Week 4: Sac State vs. North Dakota

[jj2319]

Wait a minute. We're 2-2. The season hasn't been pi$$ed away yet. Why are we freaking out as if it already has been?

We have a chance to get our act together against hapless ISU next week, and we can build from there. Why not give the guys a chance to build the character required to win? It's not over yet!

You are so right. Being 2-2, I will take it. We still have a chance to be in the playoffs. Also Manuel Noriega has always been a dictator, but he was our dictator. Then he decide to go rogue, and the CIA just became fed up with him and got rid of him.

I don't disagree with you - I will take 2-2 as well. What concerns me is the schedule just doesn't get any easier. Idaho St. will be tough on the road (but a winnable game) followed by Southern Utah, Weber and EW. If last night's performance is an indicator, we could be 1-3 over the next month. I really dont want to see Magleby languishing on the sidelines (like MBT did a few years ago) given that the run offense looks strong. I was impressed with Graham and Ellis and McCowan showed up as well. This is the time for Sperbeck to step up and make a decision about where this team is going.

 

[SDHornet]

Wait a minute. We're 2-2. The season hasn't been pi$$ed away yet. Why are we freaking out as if it already has been?

We have a chance to get our act together against hapless ISU next week, and we can build from there. Why not give the guys a chance to build the character required to win? It's not over yet!

You are so right. Being 2-2, I will take it. We still have a chance to be in the playoffs. Also Manuel Noriega has always been a dictator, but he was our dictator. Then he decide to go rogue, and the CIA just became fed up with him and got rid of him.

Stop mentioning playoffs. Just stop. A blowout loss at home thanks to awful QB play does not even garner any consideration of the playoffs. We are in the "easy" part of the schedule. After next week, things get a lot harder. We struggle to put up points on a weak defense like UND's and there is no way we get points against the better defenses that we hit later in the season.

 

[SDHornet]

Recap/Thoughts

The Hornets opened up Big Sky play with a loss to UND 35-13 and fall to 2-2 on the year in front of a surprising 10,744 people. This game was mired with mistakes from the quarterback position which was the difference in the game. The Hornets had no trouble moving the ball on the ground and exposed the suspect UND defense but mistakes and inexplicable play calling kept that ball movement from translating into points. Four weeks into the season and the quarterback play is looking really bad and has regressed since the first two promising weeks of the season. The defense kept the explosive UND offense under wraps for a considerable portion of the game but ultimately wore down as the offense continued to stumble late in the game.

Offense
The Hornets did a great job on the ground. The offensive line showed up and dominated the line of scrimmage which opened up plenty of running room for the trio of running backs. Unfortunately (#12) Garret Safron has another awful game and ultimately it was his poor play that prevented the Hornets from putting up more points which threw away any chance at a victory. Safron had another poor day throwing the ball as most of his passes were off target. However the worst aspect of the game was his poor decision making. Too many times he tried to force the ball to a covered receiver and it had poor results. The fumbled snaps were also embarrassing, especially when it happens inside of the opponents 5 yard line.

The running backs were explosive and displayed great vision and play making ability. Again a lot of this was due to the offensive line getting it done but the running backs really made the best of it and gashed UND for a lot of big plays. The receivers had a ho-hum day and overall were not impressive. They also had a couple of drops which is never going to help a struggling quarterback.

Game Stats:

• • Passing: 237 yds (6.0 ypc), 2 TD’s
  • Rushing: 255 yds (6.1 ypr)
  • Total Offense: 492 yds, 2 TD’s
  • Time of Possession: 29:08
  • Turnovers: 3 (2 INT, 1 Fum)
  • Penalties: 5 for 38 yds
  • (#12) Safron: 19 of 33 for 163 yds, 1 TD, 2 INT’s, 11 carries for 40 yds
  • (#4) Magleby: 6 of 7 for 74 yds, 1 TD, 2 carries for 1 yd
  • (#8) Graham: 15 carries for 140 yds, 2 recs for 24 yds
  • (#10) Dotson: 5 rec for 52 yds
  • (#13) Norrise: 4 recs for 35 yds
  • (#24) McCowan: 4 carries for 31 yds, 3 recs for 24 yds
  • (#81) Robertson: 4 rec for 33 yds
  • (#21) Ellis: 9 carries for 44 yds
  • (#80) Broadnax: 2 recs for 22 yds
  • (#17) Knowles: 1 rec for 16 yds
  • (#2) Carter: 1 recs for 11, 1 TD
  • (#87) Cox: 2 recs for 10 yds
  • (#15) Harrison: 1 rec for 10 yds, 1 TD

The offense was unstoppable on the ground which brings up the point of why even throw the ball that much in the first place. Too many drives were killed with poor play calling which time and time again went away from what the Hornets were doing best throughout the game. Safron was benched late in the game in lieu of (#4) Mason Magleby. Magleby drove the ball in garbage time and he looked hungry. It certainly opens up the discussion of whether or not to try a different approach at the quarterback position. The ball was much more lively coming out of Magleby’s hand than it was from Safron’s, and Magleby displayed his athleticism and avoided some defenders with an impressive run. The bottom line is the coaches need to find a quarterback who is not going to make stupid mistakes and cost this program wins.

Defense
The Hornet defense did their job for the first 2.5 quarters. After giving up a TD on the opening drive, they put the clamps on UND’s explosive offense and forced a lot of punts early on. The defense did what it had to do and it kept this team in the game, holding UND to only 14 first half points. The defensive line stepped up and really gave UND trouble in the first half. They were able to get pressure on (#13) Hendrickson and they kept him rattled to the point where he was never really able to get into a groove. The defensive line also held their own against the UND running game and the linebackers did an excellent job of pursing the run and making tackles. Unfortunately as the game went on the defense wore down. When UND jumped out to a lead, they pounded the ball on the ground and the defense ran out of gas down the stretch. It was a valiant effort but wasn’t enough to overcome the mistakes made by the Hornets on the other side of the ball.

Game Stats:

• • Passing Allowed: 147 yds (6.4 ypc), 2 TD’s
  • Rushing Allowed: 294 yds (6.8 ypr), 3 TD’s
  • Total Offense Allowed: 441 yds, 5 TD’s
  • Opponent Tim of Possession: 30:52
  • Turnovers Forced: 1 (1 INT)
  • Opponents Penalties: 3 for 24 yds
  • (#6) McMahon: 14 tackles
  • (#91) Davis: 13 tackles, 1 TFL
  • (#31) Williams: 9 tackles, 2 TFL’s, 1 sack
  • (#3) Washington: 9 tackles
  • (#11) Badger: 6 tackles, 1 INT
  • (#1) Odiase: 6 tackles
  • (#7/#14) Armstrong/ (#48) Fernandez/ (#90) Cowger/ (#94) Eskew: 3 tackles
  • (#92) Kelley: 2 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack
  • (#62) Lawrence: 2 tackles, 1 TFL
  • (#97) Castro: 2 tackles
  • (#51) White: 1 tackle

The defense did a lot better than I expected them to and held this UND offense to season lows. This unit should not hang its head one bit as the fought hard all game long. The defense showed up to play and went toe-to-toe with one of the most potent offenses in the FCS and held them in check for a considerable amount of the game. The trick now is picking themselves up and staying focused, aggressive, and disciplined as the season wears on.

Special Teams
The special teams didn’t have an awful game but it wasn’t a great one. Carter let too many punts bounce and that resulted in poor field position throughout the first half. The kick coverage teams kept things under wraps so that is improvement from a week ago. Punter (#45) Justin Weldon did not have the booming kicks of a week ago but didn’t have any shanks either. Statistically the place kicking had a bad game; however I’m not going to hold a blocked 52 yard field goal attempt at the end of the first half against (#58) Castaneda. It would have been a career long had this been made. However he did have an inexcusable missed PAT late in the 4th quarter. Although it did not impact the outcome of the game, missed PAT’s are inexcusable.

Game Stats:

• • (#58) Castaneda: 0/1 FG’s, 1/2 PAT’s
  • (#45) Justin Weldon: 5 punts for a 37.2 ypp avg., 2 I-20
  • (#53) Cornish: 2 kickoffs for a 61.0 ypk avg.
  • (#2) Carter: none
  • (#24) McCowan: 3 kr’s for 78 yds (26.0 ypr)
  • Kick Coverage: Allowed 34 yds on 2 returns (17.0 ypr)
  • Punt Coverage: Allowed 1 yd on 1 return (1.0 ypr)

The special teams needs to keep working hard heading into next week. Hopefully the missed place kicks do not wear on Castaneda’s mind and he can rebound and make the kicks when they matter.

Injuries
The Hornets had a few players get banged up but it didn’t look like any serious injuries were sustained. It sounds like the Hornets are thin on offensive line depth so that will be an issue as the season wears on. Also it sounded like a couple of players in the secondary were banged up and this could be an issue as well.

It’s awful to see a great ground effort wasted due to poor play calling and poor execution and mistakes, but that is what happened in this game. Mistakes at untimely moments absolutely buried this team (again) against UND and who knows how things play out if those turnovers don’t happen. But this team needs to pick itself up and pull it together as there are still plenty of games left to play. The Hornets have to travel to play an Idaho State program that is still in rebuilding mode. If ever there is a must win game next week surely is one.

Go Hornets!

Hornetsports Recap: http://www.hornetsports.com/sports/football/release.asp?release_id=10648

SSS Recap: http://sacstatesports.com/2012/09/22/north-dakota-35-sac-state-14/

 

[OldGreen67]

Wow!!! I am thinking this board is a bit bipolar....lol..2 weeks ago everyone must have been on there GOOD meds. Are there any half full glasses left in this house or are they all half empty?

I was at the game yesterday, and it was rough, costly turnovers and some missed opportunites, but not ready to throw out the baby with the bath water. This is a very young team at the skill position level, and some mistakes will be made. I also trust that the staff and players will correct them. I spoke with some players after the game and they were upset with the mistakes they made, but believe in themselves and coaches.

Are we a playoff team? Not sure about that, teams young, BSC is tough, and this is the 3rd "O" in 3 years.

Do I believe this team can be better? Yes, the players believe in the O and D systems and the skill is there.

Is the answer to "revamp" the offense again? "NO F'ing WAY". easier to find fast playmakers in a spread system at this level than it is to get the "Big Uglies" needed to run a true smash mouth style. We ran the ball well yesterday because of the spread.

Is switching QB's or type of QB the answer? Not neccessarily, I think having 2 or 3 QB's like we do, provides competition and either Safron will improve or another will step up. Watching Magelby throw against UND while they were in prevent and not bringing a rush or blitz doesn't tell me much. He does throw a good ball though. Going to a "Pro Style" QB isnt the answer either. You go with the best desicion and play maker, regardless of style...you see this at all levels now. Remember the Pros didn't want to embrace the college spread game, but slowely it's phasing into that game as well. Old "Al Davis" style is going away. Let it go...

I never thought this team was a playoff team going into this year...was only hoping to build from last years letdown. This team is less experienced than last years, and needs time to grow. Will we get 7-8 wins this year? doubtful...will we better last years output in all facets of the game...I believe so...

Let me ask you this? If this team goes 6-5 with a win over UC Davis, would you get excited for next year knowing 75% of the starters and playmakers are coming back?

OK...enough rambling...going back to my Half Full Iced Tea :twocents:

 

[Green Cookie Monster]

After 25yrs of following this program, I am going to do what Phantom is thinking. Going to take a sabbatical from Hornet football until they win 5 in a row. Don't know what to say except that I am over following a team that is always looking to next year. 25yrs is long enough to produce an 8-3 record and this program is unable to do that. Enough is enough.

 

[SDHornet]

After 25yrs of following this program, I am going to do what Phantom is thinking. Going to take a sabbatical from Hornet football until they win 5 in a row. Don't know what to say except that I am over following a team that is always looking to next year. 25yrs is long enough to produce an 8-3 record and this program is unable to do that. Enough is enough.

No you’re not, Hornet football is your crack addiction. :lol:


Good points made by OG67. I agree that this no huddle spread is the way to go and we should stick with it and Peterson regardless of what ridiculous articles Bradley poops out. The issue is finding a QB who can fit the offense. Safron just isn’t developing like many though he would. Yes it’s only been 4 games but looked pretty bad from a throwing and decision making standpoint and now we are heading into the heart of the schedule. This does not bode well. I trust the coaches will play who they feel will provide the best chance to win.

I appreciate the half glass full view though, definitely needed after last night.

 

[billbradleysac]

In case you Hornets fans missed it, we have a column and a game story from last night posted at SacStateSports.com.

In the column, I question the effectiveness of Paul Peterson's no-huddle offense, which is more like a "hurry-up-and-wait offense."

Also, we have a photo gallery from a new contributor, photographer Dave Hanke.

Thanks for checking us out,
Bill Bradley
http://www.sacstatesports.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[GoldenEagleHornet]

It was a disappointment last night. Stupid mistakes. I went to the Mt SAC vs Citrus College game yesterday to see Nick Montana live. I saw why Sarkisian told him the door is open if you want to exit. Montana constantly threw ill thought out passes, often into coverages. Didn't go threw his progressions. And committed turnovers. When I tuned into the Sac St game, I thought I was watching the Mt SAC, Citrus College game. Safron looked a lot like the youngest Montana.

His back up, Ted Landers, played the entire 2nd half. This QB was very entertaining to watch. He has an arm and a touch. The O was in-sync with him. Appeared to have good perception of the field and defense. I didn't know who he was while at the game, so I did some online searching on him when I got home last night. Apparently he's a UCLA bounce back. I couldn't find any recent football profiles with offers for him. I think Sperbeck and Peterson ought to contact this kid. Mt SAC runs a fast tempo O. He would fit Peterson's O nicely. From what I witness yesterday, he's better than the youngest Montana.

http://www.ncsasports.org/football-recruiting/ca/gardena/junipero-serra-high-school-gardena/ted-landers" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.sgvtribune.com/sports/ci_21611501/area-colleges-citrus-cant-match-up-mt-sac" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://athletics.mtsac.edu/rosters/1213/footballm.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.uclabruins.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/landers_ted00.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Ted-Landers-78858#college_choices" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[SDHornet]

In case you Hornets fans missed it, we have a column and a game story from last night posted at SacStateSports.com.

In the column, I question the effectiveness of Paul Peterson's no-huddle offense, which is more like a "hurry-up-and-wait offense."

Also, we have a photo gallery from a new contributor, photographer Dave Hanke.

Thanks for checking us out,
Bill Bradley
http://www.sacstatesports.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The problem with your article is you assume that the “no huddle” offense also means “hurry up” offense. They are not the same thing. It’s also not indeed to “fool” the defense but rather see what the defense is lining up with and call a play that exploits an advantage. Yes the no huddle does have the capability to run in the “hurry up” mode but it doesn’t have to in order to be successful. You also overlooked the fact that UND has one of the best offenses in the FCS right now and keeping them off the field for as long as possible (via the “hurry up and wait” style) was a way to keep the Hornets in the game…and it was working until the Hornets fell behind by a considerable amount thanks to turnovers. Imagine how much more damage UND (or any offense for that matter) would have done had the Hornets controlled the ball for 5-7 less minutes over the course of the game.

Saturday’s failure was strictly due to lack of execution. Much like the NMSU game, if Safron doesn’t commit those bad turnovers there is no telling what the outcome would have been. The first Safron pick was because he decided pre-snap where to throw the football. He stared down the receiver and the DB jumped the route. The second pick was Safron trying to force the ball to a guy that wasn’t even open (I recall at least 2 defenders being in the area). Both instances have nothing to do with the style of offense the Hornets were running but rather poor judgment/execution by Safron.

The bottom line is this offense moves the ball and puts up points when it’s not shooting itself in the foot. If the Hornets can get some consistent quarterback play and eliminate/minimize the mistakes, the offense will be fine. This is the right offense to have and has been greatly improved from a season ago. Throwing Peterson and this system under the bus after only 4 games is fvcking stupid.

 

[SDHornet]

Week 4 Highlights:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vojNt3jSAfU&list=UUny49o3N_EAPihiOS4LfTlw&index=1&feature=plcp[/youtube]

 

[Siouxfan]

After 25yrs of following this program, I am going to do what Phantom is thinking. Going to take a sabbatical from Hornet football until they win 5 in a row. Don't know what to say except that I am over following a team that is always looking to next year. 25yrs is long enough to produce an 8-3 record and this program is unable to do that. Enough is enough.

Watch as Sac State goes 7-0 to finish the season. Just for Terry Wanless, I hope Sac St does very well.

I do think that UND is better than many people are giving it credit for. Last year, UND had no quarterbacking, a lot of holes, and one of its least talented senior classes. The WR core UND now has is outstanding, the massive offensive line - even with injuries - is becoming better by the week, and the young defense is learning their positions.

 

[Siouxfan]

How well was UND represented in the stands?

 

[SactoHornetAlum]

How well was UND represented in the stands?

Maybe 200 fans. That side is also our general admission side.

 

[Siouxfan]

How well was UND represented in the stands?

Maybe 200 fans. That side is also our general admission side.

Typically, how many fans do other Big Sky schools bring in?

Does Montana bring in a 1000 or more?
Davis and Poly probably bring in the most, but they should.

 

[Green Laser]

How well was UND represented in the stands?

Maybe 200 fans. That side is also our general admission side.

Typically, how many fans do other Big Sky schools bring in?

Does Montana bring in a 1000 or more?
Davis and Poly probably bring in the most, but they should.

Siouxfan,

Congrats on the win and welcome to the Big Sky! Well played, hard hitting, clean and interesting game. I only wish the Hornets had not killed their momentum by the two turn overs in the red zone! I think there was about 200 in the main ND sections with perhaps 75 more or so scattered around on the east side.
The California schools, Cal Poly and U.C. Dungplie bring by far the most fans. I expect the Cal Poly game to draw 15,000 if both schools are competitive at that time. We have drawn over 20,000 for the Dungpilers, but that's only because they are 20 miles away and we both have that hate hate thing going on like you guys and NDSU. The Montana schools bring the most for out of state schools maybe 800-1,200 for the Griz and a couple of hundred less for the Bobcats. Weber also usually brings about 500. The rest of the Big Sky is pretty light. You guys have a good team, good luck the rest of the way!

 

[StungAlum2]

How well was UND represented in the stands?

Maybe 200 fans. That side is also our general admission side.

Typically, how many fans do other Big Sky schools bring in?

Does Montana bring in a 1000 or more?
Davis and Poly probably bring in the most, but they should.

Considering the proximity of ND and Montucky, the Griz and the Cats will be a few thousand easy when they visit North Dakota. It's within driving distance, albeit a long drive, but not as far away as CA.

Good luck the rest of the season and crush Montucky, I can't stand their fans.

 

[StungAlum2]

How well was UND represented in the stands?

Maybe 200 fans. That side is also our general admission side.

Typically, how many fans do other Big Sky schools bring in?

Does Montana bring in a 1000 or more?
Davis and Poly probably bring in the most, but they should.

Siouxfan,

Congrats on the win and welcome to the Big Sky! Well played, hard hitting, clean and interesting game. I only wish the Hornets had not killed their momentum by the two turn overs in the red zone! I think there was about 200 in the main ND sections with perhaps 75 more or so scattered around on the east side.
The California schools, Cal Poly and U.C. Dungplie bring by far the most fans. I expect the Cal Poly game to draw 15,000 if both schools are competitive at that time. We have drawn over 20,000 for the Dungpilers, but that's only because they are 20 miles away and we both have that hate hate thing going on like you guys and NDSU. The Montana schools bring the most for out of state schools maybe 800-1,200 for the Griz and a couple of hundred less for the Bobcats. Weber also usually brings about 500. The rest of the Big Sky is pretty light. You guys have a good team, good luck the rest of the way!

I think the real momentum crusher was the blocked FG before the half.

 

[BuckeyeHornetFan]

Ok, as promised, after NOT attending the UNC game as I had originally planned, I took my step son to Saturday night's game. I agree with many of you regarding the QB play killing us offensively. That, and I felt the coaches added fuel to the fire by refusing to ride the hot hand, which was Ezekiel Graham. If you saw the game, you know what I'm talking about. The kid was making big play after big play, often bouncing out of the pack and picking up additional yards. As others have mentioned, even A.J. Ellis was getting in on the act. From that point on, the game plan should have shifted to "ride her til she bucks you or don't ride at all". IMO, a big part of the blame has to go to Sperbeck and Petersen for not adjusting to the flow of the game.

Moving on ... while the defense did play well early on, they still have no idea how to defend the bubble screen. If I was game-planning for the Hornets, I'd run this at least once every series until they prove they can stop it. For a while, it seemed UND was doing just that. It was an "easy" 5-7 yards every time they ran it .. if they didn't break one longer. Also, UND killed the Hornets in the 2nd half with the off-tackle run to the left.

If they can figure out a way to slow or stop those types of plays, they'll be OK. I did like the pressure I saw from the front 7 and also the DB's weren't too bad, for the most part.

On the whole, I agree that bad offense got the Hornets into the hole they found themselves in and the defense wore down as a result. In many ways, this game was reminiscent of opening week against New Mexco State. In that game, they hung in tight during the first half but missed out on numerous opportunities to keep the game close or to seize momentum altogether. Eventually the wheels fell off and an avalanche ensued. That's exactly what happened on Saturday night.

Let's hope they figure something out before next week.

 

[Siouxfan]

I think the real momentum crusher was the blocked FG before the half.

Special teams play is probably the best part of UND's game, especially blocked kicks, plus we have a very good punter and an accurate with distance FG kicker. Had 3 blocked kicks vs Portland State earlier. Special teams helps make up for our defensive lapses. It's not often that those teams make bad mistakes, except last week in San Diego when a running into the kicker penalty gave SDSU a first down and they proceeded to score. Might have made a difference in the loss to SDSU.

 

[Siouxfan]

Considering the proximity of ND and Montucky, the Griz and the Cats will be a few thousand easy when they visit North Dakota. It's within driving distance, albeit a long drive, but not as far away as CA.

Good luck the rest of the season and crush Montucky, I can't stand their fans.

Surprising to most, Missoula is closer to Sacramento than it is to Grand Forks (even most driving routes). But many Griz and Bobcat fans live in places like Billings or even closer to the ND border (or heaven forbid), in ND itself or further east in Minnesota. Suspect a lot of Montucky :lol: fans that go to games in Sac St actually live in the Bay Area or Central Valley.

Ticketmaster surprisingly is showing more tickets sold for Northern Arizona (Homecoming) than Montana, but that could change as those games approach.

UND usually has a big crowd at Northern Colorado, as lots of grads moved to Denver for jobs.

Would much rather deal with Montucky fans than NDSU fans. You have no idea. They may be cordial to most fan bases in person, but when they see a Sioux emblem or a UND color, they go batty. :shock: hno: