So if we agree with your assessment, where was the feedback from Hawk, Speckman, Hawk Jr, and Maier?

I'm sure we'll hear about injuries at some point, and we did have untimely injuries to 2 top receivers, but the WR group is deep. Everyone has injuries ... other teams are playing with freshman QBs.

It was nice to see the young MSU QB, on a team not known for passing, just step back and launch a 40 yard ball down the field successfully at least 3 times. (Not throw 20 and run 20.)

We've had serious problems scoring in 4-5 big games. Unlikely to beat a top team scoring 14 or 20 points.

Speaking of QB Ken O'Brien, Sac State Coach Mattos I believe was very confident in his 8-1 Hornets in 1982. O'Brien led the Ags to a 51-6 victory before 12,700 at Toomey Field.

The Aggie

"UC Davis managed only 23 total yards and zero first downs in a lifeless fourth quarter, which officially put its playoff hopes to bed.

"Outside of one touchdown drive halfway through the third quarter, the Aggies recorded only one first down in the entire second half. This put all the pressure on a defense that was on the field for 21 minutes. "

https://theaggie.org/2019/11/19/aggies-lament-missed-opportunities-in-home-finale-loss/

Montana Sports

""We always talk about dragging them into deep water. We do what we do and don’t panic and keep fighting," said Choate, whose Bobcats held Maier without a passing touchdown and limited the Aggies to a 2-of-14 performance on third downs and an 0-for-3 effort on fourth downs. “(The defense) rose up at the most opportune times, whether that was in the red zone, on our money downs, and then obviously having (three) fourth-down stops was big, big, big in this game.”

And I had forgotten about our blocked FG.

https://www.montanasports.com/sports/big-sky-conference/montana-state-bobcats/montana-state-bobcats-earn-really-good-team-win-at-uc-davis

Wonderful comeback!

22-5. Yikes.

Don't forget, O'Brien found us ... more than once. That shows you the advantage of being a hot program, and a UC. Too bad Santa Clara and St. Mary's dropped football.

Tough to compare. Far more loaded today at WR and TE, more speed and athleticism at those positions, and the game is different in some ways, far bigger support system. We have 1 solid win this year? O'Brien and his team went 12-0 with Kenny, upset DI UOP, beat #6 Northern Michigan and #2 power North Dakota State. Outscored opponents 405–164.

Losing our three top receivers (1 planned) huge, but I still don't know why we don't go deep.

It's great that Hawk appreciates Maier, but its a massive leap to put him ahead of O'Brien, Moroski, and JT O'Sullivan.

Montana was a complete puzzle, it was as if it were a Gould team first half.

You're saying chuck it, and let em go get it? ... at least the attempt would keep them honest. Perfect option for 2nd & short?

I believe Harrell ran track here his first year. High school numbers - Jared Harrell, 100 Meters, 10.72 (2.2) 2016.

Our Total Defense, FCS ranking is #99, I think Sac is #24. But likely a complex situation. I believe our Defense at times has had to stay on the field a long time due to our drop off in 3rd down completion rate / stalled drives. My guess is our lack of QB pressure is one key, leaving our DBs to really have to cover for extended periods. Increase the pressure, more TOs, shorter drives.

We win the North Dakota and MSU games, we're then 7-4 and likely in the playoffs.

I love Maier. I have had some veteran Ags suggest Maier doesn't throw the deep ball, so that shortens the field for us, and isn't mobile. A mobile QB like Rodriguez would really add options. Spring ball should be interesting, 4-5 QBs battling.

Great job by the defense slowing down a tough rushing offense. Now we know Firozi was lost for the season on the OL, best wishes.

We didn't have our potent offense this year, scoring is down from 39 PPG to 29 PPG, and even the 29 PPG is deceiving given big point totals vs San Diego and Lehigh. Part of that a tougher schedule, losing Doss, and 2 key WR injuries. Where were Harrell and Vaughn tonight? You're not gonna win big games scoring 20 points or less. Points in big games:

Cal - 13, incl. a gimmie on the opening drive
NDSU - 16
Montana - 20
North Dakota - 36
Weber - 20
MSU - 17

A couple hundred MSU fans made more noise than our crowd, and embarrassed (?) us into cheering.

Zander, our defense has been solid this year, especially losing two top LBs and the increased level of competition.

Not scoring inside the 5 on our first drive a killer.

That 4th down call also curious.

Where were the students?

With a spotty short yardage run game.

So has special teams ... 3 times inside the 5.

Offense struggling in the red zone. Ugh.

Yes ... and I can't even explain the Montana game. Ugh.

North Dakota would have been a sweet win ... we need this! Go Ags! Momentum!

MSU guys, MSU.

+1, and we run the ball adequately and have a good O game plan