The 3-3-5 is the stack defense which few programs run. Davis runs a base nickel in a 4-2-5 alignment like just about everyone in the country these days. The $ position is an edge that lines up on the ball mostly.

I’m sure you are right but the defense has 3 lineman, 3 linebackers and 5 defensive backs.
I take your word for that not being a 3-3-5.

Excellent article about Big Sky football:

https://www.si.com/college-football/how-big-sky-staying-true-old-school-roots-modern-college-football-world

The $ position is an edge that rushes from the LOS, so 4-2-5.

I understand the point.

But if you have outside and inside linebackers (which Davis so designates) are you saying one of the two is middle and the other is outside? Not seeing how that checks.

Most programs Davis included call the edge a LB but functionally this is a pass rushing DE that usually lines up on the ball. Last year they played base with two LBs, Meyer and Connors. This year sub out Meyer for Rutchena. The game is situational so you match groupings based on the personnel on offense but you usually need 5 dbs on the field and a lot of the mix/match depends on whether your better player/matchup is an athletic third backer or a safety that can play up in the box.

Just signed up for youtube tv, new lawn flag representing the Ags here in Boise- Go Ags! 2025.

https://youtube.com/shorts/5Uamyz0MYfI?si=XvVY9z4wKGj9MDw_

Love it!

Question on away games -- I've never been to an away conference game except for Sac State before, but I'm eyeing destinations like Moscow and Bozeman this year. Does UCD or CAAA typically put together packages in the visitor's section for these out of state Big Sky games like they do for FBS games? Or do folks here typically just try to buy a ticket near the visitor's sideline from the other team?

Generally, the FBS games have organized events
https://ucdavisaggies.evenue.net/events/FBAWAY

In the past, we've just bought GA and found all the Aggies (usually parents/family/friends are easy to find).

Its hit n miss. Sometimes CAA puts on a tailgate and offers a tailgate/game ticket combo. And sometimes they don’t. For example, they always have a gathering and game ticket for Cal games. I’ve attended gatherings and bought the game ticket package for PSU, SLO, and EWU. I’m probably forgetting a few.
The players parents have a FB page that is informative on gatherings and team info such as the team hotel. Its always fun staying at the team hotel - usually a good gathering of Aggie faithfuls in the lounge :).

Moscow should be easy to get tickets for on the general market. Bozeman would be very expensive on the third party market. Montana State usually has a sellout and you are purchasing someone’s ticket with a big market. I had a bad experience with vivid seats (for Montana State in 2022) as they don’t release tickets until the last minute and you may have plunked down a lot of money in hotel and air travel before having tickets in hand. If possible going through USD would be better but I think you would need some sort of status to have those available to you.