Good morning Cat fans. Coyote fan here to check in before what now looms as a big game for both teams.
Now to the game. I have said since the finish of last season to circle this date on the calendar as it is a matchup of two pretty good teams. I think this game will give both fan bases a pretty good idea where their respective teams are heading for the rest of the year. If USD comes out and is fortunate enough to get a W, then I think we have a great chance to finish fairly high in the Missouri Valley, and have a shot at the playoffs. If we come out and lay an egg, then that will present some big questions on our ability to compete within our league. Whoever wins, in my opinion, is going to win it in a game that goes the full 60 minutes. I understand you’ve been struggling somewhat offensively but it won’t remain that way the whole year. Our secondary coverage along with our special teams play is in question right now as well.
A little bit about what to expect. Our QB replaces a young man that finished 2nd last year in the FCS player of the year battle. His name is Austin Simmons, and I do believe he came of age last week in a game against Northern Colorado in which we won 43-28, but the game was in doubt till about the last 3 minutes. Could’ve gone either way. Simmons has an aresenal of receivers to throw to. We literally have 6-7 guys that are big play threats. Our running game is once again a little bit of an Achilles heal. If our line can start to gel, and open up some holes, we have a couple of running backs that are decent but not great. They can provide maybe enough of a punch to then open up the air attack. Our O line up to this point has given Simmons time to throw, and when the pocket collapsed the few times it did, he showed the ability to scramble and gain positive yards.
Our defense is a work in process. Our front 4 are pretty good. Our linebackers are improving, and our secondary is suspect. We lost 3 players in the secondary last year due to disciplinary action and they were not allowed back on the team, so experience and depth are a question. All that being said, it looks like to me if you exploit our D, you have a great shot at winning the game. If our D has a much improved game against you, then we have a great shot at winning.
In closing, the one thing that always bothers me about our team is playing outside. We play in a Dome, and we aren’t used to all the challenges playing outside presents. If there’s wind, that’s an issue we don’t deal woth a lot. If it’s a nice day, and wind is at a minimum, then I throw those concerns out the window. I’m hoping it doesn’t come down to special teams, I don’t like our odds in that situation.
In Ogden Valley, the Huntsville Marathon will be going on. So, you might want to avoid that area Saturday morning. If you like to hike there are hundreds of miles of trails, Antelope Island is a neat chance for someone from out of state to see the Great Salt Lake up close (warning: it is stinky). You could go do some social axe throwing too if you wanted to. Lastly, I love the Union Station, sweet old museum.