• Hi Guest, want to participate in the discussions, keep track of read/unread posts, upgrade to remove ads and more? Create your free account and increase the benefits of your BigSkyFans.com experience today!

PSU @ Sac State

SDHornet

SDHornet

Moderator
Staff member
Preview

The Hornets will be heading into their final home game of the 2010 season coming off of a very impressive rout of 25th ranked NAU. PSU has been struggling this season as expected, however they lost many close games just as the Hornets have and are a very young team. PSU comes into the game 2-6 (1-4) but had 3 close loses vs UM, at MSU, and at WSU. They also knocked off “the farm extension” at their place and steam rolled ISU who just took MSU to the brink last week. This PSU team is much improved with Burton at the helm and is definitely capable of pulling this game off. They are young and have some size on the lines; absolutely under no condition should the coaches and players be overlooking this team that has nothing to lose.

Offense:
The PSU offense is ranked 4th in the BSC with 401.5 ypg of offense. PSU averages 208.3 ypg on the ground (1st BSC) and 192.9 ypg through the air (8th BSC). The posters on the PSU board have indicated that the PSU QB Kavanaugh (2nd team leading rusher) will miss the game due to injury. Their returning QB Hubel has been out for most, if not all of the season and their other QB Howland does not have the rushing ability to make the Pistol offense fully effective. PSU fell behind to EWU early last week and ended up throwing the ball a lot more than they usually do. Howland is 38 of 82 on the season for 434 yards, 0 TD’s and 4 INT’s. Their leading rusher is RB McCaffrey who has 862 yards on 158 carries with 8 TD’s. He is a short, yet quick and elusive back. Their leading receivers are TE Thomas (387 yards on 23 catches for 2 TD’s) and WR Hutter (358 yards on 26 catches for 2 TD’s). The PSU OL has struggled at times and they have allowed 13 sacks. I haven’t seen PSU play aside from a few highlights but the Pistol thrives on misdirection and fooling the defense. They have struggled to hold on to the ball and have thrown 7 INT’s and fumbled 20 times, 12 of which were lost.

The Hornet defense is going to have to stay disciplined and stick to their assignments if they want to contain and shutdown PSU. The Hornet rush defense has been tremendous throughout the season and I expect the LB’s and DL to have a solid game and force some turnovers and disrupt the PSU offense. If the front 7 continues to swarm to the ball and make tackles, they should do just fine this week. The secondary will need to be sure to stick to their assignments and not get caught looking into the backfield. Statistically this team doesn’t have a playmaker at WR (I don’t know what happened to Fry, he was a returning WR who had a lot of yards last season) but that doesn’t mean the secondary should get caught cheating or snoozing. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Schrader moved into the box roving the line of scrimmage to help contain the PSU running attack if the Hornets struggle to contain it.

Defense:
Burton installed the 4-3 at PSU this offseason and it appears as if the team is still making the adjustment. PSU is ranked 9th in the BSC in ypg allowed with 455.6. PSU is allowing an average of 231.4 ypg on the ground (9th BSC) but only 224.3 ypg through the air (3rd BSC). DE Sommer leads PSU with 4 sacks, Folsom native LB’s Rau leads the team with 63 tackles alongside FS Latu who has 61 tackles and leads the team with 3 INT’s. I honestly don’t know much about this defense but they I expect them to play hard and not roll over.

The Hornets are going to need to establish the running game early with Hilliard. PSU has struggled against the run so the Hornets should relentlessly attack their front 7. Sperbeck did an excellent job using the play action to open up the offense through the air and could possibly take that route again, however the NAU front 7 is a lot more capable and aggressive than the PSU front 7. In all honesty, the Hornets should be able to win this game with just their running game; however I hope Fleming can stay on his game and execute the passing attack when called upon. This game will be won by the OL, if they show up, have very few mistakes and make their blocks and execute, this running game should thrive.

Special Teams:
PSU has a solid kicker in Zach Brown. He is accurate from short to midrange and has a strong leg. Brown started the year strong but has since fallen off a bit. He is 12 of 20 on FG’s and all of his misses are from 40 yards or longer. PSU has not allowed a blocked FG so far. PSU’s punter Duyndam is averaging 42.5 ypp and has 7 downed inside the 20. However, PSU lines up in a punting formation similar to EWU and they have allowed 2 blocked punts. PSU’s KR Lewis is averaging 25.4 yards per return and their KR Powell averages 17.1 ypr. Powell only averages 3.9 ypr on punt returns.

Look for the Hornets to go after a punt in this game. The Hornets exploited the EWU blocking scheme and they will most likely be able to exploit it again this week. Also with the suspect kick coverage, the Hornets need to keep the ball away from Lewis. He has already returned a kick for a TD this season. There is no reason to even let him touch the ball based on what I have seen from the kick coverage this season. As usually, the Hornets have a slight advantage with Diniz although Brown is more than capable of knocking down a FG from reasonable range. The special teams will be something to watch this game. It should have an impact on the field position battle.

Intangibles:
PSU is tied with WSU for the most penalized team in the BSC with 68. Those 68 penalties have cost the 560 yards. They also struggle with turnovers. This is typical of a team this inexperienced. The Hornets cleaned up their act significantly last week and they will need to maintain that discipline so that drives aren’t stalled due to penalties. If the Hornets play sloppy, they could very well allow PSU to hang around, and we all know what could happen if the Hornets allow that to happen.

The Hornets should win this game but it won’t be a cake walk. If the Hornets play like they did last week, they should have no problem pulling this one out. Being that this is the last home game; the Hornets need to go out with a bang so that the recruits that are sure to be in attendance will be impressed with this program and commit on the spot. Take care of business Hornets, finish the season strong, it all starts this week when PSU comes to town.

GO HORNETS!!!
 
before the EWU/NAU roadtrip, i thought this could be a tough game for the Hornets. Now, i'm leaning toward a big win. PSU gives up alot of yards, gives up alot of points, and makes too many mistakes to pull off the upset -> especially with Kavanuagh out. He was pretty good. Sneaky runner, decent runner, and made good decisions from the Pistol. his high pass completion percentage was a key to their offense's ability to sustain long drives. They do seem improved over the Glanville years, but, they make way too many mistakes (penalties and turnovers) to beat a more talented team. They play with alot of emotion (mirroring their coach who is very animated!); get an early lead, force some mistakes, hound the new QB, and that emotion will disappear. make some early mistakes and let them feed off the emotion, and it could be closer than it should.

I expect a double-digit win.

Another 'right-on' preview and analysis, SD.
 
Thanks DM. PSU will be scary in a few years. I was looking over their roster and they have a very young team. These mistakes and turnover issues will go away as they gain experience. I also feel Burton will use his FBS experience to swoop up some solid talent. I know it’s tough to watch as a PSU fan, but I think PSU will be better sooner rather than later.
 
what caught my eye when i looked at their roster is that they had something like 35 JC or college transfers. that's a HUGE number! i can't find a depth chart anywhere, so i don't know how many young guys are playing significant minutes. looking at their defensive stats the last couple games, the leaders were mostly Jr's and Sr's. at any rate, 7 or 8 games into the season, you shouldn't be committing 9-10 penalties a game. Those are Glanville-era numbers! From what I saw, Burton was a pretty emotional guy on the sideline....sometimes that spills over in a bad way onto the field.

i agree that he's going be an upgrade over glanville. i've read some things about his recruiting expectations that lead you to believe they will bring in better YOUNG players.

i have this hope that someone will find the answer to defending the Pistol; if so, those gaudy offensive numbers will come back down to earth.

without Kavanaugh, I don't think this one will be close, unless the Hornets have big letdown (don't see that happening) . when i saw him at Davis, and on a couple webcasts, he's one of those confident QB's that just seems to make plays, running and passing.
 
What kind of a crowd are you guys expecting? My son was up at Sac yesterday giving a talk to a freshman orientation class, and he said he encouraged the youngsters to attend since the team is doing so well (not like his years). didn't sound like there was much interest, but, maybe they were bored silly with his presentation at that point!

based on recent results and performance AND the world series being over, should be a crowd pushing 9000-10000. but, i have a feeling the numbers will be much less.

what kind of feeling do you guys up in Sac have?
 
Coach Sperbreath said:
7,800. But whatever the croud, it will exceed that massive 5,314 that UC Dufus had when they got blasted by Southern Utah.
Click to expand...

I liked how they got punked by a first year start up in S. Alabama.
Welcome Coach.
 
I just tuned in and it's the end of the 1st half. 21-9 Sac State.

197 total yards for both offenses so far.

Sounds like PSU has been moving the ball well but has not scored points.

PSU returns the kickoff to the 39 but a holding brings it back. McCaffrey breaks a huge gain. Ball on the 50. Howland hits the TE for a 5 yard gain. 2nd and 5 for PSU. McCaffery picks up the 1st down. Defense doesn't look good so far. McCaffrey picks up 3. 2nd and 7. McCaffery pick up 2. 3rd and 5. Wilkins and Clark sack Howland for a loss of 3. 4th and 8. PSU will probably go for it. They get it and are on the Hornet 13. Huge throw and catch there. PSU picked up the blitz and made the Hornets pay. McCaffery gets 3. 2nd and 7 on the 10. McCaffery gets 7. 3rd and 4. McCaffery slips for no gain. 4th and 7 and PSU is setting up for a FG. It's good. 21-12 Hornets 8:43 left in the 3rd. Huge drive by PSU. The offense needs to answer.

McCowan returns it to the 27. Hilliard gets 1 on 1st down. 2nd and 9. False start on the TE. 2nd and 14. Fleming misses Deader who was open on a seam post. 3rd and 14.Screen pass loses 5 yards. 4th and 18. Terrible start to the 2nd half. Heath's punt is fair caught on the PSU 37.

PSU runs it for 7. 2nd and 3. McCaffery is stopped for a short gain. 3rd and 2. Mccaffery stuffed again. PSU will go on 4th and 2. Nope, they will punt. Richardson fair catches it on the 17 yard line. 4:29 left int he 3rd. Huge stop by the D.

Fleming gets a couple on an option keeper. 2nd and 8. Offsides PSU. 2nd and 3. Norrise is drilled on a bubble pass. 3rd and 6. Deader drops it. 4th down and will punt. Pathetic execution so far. They need to find some fire. Punt is fair caught on their own 34.

PSU passes for 6. 2nd and 4. Howland avoids pressure and throws incomplete. 3rd and 4. McCaffery takes it to the Hornet 45. Huge gain. Howland keeps the option and gains 4. 2nd and 6. Mccaffery gets 3. 3rd and 1. McCaffery stuffed by Schrader. 4th and 3. End of the 3rd. PSU is dominating everywhere but the scoreboard. PSU receiver is wide open. Hornets couldn't get any pressure on the QB. 1st down PSU. They get a sack on the 3rd effort. Big loss. 2nd and 21. PSU makes a grab for 10. 3rd and 11. WOW. PSU just missed a wide open receiver. DB was burned on the out and up. PSU to kick a FG.
 
FG is good. 21-15. Hornets need to wake up or they will lose this.

Kickoff is a touchback. Hornets take over on the 20. Deader on the end around for 6 yards. 2nd and 4. A Fleming pass falls incomplete. 3rd and 4. Hornets just almost threw a INT.
 
This has been Portland MO....lots of yards, lots of mistakes, lots of losses. they have had a couple games where they seemed to dominate, but, come up short. my gametracker is crapping out; 21-9 at the end of 3?

i am surprised the hornets have only 21 points.
 
Huge pass to Norrise. Fleming underthrew it but it's still good. 1st and 10 on the PSU 46. Pass to Deader is incomplete. 2nd and 10. WOW. An end around Sperbeck!??!?! Really?!?!?! 3rd and 16. WOW. Fleming runs for almost a 1st down. 4th and 5. Hornets to punt. Heath has another terrible punt but it goes out of bounds on the 18. Hornet D needs a stop. Sperbeck ended that previous drive with his stupid end around.

Howland keep the option for a gain of 2. 2nd and 8. McCaffrey gets 1. 3rd and 7. 9:50 left. Howland hit as he threw and it falls incomplete. PSU will punt on 4th and 7. Near punt block and Richardson returns it to the Hornet 43. Just get 3 here Hornets.

YES!!! TD Deader. Huge pass!!! The only down side is the Hornet D got absolutely no rest on that drive.

Great kick coverage. PSU ball on their own 23. Wow. Howland picks up about 20 on an option keeper. If you saw how this QB runs, you'd understand the "wow".
 
Howland gets 1. 2nd and 9, ball on the Hornet 43. PSU receiver drops a wide open pass. 3rd and 9. Pathetic. D can't get the sack and Howland finds a receiver for a 1st down.
 
i swear..the more i watch the Pistol, the less i understand why nobody can stop it. seems so obvious watching from high above!

but..its a real challange for defenses.
 
McCaffery is hurt while blocking. But he walks off so he is probably fine. 7:28 left, ball on the Hornet 35. Officials stopped the game to get the game clock right. Thank God, the D needs a blow. Wilkins with a sack. 2nd and 15. Huge play. Howland picks up 6. 3rd and 9. 4 down territory no doubt. McCaffrey on a draw gets nothing. 4th and 9. PSU takes a timeout. A stop here ends this game. Almost intercepted. Either way Hornet ball. HUGE STOP!!! Way to step up D!!!!

Hilliard with a nice gain on 1st down. 2nd and 4. Hilliard gets the 1st down.
 
its over...i think it was over before that stop, but, its now official.

with weber losing, this puts the hornets in a good spot.
 
No gain for McCowan on 1st down. 2nd and 10. Fleming is sacked. 3rd and long and McCowan gets 7. 4th and 10 and the Hornets will punt. Wow. Nearly blocked. Heath took his sweet ass time kicking that one away. 2:07 left and PSU takes over on their own 30.

1st and 10 pass falls incomplete. 2nd and 10. PSU picks up a 1st down. 1:53 left, Hornets in a prevent. Draw to Mccaffery picks up good yards and another PSU 1st down. 1st and 10 falls incomplete. 2nd and 10. Mccaffery gets nothing on a draw. 3rd and 10. PSU uses a timeout. 1:30 left. Pass is incomplete. 4th and 10. Odiase (sp?) knocks it away. Hornet ball.

Croxdale gets 4. 2nd and 6. Croxdale gets a few and PSU calls a timeout. 3rd and 4. Hornets kneel it. Game over.

28-15 FINAL!!! Hornets went 4-1 and home this season. Well done and way to get the win on senior night. It was an ugly win but I'll take it. Apparently I missed all the fireworks. Hats off to the D for being able to step up and keep the Hornets ahead. They kept PSU out of the endzone and that proved to be the difference.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Back
Top