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Week 12, Causeway Classic: Sac State @ the farm extension

SDHornet

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Week 12, Causeway Classic: Sac State @ the farm extension

The Hornets (6-4, 4-3 BSC) are coming into this rivalry week off of a bye whereas the farm extension (3-7, 2-5 BSC) is coming into this game off of a demoralizing 31-28 loss at Eastern Washington. The farm extension led EWU for much of the game in a spirited effort, but ultimately they couldn’t get it done.

The Hornets are looking to finish the season with a respectable 7 wins and a very minimal shot at the playoffs. Personally I don’t think the Hornets will see the playoffs with a win in this one, but you never know what might happen. As has been the case in recent years, I expect this game to be a hard fought battle and a close one. The farm extension will be sending Head Coach Biggs off into retirement after this game and they will do everything they can to look for anything that can salvage their terrible season. Hopefully the Hornets can deny them of this satisfaction.

Offense
The farm extension primarily runs out of the single back either from under center or in the shotgun and has been very inconsistent on offense this season. Quarterback (#17) Randy Wright has been sporadic and has about a 1:1 TD to INT ratio on the season. He has a good arm but is hit or miss with his accuracy. He had a decent game against EWU and was pretty solid on the underneath routes. He didn’t take many shots down the field but he has the arm to do so. If he can get into a rhythm, he can move the ball. Their receivers aren’t great, but can get the job done. Wright does a good job of spreading the ball around. They are lead by WR’s (#82) Corey Galindo and (#81) Anthony Soto. TE (#86) Taylor Sloat also sees a fair share of balls thrown his way as well.

The farm extension running game can be respectable at times. The OL has good size but are just an average group. Their running backs are nothing spectacular. (#20) Colton Silvera and (#32) Marquis Nicolis got the most touches this season and have about the same amount of rushing yards. They are best used attacking the edges. However I was most impressed with FB (#47) Dalton Turay during the EWU game. He is a load to take down and is tough to stop in short yardage situations. Their running game was unstoppable against a much smaller EWU front 7. Had they stuck to the run they probably pull the upset or at least send the EWU game into overtime. Instead Biggs put the ball into Wright’s hands and they lost the game.

Season Stats/Averages:
  • • Rushing Offense: 135.5 ypg (3.6 ypr), 19 TD’s (77th FCS, 9th BSC)
    • Passing Offense: 237.2 ypg (11.5 ypc), 12 TD’s (34th FCS, 7th BSC)
    • Total Offense: 372.7 ypg (5.2 ypp), 31 TD’s, 12 FG’s (58th FCS, 10th BSC)
    • Time of Possession: 31:25
    • Turnovers: 24 (10 Fum’s, 14 INT’s)
    • Penalties: 67 for 598 yds (59.8 ypg)
    • QB: (#17) Randy Wright: 180 of 305 for 2,053 yds, 11 TD’s, 12 INT’s
    • RB: (#20) Colton Silvera: 111 carries for 498 yds, 3 TD’s, 11 recs for 51 yds
    • RB: (#32) Marquis Nicolis: 84 carries for 486 yds, 1 TD, 19 recs for 114 yds
    • FB (#47) Dalton Turay: 55 carries for 234 yds, 7 TD’s, 21 recs for 156 yds, 1 TD
    • WR: (#82) Corey Galindo: 30 recs for 556 yds, 3 TD’s
    • WR: (#81) Anthony Soto: 27 recs for 312 yds, 4 TD’s
    • TE (#86) Taylor Sloat: 23 recs for 319 yds, 1 TD
The Hornets will need to get pressure. Wright can get the job done if he has time. EWU struggled to get pressure but when they did, Wright made poor decisions. Parker needs to blitz early and often. If the Hornet DL plays like they have been, they should be able to keep Wright off of his rhythm and give the farm extension stout opposition to their running game. The Hornet defense should be able to keep the farm extension attack under wraps. The Hornet secondary will need to step it up and play a good game. The farm extension will no doubt take advantage of poor tackling and blown coverage.

Defense
The farm extension runs out of the 4-3 set. Their defense is the strength of their team. Their DL is respectable. They don’t have great size up front but they did a capable job of minimizing EWU’s gains on the ground and were able to get pressure on the QB from time to time. The farm extension linebackers are solid. They have good pursuit and are good tacklers. They are led by seniors (#41) Jordan Glass and (#21) Byron Gruendl. It was hard to gauge the farm extension pass defense. EWU has the best receivers in the BSC so obviously they torched their secondary. Statistically their secondary is a middle of the pack unit.

Season Stats/Averages:
  • • Rushing Defense: 165.2 ypg (4.6 ypr), 25 TD’s (74th FCS, 9th BSC)
    • Passing Defense: 234.1 ypg (12.1 ypc), 13 TD’s (84th FCS, 6th BSC)
    • Total Defense: 399.3 ypg (5.9 ypp), 38 TD’s, 6 FG’s (84th FCS, 8th BSC)
    • Opponent Time of Possession: 28:35
    • Turnovers Forced: 24 (16 Fum’s, 8 INT’s)
    • Opponents Penalties: 71 for 596 yds (59.6 ypg)
    • LB: (#46) Jordan Glass: 71 tackles, 9 TFL’s, 3 sacks, 2 INT’s, 1 BU, 3 PD’s
    • LB: (#21) Byron Gruendl: 70 tackles, 4.5 TFL’s, 2 sacks, 2 INT’s, 2 BU’s, 4 PD’s
    • LB: (#33) Steven Pitts: 48 tackles, 1.5 TFL’s, 1 sack, 1 BU, 1 PD, 2 FF’s
    • FS: (#4) Aarynn Jones: 43 tackles, 3 BU’s, 3 PD’s
    • DE: (#18) Nick King: 43 tackles, 11 TFL’s, 5.5 sacks, 2 FF’s
    • CB: (#1) Dre Allen: 39 tackles, 3 TFL’s, 2 BU’s, 2 PD’s
The Hornets should be able to dink and dunk their way down the field as they have done against pretty much every opponent. The Hornets will probably struggle to open up things on the ground as this farm extension LB unit is good at finding the football. EWU had success running the ball early but went away from it and then had no choice but to pass once they fell behind. I think the Hornets will have some success on the ground but it won’t come easy. Offensively, this game should be no different than many others for the Hornets. It will come down to execution and taking care of the football.

The farm extension did have problems containing the mobile EWU QB. Safron should be able to break open some plays with his legs if he has to. If the Hornets can get the ball into the hands of their playmakers in open field, they should be able to rip off some sizeable gains.

Special Teams
The farm extension runs the swinging gate on PAT’s. It got them a 2 point conversion at EWU. They have a good kick returner in (#29) Alex Hines. The farm extension has a great punter in (#90) Colton Schmidt, he is their best player (take that however you want). Their kicker (#38) Brady Stuart is good and has only missed 3 from 49 yards or shorter. Their coverage teams look to be solid. About half of the kickoffs are touchbacks so the kick return opportunities will be minimal.

Season Stats/Averages:
  • • P: (#90) Colton Schmidt: 52 punts for 2,295 yds (44.1 ypp), 5 TB’s, 20 FC’s, 21 I-20, 55 kickoffs for a 6..1 ypk avg. 29 TB’s, 1 OB
    • K: (#38) Brady Stuart: 12/17 FG’s (long of 44 yds), 30/31 PAT’s
    • KR: (#29) Alex Hines: 13 kr’s for 328 yds (25.2 ypr),
    • PR: (#81) Anthony Soto: 9 pr’s for 86 yds (9.6 ypr)
    • Kick Coverage: Allowed 536 yds on 25 returns (21.4 ypr)
    • Punt Coverage: Allowed 92 yds on 17 returns (5.4 ypr)
The Hornets will probably kick away from Hines and go with a pouch kick as they did against MSU 2 weeks ago. The Hornet special teams needs to be on top of their game this week. The farm extension will probably try something tricky to catch the Hornets sleeping. As solid as the farm extension kick coverage has been, I think McCowan can break one open here. He is due for a big play.

Intangibles
The Hornets need to take care of the football. As in any game, turnovers will be key and being sloppy with the football will not help matters. Traditionally the farm extension is a well disciplined team. They did not exemplify this against EWU and I think the frustrations of an embarrassing season are starting to wear on them. The Hornets will need to keep a cool head and not commit stupid mistakes and penalties.

The Hornets need to come out aggressive to win this game. I have the feeling that if the Hornets execute and take care of the football that this game will be a win. However given that this is a rivalry, anything can happen and if the Hornets don’t come in focused they will lose this game. I expect this game to be another hard fought battle and the team that makes the least mistakes will probably come out on top. It would be nice to spoil Biggs’ going away party, and I think the Hornets can deliver on that.

Go Hornets!

Game Info
 
SD: You are correct when you say that our playoff chances are minimal with a win. They are also ZERO with a loss (that's obvious).

But IF it were to happen, two teams who HAD to lose to open the door HAVE lost in the last couple of weeks: Albany and Lehigh. They are in one-bid leagues and have blown the auto-bid with late-season losses. They COULD steal an at-large from a power conference due to their records, but their SOS is minimal. There IS precedent for a big record being bypassed due to low SOS in CP, who was an undefeated snub back in the late '90s.

So, IF there is to be a 7-4 playoff team this year, it will likely be us due to our fairly impressive resume. BUT will it happen? That's anybody's guess; a bad loss (UND) and a "bad win" (UNC) could tell, as will ECB. As much as I think we have as much a chance as anybody, the easy conclusion is that SD's characterization of our chances as "minimal" is correct. I'd LOVE for us to prove everyone wrong, though.
 
Playoffs or not, a win Saturday will feel like a championship victory!

We've had a season to be proud of, and taking home a causeway victory will be the perfect way to cap off the season. However, I think this one is going to be tough. The extension's record won't tell it, but their team is tough and dangerous. We could be 10-0 and the Ags could be 0-10 and we could loose this one. We have issues when it comes to this game, and I hope our boys come big and make us all proud this year. We all remember the Magical Mattos march, this year I want to see the Bloomfield Blowout.

On a side note, I am extremely excited this year as I will be watching it in television with my son who will be born Tuesday. Sorry, just wanted to brag.

Lets go Hornets!!! Bring the victory to the proper end of the causeway!
 
Correct, SJ. 10-1/11-1 is a FAILURE of a season if that one loss is to the Manure Pile.

Congrats on the impending birth of your son. That is ALWAYS a great milestone in a guy's life. Build some memories with your family. You're definitely excused from this one.
 
I listened to the UCD/EWU game on a local sports station, and I learned during the post game chat that UCD's lack of wins was due to the fact they had toughest schedule in the Big Sky. I almost spit out my beer after hearing that crap. First, I wanted to laugh, then I was disappointed this misinformation was being broadcasted. Also, UCD was advertising to have their athletes visit schools in the Davis and Sacramento area.

Regarding the Causeway, our Hornets need to hold on to the football. I still don't want to think about the MSU game. Also, this will be my Son's first Causeway, too!

Go Hornets!
 
Hornut said:
I listened to the UCD/EWU game on a local sports station, and I learned during the post game chat that UCD's lack of wins was due to the fact they had toughest schedule in the Big Sky. I almost spit out my beer after hearing that crap. First, I wanted to laugh, then I was disappointed this misinformation was being broadcasted. Also, UCD was advertising to have their athletes visit schools in the Davis and Sacramento area.

Regarding the Causeway, our Hornets need to hold on to the football. I still don't want to think about the MSU game. Also, this will be my Son's first Causeway, too!

Go Hornets!
So they are already coming up with excuses? Did they think they would just waltz into the BSC and have immediate success against the elite teams? :? :lol:
 
Super Hornet said:
Correct, SJ. 10-1/11-1 is a FAILURE of a season if that one loss is to the Manure Pile.

Congrats on the impending birth of your son. That is ALWAYS a great milestone in a guy's life. Build some memories with your family. You're definitely excused from this one.
Thanks SH! Very excited and nervous. And congrats to Hornut!

It's kind of like the thread we had a while back about playing the extension at seasons end. This game has the feel if a championship game. When our boys rase the Causeway Trophy, it might as well be the FCS trophy at that moment. Beating Pac 12 teams, one of the Montanas or some other top ranked D1 team makes you feel good, but it doesn't have the impact of knowing you beat your foe, and crushed their dreams, knowing the feeling yourself. It's just a game that NEEDS to be won.
 
SDHornet said:
Hornut said:
I listened to the UCD/EWU game on a local sports station, and I learned during the post game chat that UCD's lack of wins was due to the fact they had toughest schedule in the Big Sky. I almost spit out my beer after hearing that crap. First, I wanted to laugh, then I was disappointed this misinformation was being broadcasted. Also, UCD was advertising to have their athletes visit schools in the Davis and Sacramento area.

Regarding the Causeway, our Hornets need to hold on to the football. I still don't want to think about the MSU game. Also, this will be my Son's first Causeway, too!

Go Hornets!
So they are already coming up with excuses? Did they think they would just waltz into the BSC and have immediate success against the elite teams? :? :lol:
Welcome to the big boy leagues Davis :kisswink:
 
L.A.HornetsFan said:
Congratulations SJH! Hope your boy comes out healthy and showing off his paif of lungs.
Thanks! He came this morning at 8:30 with some nice lungs. He's beautiful as can be and I can't wait to put him in his Hornets gear and watch the game with my son. Thanks for all the warm wishes everyone!
 
SJHornet said:
L.A.HornetsFan said:
Congratulations SJH! Hope your boy comes out healthy and showing off his paif of lungs.
Thanks! He came this morning at 8:30 with some nice lungs. He's beautiful as can be and I can't wait to put him in his Hornets gear and watch the game with my son. Thanks for all the warm wishes everyone!

Congrats Dad! Enjoy the ride. There is nothing better.
 
SJHornet said:
L.A.HornetsFan said:
Congratulations SJH! Hope your boy comes out healthy and showing off his paif of lungs.
Thanks! He came this morning at 8:30 with some nice lungs. He's beautiful as can be and I can't wait to put him in his Hornets gear and watch the game with my son. Thanks for all the warm wishes everyone!
:clap: :thumb:
 
Congrats SJHornet and Hornut! I hope that you guys will enjoy many Hornet Causeway wins together with your sons starting Saturday!
 
SDHornet said:
SJHornet said:
L.A.HornetsFan said:
Congratulations SJH! Hope your boy comes out healthy and showing off his paif of lungs.
Thanks! He came this morning at 8:30 with some nice lungs. He's beautiful as can be and I can't wait to put him in his Hornets gear and watch the game with my son. Thanks for all the warm wishes everyone!
:clap: :thumb:


Big Congrats!!! :thumb:
 
OldGreen67 said:
Who all is going to the Causeway? Maybe we can have a message board get together.

:D

Speaking of get-togethers...anyone heard from Kadeezy this week? He seems to be U/A. I'd love to thank him in person for getting me into the MSU game....
 
I bought mine last week in section 109 from Sac State's allotment, 109 is listed the visitor's section.
At least I hope it's the visitor's section or I might need bail!
 
SDHornet said:
Super Hornet said:
They've got some weird restrictions on who goes to what section. Where are YOUR tix, OG?
Like what?

They're not necessarily restrictions to keep you from getting a ticket. But the way they set it up, you know going in that if you get a ticket in a certain area, you're going to be SERIOUSLY outnumbered, sort of like when I went to the BWC Conference Tournament and got stuck in the Utah State section. THAT was scary, but being stuck in the wrong section at UCD could be worse.
 

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