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Week 12, Causeway: farm extension @ Sac State

SDHornet

SDHornet

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Week 12, Causeway: farm extension @ Sac State

It’s that time of the year again; yes the annual Causeway Classic rivalry. I think most everyone had the Causeway meaning more than it will as Hornet fans had high hopes for this season and farm extension fans had…well I don’t know or care what their expectations were for their season but both sides of the Causeway had a disastrous 2011 campaign. The Hornets come into this week with a disappointing 4-6 (3-5 BSC) record while the farm extension comes into this game with a whopping 3-7 (1-3 GWC) record. Both teams are coming into this game struggling so this one could shape up into a defensive game with field position playing a major role. Regardless, both teams should be coming into this game fired up and no doubt it will be a hard fought battle by both sides.

Offense
They have not much of a running game to speak of and their most experienced QB Wright is questionable this week with a busted ankle. I haven’t seen any of their games this season so I’m not too sure what they have been running on offense. I assume it will be similar to past seasons where they have multiple WR sets out of the single back formation. Overall they have a very unimpressive offense and if the Hornet defense continues to play the way they have been, they will have a hard time moving the ball and putting up points. Their team stats and statistical leaders:
  • • Rushing Offense: 84.3 ypg (108th FCS)
    • Passing Offense: 229.8 ypg (39th FCS)
    • Total Offense: 314.1 ypg (93rd FCS)
    • Wright, QB: 174 of 313 for 2,079 yards, 14 TD’s, 5 INT’s
    • Silveria, RB: 109 carries for 400 yards, 5 TD’s, 12 recs for 130 yards
    • Edmonson, RB: 44 carries for 193 yards, 5 TD’s, 17 recs for 137 yards
    • Reese, RB: 50 carries for 178 yards, 1 TD
    • Hemmingsen, WR: 45 recs for 572 yards, 7 TD’s
    • Soto, WR: 42 recs for 532 yards, 4 TD’s
    • Galindo, WR: 23 recs for 306 yards, 2 TD’s
    • OL: Allowed 27 sacks
    • Avg TOP: 29:12
The farm extension is near the bottom of FCS in sacks allowed which the Hornets need to exploit. The Hornets had a field day on a bad OL last week, hopefully they continue that again this week. If Wright does play, his mobility will be a liability and if he doesn’t play, I am not too sure what their back-ups have to offer. The bottom line is this defense needs to come out hungry and take it to the farm extension. They don’t have WR’s anywhere near as good as what ISU brought to Hornet Stadium last week so the secondary should have another good game. Again, if pressure can be generated, the secondary will have a much easier go at it. Since they don’t have much of a running game, I’d expect to see a lot of screens and swing passes to the RB’s. The stats indicate that they like to pass to the RB’s so the LB’s will need to be ready to shut that down.

Defense
From the participation report it looks like the farm extension runs a 4-3. They did slow down the always tricky Cal Poly triple option attack a few weeks ago enough to get a win. Last week they held UND to 14 points in that loss but their defensive unit kept that game close. This is a capable defense and given the Hornet struggles on offense, they are more than capable of stopping the Hornets. Their defensive stats:
  • • Rushing Defense: 153.3 ypg (62nd FCS)
    • Passing Defense: 240.1 ypg (102nd FCS)
    • Total Defense: 393.4 ypg (87th FCS)
    • Glass, LB: 62 tackles, 4.5 TFL’s, 2 INT’s
    • Gruendl, LB: 59 tackles, 5.5 TFL’s, 1 sack
    • Shelton, SS: 46 tackles
    • Lewis, FS: 46 tackles, 4 TFL’s
    • Ludwig, LB: 42 tackles, 4 TFL’s
    • Benjamin, DT: 35 tackles, 5 TFL’s, 3 sacks
    • Calhoun, CB: 34 tackles, 0.5 TFL’s, 2 INT’s
    • Sayles, DB: 30 tackles
    • Erskine, DE: 30 tackles, 9.5 TFL’s, 3 sack’s
    • Grillo, DE: 27 tackles, 8 TFL’s, 5 sacks
    • Galvin, DT: 26 tackles, 2 TFL’s
    • Allen, DB: 26 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT
    • Perkins, CB: 25 tackles, 0.5 TFL’s, 2 INT’s
    • Dimino, LB: 22 tackles, 1 TFL
This defense has capable players at every level of the defense. DE Grillo is capable of getting into the backfield and LB Glass will find the ball. Their secondary isn’t as good as it was a year ago but Safron has struggled to hit open WR’s. The bottom line is statistically they aren’t a good defense, but they do have guys who can make plays. To move the ball the Hornet OL is going to need to have a good game. The Hornets finally have Hilliard available so I am hoping he can break loose and gash their defense. Safron needs to get it together and connect on some passes to keep the farm extension from loading the box. He also needs to not put the ball on the ground as the farm extension will be sure to capitalize on Hornet mistakes.

Special Teams
Per usual the opponents will have the advantage in the kicking game (both punting and place kicking). Their kicker hasn’t been great, but he is perfect from chip shot range and has hit a 54 yarder. Their punter is very good. The farm extension has not given up a blocked punt all season so I’m hoping Vanderbeek can get to one this week. Their season stats:
  • • Kelley, K: 6/12 FG’s, 24/24 PAT’s, FG long of 54 yards
    • Schmidt, P: 55 punts for 2,323 yards (42.2 ypp), 17 Inside 20, 5 TB’s, 11 FC’s
    • Hemmingsen, PR: 9 pr’s for 99 yards (11.0 ypr)
    • Perkins, KR: 20 kr’s for 467 yards (23.4 ypr)
    • Hines, KR: 20 kr’s for 418 yards (20.9 ypr)
    • Kick Coverage: Allowed 37 returns for 932 yards (25.2 ypr)
    • Punt Coverage: Allowed 24 returns for 190 yards (7.9 ypr)
I called a blocked punt last week and I’m not sure we’ll get one this week. The farm extension also has decent kick coverage so it will be tough for Hendershott to get some running room.

Injuries
Fleming is out, no idea about Reed and Deadder but I assume they will both be out. As mentioned, the farm extension’s QB Wright will be questionable with an ankle injury. I have no idea who else they might be missing.

Intangibles
  • • The farm extension has committed 82 penalties for 667 yards so far (66.7 ypg). The Hornets have 66 penalties for 624 yards (62.4 ypg).
    • Their turnover margin is +8 compared to the Hornets -2. The Hornets need to force some turnovers to give the offense some more chances at points and the Hornet offense needs to hang onto the ball.
    • Weather. Not sure what is expected this week but as we saw last year weather can play a huge role in this rivalry.

Hornetsports preview:
Not yet released.

Sac State Sports:
Not yet released.

The Hornets can end this disappointing season on a high note with a win in this rivalry game. Both teams look pretty evenly matched but the farm extension has the clear advantage in special teams. I think this game will be a close, hard fought game. I think the Hornets will pull this one out by leaning on their stout defense to create some turnovers and keep the farm extension offense in check. This should be a good one.

Go Hornets!
 
Quick question about tailgating. Can you show up whenever? Is there a set start/end time? Hopefully the weather co-operates. Of course, anything short of a monsoon will be better than last year!
 
aggie6thman said:
Quick question about tailgating. Can you show up whenever? Is there a set start/end time? Hopefully the weather co-operates. Of course, anything short of a monsoon will be better than last year!
Click to expand...

Tailgating starts two hours prior to the start of the game.
 
aggie6thman said:
Quick question about tailgating. Can you show up whenever? Is there a set start/end time? Hopefully the weather co-operates. Of course, anything short of a monsoon will be better than last year!
Click to expand...


Hornet Stadium Tailgating Policy;

http://www.hornetsports.com/sports/football/TailgateInfo.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
 
What about the lot directly south of the stadium. I remember tailgating there two years ago. Is that off limits for tailgating?
 
aggie6thman said:
What about the lot directly south of the stadium. I remember tailgating there two years ago. Is that off limits for tailgating?
Click to expand...


Doesn't really designate which parking lot. Map just shows the lot immediately east of the stadium where the Hornet Walk, Family Fun Zone, Green Army Areas etc. are. There is also another lot east of that and the south lot you spoke of. You might want to call Athletics tomorrow to make sure, tailgating starts at 10:00 AM. Hopefully with decent weather we will pack all of the lots!
 
aggie6thman said:
Quick question about tailgating. Can you show up whenever? Is there a set start/end time? Hopefully the weather co-operates. Of course, anything short of a monsoon will be better than last year!
Click to expand...
You can probably get away with starting 3 hours before game time. I went to the Homecoming game and I got to the tailgate area at 1 pm for a 6 pm kick-off, and there were already many folks out by then. However this being the Causeway, the goon squad will probably be stricter about enforcing the policy. I would guess that there will be signs up or security folks indicating where the designated visitor tailgate areas will be. I can’t imagine them turning you away if you get there ahead of the “2 hour” tailgate window.
 
you guys have a beer (or 6) for me; i have to skip this year to attend to a family thing. my kids should be there, one in blue and one in green. hopefully i'll get a chance to watch on TV live.

if wright is out, or sleep-walks like last week, and you guys continue to struggle offensively, this will be a defensive show-down. or, more appropriately, a very OFFENSIVE game.

but, its the causeway, so watch it be 55-54. in 17-OT's. won on a defensive score.
 
DrMike said:
you guys have a beer (or 6) for me; i have to skip this year to attend to a family thing. my kids should be there, one in blue and one in green. hopefully i'll get a chance to watch on TV live.

if wright is out, or sleep-walks like last week, and you guys continue to struggle offensively, this will be a defensive show-down. or, more appropriately, a very OFFENSIVE game.

but, its the causeway, so watch it be 55-54. in 17-OT's. won on a defensive score.
Click to expand...


Sorry you have to miss the game Dr, Mike. I expect our offense to be more productive than it has been the past two weeks with or without Fleming. Safron struggled vs Idaho State but seemed he to settle in and start clicking in the 4th. Hopefully Reed will be available to give him a big play target. The passing needs to be start working better to open up the run. You guys seem to have problems with mobile QBs if thats the case Fleming or Safron will be hard to contain. I listened to the last part of the North Dakota game and your radio team were saying that Wright was in some kind of funk because his protection was breaking down
and he was sacked 3 times. It sounded like his team mates where trying to pump him up. As the QB shouldn't he be the one pumping them up? Idaho State's OB had a similar night getting sacked like 9 times, he wasn't hurt just pretty frustrated before their coach pulled him. He spent the rest of the night sitting by himself on the bench. I'm sure Mr. Nash and company will introduce themselves early and often to Mr. Wright, Mr. Heyworth, Mr Lacy or whoever else you have out there. Lets hope for a good and safe game for both teams.
 
protection seemed to be an issue later in the game, but, our QB was off from the get-go. some of the sacks/pressure were due to either coverage or poor decisions. my tag-team partner sitting next to me noted the poor quality of the passes on the 1st possession. post-game comments indicated he called some wrong plays from the wristband and had the wrong alignments. yep, you'd hope for more leadership after 21 starts, especially after the Poly game where he looked so crisp and effective.

our running game wasn't bad last week -> RB's were generally getting 4-5 yards a carry, often on 1st down. but, those were followed by an incompletion or sack and we're looking at 3rd and 6.

the difference between offense one week to the next was bizarre.
 
you can tell both teams have had disappointing seasons...no trash talk.

davis fan : 'you guys stink!'
sac fan : 'yes we do....so do you'
davis fan : 'well, you have a point there'

before the season started, i figured Sac would be at or shooting for 7 wins, and we were shooting for 6, with an outside chance of 7. didn't think we'd be a combined 7 wins going in. on the bright side, the weather forecast says 'clear'. which probably means an unexpected gale-force storm will roll in about 12:59 saturday afternoon.
 
aggie6thman said:
What about the lot directly south of the stadium. I remember tailgating there two years ago. Is that off limits for tailgating?
Click to expand...

Arent you guys a little busy "Occupying" Davis? :roll:
 
we're protesting our 3-7 record by 'occupying the tailgate area'. in contrast to the other occupies, our movement has a well-stated goal -> drink heavily. simple, yet effective.
 
DrMike said:
we're protesting our 3-7 record by 'occupying the tailgate area'. in contrast to the other occupies, our movement has a well-stated goal -> drink heavily. simple, yet effective.
Click to expand...

:lol: :clap:
 
DrMike said:
we're protesting our 3-7 record by 'occupying the tailgate area'. in contrast to the other occupies, our movement has a well-stated goal -> drink heavily. simple, yet effective.
Click to expand...

I like it. :)
 
DrMike said:
you can tell both teams have had disappointing seasons...no trash talk.

davis fan : 'you guys stink!'
sac fan : 'yes we do....so do you'
davis fan : 'well, you have a point there'
Click to expand...

This pretty much sums up this year's Causeway Classic PERFECTLY... lol :clap:
 
Green Laser said:
DrMike said:
you guys have a beer (or 6) for me; i have to skip this year to attend to a family thing. my kids should be there, one in blue and one in green. hopefully i'll get a chance to watch on TV live.

if wright is out, or sleep-walks like last week, and you guys continue to struggle offensively, this will be a defensive show-down. or, more appropriately, a very OFFENSIVE game.

but, its the causeway, so watch it be 55-54. in 17-OT's. won on a defensive score.
Click to expand...


Sorry you have to miss the game Dr, Mike. I expect our offense to be more productive than it has been the past two weeks with or without Fleming. Safron struggled vs Idaho State but seemed he to settle in and start clicking in the 4th. Hopefully Reed will be available to give him a big play target. The passing needs to be start working better to open up the run. You guys seem to have problems with mobile QBs if thats the case Fleming or Safron will be hard to contain. I listened to the last part of the North Dakota game and your radio team were saying that Wright was in some kind of funk because his protection was breaking down
and he was sacked 3 times. It sounded like his team mates where trying to pump him up. As the QB shouldn't he be the one pumping them up? Idaho State's OB had a similar night getting sacked like 9 times, he wasn't hurt just pretty frustrated before their coach pulled him. He spent the rest of the night sitting by himself on the bench. I'm sure Mr. Nash and company will introduce themselves early and often to Mr. Wright, Mr. Heyworth, Mr Lacy or whoever else you have out there. Lets hope for a good and safe game for both teams.
Click to expand...


If Wright is out, Biggs said Lacy will get the start.
 
DrMike said:
we're protesting our 3-7 record by 'occupying the tailgate area'. in contrast to the other occupies, our movement has a well-stated goal -> drink heavily. simple, yet effective.
Click to expand...
This would be the first “Occupy” gathering with a clear defined cause and goal. :lol:
 
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