Amateur here, but on 2nd and 2, why not have Gbatu run a fly pattern, and chuck it 5 yards past him, just to keep them honest. Opposing announcers made a similiar point - stretch the field.

NCAA FCS Statistics

Fewest Penalties per Game
UCD - #6

Total Defense
UCD - #31

Total Offense
UCD - #45

Turnover Margin
UCD - #76 (tied w 6 others)

3rd Down Conversion Pct - Offense
UCD - #56 (.388)

3rd Down Conversion Pct - Defense
UCD - #42 (.365)

Kickoff Returns
UCD - #83

Punt Returns
UCD - #67

Maier becomes a new Dad.

https://calgarysun.com/sports/football/cfl/calgary-stampeders/new-dad-jake-maier-out-to-make-daughter-proud-with-pivotal-cfl-win-in-b-c

Jake Maier throws two touchdown passes in a dominant win at B.C.

https://www.bgmsportstrax.com/2023/10/21/jake-maier-throws-two-touchdown-passes-in-a-dominant-win-at-b-c/

Nice feature, but they omit his injury and status.

Even with our issues, we could easily be 5-2. Is it lack of top notch skill players (WRs?), or O-line issues?

FTR, who is the starting lineman being ignored?

Don't forget, TT was banged up, too.

Hopefully not 20 carries by LL.

Looking like a great class! Five *** commits, including a 6'3" QB w wheels!?

Fewest Penalties
UCD - #13

Kickoff Returns
UCD - #84

Passes Had Intercepted
UCD - #69

Passing Yds Per Completion

Montana St - #2 - 15.73
Cal Poly - #67 - 11.28
Portland St - #100 - 10.35
UCD - #110 - 9.55

Turnover Margin
UCD - #75

There was also a big turnover in the receiving crew compared to last year. Gilliam (graduated), Castles (transfer), Larison (hurt), Poerio (unknown), Tompkins & Perez (hurt). Stud TE Blake Thorpe only had 7 catches last year, so unfair to pin this all on MH or CH.

523 passing yards. I think we are missing some key recruits. We lived on Vaughn / Harrell and Maier for 3 years, then UG. Too one dimensional with UG, who was terrific. Now it's LL.

It's all intertwined. Starting at your 10 instead of the 30 is huge.

A few stats to consider, more available at the NCAA site.

NCAA FCS Statistics

Scoring Offense
Montana St #1 45.5
Sac St. #33 30.2
UC Davis #60 24.7 ***

Scoring Defense
Montana St. #10 16.83
Sac St. #26 22.0
UCD #48 24.71 ***

3rd Down Conversion Pct
Portland St #6
Sac St #7
UCD #54 .388 ***

Punt Returns
UCD #65 ***

Yards per Pass Attempt
Kaden Bennett #15 8.54
Miles Hastings #85 6.02 ***

https://www.ncaa.com/stats/football/fcs/current/individual/908

Big win for Idaho State.

Assistant Coach Evan Hicks coaches safeties (and special teams) and has a background as a DB at Sacramento JC. No note of any background coaching special teams.

Good to see new WRs in the mix. Looks like RB Fisher won't play (redshirt?).

Poor field position 2x now.

Amazing Stanford TD grab.

https://x.com/SportsCenter/status/1713073278724530195?s=20

Yup. We're not at practice, but I'd sure want to get a talent like this untracked.

Lance Babbs
Year Catches Yards Average Longest
2023 .... 4 ...... 74 ..... 18.5 ...... 65
2022 .. 10 ....... 95 ...... 9.5 ...... 22
2019 .. 46 ....563 ...... 12.2 ...... 69

Colorado was up 29-0 on Stanford, at home, at the half tonight.

The Cardinal wins in 2 OTs, 46-43. Biggest Stanford comeback ever. Stanford WR w 294 yards. The 2nd half is worth watching.

Maybe the new OC hasn't seen his highlights from 3 years ago. Good to see Gbatu join the fun.

Is our O line banged up?