UCD v USD

[catatac]

South Dakota. We're haunted by that fluky comeback but we had proved for 3.5 quarters that Davis isn't that good/close, and that was in their place. Don't think they have the ponies to go win on the road. Key on Larison and get pressure, Hastings can be had.

Exactly where I'm at. I could be way off here but my hunch is that MSU, SDSU, NDSU, and USD are all about the same level, and then there are several teams (Idaho, UCD, etc.) a notch below them. USD has dominated a bunch of teams, and has two losses... Wisconsin, and a loss AT Brookings in OT. They also beat NDSU. I don't care who you are, they look pretty good. I Hope UCD wins though because I feel way more confident in beating them than USD.

[catatac]

UC Davis.

AND I think it’s arguable that Davis is better than SDSU & NDSU.

NDSU is still a more complete team than UCD. SDSU is even. But Larison would be the best skill player that either team would have seen in a potential matchup.

I think we see a dangerous UCD team in Bobcat Stadium next week. UCD by 10.

I suppose all teams are dangerous. However, when I look back and see how much the Cats truly dominated UCD at their place (30 to 8 mid 4th quarter), I think it would be shocking for them to come into our house for a rocking semi final game and take the Cats down.

[TomCat88]

UC Davis.

AND I think it’s arguable that Davis is better than SDSU & NDSU.

Seems like a heady statement, but it's logical. If UCD can go into Vermillion and win, that's something (beat a top team on the road) none of the MVFC have done all year and the difference between SDSU, NDSU and USD is negligible. So, if UCD > USD, then UCD also > SDSU/NDSU.

[BelgradeBobcat]

I think home dome advantage carries USD in this one. UC Davis' secondary concerns me. Sac State, who was really bad, lit them up and if not for Larison's heroics, they could have lost that one. USD can throw it if they need to.

[DMMDCats]

USD 34-23

[CodyCat]

Davis 31
Totes 17

[seataccat]

UC Davis.

AND I think it’s arguable that Davis is better than SDSU & NDSU.

I think this might just be true. I think this years UCD team is a really skilled determined team. I don't want to see the cats have to play them again, even in Bozeman.

[KageRage]

Rather play the beast we controlled for 52 minutes than a USD team that has looked both like contenders and a 2nd tier team. I think UCD has the playmakers to pull off the upset. UCD 31-27

[The Butcher]

Rather play the beast we controlled for 52 minutes than a USD team that has looked both like contenders and a 2nd tier team. I think UCD has the playmakers to pull off the upset. UCD 31-27

I've watched a couple of USD games, and I don't think they're as strong as they're hyped up to be. In the NDSU game, they had no business winning—it was more about NDSU letting them stay in it. UCD feels similar. Both teams capitalize if you let them stick around (the Cats should’ve won by two scores, not just two points). The outcome of this game will likely come down to who makes the fewest mistakes. My gut says UCD takes it by about 10 points.

[Mtcatfan]

28-14 USD

[cats2506]

Both teams have strong versatile backs and good QB's. However I think Davis has the edge on that. The USD defense is really strong and I give the edge to them on that. I also think USD has a better OL. Davis has better receivers IMO.

Should be a close game but I think Davis will be on their way to Bozeman next week for another rematch.

[DMMDCats]

USD 34-23

Dang close

[PapaG]

Davis had 6 turnovers (5 INTs) and no Lan Larison for over half of the game and still stuck around. Comparatively, the Bobcats have lost the ball 9 times total in 14 games.

Just an ugly game from both teams.

[Prodigal Cat]

I guess it depends on which Davis shows up. If you go rewatch the ISU game for the first half of the first qtr it was looking like the Aggies were gonna get run out of their stadium. Then the offense got rolling and the D settled in. Davis has had bouts in the season where they played horrible. The second qtr versus the Cats, the entire game versus PSU. They can't do that Saturday.

Narrator voice, “it was in fact ugly Davis.” A healthy Larison would have helped but so many of the Davis turnovers were completely unforced. They beat themselves yesterday.

[Lord Vigo]

Portal aside, UCD will lose via graduation:

-QB1 (Hastings)
-RB1 (Larison-- also their leading receiver)
-RB2 (Perez)
-TE1 (Winston)
-TE2 (Gale)
-Every WR with over 15 receptions except one (Hutton, Davis, Tomkins)
-Multiple starters on the offensive line
-Bains, Kennedy, Bearden, Sarac, Cloyd, Toki, Amone, and others on defense

Most of the rest of their best defenders have one season left-- the portal could really hurt them there if those guys feel a rebuild coming on.

The Aggies will take a big step back next season.

I had thought that the main competition for MSU next year in-conference would be Idaho, but now that Eck is gone and all their guys are portalling, that seems unlikely. I guess Montana will be the closest? Or maybe NAU?

[BelgradeBobcat]

I think home dome advantage carries USD in this one. UC Davis' secondary concerns me. Sac State, who was really bad, lit them up and if not for Larison's heroics, they could have lost that one. USD can throw it if they need to.

Hey I think I was pretty close. Lan Larison feasts when defenses get a bit tired-even against ours. UCD didn't have that option available yesterday and it showed-especially when they couldn't score in the redzone.

[Montanabob]

watched parts of the game and it seemed that usd put on a rush with 4 and 6 in the box. in passing situations it looked it looked like dropping 7 to cover.
if they keep up this, they will be shredded.

[Prodigal Cat]

Portal aside, UCD will lose via graduation:

-QB1 (Hastings)
-RB1 (Larison-- also their leading receiver)
-RB2 (Perez)
-TE1 (Winston)
-TE2 (Gale)
-Every WR with over 15 receptions except one (Hutton, Davis, Tomkins)
-Multiple starters on the offensive line
-Bains, Kennedy, Bearden, Sarac, Cloyd, Toki, Amone, and others on defense

Most of the rest of their best defenders have one season left-- the portal could really hurt them there if those guys feel a rebuild coming on.

The Aggies will take a big step back next season.

I had thought that the main competition for MSU next year in-conference would be Idaho, but now that Eck is gone and all their guys are portalling, that seems unlikely. I guess Montana will be the closest? Or maybe NAU?

Idaho was it. ISU, NAU should be better but as bad as is looks over the hill right now they will probably be #2. Cats are the prohibitive favorite next fall.

[RickRund]

Portal aside, UCD will lose via graduation:

-QB1 (Hastings)
-RB1 (Larison-- also their leading receiver)
-RB2 (Perez)
-TE1 (Winston)
-TE2 (Gale)
-Every WR with over 15 receptions except one (Hutton, Davis, Tomkins)
-Multiple starters on the offensive line
-Bains, Kennedy, Bearden, Sarac, Cloyd, Toki, Amone, and others on defense

Most of the rest of their best defenders have one season left-- the portal could really hurt them there if those guys feel a rebuild coming on.

The Aggies will take a big step back next season.

I had thought that the main competition for MSU next year in-conference would be Idaho, but now that Eck is gone and all their guys are portalling, that seems unlikely. I guess Montana will be the closest? Or maybe NAU?

Idaho was it. ISU, NAU should be better but as bad as is looks over the hill right now they will probably be #2. Cats are the prohibitive favorite next fall.

It will be interesting to see how many will be jumping into the portal and certain teams trying to fill spots using the portal.

[91catAlum]

Portal aside, UCD will lose via graduation:

-QB1 (Hastings)
-RB1 (Larison-- also their leading receiver)
-RB2 (Perez)
-TE1 (Winston)
-TE2 (Gale)
-Every WR with over 15 receptions except one (Hutton, Davis, Tomkins)
-Multiple starters on the offensive line
-Bains, Kennedy, Bearden, Sarac, Cloyd, Toki, Amone, and others on defense

Most of the rest of their best defenders have one season left-- the portal could really hurt them there if those guys feel a rebuild coming on.

The Aggies will take a big step back next season.

I had thought that the main competition for MSU next year in-conference would be Idaho, but now that Eck is gone and all their guys are portalling, that seems unlikely. I guess Montana will be the closest? Or maybe NAU?

Idaho was it. ISU, NAU should be better but as bad as is looks over the hill right now they will probably be #2. Cats are the prohibitive favorite next fall.

OK but the Cats have huge losses this year too.
Mellott
Julius Davis
Ty McCullough
Lonergan
Marcus Wehr
JT Reed
Justus Perkins

Brode Grebe
Simeon Woodard
Rylan Ortt
Miles Jackson
Danny U
Blake Schmitt

Tommy Sullivan
Brendan Hall

Not to mention some standouts on offense who may chase the money in the portal.