Like I said, all I know is what I heard. Who knows if even that is true, but it was heard from individuals pretty connected to the program so I don't really have reason to not believe it.

Well If that is the case that is a huge loss. Buchanan has been the definition of consistent in the middle of the field.

But does he had another year of eligibility? Could he join a grad program is what I'm saying? COVID made things weird with eligibility.

I couldn't tell you that though I'm sure it's a combination of multiple things including play calling/scheme, lack of receivers getting open, and how Miles was reading the field post snap.

Stopping Larison was a tall order for defenses this season, but I agree with your sentiment that we needed a true #1 receiver to compliment the run game. Gbatu had some flashes, but we haven't had a true #1 receiver performance since Khris Vaughn in 2019 when he had 756 yards and 9 TDs. Very limited receiver identity since.

I'm assuming that Hawkins took over some of the play calling, but I'm not 100% sure on that. All I can say is what I heard and that was that the OC lost some of his privileges after the NAU game I believe it was.

I wouldn't argue with Dan on if Miles has high football IQ or not. He'd clearly know better than me. But the reality of the situation is that Miles lacks mobility and struggles to get the ball downfield. Defenses just don't have to work as hard when they know they're facing a QB who is limited to short and intermediate routes with a pretty low chance of taking off on a run. I found it interesting that down the stretch of the season we were more comfortable on offense just running the wildcat than playing traditional offense.

- It's tough to know what departures we'll have as we're still dealing with the fallout from covid eligibility, but looking at our seniors and graduate students we'll definitely miss Nick Eaton, Jake Parks, Jordan Ford, and Evan Tattersall. Parks and Ford have been mainstays on the offensive line for a long time and Eaton and Tattersall had productive seasons.

- The obvious and most critical returnee is Larison, but getting Chubba and Rex Connors back on the field for the defense will be big. Teddye Buchanan is another leader on the field who I expect will have another big season.

- Areas of needed improvement are with our passing offense from top to bottom (coordination, coaching, QB play, receiver talent) and special teams play.

- With Larison pounding the rock I would hope that our run game would continue to excel, but we are losing some guys on the offensive line who have been critical in opening up running lanes so I could see there being some drop off next season.

- I think Hawkins is doing... okay. The program is clearly healthier than during the Gould years and we've made the playoffs a couple of times, but we haven't been able to make the jump to being a consistent top level team (which is very difficult to do!). I do, however, think that Hawkins needs to do a better job with filling out the coaching staff. He likes to do the easy hire and promote from within (quality control --> assistant coach --> coordinator). It worked for awhile, but the offense did suffer this season from having a bland scheme and inability to get the ball downfield. I head through the grapevine that offensive play calling rights were taken away from the OC towards the end of the season (not sure for all plays or just situational). Overall I think the program is still headed in the right direction, but we're starting to plateau and some changes may need to be made.

- More talent will lead to more consistent playoff berths. Easier said than done. There are only a handful of teams that consistently make the playoffs.

- Next season the Aggies will have an absolutely brutal gauntlet to end the season with @ Montana, vs Montana State, and @ Sac State. Not to mention we're back to playing Idaho and are @ EWU (even on a down season they still have our number).

That and we we're tied at 78th in the country for turnovers lost. Can't turn the ball over that much and expect to be in the playoffs.

Although one of the teams we were tied with is Idaho... so maybe you can.

I was having this conversation this morning with a family member. I'm not saying that the Aggies do deserve to be in this year, but I think there are certain programs that get preferential treatment based on name alone.

If we had beaten any of EWU, Montana, or NAU we're in. Can't blame injuries as all teams deal with them, but you would have to think if Larison stays healthy the whole season we have at least 1 more win.

That being said, tough to justify being a playoff team if our effectiveness is entirely dependent on 1 player.

Aggies season is done. 1 win short...

For one last time this season... GO AGS!

Sac State is in

It's a podcast, but at least has a stream of the show for those without ESPNU

Montana State 6th seed

Montana 2nd seed
Idaho 4th seed

Well that's certainly not encouraging. I suppose we'll find out in a couple of minutes here.

Yes, while he had an acceptable game against Sac, I hope that we have a full blown QB battle next season. I don't have anything against Miles as a person or anything like that, but I would like to see someone out there with a more complete skill set for this level of football.

Most to all predictions I have seen have us as either a last 4 in or first 4 out. It's going to be really close.

FBS wins carry a lot of weight especially against a power 5 (even if they are really bad). Also our losses against EWU and NAU aren't a good look on the record.

Things are feeling right in the world again with the Golden Horseshoe AND Causeway back where they belong in Davis, CA! Sac State had their moment in the spotlight but time for them to remember who's in charge.

- I am still surprised that the Hornets went with Conklin to start the game given Bennett's superior mobility and the wet weather, but it definitely worked in UCD's favor.

- I have been very critical of Hastings this season and I will say that given the weather conditions, he was at least accurate and avoided turnovers even if most the passing game wasn't overly effective (only 128 yards passing outside of Larison's awesome sideline run).

- Lan Larison continues to be the man. He might honestly be one of the most dynamic playmakers the Aggies have had since the move to FCS.

- The defense completely and totally shut down Sac's run game and they have some solid RBs on their roster. Awesome to see Teddye get a couple of picks. Bennett was starting to light up the defense in the 2nd half and you never like giving up points in garbage time.

GO AGS! Got my fingers crossed for a playoffs spot, but I think we're gonna end up 1 win short. Shoulda, coulda, woulda against any of EWU, Montana, or NAU.