• Hi Guest, want to participate in the discussions, keep track of read/unread posts, upgrade to remove ads and more? Create your free account and increase the benefits of your BigSkyFans.com experience today!

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

OK, Buckeye. I can certainly go with that. Of course, SD, GCM, and Kadeezy generally (OK, ALWAYS) better opinions than I have, so let's hear what THEY have to say. They haven't exactly gone off half-cocked like SOME here (no, not you, Buckeye).
 
Recap/Thoughts

The Hornets found a new way to lose in the Causeway as the special teams spotted the farm extension 17 points in a 34-27 loss. Undisciplined play, mistakes at key moments and poor coaching allowed this program to lose what was in many people’s mind a “must win”. A lot of the blame goes squarely on Coach DaPrato as he clearly didn’t have his special teams units prepared to execute the fundamentals. And when the Hornets finally do overcome some mistakes, they hand the game away on an inexplicable WR reverse pass. The bottom line is the Hornet coaching staff needed to win this game and once again couldn’t deliver.

Offense
The offense played okay. The Hornet passing attack wasn’t extremely efficient but the offense did more than enough to win this game had the special teams not put the Hornets into a massive hole. 4 TD’s (5 if you count the blown call) were scored compared to 1 offensive TD by the farm extension. The passing attack was near unstoppable in the 2nd half however the running game was virtually nonexistent aside from a few big runs from Graham. It sounded like Safron couldn’t connect on the shots down the field but was able to get the ball to the receivers underneath.


Game Stats:
  • • Passing: 324 yds (8.8 ypc), 2 TD’s
    • Rushing: 156 yds (4.7 ypr), 2 TD’s
    • Total Offense: 480 yds, 4 TD’s, 0 FG’s
    • Time of Possession: 32:37
    • Turnovers: 4 (3 INT’s, 1 Fum’s)
    • Penalties: 8 for 71 yds
    • (#12) Safron: 37 of 67 for 324 yds, 2 TD’s, 2 INT’s, 12 carries for 32 yds
    • (#8) Graham: 12 carries for 108 yds, 1 TD, 7 recs for 81 yds
    • (#17) Knowles: 7 rec for 64 yds
    • (#15) Harrison: 7 recs for 60 yds, 1 TD
    • (#13) Norrise: 6 recs for 50 yds, 1 INT thrown
    • (#2) Carter: 5 recs for 26 yds
    • (#87) Cox: 1 recs for 14 yds
    • (#81) Robertson: 1 rec for 12 yds
    • (#47) Maciel: 2 recs for 9 yds, 1 TD
    • (#9) De’jon Coleman: 7 carries for 8 yds, 1 TD, 1 rec for 8 yds
    • (#24) McCowan: None
    • (#21) Ellis: None
    • (#10) Dotson: None
    • (#80) Broadnax: None
The Hornets did have a number of drives stall in the opposing territory but as mentioned earlier, the biggest blow was that stupid WR reverse pass that resulted in an INT. That play was called when the Hornets just got the ball off of a turnover and were leading by 1. The offense was rolling and Safron was moving the ball through the air at will. The game was given away at this moment and the Hornets were never able to recover. Another poor coaching decision sunk the Hornets at a crucial moment of the game. The Hornets had one last shot to tie the game but an INT was thrown on 4th and 3. In all honesty this game should have never came down to last minute heroics if the special teams had bothered to show up.

Defense
The defense kept the farm extension under wraps for much of the game. They held their offense to 17 points and stiffened up in the redzone early on. The defense did allow some drives down the field late in the game. The Hornets struggled to get pressure on Wright. Having not been able to watch the game, I don’t know if the Hornet blitzes weren’t hitting home or if the defense was content to drop back into coverage.

Game Stats:
  • • Passing Allowed: 181 yds (12.9 ypc), 1 TD
    • Rushing Allowed: 146 yds (3.7 ypr), 0 TD’s
    • Total Offense Allowed: 327 yds, 1 TD, 3 FG’s
    • Opponent Tim of Possession: 27:23
    • Turnovers Forced: 1 (1 INT, 0 Fum’s)
    • Opponents Penalties: 6 for 66 yds
    • (#6) McMahon: 9 tackles, 0.5 TFL’s, 1 BU
    • (#11) Badger: 7 tackles, 1 TFL
    • (#34) Totty: 6 tackles, 2 TFL’s, 1 sack
    • (#31) Williams: 6 tackles, 1 INT
    • (#3) Washington: 5 tackles, 3 BU’s
    • (#51) White: 4 tackles, 0.5 TFL’s
    • (#91) Davis: 3 tackles, 1 TFL
    • (#1) Odiase/ (#90) Cowger: 3 tackles
    • Everyone else: 1 or 2 tackles
Bottom line is this game wasn’t lost because of the defense. Yes they gave up a couple of drives but they limited the damage and kept the Hornets in the game even when the special teams put this team in a big hole. The only complaint I can have is the defenses inability to stop any of the 2 point conversions, however only allowing 1 offensive TD makes it hard to put any blame on this unit.

Special Teams
A pathetic embarrassment sums of the play of the special teams in this one. The special teams lost this game and there is no other way around it. Coach DaPrato blew this one and I put the lion’s share of the blame for this loss on him. Coming off of a bye week these special teams units should have been more than ready. Instead it looks as if all that time spent was on those useless special teams trick plays that did absolutely nothing. The punt return reverse that was useless, the fake punts that were predictable and ineffective coupled with the mistakes that cost the Hornets points such as the blocked PAT that was returned for 2, the muffed punt and subsequent poor decision by Norrise to not fall on the ball gifting a TD, a missed FG, and finally and my personal favorite; the blown kick coverage at the end of the 1st half that gifted them a TD. 20 seconds left in the half, a pouch kick down the sideline into the wind was called instead of a squib kick down the middle of the field. As much as the players should have executed these plays, it is stupid coaching decisions like that that kill this program in the big games.

Game Stats:
  • • (#58) Castaneda: 0/1 FG, 3/4 PAT’s
    • (#52) Ruhnke: 5 kickoffs for 61.8 ypk avg., 1 TB
    • (#45) Weldon: 3 punts for a 41.3 ypp avg., 0 I-20, 2 TB’s
    • (#13) Norrise: 2 pr’s for -19 yds (0 ypr), 1 muffed punt that cost a TD
    • (#24) McCowan: 1 kr for 17 yds (17.0 ypr)
    • (#8) Graham: 1 kr for 33 yds (33.0 ypr)
    • Kick Coverage: Allowed 184 yds on 4 returns (46.0 ypr), 1 TD
    • Punt Coverage: Allowed 0 yds on 0 returns (0.0 ypr)
Sperbeck needs to take a long hard look at the coaching here and determine if this program needs to go in another direction. This statement isn’t simply based on the embarrassing special teams play in this game, but inconsistent play throughout the season. A shake up somewhere on this coaching staff is needed.

Injuries
McCowan tore his ACL late in the 1st half, sad to see his career end like that. I don’t recall hearing many other Hornet injuries.

The Hornets blew a must win game and there is plenty of blame to go around. However the large majority of that blame is on the coaching staff. 2 weeks to prepare for this game and the coaches couldn’t get the players ready. It’s time for Sperbeck to do some soul searching and figure out how he is going to get this program over the hump, otherwise he should probably start looking for a new job. He needs to evaluate his coaching staff and make some changes heading into next year. There is no reason for anyone to expect anything more than 4-6 wins next season if this program sticks with the coaching staff that it has now. I’m not calling for wholesale changes here, but it is evident there are some coaches who aren’t getting it done.

Go Hornets!

Hornetsports Recap: http://www.hornetsports.com/sports/football/release.asp?release_id=10810
 
Super Hornet said:
OK, Buckeye. I can certainly go with that. Of course, SD, GCM, and Kadeezy generally (OK, ALWAYS) better opinions than I have, so let's hear what THEY have to say. They haven't exactly gone off half-cocked like SOME here (no, not you, Buckeye).
Click to expand...
Buckeye has been spot on, as has Phantom. Sperbeck has done a good job of getting us out of the cellar and into respectability. However it looks like he will not be able to take us to the next level and he can't win the meaningful games. This season was not much different than 2010 and there is little reason to expect anything different going forward if Sperbeck keeps doing the same things he has been.
 
Too depressed to chime in last night, not much better today. I pretty much agree with most of what everyone has said, so there's really no reason to give my 2 cents. While there's been a lot of Sperbek talk, I think he's at least earned a few more years. Unfortunately, had we produced a playoff team, and could we have consistently produced playoff teams, we could have really had an edge on recruiting and be able to retain a little respectability and catch up in this one sided rivalry. 3 years in a row when we were clearly the superior team is unacceptable. We played like we were one of the top teams in the country several times this year, and to end it against Davis looking like we would struggle to compete with a community college made my heart hurt. Hopes were high as they should have been, only to be dashed by a terrible on-field performance. If it wasn't Davis, maybe I could shrug it off, but the fact is we hate them, and no matter how many accolades we can collect, Davis getting the better of us simply whipes it all away. We could have won he national championship this season, and it still would sting.

Idk. I don't want us to remain that team that's one a third of the games we've played against them and win one big game a decade. I just want more, and want Sac State to gain some friggin ground already. I'm gonna retreat to the basketball forums for a while where at least we have the historical edge over that miserable little farm college down the road. Whine finished.
 
SD,

For someone that didn't even watch the game, your recap was amazingly accurate. You pretty much nailed it. The offense and defense more than played well enough to win, but ST's and atrocious coaching decisions undid it all.

As I previously stated, I'm also very disappointed with Morris Norisse. Not only is he one of the teams best players, he's one of my favorites. But I gotta call him out and give credit where credit is due. He made three inexcusable decisions and those decisions cost the team a win, IMO. First, the decision to field the punt over his head once he knew he'd misjudged it. Second, the decision to try to pick up the ball on the run after he tracked it down instead of just making sure he recovered it. Lastly, the decision to throw the ball up for grabs after the trick play had obviously broken down.

I expect more from a veteran player with as much experience as Morris. We all should.

Moving on, I do agree that the "Fire Sperbeck" contingent is overreacting. The wins @Oregon State, @Colorado, @ Southern Utah, and at home against Montana the past 2 seasons, along with winning seasons 2 out of the past 3 years, should buy him another year (or at least until his contract runs out for reasons SDHornet stated). But some staff changes are certainly warranted.
 
SDHornet said:
Super Hornet said:
OK, Buckeye. I can certainly go with that. Of course, SD, GCM, and Kadeezy generally (OK, ALWAYS) better opinions than I have, so let's hear what THEY have to say. They haven't exactly gone off half-cocked like SOME here (no, not you, Buckeye).
Click to expand...
Buckeye has been spot on, as has Phantom. Sperbeck has done a good job of getting us out of the cellar and into respectability. However it looks like he will not be able to take us to the next level and he can't win the meaningful games. This season was not much different than 2010 and there is little reason to expect anything different going forward if Sperbeck keeps doing the same things he has been.
Click to expand...

Remember at the beginning of the season many here predicted fewer wins than we got. While ST was inconsistent (as they had been all year), the rest of the performance was good and frankly this is a young team under a new OC. I think it improves next year!
 
BuckeyeHornetFan said:
SD,

For someone that didn't even watch the game, your recap was amazingly accurate. You pretty much nailed it. The offense and defense more than played well enough to win, but ST's and atrocious coaching decisions undid it all.

As I previously stated, I'm also very disappointed with Morris Norisse. Not only is he one of the teams best players, he's one of my favorites. But I gotta call him out and give credit where credit is due. He made three inexcusable decisions and those decisions cost the team a win, IMO. First, the decision to field the punt over his head once he knew he'd misjudged it. Second, the decision to try to pick up the ball on the run after he tracked it down instead of just making sure he recovered it. Lastly, the decision to throw the ball up for grabs after the trick play had obviously broken down.
I expect more from a veteran player with as much experience as Morris. We all should.

Moving on, I do agree that the "Fire Sperbeck" contingent is overreacting. The wins @Oregon State, @Colorado, @ Southern Utah, and at home against Montana the past 2 seasons, along with winning seasons 2 out of the past 3 years, should buy him another year (or at least until his contract runs out for reasons SDHornet stated). But some staff changes are certainly warranted.
Click to expand...
As much validity as this statement has, Norrise should have never been put in that position to begin with. Yeah he could have made a better decision, but the coaches should have never called that play. Our base offense was rolling, why Sperbeck/Peterson would take the ball out of Safron’s hands at that moment is inexplicable. The coaches let this team and this program down and there is no other way around it.

Also credit Jason Ross and McElroy for calling a good game. I would have had no idea what was going on otherwise. Anyone know why this game wasn’t on BSTV?
 
HornetHope said:
Remember at the beginning of the season many here predicted fewer wins than we got. While ST was inconsistent (as they had been all year), the rest of the performance was good and frankly this is a young team under a new OC. I think it improves next year!
Click to expand...
True, but I think everyone is sick of hearing this excuse and I’m done buying it as well. If Sperbeck can’t get this team into the playoffs next year (it is going to be a 24 team field starting in 2013) he needs to be shown the door.
 
Just wanted to share a little different take on the game....

I too was dissapointed, but not with the coaches calls, or the playors effort, or lack of execution....but just with the loss and the chance to be considered for the playoffs.

I read many of the "knee jerk" reactions from upset fans, boosters, and alumni and I wanted to react and vent back to them and about the game as well...but instead I spoke to my son...see what he was feeling.

After speaking with him, I realized this team is truly family...they care about each other more than any of us will ever know. When someone has a bad day they don't point fingers or lay blame, they find a way to pick them up and if needed carry them...I attribute this to the life experiences from this season, the culture of the program and the teachings of these coaches.

Though many of us play arm chair quarterback...(including me...I find it easier to coach a game than it is to watch a game), theses players believe in their program, their coaches and their teammates. Regardless of what venting comes from this or any other message boards, about firings, player ability, or program leadership...they still hold steady...and I commend them on it.

I think this board for what it is...a release for Old Guys (some young guys too) like me, that like to post Celebrate a win and Complain about a loss... I am happy in knowing that nothing we post, vent or babble really has any effect on this teams resolve...(unless one of our posters is threating to not give a $6 digit donation next year...hahaha)
 
OldGreen67 said:
Just wanted to share a little different take on the game....

I too was dissapointed, but not with the coaches calls, or the playors effort, or lack of execution....but just with the loss and the chance to be considered for the playoffs.

I read many of the "knee jerk" reactions from upset fans, boosters, and alumni and I wanted to react and vent back to them and about the game as well...but instead I spoke to my son...see what he was feeling.

After speaking with him, I realized this team is truly family...they care about each other more than any of us will ever know. When someone has a bad day they don't point fingers or lay blame, they find a way to pick them up and if needed carry them...I attribute this to the life experiences from this season, the culture of the program and the teachings of these coaches.
Though many of us play arm chair quarterback...(including me...I find it easier to coach a game than it is to watch a game), theses players believe in their program, their coaches and their teammates. Regardless of what venting comes from this or any other message boards, about firings, player ability, or program leadership...they still hold steady...and I commend them on it.

I think this board for what it is...a release for Old Guys (some young guys too) like me, that like to post Celebrate a win and Complain about a loss... I am happy in knowing that nothing we post, vent or babble really has any effect on this teams resolve...(unless one of our posters is threating to not give a $6 digit donation next year...hahaha)
Click to expand...


If your son's on the team, it sounds like this is a resliant team. It also souns like this team has brushed off the loss(es) from this past Saturday and season already and are looking forward to 2013. If that's the case, that's all I need to be optimistic about next season. Reseliance goes a long way.

I'm not a Sac St alumni and my connection is minimal (Grad of the CSU- Cal St L.A. to be specific.), but my venting may equal that of an alumni sometimes. And that's becuase I LOVE college football. And I especially root for the STATE schools (UCs and Fresneck St not included)!

And that's what this board is, an online group therapy session. It's nice to come here and find comfort with those who are feeling the same way. OTOH, it can be annoying to read the "expert" opinions of armchair and bleecher coaches. The comfort, however, does outwieight the annoyance.

FWIW, before circumstances in my life changed, Sac St was one of the schools on the top of my list for grad school.


Go Hornets!!!
 
L.A.HornetsFan said:
If your son's on the team, it sounds like this is a resliant team. It also souns like this team has brushed off the loss(es) from this past Saturday and season already and are looking forward to 2013. If that's the case, that's all I need to be optimistic about next season. Reseliance goes a long way.

I'm not a Sac St alumni and my connection is minimal (Grad of the CSU- Cal St L.A. to be specific.), but my venting may equal that of an alumni sometimes. And that's becuase I LOVE college football. And I especially root for the STATE schools (UCs and Fresneck St not included)!

And that's what this board is, an online group therapy session. It's nice to come here and find comfort with those who are feeling the same way. OTOH, it can be annoying to read the "expert" opinions of armchair and bleecher coaches. The comfort, however, does outwieight the annoyance.

FWIW, before circumstances in my life changed, Sac St was one of the schools on the top of my list for grad school.


Go Hornets!!!
Click to expand...
I resent that. ;)
 
SDHornet said:
L.A.HornetsFan said:
If your son's on the team, it sounds like this is a resliant team. It also souns like this team has brushed off the loss(es) from this past Saturday and season already and are looking forward to 2013. If that's the case, that's all I need to be optimistic about next season. Reseliance goes a long way.

I'm not a Sac St alumni and my connection is minimal (Grad of the CSU- Cal St L.A. to be specific.), but my venting may equal that of an alumni sometimes. And that's becuase I LOVE college football. And I especially root for the STATE schools (UCs and Fresneck St not included)!

And that's what this board is, an online group therapy session. It's nice to come here and find comfort with those who are feeling the same way. OTOH, it can be annoying to read the "expert" opinions of armchair and bleecher coaches. The comfort, however, does outwieight the annoyance.

FWIW, before circumstances in my life changed, Sac St was one of the schools on the top of my list for grad school.


Go Hornets!!!
Click to expand...
I resent that. ;)
Click to expand...


Hah hah. There's always an exception to the rule. In this case, you're it. :ugeek: :)
 
Naw everyone is entitled to their opinion. It’s easy to make some posts about this stuff. I’m sure it’s a lot harder to make the calls and plays on the sidelines in the heat of the moment. Coaching can’t be an easy thing.
 
SDHornet said:
Naw everyone is entitled to their opinion. It’s easy to make some posts about this stuff. I’m sure it’s a lot harder to make the calls and plays on the sidelines in the heat of the moment. Coaching can’t be an easy thing.
Click to expand...


I will tell you first hand...for me watching the game is harder...just because you don't have any control...at least when I have the headsets on Friday nights I think I have some control of the teams destination, whether it be adjustments, corrections, etc...as a fan in the stands I find myself eating seeds or chewing gum so I can shut the hell up about things that go wrong... :rofl:
 
SDHornet said:
Also credit Jason Ross and McElroy for calling a good game. I would have had no idea what was going on otherwise. Anyone know why this game wasn’t on BSTV?
Click to expand...

I don't have the "official" reason, but I suspect that it was the same reason that the Root game wasn't on BSTV: contract issues. Causeway was on Comcast SportsNet California. I was able to watch the last quarter plus at a local restaurant - AFTER one of the waitresses fixed the TV after I killed the reception misusing the remotes. The owner told me to grab them but didn't tell me how to use them.

SH is such a dummy....

:mrgreen:
 
I think the Comcast guys do a pretty respectable job on the broadcast. its nice to see a local broadcast where the announcers aren't homers (although, they do have a tendency to gush about the Davis 'legends' like Sochor, O'Brien, etc.) . the crew (Bernstein and Lamb) have a great deal of respect for the programs, universities and tradition, and call the game with respect. I'm sure Lamb would rather be doing the USC-UCLA game, but he seems genuinely enthusiastic about having the opportunity to call the Causeway. they are very knowledgable about the players, showing they did a little homework before the game.

I liked it when Greg Pappa called the game a few years back -> that gave it a certain level of class. Grant Napier? 'nuff said. rather be dipped in a pit of my own filth than have to listen to him! dipsh*t is very vocal about thrashing the local colleges as being second rate, but, he doesn't pass up an opportunity to call a game.
 
I've never been impressed with Mr. "Gooooooooooo Rrrrrrrrraaaaaiiiiderrrrrrrsssssssssssssss!" But I'll DEFINITELY agree with your thoughts about that shill Napier.

I don't mind gushing about Davis legends so long as equal time is given to Hornet legends like Bob Mattos, Fred "Otis" Amey, Charles Roberts, John Gesek, Lonie Paxton, and Ricky Ray....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Back
Top