Cal Poly Football starts season against top-ranked North Dakota State

Cal Poly football has one win in its last 13 games. On Saturday, the program will kick off its 100th season on the road against the best team in the FCS, North Dakota State. Kickoff is set for noon at the Fargodome, where the Bison have won 43 of their past 48 games since the 2010 season began. North Dakota State has not lost more than one game at home in any season during that span.

Cal Poly comes into the season with health playing a big role. After missing All-American fullback Joe Protheroe and quarterback Khaleel Jenkins for most of last season, Cal Poly will have both players back on the field in 2018. Protheroe, who rushed for 1,334 yards and 13 touchdowns two seasons ago, looks to be Cal Poly’s featured option while Jenkins will take the reins back after sitting out most of 2017. 

While Cal Poly head coach Tim Walsh isn’t focused on last season, the bad taste of a 1-10 season still lingers for fans. A good showing in Fargo could wash some of that away. 

Give and Take

Cal Poly’s ability to handle the ball and not turn it over is likely to be a deciding factor in whether Cal Poly gives themselves a chance against the top team in their division. Last year, the Mustangs lost 17 fumbles and threw 7 interceptions while only turning their opponents over 15 times total. 

Cal Poly also committed more penalties for more lost yards than their opponents last season. Against the nation’s top team, that’s not an option.

Toughening Up

In a podcast before camp, Walsh alluded to his team needing to be tougher. It’s not sexy, but holding their own in the trenches is especially crucial for a team that rushes the ball as much as the Mustangs. 

Listen to the podcast with Tim Walsh here. 

Naming conventions

North Dakota State has an all-time great collection of names on their roster, led by quarterback Eastman Stick. Their names go as deep as their talent does. Here’s a 24/7 Sports preview of their season from January. And a Hero Sports preview said, “this is the best preseason roster the Bison have had since the 2013 undefeated season.”

IF

If Cal Poly can manage a few decent drives in the first half and hold their own defensively, they will keep themselves in the game. Keys will be to start with some good drives and capitalize on the opportunities they are given, hold onto the football, hold their own on the defensive front seven, and catch a few breaks. If (IF) they can do all those things, they’ll have a chance late in this one. 

Football season is back. Buckle up. 

Here’s a good article about Bradley Mickey from the Santa Maria Times.

Here are some photos from a few practices.

Lucas Clark