The Bottom Line - Archives

The Bottom Line - Week 2

By Chris Kelly

 

The game of the week never truly materialized as the Bison laid one on the Demons of Northwestern State 35-7. North Dakota State set the tone for the game by marching down and scoring on their first via a Steve Walker to Kole Heckendorf touchdown pass. The Bison tacked on two more scores in the second period for a 21-0 halftime advantage. Walker again found pay-dirt hitting AJ Cooper for a 34 yard scores, and Shamen Washington took a punt back 63 yards. With the Bison in control, and picking off four NSU passes, the game was never in jeopardy in the 2^nd half. The Bison put up two more scores, one of the defensive variety to cap off the game. Scott Walker picked a Devon Vinson pass and took it 23 yards the other way.

 

Walker's pick led a strong defensive effort, which forced five turnovers and bottled up the Northwestern rushing attack. Craig Dahl notched nine tackles, including one of those four picks. Steve Walker's 210 passing yards and three touchdowns passes led the offense.

 

CK's Take: Yeah, I'm eating crow. Not only did I pick a Bison loss, but a double digit Bison loss. They are my favorite to win the conference, and I thought with time could be very good. But winning a physical battle... with new faces along both lines.... on the road.... seemed like a tall task.

 

Wow. Step back for a second and think about this....the Bison, just went on the road to the #9 team in the nation (fresh off a I-A victory) and pounded them 35-7. What an impressive victory for the North Dakota State - and for the conference for that matter. No, the Bison did not dominate the statistics, only out gaining the Demons by 21 yards. And they couldn't run the ball (Steffes/Chapman - 28 rushes, 53 yards). But what they did, however, is play solid defense, and mistake free football. The angle that I felt could help the Bison win this game came true; making Vinson into a passer. North Dakota State's defense shut down the run, specifically Vinson's option threat. Vinson has proven if he's forced to win by passing the ball, he'll make some mistakes. He did that and more on Saturday night, and NDSU capitalized on it.

 

Still, it's one thing to get turnovers, and another to put them in the end zone for six. Without a run game that was held in check by the Demons, kudos once again has to go the young Bison signal caller, Steve Walker. He put up "Walker" like numbers, 12-18 and three touchdowns, with the only blemish his first interception on a tipped pass. It's early, but why not throw it out? Can the Bison run the table? What if they finish in the top five this season? Ok, I'm a little amped up over the win, but the game in Bozeman in two weeks is shaping up to be a monster national game if Montana State can get by Cal Poly.

 

Other Action: Nick Hager almost did what initially appeared impossible last Thursday. He almost led his Northern Colorado Bears back from a 21-0 road deficit to victory over Western Illinois. The Bears thoughts of "upset" were thwarted, however, when Nick Hager's pass was intercepted in the end-zone with just over a minute left, putting to end a furious rally.

 

The Bears were on their heels in the first quarter when they were hit with three quick Leatherneck scores. Before they had a chance to catch their breath it was 28-7 in the middle of the second. But this group didn't panic and continued to claw back over the course of the game. The second half was owned by UNC, which took advantage of the loss of the Leathernecks starting quarterback, as well as some power running from Andre Wilson to get within 28-23. The final drive seemed to have dramatic ending written all over it. And it did - problem is it went the favor of the Leathernecks on the late interception in the end zone.

 

Hager ended the game with 245 yards passing, and a couple scores. Andy Birkel and Cory Sleeth both caught six passes with Birkel clearing 130 yards receiving, including a nice catch in traffic that went 46 yards for a score. Andre Wilson ended the game with 144 yards rushing, while defensive star Reed Doughty was in on 17 tackles.

 

CK's Take: This game was one of the better I-AA games I've watched on TV. These two teams traded points, blows, and momentum swings right down to the last minute. So where do I start? Nick Hager. Hager ended the game with some pretty ugly numbers - 15-35, a 42% completion rate. He threw two picks, one of which was the interception ending the comeback that was clearly a bad throw. It was first down, with plenty of time on the clock. Clearly that ball didn't have to be thrown. UNC fans were probably kicking themselves right about that point saying "we should have won that game". That may be true, but this isn't about bashing Hager - I walked away from that game tremendously impressed with not only the senior quarterback but also the Bears skill players. Yeah, 15-35 is not pretty, and Hager threw some balls that were questionable, but he had five drops, faced consistent pressure from the WIU front four, and did throw some dimes at big points in the game. And how about the grit of this kid? Three times he showed his mobility in running for first downs, and taking big hits in the process. It was apparent he was hurting in the second half, but continued to play fearlessly leading his team down the field. Hager may not end up as the all-conference quarterback at year's end, and is prone to a "scratch your head" type mistake now and again, but this kid can play. If the defense can tighten up a bit he will lead UNC to a couple of wins that will have a factor in the conference race.

 

For the 2^nd consecutive week, the UC Davis Aggies fell just short in falling to Portland State 14-12. The Aggies put together two 4^th quarter scoring drives, but missed an extra point in the process forcing a two point attempt. The attempt failed, as did the Aggies final shot to tie the game. After stopping the Vikings offense, Tony Kays muffed the punt, turning the ball over to Portland State. The Aggies final shot at getting the ball back was denied by a very questionable pass interference call. While UCD's offense was stagnant most of the night, save Tony Kays, the defense was fantastic. The defense allowed 221 yards. Dan Elbanna led the Ags with 8 tackles, while Tony Kays career night led the offense. Kay caught 15 passes for 165 yards.

 

CK's Take: This is going to be easy - I'm going to copy and paste what I wrote after last week's game and assess.

 

-First, all the talk from the Aggie camp about the tremendous speed on defense and improvement in the secondary was obvious. They impressed by shutting down an all star caliber offense, and holding them to just three points for 56 minutes. If this group can stay healthy (and lockdown corner Andy Sullivan returns after the Stanford game) they will keep UCD in every game no matter how the offense plays. Check. Wow, was this group amazing. PSU gained 300 yards against Oregon State, which had their starters in until the second to last drive. Davis allowed 221. Joe Ruben ran for 114 at a 4.0 avg against the Beavers, while only gaining 47 yards on 26 carries against the Aggies (1.8 avg). This defense, especially against the run, is for real.

 

-Tony Kays will have a monster season, especially if Daniel Fells stay healthy. Check. School record 15 catches, 165 yards. Throw Kays name in the offensive player of the year hat.

 

-The Aggies at least ran the ball with some success. The offensive line opened up some holes and protected Jon Grant for the most part. Alex Garfio emerged as the possible go-to back that might be the guy to make the play action a viable threat in the Aggies offense again. This was really a story of two halves. Grant was consistently pressured, and on the move in the first half. However, this group did play much better in the second half, giving their signal caller much more time to make his reads. Garfio, again, put up the best numbers at running back, and impressed with some nice 4^th quarter runs. His carries will be increasing from week to week.

 

-Quarterback Jon Grant continues to have inconsistent performances. He made some poor throws at inopportune times that really cost the Aggies the game. Remember, going back to last season, he was pulled in the finale against Portland State after struggling. Check. Poor throws led to a spotty performance in the first half. Three more picks makes nine in the last three starts. Grant threw the ball much better in three very efficient 2^nd half drives. He looked much more comfortable, and is certainly a sign the the junior quarterback was finding a rhythm.

 

-The kicking has to be better, period. The game goes to overtime if an extra point can be made.

 

Other Games

Cal Poly 37 Sacramento State 14

Quick hits: Garnett is back at quarterback, Russell back wide receiver, and the most importantly the offense is back. Garnett played well in leading the Mustangs to victory. Defense, not surprisingly, was solid. All around good evening for the `Stangs - lots to be pleased with at the end of this game

 

South Dakota St 69 Valparaiso 6

Quick Hits: No surprises here, pure domination by the Jacks. SDSU rushed for over 300 yards again with Watson getting his 114 on just eight carries. Watson's 12.9 average is amazing, and if he can just average 5.0 next weekend the Jacks can run with the Griz.   

 

Texas State 34 Southern Utah 0

Quick Hits: It was the Barrick Nealy show on Saturday night. Nealy went for 315 total yards including 140 on the ground. The Thunderbirds offense continued to struggle only putting up 183 yards of offense.

 

Week 3 Games

This week's slate of games is the final time the Great West Conference will have six games in one week, and is dotted with Big Sky opponents. Four of the games involve the neighbors from the Sky, with half of them road bouts for GWFC members. A Pac-10 team is the final highlight on a solid week three lineup. After a 4-2 record last week, I start week three with a solid 10-2 (.833) mark on the year.

 

Southern Utah at Northern Arizona

Southern Utah hits the road again to face another solid offense in the Lumberjacks of Northern Arizona. Last season this NAU offense, which returns eight starters in 2005, struggled through some growing pains with inexperience along the line and at wide receiver. This year both groups return experienced and as a growing strength for playmaking quarterback Jason Murrietta. Thus far NAU has smashed D-II Adams State, and lost competitively against Arizona. This is their first game against a I-AA team, and Southern Utah limps into the contest having struggled in their first two games. The challenge for Southern Utah will be to put consistent pressure on Murrietta so he's not allowed to pick apart the T-Birds specifically looking to emerging wide receiver, Kory Mahr. Mahr has already caught four scoring passes this season. Southern Utah's defense has to find a way to force Murietta into mistakes, and create some turnovers on defense. Murrietta has the talent to carry a team on his shoulders, so the challenge of stopping a talented quarterback lies before the T-Birds for the second week in a row. Steve Smith, the leader on defense, has been on top of the tackle charts in each of the first two games. He'll need some help from some of the youngsters on the field around him. With the offense still trying to find itself, the defense will need to turn the ball over on a short field if SUU has thoughts of winning this game.

 

Speaking of the SUU offense, it's a group really trying to put things together. New quarterback Zac Connors hasn't played bad in each of his first two starts, but has experienced some growing pains. Moving into his third start, Coach Wes Meyer only hopes that this group starts to gel, led by his new quarterback. The T-Birds lost 23 seniors last year, and that place is no more evident that along the offensive line. As each game passes, you can expect this group to get better. As they do, expect some big numbers from two receivers who could make for one of the better duos in the league. Proven wide receiver Jerome Eason, and transfer Joey Lew Hen, who led the team in yards the past two weeks, need to be relied upon more. As the team struggles running the football early in the year, SUU may need to use the air more to set up the run. Connors needs consistency this week, as the T-Birds should move the ball more against a defense still relatively inexperienced among the front seven. I think we'll see some improvement offensively from Southern Utah, but a road game against an offense with a very good quarterback will once again prove too much for this young group of T-Birds. Northern Arizona 31 Southern Utah 17

 

 

Southeastern Louisiana at Northern Colorado
The Bears return home this week to the friendly confines of Nottingham field, and remain on television (Fox Sports Rocky Mountain) for the third week in a row against Southeastern Louisiana. Last season the Bears lost 26-13 in Louisiana in only the first meeting between the two teams. Last week, SLU opened its season with a win over Alcorn State 48-21.

 

The Lions of SLU enter 2005 as members of the Southland Conference after spending the last two seasons as I-AA independents. The other big differences from a year ago - stud quarterback Martin Hankins (385.5 passing a game) and Coach Hal Mumme (New Mexico State coach) are both departed. Hankins efficiently ran Mumme's high octane "air raid" offense that led the nation in offense and could put points up at an alarming rate. The offensive scheme is still in place, but with some new faces. Trey Willie steps in at quarterback, and performed well in week one throwing for over 230 yards and three scores. Sharing the duties for the graduated Ray Perkins (1148 yds) in the backfield last week were Mario Gilbert, and Jerald Watson, a transfer from Auburn. Expect carries by committee to continue this week against the Bears. The good news is that neither back is the caliber of a Travis Glasford, who went for nearly 200 yards last week. Easily the biggest returning offensive weapon is Felton Huggins, who went for over 1300 yards, and 13 touchdowns. He's part of a group of four returning starters. This offense, even without some of the stars of a season ago is clearly dangerous. That is compounded by the fact that the Bears defense has given up a concerning 458 yards per game over the first two. Now how do the Bears stop this group of Lions? Well, the front seven will have to be better at plugging up the run game than they were last week. This week that means stopping the running back, as well as the fleet footed Willie who can move pretty well. Ultimately how well the Bears young, but maturing linebackers can contain Willie's running, and pressure him into some poor throws will determine if this group can improve on the numbers of a week ago. The Bears need their front four need to exploit a revamped offensive line. Expect safety Reed Doughty, the best player on the field, to play a big factor in how the Bears approach defending Willie.

 

The Bears offense comes off of two strong performances and should continue to thrive even against a defense that returns some quality talent. This defense, however is without the services of star linebacker Damien Huren, and is only is its second game of moving from 3-4 to a 4-3. I spoke to Hager's performance earlier in the column, and he should find the going good this weekend especially following his last two performances. Hager's two targets, Cory Sleeth, and Andy Birkel have each been impressive in the last two weeks, and are proving to be big threat guys. The only question is who has the big game this week? All of the offense starts and stops with running back Andre Wilson. It's no coincidence that the Bears offense really rolled last week in the 2^nd half when Wilson went for over 100 after being held to two yards per carry in the 1^st half. Wilson's tough running in the final 30 minutes really juiced this offense, and proved why Wilson is one of the better backs in all of I-AA. Hager faced a good amount of pressure last week, something the line hopes will be a trend that doesn't continue. This offense has big number capability and the more the line can protect Hager, the better the output will be this weekend. Either way this offense is a dangerous group, especially as Hager get more and more comfortable in the pocket. If you liked last week's offensive showcase, this game will be more of the same. The only difference is that the Bears will come out on top. Northern Colorado 34 Southwestern Louisiana 27

 

South Dakota State at #4 Montana

The second of the BSC/GWFC games has the Jackrabbits heading to Missoula to face the Grizzlies of South Dakota State. This is the fifth meeting of the two teams as the Griz hold a 4-0 advantage in the series.

 

The Montana defense highlights the strength of this Grizzlies team as a strong core of returning starters should keep this team in games all season long. Mike Murphy and Lance Spencer are a solid duo at defensive end. Murphy is off to a solid start with nine tackles, and a sack. Shane McIntyre, and Tyler Joyce highlight the line backing core. McIntyre notched 98 tackles last season, while Joyce is off to a great start this season with 18 tackles in just two games. This talented front seven of the Griz will focus first and foremost on stopping the Jacks dynamic tailback Anthony Watson, who has two 100-yards games under his belt already. The Jacks know their offense needs Watson to run well if they have a shot at winning this game. SDSU has to establish the running game, to take some of the pressure away from young quarterback Andy Kardoes. If the Griz can successfully contain Watson, the offense falls squarely on the shoulder of Kardoes, and his ability to make plays. He'll be throwing at a secondary that is clearly the strength of this defense returning four starters.  Kardoes can make some plays, and has proven to be quite mobile, but we've yet to see him face a defense the caliber of Montana. He needs to get Josh Davis and Chris Molitor actively involved in this game. The Jacks have the weapons, but will Kardoes have the time to find them? Montana will bring the pressure all day long. If Watson can run the ball, the Jacks will be in good shape. If not, the chances of Kardoes making enough plays to win this game will be challenging.

 

As for the Jacks defense, this group has to take the same approach as the Montana defense, focus on plugging the run game. And that run game is driven by Lex Hillard, who earns the starting role after sharing carries last season and tallying 17 touchdowns. Hillard has proven he can shoulder the load, and generally can be a tough guy to bring down. As the starter this season, expect that he'll clear 1000 yards without a problem. Now, the other key for the Jacks is to disrupt Montana's new quarterback, Jason Washington. The Bowling Green transfer, as you might expect, had a good game against D-II Fort Lewis, and struggled against the Oregon Ducks. SDSU knows that they must keep Hillard at bay, and force Washington to show he can beat them via the air. South Dakota State has to give him a ton of different looks and bring pressure from everywhere in hopes that some confusion will lead a few erratic throws. Washington certainly has the weapons, led by senior Jon Talmage (22.4 avg, 2 td's), who should spend most of the day locked up with Jacks playmaking corner Hank McCall. However, this Montant team doesn't necessarily have (yet) the big-time depth we're used to seeing at the wide receiver position. This is an interesting non-conference game that will end up a better bout than most people think. How much do we truly know about these teams? SDSU has mopped up a couple cupcakes, while Montana did the same to Fort Lewis then got smacked by Oregon. Look for the Montana defense can to contain Watson enough to keep South Dakota's runner from controlling the game. I don't know if the Jacks can necessarily do that to the same extent to Hillard, but they will be effective enough to put some pressure on Washington. Ultimately, it is going to be out of the running backs hands and comes down to which young quarterback in their 3^rd start makes the least amount of mistakes. Most fans are probably leaning towards a Montana blowout, but this game will be closer than people expect. Montana will have some trouble with this SDSU defense, which is quickly turning into an experienced group. Bit in the end, Montana has too much overall talent, but look for the Jacks to pump a scare into the Griz fans for a good part of the game. Montana 27 South Dakota State 17

 

Weber State at #12 North Dakota State

The Bison, who jumped to #13 in the national polls this weekend, return home to host the Weber State Wildcats in the third battle of the Big Sky/Great West showdown week. This is the 4^th meeting between the two schools, as the Bison won last year in Ogden 27-14.

 

North Dakota State enters the game riding high off a monster road pasting of Northwestern State, and they hope the good fortune continues this week in the confines of the Fargo Dome. Certainly the focus will be getting back to the bread and butter of the Bison offense, the running game. Last week, a physical and tough Purple Swarm defense shut down the run, limiting the Bison attack o the ground to just 2.8 per carry. That number includes a 1.9 average for the two biggest horses in the Bison rush game, Kyle Steffes, and Cinque Chapman. Expect the Bison to try to establish the run early and often and certainly have better success than a week ago. Weber State's defense does return seven starters including a pair of ends that can make life tough on opposing defenses. Shane Barkdull, and Brady Fosmark, in fact, ranks as a pair of the better defensive end nationally. Barkdull's seven sacks last season compliment the All-American's Fosmark's 18.5 tackles for loss nicely. Expect Fosmark to be double-teamed a majority of the game. The Bison offensive line, which didn't open the holes last week for the run game will need to focus in on these ends and making sure they don't make life tough on the backs, as well as quarterback Steve Walker. Speaking of Walker, his play continues to amaze. If someone had told me the Bison would struggle to run the ball last week, and it would fall on Walker's shoulders, I'd be certain to predict a Bison loss. (which is basically the situation that I thought would play out) That's what makes Walker special - he just makes plays. He didn't turn the ball over in key situations, and certainly didn't force the action. He stayed within the offense, (such a trite saying, but oh so true) and without a running game led his team to victory. His stats may not say it, but might as well put him up there with Tony Kays for conference offensive player of the week. His job shouldn't be as difficult this week, as balance should return to the offense. I expect Walker to have another strong outing, even with the Wildcats defensive strength, the defensive backs, returning in tact. Safeties John McBride, and Dallas Dreckel lead the DB's, and will have the difficult job of supporting the run stop effort, and keeping Walked contained. Look for Walker to continue to hook up with Kole Heckendorf, who is quickly making fans feels a little more at ease with the loss of all-conference wide-out, Travis White.

 

Last week the Bison knew a big key to a victory would be forcing Devon Vinson into obvious passing situations. If they could do so, chances were that Vinson, not the most proven passer, would make mistakes. The Bison shut down the run, and then promptly picked off four passes keying the runaway win. This week the focus stays on the passing game. Fans have chatted about the fact the Wildcats offense had more first downs than D-I ranked Fresno State last week, as well as nearly out-gaining them. Let's be clear here: Fresno State dominated that game! They returned two punts for touchdowns, and started their first six drives (on average) inside the Weber 48-yard line. They didn't have much room to rack up yards, and first downs. Almost every drive resulted in a score. Let's not read too much into those numbers. The running game of the Wildcats is off to a good start, but still with star runner Nick Chournos gone the Bison have to like their chances. Considering they shut down a darn good running attack of NSU, they can handle the duo of Adrian Conway, and Zach Hall. Both are averaging over 4.5 per carry, but the bulk of those numbers came against one of the softest defenses in D-II, Western State. Ian Pizarro, now a team captain, returns as the Wildcats quarterback, after an average season a year ago with three td's, three picks, and just 1,000 yards passing. However, after two games this season, his numbers are better, a sign of some experience in the system. He'll need to be on his game this weekend because as the Bison take away the run, Pizarro will have to make some big plays. Expect the Bison to blitz early and often, and use the boisterous Fargo crowd to their advantage. If Pizzaro doesn't throw two picks, I'll be shocked. This game is dangerous only because it's a `tweener. The Bison are off a huge statement win, and next week face another tough opponent. They could come out flat after last week, or start looking ahead to the big game (Montana State) next week. Don't be surprised if NDSU does, in fact, come out a tad flat, and let's Weber run with them for a bit. The Wildcats, under new head coach Ron McBride, are improved over a year ago. Problem is so are the Bison, and it won't take them long to kick it into 5^th gear after a slow start. North Dakota State 31 Weber State 13

UC Davis at Stanford

The Aggies take their shot at a Pac-10 opponent this week in what is certainly being hyped as the biggest game of the year for an Aggie program attempting to grow by leaps and bounds. Sacramento State, Portland State, Northern Arizona, and Montana have all taken cracks at Pac-10 opponents this season losing by an average of 29 points. Now Davis heads to the "farm" to take Stanford for only the second time, and the first time since 1932.

 

After two heartbreaking losses where the Aggies cold look towards a numbers of plays that might have changed their fortune, things don't get any easier this week. The Aggies offense, which has struggled for long periods of time during portions of the last two weeks, faces a solid Stanford defense. Likely the most concerning matchup or mismatch is the Aggies offensive line against the talent of the Cardinals defensive line. That line is led by two bigtime standouts, DE Julian Jenkins, and NT Babatunde Oshinowo. Jenkins, a pre-season all Pac-10 performer recorded eight tackles last week against Navy adding to his career total of 88. Oshinowo was listed by some publications as a pre-season All-American. The Aggies have had some problems protecting junior quarterback Jon Grant in the first half last week must really worry about these two. There's likely not any one player that can match straight up with Oshinowo, so expect a double team all night. Oshinowo did leave last week's game with two sprained ankles, but is expected to play this week. The other big name to remember is linebacker Jon Alston, who is the leader of this Cardinal defense. Alston, along with Kevin Shimmelmann, who started nine games at inside backer last season, make up the heart of a solid line-backing group. With this front seven the job of protecting Grant, and running the football will be major challenges this weekend.  The Aggies will look more to Alex Garfio, and need the line to play the game of their lives. But chances are that Grant spends more time throwing than handing off again this week. If Grant can find his form, he's got some real weapons on the outside. Tony Kays is off to a huge start and Blaise Smith proved he's a solid compliment. This is true especially as teams continue to bracket All-American Tight End Daniel Fells as they did last weekend with a linebacker underneath and a safety over the top. If Stanford chooses to do so, then Grant has to quickly find Smith, Kays, or Brandon Rice. The one area the Cardinal are less experienced is the defensive backfield where they are breaking in three new starters. One of those starters, free safety Trevor Hooper, was injured last week, and is out this week. The Aggies are up against it but have the talent in the right spots to test this Cardinal defense. Last week Navy threw for 248 yards, which is more than any game since the 2002 season. For those unfamiliar with the Navy passing game, it's not pretty. For the Ags to have any sort of shot they must strike through the air and that last number is a telling stat. Again, though, it comes down to the offensive line giving Grant the time.

 

If the Aggies intend to keep things close with the Cardinal, it will happen because of the play on this side of the ball. In two losses this season, the Aggies defense has allowed just 335 yards of total offense in each of first two games. That's saying something especially considering that UCD has faced one of the best offenses in I-AA, and another that will prove more than capable as the season moves along. The challenge this week will be large facing the size, and speed of the Cardinal offense that returns 10 starters. Still, the thing to not gloss over is that the New Hampshire offense probably isn't very far behind that of Stanford's at the skill spots, (they smacked Rutgers last season 35-24) which may mean that UCD may hang around for a bit this weekend if their defense can continue their stellar play. This group has always prided itself at being strong against the run, but this group of 2005 is the best I've seen in years. Ryan Sharp is an absolute menace along the defensive line. Along with Tyler Birkley, and James Amos (combined seven tackles for loss) they will have to continue their fine play in helping to slow down the Stanford rush game, as well as returning quarterback Trent Edwards. The Cardinal used two backs, Jason Evans, and converted wide receiver Anthony Kimble, to combine for 122 yards last week. When Stanford is not running it will be Edwards job to make plays with his arm. Edwards returns after starting nine games last season, and is more than able to put up big numbers. The challenge of the Aggies will be to beat an offensive line with all five starters returning and get some sort of pressure on Edwards. They may be able to play the run respectably, but Edwards can't be given all day to throw or he'll have a huge day.  With the loss of top wide receiver Evan Moore last week, Mark Bradford, and Justin McCullum become even more important. The Aggies need Jonathan Barsi back at safety this week, as he remains questionable heading into play Saturday. If they get him on the field, it will be a tremendous help to the defensive effort. Ultimately, Stanford probably has too much, but the Aggies, if given time, can throw against this defense, and hold the ground game in check. If they can win the turnover battle by a few this week, who knows? But the overall depth, speed, and 85 scholarships will put to rest an Aggie upset in the 3^rd quarter. Still, this is a closer game that people expect. Stanford 31 UC Davis 17.

 

Game of the Week.

#11 Montana State at #18 Cal Poly

The Mustangs and Bobcats renew rivalries this weekend in what has to be considered the top game in all of I-AA. Two teams, both with playoff aspirations need this win in a classic offense vs. defense battle.

 

Mustang offense vs. the Montana State defense

Dating back to the start of last season, Cal Poly has had its share of offensive struggles. There's one thing certain, however, when Anthony Garnett is at the helm, the Mustangs offense operates most efficiently. Last week, Garnett's returned to action and promptly ignited the Cal Poly offense to 38 points against Sacramento State. Garnett threw for over 200 yards, while passing and running for a touchdown. Along with Garnett's solid start was a good one for red shirt freshman running back James Noble. Noble, in his first career collegiate start, was good for 108 yards on 20 carries. He and Garnett will look to the ground again to control the game this weekend and keep the ball away from the MSU offense. Defensively, the front seven for the Bobcats has looked solid in their first two games, despite some new faces along the line and the loss of linebacker Roger Cooper. This group, led by Mac Mollahon, will be focused on shutting down the Mustang option, and making Garnett strictly a passer. Although Garnett has continued to improve, he's been prone to mistakes if consistent pressure can be applied. Garnett also has to find his wide-outs, a talented group of pass catchers led by Jonah Russell and Jason Holmes. If Russell gets above the 100-yard mark, expect Cal Poly to win this game. Toph Grenfall, and Ryan Force, lead the Bobcats secondary with a combined 29 tackles. The key for the Bobcats success: will they have to commit an extra man to defend the run? If not, then the Bobcats are in good shape. If they do, and the Poly wide receivers get man coverage on the outside, advantage Mustangs.

 

Bobcat offense vs. the Cal Poly defense

Now this is the battle everyone wants to see - the great offense against the swarming defense. Quarterback Travis Lulay leads a talented group of skill position players into 2005, and their star power was shown last week in a convincing blowout of Stephen F. Austin, 42-6. Michael Bass and Justin Domineck lead the ground attack with Bass' 4.1 average and two touchdowns leading the way. This groups hopes to improve on the 86 yards they gained on 39 carries last season against this defense. With arguably the best defensive player in the nation Chris Gocong, Matt Chachere, and Chris White along the line, the group is as much as imposing force as 2004, which will make it again tough to run against this unit. While Kyle Shotwell is the only returnee of the four starting linebackers, the group is showing no ill effect from the inexperience holding opposing teams to 1.8 yards per carry, and just 258 total yards. Cal Poly will shut down the run game of the Bobcats, but the difference here is that Lulay can beat you all on his own. And he's got some great weapons to do accomplish that feat. Chaz Guinn is back as the leading receiver and has 12 catches and two touchdowns this season. New to the group is Washington State transfer, Tremaine Murray, who appears to be off to the start of something big this season with nearly 200 yards in two games. Those two will be matched up with a very experience secondary led by safeties Kenny Chicoine, and Aaron Williams. Last week cornerback Courtney Brown picked off two passes. They made need a couple more interceptions to come away winners this week.

 

Key Matchup: Bobcat defensive line vs. Cal Poly offensive line. While so much attention will be paid to the other side of the ball, this battle will be as important as any. Both units are breaking in new faces with Montana State returning just one starter (Darryl Rodgers) from a year ago, and Cal Poly losing two of its top offensive lineman. The Bobcats have to contain Garnett and the Mustang option attack, while Cal Poly has to blow the defensive line off the ball. They can't afford to become a one-dimensional offense, or they will struggle to point up points offensively. Whichever group wins the battle consistently will make a huge step toward winning this game.

 

X-Factor: Travis Lulay, QB, Montana State. There's no two ways about it, Lulay is the star of this Montana State team, and he is a bigtime playmaker with his arm. He's 8^th all time on the Big Sky total offense list, 1^st in total Montana State passing yards, and 3^rd on the touchdown list. Coming into play Saturday Lulay averages 55 yards a game rushing, 203.5 yards a game passing, and 40.7 yards per punt. Cal Poly has seen him and vice versa the past two seasons; now the challenge is who wins the final battle? Can Cal Poly get to Lulay? Or will Lulay be given the time he needs to slice up this potent defense.

 

The Roundtable says:

Chris Solari: (0-2) Here are two teams that gave a pair of I-A big shots all they could 
handle. The Mustangs showed they can handle the Big Sky last week, drubbing Sacramento 
State a week after going toe-to-toe with former I-AA power Troy. The Bobcats, after 
nearly pulling off the upset of Oklahoma State, throttled Stephen F. Austin in their return 
to the I-AA ranks. Cal Poly is tough at home, with Anthony Garnett finally grabbing hold 
of the quarterback spot. But Travis Lulay can be a miracle-worker, as seen in last year's 
narrow win over South Dakota State. He'll hook up with Tramaine Murray often as the 
Bobcats improve to 2-1. MSU 28, Cal Poly 17

Jeff Kolpack: (0-2) A close loss at Oklahoma State and a blowout win over Stephen F. 
Austin - who's to say Montana State isn't playing as well as anybody in the country? The 
Bobcats are under-rated in the polls. Montana State 17, Cal Poly 13.

Mike Mirer: (1-1) The Cal Poly defense has a different look with Jordan Beck in the middle of it, but two weeks into the season seems no less dominant. It's a unit that finds a way to put its stamp on every game it plays, usually in the decisive moments. Last week it was a couple of third-quarter interceptions to break open a 10-7 game. This week? Well, Montana State's running game has put the ball on the ground eight times in two games. Bobcats coach Mike Kramer said that week that team struggles against the option, which means the Mustangs might be able to move the ball consistently. In fact, I think they will. Cal Poly 28, Montana State 21

           

The Bottom Line: This game has all the making of a classic battle, with maybe the best I-AA quarterback, and defensive player on the same field. Montana State offense has ridiculous talent, and the weapons to score from anywhere on the field. But can they slow the Cal Poly offense? This year, I think they can more so than in years past. The Mustang option has given the Bobcats trouble in the past, but this defense has an improved feel to it, especially when you take a look at the results against Oklahoma State. If they can limit Garnett on the ground they have to feel good. Put the ball in Lulay's hand and let him go to work. However, fans want to look at the first two weeks of results and expect MSU to take it to Cal Poly, even in San Luis Obispo. But here is what some people unfamiliar with Cal Poly just don't understand. This Cal Poly defense is sickening good. Coach Rich Ellerson doesn't rebuild he reloads. I've seen this defense make great quarterbacks look average. They do a number of different things to opposing offenses, and always bring new looks to each game. You can never quite tell where the pressure is coming, and a quarterback has to be at peak performance to truly dominate this group. I love Lulay's talent and the offensive weapons around him, but there's a reason Montana State hasn't won any of their previous six outings. It's called the Flex defense. Cal Poly 24 Montana State 21.

 

Questions. Comments. Email Chris at gwfcfootball@hotmail.com