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.

1. We don't deserve to go to the playoffs.

My emotional reaction is I agree, but hope they do get in. I am glad they were not shut out. A goose egg really sticks out.

2. Cody Hawkins should not be offensive coordinator.

The last couple of games it’s seems they were insistent on doing things that don’t work.

3. I know he's a freshman, but Hastings just doesn't seem like the guy to me. You can't lead 1 TD drive over the course of 2 very important games and expect to win. I don't know if Rodrigues or TT are the answer either.

I am sure he is a good student and fine young man, so I don’t want to “throw shade” on student-athletes, but MH is the least mobile of all big Sky QBs save for the SUU guy. I don’t think he is “the guy” either. When you can’t run/scramble, the defense doesn’t have to worry about that possibility. TT is not the answer at QB, although a great athlete that needs to be used, because he cannot pass downfield - and the defense knows that. At this point it is obvious to me that HR is the best choice because he is mobile and can pass. Who knows what will eventuate at QB next year, but if the Ags get into the playoffs and HR doesn’t start, I simply do not know what the reasoning is.

4. Defense allowed close to 1100 yards of offense over the last 2 games.

Defense did not hold up, but with so many 3 and outs or short drives it becomes a continuous onslaught with good offenses like the past two weeks.

Sac has the potential to go all the way.

Yes HR finally! If we go to playoffs - go with him.

What kind of tackling was that? Sums up game.

27 points given up (so far) against Sac State not terrible, but offense is terrible. Of course if Sac pressed, they would have put foot back on the pedal. They also were without their best receiver.

Looks like he tried to adjust to throw and got his foot stuck in the turf.

Scott Barry is right on. Sac only needs to defend the first 10 yards from line of scrimmage.