Week 9 - Sac State at Cal Poly
The 7th ranked Hornets (5-2, 3-0 BSC) head down to the central coast to take on a scrappy Cal Poly (2-5, 1-3 BSC) team that has had some tough, yet very competitive games in recent weeks. After opening up BSC play with a
24-21 win at Southern Utah, the Mustangs have had a couple of close games at home but have yet to find a win. CP followed up the SUU win with a 21 point 4th quarter to force overtime against Montana State but ultimately lost,
28-34. The Mustangs then got steamrolled by the dungpilers
24-48, and followed that up by giving up a late lead at home against North Dakota to fall
26-30 in the final 3 minutes of the game.
CaL Poly runs their triple option but they have been throwing the ball more this season than in the past 5 years. CP’s offense is currently ranked 59th/8th in FCS/BSC: 26.4 ppg (65th/8th), 395.3 ypg, 252.9 rush ypg (9th/1st), 142.4 pass ypg (116th/13th). Redshirt freshman QB Jalen Hamler (51/80, 955 yds, 9 TD, 4 INT, 145 car, 412 yds, 7 TD) runs the offense with FB Duy Tran-Sampson (151 car, 687 yds, 4 TD) getting most of the carries. WRs JJ Koski (30 rec, 634 yds, 4 TD) and Quentin Harrison (15 rec, 324 yds, 4 TD) are both averaging over 21 yards a catch.
Cal Poly’s 3-4 defense has struggled mightily this season. The Mustangs are currently ranked 111th/11th in FCS/BSC: 36.1 ppg (29th), 463.4 ypg, 188.3 rush ypg (88th/10th), 275.1 pass ypg (107th/10th). LB Matt Shotwell (61 tkl, 6 TFL, 1 INT) leads the defense in tackles. In addition to struggling to stop opposing offenses, the Mustang defense does not get many sacks (5 on the year) nor force many turnovers (6 on the year) which is worst in the BSC in both categories.
CP’s K Colton Theaker (6/10 FG, 23/23 PAT) has been streaky on field goals but rock solid on extra points. Their net punting numbers (35.4 ypp, 8th BSC) are average.
This week's matchup has trap game written all over it. Historically CP has dominated the Hornets since they joined the BSC, however this year the Hornets have a new look on both sides of the ball. The Hornets can’t overlook this scrappy Mustang team, and I think this coaching staff keeps the Hornets focused and has them prepared to exact a little revenge from a season ago.
Stingers Up!
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Game Notes.