Montana State @ Portland State

[martymoose]

Biggest home game since the UM game in 2006?

Good thing we're not down to our third string QB like we were that year...

 

[ash_sk8s]

I can't wait for this game!!!

 

[DustRunner]

This will be a big one for sure. A win next week will give us a lot of momentum going into the rest of the season. However, it won't be easy; Montana State is good. They won the Big Sky last year for a reason.

 

[cats25061]

I haven't seen PSU yet, but looking at the stats of the games it looks like Kavanaugh and McCaffery have got the pistol figured out. have to wonder if the passing game and pass D is suspect but it may be the result of playing some pass heavy teams like TCU and ISU. I like what Burton is doing out there, and expect a tough game.

 

[DustRunner]

We need to get the pass game going if we're going to have a chance against the Bobcats. Too many overthrown passes yesterday that would have gone for big yards, and if we run a one-dimensional offense, the opposing teams will put 8-9 men in the box to stuff the run. We need to pass the ball effectively to keep the D off the field and fresh down the stretch, because Montana St. will put up a lot of points.

 

[forestgreen]

Vikings' Big Run Game Sets Up "Biggest" Game In Years

http://www.goviks.com/news/2011/10/2/FB_1002115323.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[VikThunder]

We need to get the pass game going if we're going to have a chance against the Bobcats. Too many overthrown passes yesterday that would have gone for big yards, and if we run a one-dimensional offense, the opposing teams will put 8-9 men in the box to stuff the run. We need to pass the ball effectively to keep the D off the field and fresh down the stretch, because Montana St. will put up a lot of points.

Spot on analysis. Gotta figure out how to complete some passes.

 

[celticcat]

Could be a tough time to figure out your passing game, as MSU is #2 in the Sky in passing yards per game (176.6 YPG), and #1 in pass efficiency defense (106.3). Of course we also boast the #2 rushing defense (behind the Viks of course ), and #1 total defense and #1 scoring defense, allowing 18 PPG.

I think the Viks will be one of our toughest tests of the year. I haven't had a chance to watch any Viks games this year, but you guys came into Bozeman and popped us in the mouth before we figured out what hit us, and it looks like another year of the pistol is working wonders for McCaffery and Kavanaugh.

The Cats are really hard to gameplan against. We have a good (not great this year, yet...) passing game. We have a home-run threat in Elvis Akpla, third in the league in yards per game (went for 174 last week against Sac), and averages 23.4 yards per catch. I imagine teams are going to start focusing more on Akpla and make out other WRs beat them, which they are capable of doing, but haven't had to do yet.

To contain our rushing attack, you will likely have to bring help from the secondary. We've had three straight games of over 200 yards on the ground, and they are big backs who wear you down as the game goes on. It will be up to your front 7 to contain our ground game, and if you can do that, you should be able to contain the Cat offense.

I'm pretty excited for this one! I'm hoping we can contain the pistol, which is all anyone can hope for, is to contain it, not stop it. I think we'll try and win the TOP battle with our running game, and take a few shots downfield if you start creeping too close to the line of scrimmage.

No predictions yet, except this one could be pretty high scoring.

 

[DustRunner]

Geez, Elvis Akpla is still playing college ball? I remember watching him in high school. :? He was good . . . really good.

This game will come down to the rushing attacks and rushing defenses.

 

[ash_sk8s]

This game is a GREEN OUT! Make sure to wear your green!!!

 

[forestgreen]

Canzano: Portland State has hope again as Montana State comes to town

http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/oregonian/john_canzano/index.ssf/2011/10/canzano_portland_state_has_hop.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[martymoose]

Nice to be getting some stories in the paper and guys on the radio this week.

Let's get it done on Saturday.

 

[ManOfVision]

What kind of crowd is anticipated for this game?

 

[VikThunder]

What kind of crowd is anticipated for this game?

We could all place bets. I am guessing a crowd of 8-10K. The weather should be good. 66 degrees. So that helps. PSU has a good start so far but has been bad for 4 years. So that doesn't help. Fans will stay on the fence until the team can prove itself and win a game like this one. OSU plays at the same time. Not good. I'll guess 8500.

Does anyone else think our ticket pricing is too high? I think this will impact attendance.

 

[martymoose]

What kind of crowd is anticipated for this game?

We could all place bets. I am guessing a crowd of 8-10K. The weather should be good. 66 degrees. So that helps. PSU has a good start so far but has been bad for 4 years. So that doesn't help. Fans will stay on the fence until the team can prove itself and win a game like this one. OSU plays at the same time. Not good. I'll guess 8500.

Does anyone else think our ticket pricing is too high? I think this will impact attendance.

I'll go with attendance coming in just under 10k. Should be a good student turnout if the weather holds. They have a pep rally at the urban center tomorrow and it sounds like the first 300 of Timbers Army get a free GA ticket if they want. Should be a sea of green.

I think our ticket prices are about right. 20 bucks will get you a decent seat and GA is even cheaper.

 

[pottystop]

"Does anyone else think our ticket pricing is too high? I think this will impact attendance."

I wonder if the stadium is charging PSU more because of the renovation? How much does OSU charge for their tickets compared to PSU?

Also, I'm totally shocked by the limited amount of press by the Oregonian regarding Connor being named "National Offensive Co-Player of the Week". I think it is a big deal, I guess the Oregonian doesn't.

 

[celticcat]

Here are tickets for Montana State just for comparison:

$30 sideline - conference
$37 sideline - homecoming
$11 - endzone seating
$10 - family Pepsi zone seating

 

[VikThunder]

Looks like PSU's pricing is more than MSU's:
$15 - GA
$20 - Corner
$25 - Upper level mid-field
$30 - Premier
$50 - Key Bank
Not sure why we are charging more than MSU.

 

[martymoose]

Looks like PSU's pricing is more than MSU's:
$15 - GA
$20 - Corner
$25 - Upper level mid-field
$30 - Premier
$50 - Key Bank
Not sure why we are charging more than MSU.

They own their facility. We rent/lease ours.

 

[ash_sk8s]

I think our attendance will certainly be better than the last two games, and definitely a much larger student turn-out, but we'll see what it actually ends up being!