Aside from the reporter repeating the error that the Ags play Washington State this year, this is a worthwhile article. Doesn’t mention names aside from David Porotesano (6-foot-3, 280-pounds), Henry Fanua (6’6, 340) and Davis local AJ Hasson (6’3 and 290).

“We have to be physical on both sides of the ball,” Plough said. “I think we are way more physical up front than a year ago.”

https://www.davisenterprise.com/sports/aggies-add-depth-on-both-lines/article_59149052-9c20-4dbc-8bd9-26e2dcef75b2.html

I was talking to someone connected to the program and his impression is that we are much bigger on both lines. Not just weight-wise, but just big, athletic guys. I'm going tomorrow so I'll get a first-hand look.

Sac is grossly underestimated, but can you imagine how their fans and financial backers will react if they do finish fifth in the conference?

All very true, but those factors apply to teams ranked above them also.

Take Idaho:
New head coach, offensive and defensive coordinators. Head coaches prior head job was at Simon Frasier where they won 2 games in 2 years. Lost 20+ transfers to the FBS, replaced with 10 who played less significant roles, so your Triple A analogy applies there.

Montana, Idaho, and Davis all return just a couple of starters on defense.
Every team above them has a new QB.
Every team is rebuilding so Sacs roster makeover isn’t the disadvantage one would normally assume.
Sac does have some returning players, and they bring in enough so they aren’t dependent on any one guy not being a nut case.

Did Plough just get out of the shower, or does he need one?

We don't have media handlers for TV interviews?

He's a good interview. Represents the University and football program well.

Very possible he was fresh out of the car off the practice field!

I like the focus on (and I hope Plough is correct in his assessment of) the O&D lines for this year. I think that has been one of the impediments in the goal of getting into the top echelon come playoff time. Depth will be important.

Sorry I'm jumping in so late. Anyone else note that the Ags are ranked second in the Big Sky preseason coaches poll and third by the media?
https://bigskyconf.com/news/2025/7/15/football-montana-state-tabbed-2025-bigskyfb-favorites.aspx

STATS Perform Preseason FCS Poll:




https://fbschedules.com/2025-preseason-stats-perform-fcs-top-25-poll-released/

Sac's president, Dr. Luke Wood, had this to say about the STATS Perform Preseason Poll:

He probably thinks that about the FBS poll as well....

There is no doubt the talent is high. He needs to chill until he finds out whether his new HC is indeed HC material.

When Davis was D2, the Ags owned the head-to-head by a wide margin vs. DI-AA Sac. Size and speed isn't everything

I believe Davis was 10-2 during the D2 vs. D1 matchup period. (1992-2003?)

Teams ahead of Sac with new head coaches in the top 15
South Dakota State
South Dakota
Idaho
Only Idaho’s has been a head coach before and that was for Simon Frasier where he won 2 games in 2 years, which was an improvement for them.

There are teams ranked ahead of Sac with new head coaches, but all those teams won playoff games last year (SDSU 2 games, USD 2 games, Idaho 1 game), while Sac went 3-9.

I personally believe Sac is underrated because of all the new talent, but I understand the pollsters not having them higher.

It will be interesting to see how the Hawkins clan performs.

I understand the methodology that these ratings are based on last years team, returning starters etc.
It would be different if the FCS teams like Idaho, the Dakotas and Montanas, et al. weren’t pillaged in the offseason. The triple factor of expiration of the covid year which meant large classes of senior starters graduating, player mobility between team, and FBS teams waving NIL money for contributors means many ranked teams are rebuilding and facing most the challenges people doubt Sac can overcome. I don’t think Sac should be number 1 but somewhere in the top 10.

I could see them at preseason #10.

Did you make that trip to Davis last week and see anything worth noting?

I was up there yesterday with AgAlum. Both lines are big and deep. The QB decision is going to be a tough one. Looks like Harper has been having a great camp. He's the safe choice....but... Pinnack has the higher ceiling that could lead to greater results.

I always walk away from practices with so much appreciation for the level of detail. We sat in on the team meeting where they dissected the weekend scrimmage. Very interesting level of coaching on tackling/blocking and playing 'winning football'. The practices are so well-planned out. Not a minute of wasted time out there, just two hours of teaching, hustling and hitting.

Sac Bee writers article, link to Fairfield paper:
What can UC Davis do to build on 2024's incredible success

“This is the best we’ve been on the offensive line,” Plough said

But a theme of the article is the continuity of the Davis program for 50+ years,
“The cool part for me,” Plough said after a recent practice, “is that Coach Sochor used to tell me that he felt like I was the perfect guy to be a bridge to this generation. I have relationships and I have knowledge of what was, and it’s important that I educate players and make them a part of what we do here and to continue the things that we’ve done for a long time.”

They couldn't give them room to spread out and reduce background noise?

Now that camp has reached the time to install game plan for Mercer, they must have settled on a QB if Plough is to meet his objective of having a clear #1. He probably has.

If a tree falls in the forest and no one is listening does it make a sound?.

they had a 3-hour scrimmage on Friday and I’m sure that shed light on the decision. Anyone here brave the heat to watch?

I’m heading to practice now. Will post videos / photos on our social (instagram mostly).

Trying to get Jacob Psyk and Paul Shelton post practice

https://aggiepridepodcast.com/merchandise/

Ps our website and hats are live!

If you’re a subscriber dm me for discount code

Website looks great!