Week 10: Sac State vs (#3) Montana State

[SDHornet]

Week 10: Sac State vs (#3) Montana State

The Hornets (6-3, 4-2 BSC) stay in town and face a top ranked Montana State (7-1, 4-1 BSC) that is coming into this game off of a complete demolition of North Dakota. MSU has not had many dominating wins this season but have managed to win almost all of the close ones. This Bobcat team is very talented on both sides of the ball and are looking to keep their BSC Championship hopes alive.

Offense
I haven’t seen much of MSU this season but they returned a lot of weapons from last season and based on the stat sheets it looks like they move the ball well. I read that MSU has some issues with the OL early in the season but it appears those kinks have been worked out. (#9) DeNarius McGhee is a dual threat QB that can make plays outside of the pocket. McGhee and the Bobcat offense have plenty of options to choose from. MSU has two excellent RB’s in (#25) Cody Kirk and (#8) Orenzo Davis. Both have gotten about an equal amount of touches. I believe Kirk is their pounder and Davis is their dasher. Their passing attack has stud WR (#86) Tanner Bleskin and (#4) Jon Ellis as their primary targets. Bleskin is a playmaker and will be hard to stop.

Based on the participation report MSU’s base set is out of the single back formation with multiple WR’s. I recall them running quite a few different formations during last season’s game and they probably do the same this season as well.

Season Stats/Averages:

• • Rushing Offense: 185.0 ypg (4.0 ypr), 23 TD’s (33rd FCS, 4th BSC)
  • Passing Offense: 272.9 ypg (10.5 ypc), 17 TD’s (20th FCS, 5th BSC)
  • Total Offense: 457.9 ypg (5.5 ypp), 40 TD’s, 7 FG’s (13th FCS, 2nd BSC)
  • Time of Possession: 34:23
  • Turnovers: 18 (10 Fum’s, 8 INT’s)
  • Penalties: 56 for 563 yds (70.4 ypg)
  • QB: (#9) DeNarius McGhee: 204 of 294 for 2,142 yds, 17 TD’s, 8 INT’s, 79 carries for 184 yds, 4 TD’s
  • RB: (#25) Cody Kirk: 105 carries for 509 yds, 9 TD’s, 9 recs for 54 yds
  • RB: (#8) Orenzo Davis: 107 carries for 475 yds, 6 TD’s, 12 recs for 90 yds
  • WR: (#86) Tanner Bleskin: 51 recs for 667 yds, 3 TD’s
  • WR: (#4) Jon Ellis: 39 recs for 399 yds, 5 TD’s

The Hornet front 6 have been playing well this season. They are going to have to have a stellar game if they want to disrupt the MSU offense. The DL has proved it can go toe-to-toe with anyone and they will need to bring it this week. The tricky part will be getting pressure on McGhee and containing him at the same time. The Hornets cannot allow big plays to happen due to missed tackles in the backfield or blown containment. The Hornet secondary has been a disaster this season and I expect MSU to move the ball with ease if the DL can’t get pressure.

The knock on MSU is poor ball control. They have put the ball on the ground quite a bit this season and McGhee has been good for an INT a game so far. If the Hornets can force some turnovers it should keep this game close.

Defense
MSU operates out of the 4-3 and they statistically have the best defense in the BSC. This unit ranks atop the BSC in almost every defensive category and are a physical group. The MSU DL is led by DE (#49) Caleb Schreibeis and this group can get after the QB and is stout against the run as well. The DL is supported by a solid group of LB’s lead by (#23) Jody Owens. The MSU secondary is a very good unit and intercepted opponents 9 times this season. It’s hard to find a weak link in this defense and considering how well statistically they have preformed, it’s amazing that there have been a lot of close games that MSU has been in.

Season Stats/Averages:

• • Rushing Defense: 63.9 ypg (2.3 ypr), 5 TD’s (3rd FCS, 1st BSC)
  • Passing Defense: 221.9 ypg (11.5 ypc), 11 TD’s (66th FCS, 2nd BSC)
  • Total Defense: 285.8 ypg (4.5 ypp), 16 TD’s, 15 FG’s (6th FCS, 1st BSC)
  • Opponent Time of Possession: 25:24
  • Turnovers Forced: 12 (3 Fum’s, 9 INT’s)
  • Opponents Penalties: 56 for 473 yds (59.1 ypg)
  • LB: (#23)Jody Owens: 56 tackles, 8 TFL’s, 3 sacks, 2 FF’s
  • LB: (#2) Na’a Moeakiola: 51 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 1 INT, 4 BU’s, 5 PD’s
  • CB: (#37) Deonte Flowers: 39 tackles, 1.5 TFL’s, 1 BU, 1 PD
  • FS: (#1) Steven Bethley: 27 tackles, 1 TFL’s, 2 INT’s, 5 BU’s, 7 PD’s
  • DE: (#49) Caleb Schreibeis: 25 tackles, 9 TFL’s, 7.5 sacks, 1 BU, 1 PD, 3 FF’s

I’m not sure what the Hornet game plan will be heading into this one. The MSU defense looks stout on every facet and the Hornets will need to have another stellar performance to move the ball. Safron will have to bring his “A” game again and the OL absolutely has to have a good game against a very talented MSU DL. The Hornets have to take care of the football, they are still making too many turnovers and the Hornets cannot afford those kinds of mistakes against a team as good as MSU.

Special Teams
I’m not sure if MSU runs any weird quirks on special teams but their kicker looks solid and the punting looks decent. MSU has allowed a blocked punt so there might be an opportunity to create something there. MSU does have a capable kick returner in (#14) Everett Gilbert.

Season Stats/Averages:

• • K/P: (#18) Rory Perez: 7/9 FG’s (long of 45 yds), 32/34 PAT’s, 22 punts for 866 yds (39.4 ypp), 1 TB, 8 FC’s, 9 I-20
  • KR: (#14) Everett Gilbert: 8 kr’s for 217 yds (27.1 ypr), 10 pr’s for 123 yds (12.3 ypr)
  • KR/PR: (#33) Shawn Johnson: 8 kr’s for 168 yds (21.0 ypr), 19 pr’s for 147 yds (7.7 ypr)
  • Kick Coverage: Allowed 555 yds on 25 returns (22.2 ypr)
  • Punt Coverage: Allowed 55 yds on 11 returns (5.0 ypr)

The Hornets might be able to break open a kick return for good yards but half of the MSU kick offs have gone for a touchback. The Hornet kick coverage will need to keep their returners under wraps. The Hornets didn’t do a great job of it last week and will need to get it back in gear. The Hornets are due for a big play on special teams. They will need a solid effort in this area if the Hornets want to see victory.

Intangibles
Ball control will be a key to this game. Both teams have struggled to protect the ball. I’m not sure how MSU is doing on the injury front. I think Kirk was banged up early in the season. The Hornets were missing Weaver last week and I don’t know if he will return. Todd Davis looks to have suffered a leg injury in last week’s game. He will be needed to clog up the MSU running game.

The Hornets need a win against MSU to keep their playoff hopes alive. MSU is in the hunt for a BSC Championship and it would be nice for the Hornets to spoil those thoughts. This is going to be a very tough game and the Hornets are going to have to pick it up mentally and emotionally for this one. It has been an interesting ride so far and hopefully the Hornets can step up their game yet again and pull off an upset.

Go Hornets!

Game Info

• • Kickoff: Saturday, November 3rd @ 4:00 PM Pacific time @ Hornet Stadium.
  • TV: Root Sports
  • Video/Internet: None
  • Audio/Radio: 93.1 FM, audio link available on Hornetsports.com
  o http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/csus.portal#

 

[superhornet]

So no BSTV?

:thumbdown:

 

[SactoHornetAlum]

So no BSTV?

:thumbdown:

You should have known by now that because of the Root Sports agreement with the conference they get exclusive coverage. It was announced way back when the deal was struck in the summertime.

 

[SloStang]

So no BSTV?

:thumbdown:

You should have known by now that because of the Root Sports agreement with the conference they get exclusive coverage. It was announced way back when the deal was struck in the summertime.

I for one am happy this game is on Root. I will be in Cheney watching the Mustangs take on the Eagles. I will have my DVR set to record for this game. Now beat the Bobcats so I will want to watch it when I get home. :thumb:

 

[DrMike]

definately a winnable game for the Hornets, especially after the last two weeks. MSU is pretty solid, but, they have had a tendency to make mistakes. their turnovers let the Aggies back in the game a few weeks ago; in contrast, they took advantage of every Davis mistake, turning them into TD's. QB is a stud; he turned a half dozen plays from big losses, to big gains, a real momentum changer. they couldn't run vs. Davis. they have the mentality of a champion, but, the Hornets have shown that same mentality.

i know the World Series was on, but i was really shocked to see an announced crowd of ~8000 vs. Poly.

 

[SDHornet]

So no BSTV?

:thumbdown:

You should have known by now that because of the Root Sports agreement with the conference they get exclusive coverage. It was announced way back when the deal was struck in the summertime.

Darn, I have to go to a bar and watch this one. Woe is me.

 

[cats25061]

Pretty accurate write up in the first post.

We are pretty much back to full strength, we had several injuries in the DL early in the year and they all were back just before the EWU game and look pretty well healed after the bye week. Kirk missed 2-3 games and looks to be full strength again.

The Cats are a very resilient and determined team and look to be peaking at the right time.

Looking at the stats, SAC looks to be a pretty solid team, like us turnovers seem to be the key. Last week we didn't turn the ball over at all, Looking for a good game and hopefully the Cats can come home with a win, I just don't want any part of a game like 2 years ago, I about died of a heart attack during that game.

 

[cats25061]

definately a winnable game for the Hornets, especially after the last two weeks. MSU is pretty solid, but, they have had a tendency to make mistakes. their turnovers let the Aggies back in the game a few weeks ago; in contrast, they took advantage of every Davis mistake, turning them into TD's. QB is a stud; he turned a half dozen plays from big losses, to big gains, a real momentum changer. they couldn't run vs. Davis. they have the mentality of a champion, but, the Hornets have shown that same mentality.

i know the World Series was on, but i was really shocked to see an announced crowd of ~8000 vs. Poly.

Davis stacked the box big time against us, we were missing our LG, DE and Kirk, Minter and Bleskin were not a full strength yet, I felt lucky to get out of that game with a win, possibly one of our worst games of the year.

 

[DrMike]

the cats looked like the #1 team in the nation vs. Davis in the 2Q; looked like Azusa Pacific in the 3Q. Then regrouped and did what they had to win in the 4Q. i guess the fact that you guys ran for 436 yards last week vs North Dakota makes my statement about 'they couldn't run' look a little silly, huh? if MSU has no turnovers, they probably win next saturday. should be a good game. no excuse for a small crowd.

 

[superhornet]

Why don't you just go to PB Hooters, SD?

I'll have to see if our local A&W has a dish or "just" Comcast, which doesn't have Root in our area....

 

[Green Laser]

Why don't you just go to PB Hooters, SD?

I'll have to see if our local A&W has a dish or "just" Comcast, which doesn't have Root in our area....

What about traveling the 30 miles to watch in person?

 

[Green Laser]

the cats looked like the #1 team in the nation vs. Davis in the 2Q; looked like Azusa Pacific in the 3Q. Then regrouped and did what they had to win in the 4Q. i guess the fact that you guys ran for 436 yards last week vs North Dakota makes my statement about 'they couldn't run' look a little silly, huh? if MSU has no turnovers, they probably win next saturday. should be a good game. no excuse for a small crowd.

Not trying to excuse the 8,000 turn out for Cal Poly but I think that Halloween Saturday party night along with the Giants World Series game had a lot to do with it. It seemed there was a little older crowd than usual, not as many college age kids. Didn't you guys draw even less for Portland State? I remember a few years ago we drew about 4,000 or so on Halloween weekend.

 

[superhornet]

Why don't you just go to PB Hooters, SD?

I'll have to see if our local A&W has a dish or "just" Comcast, which doesn't have Root in our area....

What about traveling the 30 miles to watch in person?

That unfortunately requires cash I don't have right now. If the game were happening after Thanksgiving, I likely wouldn't have a problem....

 

[Green Laser]

Why don't you just go to PB Hooters, SD?

I'll have to see if our local A&W has a dish or "just" Comcast, which doesn't have Root in our area....

What about traveling the 30 miles to watch in person?

That unfortunately requires cash I don't have right now. If the game were happening after Thanksgiving, I likely wouldn't have a problem....

Hopefully if we win the next two there will be a game happening after Thanksgiving!

 

[SJHornet]

If Safron can have a game like this last weekend, I think we have the edge. His quick decision making and accuracy will be pivotal against that Cat defense. Their ability to apply pressure will test him and the Hornet O-line, but I think the recieving core will turn up big in this game. Our ability to stop the run and avoid long yardage plays worries me a little bit, but if we stick our tackles we should be fine. Simple mistakes may be the key. Last week we gave up quite a few unessasary points thanks to turn overs and missed tackles, and we cannot afford to do that against Montana State. Our confidence will be high, and I hope we use that to our advantage. Facing a team with a number next to its name is intimidating and never easy, but we gave Eastern a hell of a fight on the red abomination, and took down Poly. I see us smiling another week, but it won't be easy.

 

[superhornet]

Why don't you just go to PB Hooters, SD?

I'll have to see if our local A&W has a dish or "just" Comcast, which doesn't have Root in our area....

What about traveling the 30 miles to watch in person?

That unfortunately requires cash I don't have right now. If the game were happening after Thanksgiving, I likely wouldn't have a problem....

Hopefully if we win the next two there will be a game happening after Thanksgiving!

If we get a home game, you better believe I'll be at the ticket office. The thing is, I'm currently making a bracket (and shuffled it as best I could for regionalization) based on the assumption that we win out, and I STILL have us on the road for a play-in game.

 

[BuckeyeHornetFan]

It's been a pretty good season for BuckeyeHornetFan thus far. Ohio State is 9-0 and the Hornets are 6-3. Since OSU can't participate in a Bowl game, the Hornets are my only hope for postseason success. I just hope they can keep things rolling this weekend against MSU. They need this game badly. I'm planning on being in attendance.

Did I read correctly that the game is at 4:05pm rather than 6:05pm? I thought the Northern Colorado game was the only early home start we had.

 

[SactoHornetAlum]

4:05pm start due to television (Root Sports telecast).

 

[Kadeezy]

Why don't you just go to PB Hooters, SD?

I'll have to see if our local A&W has a dish or "just" Comcast, which doesn't have Root in our area....

What about traveling the 30 miles to watch in person?

That unfortunately requires cash I don't have right now. If the game were happening after Thanksgiving, I likely wouldn't have a problem....

SH, I will happily fund gas money (bus ticket, etc.) for you and a General Admission ticket to see you enjoy this game. No fooling.

 

[superhornet]

PM me. I'm DEFINITELY interested....