Davis and Mercer were the only two playoff games without an AP writer on site today, which explains the lack of live stats or game summary on espn. This gets to the same theme which is the university doesn’t try very hard at the basics, despite the fact that Davis’ athletic admin payroll is massive.

they had merchandise sales in bruce Edwards room, much was NCAA playoff related.

I sat in every section today, and had a blast!

Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Odds are against Coach Plough leaving after one year bc attendance was sub optimal for one game. The home side had great attendance, the band had a decent turnout, but I don't see the benefit in lecturing students. Plough will have a challenging off season replacing Hastings, LL, and numerous receivers. Enjoy this magical season, don't create distractions. If we get another home game, push marketing staff / ideas.

ESPN College showcased Larrison hurdle (twice), and they gave Mile's Hastings a special weekly helmet sticker.

I met Jordan Fishers' Mother who traveled to this game from Boston! She'll be traveling to South Dakota.

(On another communications front, the massive video board in the Pavilion malfunctioned a good chunk of the first half.)

Here's a piece of music called "The Ploughers." The tone of it seems to suit the coach's mood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU-WBlfXtY8

P.S. Coach Plough also said he wants to be here a long time.

Yes, Plough has stated that he wants to be in Davis for a long time and I know he's also said that he turned down more money for more prestigious positions but I also think that everyone has their price. I'm not saying he's getting poached this season or next season or in the next 5 seasons, but if he continues to produce high quality results someone might come along with a payday he can't turn down.

KCRA fan recap

https://youtu.be/KJebeYT9f7Q?si=vYGJyX-g7Te6h-PL

Home highlights, LL hurdle, Lab - short

https://youtu.be/x4rVMw_tXyM?si=9Vvmx05s2WeUSP6U

the Pavillion video board froze in the first half on Thursday, also.

The crowd felt bigger than 6500. West side was mostly full, the concourse was packed, the grass had a decent crowd and student turnout was similar to most games. Unfortunately, the team has to stare at the 3 empty sections in the NE corner.

I was surprised a large number of season tickets holders didn’t show. In their ‘defense’, we haven’t had a home game in December in 6 years so they make other plans.

I’m not sure ranting about people not showing up really helps. I don’t think the average person seeing that will be driven to show up next December. And to the people who were there, it’s like being lectured by the minister the Sunday after Easter about the people who DIDN’T show up.

I think this goes to show that real attendance is quite a bit less than the athletic department’s weekly guesstimate. Nice crowd for hoops last night.

Dr. Mike
Thanks for the heads up. Are commoners like me allowed to purchase merchandise in Edwards?

yesterday it was the public merchandise area.

Recording a recap episode with Jake Maier in a couple hours. Send your questions. Will also do a thorough preview with a current player later in the week.

Hastings was nearly flawless in the home playoff opener. Playing on the road it the playoffs will be a different animal. Curious if Jake has any tips for dealing with a visiting playoff atmosphere, and if he has any memories or has he got to play in a lot of domed games? Also, having the 3rd round following finals week...how draining is that, and what is practice like during that week?

From the replays you see that whenever South Dakota scores a TD they do a blackout effect during the celebration, flashing lights and what not - seems like it should be banned because it may cause a safety hazard for anybody in the crowd going up and down the stairs. Regardless, it's going to happen next Saturday when USD scores.

Some side questions:
1) What did he think of the vs. Illinois State performance?
2) What was his favorite uniform combo back in the 2018 season? The Smokies?

Got it in there!

I was shocked at the poor turnout too.

Episode is live!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4GIwxhGZhh56I1UeTeh5d1?si=dPyb0ESjTAW0YbWvkHtUeg

Brock’s observation about how many guys got into the game is reflected in the stats which list 62 players as participants. If that is correct only 2 players dressed but didn’t play.