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Week 1 @ Dixe State (first depth chart!)
- Thread starter Kadeezy
- Start date
HornetHope
Active member
The 2 Deep is confusing on QB. Kaiden is listed on top, but if you keep going in the guide, they show Dunniway pic at 1, and O’Hara at 2.
StudentHornet
Member
In regard to the QB situation, I have to think O'Hara is getting the start. Mind you, I can't provide any additional reasons why, but given the success we had with bringing KT in who was relatively unknown prior to his time here makes me think that having a QB who has already proved himself is kind of slam dunk for our program.
I know we have loads of talent including Dunniway, who I am a personal fan of, but I just think we take the FBS level QB 9 times out of 10.
I know we have loads of talent including Dunniway, who I am a personal fan of, but I just think we take the FBS level QB 9 times out of 10.
Sac_hornets
Active member
100% agree with you! I know Dunniway has been here the longest and knows the offense, but the tangibles that O’Hara offers fit exactly with what Troy likes to do on offense, and I also would find it hard to believe that O’Hara would leave his previous team to be a backup on this team.StudentHornet said:
superhornet
Active member
1. The QB situation seems a bit murkier than HH realizes. It's not so much that Bennett is listed "on top," but that they list three QBs because they haven't decided on the starter yet, but they felt somehow compelled to publish a document that doesn't belong out in the public. The starter will be EITHER Bennett OR Dunniway, though certainly not O'Hara. Dixie State has NO business being anywhere near this info, and we've just given it to them....
2. I've already stated this, but I'm definitely NOT a fan of the 4-2-5 alignment on defense, unless they're planning on playing a lot of robber in the backfield. I have no idea what Dixie has planned for us, but if they come out with a "ground chuck" offense, we're going to be in a world of hurt. The standard 4-3-4 would be much more balanced. Of course, I'm old school, so I'm biased in that direction.
3. I've never been a fan having pure punters hold for placements. It seems that teams have done this so they can isolate specialists, and I've never really understood why. The average pure punter can't handle a bad snap. I'd much rather have a quarterback (whether it's the starting quarterback or a backup is probably beside the point) hold for placements for that reason. (Yes, I realize that that idiot Tony Romo is the counter-argument, but he's a rarity in terms of his ineptitude in holding for placements.) Also, having a quarterback as the holder opens up the possibility of fakes, as they are more likely to be trustworthy in ballhandling and passing than a pure punter. In Hornet terms, this was a key factor in our success during the Volek era, as backup QB Scott Towne was adept at this; he was at his best when sending the option pitch to the kicker for a surprise two-point conversion. Can you imagine a pure punter trying to do this?
4. On a similar point, I would have been greatly heartened to see at least one of the quarterbacks listed as a punter. Any defense who forgets that the punter is also a quarterback will eventually pay when it comes to a fake. What Danny White did to Green Bay in 1980 is a perfect example: he noticed on a punt called back by penalty that the Packers were not paying him any attention, so on the re-kick, he took off down the left sideline before he was finally brought down after a gain of 48 yards with an illegal Texas Bulldog tackle (ignored by the refs). The average pure punter isn't going to be able to recognize this, execute it (whether he does it on his own or it's called by the bench), or even pass out of punt formation. The surprise element, particularly if it happens often enough, would force a defense to respect the possibility, rather than assume that they're going to get the ball "just because."
OK. Casey's old school rant is done....
2. I've already stated this, but I'm definitely NOT a fan of the 4-2-5 alignment on defense, unless they're planning on playing a lot of robber in the backfield. I have no idea what Dixie has planned for us, but if they come out with a "ground chuck" offense, we're going to be in a world of hurt. The standard 4-3-4 would be much more balanced. Of course, I'm old school, so I'm biased in that direction.
3. I've never been a fan having pure punters hold for placements. It seems that teams have done this so they can isolate specialists, and I've never really understood why. The average pure punter can't handle a bad snap. I'd much rather have a quarterback (whether it's the starting quarterback or a backup is probably beside the point) hold for placements for that reason. (Yes, I realize that that idiot Tony Romo is the counter-argument, but he's a rarity in terms of his ineptitude in holding for placements.) Also, having a quarterback as the holder opens up the possibility of fakes, as they are more likely to be trustworthy in ballhandling and passing than a pure punter. In Hornet terms, this was a key factor in our success during the Volek era, as backup QB Scott Towne was adept at this; he was at his best when sending the option pitch to the kicker for a surprise two-point conversion. Can you imagine a pure punter trying to do this?
4. On a similar point, I would have been greatly heartened to see at least one of the quarterbacks listed as a punter. Any defense who forgets that the punter is also a quarterback will eventually pay when it comes to a fake. What Danny White did to Green Bay in 1980 is a perfect example: he noticed on a punt called back by penalty that the Packers were not paying him any attention, so on the re-kick, he took off down the left sideline before he was finally brought down after a gain of 48 yards with an illegal Texas Bulldog tackle (ignored by the refs). The average pure punter isn't going to be able to recognize this, execute it (whether he does it on his own or it's called by the bench), or even pass out of punt formation. The surprise element, particularly if it happens often enough, would force a defense to respect the possibility, rather than assume that they're going to get the ball "just because."
OK. Casey's old school rant is done....
Week 1 - Sac State at Dixie State
Well it finally happened. The powers that be finally let us ingrates have football again.
The Hornets look to defend their 2019 BSC Title and open the season with a road game at the Dixie State (soon to be Utah Tech) Trailblazers. DSU is in their 2nd season in transition from D2 to D1, the first being a brief 5 game season last spring in which they went 2-3. This will be their first season in the WAC.
Dixie State is coached by former Hornet OC and QB coach Paul Peterson. Offensively, the Trailblazers like to spread things out and let their 6’-7” QB Kody Wilstead (96/167, 1339 yds, 10 TD, 0 INT) spread the ball around. WRs Deven Osborn (30 rec, 441 yds, 3 TD) and Jalen Powell (21 rec, 305 yds, 1 TD) are the top targets. Wilstead has a good arm and will find the open targets if given the time. RB Quali Conley (83 car, 400 yds, 4 TD, 14 rec, 207 yds, 2 TD) is a multi-purpose back that poses a threat out of the backfield.
The Trailblazer defense runs a 4-2-5 defensive set that gave up an average of 31 points to its D1 competition last spring. Both leading tacklers return, LBs Malaki Malaki (39 tkl, 3.5 TFL, 1 sack) and Mark Lopez (37 tkl, 2 TFL). DE Isaac Foto (28 tkl, 5.5 TFL, 2.5 sack) led the team in sacks last spring. There is some size on the DSU interior but not much else is notable.
Dixie State struggled in the kicking game last spring. K James Baird (7/11 FG, 14/16 PAT) missed half of his FGs that were longer than 40 yards out but he did make one from 50 and had one blocked.
The Trailblazers have some weapons on offense which could get going given the question marks on the defensive side for the Hornets. Defensively I have a hard time seeing the Trailblazers slowing down the talented Hornet offense if Dunniway or O’Hara or Bennett get into rhythm. Hornets should win if they show up and take care of business.
Stingers Up!
Hornetsports Week 1 Preview
Well it finally happened. The powers that be finally let us ingrates have football again.
The Hornets look to defend their 2019 BSC Title and open the season with a road game at the Dixie State (soon to be Utah Tech) Trailblazers. DSU is in their 2nd season in transition from D2 to D1, the first being a brief 5 game season last spring in which they went 2-3. This will be their first season in the WAC.
Dixie State is coached by former Hornet OC and QB coach Paul Peterson. Offensively, the Trailblazers like to spread things out and let their 6’-7” QB Kody Wilstead (96/167, 1339 yds, 10 TD, 0 INT) spread the ball around. WRs Deven Osborn (30 rec, 441 yds, 3 TD) and Jalen Powell (21 rec, 305 yds, 1 TD) are the top targets. Wilstead has a good arm and will find the open targets if given the time. RB Quali Conley (83 car, 400 yds, 4 TD, 14 rec, 207 yds, 2 TD) is a multi-purpose back that poses a threat out of the backfield.
The Trailblazer defense runs a 4-2-5 defensive set that gave up an average of 31 points to its D1 competition last spring. Both leading tacklers return, LBs Malaki Malaki (39 tkl, 3.5 TFL, 1 sack) and Mark Lopez (37 tkl, 2 TFL). DE Isaac Foto (28 tkl, 5.5 TFL, 2.5 sack) led the team in sacks last spring. There is some size on the DSU interior but not much else is notable.
Dixie State struggled in the kicking game last spring. K James Baird (7/11 FG, 14/16 PAT) missed half of his FGs that were longer than 40 yards out but he did make one from 50 and had one blocked.
The Trailblazers have some weapons on offense which could get going given the question marks on the defensive side for the Hornets. Defensively I have a hard time seeing the Trailblazers slowing down the talented Hornet offense if Dunniway or O’Hara or Bennett get into rhythm. Hornets should win if they show up and take care of business.
Stingers Up!
Hornetsports Week 1 Preview
The Dixie QB is the real deal and will light up the secondary. Need to stuff the run and outscore them. Home team adds 3pts and this is no S. Oregon. Peterson will be gunning for a W against his old team.
BuckeyeHornetFan
Active member
Is the game televised? I haven’t seen it anywhere.
Used to be I could find it on PlutoTV. But now with the ESPN deal — where is it?
**EDIT: After further review, I found it!**
https://www.espn.com/watch/player?id=1c037b56-95fc-4fd0-b1e7-c9f26b8a3a8d
Good thing I have ESPN+ with my cellular plan!
Used to be I could find it on PlutoTV. But now with the ESPN deal — where is it?
**EDIT: After further review, I found it!**
https://www.espn.com/watch/player?id=1c037b56-95fc-4fd0-b1e7-c9f26b8a3a8d
Good thing I have ESPN+ with my cellular plan!
BuckeyeHornetFan
Active member
Kadeezy said:
Yeah, thanks. I ended up finding it almost immediately after that post. For some reason I couldn't edit using my freaking iPad and had to use my computer instead.
Luckily I have ESPN+ included with my Disney+ bundle.
superhornet
Active member
Lookie what the team did...how cool is THAT?!?
Kadeezy
Active member
12-7 Hornets at the Half.
Quick thoughts:
1. Wish Thomson would’ve taken that 8th year of eligibility. O’Hara runs and throws fades. Dunniway is a better thrower with a low ceiling. Why not toss Bennett out there too?
2. Pass Coverage is going to be an issue.
3. Northern Iowa might kill us next week.
Quick thoughts:
1. Wish Thomson would’ve taken that 8th year of eligibility. O’Hara runs and throws fades. Dunniway is a better thrower with a low ceiling. Why not toss Bennett out there too?
2. Pass Coverage is going to be an issue.
3. Northern Iowa might kill us next week.
superhornet
Active member
Don't bother watching Yahoo! Sports for THIS game. They list Bennett as the starting QB, but have NO stats for ANYBODY; they say that stats will be available AFTER the game. This site is supposed to have near-real-time updates. What gives?!?
