The Good, Bad, Ugly San Diego

[tetoncat]

No thread this week. Was everything good. I'm take a stab.

Good. Defense strong the whole game even with backups playing. McKay running. Diverse scoring.

Bad. Still seems like we stay to script on offense early, and concerned I it will hurt against stronger teams.

Ugly. Nothing for this game.

[catsrback76]

No thread this week. Was everything good. I'm take a stab.

Good. Defense strong the whole game even with backups playing. McKay running. Diverse scoring.

Bad. Still seems like we stay to script on offense early, and concerned I it will hurt against stronger teams.

Ugly. Nothing for this game.

I'm of the opinion that all in all the 52-10 win says it all. No serious injuries, the refs played no role, and...outside of wanting more from the run game, I think everything is trending up!!!

[iaafan]

Good: how well the QBs ran. 15 times for 147 yards. It was very windy, so this element was important. I was surprised that Bauman could run so well. I hope to see more of this, but earlier in the game. Mellott is especially good and a great weapon to force teams to spend time preparing for.

Bad: no diamond or unorthodox sets yet. Part of the reason we ran so well in the past is the way we’d diversify the backfield. I’d like to see Ifanse, Martin and Elliott with any one of the QBs lined up in the backfield together.

Ugly: NA

[Cledus]

Good: as catsrback76 states, the 52-10 win says it all

Bad: refer to Good.

Needs improvement: the OL seems to have taken a step back with regard to run blocking since 2019. This is just my casual observation. I doubt we push around the league like we did Drake and San Diego, so I'd like to see that as a point of emphasis. It won't get any easier going forward.

[Slackjaw]

Good: The defense continues to impress. Really like the play of the D-Line, Safeties, and Ty Okada.

Bad: Run game has me concerned. In the past we were able to run when everybody knew we were running and it was demoralizing to the other team. I've heard the excuse that people are packing the box and playing very aggressive to stop the run. How is that different from past, when we literally had no passing game? Most of our run yards have come from a big pop play or QB. There isn't the consistent 7 yard gains coming from the RBs. And against two PFL teams we should be concerned. Those are the games where we should have been able to play close to the vest and enforce our will upon the other team but instead we were forced to pass. We won't have the mis-matches on the outside in the coming weeks. Run game often reflects the mentality of a team and something is missing right now. Hope I'm wrong.

Ugly: Nothing

[technoCat]

Good: The defense continues to impress. Really like the play of the D-Line, Safeties, and Ty Okada.

Bad: Run game has me concerned. In the past we were able to run when everybody knew we were running and it was demoralizing to the other team. I've heard the excuse that people are packing the box and playing very aggressive to stop the run. How is that different from past, when we literally had no passing game? Most of our run yards have come from a big pop play or QB. There isn't the consistent 7 yard gains coming from the RBs. And against two PFL teams we should be concerned. Those are the games where we should have been able to play close to the vest and enforce our will upon the other team but instead we were forced to pass. We won't have the mis-matches on the outside in the coming weeks. Run game often reflects the mentality of a team and something is missing right now. Hope I'm wrong.

Ugly: Nothing

We aren't running double TE sets near as much. We used to have 7 guys blocking on the interior every run play. Plus we had WR that were very physical. I think that's why the sweeps are far less effective. I think that Justus and TJ need to get some work in before we start getting too concerned. They did play fairly well against Wyoming. AND if people are going to keep disrespecting the pass, we are going to keep taking it.

[kennethnoisewater]

I understand the concern over the run game, but tell me if I'm way off here. In 2019, weren't there games where the run game wasn't clicking early on? I think about the NAU game where MSU was down 0-21 in the first half and had less than 100 yards rushing that half (and not a ton through the air either). First drives were punt, pix-six, punt, fumble, punt, punt, punt. But you keep bludgeoning the other team long enough and eventually the run game starts working. MSU didn't put together a long drive until the end of the 3rd/beginning of the 4th in that game, then they ran at will. Against SEMO, MSU had basically one big play in the whole first half--a 38 yard TD run by TA--then things got rolling in the 2nd half. Against UM and Austin Peay the Cats passed a little more and the run game opened up for the consistent 8-10 yard runs in the second half. This year MSU has the option to go to the air when the run isn't really hitting and I'm not mad about that. I feel like if this team really had to rely on the run like the 2019 team did, that would start to soften up a bit. Maybe it wouldn't be quite the same as that group, but this offense has more to offer through the air. In 2019 we were frustrated that the offense was too one-dimensional and this year we're concerned that it's not as one-dimensional.

[wbtfg]

I understand the concern over the run game, but tell me if I'm way off here. In 2019, weren't there games where the run game wasn't clicking early on? I think about the NAU game where MSU was down 0-21 in the first half and had less than 100 yards rushing that half (and not a ton through the air either). First drives were punt, pix-six, punt, fumble, punt, punt, punt. But you keep bludgeoning the other team long enough and eventually the run game starts working. MSU didn't put together a long drive until the end of the 3rd/beginning of the 4th in that game, then they ran at will. Against SEMO, MSU had basically one big play in the whole first half--a 38 yard TD run by TA--then things got rolling in the 2nd half. Against UM and Austin Peay the Cats passed a little more and the run game opened up for the consistent 8-10 yard runs in the second half. This year MSU has the option to go to the air when the run isn't really hitting and I'm not mad about that. I feel like if this team really had to rely on the run like the 2019 team did, that would start to soften up a bit. Maybe it wouldn't be quite the same as that group, but this offense has more to offer through the air. In 2019 we were frustrated that the offense was too one-dimensional and this year we're concerned that it's not as one-dimensional.

Yep....I was going to post something similar. The WIU game (they finished 1-11), we had one big run. Aside from that we were pretty bad rushing the ball in that game (granted Ifanse was out, I believe). We finished the year year running the ball well, but we definitely had some fits and starts.

[Long Time Cat]

I understand the concern over the run game, but tell me if I'm way off here. In 2019, weren't there games where the run game wasn't clicking early on? I think about the NAU game where MSU was down 0-21 in the first half and had less than 100 yards rushing that half (and not a ton through the air either). First drives were punt, pix-six, punt, fumble, punt, punt, punt. But you keep bludgeoning the other team long enough and eventually the run game starts working. MSU didn't put together a long drive until the end of the 3rd/beginning of the 4th in that game, then they ran at will. Against SEMO, MSU had basically one big play in the whole first half--a 38 yard TD run by TA--then things got rolling in the 2nd half. Against UM and Austin Peay the Cats passed a little more and the run game opened up for the consistent 8-10 yard runs in the second half. This year MSU has the option to go to the air when the run isn't really hitting and I'm not mad about that. I feel like if this team really had to rely on the run like the 2019 team did, that would start to soften up a bit. Maybe it wouldn't be quite the same as that group, but this offense has more to offer through the air. In 2019 we were frustrated that the offense was too one-dimensional and this year we're concerned that it's not as one-dimensional.

Yep....I was going to post something similar. The WIU game (they finished 1-11), we had one big run. Aside from that we were pretty bad rushing the ball in that game (granted Ifanse was out, I believe). We finished the year year running the ball well, but we definitely had some fits and starts.

Thanks for bring context to the discussion. This is good info. It often seems we compare to the end of the last season not the beginning.

[luckyirishguy25]

Good: The defense continues to impress. Really like the play of the D-Line, Safeties, and Ty Okada.

Bad: Run game has me concerned. In the past we were able to run when everybody knew we were running and it was demoralizing to the other team. I've heard the excuse that people are packing the box and playing very aggressive to stop the run. How is that different from past, when we literally had no passing game? Most of our run yards have come from a big pop play or QB. There isn't the consistent 7 yard gains coming from the RBs. And against two PFL teams we should be concerned. Those are the games where we should have been able to play close to the vest and enforce our will upon the other team but instead we were forced to pass. We won't have the mis-matches on the outside in the coming weeks. Run game often reflects the mentality of a team and something is missing right now. Hope I'm wrong.

Ugly: Nothing

We aren't running double TE sets near as much. We used to have 7 guys blocking on the interior every run play. Plus we had WR that were very physical. I think that's why the sweeps are far less effective. I think that Justus and TJ need to get some work in before we start getting too concerned. They did play fairly well against Wyoming. AND if people are going to keep disrespecting the pass, we are going to keep taking it.

I like we can switch to the pass again when the runs not working, but lack of depth is showing in the Oline. I feel we did better against Wyoming because Cole Sain is a beast and that injury really hurt. The last 2 games the oline has fallen back and protected McKay well, but when the call is a RPO or run play the Oline isn't getting any push up field and not opening holes for the backs. I figured Drake may have a decent defense and by the second half we'd be able to run at will, but that never happened. Same in the SD game, except i knew SD defense was terrible and still no push. It wasn't until the 4th Qtr of the SD game the run game was finally established.

If i'm Vigen, the O-line is my biggest concern and needs to be fixed asap, because once we run into a really stout D like Montana or Weber they're going to shut us down and there will be no offense run or pass.

[superbobcat]

Good-

Defensive speed, I believe this is the fastest defense I have seen the bobcats field.

I really enjoy seeing our TE play evolve especially Pickering, he could be really good.

Troy is really settling in as a MLB and he will only get better.


Bad- Our young snapper needs some more focus. Not great snaps = 0 points


Ugly- The old guy that sits behind me and acts like he knows every player personally and can out coach everyone on the field.

[wbtfg]

Ugly (funny): Listening to Callahan trying to pronounce Toreros on the TV broadcast. I think I heard Torderos, Tordos, Tortillas, Torpedos....never Toreros.

[kennethnoisewater]

Ugly (funny): Listening to Callahan trying to pronounce Toreros on the TV broadcast. I think I heard Torderos, Tordos, Tortillas, Torpedos....never Toreros.

I love that guy but he struggles with pronunciations. I also think we had Tanner Pickering and maybe even Torero Pickering in that game. Sometimes I even wonder if he's going to get "Montana State" out successfully.

[BelligerentBobcat]

Good: how well the QBs ran. 15 times for 147 yards. It was very windy, so this element was important. I was surprised that Bauman could run so well. I hope to see more of this, but earlier in the game. Mellott is especially good and a great weapon to force teams to spend time preparing for.

Bad: no diamond or unorthodox sets yet. Part of the reason we ran so well in the past is the way we’d diversify the backfield. I’d like to see Ifanse, Martin and Elliott with any one of the QBs lined up in the backfield together.

Ugly: NA

We run a different offense now. You’re not going to see the diamond formation or anything like that, unless maybe in short yardage situations.

[AFCAT]

Good-

Defensive speed, I believe this is the fastest defense I have seen the bobcats field.

I really enjoy seeing our TE play evolve especially Pickering, he could be really good.

Troy is really settling in as a MLB and he will only get better.


Bad- Our young snapper needs some more focus. Not great snaps = 0 points


Ugly- The old guy that sits behind me and acts like he knows every player personally and can out coach everyone on the field.

I’m betting that old guy is a regular poster on this fan board.

[ilovethecats]

Good-

Defensive speed, I believe this is the fastest defense I have seen the bobcats field.

I really enjoy seeing our TE play evolve especially Pickering, he could be really good.

Troy is really settling in as a MLB and he will only get better.


Bad- Our young snapper needs some more focus. Not great snaps = 0 points


Ugly- The old guy that sits behind me and acts like he knows every player personally and can out coach everyone on the field.

I’m betting that old guy is a regular poster on this fan board.

[TomCat88]

I understand the concern over the run game, but tell me if I'm way off here. In 2019, weren't there games where the run game wasn't clicking early on? I think about the NAU game where MSU was down 0-21 in the first half and had less than 100 yards rushing that half (and not a ton through the air either). First drives were punt, pix-six, punt, fumble, punt, punt, punt. But you keep bludgeoning the other team long enough and eventually the run game starts working. MSU didn't put together a long drive until the end of the 3rd/beginning of the 4th in that game, then they ran at will. Against SEMO, MSU had basically one big play in the whole first half--a 38 yard TD run by TA--then things got rolling in the 2nd half. Against UM and Austin Peay the Cats passed a little more and the run game opened up for the consistent 8-10 yard runs in the second half. This year MSU has the option to go to the air when the run isn't really hitting and I'm not mad about that. I feel like if this team really had to rely on the run like the 2019 team did, that would start to soften up a bit. Maybe it wouldn't be quite the same as that group, but this offense has more to offer through the air. In 2019 we were frustrated that the offense was too one-dimensional and this year we're concerned that it's not as one-dimensional.

Yep....I was going to post something similar. The WIU game (they finished 1-11), we had one big run. Aside from that we were pretty bad rushing the ball in that game (granted Ifanse was out, I believe). We finished the year year running the ball well, but we definitely had some fits and starts.

Thanks for bring context to the discussion. This is good info. It often seems we compare to the end of the last season not the beginning.

This. To all of this.

MSU also struggled running late in 2019. Against Albany the QBs had 90 yards on 7 carries, the rbs 114 on 35 carries. That game was very similar to San Diego, except San Diego had the luxury of knowing MSU didn’t want to pass as much due to the wind.

[Slackjaw]

I understand the concern over the run game, but tell me if I'm way off here. In 2019, weren't there games where the run game wasn't clicking early on? I think about the NAU game where MSU was down 0-21 in the first half and had less than 100 yards rushing that half (and not a ton through the air either). First drives were punt, pix-six, punt, fumble, punt, punt, punt. But you keep bludgeoning the other team long enough and eventually the run game starts working. MSU didn't put together a long drive until the end of the 3rd/beginning of the 4th in that game, then they ran at will. Against SEMO, MSU had basically one big play in the whole first half--a 38 yard TD run by TA--then things got rolling in the 2nd half. Against UM and Austin Peay the Cats passed a little more and the run game opened up for the consistent 8-10 yard runs in the second half. This year MSU has the option to go to the air when the run isn't really hitting and I'm not mad about that. I feel like if this team really had to rely on the run like the 2019 team did, that would start to soften up a bit. Maybe it wouldn't be quite the same as that group, but this offense has more to offer through the air. In 2019 we were frustrated that the offense was too one-dimensional and this year we're concerned that it's not as one-dimensional.

Yep....I was going to post something similar. The WIU game (they finished 1-11), we had one big run. Aside from that we were pretty bad rushing the ball in that game (granted Ifanse was out, I believe). We finished the year year running the ball well, but we definitely had some fits and starts.

Thanks for bring context to the discussion. This is good info. It often seems we compare to the end of the last season not the beginning.

This. To all of this.

MSU also struggled running late in 2019. Against Albany the QBs had 90 yards on 7 carries, the rbs 114 on 35 carries. That game was very similar to San Diego, except San Diego had the luxury of knowing MSU didn’t want to pass as much due to the wind.

To be clear, I'm not saying we are SOL on offense due to the struggles I perceive. I could be misguided and maybe the teams we've faced are better than I think. But, comparing our past rushing performances against Playoff or MVFC teams to these two PFL teams we just faced, is most likely not a 1 for 1. We should be able create better holes than we have.

Additionally, I like that we seem to have a more effective pass game, but lot of the pass game success has come against pretty big mismatches on the outside due to the level of competition. It just feels like some of our offensive success is fools gold at the moment.

The good news is we played two PFL teams and we beat both very easily. So, maybe I'm reading too much into the lack of push/holes.

[BleedingBLue]

Good-

Defensive speed, I believe this is the fastest defense I have seen the bobcats field.

I really enjoy seeing our TE play evolve especially Pickering, he could be really good.

Troy is really settling in as a MLB and he will only get better.


Bad- Our young snapper needs some more focus. Not great snaps = 0 points


Ugly- The old guy that sits behind me and acts like he knows every player personally and can out coach everyone on the field.

You must sit by me

[AFCAT]

Good-

Defensive speed, I believe this is the fastest defense I have seen the bobcats field.

I really enjoy seeing our TE play evolve especially Pickering, he could be really good.

Troy is really settling in as a MLB and he will only get better.


Bad- Our young snapper needs some more focus. Not great snaps = 0 points


Ugly- The old guy that sits behind me and acts like he knows every player personally and can out coach everyone on the field.

I’m betting that old guy is a regular poster on this fan board.

Actually, now that I think about it, we may have found where Bobcat99 went.