Broadous and Company shine in a crisp Cal Poly Spring Game

Saturday afternoon, Cal Poly’s football team held their annual Spring Game. Below are some notes about the game, the team, and post-game comments from Chris Brown, Andre Broadous, and head coach Tim Walsh.

The sun was shining at the Cal Poly Spring Game on Saturday. Photo by Owen Main

* Cal Poly is trying to make game day more fun. Last season, they implemented premium tailgate spots on California right next to the stadium. In the few hours leading up to this year’s spring game, there were bounce houses and food on the lawn to the southeast of the stadium. If there are clear, blue-skied, 70 degree game days like this one, there will be very little excuse for fans not to come enjoy a Saturday afternoon on campus.

* Early-on, the offense had the advantage, taking the “Green” defense 80 yards down the field for a touchdown in 15 plays.

* While they run the ball a lot, Cal Poly doesn’t waste any time. Last season, the Mustangs’ offense lined up quickly after each play and within about 10-15 seconds, got the next play off. While Poly has been a traditionally running team, their fast-paced tempo seemed as fast as I’ve ever seen it.

* Special teams included players from both the offense and defense, which made things interesting. One coach had a sack of yellow helmet-covers, that he had to distribute and collect before and after each kickoff and punt. It was especially fun to watch the players try to throw them against the wind.

* The “first half” was marked by sloppy play. There were at least 5-7 offsides or false start penalties early-on. The “second half” of the game was much cleaner.

* After the initial great drive, the offense was stopped at least 4 straight times. There were some different offensive players in the game including quarterbacks Chris Brown (freshman) and Vince Moraga (junior). As a backup, Brown seemed more in-control, using his size and scrambling ability to make positive yardage on broken-down plays. Brown also seemed a little better in the passing game.

* Once the defense found their legs and physicality, there were some nice plays made. The Mustangs linebackers look good once again this season.

* On the final play of the “first half,” Mustang soccer player Stephen Pyle drilled a 27-yard field goal. Pyle is one of two walk-ons trying to earn a kicking spot on next year’s team.

I was serious when I said it was a REALLY nice day on Saturday. Attendance was estimated at somewhere between 600-1000 fans.

* Kickoffs next season will be from the 35 yard-line, which contributed to every kickoff in the spring game being a touchback.

* Moraga looked better in the second half. The junior led a 75-yard touchdown drive and looked much more confident and comfortable than the first half.

* The Cal Poly defensive line will be an interesting study next year. The Mustangs front 7 are always physical, but it should be interesting to see how much they can occupy the line and free up what will probably be a strong linebacking corps.

* The scoring system here at the spring game is odd. According to the program, the offense received one point for a first down, two points for plays 25 yards and longer, plus the usual scoring when they get a touchdown, field goal, or extra point. The defense received one point for holding the offense to no points on a drive, three points for a “3-and-out,” six points for forcing a turnover, and 12 or 13 points for a defensive touchdown.

* Walk-on kickers Marco Tavecchio and Mustang soccer player Stephen Pyle had an interesting competition at the end of the game. Both lined up and traded off kicking 47-yard field goals. Most of them missed, and even after Pyle made two in a row, both kickers continued to get some additional practice.

* The pre-game festivities required a food donation for the Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo. People brought cans of food, but the Food Bank Coalition also accepts monetary donation. For every $1 that is donated, the Food Bank Coalition can provide 7 meals to people in-need.

* My first spring game was a good time. Not only did some fans get a glimpse of what next year will be like, but they also get a look at what matters for the coach. While it is a game simulation, fans get to see actual coaching going on during the game. This was apparent during the kicker competition at the end when the two kickers kicked about 10 attempts at each end of the field.

* At the end of the day, news came of former Mustangs cornerback Asa Jackson, who was drafted at the end of the fifth round by the Baltimore Ravens. An Football Championship Subdivision coach being able to talk about having at least three players in the NFL has to help future recruiting, right?

Post-game comments are below. The wind was blowing and so the audio isn’t great, but hope you can enjoy it. Redshirt freshman Chris Brown goes first and discusses his role this year, his comfort level, and the support he’s received from Broadous this Spring. Andre Broadous can be heard next discussing his one drive (80 yards, 15 plays, TD) and the tempo the Mustangs are trying to increase. Finally, Coach Tim Walsh talks about the players he was happy with, the physical linebacking corps, and expresses his pleasure with his team coming out of Spring football generally healthy.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | RSS