PSU @ Sac State

[SDHornet]

Recap

The Hornets got out to an early 14 point lead and the offense was clicking early on against PSU. The Hornet defense was able to bend but not break against the Pistol offense and force PSU to settle for FG’s much of the day. The Hornets were able to hold on for the 28-15 win on Senior Day and capped a 4-1 season at Hornet Stadium and pull to 5-4 (4-3) on the year. It wasn’t nearly as pretty as last week’s win, but a win is a win.

Offensively the Hornets came out without missing a step from last week and Fleming was able to keep the passing game moving as he went 13 of 23 for 240 yards, 3 TD’s and 0 INT’s for the game. The running game had its issues as the Hornets were only able to get 68 rushing yards against a weak rushing defense. Hilliard appears to be injured and may be lost for the remainder of the season. Although the Hornet offense had a solid first half, they did struggle to get drives going in the second half. They had one good play where Fleming hit Deadder for a 57 yard TD pass that put the game away. Fortunately their inability to move the ball in the second half didn’t cost the Hornets the win.

The defense had their hands full as they had the challenge of stopping the Pistol offense. McCaffrey ran wild for PSU as he had 188 yards on 33 carries but only 1 TD and Howland went 11 of 27 for 141 yards, 0 TD’s and 0 INT’s. PSU racked up the yards but were unable to cash in on much of them as they were forced to kick 4 FG’s which ultimately proved the difference. The defense did their job and kept the Hornets ahead when the offense had their problems. The Hornets were able to get pressure on the QB however they were only able to come up with 1 sack. Numerous times was Howland in the grasp of Hornet defenders but they weren’t able to bring him to the ground.

The kick coverage team seemed to clean it up as PSU only managed a 14.2 yard per return average on 5 returns. Heath averaged 33.1 net yards per punt on a whopping 7 punts. There is no need to see Heath this many times per game. The offense can’t afford to take a half off. Amazingly there were no turnovers by either team in this game which is probably a first as far as I can remember.

Ultimately the Hornets got the win against a PSU team that is struggling to get wins. PSU is not anywhere near as bad as their record indicates but in all honesty this game should not have been this close. The Hornets are going to have to find a way to run the ball without Hilliard and the coaches need to keep this team focused for a full 60 minutes. They will now go on the road to Pocatello to face a feisty Idaho State team.

GO HORNETS!!!!

Here is the Hornetsports recap:
http://www.hornetsports.com/sports/football/release.asp?release_id=9190

BSC Box Score:
http://www.bigskyconf.com/custompages/football/2010/stats/sac-psu.htm

 

[Green Laser]

Recap

The Hornets got out to an early 14 point lead and the offense was clicking early on against PSU. The Hornet defense was able to bend but not break against the Pistol offense and force PSU to settle for FG’s much of the day. The Hornets were able to hold on for the 28-15 win on Senior Day and capped a 4-1 season at Hornet Stadium and pull to 5-4 (4-3) on the year. It wasn’t nearly as pretty as last week’s win, but a win is a win.

Offensively the Hornets came out without missing a step from last week and Fleming was able to keep the passing game moving as he went 13 of 23 for 240 yards, 3 TD’s and 0 INT’s for the game. The running game had its issues as the Hornets were only able to get 68 rushing yards against a weak rushing defense. Hilliard appears to be injured and may be lost for the remainder of the season. Although the Hornet offense had a solid first half, they did struggle to get drives going in the second half. They had one good play where Fleming hit Deadder for a 57 yard TD pass that put the game away. Fortunately their inability to move the ball in the second half didn’t cost the Hornets the win.

The defense had their hands full as they had the challenge of stopping the Pistol offense. McCaffrey ran wild for PSU as he had 188 yards on 33 carries but only 1 TD and Howland went 11 of 27 for 141 yards, 0 TD’s and 0 INT’s. PSU racked up the yards but were unable to cash in on much of them as they were forced to kick 4 FG’s which ultimately proved the difference. The defense did their job and kept the Hornets ahead when the offense had their problems. The Hornets were able to get pressure on the QB however they were only able to come up with 1 sack. Numerous times was Howland in the grasp of Hornet defenders but they weren’t able to bring him to the ground.

The kick coverage team seemed to clean it up as PSU only managed a 14.2 yard per return average on 5 returns. Heath averaged 33.1 net yards per punt on a whopping 7 punts. There is no need to see Heath this many times per game. The offense can’t afford to take a half off. Amazingly there were no turnovers by either team in this game which is probably a first as far as I can remember.

Ultimately the Hornets got the win against a PSU team that is struggling to get wins. PSU is not anywhere near as bad as their record indicates but in all honesty this game should not have been this close. The Hornets are going to have to find a way to run the ball without Hilliard and the coaches need to keep this team focused for a full 60 minutes. They will now go on the road to Pocatello to face a feisty Idaho State team.

GO HORNETS!!!!

Here is the Hornetsports recap:
http://www.hornetsports.com/sports/football/release.asp?release_id=9190

BSC Box Score:
http://www.bigskyconf.com/custompages/football/2010/stats/sac-psu.htm

I have to agree SD that yesterday's game was not perfect but it was a win and that's really what is important.
Some of our inconsistent play on offense may have been due to relying too much on Hilliard when he was less than 100%. Although Portland did rack up a lot of yards with the pistol I think that we adjusted and contained it down well the stretch when it really counted. Also the relative closeness of the score was kind of misleading, it was really four TDs to one. There isn't a lot you can do to defend against three long field goals, their kicker did a good job. Lets hope we stay focused and close out the season strong!

 

[SDHornet]

I agree GL, but for a time the Hornets were only up by one possession (6 points). Given the way the Hornets have had trouble shutting the door late in games, that is too close for comfort and I am sure I was not the only one worried about another late meltdown. Also had PSU kicked (and most likely made) that FG before halftime, the entire complexion of the second half could have gone differently. The defense did well in stiffening up when needed. They did what needed to get done.

 

[Green Laser]

I agree GL, but for a time the Hornets were only up by one possession (6 points). Given the way the Hornets have had trouble shutting the door late in games, that is too close for comfort and I am sure I was not the only one worried about another late meltdown. Also had PSU kicked (and most likely made) that FG before halftime, the entire complexion of the second half could have gone differently. The defense did well in stiffening up when needed. They did what needed to get done.

Hey I was as uneasy and nervous sitting there in the 2nd half as anybody! The game kind of felt like the Montana game in Coach Sperbeck's first season when we marched up and down the field but just couldn't score. We had a lot more yards than Montana that day but nothing to show for it. Fortunately the shoe was on the other foot this time and we came out with the win! They moved well until they got to about our 30 then the defense just closed the door on them.