Slide was early.

yes, overcompensating to middle on defense.

Letting them get edge.

Ok. please put in Rodrigues-they are starting to pressure qb. Need quick feet.

Ok. Experiment done. Now put in Rodrigues.

Bad pass on first down halted that drive.

what did Rodrigues ever do to Hawkins? Big mistake not to start with Rodrigues especially with the need to run today.

Specials teams, defense, and running game will be at premium given the weather (wind) today.

Wonder if they are going to use Thorpe more in a split out position now with both Harrell and Vaughn out? Those two were physically bigger and Crawford and Hutton are on the small side. I think some tight end action downfield may be important. Maybe Chaz Davis will see more action and step up at wide receiver.

One would like to think that all players would play their best with complete buy-in with whatever QB the staff goes with - a “professional” approach. However they are human beings with emotions and relationships between each other. I obviously do not know how extensive the alleged feelings were, but it is not a good sign if players are not all in with the QB decision. QB is a real leadership position whether the QB has a more rah-rah or more understated style. So next to coaches, I believe QB is most important with respect to player buy-in.

I think the coaches approach was to let MH play and develop and not make another switch unless things went further south - and erred to sticking with him rather than “error” by switching back to quickly. The press conference were very sIlent and even obtuse on the situation “heroes journey” and such. I can understand why press conferences are guarded - hope that teams discussions are well articulated.

Playoff Selection committee included Montana AD. Would be interested in seeing a list of all selection committee members and their position and affiliation. Saw that Robby Hauck made first team Big Sky. I am sure there was no bias/politicking with that. During the press conference Hawkins did not seem too pleased with how the all-conference selection process goes.

Let him and others spout off without wasting time on responses BRAWK!

Hawkins sort of lit up with the question about HR (can’t hear questions on these press conferences - but inferred), commenting on the things he did in the scoring drive and also that he’s practicing well. He alluded to the physical and emotional challenges he has gone through. HR had a not so camouflaged smile on his face while greeting teammates after the score. I think he is probably chomping at the bit for a new chance, and my thought is that he will start.

I think on the road as a big underdog is when the Ags (in general) play best.

I was at the 2019 game in Fargo and 3 plays, in my mind, determined the game. A called back touchdown when Thomas caught a pass 1/2 yard beyond the line of scrimmage (so downfield block penalized), a forced Maier pass that was picked in the end zone on third down from the NDSU 6 (could have at least picked up the field goal), and an easy pick 6 that Devon King dropped when he jumped a route. Of course it’s all candy and nuts….

Relatively balmy. The Ags played in Cheney, WA in their 2018 quarterfinal and I think the high was about 25 F.

Have always liked your head coach “Stig”. Classy guy.

Hunter Rodrigues. I think he is clearly the best option to give the Ags the best chance. He is much quicker than Hastings, not only in scrambling/running but in pass release. He also can do RPO and read option. True he had a poor Idaho State game (although he had a flash in the second half) and threw a pass up for grabs that was intercepted in the Northern Colorado game. I do not know the full story, but the coaches could have said, “no need to try to win the game on your own - ease up on the risky/forced throws and relax, you are our guy”, but now it seems “gee, if I throw a pick, I’ll get benched again”. I guess I am not a big “change the qb guy” and would have not changed in the first place. Maybe they did bring him back to soon as 69 said. I do think TT in the right situation can inject energy, but he is a conditional QB.

I rewatched some of the Tulsa game - HR was masterful. He was also masterful in the Idaho spring game. I have not seen such a game from Miles. As for the others - no chance of throwing in a newbie in a playoff game. I also think some hurry-up offense and play variation would help. It just seems like they are playing with slow pace and predictability in the last few games.

I was going to say that too. More focus and less distraction?

I have to say the past couple weeks and today remind me of the old golfers joke in which a guy quadruple bogeys the last hole in the best round of his life through 17. Then while about to slit his wrists in the locker room, his playing partner says “want to golf tomorrow” to which he eagerly responds “what time!”

Forecast high of 43 and clear skies. Probably better than Cheney.

SDSU it is.

hmm. SDSU has been a bit up and down. Held on to win against a so-so UND team yesterday.