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Post by sdyotefan on Oct 6, 2018 23:17:15 GMT -6
This team has so much more potential!! I think they know that. Just imagine if the O & D play a complete game!!! GO YOTES!!!
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Post by canislatrans on Oct 7, 2018 5:20:15 GMT -6
The improved running game will add a new dimension to this offense. Keep up the good work, it’s coming!
Love our WRs, they are talented, but it sure was nice seeing the 2 back set, with the TE lead blocking and just POUNDING the rock.
Still need to be able to sustain drives and eat the clock with leads.
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Post by yoteforever on Oct 7, 2018 8:51:29 GMT -6
Waiting for obc to give his take away on the game, but because I’m bored and have read everything I can about the game, the league, and the FCS landscape, I thought I would throw my 2 cents worth in.
1.) It appears offensive line play has turned the corner. Still room for improvement, and still not sure we can get that 1-2 yards when we really need it yet, but they have improved. Coaches have switched positions on guys, and that appears to have been affective. I also think we have some guys playing at less than 100% physical readiness and might be the case the balance of the year.
2.) Klett was in beast mode. He’s faster than I thought and has the physical body to punish tacklers. He may be our main guy moving forward, but won’t be the only one.
3.) Simmons was Simmons. Austin is a darned good quarterback and in the confines of the Dome will be tough to stop. Played a really good game yesterday spreading out the ball to a number of guys. There were a couple of times I think he could’ve run instead of throw and made good yards, but won’t be critical of that as he is the one on the heat of the moment and has to make that judgement call.
4.) Our defense is sound. Not great yet, but trending that direction. I would say our defensive line doesn’t put as much pressure on the QB as I would like without some sort of blitzing. The second half was better than the first half, but if they want to gain the reputation of being “nasty” they are going to have to do that. We played a base defense yesterday because I think MSU switches up their blocking schemes so we kept it simple. Paid dividends the 2nd half.
5.) Linebackers played good. MSU cleared out the center of the field at times but that can be easily fixed. We did a great job of stopping the run/pass option the 2nd half, while not doing so good the 2nd half. To me it’s really clear the past couple of games that our coaches have made halftime adjustments that our opponents have had trouble dealing with. Advantage USD.
6.) Secondry is getting better. Trending the right way. A couple of good knockdowns/breakups yesterday. And the bit late in the game around midfield where the Bear receiver was open enough to catch the ball but the wood was delivered and he dropped it. That was a biggggg play.
7.) Yesterdays goal line stand was awesome. Reminded me of Nichols State last year in the playoffs. That won the game for us in the moment. Shows me our kids can go toe to toe with the league in the trenches if need be.
In another thread the crowd noise was discussed. One poster thought we were pretty good on 3rd and 4th down. And there were some people that did stand and try, but the overall fan base in Vermillion has got to get better to make it a place of horror to play for opponents. I’m not sure if n announcer made that comment or not,but I have to admit I was thinking it. If you want to know what it’s like, go to Fargo. Those fans are loud and brutal. I think we can be loud but not as nasty as them. But the FargoDome is a special place for home field advantage.
In closing, I’ll jump back on the horse I’ve ridden all year long. The Coyotes are good enough to go toe to toe with anyone in the league. We also aren’t good enough to take anyone for granted. A quick look at the near debacle in Brookings last night where lowly ISU-b nearly pulled off the upset, losing in OT. They kicked a field goal on 4th down where I would’ve gone for the TD. What the hell do you have to lose...your last in the league and have the number 3 team in the nation on the ropes. Off topic rant I know,but it does prove my point. Even bottom tier teams can win.
In closing, I stand by my MO. One game at a time. No big heads, just a blue collar lunch pail mentality that brings it week after week. We have to go one at a time and not look forward. UNI is coming to town, and they had the Bison on the ropes through 3 quarters, but laid a big time egg in the 4th. So they’re good. And ranked. Beat UNI.
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Post by aldewitt on Oct 7, 2018 9:10:03 GMT -6
Not being in there its hard to say how loud it was, but it looked great. The game was superb from a watching stand point with so many great things happening. It looked to me like there is steady improvement. That's what you like to see your football team do, get better each week.
There is no way the best football has been played yet and they came out strong against KSU. That one affected them at WSU but it appears to be behind them now.
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Post by Yotes on Oct 7, 2018 10:04:01 GMT -6
Some thoughts looking back over the box score:
Penalties were down to only 8 for 78 yards. That does include a 15 yard penalty for the defense celebrating the victory, so more like 7 for 63 yards. Still room for improvement there.
Field goal kicking. Lorber was good from 22 and 39, missed from 36 and 42. If our goal line stand had failed this would have really burned us.
Kai Henry. Is he out for injury or just benched? Klett obviously had a good game. Brandon Thull seemed to come out of nowhere, posting 9 carries for 37 in his first ever game. Liked what I saw from him.
Simmons spread it around again. 28 completions to 10 receivers. Couple drops in there that we can't have, especially that one in the endzone.
Andrew Gray led the team in tackles, forced 2 fumbles, and had an interception. We probably don't win this one without his performance. Player of the game and probably week.
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Post by coyotecrazie5 on Oct 7, 2018 12:25:24 GMT -6
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Post by gasser86 on Oct 7, 2018 12:32:53 GMT -6
Henry was in uniform, so he must have been a game time decision, considering Nielsen said he's been battling some injuries?
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Post by coyotecrazie5 on Oct 7, 2018 12:40:57 GMT -6
Some thoughts looking back over the box score: Penalties were down to only 8 for 78 yards. That does include a 15 yard penalty for the defense celebrating the victory, so more like 7 for 63 yards. Still room for improvement there. Field goal kicking. Lorber was good from 22 and 39, missed from 36 and 42. If our goal line stand had failed this would have really burned us. Kai Henry. Is he out for injury or just benched? Klett obviously had a good game. Brandon Thull seemed to come out of nowhere, posting 9 carries for 37 in his first ever game. Liked what I saw from him. Simmons spread it around again. 28 completions to 10 receivers. Couple drops in there that we can't have, especially that one in the endzone. Andrew Gray led the team in tackles, forced 2 fumbles, and had an interception. We probably don't win this one without his performance. Player of the game and probably week. Henry was injured according to this article www.yankton.net/sports/article_582522be-ca5b-11e8-b463-93dad40252fb.html |
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obc
Senior Member
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Post by obc on Oct 7, 2018 14:00:08 GMT -6
Thoughts on the MSU Game:
USD Offense: QB play continues to be very good - I agree with Yoteforever that Simmons could tuck and run a little more, but I love that he keeps his eyes downfield. There were a few times that I was thinking to myself as I was watching the play that he should run, only to have Simmons rocket it downfield to an open Coyote receiver. We have been spoiled by excellent QB play and have come to expect it - another 300+ yard passing day with no INTs (not even any close calls yesterday that I remember where the defender could have made a pick). The ball security by the entire team was fantastic. The obvious improvement this week in the running game was a huge relief. In watching the replay I spent much of my time focused on the OL - they seem to be settling into their new positions and experience and continuity is reaping some rewards. Wallace played a great game at guard - he is not only strong, but is mobile enough to get out in the open on LBers. Nick Jensen really showed good athleticism on the edge as well. The two RB sets with TE was a welcome change-up as well. Would have liked to see USD go back to that at the end of the game to close out that offensive possession where USD was forced to punt. Klett and Thull attack the LOS and would-be tacklers. Not sure on Kai Henry's status, but Klett, Thull, and Brooks can carry the load. Klett and Thull are both devastating blockers too - I think we will see Simmons running more out of that two back look with the RBs getting out on LBers and Safeties. Klett is much faster than people think. I remember listening to a podcast from Jay Elsen/ Midco before the 2017 season and Jay said that in sprints the only player that was keeping up stride for stride with Streveler was Klett. Klett is a little heavier now, but he is fast.
The TEs played a very good game - they are asked to do a lot in our offensive system and both of our guys came through big with clutch catches and several key blocks. WRs still had a few too many drops and mistakes. I think Allen could be targeted more - I like our chances on a 50/50 ball when he is singled up on a corner without safety support. Late in the first half when USD was kept out of the endzone, I think we missed an opportunity - he was all alone with just the corner on that third of the field. Easy throw and catch. Falck continues to be productive, but he cannot continue to jump early. That was a drive killer for USD when he did that yesterday. Not to mention he was benched for the series after that and not having him on the field hurt. Vander Esch is a good WR but has not shown the same ball-skills Falck has to date. Falck and Simmons have great chemistry together and you can tell they have worked a lot together. When Falck is not on the field our offense is not as dangerous. If I was an opposing DC I wouldn't want Falck or Allen on the field if possible. Baker took a shot from behind from Thull as Baker was blocking. He did not return to the game - looked like a lower leg-ankle injury. If that continues we may yet see another freshman WR activated.
USD Defense: Once again the tag line bend but don't break comes to mind. They once again had several take-aways - 3 altogether - May just start calling Andrew Gray, Chucky since he gets the Chucky turnover doll so frequently. The coaches did a tremendous job adjusting at halftime - got the players more disciplined on option assignments and keyed the players in on stepping up to get in front of the WR routes - that proved very disruptive for MSU. USD had 6 QB hurries but no sacks - that makes two weeks in a row without a sack. Part of that is SIU and MSU's offensive style. Against teams that try to consistently push the ball deeper downfield, we will need to make sure to get pressure (UNI will do that). We are getting high-level play out of our interior DL - Headlee - Whitcomb - Coker - Peguero - all are rotating in and producing. Headlee was the most disruptive yesterday with sack, batted down pass, and fumble recovery. The MSU system really puts stress on the LBers and I think they made a good account of themselves overall. The Gray brothers are producing for USD big-time with 10 tackles each. Andrew was an absolute animal out there with 10 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and an INT. In my opinion if the ball had not been tipped on his INT, there is a good chance he would have had a pick 6. The DBs were facing some very tall and athletic WRs - MSU completed some passes downfield, but I like the way our corners competed. Collins drew the toughest assignments in coverage and had some key pass breakups. Tisdale and Sommerville also continued to play well - the game experience is thankfully helping them improve. The goal-line stand in the fourth quarter shows tremendous resolve and heart by the team. Really respect that effort.
Special Teams: FG accuracy is a known issue and it was troublesome once again. I fear it will cost us a close game. Hopefully our kicker with experience can continue to improve. Make those two additional FGs and USD likely has a 13 point margin of victory. At this point I would be hesitant to try a FG unless the ball is inside the 20 yard line when playing in a dome or inside the 15 yard line if playing outside with wind. I would rather go for it and throw to Allen or Falck in a 50/50 situation. Punting was very good- 49.3 yard average - and the coverage was tremendous. KOs were solid and the one time MSU tride to return it, coverage was great. Our KO return game was as good as I have seen in years. I think our returners are as skilled as they have been since Jeremy Blount was back there. Great to see our true freshman Elidor break a long 69 yard return - he has some wheels. Great blocking on that play. Ducker also broke a long one that was called back for a penalty. Good to see some spark and production from the special teams.
Penalties: This team is still struggling with penalties/discipline. It was better this week, but not where it needs to be. Falck's offsides was a drive killer. Jake Matthew's offsides on 3rd and long turned it into 3rd and short allowing MSU to convert and extend the drive. The refs also could have called Mike Johson for a personal foul on the goal line stop in the 4th quarter - he blatantly pushed an offensive player right in front of the ref. Football is a game of toughness, but you have to be smarter than that. Players that do not play smart need to watch from the sideline. Can you imagine if instead of a stop there, MSU was given first and goal from the half-yard line because of that? Contrast that to MSU - they had no penalties in the first half and only 2 on the day for 15 yards.
Overall this was a good victory. MSU is a good and improved team. If their QB remains healthy, they will win some more games. I have a lot of respect for their HC and wish their program well. They seemed to play hard and disciplined. If they had more ball-security, they may have been able to win yesterday. My concern for USD going forward is that our bend but don't break defense works much better with teams that are mistake prone. The best offensive teams in our league rarely make mistakes - turning the ball over or allowing penalties to kill drives. USD has thrived on that. Not a knock on USD's defense - the take-aways are commendable. It will just take an even better effort to stop some of the teams we will face. Inability to depend on converting FGs is my second concern. These MVFC games have a razor-thin margin between victory and defeat. It may take a 40 plus yard FG to win a game this year. Can we convert when that happens? Injuries seem to be really weighing on our WR group. Thank goodness we came into the year with massive depth. Finally our OL's ability to continue to mature and protect Simmons as well as make holes for our RBs will be a key for our offensive production.
I view the upcoming UNI game as a playoff game. It is at our place and we need to defend our turf. They will be extremely desperate for a win - they just lost at home to NDSU after playing three good quarters. After playing USD they turn around and have to play SDSU. You know they have this game circled as a must-win if they have playoff aspirations. We had better have the same mentality. UNI is always tougher than hell. USD has the ability to beat UNI - I think our team is better than last year overall - and USD gifted the game to UNI last year in Cedar Falls. My gut tells me we haven't come close to seeing our team play their best game yet for four quarters. USD could have beaten MSU by 20 yesterday with that kind of execution (and MSU is a solid team). USD can route UNI with that kind of effort too.
In regards to the USD crowd - I am pretty much done worrying about it. Some people sit there and look like they are in a movie theater, church, or library. The students didn't even fill up their section yesterday at any point in the game. After half it was even more empty. My suggestion to everyone is just to go, have fun, be loud, and invite friends. Having fun and enjoying the game is what will attract others to want to come join us. All I know is I can still taste blood in my throat today and I wouldn't want it any other way.
Happy D-Days everyone! That was an entertaining game and a fun weekend to spend with our Coyote Family. See you next week.
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Post by ElsenMidco on Oct 7, 2018 15:08:40 GMT -6
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Post by easmus on Oct 7, 2018 15:14:43 GMT -6
When watching the replay this morning. It almost looked like Falck sneezed when he got called for false start. You saw his head fling forward and his mouthpiece fall to the turf. If that’s what happened then it’s kinda funny. But right after the call he went right to the sideline because he knew he was in trouble.
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Post by canislatrans on Oct 7, 2018 15:27:59 GMT -6
That was good camera work. I really enjoyed the goal line plays, it was a real "inside view". Thank you! |
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Post by elcoyote on Oct 7, 2018 15:42:09 GMT -6
Really cool perspective from ground level. Two things that I picked up was that Alex Gray tipped Hussling's pass before Andrew picked it off and it really appeared to me, even after slowing down and freezing the video, that the Mo State receiver never got a foot down on their last touchdown. That was how it appeared on the dome videoboard that got such a crowd reaction, but this shot seemed even clearer than that. I simply don't understand these reviews. What do the officials look at and what does it take to overturn a call? |
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Post by easmus on Oct 7, 2018 18:54:36 GMT -6
They did say on espn3 replay that what they were showing on scoreboard was a usd feed from a camera they didn’t have access to review. That was part of my frustration with the whole “Valley game of the week.” I think we all know Midco does great work. And the valley production was a step back and that review hurt us. Maybe the MVFC should stick to doing games with poor camera work (like last week) and let us have our Midco.
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Post by yotebewithyou on Oct 7, 2018 19:03:19 GMT -6
They did say on espn3 replay that what they were showing on scoreboard was a usd feed from a camera they didn’t have access to review. That was part of my frustration with the whole “Valley game of the week.” I think we all know Midco does great work. And the valley production was a step back and that review hurt us. Maybe the MVFC should stick to doing games with poor camera work (like last week) and let us have our Midco. Agreed. It looked pretty clear that he didn't come down in bounds with that catch. It's a shame they don't have access to every feed |
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