The 56th Annual Causeway Classic was a doozie - Sac State trailed by almost the entire game, but seemed to hang with UCDavis throughout. The Hornets snuck in the final score to give them the second straight Causeway Classic win.
Not! The Hornets had one of the best quarters this season with their play in quarter 1, only to play arguably their worst quarter in the 2nd. Great turnaround in the third to control the ball for 11 minutes and only 10 yards in penalties for the game. A tribute to their mental toughness and discipline. A great win, on so many levels.
Despite EWU win over UNC last Saturday, the Eagle staff and players are less than thrilled with their performance. Too many penalties, allowed sacks, and the kicking game kept UNC in the game, despite their four turnovers.
Despite the win, there were troubling aspects of the game - like holding on to the football and not letting the offense stall - that should cause concern as the next stretch of games include Weber State, Montana, and NAU.
THE GOOD
A win that redeemed last year's OT loss at ISU.
2-1 in Big Sky Conference
227 yards rushing, led by Terrance Dailey's 178 yards and Sam McCowan's 52 yards.
2 TDs scored by defense; Durrell Oliver (37 yards) and Marquese Smith's (83 yards) interception returns.
0 interceptions thrown by Smith
Close to 10k in attendance
THE BAD
WR Brandyn Reed's 3 dropped passes
8 penalties for 70 yards
Hornet's 22.35 minutes of possession to ISU's 37.25 minutes
THE UGLY
3 fumbles by the running back corps
Dailey's temper tantrum that saw him sit out the rest of the game
What will a win do for a Hornet fan? I feel thinner, smarter (well, that really isn't possible), happier, and content. And, I didn't even stay in a Holiday Inn Express.
Another Big Sky referee defining moment. The ref was almost close enough to be humping the EWU tight-end's leg, but wouldn't pull the hankie out of his pants. Must have been enjoying the scene in front of him and it was too hard for him call the penalty.
As you know, I often criticize the Sac Bee for what I perceive to be a lack of serious coverage. So, it is nice to see an article this morning despite the Hornets being in a bye week.
Hornets goals still the same Deionte Gordon's injury looks less severe than originally thought, and he should be ready for EWU.
Mora, Knapp return to their 'special place' Former Sac State quarterback and Hornet assistant coach is back in the Bay Area this weekend as the Seattle Seahawks' offensive coordinator.
The Game #1 Preview notes that the Sac State has new Nike uniforms they will debut at UNLV, with green jerseys at home and white on the road. The new feature that I have long been partial too is excluding the players' names on the back. Omitting the names hearkens focus on team, not individuals. Think Penn State or USC. But then, to quote a Bud Light commercial, "there ain't no we either."
I just returned from Fred Anderson Field of Hornet Stadium within the Alex Spanos Sports Complex and had a few observations from today's Sac State football scrimmage. It was a beautiful morning, with temperatures in the mid-eighties thanks to a frequent gentle breeze. The Hornets began their warm-ups promptly at 10:00 with music pumped out of the athletic facility that drifted across the field. At 10:45 am, offense lined up against defense for kick-off.
The starting quarterback was no surprise as #11 Jason Smith took the field. He and another quarterback were the only two to wear red jerseys with no numbers. As best as I could tell, the other was #14 John Loeliger, now a senior who had transferred last year from Diablo Valley College. Besides playing safety last year, he did briefly play quarterback in the Northern Arizona game. If I recall correctly, Coach Sperbeck was pleased with Loeinger's performance in Spring ball. The other two quarterbacks who took reps was UCLA transfer #9 McLeod Bethel-Thompson, now a senior and #19 Dominic Carmazzi, the freshman out of Jesuit High and kid brother of former San Francisco 49er and Div. I-AA All-American out of Hofstra University, Gio Carmazzi.
The running back situation held the most intrigue, especially after yesterday's Sac Bee's article. Evander Wilkins, #2, started the scrimmage but did little to impress in the initial plays. He would shine later though in the 2 minute drill that included an excellent run after the catch plus some hard running between the tackles.
After yesterday's hype about freshman #24 Sam McCown and his break away runs in recent scrimmages, the 5' 7" running back seemed today to get easily swallowed up and only had small gains to show for his efforts.
If anyone really impressed today, it had to be #30 Terrance Dailey the recent transfer out of University of Washington. Though he started third in the pecking order in today's scrimmage, he made the most of his opportunities. With the offense rather anemic through the first sequences of plays, Dailey began to move the ball with strong and shifty runs for nice gains of 10 plus yards. It appeared as if the coaches left him in there until the defense figured out how to stop him. He also had an impressive run after the catch. Dailey could be the answer to replace Brian Hilliard with the hard running needed between the tackles.
I did not see #8 Jake Croxdale carry the ball.
At wide-receiver, #17 John Hendershott must of have made a good impression on the coaches. The Diablo Valley College transfer displayed steady hands with some good catches and running.
In the two-minute drill, the wide-receivers were easy to remember as they lined up wide left; #15 Ronald Richardson (jr.), #16 Matt Larson, juco transfer from Santa Rosa, and #17 Hendershott.
Noticeably absent today was #81 Chase Deadder. Now a sophomore, Chase made some huge catches against that "school across the causeway" and looks to be a key receiver this year. Maybe I missed him. I don't know. Now that I think about it, no Dylan Lane #87 either.
Hit of the day:
I believe it was sophomore and defensive back #25 Deionte Gordon flattening out #16 Matt Larson.
Kicking/punting game:
If you were to throw at me the numbers 6' 3" and 260 lbs, I would would most likely ask if he played offensive or defensive line. Wrong. Meet true freshman Connor Derby; the kicker. Out of Casa Grande HS, Petulama, Derby, #68 looks like a defensive end but who can t-off on the ball.
Inside Arco Arena
We get an insider-pass at Arco Arena and find some parts of the
place few ever even knew existed.
Second
Saturday & The Citizen
Midtown's "Mardi Gras 12 times a year" and Downtown's plush new
digs at the Citizen Hotel promise for a fun night on the town.
Twitterific
All you Twitter tweeps out there, we're on board this crazy
ride. Follow us until another social media app distracts us.
We Need a Few
Good Bloggers!
Interested in blogging for MySacramento? As long as it's
somewhat Sacramento related, we're looking for writers!
Dorm Survival at Sac State
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few tips from some seasoned veterans - from rooms to food to
partying (and not getting caught), we'll give you the 411.
10 Things to Pack for
College
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things you can't forget when getting ready for that first year
of college.
Sacramento Forums
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or just lurk until you find something worth saying.
Sacramento Bars & Restaurants
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Sac State Survival
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is life at Sacramento State.
Sacramento Scene
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