Grades

[mslacatfan]

Defense…. Outstanding, A+++

Offense…. Too early to say much, but I’m not a fan of the new OC at this point. Giving the offense a solid C, and that’s probably generous.

Special teams…. My god.

I’m getting really tired of coming up inches short against the Dakota’s.

[technoCat]

D gets a B. Looked amazing at times but couple bonehead penalties and too many guys wide open. Two easy tds where no one covered the receiver at all. Also got pushed around quite a bit on rushing plays. But they were amazing if they could get them to 3rd Down. Seriously how often do you hold a team to 1 of 13 and lose.

Offense gets a C. When they got a rhythm going they looked good but 2 fumbles and the horrible blocking for stretches really dragged us down. And I'm so over those 4 yard passes on 2nd and long.

ST got a td so not a total loss but that missed FG hurt.

[onceacat]

Defense…. Outstanding, A+++

Offense…. Too early to say much, but I’m not a fan of the new OC at this point. Giving the offense a solid C, and that’s probably generous.

Special teams…. My god.

I’m getting really tired of coming up inches short against the Dakota’s.

Holding SDSU to 1 of 15 on 3rd & 2.7 ypc is really solid. Probably not a Triple plus, but a solid A

Offense- All the pieces seem to be there...except that apparently the OC didn't get the memo that Tommy graduated last year, we don't have Chambers as a backup, and this Lamson guy looks good, but hes a totally different animal than those other guys. Davis looked great, Jones looked fine, OC looked like it was up against a great defensive front seven...but routes were run short of first downs, no attempts at screens or draws, or even keeping extra blockers in to help. It honestly reminds me of Marshalls last year as DC or Choates first year offense under Messingham...tons of talent, its just that we (as fans) can't understand how so much talent can be completely inept, even against a really good opponent.

Special teams-I think it's only the punt team, right? Punt receiving & kickoffs, kick receiving are all fine. But Punting unit looks worse than the Hawks or the Raptors.

[VimSince03]

Defense is an A-. Showed a lot of good tonight. Need more reps for the secondary to keep gelling.

Offense is a C+. Piss and moan about play calls but I like Julius to get a yard when he's amped up. Game looks totally different if we don't have two lost fumbles and other missed opportunities. We just had 5 yards a carry against that defense but our passing game lacks a down field element right now. If we're going to dink and dunk, might as well toss Chance Wilson out there and run the Tommy offense again so maybe we could house some of these runs. I'm frustrated with this side of the ball right now but three straight weeks of patsies before NAU should heal some cracks. I still am impressed with Lamson but the fumbles can't happen and he can't be our leading carrier and rusher every game if we want to grow as an offense.

Special Teams is a B-. If we didn't block the punt for a score and Colby didn't have two nice pins in the 4th, this would be been an F. Vigen was visibly frustrated in the Post-Game with the punting unit. Can't expect to have a long season if the punt game doesn't improve. However, we aren't really used to seeing punts the past few years so maybe it's time to recalibrate.

Season outlook is still all right there for the taking. Next test is NAU on the road, then probably UC Davis at home. My gut tells me we have 9 wins going into Cat Griz. I think we have all the pieces to make a run but we clearly have to figure out who we are on offense. We have a QB that can clearly operate a lot of concepts but he won't last at his current running clip. OL will keep getting better as the youth keeps playing. We seem to have found some gems on defense and the unit plays really hard. They made a ton of plays tonight. Let's get to 3-2 heading to NAU and see how the team responds these next three weeks against inferior opponents.

[Cataholic]

I really thought our offensive line got pushed around. Specifically the guys on the right side had a tough game.

[VimSince03]

I really thought our offensive line got pushed around. Specifically the guys on the right side had a tough game.

I'm grading it this week so I'll let y'all know what I see!

[91catAlum]

Blocked punt led to SDSUs first TD.
Shanked punt led to their 2nd TD.
Missed a FG in the 1st quarter.
Lost 2 fumbles.

You can't have that many mistakes against a good team, and win. Period.

Defense played well enough to win, at least in regulation.

Offense struggled, especially in the 2nd half when they were shut out AT HOME! Couldn't complete a pass. Couldn't run consistently. Lots of 3 and outs. Time of possession was lopsided. Credit the sdsu defense for some of that, but honestly the offense looked better against Oregon. They've got to figure some things out quickly. Luckily we have 2 inferior opponents the next 2 game to do so.

[grizzh8r]

Blocked punt led to SDSUs first TD.
Shanked punt led to their 2nd TD.
Missed a FG in the 1st quarter.
Lost 2 fumbles.

You can't have that many mistakes against a good team, and win. Period.

Defense played well enough to win, at least in regulation.

Offense struggled, especially in the 2nd half when they were shut out AT HOME! Couldn't complete a pass. Couldn't run consistently. Lots of 3 and outs. Time of possession was lopsided. Credit the sdsu defense for some of that, but honestly the offense looked better against Oregon. They've got to figure some things out quickly. Luckily we have 2 inferior opponents the next 2 game to do so.

That shanked punt only happened because of a false start on the first try attempt (which was a BOMB and would have pinned them back deep inside their own 15).

Overall, just a sloppy, sloppy effort. I've not seen a Vigen coached team have this many miscues in all phases. Over a dozen critical mistakes in this game and yet it somehow got to overtime. Just can't have that many mistakes against elite FCS teams.

[BelligerentBobcat]

I really thought our offensive line got pushed around. Specifically the guys on the right side had a tough game.

I'm grading it this week so I'll let y'all know what I see!

Seems like Carr has really struggled. Surprised they’re not giving Rollins a chance out there.

[nanacat]

Blocked punt led to SDSUs first TD.
Shanked punt led to their 2nd TD.
Missed a FG in the 1st quarter.
Lost 2 fumbles.

You can't have that many mistakes against a good team, and win. Period.

Defense played well enough to win, at least in regulation.

Offense struggled, especially in the 2nd half when they were shut out AT HOME! Couldn't complete a pass. Couldn't run consistently. Lots of 3 and outs. Time of possession was lopsided. Credit the sdsu defense for some of that, but honestly the offense looked better against Oregon. They've got to figure some things out quickly. Luckily we have 2 inferior opponents the next 2 game to do so.

It was an ugly game in many ways. A few bright spots but not enough. But SDSU didn't play clean either having many mistakes themselves. It was apparent to me, and likely everyone else watching, that you have two very good programs who experienced significant losses at the end of last season, both in coaches and players, and they're still figuring things out. If, (when) these two teams meet again they will both be different/better. And the game may be a nail biter again, just not riddled with mistakes. Playing each other preseason will reap dividends for both the Cats and the Jacks. I could see both teams rolling through the rest of the season undefeated, with the NDSU and UM games being the outliers.

[95bcfb]

Blocked punt led to SDSUs first TD.
Shanked punt led to their 2nd TD.
Missed a FG in the 1st quarter.
Lost 2 fumbles.

You can't have that many mistakes against a good team, and win. Period.

Defense played well enough to win, at least in regulation.

Offense struggled, especially in the 2nd half when they were shut out AT HOME! Couldn't complete a pass. Couldn't run consistently. Lots of 3 and outs. Time of possession was lopsided. Credit the sdsu defense for some of that, but honestly the offense looked better against Oregon. They've got to figure some things out quickly. Luckily we have 2 inferior opponents the next 2 game to do so.

It was an ugly game in many ways. A few bright spots but not enough. But SDSU didn't play clean either having many mistakes themselves. It was apparent to me, and likely everyone else watching, that you have two very good programs who experienced significant losses at the end of last season, both in coaches and players, and they're still figuring things out. If, (when) these two teams meet again they will both be different/better. And the game may be a nail biter again, just not riddled with mistakes. Playing each other preseason will reap dividends for both the Cats and the Jacks. I could see both teams rolling through the rest of the season undefeated, with the NDSU and UM games being the outliers.

I agree with this. Last year after playing USD and NDSU I thought that our O-Line and especially our D-line was a step behind the Dakota's. This was apparent again last night except that I think that we have made progress on the D-line and regressed on the O-line. We have really been hurt by the portal the last few years on the Oline. We have a very young Oline and they got exposed last night. I think that they will improve greatly as the season progresses but last night they were not the best O-line in the country as some have stated previously. It is also only the second game for our QB and he is clearly still learning. Our secondary is also young and will improve as the year goes on. I think that we will see one of the Dakota's again in the playoffs so we will see how much progress our young guys make. Unfortunately it will likely be an away game.

[BFcatfan]

I’m giving SDSU’s fans an A+. I have a ton of respect for their fan base and program. I flew out there two years ago and was treated with the upmost respect and generosity. I spoke with a few of them at our hotel before and after the game and they say the same thing about the Cats, so pat yourselves on the back Cat fans. We will see them again towards the end of the season and I truly believe the coaches will clean up the mistake's and miscues.

[gtapp]

Defense B+
Offense C-
O-Line D-
Play Calling D-

[BelligerentBobcat]

Blocked punt led to SDSUs first TD.
Shanked punt led to their 2nd TD.
Missed a FG in the 1st quarter.
Lost 2 fumbles.

You can't have that many mistakes against a good team, and win. Period.

Defense played well enough to win, at least in regulation.

Offense struggled, especially in the 2nd half when they were shut out AT HOME! Couldn't complete a pass. Couldn't run consistently. Lots of 3 and outs. Time of possession was lopsided. Credit the sdsu defense for some of that, but honestly the offense looked better against Oregon. They've got to figure some things out quickly. Luckily we have 2 inferior opponents the next 2 game to do so.

It was an ugly game in many ways. A few bright spots but not enough. But SDSU didn't play clean either having many mistakes themselves. It was apparent to me, and likely everyone else watching, that you have two very good programs who experienced significant losses at the end of last season, both in coaches and players, and they're still figuring things out. If, (when) these two teams meet again they will both be different/better. And the game may be a nail biter again, just not riddled with mistakes. Playing each other preseason will reap dividends for both the Cats and the Jacks. I could see both teams rolling through the rest of the season undefeated, with the NDSU and UM games being the outliers.

I agree with this. Last year after playing USD and NDSU I thought that our O-Line and especially our D-line was a step behind the Dakota's. This was apparent again last night except that I think that we have made progress on the D-line and regressed on the O-line. We have really been hurt by the portal the last few years on the Oline. We have a very young Oline and they got exposed last night. I think that they will improve greatly as the season progresses but last night they were not the best O-line in the country as some have stated previously. It is also only the second game for our QB and he is clearly still learning. Our secondary is also young and will improve as the year goes on. I think that we will see one of the Dakota's again in the playoffs so we will see how much progress our young guys make. Unfortunately it will likely be an away game.

Our DL isn’t behind at all.

[Norsky19]

I really thought our offensive line got pushed around. Specifically the guys on the right side had a tough game.

Exactly. Their D line won the game.

[Norsky19]

Blocked punt led to SDSUs first TD.
Shanked punt led to their 2nd TD.
Missed a FG in the 1st quarter.
Lost 2 fumbles.

You can't have that many mistakes against a good team, and win. Period.

Defense played well enough to win, at least in regulation.

Offense struggled, especially in the 2nd half when they were shut out AT HOME! Couldn't complete a pass. Couldn't run consistently. Lots of 3 and outs. Time of possession was lopsided. Credit the sdsu defense for some of that, but honestly the offense looked better against Oregon. They've got to figure some things out quickly. Luckily we have 2 inferior opponents the next 2 game to do so.

It was an ugly game in many ways. A few bright spots but not enough. But SDSU didn't play clean either having many mistakes themselves. It was apparent to me, and likely everyone else watching, that you have two very good programs who experienced significant losses at the end of last season, both in coaches and players, and they're still figuring things out. If, (when) these two teams meet again they will both be different/better. And the game may be a nail biter again, just not riddled with mistakes. Playing each other preseason will reap dividends for both the Cats and the Jacks. I could see both teams rolling through the rest of the season undefeated, with the NDSU and UM games being the outliers.

I agree with this. Last year after playing USD and NDSU I thought that our O-Line and especially our D-line was a step behind the Dakota's. This was apparent again last night except that I think that we have made progress on the D-line and regressed on the O-line. We have really been hurt by the portal the last few years on the Oline. We have a very young Oline and they got exposed last night. I think that they will improve greatly as the season progresses but last night they were not the best O-line in the country as some have stated previously. It is also only the second game for our QB and he is clearly still learning. Our secondary is also young and will improve as the year goes on. I think that we will see one of the Dakota's again in the playoffs so we will see how much progress our young guys make. Unfortunately it will likely be an away game.

+1

[TomCat88]

A few bad snaps threw plays off. Got a bunch of games coming for Mansel to get fully healed. I think Zimmer has played well enough to keep Titan at guard. That puts Mansel at center and Reed back to guard.

MSU also missed Long last night. The sdsu stud receiver O’Goerke? was making catches that I saw Long make in practices. O’Goerke all but admitted he interfered with McMillan on his OT TD after the game. If McMillan, who protested the no call gets that it’s third and goal from the 17 or so.

Defense is off the charts. Taylor has been a godsend. Meredith is doing well. Williams make a couple great plays. He was smart to take that PI call.

Missed FG early hurt as did much belabored punting by Frokjer nearly atoned for it.

Going to be interesting watching OL these next few weeks in prep for NAU trip.

[84CatGrad]

Two very tough games to start the season (anyone see what Oregon did to power 5 OK St yesterday?) and we all knew 0-2 was possible. What we need now is three straight home games against lower tier opponents to right the ship which is exactly what we have. The worst part of the schedule is over. This team could still run the table from here on out.

[TomCat88]

Two very tough games to start the season (anyone see what Oregon did to power 5 OK St yesterday?) and we all knew 0-2 was possible. What we need now is three straight home games against lower tier opponents to right the ship which is exactly what we have. The worst part of the schedule is over. This team could still run the table from here on out.

MSU will probably need SDSU to keep winning and beat ndsu decisively to get a top 2 seed. Or some crazy upsets. I think SDSU goes to USD. Not sure where the UND vs NDSU game is.

[84CatGrad]

Two very tough games to start the season (anyone see what Oregon did to power 5 OK St yesterday?) and we all knew 0-2 was possible. What we need now is three straight home games against lower tier opponents to right the ship which is exactly what we have. The worst part of the schedule is over. This team could still run the table from here on out.

MSU will probably need SDSU to keep winning and beat ndsu decisively to get a top 2 seed. Or some crazy upsets. I think SDSU goes to USD. Not sure where the UND vs NDSU game is.

NDSU vs. UND is in Grand Forks. NDSU also has to play in Brookings and at Illinois State.