It was a disappointing opening night for the Aggie football team on Saturday against San Diego State.
Of course it was a disappointing. The team lost, which is always tough, and it was a game they could have won. They were in it late, and the 41-21 final does not accurately reflect the competitive nature of the contest that was.
As in most cases, there were positives and negatives. The team played hard and at times well. It also didn’t step up late, it faded down the stretch.
For me, the biggest disappointment, and surprise, was the Aggies play on defense.
I figured the team would be stronger in this area in 2010, barring injury.
Granted, the Aztecs have a lot of weapons on offense, but I felt NMSU could hold San Diego State under 30 points. I felt like the Aggies could do it, and I believed they would do it.
Early on, it looked like they were well on their way. They stuffed the Aztecs on fourth down during SDSU’s first offensive possession, which led to NMSU’s first score of the game. 7-0 Aggies, and things were looking up.
But, when it was all said and done, the Aztecs carved up the New Mexico State defense. 563 yards of total offense – 319 passing, 244 rushing; 9-of-19 on third downs – and it felt worse than that; 83 offensive plays total, compared to the Aggies’ 60.
NMSU generated zero pressure on the quarterback. Where were Fils and Savage, along with the improved and deeper defensive line? It was a no-show.
The fact of the matter is that I may have overrated NMSU’s defense \ going into the season. Here’s what I was thinking were positives as the new year approached:
*Year 2 in head coach DeWayne Walker’s system.
*A better defensive line and a nice secondary with two good corners. Neither Jonte Green or Davon House stood out on Saturday though. SDSU has some toys at wide receiver. The nicest play either made was House breaking up a ball in the back corner of the endzone on a third-down play in the second quarter.
*I knew the linebacking corps had some question marks but figured if the top-three stayed healthy, they would be fine. Alas, Frank Padilla went down with a leg injury in the second half on Saturday.
The defense has to turn it around, starting immediately. Next week, they have another opponent with weapons and a coach who can draw it up, when they travel to face UTEP. The defense has to – repeat has to - be the backbone of this team. I know the offense didn’t do the job at points in time on Saturday, namely during the second quarter, when NMSU couldn’t get a first down and the defense was forced to fend for itself for virtually the entire period – that’s tough to be on the field for that long. But I hold this unit to a higher standard. The Aggies only chance at approaching five wins this year is if this group plays like they said they would during fall camp – as the best defense in the WAC.
.....
With all that being said, the Aggies are a better team in 2010 than they were in 2009. For starters, from an entertainment standpoint, they are far more appealing. Mike Dunbar was a fine hire at offensive coordinator and has the savvy and gameplanning skills to vastly improve the offense during one offseason.
Three receivers made nice plays on Saturday night – and all did nothing in 2009. Marcus Allen had over 100 yards, Todd Lee was impressive catching the football and Darrius Preston got loose on some screens.
Matt Christian displayed nice attributes at the quarterback position. He threw on the run, hung in and took the big hit and didn’t turn the ball over. He also showed ability as a rusher upfield.
Christian is a streaky thrower and I am concerned about his health. He took at least four big shots on Saturday night and the team needs him to stay on the field. He was limping around after the game.
The Aggies threw the ball downfield, with Christian averaging over 13 yards per completion – he went 17-of-34 on the evening for 223 yards.
The running game didn’t do much – Kenny Turner was the team’s best back on Saturday. The Aggies cannot forget about Seth Smith on offense, but he needs to ball 15-to-20 times to be effective. He got five carries for eight yards on Saturday, not enough on either end.
Defensively, the Aggies played well for a half, but broke down in the final two quarters. Still, I think this unit will improve and the offense will continue to show some spunk, making for more competitive games in 2010.
.....
The Aggies are similar in this regard from last year to this year: they have zero margin for error.
These are things that happened on Saturday that simply can’t happen if the Aggies want to win:
*Nine penalties for 86 yards.
*A Kenny Turner muffed punt late that ultimately led to a SDSU touchdown as the Aztecs put the finishing touches on the win.
*A Tyler Stampler miss on a 37-yard field goal to open the game. The Aggies had a nice first drive and were aided by a poor pass interference penalty call on SDSU. NMSU also got a 20-yard completion from Christian to Lee down to the SDSU 26-yard line on 3rd-and-11. Stampler then comes out and misses what should be a make.
*Special teams in general just weren’t very good. Tanner Rust averaged 40.4 yards per punt with a long of 54, but was aided by some friendly bounces and did not get the hangtime that we were used to from Kyle Hughes a season ago.
.....
I looked up in the third quarter and saw half the student section emptied out. It had a nice gathering in the first half, but I guess everyone went home after two quarters.
Too bad, because it totally takes away from homefield advantage. That could be the difference in the Aggies winning and losing that game, too. It was a close game going into the fourth quarter. A loud and enthused crowd could have only helped the Aggies. Having half the students leave at halftime can only hurt them.
.....
Padilla and offensive guard Sioeli Fakalata both left the game with what appeared to be lower-left leg injuries.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
5 keys vs. San Diego State
What to watch as Aggies gear up to host Aztecs in 2010 football season opener....
Along the front: The Aztecs have one horse on the offensive line, that being two-year starting center Trask Iosefa. Other than that, the unit is unproven, with Alec Johnson and Nik Embernate at the guards and Tommie Draheim and Kurtis Gunther at the tackles. The Aggies come in with some old reliables along the defensive front. Donte Savage and Pierre Fils return at the end positions while John Finau will man the nose tackle and Kawika Shook will line up in the three-technique. Backing up the front four will be David Mahoney and Tommy Stuart at tackle and Brandon Warner and David Nuimatalolo at ends as NMSU added depth in the offseason. The unit will look to blast holes in the SDSU blocking scheme.
“Our starting four guys, they played in this game last year and we feel like we’ve recruited some quality backups,” NMSU head coach DeWayne Walker said. “That would be nice to get an advantage up front (on Saturday).”
Aggie passing game: Aggie fans are familiar with San Diego State defensive coordinator Rocky Long, the former head coach at the University of New Mexico. Long runs a unique 3-3-5 system, bringing blitzers from all angles to try and pressure an opposing quarterback into making costly mistakes. It will also open up opportunities in the passing game if the Aggie line can buy quarterback Matt Christian time in the pocket. And then the NMSU wide receivers have to get open and make the catch if it’s delivered on time and on target. It didn’t happen quite like that last year, but the plan is for the Aggie passing attack to be in better harmony in 2010.
SDSU weapons: The Aztecs have plenty of toys to play with on offense. Junior quarterback Ryan Lindley returns after throwing for over 3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2009. A three-man backfield of Davon Brown, Ronnie Hillman and Walter Kazee can all run the ball effectively while wide receivers Vincent Brown and DeMarco Sampson are impressive targets downfield. They will face an Aggie defense that continues to scheme and improve under second-year head coach DeWayne Walker.
Opening night: While San Diego State had their season opener last week — a 47-0 thrashing over Nicholls State — New Mexico State had their bye to start the 2010 campaign. In other words, tonight is NMSU’s season opener, which can be a blessing or a curse. When it’s all said and done, expect the Aggies to come out strong with something to prove against SDSU, in what should be a competitive football game.
“We have some new offensive coaches, our players have bought in. So, we’ve done things right,” NMSU head coach DeWayne Walker said. “You’d just like to see our guys improve and we’d like to have success too. I think this is an important game for us.”
Last year’s meeting: Last season saw the two teams compete in San Diego, with the game holding close until late in the fourth quarter. Down 17-7, the Aggies got two second-half scoring drives, led by backup quarterback Trevor Walls, to tie the score at 17-17. Late turnovers, though, ultimately led to three late Aztec touchdowns in the final eight minutes of action, as SDSU pulled away with a 34-17 victory. NMSU is a drastically different team this time around, however. Equipped with a brand new passing attack on offense and three new starters at linebacker, the Aggies have a brand new look in 2010. Will it lead to better results?
Along the front: The Aztecs have one horse on the offensive line, that being two-year starting center Trask Iosefa. Other than that, the unit is unproven, with Alec Johnson and Nik Embernate at the guards and Tommie Draheim and Kurtis Gunther at the tackles. The Aggies come in with some old reliables along the defensive front. Donte Savage and Pierre Fils return at the end positions while John Finau will man the nose tackle and Kawika Shook will line up in the three-technique. Backing up the front four will be David Mahoney and Tommy Stuart at tackle and Brandon Warner and David Nuimatalolo at ends as NMSU added depth in the offseason. The unit will look to blast holes in the SDSU blocking scheme.
“Our starting four guys, they played in this game last year and we feel like we’ve recruited some quality backups,” NMSU head coach DeWayne Walker said. “That would be nice to get an advantage up front (on Saturday).”
Aggie passing game: Aggie fans are familiar with San Diego State defensive coordinator Rocky Long, the former head coach at the University of New Mexico. Long runs a unique 3-3-5 system, bringing blitzers from all angles to try and pressure an opposing quarterback into making costly mistakes. It will also open up opportunities in the passing game if the Aggie line can buy quarterback Matt Christian time in the pocket. And then the NMSU wide receivers have to get open and make the catch if it’s delivered on time and on target. It didn’t happen quite like that last year, but the plan is for the Aggie passing attack to be in better harmony in 2010.
SDSU weapons: The Aztecs have plenty of toys to play with on offense. Junior quarterback Ryan Lindley returns after throwing for over 3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2009. A three-man backfield of Davon Brown, Ronnie Hillman and Walter Kazee can all run the ball effectively while wide receivers Vincent Brown and DeMarco Sampson are impressive targets downfield. They will face an Aggie defense that continues to scheme and improve under second-year head coach DeWayne Walker.
Opening night: While San Diego State had their season opener last week — a 47-0 thrashing over Nicholls State — New Mexico State had their bye to start the 2010 campaign. In other words, tonight is NMSU’s season opener, which can be a blessing or a curse. When it’s all said and done, expect the Aggies to come out strong with something to prove against SDSU, in what should be a competitive football game.
“We have some new offensive coaches, our players have bought in. So, we’ve done things right,” NMSU head coach DeWayne Walker said. “You’d just like to see our guys improve and we’d like to have success too. I think this is an important game for us.”
Last year’s meeting: Last season saw the two teams compete in San Diego, with the game holding close until late in the fourth quarter. Down 17-7, the Aggies got two second-half scoring drives, led by backup quarterback Trevor Walls, to tie the score at 17-17. Late turnovers, though, ultimately led to three late Aztec touchdowns in the final eight minutes of action, as SDSU pulled away with a 34-17 victory. NMSU is a drastically different team this time around, however. Equipped with a brand new passing attack on offense and three new starters at linebacker, the Aggies have a brand new look in 2010. Will it lead to better results?
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
New Mexico State/San Diego State depth chart
Here are the starting lineups for Saturday night's game....
New Mexico State
Offense
Pos. Player, class No. Size
QB Matt Christian, Jr. 2 6-3, 220
Tanner Rust, RFr. 8 6-2, 195
RB Seth Smith, Sr. 20 5-8, 198
Kenny Turner, So. 3 5-10, 195
FB Brandon Perez, RSr. 38 5-8, 231
Ronald Opetaia, Jr. 21 5-9, 219
X Taveon Rogers, Jr. 1 6-0, 175
Marcus Allen, Sr. 32 6-0, 187
LT DeWayne Barton, Sr. 75 6-4, 270
Davonte Wallace, Fr. 74 6-4, 250
LG Dejuan Yates, RJr. 58 6-2, 274
Mike Yocius, So. 63 6-4, 296
C Mike Grady, Jr. 62 6-3, 302
Robert Rodriguez, Sr. 70 6-2, 290
RG Sioeli Fakalata, RJr. 72 6-3, 321
Ruben Escarsega, RJr. 66 6-4, 273
RT Aundre McGaskey, Jr. 76 6-6, 315
Matt Passwaters, RSr. 78 6-3, 270
Z Darrius Preston, So. 19 6-1, 169
Marcus Williams, Jr. 10 6-3, 185
TE Kyle Nelson, Sr. 17 6-4, 222
Tonny Torres, Sr. 85 6-4, 241
Defense
End Pierre Fils, Jr. 48 6-3, 249
Brandon Warner, Sr. 92 6-2, 291
DT Kawika Shook, Sr. 94 6-3, 275
David Mahoney, Jr. 95 6-3, 300
NT John Finau, Sr. 54 6-1, 300
Tommy Stuart, So. 51 6-3, 315
Rush Donte Savage, Jr. 52 6-3, 240
David Nuimatalolo, RJr. 90 6-2, 250
Sam Frank Padilla, Sr. 5 6-2, 248
David Quiroga, So. 22 6-1, 230
Mike Boyblue Aoelua, Jr. 47 5-10, 235
Numi Lolohea, So. 96 5-11, 237
Will B.J. Adolpho, So. 36 5-11, 215
Bryan Bonilla, RFr. 53 6-1, 221
LC Davon House, Sr. 4 6-0, 190
Darien Johnson, Fr. 6 5-9, 180
RC Jonte Green, Jr. 1 6-0, 185
Donyae Coleman, Jr. 3 5-10, 181
FS Donyae Coleman, Jr. 3 5-10, 181
George Callender, Fr. 11 6-1, 195
SS Alphonso Powell, Sr. 2 5-9, 190
Justin Smith, Fr. 27 6-2, 200
Kicking specialists
K Tyler Stampler, Fr. 18 5-10, 175
P Tanner Rust, RFr. 8 6-2, 205
Jake Capraro, Fr. 42 6-1, 220
Return specialists
KR Taveon Rogers, Jr. 1 6-0, 175
Kenny Turner, So. 3 5-10, 195
PR Donyae Coleman, Jr. 3 5-10, 181
Darien Johnson, Fr. 6 5-9, 180
San Diego State
Offense
QB Ryan Lindley, Jr. 14 6-4, 220
Jake Bernards, RFr. 12 6-5, 210
RB Davon Brown, Sr. 30 5-9, 190
Ronnie Hillman, Fr. 13 5-10, 185
FB Brandon Sullivan, Sr. 23 5-11, 215
Chad Young, RFr. 40 5-11, 240
Z Demarco Sampson, Sr. 1 6-2, 205
Dominique Sandifer, So. 18 6-0, 190
Y Alston Umuolo, Sr. 7 6-4, 255
Gavin Escobar, RFr. 88 6-6, 245
X Vincent Brown, Sr. 80 6-0, 195
Osmond Nicholas, RFr. 83 6-3, 210
LT Tommie Draheim, Jr. 60 6-4, 300
Riley Gauld, Jr. 66 6-5, 300
LG Alec Johnson, So. 71 6-3, 295
Mike Matamua, Jr. 74 6-4, 300
C Trask Iosefa, Sr. 50 6-0, 300
Alec Johnson, So. 71 6-3, 295
RG Nik Embernate, So. 68 6-4, 305
Jimmy Miller, So. 51 6-3, 290
RT Kurtis Gunther, Jr. 79 6-8, 290
Kellen Farr, Jr. 73 6-7, 300
Defense
DE Ernie Lawson, Sr. 99 6-3, 275
J.J. Autele, Jr. 49 6-1, 250
DT Jerome Long, Jr. 94 6-5, 280
Neil Spencer, Jr. 55 6-2, 280
DE B.J. Williams, Sr. 90 6-3, 250
Jacob Tauanuu, Sr. 47 6-1, 260
LB Logan Ketchum, Jr. 31 6-3, 220
Colin Shumate, So. 33 6-2, 220
MLB Marcus Yarbrough, Sr. 52 6-2, 230
Rob Andrews, So. 44 6-2, 220
LB Miles Burris, Jr. 9 6-3, 235
Demetrius Barksdale, Jr. 54 6-3, 210
CB Leon McFadden, So. 2 5-10, 180
Romeo Horn, Jr. 4 6-0, 185
War Darryn Lewis, Sr. 3 5-9, 165
Nat Berhe, RFr. 20 5-10, 185
Azt. Andrew Preston, Sr. 22 6-1, 210
Khalid Stevens, So. 41 5-11, 195
War Brandon Davis, Jr. 11 6-2, 190
Marcus Andrews, RFr. 26 6-0, 190
CB Jose Perez, Sr. 15 6-1, 180
Josh Wade, So. 12 6-0, 180
Kicking specialists
K Abel Perez, Jr. 38 6-1, 225
Bryan Shields, Sr. 29 6-1, 195
P Brian Stahovich, Jr. 14 6-0, 190
Return specialists
KR Davon Brown, Sr. 30 5-9, 190
Brandon Davis, Jr. 11 6-2, 190
PR Larry Parker, Jr. 29 5-11, 170
Leon McFadden, So. 2 5-10, 180
New Mexico State
Offense
Pos. Player, class No. Size
QB Matt Christian, Jr. 2 6-3, 220
Tanner Rust, RFr. 8 6-2, 195
RB Seth Smith, Sr. 20 5-8, 198
Kenny Turner, So. 3 5-10, 195
FB Brandon Perez, RSr. 38 5-8, 231
Ronald Opetaia, Jr. 21 5-9, 219
X Taveon Rogers, Jr. 1 6-0, 175
Marcus Allen, Sr. 32 6-0, 187
LT DeWayne Barton, Sr. 75 6-4, 270
Davonte Wallace, Fr. 74 6-4, 250
LG Dejuan Yates, RJr. 58 6-2, 274
Mike Yocius, So. 63 6-4, 296
C Mike Grady, Jr. 62 6-3, 302
Robert Rodriguez, Sr. 70 6-2, 290
RG Sioeli Fakalata, RJr. 72 6-3, 321
Ruben Escarsega, RJr. 66 6-4, 273
RT Aundre McGaskey, Jr. 76 6-6, 315
Matt Passwaters, RSr. 78 6-3, 270
Z Darrius Preston, So. 19 6-1, 169
Marcus Williams, Jr. 10 6-3, 185
TE Kyle Nelson, Sr. 17 6-4, 222
Tonny Torres, Sr. 85 6-4, 241
Defense
End Pierre Fils, Jr. 48 6-3, 249
Brandon Warner, Sr. 92 6-2, 291
DT Kawika Shook, Sr. 94 6-3, 275
David Mahoney, Jr. 95 6-3, 300
NT John Finau, Sr. 54 6-1, 300
Tommy Stuart, So. 51 6-3, 315
Rush Donte Savage, Jr. 52 6-3, 240
David Nuimatalolo, RJr. 90 6-2, 250
Sam Frank Padilla, Sr. 5 6-2, 248
David Quiroga, So. 22 6-1, 230
Mike Boyblue Aoelua, Jr. 47 5-10, 235
Numi Lolohea, So. 96 5-11, 237
Will B.J. Adolpho, So. 36 5-11, 215
Bryan Bonilla, RFr. 53 6-1, 221
LC Davon House, Sr. 4 6-0, 190
Darien Johnson, Fr. 6 5-9, 180
RC Jonte Green, Jr. 1 6-0, 185
Donyae Coleman, Jr. 3 5-10, 181
FS Donyae Coleman, Jr. 3 5-10, 181
George Callender, Fr. 11 6-1, 195
SS Alphonso Powell, Sr. 2 5-9, 190
Justin Smith, Fr. 27 6-2, 200
Kicking specialists
K Tyler Stampler, Fr. 18 5-10, 175
P Tanner Rust, RFr. 8 6-2, 205
Jake Capraro, Fr. 42 6-1, 220
Return specialists
KR Taveon Rogers, Jr. 1 6-0, 175
Kenny Turner, So. 3 5-10, 195
PR Donyae Coleman, Jr. 3 5-10, 181
Darien Johnson, Fr. 6 5-9, 180
San Diego State
Offense
QB Ryan Lindley, Jr. 14 6-4, 220
Jake Bernards, RFr. 12 6-5, 210
RB Davon Brown, Sr. 30 5-9, 190
Ronnie Hillman, Fr. 13 5-10, 185
FB Brandon Sullivan, Sr. 23 5-11, 215
Chad Young, RFr. 40 5-11, 240
Z Demarco Sampson, Sr. 1 6-2, 205
Dominique Sandifer, So. 18 6-0, 190
Y Alston Umuolo, Sr. 7 6-4, 255
Gavin Escobar, RFr. 88 6-6, 245
X Vincent Brown, Sr. 80 6-0, 195
Osmond Nicholas, RFr. 83 6-3, 210
LT Tommie Draheim, Jr. 60 6-4, 300
Riley Gauld, Jr. 66 6-5, 300
LG Alec Johnson, So. 71 6-3, 295
Mike Matamua, Jr. 74 6-4, 300
C Trask Iosefa, Sr. 50 6-0, 300
Alec Johnson, So. 71 6-3, 295
RG Nik Embernate, So. 68 6-4, 305
Jimmy Miller, So. 51 6-3, 290
RT Kurtis Gunther, Jr. 79 6-8, 290
Kellen Farr, Jr. 73 6-7, 300
Defense
DE Ernie Lawson, Sr. 99 6-3, 275
J.J. Autele, Jr. 49 6-1, 250
DT Jerome Long, Jr. 94 6-5, 280
Neil Spencer, Jr. 55 6-2, 280
DE B.J. Williams, Sr. 90 6-3, 250
Jacob Tauanuu, Sr. 47 6-1, 260
LB Logan Ketchum, Jr. 31 6-3, 220
Colin Shumate, So. 33 6-2, 220
MLB Marcus Yarbrough, Sr. 52 6-2, 230
Rob Andrews, So. 44 6-2, 220
LB Miles Burris, Jr. 9 6-3, 235
Demetrius Barksdale, Jr. 54 6-3, 210
CB Leon McFadden, So. 2 5-10, 180
Romeo Horn, Jr. 4 6-0, 185
War Darryn Lewis, Sr. 3 5-9, 165
Nat Berhe, RFr. 20 5-10, 185
Azt. Andrew Preston, Sr. 22 6-1, 210
Khalid Stevens, So. 41 5-11, 195
War Brandon Davis, Jr. 11 6-2, 190
Marcus Andrews, RFr. 26 6-0, 190
CB Jose Perez, Sr. 15 6-1, 180
Josh Wade, So. 12 6-0, 180
Kicking specialists
K Abel Perez, Jr. 38 6-1, 225
Bryan Shields, Sr. 29 6-1, 195
P Brian Stahovich, Jr. 14 6-0, 190
Return specialists
KR Davon Brown, Sr. 30 5-9, 190
Brandon Davis, Jr. 11 6-2, 190
PR Larry Parker, Jr. 29 5-11, 170
Leon McFadden, So. 2 5-10, 180
Monday, September 6, 2010
Boise State wins thriller
Who saw Boise State's thrilling 33-30 win over Virginia Tech?
If you didn't, you missed out.
But my real question is this: Who's excited for Boise State to come to Las Cruces on Oct. 3 to face the Aggies? This is a top-3 program if things hold until then, folks.
If you're not excited to see that at Aggie Memorial Stadium, someone needs to check your pulse.
I, for one, can't wait for it.....
If you didn't, you missed out.
But my real question is this: Who's excited for Boise State to come to Las Cruces on Oct. 3 to face the Aggies? This is a top-3 program if things hold until then, folks.
If you're not excited to see that at Aggie Memorial Stadium, someone needs to check your pulse.
I, for one, can't wait for it.....
Sunday, September 5, 2010
The WAC shuffle
Nice work by the WAC to land BYU on the Aggies’ schedule for the 2011 and 2012 seasons.
But it doesn’t erase the fact that the conference is losing Boise State. Nor does it help ease the pain of Fresno State and Nevada leaving, either.
It’s a nice consolation prize.
No one can hate on BSU for taking off and going to the Mountain West. The Broncos have dominated the WAC for the past decade and truly are a cut above the rest of the field. Are they supposed the stick around and continue to pulverize teams week-in and week-out? No one’s getting better because of that.
Fresno State and Nevada leaving, to me, are a different story. They certainly are in the upper-echelon of the conference — nobody’s going to deny that. They have been premier WAC teams, but they aren’t in Boise State’s category.
Here are the past five years and how the teams have fared against equal or above competition outside of the WAC, as well as their WAC records during that span:
Nevada
2009
@ Notre Dame: 35-0 loss
@ Colorado State: 35-20 loss
vs. Missouri: 31-21 loss
vs. UNLV: 63-28 win
vs. SMU (Hawaii Bowl): 45-10 loss
2008
vs. Texas Tech: 35-19 loss
@ Missouri: 69-17 loss
@ UNLV: 49-27 win
vs. Maryland (Humanitarian Bowl): 42-35 loss
2007
@ Nebraska: 52-10 loss
@ Northwestern: 36-31 loss
vs. UNLV: 27-20 win
vs. New Mexico (New Mexico Bowl): 23-0 loss
2006
@ Arizona State: 52-21 loss
vs. Colorado State: 28-10 win
vs. Northwestern: 31-21 win
vs. Miami (MPC Computers Bowl): 21-10 loss
2005
vs. Washington State: 55-21 loss
vs. UNLV: 22-14 win
@ Colorado State: 42-21 loss
vs. Central Florida (Hawaii Bowl): 49-48 win (overtime)
That’s a 7-14 record during that period. Four of the seven wins have come against UNLV....
Fresno State
2009
@ Wisconsin: 34-31 loss (overtime)
@ Cincinnati: 28-20 loss
@ Illinois: 53-52 win
vs. Wyoming (New Mexico Bowl): 35-28 loss (overtime)
2008
@ Rutgers: 24-7 win
vs. Wisonsin: 13-10 loss
@ Toledo: 55-54 win (overtime)
@ UCLA: 36-31 win
vs. Colorado State (New Mexico Bowl): 40-35 loss
2007
@ Texas A&M: 47-45 loss (overtime)
@ Oregon: 52-51 loss
vs. Kansas State: 45-29 win
vs. Georgia Tech: 40-28 win
2006
vs. Oregon: 31-24 loss
@ Washington: 21-20 loss
vs. Colorado State: 35-23 loss
2005
@ Oregon: 37-34 loss
vs. Toledo: 44-14 win
@ USC: 50-42 loss
@ Tulsa (Liberty Bowl): 31-24 loss
That’s a 7-13 record during that time.
Also, during that time, the Wolf Pack have gone 28-12 in the WAC while Fresno State has gone 26-15 in conference. There’s no doubt they have been elite teams in the league.
Lets look at Boise’s numbers during the same period.
2009
vs. Oregon: 19-8 win
vs. Miami, Ohio: 48-0 win
@ Bowling Green: 49-14 win
@ Tulsa: 28-21 win
vs. TCU (Fiesta Bowl): 17-10 win
2008
vs. Bowling Green: 20-7 win
@ Oregon: 37-32 win
@ Southern Miss: 24-7 win
vs. TCU (Poinsettia Bowl): 17-16 loss
2007
@ Washington: 24-10 loss
vs. Wyoming: 24-14 win
vs. Southern Miss: 38-16 win
vs. East Carolina (Hawaii Bowl): 41-38 loss
2006
vs. Oregon State: 42-14 win
@ Wyoming: 17-10 win
@ Utah: 36-3 win
vs. Oklahoma (Fiesta Bowl): 43-42 win
2005
@ Georgia: 48-13 loss
@ Oregon State: 30-27 loss
vs. Bowling Green: 48-20 win
vs. Boston College (MPC Computers Bowl): 27-21 loss
That's a 15-6 record against similar or above-average competition outside of league play. It's also two Fiesta Bowl wins during that span.
Also, the team has gone 38-2 during that period in WAC play.
Boise State needs to move on to bigger and better things. They have proven they can manhandle the WAC.
As for Fresno State and Nevada, they are clearly a cut above the WAC field. But are they on Boise State's level? No.
I would have preferred them to stick around the WAC for at least a few more seasons. It would have been good for the league, and would have made more sense for those respective programs. They still have much to prove before moving up…..
But it doesn’t erase the fact that the conference is losing Boise State. Nor does it help ease the pain of Fresno State and Nevada leaving, either.
It’s a nice consolation prize.
No one can hate on BSU for taking off and going to the Mountain West. The Broncos have dominated the WAC for the past decade and truly are a cut above the rest of the field. Are they supposed the stick around and continue to pulverize teams week-in and week-out? No one’s getting better because of that.
Fresno State and Nevada leaving, to me, are a different story. They certainly are in the upper-echelon of the conference — nobody’s going to deny that. They have been premier WAC teams, but they aren’t in Boise State’s category.
Here are the past five years and how the teams have fared against equal or above competition outside of the WAC, as well as their WAC records during that span:
Nevada
2009
@ Notre Dame: 35-0 loss
@ Colorado State: 35-20 loss
vs. Missouri: 31-21 loss
vs. UNLV: 63-28 win
vs. SMU (Hawaii Bowl): 45-10 loss
2008
vs. Texas Tech: 35-19 loss
@ Missouri: 69-17 loss
@ UNLV: 49-27 win
vs. Maryland (Humanitarian Bowl): 42-35 loss
2007
@ Nebraska: 52-10 loss
@ Northwestern: 36-31 loss
vs. UNLV: 27-20 win
vs. New Mexico (New Mexico Bowl): 23-0 loss
2006
@ Arizona State: 52-21 loss
vs. Colorado State: 28-10 win
vs. Northwestern: 31-21 win
vs. Miami (MPC Computers Bowl): 21-10 loss
2005
vs. Washington State: 55-21 loss
vs. UNLV: 22-14 win
@ Colorado State: 42-21 loss
vs. Central Florida (Hawaii Bowl): 49-48 win (overtime)
That’s a 7-14 record during that period. Four of the seven wins have come against UNLV....
Fresno State
2009
@ Wisconsin: 34-31 loss (overtime)
@ Cincinnati: 28-20 loss
@ Illinois: 53-52 win
vs. Wyoming (New Mexico Bowl): 35-28 loss (overtime)
2008
@ Rutgers: 24-7 win
vs. Wisonsin: 13-10 loss
@ Toledo: 55-54 win (overtime)
@ UCLA: 36-31 win
vs. Colorado State (New Mexico Bowl): 40-35 loss
2007
@ Texas A&M: 47-45 loss (overtime)
@ Oregon: 52-51 loss
vs. Kansas State: 45-29 win
vs. Georgia Tech: 40-28 win
2006
vs. Oregon: 31-24 loss
@ Washington: 21-20 loss
vs. Colorado State: 35-23 loss
2005
@ Oregon: 37-34 loss
vs. Toledo: 44-14 win
@ USC: 50-42 loss
@ Tulsa (Liberty Bowl): 31-24 loss
That’s a 7-13 record during that time.
Also, during that time, the Wolf Pack have gone 28-12 in the WAC while Fresno State has gone 26-15 in conference. There’s no doubt they have been elite teams in the league.
Lets look at Boise’s numbers during the same period.
2009
vs. Oregon: 19-8 win
vs. Miami, Ohio: 48-0 win
@ Bowling Green: 49-14 win
@ Tulsa: 28-21 win
vs. TCU (Fiesta Bowl): 17-10 win
2008
vs. Bowling Green: 20-7 win
@ Oregon: 37-32 win
@ Southern Miss: 24-7 win
vs. TCU (Poinsettia Bowl): 17-16 loss
2007
@ Washington: 24-10 loss
vs. Wyoming: 24-14 win
vs. Southern Miss: 38-16 win
vs. East Carolina (Hawaii Bowl): 41-38 loss
2006
vs. Oregon State: 42-14 win
@ Wyoming: 17-10 win
@ Utah: 36-3 win
vs. Oklahoma (Fiesta Bowl): 43-42 win
2005
@ Georgia: 48-13 loss
@ Oregon State: 30-27 loss
vs. Bowling Green: 48-20 win
vs. Boston College (MPC Computers Bowl): 27-21 loss
That's a 15-6 record against similar or above-average competition outside of league play. It's also two Fiesta Bowl wins during that span.
Also, the team has gone 38-2 during that period in WAC play.
Boise State needs to move on to bigger and better things. They have proven they can manhandle the WAC.
As for Fresno State and Nevada, they are clearly a cut above the WAC field. But are they on Boise State's level? No.
I would have preferred them to stick around the WAC for at least a few more seasons. It would have been good for the league, and would have made more sense for those respective programs. They still have much to prove before moving up…..
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Seth Smith
I've been calling it for the last 2 1/2 weeks. Seth Smith is going to have another big year for the Aggies.
Hey, you never know with a player who came out of nowhere — as Smith did last year, rushing for over 1,000 yards on the season. Was it a fluke? You have to ask that when a guy returns for the following season.
This is why I know Smith won't taper off:
• Same guy: For one, he hasn't changed from last year to now. He's the same guy — quiet, humble, hungry. Key ingredients to an athlete's success, and Smith still has the intangibles' package to get it done.
• He's running hard, even in fall camp: While other players are nursing bumps and bruises on the sidelines, Smith is charging hard day-in and day-out.
He looks quicker and lighter, but is still running with that same hit-first mentality that made him a standout last year.
This is why I like Smith — he runs hard every play and doesn't tip-toe in there, he takes it on full throttle. His 3-yard runs can be just as devastating as a 20-yard run, because he inflicts punishment on the opposing defense.
One of the most underrated qualities a football player can have? Playing, and playing well, through pain. It's a necessary requirement in a violent game. Last year, Smith proved he could do it — he battled with a separated right shoulder for the second-half of the season and closed the year strong with back-to-back 100-yard games. I almost think Smith likes playing with a little hurt. Such an attribute cannot be overlooked in a player's success.
• The offense will be better in 2010: Last year, the Aggies couldn't pass, defenses knew it, gameplanned to stop Smith and he still got his 1,000.
This year, the offense will be different. How?
Running backs will be asked to be more involved in the passing game. Not just catching balls out of the backfield, but also on blitz pickups and quarterback protection. It also looks like the scheme will be more spread out, with three- and four-wide receiver sets and single-back formations.
Will Smith be able to adjust to a new system? Straight-forward, it seems like he's better suited as a bruiser, lining up in two tight-end formations with a fullback. But I still think he'll be just fine.
Who knew about Smith last year at this time? Not many people and he rose to the occasion. It's just a new challenge, and I think he'll surprise people with his ability as a pass catcher.
And, if the offense moves the ball better through the air — and it has to — it will only benefit the running game. Last year, teams knew the Aggies were going to run every down. Logical thinking indicates that a better passing offense will open things up at the line of scrimmage and will give Smith more room to rumble.
And the one rushing touchdown he scored in 2009? Expect that number to go up. With Smith's skill set, he should be a very solid goalline runner, and the Aggies should spend more time inside the opponent's 5-yard line this year.
• Turner's presence: Some think Kenny Turner's presence will cut into Smith's production.
If Turner plays and comes as advertised, than yes, this should hold true.
But it will also help Smith to have a sidekick to lighten the load. And that's not a bad thing at all.
Smith rushed for 1,000 yards last year. He proved he could carry the load. If all goes as planned, Turner will be a dynamite complement to Smith in the running game. And that will only help both players flourish....
There you have it. I think Smith will have a great season — again. Now, sit back and watch....
Hey, you never know with a player who came out of nowhere — as Smith did last year, rushing for over 1,000 yards on the season. Was it a fluke? You have to ask that when a guy returns for the following season.
This is why I know Smith won't taper off:
• Same guy: For one, he hasn't changed from last year to now. He's the same guy — quiet, humble, hungry. Key ingredients to an athlete's success, and Smith still has the intangibles' package to get it done.
• He's running hard, even in fall camp: While other players are nursing bumps and bruises on the sidelines, Smith is charging hard day-in and day-out.
He looks quicker and lighter, but is still running with that same hit-first mentality that made him a standout last year.
This is why I like Smith — he runs hard every play and doesn't tip-toe in there, he takes it on full throttle. His 3-yard runs can be just as devastating as a 20-yard run, because he inflicts punishment on the opposing defense.
One of the most underrated qualities a football player can have? Playing, and playing well, through pain. It's a necessary requirement in a violent game. Last year, Smith proved he could do it — he battled with a separated right shoulder for the second-half of the season and closed the year strong with back-to-back 100-yard games. I almost think Smith likes playing with a little hurt. Such an attribute cannot be overlooked in a player's success.
• The offense will be better in 2010: Last year, the Aggies couldn't pass, defenses knew it, gameplanned to stop Smith and he still got his 1,000.
This year, the offense will be different. How?
Running backs will be asked to be more involved in the passing game. Not just catching balls out of the backfield, but also on blitz pickups and quarterback protection. It also looks like the scheme will be more spread out, with three- and four-wide receiver sets and single-back formations.
Will Smith be able to adjust to a new system? Straight-forward, it seems like he's better suited as a bruiser, lining up in two tight-end formations with a fullback. But I still think he'll be just fine.
Who knew about Smith last year at this time? Not many people and he rose to the occasion. It's just a new challenge, and I think he'll surprise people with his ability as a pass catcher.
And, if the offense moves the ball better through the air — and it has to — it will only benefit the running game. Last year, teams knew the Aggies were going to run every down. Logical thinking indicates that a better passing offense will open things up at the line of scrimmage and will give Smith more room to rumble.
And the one rushing touchdown he scored in 2009? Expect that number to go up. With Smith's skill set, he should be a very solid goalline runner, and the Aggies should spend more time inside the opponent's 5-yard line this year.
• Turner's presence: Some think Kenny Turner's presence will cut into Smith's production.
If Turner plays and comes as advertised, than yes, this should hold true.
But it will also help Smith to have a sidekick to lighten the load. And that's not a bad thing at all.
Smith rushed for 1,000 yards last year. He proved he could carry the load. If all goes as planned, Turner will be a dynamite complement to Smith in the running game. And that will only help both players flourish....
There you have it. I think Smith will have a great season — again. Now, sit back and watch....
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Captains named
Head coach DeWayne Walker named team captains for the 2010 season.
The winners are quarterback Matt Christian for the offense and cornerback Davon House on defense. Last year, the Aggies went with new captains each week. This year, it looks like Christian and House will captain the team the entire season.
Players and coaches voted on captains for the 2010 season. Christian, a transfer from Palomar Junior College, was named the team's starting quarterback last week. Coaches and teammates have commented on his leadership skills throughout camp.
House is coming off an All-WAC first-team selection in 2009 after tallying close to 70 tackles, 13 pass breakups and three interceptions. The four-year starter also scored two touchdowns last season.
The winners are quarterback Matt Christian for the offense and cornerback Davon House on defense. Last year, the Aggies went with new captains each week. This year, it looks like Christian and House will captain the team the entire season.
Players and coaches voted on captains for the 2010 season. Christian, a transfer from Palomar Junior College, was named the team's starting quarterback last week. Coaches and teammates have commented on his leadership skills throughout camp.
House is coming off an All-WAC first-team selection in 2009 after tallying close to 70 tackles, 13 pass breakups and three interceptions. The four-year starter also scored two touchdowns last season.
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