Week 1 @ Dixe State (first depth chart!)

[Kadeezy]

I know 2019 spoiled us all - but Hornets definitely looked rusty tonight in victory.

Penalties, missed tackles, blown coverages (lucky DSU couldn’t hit on several), poor clock management, missed FG.

A “W” on the road is a “W” on the road - but we didn’t wow any voters or future opponents tonight.

 

[HornetHope]

I know 2019 spoiled us all - but Hornets definitely looked rusty tonight in victory.

Penalties, missed tackles, blown coverages (lucky DSU couldn’t hit on several), poor clock management, missed FG.

A “W” on the road is a “W” on the road - but we didn’t wow any voters or future opponents tonight.

It is a W, and considering we were playing DSU and the refs I am ok. There are several items to clean up, first being the O line will need to keep the D out of the backfield on run plays. I think Asher pulls the ball down and runs to quickly. He was close on several throws, a few more weeks with the receivers will help.

D did ok but a bit concerned with too many receivers getting behind the coverage with nobody within 10 yards. Next week looks pretty daunting from what UNI did to hold ISU to16. If the QB would have connected the final score would have been different.

Special teams looked fine.

 

[OldSchoolHornet]

Only half the college football teams in America are undefeated this morning so we have every reason to celebrate that victory. Having said that, I can't help but agree with the previous posters who have pointed out glaring issues with the secondary and the offensive line. With the notable performances from multiple Big Sky teams this weekend we better elevate the play on both sides of the ball quickly.

 

[superhornet]

A “W” on the road is a “W” on the road - but we didn’t wow any voters or future opponents tonight.

Given what SDSU, the Manure Pile, and especially the Griz pulled off, you're exactly correct, Kadeezy. Our votes will come later as we shake off that rust, settle on a starting QB (even if there's something of a rotation or special situation thing like the Saints have had the last few years), and get comfortable kicking everyone's butts. I STILL have faith we're going to take out Cal and everyone else on the schedule. Call me crazy, but I do....

 

[SDHornet]

19-7 Hornet win over Dixie State.

I agree with what has already been said but I'll put in my :twocents: . A road win is a road win even if it is an ugly win against a program that doesn't have much D-1 talent on its roster. This was for first game in 91 weeks so not too surprised things seemed out of sync at times.

OL has to be the greatest concern at this point. They looked fat and out of shape and were way slower than Dixie's small and inferior DL. I hope that is just rust but the Hornets were beat off the snap on almost every play.

O'Hara looks electric. His running ability will be a threat and he made some good throws that just missed. He'll be fine with more game time reps.

Defensively the front 6 played pretty well and aggressive against an inferior OL. The secondary got lucky DSU missed on a couple of wide open bombs down the field...but truth be told I'm expecting this unit to get torched when the front 6 can't get pressure up front.

I thought UNI would be a toss up, but after that performance by the OL I'm not sure the game will even be close.

 

[Kadeezy]

19-7 Hornet win over Dixie State.

I agree with what has already been said but I'll put in my :twocents: . A road win is a road win even if it is an ugly win against a program that doesn't have much D-1 talent on its roster. This was for first game in 91 weeks so not too surprised things seemed out of sync at times.

OL has to be the greatest concern at this point. They looked fat and out of shape and were way slower than Dixie's small and inferior DL. I hope that is just rust but the Hornets were beat off the snap on almost every play.

O'Hara looks electric. His running ability will be a threat and he made some good throws that just missed. He'll be fine with more game time reps.

Defensively the front 6 played pretty well and aggressive against an inferior OL. The secondary got lucky DSU missed on a couple of wide open bombs down the field...but truth be told I'm expecting this unit to get torched when the front 6 can't get pressure up front.

I thought UNI would be a toss up, but after that performance by the OL I'm not sure the game will even be close.

Agree the OL was getting beat, badly - with 3 returning starters and two legit transfers. That’s gotta improve. When Dunniway was in DSU dropped the QB spy, and the handoffs to Dot and Perk finally got going though.

 

[BuckeyeHornetFan]

I posted the following on another site not long after the game ended on SAT, and am reposting it here as it best echoes my thoughts fresh off watching the game:
=========================================

Well, they surely didn’t look very good tonight. I realize they had 91 weeks between games, but still. Dixie State wasn’t very good. A former D2 program playing D1 FCS for the 1st time.

Sac State’s offensive line was atrocious in protection and blocking the DE’s on run plays. The defense was decent, but lots of blown coverages and they were extremely lucky not to surrender 2 long TD’s.

They still don’t put the ball in Elijah Dotson’s hands in space enough. That’s been the case since Taylor took over the program. I’m not sure what the issue or logic is there.

Asher O’Hara can run the ball, but can he sling it? He rarely had time to find out.

UNI fared pretty good against Iowa State today. Without some major improvement, it may be a really bad week next week.

And Montana beat UW today.

The Hornet team I saw tonight couldn’t compete with either UNI or UM. Hope that changes.

IDK what’s up with the new high level talent Taylor and Co. brought in. I didn’t see Ariel Ngata or Deshawn Lynch play a snap, among others.

 

[BuckeyeHornetFan]

19-7 Hornet win over Dixie State.

I agree with what has already been said but I'll put in my :twocents: . A road win is a road win even if it is an ugly win against a program that doesn't have much D-1 talent on its roster. This was for first game in 91 weeks so not too surprised things seemed out of sync at times.

OL has to be the greatest concern at this point. They looked fat and out of shape and were way slower than Dixie's small and inferior DL. I hope that is just rust but the Hornets were beat off the snap on almost every play.

O'Hara looks electric. His running ability will be a threat and he made some good throws that just missed. He'll be fine with more game time reps.

Defensively the front 6 played pretty well and aggressive against an inferior OL. The secondary got lucky DSU missed on a couple of wide open bombs down the field...but truth be told I'm expecting this unit to get torched when the front 6 can't get pressure up front.

I thought UNI would be a toss up, but after that performance by the OL I'm not sure the game will even be close.

Agree the OL was getting beat, badly - with 3 returning starters and two legit transfers. That’s gotta improve. When Dunniway was in DSU dropped the QB spy, and the handoffs to Dot and Perk finally got going though.

The OL was dreadful. IMO the worth group I saw on SAT, followed by the DB’s.

I believe the blocking schemes need to be altered. At least a half dozen times I saw a pulling lineman unable to get out to block a crashing DE. Based upon the talent level of the players, I believe that’s poor scheme. They just don’t appear capable of making those blocks on time.

I can’t recall an instance where they ran a sweep or stretch play where the DE was unblocked and hitting Dotson or
Perk in the backfield right after the handoff.

Also, the OC has got to pick his spots better using the delayed shovel pass. Opponents are on to that play.

 

[BuckeyeHornetFan]

O'Hara looks electric. His running ability will be a threat and he made some good throws that just missed. He'll be fine with more game time reps. .

The jury is still out on this one for me.

He surely does look mobile. And surely better than Dunniway, who has never impressed me. But it’s hard to know the level of passer he might be because he almost never had time to make any reads. He was pressured immediately much of the time.

The few times he did have some time he missed on some throws.

I’d really like to see Bennett play over Dunniway who we already know isn’t very dynanmic. I’ve seen enough of Kaiden from his HS days to know that he has more talent and skill.

 

[Sac_hornets]

Well, they surely didn’t look very good tonight. I realize they had 91 weeks between games, but still. Dixie State wasn’t very good. A former D2 program playing D1 FCS for the 1st time.

[/quote]
I don’t think anyone is giving Dixie State enough credit, they were playing D1 teams in the spring and played fairly well. Beating Tarleton State, played well against New Mexico State and almost beating Kennesaw State. They play Weber state next week, so that will be a good comparison after seeing them play Weber.

Our O-line does need work though, and the timing between O’Hara and wideouts will get better.

 

[Kadeezy]

O'Hara looks electric. His running ability will be a threat and he made some good throws that just missed. He'll be fine with more game time reps. .

The jury is still out on this one for me.

He surely does look mobile. And surely better than Dunniway, who has never impressed me. But it’s hard to know the level of passer he might be because he almost never had time to make any reads. He was pressured immediately much of the time.

The few times he did have some time he missed on some throws.

I’d really like to see Bennett play over Dunniway who we already know isn’t very dynanmic. I’ve seen enough of Kaiden from his HS days to know that he has more talent and skill.

Figured it out everyone.

QB Dunniway
WR O’Hara
RB Bennett

Dunniway in the middle, all three in motion, snap to anyone, anyone can throw or run, three man weave, let’s go.

 

[superhornet]

O'Hara looks electric. His running ability will be a threat and he made some good throws that just missed. He'll be fine with more game time reps. .

The jury is still out on this one for me.

He surely does look mobile. And surely better than Dunniway, who has never impressed me. But it’s hard to know the level of passer he might be because he almost never had time to make any reads. He was pressured immediately much of the time.

The few times he did have some time he missed on some throws.

I’d really like to see Bennett play over Dunniway who we already know isn’t very dynanmic. I’ve seen enough of Kaiden from his HS days to know that he has more talent and skill.

Figured it out everyone.

QB Dunniway
WR O’Hara
RB Bennett

Dunniway in the middle, all three in motion, snap to anyone, anyone can throw or run, three man weave, let’s go.

I was about to say that would work if we left the Big Sky for, say, the Canada West Conference, but then I realized that you didn't say anything about motion in any and all directions.

:doh:

 

[superhornet]

That said, I HAVE in the past had in mind a formation I like to call the Double-Barrelled Shotgun, which would feature two QBs five yards behind the center, with LQB calling signals, and the snap going to either LQB or RQB, depending on the play. It would be sufficiently close to Single Wing to enable spinner plays, and sufficiently close to a gun-based West Coast attack to enable a good passing attack. It would be weak on running plays, though, unless both QBs are mobile enough to enable a speed option or zone read attack. The great benefits would be, of course, the confusion to the defense in terms of who's in charge and who throws, and in the potential of an ambidextrous attack if LQB is left-handed. You could think of other advantages, I'm sure....

 

[SDHornet]

They still don’t put the ball in Elijah Dotson’s hands in space enough. That’s been the case since Taylor took over the program. I’m not sure what the issue or logic is there.



IDK what’s up with the new high level talent Taylor and Co. brought in. I didn’t see Ariel Ngata or Deshawn Lynch play a snap, among others.

Dotson had 14 touches, 11 on the run. Problem was the line getting blown up whenever they pulled a guard. He also had some space on a couple of screens that would have gone for a good chunk of yards had the OL actually blocked someone on the screen.

I think I saw something about Ngata being hurt. No idea on Lynch.

 

[SDHornet]

I don’t think anyone is giving Dixie State enough credit, they were playing D1 teams in the spring and played fairly well. Beating Tarleton State, played well against New Mexico State and almost beating Kennesaw State. They play Weber state next week, so that will be a good comparison after seeing them play Weber.

Our O-line does need work though, and the timing between O’Hara and wideouts will get better.

Their roster has no where near the depth of D1 caliber talent that the Hornets have. They did play up and had lots of energy, so credit to them. I'm sure rust had a bit to do with how off the Hornets looked. Near term DSU/Utah Tech will get better once they get more D1 talent on the roster, but we should have won by more than 12...and we would have if the OL player better. I think DSU was 19.5 point dogs going into this game.

This Hornet team will improve so there is no reason to panic, the bad news is we have 2 of our toughest games in a row in which to figure this out.

 

[SDHornet]

O'Hara looks electric. His running ability will be a threat and he made some good throws that just missed. He'll be fine with more game time reps. .

The jury is still out on this one for me.

He surely does look mobile. And surely better than Dunniway, who has never impressed me. But it’s hard to know the level of passer he might be because he almost never had time to make any reads. He was pressured immediately much of the time.

The few times he did have some time he missed on some throws.

I’d really like to see Bennett play over Dunniway who we already know isn’t very dynanmic. I’ve seen enough of Kaiden from his HS days to know that he has more talent and skill.

Figured it out everyone.

QB Dunniway
WR O’Hara
RB Bennett

Dunniway in the middle, all three in motion, snap to anyone, anyone can throw or run, three man weave, let’s go.

:lol:

 

[BuckeyeHornetFan]

They still don’t put the ball in Elijah Dotson’s hands in space enough. That’s been the case since Taylor took over the program. I’m not sure what the issue or logic is there.



IDK what’s up with the new high level talent Taylor and Co. brought in. I didn’t see Ariel Ngata or Deshawn Lynch play a snap, among others.

Dotson had 14 touches, 11 on the run. Problem was the line getting blown up whenever they pulled a guard. He also had some space on a couple of screens that would have gone for a good chunk of yards had the OL actually blocked someone on the screen.

I think I saw something about Ngata being hurt. No idea on Lynch.

11 carries ain’t enough.

I like Perk a lot, but he shouldn’t be on the field more or getting near as many touches.

If the line can’t pull, then give Dot the same straight ahead opportunities as Perk. One seam and he could be gone.

That’s what we saw from Dot his Sophomore season. But now Taylor turned him into largely a receiving back.

 

[BuckeyeHornetFan]

I don’t think anyone is giving Dixie State enough credit, they were playing D1 teams in the spring and played fairly well. Beating Tarleton State, played well against New Mexico State and almost beating Kennesaw State. They play Weber state next week, so that will be a good comparison after seeing them play Weber.

Our O-line does need work though, and the timing between O’Hara and wideouts will get better.

Their roster has no where near the depth of D1 caliber talent that the Hornets have. They did play up and had lots of energy, so credit to them. I'm sure rust had a bit to do with how off the Hornets looked. Near term DSU/Utah Tech will get better once they get more D1 talent on the roster, but we should have won by more than 12...and we would have if the OL player better. I think DSU was 19.5 point dogs going into this game.

This Hornet team will improve so there is no reason to panic, the bad news is we have 2 of our toughest games in a row in which to figure this out.

Exactly right.

 

[SDHornet]

They still don’t put the ball in Elijah Dotson’s hands in space enough. That’s been the case since Taylor took over the program. I’m not sure what the issue or logic is there.



IDK what’s up with the new high level talent Taylor and Co. brought in. I didn’t see Ariel Ngata or Deshawn Lynch play a snap, among others.

Dotson had 14 touches, 11 on the run. Problem was the line getting blown up whenever they pulled a guard. He also had some space on a couple of screens that would have gone for a good chunk of yards had the OL actually blocked someone on the screen.

I think I saw something about Ngata being hurt. No idea on Lynch.

11 carries ain’t enough.

I like Perk a lot, but he shouldn’t be on the field more or getting near as many touches.

If the line can’t pull, then give Dot the same straight ahead opportunities as Perk. One seam and he could be gone.

That’s what we saw from Dot his Sophomore season. But now Taylor turned him into largely a receiving back.

I’m not opposed to going with what works best, if it’s getting the rock to Dotson then so be it. I also think you’re overlooking the fact that Dotson can also serve a purpose as a decoy which opens up plays for others (see below). Defenses are going to key in on him every game, everyone else will need to step up when their number is called.

Here is the production breakdown sorted by total yards:

Name: touches* (touch %), touch types, total yards*, average yards/touch
• O’Hara: 38/76 (50%), 21 throws, 17 carries for 184 total yds = 4.8 yds/touch
• Perkinson: 11/76 (14.5%), 8 carries, 3 catches for 98 total yds = 8.9 yds/touch
• Dunniway: 9/76 (11.8%), 9 throws for 74 total yds = 8.2 yds/touch
• Fulcher: 9/76 (11.8%), 7 carries, 2 catches for 62 total yds = 6.9 yds/touch
• Dotson: 14/76 (18.4%), 11 carries, 3 catches for 57 total yds = 4.1 yds/touch
• Martin: 7/76 (9.2%), 7 catches for 56 total yds = 8.0 yds/touch
• Williams: 3/76 (3.9%), 3 catches for 43 total yds = 14.3 yds/touch
• Gable: 1/76 (1.3%), 1 carry for 10 total yds = 10.0 yds/touch
• Miller: 1/76 (1.3%), 1 catch for 10 total yds = 10.0 yds/touch

Dotson had the most touches second only to O’Hara (starting QB will always win the touch count). The real story here is how well the ball was distributed to this talented offense and how well they stepped up when they got their touches (not that this is a new concept under Taylor). The moment defenses have to adjust to account for the other talent is when Dotson will need to make his presence felt…or they can keep focus on Dotson and get chewed up by everyone else. I’m cool with either one so long as we get the dub.

*Passing yards and passing/catching touches are double counted while total plays remain constant at 76.

 

[BuckeyeHornetFan]

:thumbdown:

They still don’t put the ball in Elijah Dotson’s hands in space enough. That’s been the case since Taylor took over the program. I’m not sure what the issue or logic is there.



IDK what’s up with the new high level talent Taylor and Co. brought in. I didn’t see Ariel Ngata or Deshawn Lynch play a snap, among others.

Dotson had 14 touches, 11 on the run. Problem was the line getting blown up whenever they pulled a guard. He also had some space on a couple of screens that would have gone for a good chunk of yards had the OL actually blocked someone on the screen.

I think I saw something about Ngata being hurt. No idea on Lynch.

11 carries ain’t enough.

I like Perk a lot, but he shouldn’t be on the field more or getting near as many touches.

If the line can’t pull, then give Dot the same straight ahead opportunities as Perk. One seam and he could be gone.

That’s what we saw from Dot his Sophomore season. But now Taylor turned him into largely a receiving back.

I’m not opposed to going with what works best, if it’s getting the rock to Dotson then so be it. I also think you’re overlooking the fact that Dotson can also serve a purpose as a decoy which opens up plays for others (see below). Defenses are going to key in on him every game, everyone else will need to step up when their number is called.

Here is the production breakdown sorted by total yards:

Name: touches* (touch %), touch types, total yards*, average yards/touch
• O’Hara: 38/76 (50%), 21 throws, 17 carries for 184 total yds = 4.8 yds/touch
• Perkinson: 11/76 (14.5%), 8 carries, 3 catches for 98 total yds = 8.9 yds/touch
• Dunniway: 9/76 (11.8%), 9 throws for 74 total yds = 8.2 yds/touch
• Fulcher: 9/76 (11.8%), 7 carries, 2 catches for 62 total yds = 6.9 yds/touch
• Dotson: 14/76 (18.4%), 11 carries, 3 catches for 57 total yds = 4.1 yds/touch
• Martin: 7/76 (9.2%), 7 catches for 56 total yds = 8.0 yds/touch
• Williams: 3/76 (3.9%), 3 catches for 43 total yds = 14.3 yds/touch
• Gable: 1/76 (1.3%), 1 carry for 10 total yds = 10.0 yds/touch
• Miller: 1/76 (1.3%), 1 catch for 10 total yds = 10.0 yds/touch

Dotson had the most touches second only to O’Hara (starting QB will always win the touch count). The real story here is how well the ball was distributed to this talented offense and how well they stepped up when they got their touches (not that this is a new concept under Taylor). The moment defenses have to adjust to account for the other talent is when Dotson will need to make his presence felt…or they can keep focus on Dotson and get chewed up by everyone else. I’m cool with either one so long as we get the dub.

*Passing yards and passing/catching touches are double counted while total plays remain constant at 76.

The starting QB shouldn’t always win the touch count (in terms of carries) if he’s not the best player. Dotson is the Hornets best play maker and has been for 3 years. Pierre Williams might be 2nd, when healthy. Marshel Martin is right there too.

The QB can act as a bit of a decoy too, no?

You don’t see many other good programs (and coaches) with backs like Dotson “hide” them or use them as decoys too often. Elijah proved he can handle the load. And he has proven to be a helluva receiver. He needs to get Alvin Kamara Saints type touches and play calls in the Hornets system.

Not doing so is doing the opposition a favor.

And Pierre Williams needs to see a consistent amount of targets too.

Good/great offenses get the ball in their best players hands the majority of the time. Some how, some way. IMO Taylor needs to be better about that.

Lastly, my comments/criticism go beyond just last week’s game. It goes back to the 2019 season. Yes, I get that the Hornets had a phenomenal 2019 season. But that doesn’t mean it was perfect or even close to it. And they really limped to the finish line the 2nd half of the season.

Dotson’s production took a big hit under Taylor, which is something I was concerned might happen knowing Taylor’s M.O.

I just hoped he’d implement more of what Kyle Whittingham directed him to do with the running game while at Utah with Zach Moss. When you have an ultra talented back, maximize them.