SDSU Predication Thread

[kwcat]

https://herosports.com/fcs-football-pre ... -acu-bzbz/

[catatac]

my gut tells me...
midwest long ears: 31
Cats: 21

No offense to you or anyone else predicting SDSU to win but do you mind me asking what is making you think SDSU is so good? They lost a LOT of players, and have a new coach. Sure they beat Sac, but we don't know how good Sac is, and of they played in Brookings - which makes a HUGE difference.

Just wondering what some people are seeing that makes them think SDSU is so dominant.

Sac State was 3-9 last year, SDSU beating them means almost nothing. In fact, given the state of Sac’s defense, I’d call scoring only 20 points pretty underwhelming. SDSU’s quarterback has thrown like 80 total passes in his career. This is nowhere near the juggernaut team from 2023, a team the Cats would have beat at home (and would have beat if the replay rules were applied correctly, but that’s a different topic). People on here are just depressing.

I actually watched the Sac/SDSU game and I can say SDSU is good. They've got beef and speed in the front 7 and their DBs covered Sac well, but their offense is the big question mark. They have a big mobile QB but their O line is not as good as last year or Sac's front is really good. Sac does have some big and strong tackles and made it to the QB like 7 times. This is where we will beat SDSU, we need to play fast and gap sound but I think we disrupt SDSU Offense enough not to operate well and limit their scoring. I see this game about 26-17 Cats.

I feel like this will be another game were we don't run the ball well but Lamson puts us over the top with 3 TDs. I really like the way Lamson slings the ball around, and he's just getting started!

This is one think I am super curious about. So tough to tell where we're at in the running game as there was zero chance we're moving that Oregon DL around. We've had one of, if not the best rushing offense in the FCS for a few years in a row and I don't see anything that makes me thing that's going to change a lot.. Dominant OL, Excellent RB's, running QB, and good scheme\coaching. We'll know a lot more Saturday night.

[catzz]

my gut tells me...
midwest long ears: 31
Cats: 21

No offense to you or anyone else predicting SDSU to win but do you mind me asking what is making you think SDSU is so good? They lost a LOT of players, and have a new coach. Sure they beat Sac, but we don't know how good Sac is, and of they played in Brookings - which makes a HUGE difference.

Just wondering what some people are seeing that makes them think SDSU is so dominant.

Sac State was 3-9 last year, SDSU beating them means almost nothing. In fact, given the state of Sac’s defense, I’d call scoring only 20 points pretty underwhelming. SDSU’s quarterback has thrown like 80 total passes in his career. This is nowhere near the juggernaut team from 2023, a team the Cats would have beat at home (and would have beat if the replay rules were applied correctly, but that’s a different topic). People on here are just depressing.

I actually watched the Sac/SDSU game and I can say SDSU is good. They've got beef and speed in the front 7 and their DBs covered Sac well, but their offense is the big question mark. They have a big mobile QB but their O line is not as good as last year or Sac's front is really good. Sac does have some big and strong tackles and made it to the QB like 7 times. This is where we will beat SDSU, we need to play fast and gap sound but I think we disrupt SDSU Offense enough not to operate well and limit their scoring. I see this game about 26-17 Cats.

I feel like this will be another game were we don't run the ball well but Lamson puts us over the top with 3 TDs. I really like the way Lamson slings the ball around, and he's just getting started!

This is one think I am super curious about. So tough to tell where we're at in the running game as there was zero chance we're moving that Oregon DL around. We've had one of, if not the best rushing offense in the FCS for a few years in a row and I don't see anything that makes me thing that's going to change a lot.. Dominant OL, Excellent RB's, running QB, and good scheme\coaching. We'll know a lot more Saturday night.

The Cats have run the ball great the past couple of years until we hit the Dakotas. The Cats will run the ball strong all season after this game. I think we pass more efficiently in this one (like Taco over the middle last game) and open things up since SDSU can’t stack the box all game like they’ve done successfully before. Cats 34-20 over South Dakota State.

[Utcatsfan]

I honestly wasn't too impressed with SDSUs offense, don't get me wrong they're still a very good team but if their run game is stopped or even slowed down they won't be able to win, and apparently make them kick Field Goals is the name of the game as well.

Cats: 31
SDSU: 21

[OldGriz]

Interesting. Most commenters here are predicting an upset. Time will tell.

[catatac]

Interesting. Most commenters here are predicting an upset. Time will tell.

Shocking that Cat fans are predicting a win when the Cats are 2.5 point underdogs at home..... LOL.

[MTFootball]

The crowd plays its part in helping to disrupt the Jacks offense. I think we get enough running game and Taco and Long show something special in the passing game. Look for some good returns setting up good field position. Cats 38. Rabbits 20.

[chainbreaker]

Bobcats 27
S Dakota St 17

[hokeyfine]

my gut tells me...
midwest long ears: 31
Cats: 21

No offense to you or anyone else predicting SDSU to win but do you mind me asking what is making you think SDSU is so good? They lost a LOT of players, and have a new coach. Sure they beat Sac, but we don't know how good Sac is, and of they played in Brookings - which makes a HUGE difference.

Just wondering what some people are seeing that makes them think SDSU is so dominant.

Lots of unknowns all around. We don't know how good sac is, we don't know how good sdsu is, and we don't know how good msu is.
I think the bobcats just need to find themselves. It may take the non conference games to see. Nothing wrong with me saying there's a chance they don't win. Just like at the end of the year if I say they won't beat the jizz in Missoula.

[coloradocat]

It doesn’t feel like this Bobcat team has an identity yet.

Oh, they definitely do. Much more relaxed. It’s a lot different than last year so maybe that’s why you’re thinking that. I think the leaders are more approachable. There are more “coaches” on the field. Five guys pop up on offense and five on defense. Last year it was about three on each side. Mellott Wehr and Grebe were stoic leaders last year, while Uluilakepa O’Reilly and Ortt were looser. I’m trying to think of a stern, stoic player on this year’s team.

The players have a fairly consistent identity but the team doesn't have a clear identity yet. I'm guessing that's what @CodyCat meant. We can guess what we're going to look like on the field but we won't know until halftime on Saturday night.

That’s right. What is their on field identity going to be?

I’ve seen the players, loose, having fun, joking around. That actually has me worried, which I completely understand is stupid.


I’m ready to see who and what this team is going to be. Unfortunately, by 10pm Saturday one team will have a much greater chance at hosting the semis than the other team.

I wouldn't worry about the relaxed and joking around nature of the players. Almost the entire team, and definitely all the captains, have been here for years under the stoic, head down leadership of the past leaders. They know what's at stake and how to focus. The only really important piece that's brand new is Lamson and he seems to really have his head on straight.

I'd be more worried if I rooted for another in-state BSC team that is a revolving door of player leadership without a long-term foundation like we have.

[MinnesotaJack]

I think the Jackrabbit defense continues their early season statement, and we score a late TD to put the game away.

Jackrabbits 27
Bobcats 17

Won’t be at all surprised if MSU rides the home crowd energy and wins by a similar score. Can’t wait to experience this one.

[CodyCat]

When was the last regular season home game the Cats lost?

[coloradocat]

When was the last regular season home game the Cats lost?

Sac State in 2019

[GoodTimesAllTheTime]

my gut tells me...
midwest long ears: 31
Cats: 21

No offense to you or anyone else predicting SDSU to win but do you mind me asking what is making you think SDSU is so good? They lost a LOT of players, and have a new coach. Sure they beat Sac, but we don't know how good Sac is, and of they played in Brookings - which makes a HUGE difference.

Just wondering what some people are seeing that makes them think SDSU is so dominant.

Sac State was 3-9 last year, SDSU beating them means almost nothing. In fact, given the state of Sac’s defense, I’d call scoring only 20 points pretty underwhelming. SDSU’s quarterback has thrown like 80 total passes in his career. This is nowhere near the juggernaut team from 2023, a team the Cats would have beat at home (and would have beat if the replay rules were applied correctly, but that’s a different topic). People on here are just depressing.

I actually watched the Sac/SDSU game and I can say SDSU is good. They've got beef and speed in the front 7 and their DBs covered Sac well, but their offense is the big question mark. They have a big mobile QB but their O line is not as good as last year or Sac's front is really good. Sac does have some big and strong tackles and made it to the QB like 7 times. This is where we will beat SDSU, we need to play fast and gap sound but I think we disrupt SDSU Offense enough not to operate well and limit their scoring. I see this game about 26-17 Cats.

I feel like this will be another game were we don't run the ball well but Lamson puts us over the top with 3 TDs. I really like the way Lamson slings the ball around, and he's just getting started!

This is one think I am super curious about. So tough to tell where we're at in the running game as there was zero chance we're moving that Oregon DL around. We've had one of, if not the best rushing offense in the FCS for a few years in a row and I don't see anything that makes me thing that's going to change a lot.. Dominant OL, Excellent RB's, running QB, and good scheme\coaching. We'll know a lot more Saturday night.

The Cats have run the ball great the past couple of years until we hit the Dakotas. The Cats will run the ball strong all season after this game. I think we pass more efficiently in this one (like Taco over the middle last game) and open things up since SDSU can’t stack the box all game like they’ve done successfully before. Cats 34-20 over South Dakota State.

During Vigen’s tenure, in the six games the Cats have played against NDSU and SDSU, they’ve rushed for 156, 176, 52, 279, 211, and 198. They haven’t always been able to run it straight down the middle, but it’s just not accurate to say they haven’t been able to run the ball well, with the exception of the frozen tundra semi-final at SDSU. The offense hasn’t been the problem for the most part.

[Cats15]

When was the last regular season home game the Cats lost?

Sac State in 2019

And the last/only time the Cats lost on Gold Rush was in 2017....to the Jackrabbits

[Mtcatfan]

I think the Jackrabbit defense continues their early season statement, and we score a late TD to put the game away.

Jackrabbits 27
Bobcats 17

Won’t be at all surprised if MSU rides the home crowd energy and wins by a similar score. Can’t wait to experience this one.

You coming over for the game MJ?

[BelligerentBobcat]

I’d be ecstatic if the Jackrabbits sold out to stop the run. I think it’s safe to say that we can attack that strategy.

[kwcat]

I’d be ecstatic if the Jackrabbits sold out to stop the run. I think it’s safe to say that we can attack that strategy.

If I was South Dakota State, I would leave my defensive backs on man blitz heavy and sell out to stop the run. Until MSU proves they can throw the ball well. Going to be interesting. I look forward to it.
If MSU can pass, the passing game will work to counter that.

[catzz]

my gut tells me...
midwest long ears: 31
Cats: 21

No offense to you or anyone else predicting SDSU to win but do you mind me asking what is making you think SDSU is so good? They lost a LOT of players, and have a new coach. Sure they beat Sac, but we don't know how good Sac is, and of they played in Brookings - which makes a HUGE difference.

Just wondering what some people are seeing that makes them think SDSU is so dominant.

Sac State was 3-9 last year, SDSU beating them means almost nothing. In fact, given the state of Sac’s defense, I’d call scoring only 20 points pretty underwhelming. SDSU’s quarterback has thrown like 80 total passes in his career. This is nowhere near the juggernaut team from 2023, a team the Cats would have beat at home (and would have beat if the replay rules were applied correctly, but that’s a different topic). People on here are just depressing.

I actually watched the Sac/SDSU game and I can say SDSU is good. They've got beef and speed in the front 7 and their DBs covered Sac well, but their offense is the big question mark. They have a big mobile QB but their O line is not as good as last year or Sac's front is really good. Sac does have some big and strong tackles and made it to the QB like 7 times. This is where we will beat SDSU, we need to play fast and gap sound but I think we disrupt SDSU Offense enough not to operate well and limit their scoring. I see this game about 26-17 Cats.

I feel like this will be another game were we don't run the ball well but Lamson puts us over the top with 3 TDs. I really like the way Lamson slings the ball around, and he's just getting started!

This is one think I am super curious about. So tough to tell where we're at in the running game as there was zero chance we're moving that Oregon DL around. We've had one of, if not the best rushing offense in the FCS for a few years in a row and I don't see anything that makes me thing that's going to change a lot.. Dominant OL, Excellent RB's, running QB, and good scheme\coaching. We'll know a lot more Saturday night.

The Cats have run the ball great the past couple of years until we hit the Dakotas. The Cats will run the ball strong all season after this game. I think we pass more efficiently in this one (like Taco over the middle last game) and open things up since SDSU can’t stack the box all game like they’ve done successfully before. Cats 34-20 over South Dakota State.

During Vigen’s tenure, in the six games the Cats have played against NDSU and SDSU, they’ve rushed for 156, 176, 52, 279, 211, and 198. They haven’t always been able to run it straight down the middle, but it’s just not accurate to say they haven’t been able to run the ball well, with the exception of the frozen tundra semi-final at SDSU. The offense hasn’t been the problem for the most part.

You are probably correct in saying we ran well against the Dakotas. Offense at times has certainly been an issue in those games. And at times, lack of sustained drives has certainly let to a tired defense. See the first half offensive execution of the championship game last year.

In each of the games our running yards and ypc has been well bellow our season averages. In 5 of the 6 games it’s 100 yards or more less.

I wouldn’t at all be surprised to see a better showing from the running game tomorrow as I think we come out and establish a sideline to sideline quick passing and get them away loading the box. Should be a fun game!

[GoodTimesAllTheTime]

my gut tells me...
midwest long ears: 31
Cats: 21

No offense to you or anyone else predicting SDSU to win but do you mind me asking what is making you think SDSU is so good? They lost a LOT of players, and have a new coach. Sure they beat Sac, but we don't know how good Sac is, and of they played in Brookings - which makes a HUGE difference.

Just wondering what some people are seeing that makes them think SDSU is so dominant.

Sac State was 3-9 last year, SDSU beating them means almost nothing. In fact, given the state of Sac’s defense, I’d call scoring only 20 points pretty underwhelming. SDSU’s quarterback has thrown like 80 total passes in his career. This is nowhere near the juggernaut team from 2023, a team the Cats would have beat at home (and would have beat if the replay rules were applied correctly, but that’s a different topic). People on here are just depressing.

I actually watched the Sac/SDSU game and I can say SDSU is good. They've got beef and speed in the front 7 and their DBs covered Sac well, but their offense is the big question mark. They have a big mobile QB but their O line is not as good as last year or Sac's front is really good. Sac does have some big and strong tackles and made it to the QB like 7 times. This is where we will beat SDSU, we need to play fast and gap sound but I think we disrupt SDSU Offense enough not to operate well and limit their scoring. I see this game about 26-17 Cats.

I feel like this will be another game were we don't run the ball well but Lamson puts us over the top with 3 TDs. I really like the way Lamson slings the ball around, and he's just getting started!

This is one think I am super curious about. So tough to tell where we're at in the running game as there was zero chance we're moving that Oregon DL around. We've had one of, if not the best rushing offense in the FCS for a few years in a row and I don't see anything that makes me thing that's going to change a lot.. Dominant OL, Excellent RB's, running QB, and good scheme\coaching. We'll know a lot more Saturday night.

The Cats have run the ball great the past couple of years until we hit the Dakotas. The Cats will run the ball strong all season after this game. I think we pass more efficiently in this one (like Taco over the middle last game) and open things up since SDSU can’t stack the box all game like they’ve done successfully before. Cats 34-20 over South Dakota State.

During Vigen’s tenure, in the six games the Cats have played against NDSU and SDSU, they’ve rushed for 156, 176, 52, 279, 211, and 198. They haven’t always been able to run it straight down the middle, but it’s just not accurate to say they haven’t been able to run the ball well, with the exception of the frozen tundra semi-final at SDSU. The offense hasn’t been the problem for the most part.

You are probably correct in saying we ran well against the Dakotas. Offense at times has certainly been an issue in those games. And at times, lack of sustained drives has certainly let to a tired defense. See the first half offensive execution of the championship game last year.

In each of the games our running yards and ypc has been well bellow our season averages. In 5 of the 6 games it’s 100 yards or more less.

I wouldn’t at all be surprised to see a better showing from the running game tomorrow as I think we come out and establish a sideline to sideline quick passing and get them away loading the box. Should be a fun game!

I agree that they haven’t played as much complimentary football against the DSUs as we’d like. As you note, when the offense has done well, it hasn’t necessarily been sustained. More than the offense though, I want to see the defense come out and challenge SDSU to throw the ball. We can pack the box and make them prove it (or not) just like they’ve done to us. Really fun early season matchup for sure.