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Week 12, Causeway: farm extension @ Sac State

Kadeezy said:
Safron and Edwards filled in admirably at times, but the last few weeks have been absolutely embarrassing. I feel for players like Hilliard, Fleming, Reed, Nash, and Hendershott. They deserved better than our team sputtering out... A special thanks to Bryan Hilliard. While this wasn't his best season, that guy was an absolute horse for us for 5 years and he sacrificed his body over and over again, surgery after surgery. Hilliard up the middle... I thank you.

I would put money on our Day 1 QB being a FBS drop-down or Jake Geringer. Sperbeck knows the current talent will not suffice. We lose a TON of experience from this year's squad, but it can't get much worse!

.500 + next year or coach might start to hear footsteps...
Click to expand...

I agree. Quarterbacking was deplorable. B Reed made those catches happen by creating separation but most of the throws were just uncatchable - it was embarrassing. Priority number one has to be finding a quarterback followed by a very close second of finding linebackers who can step up and stop the run. The entire season our linebacking corps was slow, undersized and out of place. The only saving grace was Nash. Today our linebackers made UC Davis's slow ass 108th ranked nationally rush offense look like LaMichael James.

I am more concerned about where we go from here as I dont see a silver lining to this dark cloud going into the offseason. Hope I am wrong.
 
No need to gloat over the game - I just go back and look at your statements made before the game and chuckle. Overall, the game was more entertaining than I expected except for the high school band. Regardless of the game, you have to admit that the Aggie Band-uh is a much classier operation.Over and out, so blast away.
 
SacHornet said:
the one thing i took away from this game is that i really hope safron is not our qb next year, the offense has been almost non existent the last 3 games and i feel like almost every pass he throws is a fade route, i know he has to have some check down options

also cant blame the kicker for this one, who would have thought lol
Click to expand...

Well, there were a few deep balls, including one to Hendershott in the end zone, that should have resulted in fifteen yards and an automatic first down for Davis PI. (Well, in Hendershott's case, one could argue for defensive holding as the guy clearly grabbed Hendershott by the wrist.)

That said, you're correct that we shouldn't be relying on that stuff as if it were our bread and butter. That stuff should be used to stretch the defense so we can attack it in the middle. Heck, as some have noted, the accuracy left a lot to be desired, too. I remember one series where the only thing keeping Davis from taking possession was the fact that the INT was trapped.
 
You know what I took from this game? That I love this rivalry and hope it never ends, despite the fact Davis seems to dominate us every year. I had a great time BBQing and reconnecting with people before the game. I even overheard a few Davis players and staff comment after the game how they wish their atmosphere was similar to ours

Dr. Mike: I met a lot of your teammates over the years today and I can honestly say that you guys are a classy bunch. I hope for your sake they dont' fire Coach Biggs, because I think he's a tough act to follow
 
GoAgs72 said:
No need to gloat over the game - I just go back and look at your statements made before the game and chuckle. Overall, the game was more entertaining than I expected except for the high school band. Regardless of the game, you have to admit that the Aggie Band-uh is a much classier operation.Over and out, so blast away.
Click to expand...
Stay classy gofag72, you are a good ambassador for your school.
 
Phantom Hornet said:
You know what I took from this game? That I love this rivalry and hope it never ends, despite the fact Davis seems to dominate us every year. I had a great time BBQing and reconnecting with people before the game. I even overheard a few Davis players and staff comment after the game how they wish their atmosphere was similar to ours

Dr. Mike: I met a lot of your teammates over the years today and I can honestly say that you guys are a classy bunch. I hope for your sake they dont' fire Coach Biggs, because I think he's a tough act to follow
Click to expand...

Biggs is a class act, and the guy knows football. he's got a young team and a young staff. we finally got to full scholarship allotment a couple years back, and that's starting to show on the field (Silveria wasn't bad, right?). i was talking to a teammate last week and he said 'we're not at full scholarship. where's the nutrition center? where's the weight room? where are the kids driving new cameros"

okay...2 out of 3..you get the point. we're still a low budget program in the FCS landscape. that doesn't explain the emotional letdowns vs. humboldt and north dakota, of course, but, when there is talk surrounding the program about the inability to strive at this level under the current system (the Dempsey report) and the ability of the coach to lead a FCS program, i think young players can get distracted.

i've been a supporter for many years; you'll see my name on the 'Legacy Club' 5 year pledge sign in the stadium (you know, when the former players pledeged $125 M/year for 5 years...just to match the cuts the university laid down). i want this program to succeed at the FCS level. i'm hoping we get the next phase of the stadium built SOON (weight room, coaching coaches, meeting rooms, etc); there needs to be some changes on the staff, but there are are really good coaches on that staff. i think those additions/changes sure have helped you guys rise up the past few years. i'm really looking forward to a Causeway that has an impact on the BigSky Championship and playoff seedings. wouldn't that be cool?

and, we are working on that tailgate thing. its getting better little by little. like success at the FCS level, great tailgating takes some time!
 
Recap/Thoughts

The Hornets finished an embarrassing season with an embarrassing 23-19 loss in the Causeway to finish at 4-7 on the year. I was only able to watch the first quarter but it was clear from the get go that Sperbeck had little offensive game plan. It’s safe to say that Sperbeck is officially on the hot seat due to the program meltdown in the last half of the season.

Offense
The offense looked awful from the get go and looking at the stats it looks like it stayed that way. Safron looked off per his usual inability to throw an accurate ball early and it looks like he never found his stride. The run-run-pass-punt scheme isn’t going to get it done. Game stats:
  • • Safron: 11 of 31 for 155 yards, 93 rushing yards on 14 carries, 1 TD
    • Hilliard: 4 carries for 8 yards
    • McCowan: 1 carry for 2 yards
    • Croxdale: 11 carries for 34 yards, 2 recs for 7 yards
    • Norrise: 5 recs for 70 yards
    • Reed: 4 recs for 78 yards
    • OL: 3 sacks allowed
    • TOP: 25:55
Hilliard must have been hurt. There is no other explanation for him only touching the ball 4 times. With no passing ability, it’s going to be tough running the ball. Croxdale was again given more action at RB and it looked like he wasn’t too effective either. The offense failed to score a TD until late in the game in garbage time. This offensive production pretty much summed up how Sperbeck’s Pistol offense worked for much of the season.

Defense
From what I saw in the first quarter the defense was giving up some yards but getting stops. It looks like this unit just got worn down as the farm extension held a large TOP advantage. Still no excuse for giving up that many rushing yards. Game stats:
  • • Rushing Allowed: 206 yards on 44 attempts (4.7 ypr), 2 TD’s
    • Passing Allowed: 14/23 for 171 yards (12.2 ypc), 1 INT, 0 TD’s
    • Davis: 10 tackles
    • Odiase: 8 tackles, 2 TFL’s, 1 INT
    • Larche/Badger: 8 tackles
    • Wilkins: 8 tackles, 1 TFL
    • McMahon: 7 tackles
    • Fernandez: 5 tackles, 2 TFL’s
    • Coleman: 5 tackles, 0.5 TFL’s
    • Agaiava: 5 tackles
    • Lawrence: 4 tackles, 0.5 TFL’s
    • Monson/Bloomfield: 3 tackles
    • Nash/Eskew: 2 tackles
    • Cowger: 1 tackle, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 1 TD on a fumble recovery
    • Allen/White/Castro: 1 tackle
I didn’t see any pressure on the QB early but it looks like most of the damage was done on the ground. With an inept offense, the defense needed to pitch a shutout and it couldn’t.

Special Teams
Hendershott opened the game with a return for a TD…but it was called back on a penalty. To my surprise Diniz was allowed to kick a FG…and even bigger surprise was that he made both of his chip shots during the game. A. Heath looked awful on his punts in the first quarter, but it looks like he had some better ones later in the game.
  • • A. Heath: 8 punts for a 33.0 ypp avg., 2 Inside 20
    • Kick Coverage: Allowed 87 yards on 4 returns (21.8 ypr)
    • Punt Coverage: Allowed -1 yards on 1 return
    • Diniz: 1/1 PAT’s, 2/2 FG’s
    • Carter: 3 kr’s for 75 yards (25.0 ypr)
    • Hendershott: 1 kr’s for 26 yards
It looks like the ST units had a decent day. Made some FG’s, had a TD on a return that unfortunately didn’t count, and it looks like Carter stepped up and had some decent returns.

Injuries
Fleming wasn’t cleared to play due to his concussion. I saw Reed and Deadder play in the first quarter. Hendershott hurt his leg after his opening return. I have no idea if any other Hornets went down.

Other Random Stuff
Box Score:
http://www.bigskyconf.com/custompages/football/2011/stats/sac-ucd.htm

Photos:
http://sacstatesports.com/2011/11/19/2402/

Highlights:
I haven’t seen one.

Hornetsports:
http://www.hornetsports.com/sports/football/release.asp?release_id=10013

Sac State Sports:
http://sacstatesports.com/2011/11/1...ffense-fall-to-aggies-23-19-in-season-finale/

Sperbeck has a lot to answer for this offseason, and it’s shaping up to be that next season’s performance will determine if he is kept around. It’s obvious that the offensive changes made last offense resulted in complete disaster. I went into the season not allowing any excuses for lack of success and I won’t buy into any excuses given for this embarrassing season. Look for my 4 part season recap to get rolled out in the next coming weeks.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone and save travels to those who will be heading places to spend time with their families.

Go Hornets!
 
i forgot to mention this earlier....Grant Napier, really? We've had Greg Papa in the past, Jim Kozimor.....and....Grant Napier? i guess that's what we get for being a combined 7-14 going in.

at least Dan Dibley was back on the sideline! and pawlowski is pretty good.
 
jj2319 said:
Kadeezy said:
Safron and Edwards filled in admirably at times, but the last few weeks have been absolutely embarrassing. I feel for players like Hilliard, Fleming, Reed, Nash, and Hendershott. They deserved better than our team sputtering out... A special thanks to Bryan Hilliard. While this wasn't his best season, that guy was an absolute horse for us for 5 years and he sacrificed his body over and over again, surgery after surgery. Hilliard up the middle... I thank you.

I would put money on our Day 1 QB being a FBS drop-down or Jake Geringer. Sperbeck knows the current talent will not suffice. We lose a TON of experience from this year's squad, but it can't get much worse!

.500 + next year or coach might start to hear footsteps...
Click to expand...

I agree. Quarterbacking was deplorable. B Reed made those catches happen by creating separation but most of the throws were just uncatchable - it was embarrassing. Priority number one has to be finding a quarterback followed by a very close second of finding linebackers who can step up and stop the run. The entire season our linebacking corps was slow, undersized and out of place. The only saving grace was Nash. Today our linebackers made UC Davis's slow ass 108th ranked nationally rush offense look like LaMichael James.

I am more concerned about where we go from here as I dont see a silver lining to this dark cloud going into the offseason. Hope I am wrong.
Click to expand...

I think Sperbeck is too stubborn to go out and actively look for a QB that can start right away next season, I think he's just going to go with Saffron :twocents: .
 
I think the game on Saturday validated three points from the season:

1. Sperbeck needs an Offensive coordinator. His game plans and play calling were poor and unfortunately he didn't seem to make any adjustments at the half.

2. Sperbeck needs to find a quarterback for next year. I don't care if Safron is a freshman, I just didn't see anything there that would cause me to think he can consistently complete passes.

3. Hornets need RB depth. Year after year it seems that Croxdale is the only RB healthy enough to play during the Causeway. I will give the credit for being extremely tough and full of heart - but the talent is not enough to be an impact. For once can he develop some depth at that position!!

What a huge disappointment of a season! I hope really want Sperbeck to succeed, I think stability with a quality coach is exactly what this program needs. But I also hope Wanless is developing plan B. Because after four losing seasons in five years, Sperbeck just hasn't been able to get it done.
 
if your Wanless do you give Sperbeck one more year and see what he can do? or do you immediately start looking for a replacement? Personally i feel like he deserves at least another year. This program was nowhere before he came and now at the very least we expect to compete and win.
 
SacHornet said:
if your Wanless do you give Sperbeck one more year and see what he can do? or do you immediately start looking for a replacement? Personally i feel like he deserves at least another year. This program was nowhere before he came and now at the very least we expect to compete and win.
Click to expand...

If he finishes next year under .500 again, I think he's probably fair game and might be in trouble.

He needs 6-5 or better next year to be 100% safe IMO...
 
SacHornet said:
if your Wanless do you give Sperbeck one more year and see what he can do? or do you immediately start looking for a replacement? Personally i feel like he deserves at least another year. This program was nowhere before he came and now at the very least we expect to compete and win.
Click to expand...

We have to give him another year as he is under contract. But...after five years I do not think Sperbeck is the answer in getting the program to the next level. Moosh was useless but Volek given all his warts had better offenses.

I do not know why Hilliard was under-utilized in his last game. Saffron has no ability to throw in the flat, no use of TE, the offensive mistakes were glaring. To give up 170yds to an unknown RB is unacceptable.

Hope Wanless is at least forming a short list of replacements to choose from. I think five years is enough to prove if you can do it or not. And at this point the answer is not.

Highest paid HC in BSC, biggest budget....the excuses have been eliminated.
 
OldHornet said:
3. Hornets need RB depth. Year after year it seems that Croxdale is the only RB healthy enough to play during the Causeway. I will give the credit for being extremely tough and full of heart - but the talent is not enough to be an impact. For once can he develop some depth at that position!!
Click to expand...

As for Crox, you are correct, he was tough and full of heart. True he was no Hilliard, but through the last 4 years, there were several games when Hilliard, Dailey and others were hurt, that Crox stepped in to do a respectable job.

And while Crox's stats won't be remembered by anyone, there are other things that I will remember: A walk-on described as a "scout team tackling dummy" who made the team and earned a half scholly his first year. Earned the other half of his scholly in his second year. Big Sky Academic team every year. Strength and Conditioning All American. Recipient of the Ray Clemons award this year. Played college football for 4 years, school paid for, earned respect of coaches and teammates. Not a bad stretch.

I am over and out on this board. It's been a pleasure knowing you all, and getting a peek into the Sac program and its legacy. I was also impressed by the large number of talented athletes that have come through the program in the last 4 years, and fans like yourselves that care so much about the team. Best to you all! :clap:

-Fickyfack
 
Great job FickyFack, you are 100% correct about Croxdale - he is the MAN.
Jake is a fantastic football player who consistantly played much bigger than his stature would suggest. His fearles approach to blocking inspired other players and earned him the respect of everyone who knows him. More importantly, he is a wonderful team player who was always ready to do whatever his team and coaches needed him to do. Thank you Jake for being there for us these past 4 years.

Thank you FickyFack for your support of Hornet Football and good luck to you in the future.

Go Croxdale - Go Hornets! :clap:
 
GoAgs72 said:
No need to gloat over the game - I just go back and look at your statements made before the game and chuckle. Overall, the game was more entertaining than I expected except for the high school band. Regardless of the game, you have to admit that the Aggie Band-uh is a much classier operation.Over and out, so blast away.
Click to expand...

The aggie band only became classier when you hired a Hornet to direct your band! :rofl:
 
FamousBaller said:
Great job FickyFack, you are 100% correct about Croxdale - he is the MAN.
Jake is a fantastic football player who consistantly played much bigger than his stature would suggest. His fearles approach to blocking inspired other players and earned him the respect of everyone who knows him. More importantly, he is a wonderful team player who was always ready to do whatever his team and coaches needed him to do. Thank you Jake for being there for us these past 4 years.

Thank you FickyFack for your support of Hornet Football and good luck to you in the future.

Go Croxdale - Go Hornets! :clap:
Click to expand...

Agree 100! I have always admired the way that Jake played. He is a tough, fearless, old school REAL football player! He brought a certain toughness, determination and spark to the program whenever he was called on. Last year's Causeway in the monsoon he gained something like 96 yards and had davis on their heels. Thanks for the memories Jake, good luck in the future. Great to have you join us as a Sac State Alum!
 
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