It was a dominating game, as many expected – more dominating that I even predicted. It’s crazy to think that San Diego is actually and FCS team in a conference that has an auto-bid. If I’m fans of Idaho State or Bethune-Cookman… I’m just pissed. It’s not that San Diego had a commendable season, it’s just that they’re not at the same level as most/all FCS schools – probably by nature of not being a school (or a conference) that allows scholarships for sports. Regardless I suppose this turned into a great tune-up game for the EWU matchup this next week.
A few points;
1. I liked how the Griz didn’t “show” too much for EWU next week. Very little zone-read (pretty much need to) and a very base game plan overall. USD was clearly over-matched very quickly so why bother showing off more of the playbook, helps keep EWU guessing a bit. For what we saw though, it was a dominating effort throughout but mostly in the first half – maybe one of the more efficient games we’ve seen.
2. Another good game for the O-line. No sacks, no QB hits even, almost 5 yards per carry on average. Jordy and had great time on most plays and not just Canada but also Logwood and Favors in the 2nd half had great running lanes. I think Jordan Canada has probably piled up about 35% of his yardage total on the ground in these last 3 games. It’s a testament to how he’s been playing but also how the line has been opening lanes for him too.
3. Good to see John Nguyen take one to the house. Hope that hard hit he took wasn’t a concussion (sure looked like one) – we could use him next week.
4. Jamaal Jones eclipsed 1000 receiving yards on the season with a 93 yard game. Really glad he’s a Griz, where would this team be without Jamaal this season? Hard to imagine they’d be sitting at 9-4 and headed to the 2nd round of the playoffs without him.
5. Couldn’t be happier for Kevin Berland. A 5th year senior, local kid, and a guy who I’ve always seen working his ass off in spring and fall camp practices. Not only his first career catch but then two more including a touchdown. Did you see the team’s reaction to his TD? One of my favorite thing in sports is when you see a whole team go nuts for either record setting performances or in events like these when these behind the scenes guys get a chance to do something special.
6. Dominating performance from the defense. Schye leads the team in tackles mostly through special teams and then just doing what he does when starting at middle linebacker. Got a little dinged up but came back so I assume he’s good. The whole D-line was all over USD’s QB for the most part. Another sack and forced fumble for Wags, now just building on that record. Liked Peevey’s sack too where he spun the QB around. Also hit of the day came by a defender, Strahm when playing ST – just a bone crushing block.
7. Got some nice glimpses of the future with Logwood and Favors. Also the 2nd string O-line had a nice little day for themselves as well. Still wish they would’ve let Gus or Simis play (and throw) a little bit though.
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Not too much else to say, it felt like a game against a D2 school – hopefully this momentum can keep the Griz rolling as we hit the road to EWU for hopefully some nice revenge. It was a very good win for the Griz, they took care of business in a precise manner and are ready to hit the road.
GO GRIZ!
