Not really a stretch.

We beat Utah Tech 31-24 after trailing 24-7. Pinnick went 21-31, 253, 3 TD, 1 INT and rushed for 41 yards.
We beat Cal Poly 34-27. Pinnick went 21-26, 313, 3 TD and rushed for 68 yards and a TD.
We beat Sac St 31-27. Pinnick went 24-30, 306, 2 TD

We were an 8 seed this year (and not a clear cut one either). Our defense wasn't very good which means we got to where we were on the back of our offense. If we lose one of those three game, we don't get a bye. Lose two and we're out of the playoffs.

We're not an FBS team where you can just spend a bunch of money, hire a decent coach and become successful. We're not North Dakota St, South Dakota St or Montana St either. You have to win games to get the attention of recruits. More wins = better recruits. Better playoff results = better recruits.

I never said he was the sole reason or even the biggest reason we might get better recruits. But his season undoubtedly helped us. You can make the same case for Lan last year. Maybe we get to a point where getting the 12 seed is considered a down season. That would be awesome! At that point, one player probably won't matter all that much as far as recruiting goes. But we're not there yet.

The only thing he did to attract a good player here was leave — Pacifico2

He helped us make the FCS quarterfinals. With a worse QB, we probably don't get a bye and probably don't make the quarterfinals. Making and advancing in the playoffs helps gets your name out there and makes recruits want to come to your school. Therefore, he will undoubtedly help us getting better players in.

And yes, I know this is a team game and it's not all about one player. But the QB has the most impact of any player on a team.

Why not root for him? Because he left? That's the nature of the game. Good for him. Yeah, it sucks that he won't be here the next three years. But one guy said he's "persona non grata" and another guy said he won't wish him well or ill. There's no reason to not just wish him well and root for him to succeed. It's not like he left and went to Sac St.

Man some of you are salty. Have none of you left a current job for one that pays you more or provides you a better opportunity to get to where you hope to go in life? Because let's be honest here, college football is essentially a job at this point. We can call them "student-athletes" all we want but it's different from what it used to be.

Be thankful he gave us the 2025 season. It was very enjoyable. It will also likely help us get more quality players going forward so hopefully we'll have more seasons as good or better than 2025.

Wish him well. Root for the best for him. Hope he succeeds.

This is hilarious stuff. 4-11 on the year and 3 wins are over DII teams.

Not a head scratcher if he gets paid (check), gets to play and progresses the way he hopes he will (these two are TBD).

Doesn't list his baseball stuff on the UCD website but it says this about basketball:

Also delivered on the hardwood, highlighted by a 42-point performance in the 2024 section championship game at Golden 1 Center.

Seems like one of those guys who is just good at whatever he picks up.

Montana St did a lot to lose that game and it definitely could have gone either way.

Really tough way to lose for Illinois St.

Wow! Just need the XP now.

LOL. Announcers just said Illinois St has to keep Montana St out of the end zone here. Brilliant commentary!

That seems weird. So you can facemask a guy but because it's on the try it gets wiped away? I feel like they should just get half the distance to the goal. I mean they tack it on the kickoff in regulation.

First overtime FCS championship game.

LOL. Montana St's offense is all over the place now. What a change from the first half.

I would understand going for it, but I'm fine kicking it.

Thought it was funny the announcers were talking about MSU maybe being affected by the crowd noise considering they played at Oregon and at Montana this year.

Montana St with 7 false start penalties tonight. That's wild.

Tie game with 5:10 left.

Montana St has only had the ball for 17:33 this game. They've got to be getting tired on defense.

Got to hand it to ISU. They’re hanging in this thing and it’s not over yet.

Man that one hurts ISU. You finally score and you give up a 3 play TD drive in 30 seconds and Montana St gets the ball to start the second half. If it gets to 24-7 or 28-7, it’s just about over.