OK, it’s been a few days now. A 3-month odyssey of a season came to an end on Saturday in an odd second-round 18-16 playoff loss to Sam Houston State. The game was weird. Both teams played great defense. Both offenses blew opportunities to seize the game.

I’ve written a “what we learned” post after many of the games this season. So here’s a “what we learned” based on both Saturday’s playoff loss and the season in general. Here is What we learned:

Cal Poly quarterback Andre Broadous will go down as the standard for future Tim Walsh triple option quarterbacks at Cal Poly to have to live up to. By Owen Main

Andre Broadous set a standard –

Cal Poly came into this season with high hopes. Seniors at key positions and overflowing talent at many positions gave Mustangs fans high hopes. Many of these hopes were lain squarely on the shoulders of the senior quarterback.

Broadous did not disappoint. Managing to stay healthy throughout the season, Broadous racked up 648 yards and nine touchdowns as the team’s third-leading rusher. As the leader of Tim Walsh’s triple option, Broadous made precise decisions with honed precision. Broadous’ offense was prolific, averaging 36.7 points and 324 yards rushing per game. It was everything Cal Poly fans could have asked for. Especially when the Mustangs won.

In losses, fumbles by Broadous turned out costly. Broadous lost fumbles in each of Cal Poly’s three losses, including a key fumble early in the playoff game on Saturday. Coach Tim Walsh would argue that there were a hundred plays that Cal Poly could have made a bigger difference on. But Broadous (and the team’s) ability to hold onto the ball was a huge indicator of success. Multiple turnovers for a triple option team are not easily overcome.

All that being said, Broadous was a stud. He will go down as one of three quarterbacks who took a Cal Poly team to the FCS playoffs. Even fans who were down on the triple option began to be turned by Broadous and company’s dominance. Broadous’ impact on Cal Poly football is that he is the triple option quarterback future Tim Walsh quarterbacks at Cal Poly will be judged against.

Led by Sullivan Grosz (94), Cal Poly’s defense proved it could match-up with anyone in the country. By Owen Main

Tim Walsh can coach some defense —

In the shadow of Rich Ellerson’s defense that saw three consecutive Buck Buchanan award winners, Tim Walsh’s defense had their struggles this season. Starting with a change with the secondary coach and ending with both starting safeties being injured for the playoff game, it seemed like the defense just couldn’t get a break.

But with two weeks to prepare, Walsh and his staff can coach up a defense to dominate. Sam Houston State scored over 50 points in nearly half their games this season, and Cal Poly gave up only 18 points, one touchdown, and 241 yards of total offense. One SHSU fan commented that “Y’all’s defense is straight up legit.” I couldn’t agree more. This team finally figured out some things defensively by the end, which is encouraging for next year. Kennith Jackson and Nico Molino will be missed by the defense. But with players like linebacker Nick Dzubnar (107 tackles this season) and defensive tackle Sullivan Grosz (5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries), Cal Poly’s defense is set-up to be better next year.

Sometimes it seemed as though Deonte Williams was the only player on the field. By Owen Main

We were lucky to have Deonte Williams —

Even if Deonte really shined mostly during one season at Cal Poly, Mustang fans are lucky to have had him here. Williams racked-up the second-most yards ever in a single season at Cal Poly (1,506) and was the type of athlete the football team gets its hands on maybe every 3rd or 4th year.

Williams’ talent is a major reason why Cal Poly made it to the playoffs this season. At the same time, Mustang fans have to be nervous, too. Offensive playmakers like Kristaan Ivory, Cole Stanford, Willie Tucker, and Akineyene Umoh will all be back next season, but without the force that Williams was this season, it remains to be seen how Walsh will manage to fill a 1,500-plus yard void at tailback and break-in a new quarterback simultaneously next year.

____________________________

Next year. It always sounds so promising, especially when fans of Cal Poly didn’t think they were far away from winning a playoff road game and going to the Elite 8 of FCS football.

For now, Cal Poly fans will be stuck reminiscing about what “might have been.” A final examination of this year’s Cal Poly team has to be positive. A share of the Big Sky Conference Championship. A playoff appearance. Record-setting performances.

After starting his Cal Poly career 4-7 four years ago, Tim Walsh has re-raised the bar in his fourth season. Great programs are built on one season like this turning into another and another. Time is the untamed mistress of college football programs. Runs of three, four, or five years can become legendary. A single successful season is something that happens more commonly. Teams can take years to get back into the playoffs. We will have answers to all of our questions, with time.

Next year.

Tom Barket joined the Fansmanship.com Podcast this week.

On this week’s Fansmanship.com podcast, I interviewed two people who cover Cal Poly Athletics. First, I sat with Tom Barket before the Mustangs’ men’s basketball team lost to Fresno State Monday night 76-67. Barket talked about his local roots, when he knew he wanted to do sports radio, and life on the road as the voice of the Mustangs.

In the second segment, I talked to Katie Ryan. Ryan is the founder and author of the Line of Scrimmage, billed as “The Official Cal Poly Football Blog.” Ryan talked about her roots growing up around college sports, especially football in southern California. Ryan is often up and watching the team during their early-morning practices and even has class with some of the players, so her viewpoint on the team is certainly a unique one.

** One thing I want to clear up: During Ryan’s segment, I said that Sam Houston State hadn’t been out of the state for an away game. I was wrong. I don’t know where I read that, but I was mistaken. They’ve played road games at Northwest State (Natchedochez, Louisiana), at Central Arkansas (Conway, AR), Nicholls State (Thibodaux, LA).

The total driving mileage for out-of-state games is 934 miles one-way (I think…). The drive from Cal Poly to Grand Forks, North Dakota alone is more than double that at 1,994 miles (according to Google Maps). Not that Cal Poly drove to North Dakota, but I’m making a point.

That doesn’t include trips to Laramie, WY, Odgen, UT (Weber State), Cheney, WA (Eastern Washington) or Flagstaff, AZ (Northern Arizona). Five of Cal Poly’s away games were in different time zones and the distance traveled for each of them is greater than Sam Houston State’s longest road trip — 407 miles to Central Arkansas.  I think the point that Cal Poly is pretty road-tested is a fair one.

OK, now that you’ve read that, listen to the podcast.

Katie Ryan is the founder of The Line of Scrimmage Blog.

OK. So I’m going to make this post short and to the point, then give you a few more pictures from last week’s game.

Quarterback Andre Broadous and his decision-making ability will have a lot to do with whether the Mustangs earn an FCS playoff bid this weekend. By David Livingston

If the Mustangs win today, they’re in. If they lose, it’s possible, but not assured.

To win, they have to:

* Not stall drives early — Cal Poly’s defense does better at being opportunistic when it’s rested, so keep them off the field. Especially at elevation, it’s important for the Mustangs’ offense to control the ball and put Northern Arizona on its heels early.

* Win the turnover game. This goes without saying, in every game, but it’s especially true for a Mustangs team that lost two fumbles each at Sacramento State and Eastern Washington. If the Mustangs lose more than one fumble today, it will be really hard for them to win.

* Win the first quarter. While momentum seems to matter less at Spanos, it seems to matter a great deal to the Mustangs when they play on the road. They had the momentum at Wyoming from the outset and held on to win. Momentum-wise, this game will need to be similar.

* Need more Umoh. Cal Poly will need to establish inside runs early to set-up counter plays and pitches. If they get too cute with outside tosses early-on, Northern Arizona could seize the momentum from the outset by shutting off the edge.

* Deonte. However they do it, the Mustangs will have to continue riding Deonte Williams to the playoffs. Williams, a former Norther Arizona Lumberjack, has been their go-to guy all year and will need to remain a workhorse for Cal Poly.

* Big Plays? If Cal Poly hits big plays in the passing game, this one could be not as close as the experts think. Whether they go for those big plays has a lot to do with Andre Broadous’ decision-making and the amount of respect Northern Arizona gives to receivers like Cole Stanford and Willie Tucker.

Photos by David Livingston

[scrollGallery id=60]

Cal Poly’s final home game in their first season in the Big Sky Conference went about like many thought it would. After consecutive road losses, re-establishing some sense of normalcy and offensive rhythm was a welcomed change for the Mustangs. They have one more game next week. Win and get into the playoffs. Lose and go home. Let’s talk about a few noteable things from the Idaho State game.

Kennith Jackson grabs one of his two first-quarter interceptions in Cal Poly’s 56-point win vs. Idaho State.

Umoh looks healthy and is getting reps.

The middle portion of Cal Poly’s season saw them going farther and farther away from the Jake Romanelli fullback dive as the bread and butter of the offense. With Akaninyene Umoh injured in the middle of the year, the Mustangs began to use pitches to Deonte Williams and Cole Stanford as the primary play with the fullback dive as the change-up play.

On Saturday night, Cal Poly got back to basics. Umoh seemed healthy again and the running was primarily inside the tackles. The junior fullback racked-up 13 carries for 79 yards and a touchdown. If Cal Poly is going to beat Northern Arizona next week, Umoh will have to have a similarly productive performance.

Is the offensive line improving?

With several offensive line injuries mid-year, Cal Poly’s offensive rhythm was upset. The Mustangs still scored points against Sacramento State, but things weren’t the same as they had been. Eastern Washington, a very high-quality opponent gave the offensive line all they could handle, holding the high-powered triple option offense to a season-low 17 points.

Idaho State is just what the doctor ordered for Andre Broadous and company. Cal Poly racked up 650 yards of total offense, including over 500 yards rushing. Deonte Williams, whose 9th 100-yard game of the season was a Cal Poly single season record (James Noble had 8), led the rushing attack with 125 yards and 3 touchdowns. For a team with a banged-up offensive line looking for some rhythm, I think it’s safe to say they found it.

Cal Poly’s big play defense has been a key in two of their big road wins at Wyoming and North Dakota this season. By Owen Main

Andre Broadous seems healthy and relaxed.

One thing I’ve talked about this year is senior quarterback Andre Broadous’ workload. When things go well for the Mustangs, a Broadous keeper is a nice change-of-pace and can surprise the defense. When Cal Poly is struggling to find rhythm, Broadous is depended on to get tough yards and can sometimes get beat up. As happened in Sacramento, this can sometimes lead to uncharacteristic mistakes.

Going into the last game of the year, Broadous looks healthy, rested and relaxed. If the Mustangs are going to give themselves a chance against Northern Arizona, they need a healthy, sharp, and confident Broadous. He looked all those things against Idaho State.

Kennith Jackson and the defense. Re-energized?

While Idaho State isn’t exactly a juggernaut, Kennith Jackson showed that Cal Poly’s defense still has some fight left. Reminiscent of big-play turnovers earlier in the year, Jackson intercepted passes on consecutive Idaho State possessions to start the game. The Mustangs’ offense scored on both ensuing drives, the game never actually in doubt.

Jackson being in on plays and the ability of the defense to make big plays is, in my opinion, a bellweather for Cal Poly this year in big games.

Photos by Owen Main

[scrollGallery id=58]

Kennith Jackson (#9) and the Mustangs’ defense will have to bounce back this week, especially against the pass, if the Mustangs are to challenge the Eagles in “The Inferno”

The Mustangs had a golden opportunity.

A win at Sacramento State last week would have given Cal Poly an 8-0 record to start the season and all but assured them of a playoff birth. With three games left — one of which is against 1-7 Idaho State — the Mustangs are instead faced with outcomes ranging from winning out and snatching a shot at the Big Sky title, or losing two of their last three games and putting their playoff hopes in serious jeopardy.

It goes without saying that Tim Walsh’s team has a lot riding on the next 15 days.

First thing’s first

On Saturday, Cal Poly will go on the road for the second consecutive week and face Big Sky opponent Eastern Washington in a non-conference matchup that could help decide the playoff fates of both teams. After losing a tough game and not looking particularly sharp in Sacramento last week, the Mustangs face what might be their toughest test of the season. Eastern Washington won the National Championship only two seasons ago and is tied with Cal Poly for second place in the Big Sky at 5-1 in conference. Despite their two-loss record, Eastern Washington is still ranked ahead of one-loss Cal Poly. The teams are ranked 8th and 16th respectively.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeNmrBybXUU

Matching-up against a Big Sky opponent in a non-conference game may not be the most odd thing about Saturday’s contest. Eastern Washington plays on a red-colored artificial field, shown in the video above. It also looks like they wear red uniforms. Boise State, who plays on a blue field, was banned in 2011 from wearing all-blue uniforms by the Mountain West Conference. The conference cited a competitive advantage. Earlier this season, Cal Poly was banned from wearing white uniforms that featured hard-to-read gold numbers by the Big Sky Conference.

Red uniforms are the least of Cal Poly’s concerns though. Tim Walsh said he thought the Eagles’ three top wide receivers would “play at the next level” and the Eagles’ offense is a juggernaut. Last season, Eastern Washington beat Cal Poly 53-51 in triple overtime at Alex G. Spanos Stadium.

To beat Eastern Washington, Cal Poly will have to match sharpness they harnessed at the beginning of the Wyoming game and the end of the North Dakota game, both won by the Mustangs. Last week, Cal Poly lost two fumbles in key situations and incurred 95 penalty yards. If they think they’re going to beat Eastern Washington, they have to have less than half that number.

Lots of Possibilities

While Idaho State makes a four-game losing streak to end the season unlikely, the Mustangs still have a wide range of possibilities to end their season. Eastern Washington and Northern Arizona, who the Mustangs visit for their last game of the season, are both ranked ahead of the Mustangs in the Big Sky this season. Losses to both teams on the road could put the Cal Poly outside of the FCS playoff picture.

If they split the Eastern Washington and Northern Arizona matchups, Cal Poly would end the season with two losses, possibly still tie for the top record in conference, and, most likely, still make the playoffs. Eastern Washington’s 2010 title season included a pair of losses.

Bouncing back from the Sacramento State loss with three straight wins is the best-case scenario for Mustang fans. It would boost Cal Poly into a seeded position, a probable Big Sky Conference title, and some momentum going into the playoffs.

Gameday

Eastern Washington Football

Cal Poly Football

Cal Poly Radio Feed

Big Sky TV

Cal Poly running back Deonte Williams (#10) and quarterback Andre Broadous have led Cal Poly to a fast start. Now, the Mustangs face the most difficult part of their schedule. Photo by Owen Main

Starting today, the Mustangs have to play the toughest stretch of their schedule, going on the road for 3 of the final four games, including visiting top-ranked Eastern Washington in a rare non-conference game versus a Big Sky opponent.

The Good

Cal Poly’s triple option, ball-control offense has proven effective at moving the ball, especially in the second half. They have had more big plays than last season and have survived nagging injuries to two of their running backs. Quarterback Andre Broadous is a senior and has played like one. He has used timely long passes and the knowledge of the offense fans would expect from a senior to establish himself as an extension of Coach Tim Walsh n the field. Walsh depends on Broadous to help make in-game adjustments and to find weaknesses in opposing defenses throughout any game.

While he is currently in second place all-time in rushing touchdowns, Broadous hasn’t had to run the ball himself for much of the first half of the season — a fact Walsh should be thankful for. Last season, Broadous punched it in himself 18 times and going into Saturday’s game, he is 8 scores away from James Noble’s all-time career rushing touchdown record of 35. Walsh has to be happy that he has not had to wear-down Broadous. When Cal Poly is in a tough spot, the ball gets put in Broadous’ hands. Look for the senior quarterback to tally more carries during the next four weeks than he has been during the first seven.

The Scary: the schedule

When this season’s schedule came out, Cal Poly fans saw a real opportunity. Non-conference games against a down Wyoming team and an overrated San Diego, paired with a conference schedule that did not include conference games against top-ranked Eastern Washington,  third-ranked North Dakota, or fourth-ranked Montana State, gave Walsh’s team a strong chance to win the Big Sky in their first season.

While they don’t have to play any of the above teams in-conference, this is the tough part of the schedule. Sacramento State is ranked fourth in the Big Sky (3-2 in conference) and narrowly missed upsetting the top team in FCS last week, losing to Eastern Washington 31-28. The Hornets are probably better than their 5-3 record indicates, having topped FBS Colorado in Boulder earlier in the year. They have been less consistent than the Mustangs, but have shown that they can play with just about anyone.

If Cal Poly survives this week, they get to go on the road to top-ranked Eastern Washington in a non-conference matchup. The Mustangs’ final game is in Flagstaff, AZ against 13th-ranked Northern Arizona, who is 4-0 so far in the tough Big Sky Conference.

What does it mean?

If Cal Poly can get past Sacramento State, an undefeated or one-loss regular season becomes a likelihood rather than a possibility. If the Mustangs lose in the state’s capital, then losses at Eastern Washington and Northern Arizona become more likely and a scenario where Cal Poly loses 3 games and misses the playoffs is a distinct possibility.

In other words, Cal Poly better bring their “A-Game” today. The difference now isn’t between a good or bad season — it’s between a good or great season. And the difference between good and great, at this level, for this team, will be razor-thin.

Post-game comments from last week’s victory over Portland State.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=vL0VXORKpuI

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkHjb779xhU

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfJzuB5Rf_4

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=liThl6Dja6A

Cal Poly Linebacker Kennith Jackson breaks-up a pass on Saturday night. Photo by Owen Main

Cal Poly football continues to roll. They are now 6-0 going into homecoming vs. Portland State this week. Head coach Tim Walsh and his players seemed upbeat obviously happy after their 56-28 shellacking of Northern Colorado Saturday night.

Tim Walsh was head coach at Portland State for 11 years from 1996-2006, during which time he compiled a 65-57 record (42-41 in the Big Sky). Along with comments about the Northern Colorado game, Walsh talked about the connections between Cal Poly and Portland State and the importance of Cal Poly’s next game. You can also find a pretty informative article by JD Scroggin on Cal Poly-Portland State connections from Wednesday here.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXZlvz04O40

Andre Broadous talked about scoring 56 points and still having missed opportunities. He was also clear in the message for his team to stay humble.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKZJPhm1lmg

Kennith Jackson, the heart of the defense, talked about finishing games.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQlcZEZnEns

Deonte Williams, with his usual shiny smile, talked about the game and, as usual, gave lots of credit to his linemen.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6ltEvnrUcM

The slightly overexposed Photos Below by Owen Main

[scrollGallery id=43]

A Cal Poly receiver goes horizontal to catch an Andre Broadous pass on Saturday night. Photo by David Livingston

Quarterback Andre Broadous combined for 263 total yards, 68 on the ground and 195 through the air. Broadous efficiently racked up his 195 yards passing with 9 completions on only 12 attempts. Broadous threw for 2 touchdowns, one for 45 yards to Willie Tucker and another for 30 yards to Brandon Michalkiewicz.

Cal Poly’s offense was an amazingly clutch 11 for 13 on third down.

Junior defensive captain Sullivan Grosz led the Mustangs’ defense, sacking Bears quarterback Seth Lobato three times.

The Mustangs scored with incredible balance, posting 14 points in each in all four quarters. Northern Colorado matched the Mustangs in the first quarter with 14 points of their own, but Cal Poly’s defense stiffened in the 2nd quarter and didn’t relent until the 4th quarter, when the second team defense starting getting mixed into the game. The Bears then scored their other two touchdowns in garbage-time.

Early in the contest Cal Poly was impressively crisp on offense, as Broadous played mistake-free and Williams was getting downhill and falling forward with ease. The Northern Colorado defense honestly looked over-matched from the get-go.

Halfway through the first quarter with Poly up 7-0 after a 8-yard Kristaan Ivory touchdown run, Broadous’ only major mistake of the game occurred. While keeping over the right side, Andre fumbled and Northern Colorado recovered inside the Cal Poly 20. Bears running back Tremaine Dennis then found his way towards the goal line over his next three carries, finding the end zone to tie the game at 7.

The Mustangs then got back on track with their bread and butter, as Williams fought for first downs on option pitches and inside trap plays. Once Poly crossed midfield into Bear territory, Broadous hit Willie Tucker streaking deep across the field on a 45-yard touchdown. Broadous commented in a post-game radio interview with Tom Barket on ESPN Radio 1280 that a couple of years ago he would have never been able to make that throw or even would have thought of trying it. He admitted he would have just tucked it away and got what he could have with his legs. The growth and maturity of a player is a great thing to see unfold.

As the first quarter came to a close, Northern Colorado answered Poly’s big play with another score of their own, as Lobato found tight end Darin McDonald in the end zone from 22 yards away to tie the score at 14. At this point it looked as if the game was shaping up to be a track meet.

Poly answered back early in the 2nd quarter with a Kristaan Ivory 37-yard scamper on the pitch to make the score 21-14. Then, the Mustang defense stiffened.

Cal Poly cornerback Nico Molino battles for the ball with Norther Colorado receiver Dominic Gunn. Photo by David Livingston

Defensive ends Andrew Alcaraz and Jake Irwin started getting better up-field penetration, putting a post in the defense against Northern Colorado’s off-tackle play. This change forced Bears running back Tromaine Dennis back inside to the teeth of Poly’s defense, instead of allowing him to have the choice to bounce to the outside and extend cutback opportunities in the open field.

The Mustangs added another score after a Northern Colorado punt, as Deonte Williams took a trap play back inside away from option action, a staple of the Poly offense, for a 5-yard plunge, bringing the score to 28-14, where it stayed until halftime.

Cal Poly did not come out with any sense of complacency to start the second half. After a stellar special teams tackle on the kickoff, the Mustangs recovered a fumble by Northern Colorado inside the Bears 25.

Deonte Williams then cashed in that turnover for Poly, taking in his 2nd score of the game, this one from 11 yards out. The Mustangs held a commanding 21-point lead, 35-14, with only 2:24 elapsed in the 3rd quarter. Credit Poly’s coaching staff for keeping their team fired up, and the players for having the killer instinct to put someone away when you have them down. This is the sign of not just a good team, but potentially a great one.

On their next posession, the Mustangs strung together back to back big plays. Broadous hit Cole Stanford down the left seam for 38 yards, and then took it himself on an option keeper for another 25. Deonte Williams smelled the paint along the right side he juked, spun and then lunged his way into the end zone for his 3rd and final score of the night, this one a 15-yard work of art, bringing the score to 42-14 Cal Poly.

Broadus capped off the final first-team drive of the game with a 30-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Michalkiewicz, in which the receiver navigated two defenders both during and after the catch, crossing the goal line as the defenders ran into each other. It was a play indicative of the overall Mustang dominance on this night. Poly lead 49-14 with 12 minutes left to play.

After a Northern Colorado touchdown, the Mustangs second-team offense, led by Vince Moraga, countered with a touchdown drive of their own, capped off by a short Ryan Soloman plunge with 3:47 remaining, making the score 56-21. It was Soloman’s first career touchdown.

Cal Poly improves to 6-0 overall and 4-0 in the Big Sky. Northern Colorado falls to 1-5 overall and 0-3 in the Big Sky.

The game was televised on KSBY and was broadcast by recent Fansmanship Podcast guest Bill Halter along with Andrew Masuda. KSBY will again televise next week’s game as head coach Tim Walsh and his Mustangs will take on his former team, the Portland State Vikings (2-4, 1-3 Big Sky) at Spanos Stadium. The Vikings are coming off a bye week, and the week before the bye they demolished Idaho State 77-10. The Mustangs are an even 9-9 all-time against Portland State.

If you haven’t had a chance to see this Mustang offensive machine yet this season, I highly recommend you check them out. You won’t be disappointed. Game time is 6:05pm Saturday night. Get there.

Photos by David Livingston

[scrollGallery id=42]

Cal Poly’s Deonte Williams rushed 20 times for 188 yards and scored 3 touchdowns in the 2012 Battle for the Golden Horseshoe. Williams now has 493 yards rushing and 4 touchdowns through 3 games. He rushed for 385 yards and 5 touchdowns during all of last season. Photo by David Livingston

In what can best be described as a classically-odd rivalry game, Cal Poly gave up 10 quick points to UC Davis, scored four straight touchdowns, and held on tight for a nail-biting, closer-than-it-should-have-been, 28-20 victory over their rivals on Saturday night.

In front of a sellout crowd of 11,075, Cal Poly deferred the opening kickoff. Davis drove for a field goal and then held the Mustangs to a 3-and-out on the ensuing possession. On the Aggie’s second possession, quarterback Randy Wright found receiver Corey Galindo for a 67-yard touchdown pass and before the Cal Poly offense could run a fourth play, they were down 10-0.

The second and third quarter belonged to Cal Poly. The Mustangs scored four unanswered touchdowns — one from Akaninyene Umoh and three from Deonte Williams — to go up 28-10 with 5:13 to go in the third quarter. Williams has now put-up three consecutive 100-yard games and surpassed his yardage total from all of last season.

The Aggies started to “hurry-up” their offense late in the third quarter and with 10:10 remaining in the 4th, scored a touchdown against what already looked like a tired Mustangs front-seven. They added a field goal to get within 8 points of Cal Poly, but the Mustangs defense would finally stop them with just over 2:00 to go in the game.

Cal Poly might have been ahead by more than 18 points going into the 4th quarter. Bobby Zalud, who has been reliable in the first two games, missed two first-half field goals. Receiver Lance Castaneda also dropped a pass in the end zone in the first half.

The sellout was the sixth ever sellout at Spanos. Three of them have been against UC Davis. The win was the Mustangs’ first in the Big Sky Conference and the first over UC Davis after 3 straight defeats. Cal Poly has two Big Sky road games over the next two weeks — at North Dakota on Saturday September 29 and at Weber State Friday October 5.

Photos by David Livingston

[scrollGallery id=32]

owen@fansmanship.com

david@fansmanship.com

1) Andre Broadous will keep the triple option efficient.

Mustangs quarterback Andre Broadous is experienced and makes consistently solid reads out of the triple option. The senior rushed for 113 yards and two touchdowns and also passed for 135 and two more touchdowns. He was in complete control of the tempo and pace of the game. While any other stars offensively will have to be developed over the season, Deonte Williams showed a glimpse of what the rest of the offense may be capable of.

2) While the triple option is still the play, the fullback won’t be the focus.

While the Cal Poly offense moved the ball to the tune of 458 yards of total offense, the fullback, Akaninyene Umoh, was held to 38 yards on 12 carries — only 3.2 yards per carry. Umoh, however, did show a side of the fullback position we haven’t seen much lately when he caught a seven yard touchdown pass. Umoh will be an option, but he will not get anywhere near the number of carries we saw from Jordan Yocum or Jake Romanelli.

Yes, Cal Poly is still running the triple option, but their offense has the potential to be dynamic and spread around. The days of 40 fullback dives may be over.

3) The defense is still physical. VERY physical.

Cal Poly’s defense has always been known for its physical play and tackling in the front seven. You can add this year’s safeties to the group now. The Mustangs are thin at cornerback due to injury, but any receiver running across the middle for a pass will be well-advised to keep their heads on a swivel.

Running backs who get to the “second level” may also get a surprise when they run into Alex Hubbard or Dave Douglas.

Pictures and post-game audio should be posted by tomorrow.