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Week 7 Homecoming: Sac State vs Weber State

SDHornet

SDHornet

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Week 7 Homecoming: Sac State vs Weber State

The Hornets (4-2, 2-1 BSC) host the winless and desperate Weber State Wildcats (0-6, 0-3 BSC) for Homecoming this week. Weber State had a litany of offseason turmoil as Coach Mac retired and the highly over rated WSU alum John L Smith took over the head coaching duties. JL Smith then quickly bailed on his alma mater for a 10 month gig at Arkansas and it looks as though the Wildcats were never able to recover. Even with their struggles, WSU has plenty of talent on both sides of the ball and can definitely win this if they somehow regroup and the Hornets overlook this team.

WSU is coming into this game off of a 45-23 Friday night loss at home against Cal Poly. WSU hung with CP for about two and half quarters before the wheels came off and everything fell apart. WSU has some components of their game that can be impressive when it is clicking. I can’t stress enough how no team in the BSC can be overlooked on any given weekend.

Offense
The Wildcats run a bunch of different sets and have a well balanced attack. They can line up in the I-formation and pound the ball behind their sizeable offensive line but they are best when (#11) Mike Hoke is in the shotgun with multiple receivers. Hoke is a big player and is surprisingly mobile for his size but has not been nearly as effective as he was a season ago. WSU has a couple of good receivers. Their best WR is (#4) Xavian Johnson. He is their most athletic receiver and can definitely hurt the Hornets if they don’t keep tabs on him.

WSU also has some very capable running backs in (#22) CJ Tuckett, (#24) Josh Booker, and (#7) Kris Parham. Tuckett is especially dangerous when catching the ball out of the backfield. The WSU offensive line has good size but they are relatively young and have allowed the most sacks in the BSC with 23. The WSU OL did struggle to protect Hoke against the blitz last week against CP and did not have a very good second half.

Season Stats/Averages:
  • • Rushing Offense: 127.3 ypg (3.3 ypr), 7 TD’s (85th FCS, 9th BSC)
    • Passing Offense: 221.8 ypg (11.0 ypc), 6 TD’s (48th FCS, 9th BSC)
    • Total Offense: 349.2 ypg (4.8 ypp), 13 TD’s, 5 FG’s (66th FCS, 10th BSC)
    • Time of Possession: 30:53
    • Turnovers: 13 (6 Fum, 7 INT’s)
    • Penalties: 44 for 443 yds (73.8 ypg)
    • QB: (#11) Mike Hoke: 112 of 192 for 1,170 yds, 6 TD’s, 7 INT’s, 78 carries for 110 yds, 1 TD
    • WR: (#4) Xavian Johnson: 14 recs for 230 yds
    • WR: (#5) Jordan Clement: 29 recs for 226 yds
    • WR: (#83) Erik Walker: 11 recs for 184 yds, 3 TD’s
    • RB: (#22) CJ Tuckett: 83 carries for 360 yds, 3 TD’s, 16 recs for 104 yds
    • RB: (#7) Kris Parham: 34 carries for 174 yds, 1 TD, 5 recs for 34 yds
The Hornet defense will need to be aggressive in this one. The WSU OL has a tendency for shaky play so the Hornets will need to disrupt them with blitzes and a strong pursuit. Hoke can definitely move the ball if he has time, and he has some capable receiver to throw the ball to but he has made a lot of mistakes this season. Some pressure up front could lead to some turnovers if the Hornets can capitalize on their mistakes. If the front four can’t get pressure on Hoke, Parker will need to be quick on the trigger to open up the blitzing. If the Hornet defense continues to play the way they have been, they should be able to contain the Wildcats offense.

Defense
Based on the game notes it looks like WSU plays a 4-2-5 similar to what the Hornets run. WSU did a good job of defending Cal Poly’s triple option for 2.5 quarters last week. I was impressed by the pursuit of the WSU linebackers. They were near the ball on every play and can lay hits and make tackles. The WSU linebackers are led by MLB (#44) Anthony Morales who is a very athletic player. The Wildcats have decent size on the interior of the defensive line. They did a good job of clogging up the running lanes early in the game against CP. In the secondary the Wildcats lost a key player in (#12) Tony Epperson. He took a block below the knee from a CP lineman and was done for. However, WSU does have a solid CB in (#20) David James and a good FS in (#2) Willie Okwuonu so they have a couple of play makers in the secondary.

Season Stats/Averages:
  • • Rushing Defense: 224.5 ypg (5.5 ypr), 18 TD’s (94th FCS, 10th BSC)
    • Passing Defense: 231.8 ypg (12.5 ypc), 10 TD’s (111th FCS, 12th BSC)
    • Total Defense: 456.3 ypg (6.7 ypp), 28 TD’s, 10 FG’s (111th FCS, 12th BSC)
    • Opponent Time of Possession: 29:07
    • Turnovers Forced: 6 (3 Fum, 3 INT’s)
    • Opponents Penalties: 46 for 391 yds (65.2 ypg)
    • LB: (#44) Anthony Morales: 55 tackles, 5 TFL’s
    • S: (#12) Tony Epperson: 42 tackles, 0.5 TFL’s, 1 INT, 1 BU, 2 PD’s, 1 FF
    • FS: (#2) Willie Okwuonu: 34 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 BU’s, 2 PD’s
    • S: (#37) Chris Wheeler: 27 tackles, 3 TFL’s, 1 FF
    • LB: (#43) Luke King: 25 tackles, 2 TFL’s
    • CB: (#20) David James: 23 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 BU, 1 PD
WSU has given up some yardage on the ground this season as well as a lot of TD’s so I think we will see a similar run heavy game plan like last week. I also expect that the Hornets will struggle to get thing going on the ground. The Hornets really need to run the ball with multiple WR’s to spread the defense out so there is more room to work the defensive front. Safron will need to have a good game. He just needs to take care of the football and he should do alright in this one. Bad turnovers will allow a team like WSU to hang around and that is never a good thing. I sure hope he can throw the ball a lot better this week, WSU has the DB’s who can pounce on some poor throws.

Special Teams
(#12) Tony Epperson also served as the WSU punter but he is likely out with a leg injury. Back-up punter (#60) Tyler McNannay got a couple of punts in last week. He looks to be more than a capable replacement. WSU has allowed a punt block this season so it appears that there may be some holes there. The Wildcats are allowing some decent returns so McCowan and Coleman could break off some good returns.

Season Stats/Averages:
  • • K: (#49) Shaun McClain: 5/7 FG’s (long of 46 yds), 9/10 PAT’s
    • P: (#60) Tyler McNannay: 2 punts for 82 yds (41.0 ypp)
    • KR: (#7) Kris Parham: 20 kr’s for 424 yds (21.2 ypr)
    • PR: (#10) Kela Marciel: 8 pr’s for 40 yds (5.0 ypr)
    • Kick Coverage: Allowed 377 yds on 14 returns (26.9 ypr)
    • Punt Coverage: Allowed 162 yds on 11 returns (14.7 ypr)
The Hornets need to clean up some miscues on special teams. The kickoff coverage needs to pick up where they left off a week ago and contain the WSU returners. I think there is some potential for the Hornets to make some good returns this week.

Intangibles
I’m not sure if the Wildcats are missing any other key players besides Epperson. I did notice that this WSU team is a far cry mentally and disciplined wise from the WSU teams coached by retired HC Mac. WSU’s (#4) Johnson lost his cool in the CP game and tried to fight the entire CP bench (he was even stupid enough to rip off his helmet before going after them). This was unheard of under the previous coaching staff. Also this WSU team gave up once they fell behind early. If the Hornets can jump on this team early this game could tilt heavily in the Hornets favor from the get go.

This is my annual visit to Hornet Stadium and the Hornets need and should win this game if they come out focused and take care of business. There is no reason for the Hornets to overlook this desperate Wildcat team. I think most of us have this game as a win, but as we have learned in the past this can easily be a loss if the Hornets pull a no-show. Given the fact that it’s Homecoming weekend, I think the Hornets come out fired up and take care of business.

Go Hornets!

Game Info
 
I wonder if the admin gave any thought to asking the retired coach to return after the carousel started. An extra year may have given them a semi-decent season AND extra time to look for a successor.

As far as THIS game goes, I find it sad that we're looking at a once proud foe that has always given us fits come in liable to be blowout fodder. I hope to get some extended time for Magleby during what should be an easy win. That would make a transition easier should Safron get hurt during that REALLY hard stretch that finishes the season. (I hope that doesn't happen, of course, but it's always best to be prepared. There's nothing worse than seeing the starter go down in a big game, only to see the backup flop because he hasn't seen action since pre-season.)
 
Super Hornet said:
I wonder if the admin gave any thought to asking the retired coach to return after the carousel started. An extra year may have given them a semi-decent season AND extra time to look for a successor.

As far as THIS game goes, I find it sad that we're looking at a once proud foe that has always given us fits come in liable to be blowout fodder. I hope to get some extended time for Magleby during what should be an easy win. That would make a transition easier should Safron get hurt during that REALLY hard stretch that finishes the season. (I hope that doesn't happen, of course, but it's always best to be prepared. There's nothing worse than seeing the starter go down in a big game, only to see the backup flop because he hasn't seen action since pre-season.)
Click to expand...
Not really, when I was a student Weber and our woeful program (thanks again Moosh) were neck and neck for cellar dweller bragging rights. What is sad to see is all that was built over the past 4-5 years in Ogden completely lost in half a season. That's what happens when you put your eggs in the JL Smith basket, right Razorback fans?
 
SDHornet said:
Super Hornet said:
I wonder if the admin gave any thought to asking the retired coach to return after the carousel started. An extra year may have given them a semi-decent season AND extra time to look for a successor.

As far as THIS game goes, I find it sad that we're looking at a once proud foe that has always given us fits come in liable to be blowout fodder. I hope to get some extended time for Magleby during what should be an easy win. That would make a transition easier should Safron get hurt during that REALLY hard stretch that finishes the season. (I hope that doesn't happen, of course, but it's always best to be prepared. There's nothing worse than seeing the starter go down in a big game, only to see the backup flop because he hasn't seen action since pre-season.)
Click to expand...
Not really, when I was a student Weber and our woeful program (thanks again Moosh) were neck and neck for cellar dweller bragging rights. What is sad to see is all that was built over the past 4-5 years in Ogden completely lost in half a season. That's what happens when you put your eggs in the JL Smith basket, right Razorback fans?
Click to expand...

:+1:
 
SDHornet said:
Super Hornet said:
I wonder if the admin gave any thought to asking the retired coach to return after the carousel started. An extra year may have given them a semi-decent season AND extra time to look for a successor.

As far as THIS game goes, I find it sad that we're looking at a once proud foe that has always given us fits come in liable to be blowout fodder. I hope to get some extended time for Magleby during what should be an easy win. That would make a transition easier should Safron get hurt during that REALLY hard stretch that finishes the season. (I hope that doesn't happen, of course, but it's always best to be prepared. There's nothing worse than seeing the starter go down in a big game, only to see the backup flop because he hasn't seen action since pre-season.)
Click to expand...
Not really, when I was a student Weber and our woeful program (thanks again Moosh) were neck and neck for cellar dweller bragging rights. What is sad to see is all that was built over the past 4-5 years in Ogden completely lost in half a season. That's what happens when you put your eggs in the JL Smith basket, right Razorback fans?
Click to expand...

I think he found his calling. He appears to be having success as Ventura CC's HC. They're 6-0 this season, went bowling last season. Big difference from his time at Sac St.
 
Hornetsports Preview:

FBPrevHeader101312.jpg


http://www.hornetsports.com/sports/football/release.asp?release_id=10693
 
WILDCAT said:
Here's to a good game Hornets fans, I am just hoping Weber can make it a competetive game
Click to expand...

Weber can never be underestimated as they have trashed the Hornets in the past. Just because the Wildcats are 0-6 doesnt mean this wont be a competitive game. Weber is hungry for a win and are out to spoil any teams' chances at this point.

GO HORNETS!
 
Predictions

Score: I think we take care of business in this one and win 34-17.

Attendance: 9,253. It’s Homecoming but I don’t anticipate a crowd greater than 10k. It’s MLB post season and both Bay Area teams (Giants won today and move to the NLCS, A’s play tonight) might be playing which gives more people a reason not to show up.
 
I say we'll get 12,000; Homecoming, perfect 80 degree temps, good chance to win, 6pm start, A's were eliminated so no game and Giants play Sunday. Go Hornets!
 
The Green Hornet said:
I say we'll get 12,000; Homecoming, perfect 80 degree temps, good chance to win, 6pm start, A's were eliminated so no game and Giants play Sunday. Go Hornets!
Click to expand...

The F's wouldn't have been eliminated if they'd started Daniel Straily in Game 5 instead of sending him back to Sac just before the playoffs started. Ugh!

:thumbdown:
 
Super Hornet said:
The Green Hornet said:
I say we'll get 12,000; Homecoming, perfect 80 degree temps, good chance to win, 6pm start, A's were eliminated so no game and Giants play Sunday. Go Hornets!
Click to expand...

The F's wouldn't have been eliminated if they'd started Daniel Straily in Game 5 instead of sending him back to Sac just before the playoffs started. Ugh!

:thumbdown:
Click to expand...

Listen to me. Nobody beats Justin Verlander. No one. Got it? Good. Now, lets not talk about the A's as I am bummed about it. Especially since this place is about Hornet football, not the A's.
 
SactoHornetAlum said:
Super Hornet said:
The Green Hornet said:
I say we'll get 12,000; Homecoming, perfect 80 degree temps, good chance to win, 6pm start, A's were eliminated so no game and Giants play Sunday. Go Hornets!
Click to expand...

The F's wouldn't have been eliminated if they'd started Daniel Straily in Game 5 instead of sending him back to Sac just before the playoffs started. Ugh!

:thumbdown:
Click to expand...

Listen to me. Nobody beats Justin Verlander. No one. Got it? Good. Now, lets not talk about the A's as I am bummed about it. Especially since this place is about Hornet football, not the A's.
Click to expand...
:+1: regarding Verlander and the baseball talk.
 
SactoHornetAlum said:
Listen to me. Nobody beats Justin Verlander. No one. Got it? Good.
Click to expand...

Nobody beats Verlander? Explain his 8 losses during the regular season this year, the 5 he had last year, and the 9 he had the year before. Explain as well the 9 losses he posted in 2009 and the 17 in 2008. Explain the 6 losses in 2007 and the 9 in 2006. Explain Verlander's 0-2 World Series record and his loss in last year's ALCS.
 
I'm about to be stripped of my colors as I a) will be missing our homecoming for the SJSU homecoming game against Utah State with my dad and b) am a huge Tigers fan and enjoyed watching the magic of Verlander last night.

That being said, I look forward to watching the Hornets beat up on the Wildcats in the evening!

GO HORNETS!!!
 
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