I think defense will be a big key in this game and I hope the Ags make a statement and in that way create a bit of confusion with the freshman QB (if they go with him). Montana shut down Sac’s offense and I think they mentally imploded.

Rain is in forecast. With field turf, I don’t expect much in the way of unsure footing as back in the day (I remember one Causeway game in Davis - maybe 78,79?) that was an absolute mud bowl. I suspect the wind will have as much of an impact as wetness, and it may impact the passing game. Perhaps a bit more emphasis on the run game.

Press conference

https://www.youtube.com/live/f346I91JJxI?si=DFvMlp-wSFxemW8v

Montana is not allowing the Bobcat band to attend brawl of the wild. Not a good look for Montana administration if you ask me. From what I understand it’s just to get a few more bucks, and not concern over safety/bad behavior. As Hawk said in his press conference, money can warp what is good about college football.

I don’t know that the Montana AD cares about anything else than what’s best for Montana. Not sure how he would vote if given a choice between UCD and Sac. He might actually prefer Davis, thinking there might be more of a revenge factor from Sac perspective although having narrowly beaten the Ags without Larison, he might be a little concerned about that factor. All a moot point of course if the Ags don’t prevail in Causeway.

yah. Plugging the middle was not as much of a concern for ISU. More so for Portland State. Defense seems to have pretty good depth and configurations for different situations.

I think Hawk’s main contribution is when to go for it on fourth, field goal, punt, etc. Perhaps strategizing with OC and DC during halftime.

Taylor was OC and play caller at sac and I think still is at Stanford. Lincoln Riley calls plays at USC. I think both Plough and son Hawkins were good play callers as former QBs and students of the game.

So I think Hawk is fairly hands off during the game although he did wear a headset at NAU and ISU so ostensibly he’s talking to someone.

After speed watching the game again, a few observations:

-Chukwudobe is the best blocker amongst the running backs. He made several very good blocks, most of which helped create/maintain openings for Larison. Not sure why he hasn’t gotten more touches, but he has done the blue collar work of blocking.

-Tattersall has been a good addition this year after being injured last year. He plays with an attitude. Nice to have 2 big, strong linebackers like he and Buchanan.

- Kennedy is a natural pass rusher and disrupter. His tall rangy body is helpful and he had one heck of a game. Reminded me a little of his game against Idaho last year.

-Defensive middle has not suffered without Chubba because of Toki and Suani, plus the aforementioned big linebackers. Depth is important this time of the season when everyone has injuries.

- on one play (the Hastings deflected interception underneath) Gbatu had his guy beat on a double move deep. A sure TD assuming a decently thrown pass. He did a double move on a defender in second half on which the defender just took him down (PI penalty).

- Another slow start for the Ags on offense. I think ISU had them schemed well and knew tendencies. Also there were several miscommunications between Hastings and receivers.

- I noticed Chubba on the sidelines in street clothes. Didn’t notice a boot but not sure. Looked like Simpson was on a scooter.

-as for Larison, not much more to be said, other than to say in addition to being a great player, he has no quit in him. That’s leadership by example.

Jay Hill’s defense (BYU) got shredded by Iowa State. Their defense has been poor all year. A different beast when you playing Oklahoma instead of Oklahoma (Big XXII move).

I guess his $1 million salary takes the edge off. He seems pretty competitive and I wonder if he is wishing he was still at Weber State - probably not.

correct the database and rerun to repopulate. If number - name - and position are correct seems to me it should be easy enough to correct all games. But I highly doubt that gets done at this juncture of the season.

that explains why they have 12 on defense. Roncevich doesn’t play (hardly plays at all?) and is a different number. He is listed in the 22 roster as 70 so that is evidently where that is being pulled even though the link goes to the 23 roster with his correct jersey number. Pretty simple database management and there should be someone checking on this who knows the roster (not just an IT person).

got it. They only list 4 offensive lineman which is weird, leaving out Eli. They also only list 4 offensive lineman for ISU. 2 tackles, 2 guards, and a center make 5 by my math. For UCD they list 12 defensive starters and only 10 offensive starters. Both UCD and ISU total 22 starters. I wonder if they have something bad in their software in which total starting positions are fixed at 22 (seems logical). The UCD defensive starters are configured in a 3-4-5 defense so someone threw in a nickel back and evidently encumbered a slot that would normally go to an offensive starter, in this case Eli.

where are you finding the game stats? The program lists the 2 deep alphabetically so doesn’t indicate the starter. I can only find box score on UC Davis football web site, but can’t find participation list other than receiving/passing/rushing etc.

if you are good - and Larison obviously is - the NFL will find you. Yes there would be NIL money, but only one year. If he graduates this academic year, that might be another story. But I think staying with your teammates and aiming for playoffs or maybe even a league title and completing your degree would win out over starting over at another institution/team.

I have to say Scott Gordon is a vast improvement on radio from Doug Kelly. He has good insights and does his homework.

the Idaho game last year was the zenith of Hastings career I think. He made all his throws and threw one away when he should. Of course Larison and Gilliam were gashing the Idaho defensive line.

He does have a limited skill set but can be a smart qb and game manger with the right system. I think next year there has to be a thought of bringing in a qb who is more mobile. Not a running qb but one who can extend and make/create plays. Nothing against Hastings. I was very bummed when they pulled Rodrigues for Hastings in 2021, then became one of his biggest fans last year.

Goes to show that defense can keep you in games. Larison put the team on his back.

Well got what o asked for. Defense was very very impressive today.

Need an int.

Porous special teams again.