questionmarks from his 'year away' from football and voters were hesitant to include him.

 

[FormerCat]

Kind of shocked not to see Ryan Eastman on the top 10 defensive linemen. Perhaps there are some questionmarks from his 'year away' from football and voters were hesitant to include him.

Honestly I wasn't too shocked that Eastman wasn't in the preseason top 10 defensive lineman. He redshirted last season, and the season before that he got injured and missed a lot of the season He did have a great game against Eastern but that alone wouldn't put him on the list. If Eastman plays up to all of his potential there should be no reason why he shouldn't be the Big Sky Defensive POY. So heres to a healthy camp and season.

 

[SWeberCat02]

Kind of shocked not to see Ryan Eastman on the top 10 defensive linemen. Perhaps there are some questionmarks from his 'year away' from football and voters were hesitant to include him.

There weren't any voters. The list is compiled by a reporter/blogger from a Billings newspaper. I know there are question marks with Eastman (sitting out a year and history of injuries) but both years he has played he has been HM all-conference, including as a true freshman when he only started two games, and as a sophomore when he only played in seven games. Ryan obviously has the respect of the Sky coaches. I just don't think this blogger did all his homework. But really, these lists mean very little. Take them for what they are.

 

[talhadfoursteals]

I'm pretty sure that the blogger doesn't know that Eastman is coming back.