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Week 7: Sac State vs Northern Arizona

SDHornet

SDHornet

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Staff member
Week 7: Sac State vs Northern Arizona

The Hornets face an interesting team this week. NAU was rolling until they got their wheels blown off at Montana State last weekend. NAU lives and dies by their stud RB Zach Bauman and their aggressive defense.

NAU Stats: http://www.bigskyconf.com/custompages/football/2013/stats/nau.htm#team.tem" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Offensively the Lumberjacks live and die on (#34) Bauman’s legs. NAU’s QB (#7) Poe is young and inexperienced (2:5 TD:INT ratio). If the Hornets can slow down Bauman and force NAU to win the game through the air, the Hornets will have a good chance in this one.

Defensively the ‘Jacks are aggressive and have had a major role in their wins so far. The NAU defense was scoring 2 TD’s a game up until their loss to MSU and sit atop the BSC in total defense.

The NAU special teams doesn’t look much different that the Hornets on all aspects. NAU is averaging over 21 yards per kick return. Their kicking has had issues (3/7 on the year) similarly to what the Hornets have dealt with.

This game can go either way. If the Hornet offense continues to play the way they have and can eliminate turnovers and keep mistakes to a minimum then the Hornets have a good chance at a win. Defensively the Hornets need to stack the box and hope the suspect Hornet secondary doesn’t get embarrassed by a young QB.

Hornetsports Preview: http://www.hornetsports.com/sports/fball/2013-14/releases/20131008kblryf

Go Hornets!
 
Was interesting to see that our kicker missed his first PAT at any level, that speaks to coaching.

We need to get some RB's healthy!

Looks like a good matchup! Go Hornets!
 
Behind u all the way Horrnets.

Keep moving the ball forward and playing smart.

Getting better and better each week!!

Go get em against the Jacks!!!
 
This game is a season-maker. A win brings us to 3 DI wins with 5 DI games to play. I think we win Saturday, but I'm still prepared to end 6-6. Hope I'm wrong!

REVISED SEASON PROJECTION

@SJSU - L (0-1)
@ASU - L (0-2)
SOU - W (1-2)
SUU - L (1-3)
@WSU - W (2-3, 1-0)
UNC - W (3-3, 2-0)


NAU - W (4-3, 3-0)
@UND - W (5-3, 4-0)
UM - L (5-4, 4-1)
@CP - L (5-5, 4-2)
@PSU - L (5-6, 4-3)
UCD - W (6-6, 5-3)
 
I don't see CP as strong this year. We have had close games in SLO before, which it will be, but I think we have a good chance there.

Gotta get past NAU though.
 
In my opinion this is a VERY winnable game...NAU is struggling a bit offensively and like you said their ST is shakey like ours... ;)

Keys to the game will be our D's ability to stop the run and our O's ability to score some points and force them into a passing game. No turnovers as the NAU defense is a scoring machine...

Will try and make it out this week for a home game...son is still doing rehab and in street clothes.

Go Hornets


SDHornet said:
Week 7: Sac State vs Northern Arizona

The Hornets face an interesting team this week. NAU was rolling until they got their wheels blown off at Montana State last weekend. NAU lives and dies by their stud RB Zach Bauman and their aggressive defense.

NAU Stats: http://www.bigskyconf.com/custompages/football/2013/stats/nau.htm#team.tem" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Offensively the Lumberjacks live and die on (#34) Bauman’s legs. NAU’s QB (#7) Poe is young and inexperienced (2:5 TD:INT ratio). If the Hornets can slow down Bauman and force NAU to win the game through the air, the Hornets will have a good chance in this one.

Defensively the ‘Jacks are aggressive and have had a major role in their wins so far. The NAU defense was scoring 2 TD’s a game up until their loss to MSU and sit atop the BSC in total defense.

The NAU special teams doesn’t look much different that the Hornets on all aspects. NAU is averaging over 21 yards per kick return. Their kicking has had issues (3/7 on the year) similarly to what the Hornets have dealt with.

This game can go either way. If the Hornet offense continues to play the way they have and can eliminate turnovers and keep mistakes to a minimum then the Hornets have a good chance at a win. Defensively the Hornets need to stack the box and hope the suspect Hornet secondary doesn’t get embarrassed by a young QB.

Hornetsports Preview: http://www.hornetsports.com/sports/fball/2013-14/releases/20131008kblryf

Go Hornets!
Click to expand...
 
OldGreen67 said:
In my opinion this is a VERY winnable game...NAU is struggling a bit offensively and like you said their ST is shakey like ours... ;)

Keys to the game will be our D's ability to stop the run and our O's ability to score some points and force them into a passing game. No turnovers as the NAU defense is a scoring machine...

Will try and make it out this week for a home game...son is still doing rehab and in street clothes.
Click to expand...
Will he return at all this year? Maybe he sits out the entire year and applies for a medical RS?

Anyone know the status of the other injuries? RG Nielsen was on crutches last week, but it didn't look serious. We still down to only 2 RBs?

Prediction: Sac State 21 – Northern Arizona 27
We lost this matchup in 2011 because we didn’t have a kicker, and I think history repeats itself in this one with the Hornets dropping a close one.

Attendance: 7,485

BTW anyone want a pair of tickets? I can't make it to this weekends game. Send me a PM if you are interested
 
SDHornet said:
OldGreen67 said:
In my opinion this is a VERY winnable game...NAU is struggling a bit offensively and like you said their ST is shakey like ours... ;)

Keys to the game will be our D's ability to stop the run and our O's ability to score some points and force them into a passing game. No turnovers as the NAU defense is a scoring machine...

Will try and make it out this week for a home game...son is still doing rehab and in street clothes.
Click to expand...
Will he return at all this year? Maybe he sits out the entire year and applies for a medical RS?

Anyone know the status of the other injuries? RG Nielsen was on crutches last week, but it didn't look serious. We still down to only 2 RBs?

Prediction: Sac State 21 – Northern Arizona 27
We lost this matchup in 2011 because we didn’t have a kicker, and I think history repeats itself in this one with the Hornets dropping a close one.

Attendance: 7,485

BTW anyone want a pair of tickets? I can't make it to this weekends game. Send me a PM if you are interested
Click to expand...

SDH: As I recall the lack of a kicker was the least of our challenges in the 2011 close loss. That was the first game that Safron and Tommy Williams took their first snaps because of Flemming's injuries. Deadder, Reed and all the major receivers were also out due to injuries. It was a miracle that all the rookies kept it close enough to where it even came down to a kick that we couldn't make! NAU hasn't done anything this season too impressive aside from beating Montana at home, taking advantage of Griz turnovers.
They were even having trouble with the dungpilers before they ran back two interceptions for TDs to seal it.
If we can play another solid game we will win by 10.
 
Green Laser said:
SDH: As I recall the lack of a kicker was the least of our challenges in the 2011 close loss. That was the first game that Safron and Tommy Williams took their first snaps because of Flemming's injuries. Deadder, Reed and all the major receivers were also out due to injuries. It was a miracle that all the rookies kept it close enough to where it even came down to a kick that we couldn't make! NAU hasn't done anything this season too impressive aside from beating Montana at home, taking advantage of Griz turnovers.
They were even having trouble with the dungpilers before they ran back two interceptions for TDs to seal it.
If we can play another solid game we will win by 10.
Click to expand...
In 2011 the Hornets had 2 blocked PATs and eventually lost to NAU 27-26. The team did enough to prevail, the kicker did not. Agree about the injuries and young Safron getting accustomed to his new starting role. Still would have been a win if we had a kicker worth a damn. :twocents:

http://espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=313020016
 
SDHornet said:
Green Laser said:
SDH: As I recall the lack of a kicker was the least of our challenges in the 2011 close loss. That was the first game that Safron and Tommy Williams took their first snaps because of Flemming's injuries. Deadder, Reed and all the major receivers were also out due to injuries. It was a miracle that all the rookies kept it close enough to where it even came down to a kick that we couldn't make! NAU hasn't done anything this season too impressive aside from beating Montana at home, taking advantage of Griz turnovers.
They were even having trouble with the dungpilers before they ran back two interceptions for TDs to seal it.
If we can play another solid game we will win by 10.
Click to expand...
In 2011 the Hornets had 2 blocked PATs and eventually lost to NAU 27-26. The team did enough to prevail, the kicker did not. Agree about the injuries and young Safron getting accustomed to his new starting role. Still would have been a win if we had a kicker worth a d@mn. :twocents:

http://espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=313020016
Click to expand...

The lack of a kicker was certainly the final nail in the coffin at that game as it was in the game before a OT loss to EWU and other games that season. The EWU game was the first for Safron and the rest for the rookies. It certainly was a frustrating time for everyone to have to go for fourth downs up close every time instead of taking the easy points, and having to go for two every time that's hard to overcome.
I don't think our kicking situation this year is anywhere close to the problem we had in 2011. I think this kicker has more ability and is far more confident.
 
Which team shows up on Saturday?

This applies to both Sacramento State and Northern Arizona. I don't have the foggiest idea what to expect tomorrow. NAU looked like world beaters vs. UM and looked the exact opposite vs. MSU/South Dakota/UC Davis.

NAU's defense (apart from the team wide steaming turd laid @ MSU) has been quite good this year. Offense on the other hand seems lethargic. O-line injuries and starting young un's has led to fewer run lanes for Bauman this year. Poe doesn't seem fully comfortable in the pocket. If the Hornets can pressure him, NAU will likely be in trouble.

I read the grumblings regarding your kicking game. There's a chance that NAU's kick game is as bad or worse than yours this year. Honest. Lots of missed field goals and extra points.

Going to be away from internet and radio tomorrow during the game. Hope your BigSkytv.org link has video on demand so I can watch on Sunday.

Good luck, Hornets fans.
 
Phantom Hornet said:
@#@#^&%&#^@% unreal, man. Just #(*$#$*(&#$*( unreal.

Should be 5-2. Sorry, this team has talent, coaching is terrible.
Click to expand...

Exactly. Thanks to the D Coordinator for NOT making ANY adjustments to new QB.
 
Honestly, this season's schedule was set up perfectly for a postseason run. No Eastern W or Montana St., Montana at home. Should have been 8-4 this year at worst....its just so frustrating!!!
 
unreal was exactly what I was thinkingg. So many games like this over the years but this ones seems to be the most unreal. The Hornets were amazing then they were not.
 
Phantom Hornet said:
@#@#^&%&#^@% unreal, man. Just #(*$#$*(&#$*( unreal.

Should be 5-2. Sorry, this team has talent, coaching is terrible.
Click to expand...

This was the SUU game all over again. Lather, rinse, repeat.

The continued ignorance, lack of recognition, and adjustments by the coaching staff has gone beyond ridiculous and comical levels. I'm no longer disgusted. I'm just flat out mystified and baffled. I really just cannot fathom how coaches that have worked their way to this level of their profession and tirelessly study film throughout the season and offseason can continue to openly make the same mistakes over and over again as if they are completely unaware that they are doing it.

Does anybody have an explanation for it? I'm all ears.

I knew this game was likely going to be a loss late in the 3rd quarter when the Hornets held a 38-21 lead. Why you ask? Because they did what they typically always do once they have a multiple score lead in the 2nd half and the same thing they did a few weeks ago against SUU -- they took their foot off the gas thinking they could curl up into a ball offensively and run the clock out.

Do the Hornets coaches not realize how long a 4th quarter is? Apparently not.

You'd think a staff that just recently had to review the film of the SUU debacle for hours and hours would be conscience of not doing the same thing again. Nope. Instead, we got the same gameplan again. Stop doing what you did to get the double digit lead, become predictable on offense and go to a prevent defense.

The Hornets were even given a huge break -- and what should have been a huge eye opener to the coaching staff that the run out the clock strategy wasn't going to work -- early in the 4th when NAU stopped the Hornets predictable, middle of the line dive play on 3rd and short but committed a personal foul to give the Hornets offense new life and a chance to make amends for their flawed strategy. Nope. Instead we still get the predictable short, safe play calls and the Lumberjacks jump a Safron flat pass for an INT.

Nice job Marshall Sperbeck.

And, again, just like the SUU game, by the time the Hornets realize that they are in a game again, their offense has been taken completely out of sync and the defense becomes worn out because they can't stay off the field.

Moving on to the topic of the defense, have the Hornets ever heard of a blitz? Why does the defense always have to play so damn passively in situations where they really need a stop? They had NAU backed up inside their 5 and on 3rd and about 7, they only rush 4 and bring no extra pressure? How come only the opposition seem to do things like that? Whenever the Hornets offense is faced wi a big 3rd down, Safron always sees extra pressure up the middle or off the edge. Why can't the Hornets defense ever try to do the same? Instead, they generally opt to play conservatively and, generally, it backfires.

Also, is it just me or does the Hornets D always seem to lack speed to the outside? I don't care whether it's the RB or the QB, they can never seem to keep a runner from bouncing it to the outside. They never seem to have the defensive speed to cut the runner off from gaining the edge.

I know, I know, I made a similar rant after the SUU game. But the Hornets coaching staff don't seem to want to change their M.O. so I'm not gonna change mine.

As Phantom Hornet said, this Hornets team should be 5-2. They have the talent and have proven it with the leads they've held in each and every game since the SJSU and ASU losses. The overwhelming reason they aren't 5-2 is because of poor game management and decisions by the coaching staff. The players can only do so much. It's the coaching staffs job to prepare the kids and put them in the best position to succeed. They aren't at all doing that.

I've seen more than enough from Sperbeck and Co. to be able to unequivocally state that I in no way believe that anything is going to suddenly, drastically or magically change. While most of us have acknowledged the improved talent via recruiting, what difference does it make if the staff recruiting those players lack the ability to take advantage of it?

It's far past time for a change, a coaching staff change that is ... starting from the top.
 
I was at the game. I certainly agree with you guys about the defensive playcalling. I, and a lot of people around me in the chairback section next to the Holy Cow Guy, were frustrated at the huge cushions the CBs were giving the NAU wideouts. For the most part, they'd catch it short and then juke the DBs for a huge gain. Or they'd just plain burn 'em for a huge fade route. That Madden reverse option (or whatever you wanna call it) was killing us all night long. The Coordinator made NO adjustments, though the guys DID make some big plays (notably the pick six and the huge 2nd half sack).

Offensively, Safron was money for most of the night with his legs, particularly on that "parting of the Red Sea" 50-yard QB draw. But just like the defense, the OC oughta be shot. Ace back dive on 2nd and 16?!? What is he THINKING?!? If you want to run the ball that far behind the 8 ball, it's gotta be stretch or toss sweep. Safron DOES have to make some better decisions, particularly on throwing the ball away (one of those he threw rather casually, and it was picked) and throwing the Rice slant. There's too much traffic in that area to get away with a lazy throw. I wondered throughout the second half (particularly during NAU's furious comeback) why we hadn't gone back to Safron runs. That was pretty much what kept us going.

Some guys have GOT to step up. Norrise (for HOW many weeks now) may as well have stayed in the dorm. Davis played his shell off on defense, but Odiase didn't do much. (Of course, Odiase seems to have gotten his emotions under control the last few weeks, as SD noted a week or two ago. The coaches must have gotten on his rear about that.)

Let's face it. This is the Big Sky Conference, and that means horrible officiating. They missed a TON of calls in the first half, and a holding penalty on NAU #18 (obvious hand full of cloth from the Sac defender's backside). But given all of the above, I don't think it would have mattered much if they'd gotten everything right. We had NAU right where we wanted them, and we let them off the hook. (Cue the Denny Green video.) We can certainly recover next week, but our season is pretty much done unless there are some key upsets later. And even that might not be enough. There will be some good football to be played, to be sure, but it probably won't mean much.
 
Super Hornet said:
I was at the game. I certainly agree with you guys about the defensive playcalling. I, and a lot of people around me in the chairback section next to the Holy Cow Guy, were frustrated at the huge cushions the CBs were giving the NAU wideouts. For the most part, they'd catch it short and then juke the DBs for a huge gain. Or they'd just plain burn 'em for a huge fade route. That Madden reverse option (or whatever you wanna call it) was killing us all night long. The Coordinator made NO adjustments, though the guys DID make some big plays (notably the pick six and the huge 2nd half sack).

Offensively, Safron was money for most of the night with his legs, particularly on that "parting of the Red Sea" 50-yard QB draw. But just like the defense, the OC oughta be shot. Ace back dive on 2nd and 16?!? What is he THINKING?!? If you want to run the ball that far behind the 8 ball, it's gotta be stretch or toss sweep. Safron DOES have to make some better decisions, particularly on throwing the ball away (one of those he threw rather casually, and it was picked) and throwing the Rice slant. There's too much traffic in that area to get away with a lazy throw. I wondered throughout the second half (particularly during NAU's furious comeback) why we hadn't gone back to Safron runs. That was pretty much what kept us going.

Some guys have GOT to step up. Norrise (for HOW many weeks now) may as well have stayed in the dorm. Davis played his shell off on defense, but Odiase didn't do much. (Of course, Odiase seems to have gotten his emotions under control the last few weeks, as SD noted a week or two ago. The coaches must have gotten on his rear about that.)

Let's face it. This is the Big Sky Conference, and that means horrible officiating. They missed a TON of calls in the first half, and a holding penalty on NAU #18 (obvious hand full of cloth from the Sac defender's backside). But given all of the above, I don't think it would have mattered much if they'd gotten everything right. We had NAU right where we wanted them, and we let them off the hook. (Cue the Denny Green video.) We can certainly recover next week, but our season is pretty much done unless there are some key upsets later. And even that might not be enough. There will be some good football to be played, to be sure, but it probably won't mean much.
Click to expand...


This might be your greatest post ever. Because you're right.
 
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