Week 15: Sac State vs Austin Peay - FCS PLAYOFFS / RD2 (ROAD TO FRISCO!)

[GreenArmySwarm]

Don’t go negative.

This is a good team we are playing, proud of what has been accomplished so far.

Bee article about TT, he wants to be here for long haul to build a program.

Lmao. Nah. If they’re going to get all the praises. They deserve to be critiqued. Can’t have one without the other. And today, they’re garbage. Dumpster fire

 

[GreenArmySwarm]

Don’t go negative.

This is a good team we are playing, proud of what has been accomplished so far.

Bee article about TT, he wants to be here for long haul to build a program.

Lmao. Nah. If they’re going to get all the praises, they deserve to be critiqued. Can’t have one without the other. And today, they’re garbage. Dumpster fire

 

[GreenArmySwarm]

Don’t go negative.

This is a good team we are playing, proud of what has been accomplished so far.

Bee article about TT, he wants to be here for long haul to build a program.

Lmao. Nah. If they’re going to get all the praises, they deserve to be critiqued. Can’t have one without the other. And today, they’re garbage. Dumpster fire

I’ve logged off.
Out-coached
Out-played
Out everything

Solid regular season. See everyone on the basketball thread

 

[josephpoint]

Did not recognize this Hornet team tonight.

 

[Phantom Hornet]

Got damn, I thought that week off was gonna give em fresh legs but they were checked OUT mentally.

That's a team that finished its season versus Davis, went home for Thanksgiving, came back and said, "Oh sh#t, we gotta play some more?"

Hopefully a good learning lesson for this program and Coach Taylor.

Thanks for a season I never thought I'd ever see. Now we want more.

 

[josephpoint]

Agree Phantom

 

[SDHornet]

28-42 Hornet loss. Hell of a season and I enjoyed every minute of it, including last night. Hornet fans get to scratch off a BSC title and a D1 playoff appearance from the bucket list. We may never see any of those things again, although things are trending up with Taylor so we have that going for us.

AP was the better team across the board. They came ready and put the game away in the first quarter. They get all the credit for this win. I'm not surprised at the loss, but am surprised and disappointed at how awful the team played and how the Hornets were out coached and outplayed at every facet of the game even with the week off.

That early roughing the kicker on the first drive set the tone for this game as the wheels came off shortly thereafter. Thomson and the receivers were never on the same page until mid-way through the 3rd quarter. No Pierre Williams, Dotson only got 2 touches and played sparingly, hurt? Bianco out as well. Perkinson went down in the game. The defense got abused. Secondary was beat on almost every play and the front was constantly beat on the option. Tackling was poor as well. Special teams was a total joke as well, not being ready for the on-side kick (great call even though AP was 3 yards offsides) and poor FG kicking cost this team badly. Basically what could go wrong did go wrong in this game.

Hell of a ride, on to next season. Stingers Up!

 

[HornetHope]

Joe Davidson tweeted out last night that Pierre, Blanco and Dotson were all injured and did not play or in Dotson case did not return. This was a learning lesson for all.

Think of next year, we are getting Rucker back, we will have stronger players, with the recruits we have coming in we will be much improved. Things are looking up for this program, I am optimistic for the future here!

 

[DrMike]

I was at the Davis basketball game and pulled up ESPN to see 21-0. That was a shock, as were the stats In the first quarter. Sounded like a game that got away quickly (a red zone score or more might have turned things around). That’s disappointing but shouldn’t diminish the success of the season or outlook for next year. Could it be that 2020 will FINALLY bring a Causeway with real meaning? Maybe even Grant Napier will acknowledge the game. Probably not.

Thomson earned a ton of respect from me when he came back to play in the Causeway last year. He was obviously not close to 100%, and the season was lost, but he was out there. Heck of a player.

 

[OldSchoolHornet]

SDH...great game evaluation..and yes, IT WAS A HELL OF A RIDE!

My SINCERE APPRECIATION goes out to the staff and all of the players involved in that AWESOME season!

 

[superhornet]

Factors in last night's debacle from my vantage point about four rows back at the 50 yard line (thanks to Kadeezy):

1. Defense. The defense didn't show up, period. The DL couldn't stop a simple zone read, something they've handled rather easily all season. The LBers were not scraping into the gaps. The DBs couldn't stop the deep ball. It would have been worse had Craig been more accurate.

2. Offense. The offense didn't wake up until the second half. Where was Elijah Dotson? The Hammerheads didn't do their job at all, so no running game whatsoever, leading to second- and third-and long on just about every series. GAS makes a good point about going for the the home run ball too much; lack of protection was part of the problem, also contributing to playing "behind the chains" for much of the night, but Thomson's accuracy was also way off, with many throws high or into the ground, and receivers making the wrong read on choice routes was a HUGE issue.

3. Special Teams. This was completely a coaching issue, and one I'm surprised nobody else has mentioned. We can forgive that roughing the kicker penalty, as noted below. But the failure to recognize that first quarter center onside kick was unforgivable, as was that systemic calling for the fair catch on EVERY Peay kickoff as soon as the kicker's foot even touched the ball cost us AT LEAST 15-20 yards each time as we accepted the NCAA's new "fair catch = touchback" paradigm despite the fact that a decent return would have placed us at least at the 35 or the 40 given that the coverage men were super slow in getting down the field. What was Taylor thinking here?!?

4. ECB Officiating. At least in the first half. This is actually a secondary issue, as key defensive stops, particularly in the second half, that didn't happen would have made this a non-issue. The entire first quarter was an ECB nightmare, as that roughing the kicker should not even have been called, as the dude was blocked into the punter. The penalties in 1Q were ALL on us, and not all valid, and they were all big. The second quarter shifted the other way, but all of those penalties were of the false start and offside variety. The second half was a completely different story; outside of one drive where Peay was called for PI twice (which seemed to be more taking advantage of the difference between NCAA and NFL PI rules to save a long TD), the flags in the second half seemed firmly planted in zebra pockets, ignoring many Peay holding and PI offenses. But again, had our defense played like they did against the Griz and the Kitties earlier this year, this would have been a non-issue.

5. Conclusion. A complete "sleepwalk" by our team, as GAS put it. I disagree somewhat with GAS on calling out Thomson for poor decision making; his accuracy and poor routing by the receivers seemed to me to be more the issue. And the defense was a HUGE culprit, as were the Hammerheads in getting no traction in the running game and in protecting Thomson (though the protection was MUCH better in the second half). This game was an utter embarrassment in which the weather played no factor as expected coming in, and I hope that it becomes a lesson learned for next season.

 

[superhornet]

On a side note, at the beginning, I was happy to see former DL Coach Bob Shook. He said the Big Cat was in attendance, but I didn't get to see him. I miss that staff very much. Overall, they made a guy who legitimately had no chance at seeing the field feel welcome....

 

[BuckeyeHornetFan]

AP was the better team across the board. They came ready and put the game away in the first quarter. They get all the credit for this win. I'm not surprised at the loss, but am surprised and disappointed at how awful the team played and how the Hornets were out coached and outplayed at every facet of the game even with the week off.

In yesterday's game, I agree. But I don't believe for one minute that AP was better than the Hornets team we saw back in October.

Let's be real. The Hornets beat much better teams than AP this season. I believe you'll see that proven next week, as I fully expect MSU to win by a couple scores if not more.

Unfortunately the October Hornets never showed back up this season. Kevin Thomson obviously won the BSC MVP, but he was nowhere near the same player post injury as he was pre-injury.

Then you add in what HornetHope said here:

Joe Davidson tweeted out last night that Pierre, Blanco and Dotson were all injured and did not play or in Dotson case did not return.

Losing your two best offensive players and one of your best o-lineman is going to wreck pretty much most every offense.

Then add in Thomson's inaccuracy and subpar performance until very late in the game and the outcome is really no surprise.

Now I've got no explanation for the defense. Other than I've kinda believed their success has been more smoke and mirrors than great talent. Andy Thompson worked wonders with the defense, but their flaws were on full display yesterday.

Props to AP for beating the Hornets team that took the field yesterday, but you'll never convince me the outcome would have been close to the same against a healthy Hornets team playing as they had been 6 weeks ago.

But that's why it's so hard to win a championship. Things happen that are often outside of your control.

That early roughing the kicker on the first drive set the tone for this game as the wheels came off shortly thereafter.

Totally agree here. I thought that was an egregious mistake. A mistake that just can't be made. And usually isn't made by fundamentally sound teams.

I understand wanting to make a big play early on, but the player has to understand time and situation. The Hornets didn't need a blocked punt at all costs there. They just needed the stop (which they got) and the chance to get out to an early lead.

The way things ultimately developed with the offense, they likely wouldn't have done anything with the possession. But you just never know. If they somehow managed to jump on AP early, it could have changed the dynamic of the game.

The defense got abused. Secondary was beat on almost every play and the front was constantly beat on the option. Tackling was poor as well. Special teams was a total joke as well, not being ready for the on-side kick (great call even though AP was 3 yards offsides) and poor FG kicking cost this team badly. Basically what could go wrong did go wrong in this game.

This was the biggest disappointment of all IMO.

I mean, I was already expecting disappointment from the offense once it was announced Pierre Williams wasn't playing and also recognizing how Thomson had been playing post-injury, but I expected the defense to represent better than they did.

AP HC Mark Hudspeth obviously did too as he praised the Hornets defense as the best he'd seen in the FCS all season. Some of that is likely coach-speak, but I'd suspect he spent a bit more time watching early season Hornets defense too.

Anybody that has followed the Hornets all season knows that the defensive performances had regressed as the season wore on.

IMO it all started to go downhill after the Montana and Cal Poly games. The defense wasn't good against WSU. Nowhere near what they had done against MSU and Montana, who I'd argue are both better offensively.

They were underwhelming against NAU and, at times, UCD as well. Idaho was really the only really stellar performance they had since October.

I do think injuries had something to do with it. But every team has injuries.

All in all, I get being happy and enthusiastic with how the season turned out. Whomever feels that way I certainly understand and won't try to convince otherwise. Especially considering the history of this program.

I mean, admittedly, I am certainly giddy about the BSC title and playoff appearance. But I'm not gonna lie and say that I'm not greatly disappointed with yesterday's lackluster performance.

I just wished AP faced off against the same team we saw for most the season. That didn't come close to happening.

Lastly, I will also say that I agree with SD that -- aside from our typical Hornets team not showing up on the field whether it be via injury or performance -- the coaching staff was out-schemed and out-coached by their counterparts.

AP was well prepared and executed their game plan nearly to perfection. They were clearly aided by the lack of participation by Williams, Bianco and Dotson -- which just exasperated the situation.

 

[SDHornet]

I agree BHF, excellent post. I agree that Thomson hasn't been the same since the injury vs Weber (I wouldn't be surprised if Thomson decides to forgo his last year of eligibility, his body has taken a beating). I think another factor in the perceived decline in play since October (besides player health) is the fact that teams had more film to work with. Early on there just wasn't much for opposing coaching staff to go off of. By October certain tendencies were there to pick up on and I think the better teams were able to identify them and game plan/adjust to it.

What bothered me about the roughing penalty on the punt was that there was no need to go all out on a punt block. It was the opening drive and forcing a 3 and out on the explosive AP offense was huge. Take the ball and the field position and go from there. The Hornet D did get a stop eventually but the field position was flipped.

SH regarding the fair catches on the kickoffs, that's how they've been played all season long. I didn't have an issue with it even though it did look like some of those kicks could have gotten the ball to the 30-35 yard line with a return. To be honest, 5-10 yards doesn't make a whole lot of difference in a game like this one.

 

[BuckeyeHornetFan]

SD — great point on film and tendencies. That was another factor I neglected to mention. But partly what I meant regarding defense being largely smoke and mirrors. Once teams had film of the defense, they started figuring better ways to combat it.

Same goes for the offense. Which did have many tendencies. For example, how many times do they motion Dotson or Perkinson out of the backfield for an empty set? Not a lot of variation.

Oh, well. Season is over now. Let’s hope they can build upon the success they had with recruiting.

 

[HornetHope]

(I wouldn't be surprised if Thomson decides to forgo his last year of eligibility, his body has taken a beating). Thomson tweeted this afternoon that he has really enjoyed playing with his teammates. Sounded past tense to me.

By October certain tendencies were there to pick up on and I think the better teams were able to identify them and game plan/adjust to it. I think was more evident by late Oct.

SH regarding the fair catches on the kickoffs, that's how they've been played all season long. I didn't have an issue with it even though it did look like some of those kicks could have gotten the ball to the 30-35 yard line with a return. To be honest, 5-10 yards doesn't make a whole lot of difference in a game like this one. Disagree, this was a tendency we needed to change in playoffs. I think this time evaluates and gets better next year.

 

[Kadeezy]

I don’t see the Thomson tweet? Are you referring to the pinned tweet that he has after the end of last season? Or maybe he deleted his post.

I think transferring is more likely than “retiring” - I’m so many of the local news interviews last week KT said his end goal was to have a chance to play on Sundays. Sept/Oct Kevin might have that chance.

 

[BuckeyeHornetFan]

I don’t see the Thomson tweet? Are you referring to the pinned tweet that he has after the end of last season? Or maybe he deleted his post.

I think transferring is more likely than “retiring” - I’m so many of the local news interviews last week KT said his end goal was to have a chance to play on Sundays. Sept/Oct Kevin might have that chance.

I like KT. Seemingly a great kid. He’s been a good QB for the Hornets when healthy.

Coach Taylor helped raise his production to another level, which he’s done for every QB he’s mentored. Remember, Taylor’s now churned our 2 BSC MVP’s in 4 seasons at the collegiate level and all 5 of the QB’s he had in HS earned D1 scholarships. So it’s not surprising Thomson also enjoyed success playing for him.

That all said, I haven’t seen anything to make me believe KT has the makings of a next level QB. CFL or XFL, possibly. But NFL? I think that’s more than a long shot.

I don’t believe he’d start for a majority of FBS programs. Ian Book is from El Dorado Hills and has been the starting QB for Norte Dame the past couple seasons. He’s facing an uphill climb in playing in the NFL, let alone a kid like Thomson.

But, nothing wrong with chasing dreams either.

If KT is to play professionally, he’s gonna have to figure out how to become more durable. He’s gonna have to get a lot stronger.

 

[Kadeezy]

I don’t see the Thomson tweet? Are you referring to the pinned tweet that he has after the end of last season? Or maybe he deleted his post.

I think transferring is more likely than “retiring” - I’m so many of the local news interviews last week KT said his end goal was to have a chance to play on Sundays. Sept/Oct Kevin might have that chance.

I like KT. Seemingly a great kid. He’s been a good QB for the Hornets when healthy.

Coach Taylor helped raise his production to another level, which he’s done for every QB he’s mentored. Remember, Taylor’s now churned our 2 BSC MVP’s in 4 seasons at the collegiate level and all 5 of the QB’s he had in HS earned D1 scholarships. So it’s not surprising Thomson also enjoyed success playing for him.

That all said, I haven’t seen anything to make me believe KT has the makings of a next level QB. CFL or XFL, possibly. But NFL? I think that’s more than a long shot.

I don’t believe he’d start for a majority of FBS programs. Ian Book is from El Dorado Hills and has been the starting QB for Norte Dame the past couple seasons. He’s facing an uphill climb in playing in the NFL, let alone a kid like Thomson.

But, nothing wrong with chasing dreams either.

If KT is to play professionally, he’s gonna have to figure out how to become more durable. He’s gonna have to get a lot stronger.

I don’t disagree, just meant that he didn’t sound like a guy ready to walk away.

 

[Green Cookie Monster]

but they were checked OUT mentally.
That's a team that finished its season versus Davis, went home for Thanksgiving, came back and said, "Oh sh#t, we gotta play some more?"

Phantom-That is exactly what happened. They were satisfied with the BSC ring and beating davis. They checked in their gear for the season before Thanksgiving.

Props to Coach Hudspeth and APU, they wanted it more and it showed.

Too bad the whole season was summed up in one half of play, to all the national viewers who tuned in to see what is up with the Hornets this year. Only to see a beat down taking place. APU was a much better team that day.

Props to Coach Taylor for pulling his first season out of the hat at 9-4, see it doesnt take 3-4 years to rebuild a program, the HC either has it or they dont. Great all around year otherwise and hopefully this is a learning curve to stay hungry. APU is no NCCU.

I like Thompson, but he is too Dr. Jekyl/Mr. Hyde. I am not sure what swings his productivity from brilliant to cant hit the side of a barn play style. He is arguably one of the best QB's in program history, but so was Leadingham, and we didn't clutch win much under him either. Like Case Cookus, just didnt quite get it done. It is not all on him as the whole program was a blank stare Saturday night.

Bring on Baseball!
I would have said BBall, but even if we win the BSC, we cant host it!