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Week 10 - Sac State vs Portland State

I remind everyone that the coaching staff was in flux late in the season. On May 6th, Brandyn Thompson joined Defensive coaching staff and took over cornerbacks. Coach Kee moved from cornerbacks to safeties. Misi Tupe joined staff before the spring taking over LB from Thompson. Lots of turnover late on D, in my mind that represents major disruption late in cycle and maybe some of the issues.
 
If Conklin wins the Jerry Rice award he will be pulled to a bigger program, just like Skatte Boo after he won Sky Offensive POY award. We could be looking at another QB reset next year. Winners want to win.
Skatt left because TT left.

Conklin I believe is enjoying SAC St and he’s receiving great game experience. He I’m confident will stay and he will get some NIL next season.

This offseason I’m sure he’ll be in great shape and be ready for 25’
 
. Cooklin is good but doesn’t know how to win yet.

Where do you guys get these types of ideas? While Conklin has been far from perfect, there’s literally nothing substantial to base this outlandish statement upon.

The Hornets are NOT losing games because of their QB.

Did Carson Conklin start calling all his own plays and/or switch over to the defensive side of the ball and I just didn’t notice?

C’mon now.
 
Skataboo would have left even if Troy would have stayed. I watched a couple of AZ State boosters start hustling him immediately after the game right on the field.
I'm not going to tell anyone that I know what the exact NIL number was but it was significant and it went up after he got there.
As far as leadership...strong, respected players have AT LEAST as much impact (positive or negative) on a team as the coaching staff.
I like Andy, but wearing both hats as the HC and DC seem to be too much. I have a difficult time understanding why Andy hasn't turned the defense over to Paulson. Kraig was the DC at Montana when Andy was there and they won a National Championship. He has the ability and credentials to do a great job as the DC and it would free Coach Thompson up to be the best HC he can be.
 
Where do you guys get these types of ideas? While Conklin has been far from perfect, there’s literally nothing substantial to base this outlandish statement upon.

The Hornets are NOT losing games because of their QB.

Did Carson Conklin start calling all his own plays and/or switch over to the defensive side of the ball and I just didn’t notice?

C’mon now.
You obviously don’t know the history of starting freshman QBs. It rarely equates to a winning conference and advancing through first round of playoffs which was the goal for the year!!! Know the history before you say this dumb shit. Yes the D isn’t holding its weight but it’s not like it wasn’t like they were stoppers there even in 2022.
 
You obviously don’t know the history of starting freshman QBs. It rarely equates to a winning conference and advancing through first round of playoffs which was the goal for the year!!! Know the history before you say this dumb shit. Yes the D isn’t holding its weight but it’s not like it wasn’t like they were stoppers there even in 2022.

Coaches brought in young JC transfer also who finished last 5 min of game last night as well.

KB hurt his own reputation with his character.
Bye Felicia!

Coaches must have total feel for team chemistry, leadership, depth charts, and attitudes.

After Troy Taylor left, I never heard the word “love again” from coaching staff.

KB was playing only for himself and he would pout on sidelines if he didn’t get his way.

With NIL. D1 Football has become semi pro league for NFL.

Let’s hope our NIL funds become available where we can bring in high 3 & 4 ⭐️ talent.

Yes… New Leadership too. However I’d try to retain OL / RB / Maybe Cherokee in recruiting?

Not even confident in his role as coach. Seems he’s a better recruiter than coach? TBD
I couldn’t agree more, overall this team has been selfish and that is killing the culture!!
 
You obviously don’t know the history of starting freshman QBs. It rarely equates to a winning conference and advancing through first round of playoffs which was the goal for the year!!! Know the history before you say this dumb shit. Yes the D isn’t holding its weight but it’s not like it wasn’t like they were stoppers there even in 2022.
If KB is same KB from 2023, we don’t lose to Eastern (one score), don’t lose to Idaho St, and possibly not Portland St. Ultimately we’d still likely could make the playoffs. Because when you have a veteran QB that can run for first downs, it controls the game more and helps the d (and this D needs all the help they can get).
 
Skataboo would have left even if Troy would have stayed. I watched a couple of AZ State boosters start hustling him immediately after the game right on the field.
I'm not going to tell anyone that I know what the exact NIL number was but it was significant and it went up after he got there.
As far as leadership...strong, respected players have AT LEAST as much impact (positive or negative) on a team as the coaching staff.
I like Andy, but wearing both hats as the HC and DC seem to be too much. I have a difficult time understanding why Andy hasn't turned the defense over to Paulson. Kraig was the DC at Montana when Andy was there and they won a National Championship. He has the ability and credentials to do a great job as the DC and it would free Coach Thompson up to be the best HC he can be.

Isn't that tampering?
 
The KB criticism is valid. This is a completely different team with a different offensive swagger with KB at the helm. That said it was obvious from the Conklin spot starts last season that he was the heir apparent, and as each week passes and his development continues that is looking more and more like the right call. KB quitting just moved the time table on Conklin's role in this offense up a year. We were going to have growing pains on offense at some point, it's just happening this season instead of next season.

We've never developed a high school quarterback since Garrett Safron...some of you johnny come lately fans probably have no idea who that is so feel free to dig into the record books and compare the two freshman campaigns. I'm bullish on the Hornet offense in the coming years, assuming we can keep Conklin here beyond next season. In the end I think Coach Fresques will be vindicated on the decision to put the eggs in the Conklin basket, because it's certainly trending that direction.

We know the offensive line will be fine under Coach Richardson. With Riley going down that's 3 projected preseason starters not in the lineup and this unit has still held up. The priority will be for the coaches to surround Conklin with talent, which can be addressed with some strategic coaching moves. It's not going to be a tough sell to get playmakers wanting to play catch with a gunslinger like Conklin.

Defense is another matter. I will point out that it is a bit ironic seeing all the Taylor fanboi's calling for Coach Thompson's head considering it was Taylor himself that poached Andy from SUU. Quite the conundrum for the checkers players in the fan base. It's fair to speculate whether or not Coach Thompson is in over his head at head coach, but to say he doesn't know what he is doing on defense is just flat out wrong.

The Hornet secondary has been atrocious for quite some time, and it predates this season...hell it predates multiple head coach/defensive coordinator eras, regardless Coach Thompson is accountable as the buck stops with him. Yes there has been and currently are some good individual talent, but clearly the guys they have on the 2 deep right now aren't very good as a unit. The coaching staff will have to do some soul searching on how to shore that up this offseason.

Experienced and talented dual threat quarterbacks are always going to be a bad matchup for opposing defenses. You see it at the various strata in FBS and it's even more exasperated at the FCS level due to the drop off in defensive talent. Last night Andy threw the kitchen sink at the PSU offense and nothing worked. The Hornets went 4-3 against PSU's 12 and 22 personnel looks, they went man free, zone, blitzes, 8 man coverage in 3rd and long against their spread...we saw it all and nothing worked; the Hornets just got whipped in every facet on that side of the ball.
Great contribution as always. I do say HC carries a lot of responsibilities.
I personally think AT is a better DC than a HC. Maybe he’s spread too thin and not good at managing other coaches?

TALENT on our roster is also HC quality standards.

Look at Idaho / ECK! That dude loses tons of players and he RELOADS!

I prefer building freshman into starters but the PORTAL is a great resource to fill holes and add depth.

Tough choices need to be made!

After last weeks performance: SDH if you were the AD and the season ended last Saturday. Are you staying status quo and silent? Or are you going to make some changes?

I think HC to DC.
New OC to recruit
Sports Medicine / Trainer : NEW
OL coach Richardson - try keep him. Quality
 
Last edited:
If KB is same KB from 2023, we don’t lose to Eastern (one score), don’t lose to Idaho St, and possibly not Portland St. Ultimately we’d still likely could make the playoffs. Because when you have a veteran QB that can run for first downs, it controls the game more and helps the d (and this D needs all the help they can get).
This is the last time I’ll respond regarding comments on KB. The main point i believe Sac st plays a lot better with a proven QB (one with a playoff win) which would make a big difference in these tight games.
 
Great contribution as always. I do say HC carries a lot of responsibilities.
I personally think AT is a better DC than a HC. Maybe he’s spread too thin and not good at managing other coaches?

TALENT on our roster is also HC quality standards.

Look at Idaho / ECK! That dude loses tons of players and he RELOADS!

I prefer building freshman into starters but the PORTAL is a great resource to fill holes and add depth.

Tough choices need to be made!

After last weeks performance: SDH if you were the AD and the season ended last Saturday. Are you staying status quo and silent? Or are you going to make some changes?

I think HC to DC.
New OC to recruit
Sports Medicine / Trainer : NEW
OL coach Richardson - try keep him. Quality
Thanks, someone has to keep an even keel in this place.

If I were AD I wouldn't dabble and I'd let my head coach run his program how he sees fit. I'd also make sure I would be available or provide whatever support and resources in my power to get my coach whatever he asks for/needs so that the program returns to championship caliber form next season. But making specific demands or "recommendations" on what he should do with his staff and roster? No, I'm paying him to make those decisions.
 
Here's what's going to happen IMO:

Orr is going to get in Thompson's ear, he'll be coaching for his job in 2025 with an easier schedule.

New Moves:
Thompson HC only
Paulson DC/DL
Fresques OC Only
Ricky Ray - QB Coach

Fired/Leave:
LaPan
Thompson (DBs)


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I see good points in both of your opinions.

Appears both of you believe based upon your replies is that the coaching staff was too thin and both HC & OC need to do only one job.

With that I could see having patience another season.

I think if Bobby could start being consistent for 4 qtrs we’d be alright. 3rd & 4th qtrs seem to be his challenge as opponents make adjustments to his first half game plan.

I’d add Our Strength & Conditioning needs improvement. Past two season tons of injuries? Coincidence? Not 100% sure but seems like an issue?

Recruiting: They still need to improve the “quality of our roster depth” to be able to compete! I’d grade them on this factor as it’s critical for a playoff run in future.

Kris Richardson I think is an important guy
 

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