Sept. 15, 2004

The Bottom Line - Week 3

By Chris Kelly

 

As good as the "game of the week" was last Saturday between North Dakota State and Northern Colorado, this week's battle of the Bears in Orono, Maine left Great West Football fans disappointed. One of the weekend's marquee I-AA games between two ranked teams never materialized as the Maine dominated Northern Colorado, 38-0.

Maine took the opening kickoff, marched down the field for a score and never looked back. The Black Bears scored in every quarter including three touchdowns in the first half en route to a 21-0 halftime lead. Maine's high profile running back, Marcus Williams didn't have huge numbers, but did average just under five yards per carry. Maine quarterback, Ron Whitcomb, had a nice day completing 14-22 for two scores. His counterpart, however, struggled. The Bears Tony Christensen was just 14-of-36, with three interceptions.

 

The loss was the worst since 1985 for Northern Colorado as they were held to just 162 yards and only 65 in the first half.

 

CK's Take: With every loss, you try to take away at least some positives. I just can't find them for UNC right now. I can guarantee the flight from Maine to Colorado was a long one. UNC is 1-1, and is lucky not to be 0-2. They did not play well at all last week, and were dismissed by Maine with ease. Right now Northern Colorado is not the best team in the Great West Football Conference, and if they expect to contend for the title, some major improvements must be made quickly. I expected this loss, but I never expected Northern Colorado to be dominated like this.

 

So the question is what is wrong with Northern Colorado? Well maybe nothing. It was the media (including me) that placed huge expectations on this team. It has to be remembered that this team returned only nine starters from the 2003 team. The chemistry isn't there right now. Teams are moving the ball on the UNC defense at a much greater efficiency than last season. Tony Christensen is struggling mightily. He hasn't played well in either game, which effectively has taken away the biggest weapon in Vincent Jackson. The offense hasn't scored a touchdown, yet. As for the running game, Andre Wilson is a quality back, but there's just something missing from last season. Adam Matthews, and a veteran line was a major piece of the success a year ago, taking pressure off Christensen. So far this season, Andre Wilson, and a less experienced line hasn't been able to have the big game that takes the focus off their quarterback. Matthews is missed a tad, and the offensive line is still maturing as a group. This team averaged over 40 points a game last season. Through two games they're averaging 7.5 per game. It will be interesting to see how this team responds this week against Idaho State.

 

Cal Poly 35 Idaho State 20

The Mustangs snapped a four game losing streak to the Bengals, beating them for the first time in 21 years, 35-20. It was the Cal Poly defense, which led the way scoring three times. Cal Poly picked off four Mark Hetherington, and also benefited from two Bengal fumbles. All American linebacker Jordan Beck, and cornerback Joey Warren both intercepted passes and returned them for scores. Gabe Dal Porto added a fumble return for a score. ISU was held to 285 yards of offense including minus-6 yards rushing.

 

Quick Hits: Well if we're entertaining a conversation about the best team in the league, Cal Poly has done nothing to deter me from putting them up at the top. The Mustangs are doing just what I expected defensively- dominating. Two weeks and four defensive scores for Cal Poly, now that's impressive. The offense may not scare teams yet, but they do just enough. This could be a conference winning formula for Cal Poly.

 

South Dakota State 45 Winona State 20

The Jackrabbits won their home opener in impressive fashion as they pasted Winona State, 45-20. Senior quarterback Brad Nelson threw for 316 yards and four touchdowns, two of which went to wide receiver Brian Janecek. The Jacks rolled up over 460 yards of total offense as Anthony Watson added 60 yards rushing on the ground.

 

Quick Hits: After what happened last weekend in Davis, this is exactly what needed to happen for South Dakota State. Brad Nelson was back to form slinging darts all over the field, and looking every bit the quarterback fans are accustomed to seeing. The offense that was expected to be the strength of this team in 2004 was just that on Saturday. The defense didn't dominate Winona, but they played better against the Warriors. With that, head coach John Stiegelmeier can hope his young group gained some confidence as the Jacks have a tough schedule ahead.

 

North Dakota State 56 Montana Tech 3

The Bison started slow, but once they got going NDSU never looked back as they blew out the Orediggers of Montana Tech, 56-3. After a scoreless first quarter, North Dakota State scores 21 points in a span of seven minutes. Tony Stauss completed 14 of 19 for 178 yards and two touchdowns. Steve Walker, the backup quarterback also added two touchdown tosses, while speedy freshmen Shamen Washington scored on an 80-yard run, and 90-yard kickoff return. The Bison out-gained the Orediggers 504-225. Defensive lineman Isaac Snell led the defensive charge with three tackles-for-loss.

 

Quick Hits: This game went as expected in terms of the blowout. I know Bison fans were probably concerned when the score was tied at zero after one quarter. They were probably also ready to bench Tony Stauss. However, the Bison woke up, and Stauss played better than his bad performance of a week ago. With all eyes on him, the senior quarterback responded with a better game. Backup Steve Walker once again played well during his brief stint in the game. Now, don't for one-minute think this quarterback controversy is over. If Stauss struggles over the next week or two, I would not be surprised to see head coach Craig Bohl go to the freshman. But for right now, the right decision was made and the right quarterback is starting.

 

 

Players of the Week (as announced by the Great West Football Conference)

Offense- Brad Nelson, QB, South Dakota State. Nelson rebounded nicely from a slow start last week by lighting up the scoreboard this week. The senior threw for 316 yards and four touchdowns before departing in the 4^th quarter. The scores covered 22, 1, 9 and 72 yards.

 

Defense- Jordan Beck, LB, Cal Poly. Beck could probably be here every week with the numbers he throws up. Last weekend, the senior had seven tackles, and also intercepted a pass (for the second consecutive week) and took it in from 40 yards out for a score.

 

Special Teams- Shamen Washington, RB, North Dakota State. For the second time in three weeks freshman Shamen Washington dazzled as a return man. With the Bison up 42-3, Washington capped the evening off with a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. This was Washington's first chance returning a kick, as he has 10 punt returns this season.

 

Honorable Mention

Kyle Shotwell, Cal Poly- 10 tackles, 2 for loss, 2 forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one sack.

Ryan Palmer, LB, Northern Colorado- 12 tackles, 1.5 for loss

Allan Burrell, WR, North Dakota State- 5 catches, 101 yards, 2 td's (48, 31), 1 rush 12 yds.

Chris Coauette, LB, South Dakota State- 10 tackles, 1 for loss, 1 interception, 1 sack

 

 

GWFC News of Interest

- With their loss, Northern Colorado drops out of the Sports Network top 25 poll, while Cal Poly debuts at #22. UNC, and UC Davis are both receiving votes, and would "unofficially" be ranked #34, and #36 respectively. Cal Poly is also ranked #22 in the ESPN/USA Today poll.

- In Don Hansen's poll GWFC team are rankings are: Cal Poly #25, Northern Colorado #31, UC Davis #32, North Dakota State #35.

- This week's Northern Colorado/Idaho State game will be televised on Altitude Sports. Altitude will be available to all DISH Network subscribers in the 10-state area of Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Montana, Idaho, Nebraska, Kansas, western South Dakota, northeastern Nevada and northern New Mexico. Altitude will be Channel 410.

- With his seven tackles last week, All American Linebacker Jordan Beck broke the school record for career tackles. The previous record was 326, by Gary Swanson. Beck currently stands at 328.

 

Week 3 Games

Well the Great West Football conference reaches a big week as we head into week three. All the teams play out of conference games, with the three undefeated teams all on the road against Big Sky opponents. With 14 games between the Great West and Big Sky, the action peaks this weekend with four games involving the two conferences. Let's get to it....

 

Western Oregon @ South Dakota State

The Jacks get their second D-II opponent in as many weeks as the Wolves of Western Oregon visit Brookings. Western Oregon is a member of the four-team Great Northwest Athletic Conference, and comes into play 0-2. After seeing how well Brad Nelson responded last week, he must be licking his chops this week. The Wolves have lost to two D-III teams by a combined 48 points. While one of the teams may contend for the D-III title, neither is on the level of the South Dakota State football team. Western Oregon has never been a strong defensive team that could stop a good offense, so expect the Nelson and company to light it up. In the past, the Wolves had a few seasons where they had a capable offense that could score some points against inexperienced defenses. However, they lost a ton of talent from the 2003 team including their top two wide receivers, top two running backs, and four starters from the offensive line. Their veteran quarterback, Denny Bies, returns from injury but doesn't have many weapons around him.

 

Western Oregon does not match up well at all with South Dakota State, as the Wolves are headed for a long season. South Dakota State should have a big offensive week, and it should allow another 60 minutes of experience to a young group of defenders. Nelson clears 300 again, and the team puts up well over 500 yards of total offense as the Jacks roll and move above the .500 mark.
South Dakota State 45 Western Oregon 14

 

Carson-Newman @ North Dakota State

The Carson-Newman Eagles travel to Fargo, N.D., this week to take on North Dakota State. CN is a D-II team, and a very good one at that. The Eagles enter play ranked No. 3 in the nation at the D-II level according to the latest d2football.com poll. The Bison enter play 2-1 having easily dispatched of two inferior opponents, with one tough loss against Northern Colorado. CN does pose problems for North Dakota State; in that they are a talented team that runs a split back veer option very effectively. The Eagles were 5^th nationally in total offense in 2003, and return a major portion of last year's offense. Senior quarterback Shane Kelley, and a plethora of running backs are the feature stars of this offense, and it will be up to the Bison defense to get ready for a group that has averaged 366 yards rushing in their first two games. The Bison bring a stingy defense into the game, having yet to allow a touchdown through 12 quarters. They've also dominated against the run. It has to be remembered however, that a struggling UNC team was the only real running threat the Bison have faced. This will be a test for the defense, especially facing a type of offense it's not used to seeing much. Carson Newman will find the end zone, and they will move the ball against North Dakota State. However, once this talented defensive unit settles, and makes some adjustments, I expect the Bison defense to tighten up.

 

On defense, CN returns a decent nice nucleus of talent, but is inexperienced up front along the defensive line. Bison fans have to love that fact. A lot of pressure will be on the CN front seven to slow Kyle Steffes, and Cinque Chapman. Steffes enters play after three weeks as the GWFC's leading rusher (112 per game). The Bison offensive line is an experienced, veteran group, and they will be a key to this game. I expect they can dominate the line and open some holes for the two Bison runners. The Eagles defense has given up an average of 390 yards in the first two games. Wait, what? Yeah that's right, 390 yards a game to two unranked D-II schools. That stat doesn't bode well for Carson-Newman, as this will be the best offense the Eagles will have faced in the early season. Of course, NDSU quarterback Tony Stauss needs to be consistent. The five picks of two weeks ago still linger and now, against a quality opponent, is a chance for the senior to erase all doubts about the starting quarterback spot. Look for the Bison to have a big day on the ground and Stauss to cement himself as the starting quarterback with a solid performance. Coach Bohl may give Steve Walker some snaps, but ultimately I expect Stauss to play just fine this week. It's never easy to prepare for an offense like Carson-Newman's, thus I like the Eagles to hang around for a half before the Bison fully take over. The Dome will be a factor in this one as well. It is not an easy task to go into the Fargo Dome and win.
North Dakota State 35 Carson-Newman 21

 

Idaho State @ Northern Colorado

The Bengals, fresh off a six-turnover loss, visit Northern Colorado who had a win two weeks earlier while forcing six turnovers. While the Bengals had a game they'd like to forget last week, they visit Nottingham Field and face a team that is suffering mentally even more than the visitors. Northern Colorado is hurting and needs to get things figured out quickly. This team has the weapons to be a very good, but right now appears in disarray. Last week, they faced a very good Maine team, so the loss was not unexpected.

 

The fact that UNC continues to generate no offense is a major problem, for a group that was so explosive last season. Threats like Jamar Farbes and Vincent Jackson are going to waste as quarterback Tony Christensen is struggling to get them the ball. Last season, Jackson had only two games where he had less than five catches, and his lowest receiving total was 78. This season he has four catches for 23 yards through two games. Pitiful! The Bears also badly need a breakout game from their tailback Andre Wilson to take some pressure off their quarterback. Idaho State did a decent job defending Cal Poly. The Mustangs only moved the ball with moderate success against ISU. I still believe that amidst their struggles, UNC has a very good offense. It all depends on Christensen and his accuracy, though. Christensen is more than capable, and had some very good games last season. I think they will put together some quality drives this weekend and find the end zone a few times, but can they outscore the Bengals?

 

The Bengals had some offensive struggles of their own last weekend with Mark Hetherington throwing four interceptions. ISU has a pretty good offense, but struggled against a top-notch Mustang defense last weekend. UNC will not be as stout as the Mustangs, so expect some scoring. The Bears have allowed teams to move the ball on them over the first two weeks, and this week likely will not be different. The key for the Northern Colorado defense is to contain Hetherington and his two top targets, Sale' Key, and Akilah Lacey. The Bengals aren't a major rushing threat, so it will come down to stopping the passing game. They are averaging 20 yards a game on the ground through the first two games. It was against I-A San Diego State, and a very good Mustang defense, but I do not expect the Bengals to have much success on the ground this weekend either. The Bengal offense isn't as potent as the group they saw in Maine so UNC should be able to muster a few key stops. They will need some help from the offense, which I think they will finally get this weekend. It comes down to Hetherington's arm versus Christensen's arm. Both have struggled recently, but I think Christensen finally puts it together. He's shown he can do it, and I have a feeling this group will bust loose this weekend. Vincent Jackson gets into the end zone twice as the Bears win a wild one.
Northern Colorado 31 Idaho State 30

 

Southern Utah @ Sacramento State

After a bye week, the Thunderbirds hit the road for the second of four consecutive road games to meet Sacramento State. The Hornets are fresh off a mugging by the Nevada Wolfpack, who dropped them 59-7. Sacramento State does return a nice nucleus of talent in quarterback Ryan Leadingham, running back Tyronne Gross and All-America wide receiver Fred Amey. The Hornets, however, are making some major replacements along the line, something that does not bode well squaring off against an aggressive and talented front seven of the Thunderbirds. Two weeks ago, the defense allowed 31 points but only 311 yards to Weber State. I expect that Tyronne Gross will have a little success against this defense, but will not clear the 100-yard mark. With the pressure this defense can put on the opposition, it may be a long night for Ryan Leadingham and his receivers. Southern Utah will blitz early and often trying to knock around the veteran quarterback. The key is to make sure they contain Fred Amey. The SUU defense is a better unit than the Sacramento offense, but Amey can single handedly beat you if he is not slowed. He's not only dangerous as a pass receiver, but also as a return man.

 

Offensively, we'll get out second look at the explosive T-Bird offense. I say that jokingly, but enter this week extremely interested if they can repeat the offensive showcase of two weeks ago, namely quarterback Casey Rehrer. The senior quarterback had arguably his best game accounting for over 350 yards of offense both running and passing the ball. If there is one reason to believe this offense can have success, it must be remembered that this was a team that ran the option for years before going to a more balanced scheme last year. With a year of the new system under their belts, it can be assumed that a great deal of improvement could be expected. I'll need to see more before I declare SUU an offensive power, but with Rehrer playing so well against Weber State, and Ryan Felipe emerging as a threat out of the backfield, things are starting to fall into place. Couple that with a Hornet defense that allowed 30 ppg last season, was torched for 59 in last week, and lost a good chunk of talent and all signs point to SUU starting 2-0 for the first time since 1997. Southern Utah 27 Sacramento State 17

 

UC Davis @ Weber State

The Aggies travel to Utah to take on the Wildcats after sitting out last week with a bye. UCD had an explosive first week with quarterback Jon Grant leading the way, and all eyes will be on the sophomore as he makes his first road start. After the precision at which he sliced and diced up the young South Dakota State defense, Aggie fans hope he can repeat the success. One of the Aggie areas of concern all last season, wide receiver, has vastly improved, which means it could be a long season for opponents. The depth and talent at the position will make it difficult to defend all the weapons the Ags have. Their tight ends, receivers, and running backs are all capable of beating the opposition consistently. With Jon Grant at quarterback, Coach Biggs may have the big play guy to light up scoreboards. The biggest question coming out of the first game was the running game, which struggled. Davis is a high flying pass happy offense, but depends on the run to be successful. The Aggies know they have a solid offensive line, and hope the game against the Jacks was an anomaly. The running game will be monitored this weekend, as that area appears to be the only piece that could inhibit the offense this season.

 

On the other side of the ball, UCD had to be a bit surprised with its results in their 52-0 shutout. The offense can be explained, as Davis has made a living of scoring in bunches over the years. However, with questions of how a defense relying on new starters and others returning from injury would fare, the coaches had to be pleased with the result. They shut out a team, with a very good quarterback, solid wide receivers, and running backs. This week they draw a Weber State team that will provide a different challenge. The Wildcats are steadied by a very good running back Nick Chournos. Chournos, one of the top runners in I-AA, gained over 1600 yards a year ago. This season, though, the senior running back is behind an offensive line that may be still jelling as they break in new starters. The quarterback Kyle Bauer has not played well in his first two games completing less than 50% of his passes, which may make him a sitting target for UCD on Saturday. The Aggies focus will be all about keying on Chournos, and forcing Bauer to throw towards a very talented defensive secondary. The defensive lines job will be helped by the addition of Pila Fatukala. Fatukala, arguably the Ags best defensive lineman, returned to practice Tuesday after sitting out last season with an injury. He will likely be used in a limited role this weekend. The Aggies should bottle up Chournos, as Grant makes an early push as the best quarterback in the league. UC Davis 37 Weber State 13

 

Game of the Week

#22 Cal Poly @ #14 Montana State

Trends: For the second week in a row, two ranked teams meet in this week's game of the week. This meeting will be the 12^th meeting between the schools, as Cal Poly has won five in a row. Last season, Cal Poly raced out to a 21-3 lead and then held on as a comeback by the Bobcats fell short, 24-21

 

Cal Poly Offense vs. Bobcat defense: The Bobcat defensive strength is their front seven, which is led by a solid trio of linebackers. Buck Buchanan candidate Roger Cooper is the big playmaker of the group, but has returning help in Mac Mollohan and Nick Maradus. This front seven should matchup nicely with Cal Poly's option attack, and make for an interesting storyline. The Mustangs offensive skill weapons are all dangerous, but have relied on running back Geno Randle over the first couple weeks. Randle tallied over 100 yards in week one, while he ran, threw, and passed his way to nearly 100 yards last weekend. Randle will play a key role this weekend as the Cal Poly's coaches have decided that they are going to get Randle involved in any way possible. Don't forget about a talented CP receiving group, which faces a rebuilt Bobcat secondary either...

 

Bobcat offense vs. Cal Poly defense: The MSU offense starts and stops with Travis Lulay, who doubles as the punter. The junior had nearly 2600 yards passing with 12 touchdowns a year ago, and is looking to improve on those numbers this season. UCLA transfer Justin Domineck played fairly well at tailback against Adams State. The wide receivers from a year ago are gone, as well as three starting lineman. It didn't take me long to be unimpressed with the Bobcats last week. Just looking at the score against a very bad D-II Adams State team at home (19-0) is alarming. Sure a shutout is expected, but 19 points against this ASU defense means this offense is not yet comfortable with each other. Enter Jordan Beck and his gang of playmakers. This group is third in rushing defense, second in turnover margin, and 18^th in scoring defense nationally. After two games, the defense has a plus four turnover ratio. Defensively, Coach Ellerson's double eagle flex defense causes major problems for the opposition, and the numbers tell the story. If Montana State is not on their A game, this defense will run roughshod over the `Cats

 

Key Matchup: LB Jordan Beck vs. LB Roger Cooper. Not going to get too in depth here. We have two of the best linebackers on one field on Saturday, and the one that has the bigger game will likely end up in the win column. These two are the heart and soul of each defense and both units depend greatly on them to make big plays.

 

X Factor: Cordell Webb, QB, Cal Poly. Two weeks ago Webb was the second-string quarterback behind John Mende. However, his play in the Humboldt game and throughout practice the next week prompted Coach Ellerson to elevate Webb to starting quarterback. Webb is not unfamiliar with this spot, as he was starting for St Mary's a year ago. However, a year ago St Mary's wouldn't have had the slightest chance to beat Montana State. Now the opportunity to beat the #14 team in the nation rests on the shoulders of the sophomore quarterback. Last week Cal Poly's offense was extremely balanced with 181 passing and 176 rushing. It's up to Webb to lead this offense and create some opportunities to score. It's all about smart play- no turnovers, and no silly mistakes. Former Cal Poly QB Chris Peterson was so good not because he put up huge numbers in the Mustang offense but because he made smart decisions with the ball. Now it's on Webb shoulders to make smart decisions, and likely a few key plays. If he can do so, I like the Mustangs chances.

 

The Roundtable says:

Jeff Kolpack: (1-0) "I was surprised Montana State put up only 19 points at home against 
Adams State. Cal Poly is hot."

Cal Poly 24, Montana State 13

Mike Mirer: (2-0) "I'm still not sold on Cal Poly's ability to move the ball consistently 
and that will eventually catch up with this team. But the Mustangs should be able to get 
through Saturday intact. After a pair of Big Sky title years, Montana State looked bad in 
its opener. Frankly, an offense that managed just two touchdowns against D-II Adams 
State's defense isn't ready for Jordan Beck and the boys."

Cal Poly 13, Montana State 12

Kent Schmidt: (2-0) "I think Montana State uses a slightly stronger offense and defense 
to hang on at home against the visiting Mustangs."

Montana State 27 Cal Poly 24

Chris Solari: (2-0) "Cal Poly went on the road last Saturday and took out Idaho State in 
Pocatello, a team that gave I-A San Diego State a test. Montana State's Travis Lulay had 
trouble passing against D-2 Adams State, but the Bobcat defense pitched a shutout. 
However, if the Grizzlies had problems scoring against Adams, wait until the Mustang 
Marauders and LB Jordan Beck storm Bozeman. A landmark win for the Great West."

Cal Poly 30, Montana State 13

The Bottom Line: Once again, this week presents opportunity to a Great West 
Conference team, as Cal Poly faces a team ranked in top 20. Montana State finished 
0-11 only four short years ago, but has won or shared the Big Sky conference title in 
each of the last three years. Again, Montana State is predicted to be in the running for 
a conference title, and also be a possibly playoff participant.  Now Cal Poly brings a 
strong defense and visions of an upset to Bozeman. Neither team's offense, at least at 
this point of the season, is scaring anybody. Based on last week, the Bobcat offense 
got off to a poor start, so how much improvement will we see this week? It's tough to 
gauge, but they'll face a much stiffer defense, that's for sure.  If it then comes down to 
defense between the two teams, who do I take? Without a powerful offense, leave me 
that choice and I'll take Cal Poly every time. I like the Mustangs in a defensive struggle. 
Cal Poly 17 Montana State 14.