Off-season Portal additions/losses

[Camo_Cat]

You get 5 picks for 2024 starters recruited from the portal...what do you see as the biggest needs/upgrades? In no particular order my wish list would be:
Placekicker
Linebacker
Defensive Tackle
Defensive End
HBack

Placekicker
Linebacker
Linebacker
Defensive tackle
Defensive tackle

So I am gonna harp on this point again, but we have two talented kickers on this team already. But nobody is working with them. I am making a big assumption here, but all you need to do is watch, and you will see we made no adjustments from game one to game 12 other than bringing in a new kicker. Udy is special teams coordinator, and his playing experience was as a QB, so I am guessing he has no real special talent teaching actual kicking. I still think both Hall and Kautzman are capable kickers.

Fans, and coaches alike, all agree that there are three main aspects of a team - offense, defense, and special teams. Yet, why is special teams treated like the red-headed stepchild when it comes to coaching? Why recruit a kicker and then not have someone to coach that kid up? We don't do that with other positions. We don't recruit a QB and then just throw them on the field without coaching them up and say good luck kid! We have individual coaches coaching singular spots on the field - we have a QB coach, a RB coach, a TE coach, a cornerbacks back, defensive tackle coach, LB coach, etc., but nobody working with kickers. And how many times does a crucial game come down to a kick and then everybody wants to bitch because we can't make a kick. Honestly, you want a better kicker? Treat them like a QB and work with them.

NDSU bragged about that blocked PAT, saying they had seen multiple times on film that our kicks come out low. Hell, I had seen the same thing all year and I'm just an idiot in the stands. So please tell me, why can't our coaches see that and make an adjustment? So much of that is technique, and won't change if you're too stubborn to address it. Sorry...rant over.

[catscat]

You get 5 picks for 2024 starters recruited from the portal...what do you see as the biggest needs/upgrades? In no particular order my wish list would be:
Placekicker
Linebacker
Defensive Tackle
Defensive End
HBack

Placekicker
Linebacker
Linebacker
Defensive tackle
Defensive tackle

So I am gonna harp on this point again, but we have two talented kickers on this team already. But nobody is working with them. I am making a big assumption here, but all you need to do is watch, and you will see we made no adjustments from game one to game 12 other than bringing in a new kicker. Udy is special teams coordinator, and his playing experience was as a QB, so I am guessing he has no real special talent teaching actual kicking. I still think both Hall and Kautzman are capable kickers.

Fans, and coaches alike, all agree that there are three main aspects of a team - offense, defense, and special teams. Yet, why is special teams treated like the red-headed stepchild when it comes to coaching? Why recruit a kicker and then not have someone to coach that kid up? We don't do that with other positions. We don't recruit a QB and then just throw them on the field without coaching them up and say good luck kid! We have individual coaches coaching singular spots on the field - we have a QB coach, a RB coach, a TE coach, a cornerbacks back, defensive tackle coach, LB coach, etc., but nobody working with kickers. And how many times does a crucial game come down to a kick and then everybody wants to bitch because we can't make a kick. Honestly, you want a better kicker? Treat them like a QB and work with them.

NDSU bragged about that blocked PAT, saying they had seen multiple times on film that our kicks come out low. Hell, I had seen the same thing all year and I'm just an idiot in the stands. So please tell me, why can't our coaches see that and make an adjustment? So much of that is technique, and won't change if you're too stubborn to address it. Sorry...rant over.

[coloradocat]

You get 5 picks for 2024 starters recruited from the portal...what do you see as the biggest needs/upgrades? In no particular order my wish list would be:
Placekicker
Linebacker
Defensive Tackle
Defensive End
HBack

Placekicker
Linebacker
Linebacker
Defensive tackle
Defensive tackle

So I am gonna harp on this point again, but we have two talented kickers on this team already. But nobody is working with them. I am making a big assumption here, but all you need to do is watch, and you will see we made no adjustments from game one to game 12 other than bringing in a new kicker. Udy is special teams coordinator, and his playing experience was as a QB, so I am guessing he has no real special talent teaching actual kicking. I still think both Hall and Kautzman are capable kickers.

Fans, and coaches alike, all agree that there are three main aspects of a team - offense, defense, and special teams. Yet, why is special teams treated like the red-headed stepchild when it comes to coaching? Why recruit a kicker and then not have someone to coach that kid up? We don't do that with other positions. We don't recruit a QB and then just throw them on the field without coaching them up and say good luck kid! We have individual coaches coaching singular spots on the field - we have a QB coach, a RB coach, a TE coach, a cornerbacks back, defensive tackle coach, LB coach, etc., but nobody working with kickers. And how many times does a crucial game come down to a kick and then everybody wants to bitch because we can't make a kick. Honestly, you want a better kicker? Treat them like a QB and work with them.

NDSU bragged about that blocked PAT, saying they had seen multiple times on film that our kicks come out low. Hell, I had seen the same thing all year and I'm just an idiot in the stands. So please tell me, why can't our coaches see that and make an adjustment? So much of that is technique, and won't change if you're too stubborn to address it. Sorry...rant over.

So I am gonna harp on this point again, but college teams, especially at the FCS level, don't have kicking game coaches. To the extent that they have designated ST coordinators, those guys focus on every other aspect of ST outside of actually kicking the ball. If you disagree with me point me to 5 FCS teams (out of 128) that have kicking coaches. The best thing we can do outside of the team just picking up someone from the transfer portal is for fans to fund an NIL to Kautzman specifically to attend multiple kicking camps and/or time with a private kicking coach.

[SparkCat]

You get 5 picks for 2024 starters recruited from the portal...what do you see as the biggest needs/upgrades? In no particular order my wish list would be:
Placekicker
Linebacker
Defensive Tackle
Defensive End
HBack

Placekicker
Linebacker
Linebacker
Defensive tackle
Defensive tackle

This is the dream list. I just feel like we need to find a battle tested QB too

I can't wait to see the responses to your second comment.

What are your thoughts? Had the coaches gave our true backups more playing time in blowouts maybe I’d be more confident, however, they rarely did and when they did they mostly would just have Reed hand it off, aside from maybe one game. What really blew me away is that they didn’t even play any of their other QB’s who were suppose to be the next guys up.

[Camo_Cat]

You get 5 picks for 2024 starters recruited from the portal...what do you see as the biggest needs/upgrades? In no particular order my wish list would be:
Placekicker
Linebacker
Defensive Tackle
Defensive End
HBack

Placekicker
Linebacker
Linebacker
Defensive tackle
Defensive tackle

So I am gonna harp on this point again, but we have two talented kickers on this team already. But nobody is working with them. I am making a big assumption here, but all you need to do is watch, and you will see we made no adjustments from game one to game 12 other than bringing in a new kicker. Udy is special teams coordinator, and his playing experience was as a QB, so I am guessing he has no real special talent teaching actual kicking. I still think both Hall and Kautzman are capable kickers.

Fans, and coaches alike, all agree that there are three main aspects of a team - offense, defense, and special teams. Yet, why is special teams treated like the red-headed stepchild when it comes to coaching? Why recruit a kicker and then not have someone to coach that kid up? We don't do that with other positions. We don't recruit a QB and then just throw them on the field without coaching them up and say good luck kid! We have individual coaches coaching singular spots on the field - we have a QB coach, a RB coach, a TE coach, a cornerbacks back, defensive tackle coach, LB coach, etc., but nobody working with kickers. And how many times does a crucial game come down to a kick and then everybody wants to bitch because we can't make a kick. Honestly, you want a better kicker? Treat them like a QB and work with them.

NDSU bragged about that blocked PAT, saying they had seen multiple times on film that our kicks come out low. Hell, I had seen the same thing all year and I'm just an idiot in the stands. So please tell me, why can't our coaches see that and make an adjustment? So much of that is technique, and won't change if you're too stubborn to address it. Sorry...rant over.

So I am gonna harp on this point again, but college teams, especially at the FCS level, don't have kicking game coaches. To the extent that they have designated ST coordinators, those guys focus on every other aspect of ST outside of actually kicking the ball. If you disagree with me point me to 5 FCS teams (out of 128) that have kicking coaches. The best thing we can do outside of the team just picking up someone from the transfer portal is for fans to fund an NIL to Kautzman specifically to attend multiple kicking camps and/or time with a private kicking coach.

It's an excellent point, and believe me, I understand the challenges at the FCS. But you also can't have everyone saying that all we need is a new kicker, and then never give that kid any help. There just aren't multiple Jan Steneruds or Blake Glessners sitting around waiting to be picked up. If there are, they are kicking for Michigan, Texas, Alabama, or dare I say...UCLA.

A starting point would be to find a special teams coordinator who has some experience in the kicking game. Not a former QB. You can't tell me those types of guys don't exist.

[jgrilley406]

You get 5 picks for 2024 starters recruited from the portal...what do you see as the biggest needs/upgrades? In no particular order my wish list would be:
Placekicker
Linebacker
Defensive Tackle
Defensive End
HBack

Placekicker
Linebacker
Linebacker
Defensive tackle
Defensive tackle

This is the dream list. I just feel like we need to find a battle tested QB too

I can't wait to see the responses to your second comment.

What are your thoughts? Had the coaches gave our true backups more playing time in blowouts maybe I’d be more confident, however, they rarely did and when they did they mostly would just have Reed hand it off, aside from maybe one game. What really blew me away is that they didn’t even play any of their other QB’s who were suppose to be the next guys up.

Ya pretty much going to have to have a transfer of some sort either JC or portal (preferably portal) with starting experience, cause like you said the backups cats have now have zero real college playing experience. With Tommy’s playing style and health (hasn’t played a full season without being injured sometimes multiple times in a season), cats are going to need someone who can step in and handle a starting role in any given moment.

[gtapp]

It has gotten harder to find good candidates to transfer to MSU since players of the caliber we are losing want the same NIL deals as anyone else. I think Davis was the only significant transfer a year ago. We need to find the diamond in the rough players that are not going to get big NIL deals anywhere else.

[Bozcat003]

It has gotten harder to find good candidates to transfer to MSU since players of the caliber we are losing want the same NIL deals as anyone else. I think Davis was the only significant transfer a year ago. We need to find the diamond in the rough players that are not going to get big NIL deals anywhere else.

I see what you are saying, but last year, we also landed:
Junior Alexander - is ineligible this year due to transfer rules, but I've heard nothing but good things
Ty McCulloch - the leading receiver, came on really strong at the end of the year
Blake Stillwell - Has struggles in run defense but is productive and did start multiple games
Jon Johnson - a solid corner who started multiple games
Brendan Hall - Arguably the best punter in Big Sky / FCS

I'd make an argument that that is a great transfer haul (leading receiver, leading rusher, excellent punter, and two defensive players who started multiple games)

Alexander / McCulloch could make for a dangerous WR core next season.

[coloradocat]

You get 5 picks for 2024 starters recruited from the portal...what do you see as the biggest needs/upgrades? In no particular order my wish list would be:
Placekicker
Linebacker
Defensive Tackle
Defensive End
HBack

Placekicker
Linebacker
Linebacker
Defensive tackle
Defensive tackle

So I am gonna harp on this point again, but we have two talented kickers on this team already. But nobody is working with them. I am making a big assumption here, but all you need to do is watch, and you will see we made no adjustments from game one to game 12 other than bringing in a new kicker. Udy is special teams coordinator, and his playing experience was as a QB, so I am guessing he has no real special talent teaching actual kicking. I still think both Hall and Kautzman are capable kickers.

Fans, and coaches alike, all agree that there are three main aspects of a team - offense, defense, and special teams. Yet, why is special teams treated like the red-headed stepchild when it comes to coaching? Why recruit a kicker and then not have someone to coach that kid up? We don't do that with other positions. We don't recruit a QB and then just throw them on the field without coaching them up and say good luck kid! We have individual coaches coaching singular spots on the field - we have a QB coach, a RB coach, a TE coach, a cornerbacks back, defensive tackle coach, LB coach, etc., but nobody working with kickers. And how many times does a crucial game come down to a kick and then everybody wants to bitch because we can't make a kick. Honestly, you want a better kicker? Treat them like a QB and work with them.

NDSU bragged about that blocked PAT, saying they had seen multiple times on film that our kicks come out low. Hell, I had seen the same thing all year and I'm just an idiot in the stands. So please tell me, why can't our coaches see that and make an adjustment? So much of that is technique, and won't change if you're too stubborn to address it. Sorry...rant over.

So I am gonna harp on this point again, but college teams, especially at the FCS level, don't have kicking game coaches. To the extent that they have designated ST coordinators, those guys focus on every other aspect of ST outside of actually kicking the ball. If you disagree with me point me to 5 FCS teams (out of 128) that have kicking coaches. The best thing we can do outside of the team just picking up someone from the transfer portal is for fans to fund an NIL to Kautzman specifically to attend multiple kicking camps and/or time with a private kicking coach.

It's an excellent point, and believe me, I understand the challenges at the FCS. But you also can't have everyone saying that all we need is a new kicker, and then never give that kid any help. There just aren't multiple Jan Steneruds or Blake Glessners sitting around waiting to be picked up. If there are, they are kicking for Michigan, Texas, Alabama, or dare I say...UCLA.

A starting point would be to find a special teams coordinator who has some experience in the kicking game. Not a former QB. You can't tell me those types of guys don't exist.

If they exist where are they and can we afford them? I'm not necessarily saying just go get a new kicker, although that might be the best choice, but that we kind of have to just take what we can get and not assume that Udy isn't doing his job or that a different coordinator would be better. Someone else mentioned this somewhere this week but maybe we'd be better off hiring a sports psychologist for the entire team and pushing the players to see that person frequently.

[coloradocat]

You get 5 picks for 2024 starters recruited from the portal...what do you see as the biggest needs/upgrades? In no particular order my wish list would be:
Placekicker
Linebacker
Defensive Tackle
Defensive End
HBack

Placekicker
Linebacker
Linebacker
Defensive tackle
Defensive tackle

This is the dream list. I just feel like we need to find a battle tested QB too

I can't wait to see the responses to your second comment.

What are your thoughts? Had the coaches gave our true backups more playing time in blowouts maybe I’d be more confident, however, they rarely did and when they did they mostly would just have Reed hand it off, aside from maybe one game. What really blew me away is that they didn’t even play any of their other QB’s who were suppose to be the next guys up.

I was mostly thinking that BN would come after you thinking that you're saying Tommy isn't battle tested and we need an upgrade.

We're probably in a better place as far as QB2 than the rest of the conference with Reed. He actually got a lot of playing time and they did let him throw more than most garbage time QBs. We all would have liked to see more but at least he was out there getting live action. All reports are that Chance Wilson was very raw so it's not surprising that QB4 didn't see the field. That should change next year and most teams don't have 3 game worthy QBs anyway (most don't have 2). We got extremely lucky with Chambers and shouldn't expect something like that situation to be repeatable.

[SparkCat]

You get 5 picks for 2024 starters recruited from the portal...what do you see as the biggest needs/upgrades? In no particular order my wish list would be:
Placekicker
Linebacker
Defensive Tackle
Defensive End
HBack

Placekicker
Linebacker
Linebacker
Defensive tackle
Defensive tackle

This is the dream list. I just feel like we need to find a battle tested QB too

I can't wait to see the responses to your second comment.

What are your thoughts? Had the coaches gave our true backups more playing time in blowouts maybe I’d be more confident, however, they rarely did and when they did they mostly would just have Reed hand it off, aside from maybe one game. What really blew me away is that they didn’t even play any of their other QB’s who were suppose to be the next guys up.

I was mostly thinking that BN would come after you thinking that you're saying Tommy isn't battle tested and we need an upgrade.

We're probably in a better place as far as QB2 than the rest of the conference with Reed. He actually got a lot of playing time and they did let him throw more than most garbage time QBs. We all would have liked to see more but at least he was out there getting live action. All reports are that Chance Wilson was very raw so it's not surprising that QB4 didn't see the field. That should change next year and most teams don't have 3 game worthy QBs anyway (most don't have 2). We got extremely lucky with Chambers and shouldn't expect something like that situation to be repeatable.

I’m keeping fingers crossed for a Wilson to be a diamond in the rough he’s tape is impressive, but I don’t think he had the toughest high school competition. His style seems to fit what the coaches want. Reed could be great and I may eat crow, I just don’t see it.

[PapaG]

It has gotten harder to find good candidates to transfer to MSU since players of the caliber we are losing want the same NIL deals as anyone else. I think Davis was the only significant transfer a year ago. We need to find the diamond in the rough players that are not going to get big NIL deals anywhere else.

I see what you are saying, but last year, we also landed:
Junior Alexander - is ineligible this year due to transfer rules, but I've heard nothing but good things
Ty McCulloch - the leading receiver, came on really strong at the end of the year
Blake Stillwell - Has struggles in run defense but is productive and did start multiple games
Jon Johnson - a solid corner who started multiple games
Brendan Hall - Arguably the best punter in Big Sky / FCS

I'd make an argument that that is a great transfer haul (leading receiver, leading rusher, excellent punter, and two defensive players who started multiple games)

Alexander / McCulloch could make for a dangerous WR core next season.

Dowler and Trimble are also the core but does it matter if the passing game remains so basic?

[Catsrgrood]

I know this is about Cats players, but someone on another post mentioned several of our rivals are likely going to be in rebuild due to alot of seniors on their teams? I suppose those still playing won't see the portal effects until after they lose out. Is that true though? Gris, bizon, and bunny rabbits all losing a bunch?

Jacks are losing a ton of players.

34 seniors listed on their website, with multiple all-conference and all-Americans in that group.

I have no doubt they have talent waiting their turn, but no way they don’t take some kind of noticeable step back next year.

[Catsrgrood]

You get 5 picks for 2024 starters recruited from the portal...what do you see as the biggest needs/upgrades? In no particular order my wish list would be:
Placekicker
Linebacker
Defensive Tackle
Defensive End
HBack

Placekicker
Linebacker
Linebacker
Defensive tackle
Defensive tackle

This is the dream list. I just feel like we need to find a battle tested QB too

I can't wait to see the responses to your second comment.

What are your thoughts? Had the coaches gave our true backups more playing time in blowouts maybe I’d be more confident, however, they rarely did and when they did they mostly would just have Reed hand it off, aside from maybe one game. What really blew me away is that they didn’t even play any of their other QB’s who were suppose to be the next guys up.

I was mostly thinking that BN would come after you thinking that you're saying Tommy isn't battle tested and we need an upgrade.

We're probably in a better place as far as QB2 than the rest of the conference with Reed. He actually got a lot of playing time and they did let him throw more than most garbage time QBs. We all would have liked to see more but at least he was out there getting live action. All reports are that Chance Wilson was very raw so it's not surprising that QB4 didn't see the field. That should change next year and most teams don't have 3 game worthy QBs anyway (most don't have 2). We got extremely lucky with Chambers and shouldn't expect something like that situation to be repeatable.

I’m keeping fingers crossed for a Wilson to be a diamond in the rough he’s tape is impressive, but I don’t think he had the toughest high school competition. His style seems to fit what the coaches want. Reed could be great and I may eat crow, I just don’t see it.

I was thinking the same about Wilson.

Hopefully this next year Mellot can be as healthy as possible and end his career on a high note with Reed holding down QB2, most likely.
Then the following year maybe we have a true QB competition between Reed and Wilson, both will have had substantial time in the system by that point.

I’m also careful to predict out what might happen that far in advance anymore, the era of the portal completely changes that now.

[SparkCat]

You get 5 picks for 2024 starters recruited from the portal...what do you see as the biggest needs/upgrades? In no particular order my wish list would be:
Placekicker
Linebacker
Defensive Tackle
Defensive End
HBack

Placekicker
Linebacker
Linebacker
Defensive tackle
Defensive tackle

This is the dream list. I just feel like we need to find a battle tested QB too

I can't wait to see the responses to your second comment.

What are your thoughts? Had the coaches gave our true backups more playing time in blowouts maybe I’d be more confident, however, they rarely did and when they did they mostly would just have Reed hand it off, aside from maybe one game. What really blew me away is that they didn’t even play any of their other QB’s who were suppose to be the next guys up.

I was mostly thinking that BN would come after you thinking that you're saying Tommy isn't battle tested and we need an upgrade.

We're probably in a better place as far as QB2 than the rest of the conference with Reed. He actually got a lot of playing time and they did let him throw more than most garbage time QBs. We all would have liked to see more but at least he was out there getting live action. All reports are that Chance Wilson was very raw so it's not surprising that QB4 didn't see the field. That should change next year and most teams don't have 3 game worthy QBs anyway (most don't have 2). We got extremely lucky with Chambers and shouldn't expect something like that situation to be repeatable.

I’m keeping fingers crossed for a Wilson to be a diamond in the rough he’s tape is impressive, but I don’t think he had the toughest high school competition. His style seems to fit what the coaches want. Reed could be great and I may eat crow, I just don’t see it.

I was thinking the same about Wilson.

Hopefully this next year Mellot can be as healthy as possible and end his career on a high note with Reed holding down QB2, most likely.
Then the following year maybe we have a true QB competition between Reed and Wilson, both will have had substantial time in the system by that point.

I’m also careful to predict out what might happen that far in advance anymore, the era of the portal completely changes that now.

You’re right. I’m not sure why I’m down on Reed so much. He only played garbage time and was in with other 2’s and 3’s. I guess I just have heard the narrative so many times that we have a dude in the stable and we end up having to throw an athlete into the position. Watching the game the last two days just leaves me wondering, ‘why has it been so long since we have a had a true and legit quarterback’. Not saying I’d take many over Tommy, but still some scrubby programs are able to bring in decent guys.

[jgrilley406]

It has gotten harder to find good candidates to transfer to MSU since players of the caliber we are losing want the same NIL deals as anyone else. I think Davis was the only significant transfer a year ago. We need to find the diamond in the rough players that are not going to get big NIL deals anywhere else.

I see what you are saying, but last year, we also landed:
Junior Alexander - is ineligible this year due to transfer rules, but I've heard nothing but good things
Ty McCulloch - the leading receiver, came on really strong at the end of the year
Blake Stillwell - Has struggles in run defense but is productive and did start multiple games
Jon Johnson - a solid corner who started multiple games
Brendan Hall - Arguably the best punter in Big Sky / FCS

I'd make an argument that that is a great transfer haul (leading receiver, leading rusher, excellent punter, and two defensive players who started multiple games)

Alexander / McCulloch could make for a dangerous WR core next season.

Dowler and Trimble are also the core but does it matter if the passing game remains so basic?

Yep been saying that, I’m not saying cats WRs are better than the griz WRs, but at least they get their players in positions to make plays in the open field. They run quick screens and routes over the middle in open space, just about any routes beside what the cats seem to throw and that is the jump ball on the outside. Also, seems that we run plays for the TEs as well for some games and then abandon it all together. Also, does anyone remember seeing a RB screen. When Tommy is given the chance to make the throws and the passing game is opened up (2nd half Idaho and NDSU), cats have shown they could be even more unpredictable and thus harder to stop. There is no reason why Tommy couldn’t put up numbers like NDSU QBs do. Don’t have to abandon your identity and not run the ball, but there is no reason why when the cats throw the ball 10-12 times a game, that they be completing a high percentage of them for big gains like you see from NDSU.

[SparkCat]

It has gotten harder to find good candidates to transfer to MSU since players of the caliber we are losing want the same NIL deals as anyone else. I think Davis was the only significant transfer a year ago. We need to find the diamond in the rough players that are not going to get big NIL deals anywhere else.

I see what you are saying, but last year, we also landed:
Junior Alexander - is ineligible this year due to transfer rules, but I've heard nothing but good things
Ty McCulloch - the leading receiver, came on really strong at the end of the year
Blake Stillwell - Has struggles in run defense but is productive and did start multiple games
Jon Johnson - a solid corner who started multiple games
Brendan Hall - Arguably the best punter in Big Sky / FCS

I'd make an argument that that is a great transfer haul (leading receiver, leading rusher, excellent punter, and two defensive players who started multiple games)

Alexander / McCulloch could make for a dangerous WR core next season.

Dowler and Trimble are also the core but does it matter if the passing game remains so basic?

Yep been saying that, I’m not saying cats WRs are better than the griz WRs, but at least they get their players in positions to make plays in the open field. They run quick screens and routes over the middle in open space, just about any routes beside what the cats seem to throw and that is the jump ball on the outside. Also, seems that we run plays for the TEs as well for some games and then abandon it all together. Also, does anyone remember seeing a RB screen. When Tommy is given the chance to make the throws and the passing game is opened up (2nd half Idaho and NDSU), cats have shown they could be even more unpredictable and thus harder to stop. There is no reason why Tommy couldn’t put up numbers like NDSU QBs do. Don’t have to abandon your identity and not run the ball, but there is no reason why when the cats throw the ball 10-12 times a game, that they be completing a high percentage of them for big gains like you see from NDSU.

Hell, I’ll take the deep shot high percentage passes any day over the little sideline dump passes we will do. Always amount to a loss of yardage, god I hate that play.

[jgrilley406]

It has gotten harder to find good candidates to transfer to MSU since players of the caliber we are losing want the same NIL deals as anyone else. I think Davis was the only significant transfer a year ago. We need to find the diamond in the rough players that are not going to get big NIL deals anywhere else.

I see what you are saying, but last year, we also landed:
Junior Alexander - is ineligible this year due to transfer rules, but I've heard nothing but good things
Ty McCulloch - the leading receiver, came on really strong at the end of the year
Blake Stillwell - Has struggles in run defense but is productive and did start multiple games
Jon Johnson - a solid corner who started multiple games
Brendan Hall - Arguably the best punter in Big Sky / FCS

I'd make an argument that that is a great transfer haul (leading receiver, leading rusher, excellent punter, and two defensive players who started multiple games)

Alexander / McCulloch could make for a dangerous WR core next season.

Dowler and Trimble are also the core but does it matter if the passing game remains so basic?

Yep been saying that, I’m not saying cats WRs are better than the griz WRs, but at least they get their players in positions to make plays in the open field. They run quick screens and routes over the middle in open space, just about any routes beside what the cats seem to throw and that is the jump ball on the outside. Also, seems that we run plays for the TEs as well for some games and then abandon it all together. Also, does anyone remember seeing a RB screen. When Tommy is given the chance to make the throws and the passing game is opened up (2nd half Idaho and NDSU), cats have shown they could be even more unpredictable and thus harder to stop. There is no reason why Tommy couldn’t put up numbers like NDSU QBs do. Don’t have to abandon your identity and not run the ball, but there is no reason why when the cats throw the ball 10-12 times a game, that they be completing a high percentage of them for big gains like you see from NDSU.

Hell, I’ll take the deep shot high percentage passes any day over the little sideline dump passes we will do. Always amount to a loss of yardage, god I hate that play.

Not saying just go with the screens, but in that game against NDSU any route that went over the middle whether a slant post or dig and was thrown was completed and went for first downs. Idk with the WRs the cats have, I’d prefer the screens over the jump ball since you’re asking 6’0-6’1 or shorter WRs to win those balls. Cats don’t have the 6’3 or taller WRs (Lance M) to go up and get those, just feel with what they have, that throw plays to the benefit of the defense more so than the WR.

[SparkCat]

It has gotten harder to find good candidates to transfer to MSU since players of the caliber we are losing want the same NIL deals as anyone else. I think Davis was the only significant transfer a year ago. We need to find the diamond in the rough players that are not going to get big NIL deals anywhere else.

I see what you are saying, but last year, we also landed:
Junior Alexander - is ineligible this year due to transfer rules, but I've heard nothing but good things
Ty McCulloch - the leading receiver, came on really strong at the end of the year
Blake Stillwell - Has struggles in run defense but is productive and did start multiple games
Jon Johnson - a solid corner who started multiple games
Brendan Hall - Arguably the best punter in Big Sky / FCS

I'd make an argument that that is a great transfer haul (leading receiver, leading rusher, excellent punter, and two defensive players who started multiple games)

Alexander / McCulloch could make for a dangerous WR core next season.

Dowler and Trimble are also the core but does it matter if the passing game remains so basic?

Yep been saying that, I’m not saying cats WRs are better than the griz WRs, but at least they get their players in positions to make plays in the open field. They run quick screens and routes over the middle in open space, just about any routes beside what the cats seem to throw and that is the jump ball on the outside. Also, seems that we run plays for the TEs as well for some games and then abandon it all together. Also, does anyone remember seeing a RB screen. When Tommy is given the chance to make the throws and the passing game is opened up (2nd half Idaho and NDSU), cats have shown they could be even more unpredictable and thus harder to stop. There is no reason why Tommy couldn’t put up numbers like NDSU QBs do. Don’t have to abandon your identity and not run the ball, but there is no reason why when the cats throw the ball 10-12 times a game, that they be completing a high percentage of them for big gains like you see from NDSU.

Hell, I’ll take the deep shot high percentage passes any day over the little sideline dump passes we will do. Always amount to a loss of yardage, god I hate that play.

Not saying just go with the screens, but in that game against NDSU any route that went over the middle whether a slant post or dig and was thrown was completed and went for first downs. Idk with the WRs the cats have, I’d prefer the screens over the jump ball since you’re asking 6’0-6’1 or shorter WRs to win those balls. Cats don’t have the 6’3 or taller WRs (Lance M) to go up and get those, just feel with what they have, that throw plays to the benefit of the defense more so than the WR.

I totally know what you mean. I just hate when we do the no read almost no look pass to a wideout parallel with the quarterback and they get creamed. You’re exactly right, we need to have the quick hits in the middle of the field, something where the WR just needs to catch the ball and they will have positive yards. Against better teams we did not win many one on ones.

[tetoncat]

You get 5 picks for 2024 starters recruited from the portal...what do you see as the biggest needs/upgrades? In no particular order my wish list would be:
Placekicker
Linebacker
Defensive Tackle
Defensive End
HBack

Placekicker
Linebacker
Linebacker
Defensive tackle
Defensive tackle

So I am gonna harp on this point again, but we have two talented kickers on this team already. But nobody is working with them. I am making a big assumption here, but all you need to do is watch, and you will see we made no adjustments from game one to game 12 other than bringing in a new kicker. Udy is special teams coordinator, and his playing experience was as a QB, so I am guessing he has no real special talent teaching actual kicking. I still think both Hall and Kautzman are capable kickers.

Fans, and coaches alike, all agree that there are three main aspects of a team - offense, defense, and special teams. Yet, why is special teams treated like the red-headed stepchild when it comes to coaching? Why recruit a kicker and then not have someone to coach that kid up? We don't do that with other positions. We don't recruit a QB and then just throw them on the field without coaching them up and say good luck kid! We have individual coaches coaching singular spots on the field - we have a QB coach, a RB coach, a TE coach, a cornerbacks back, defensive tackle coach, LB coach, etc., but nobody working with kickers. And how many times does a crucial game come down to a kick and then everybody wants to bitch because we can't make a kick. Honestly, you want a better kicker? Treat them like a QB and work with them.

NDSU bragged about that blocked PAT, saying they had seen multiple times on film that our kicks come out low. Hell, I had seen the same thing all year and I'm just an idiot in the stands. So please tell me, why can't our coaches see that and make an adjustment? So much of that is technique, and won't change if you're too stubborn to address it. Sorry...rant over.

So I am gonna harp on this point again, but college teams, especially at the FCS level, don't have kicking game coaches. To the extent that they have designated ST coordinators, those guys focus on every other aspect of ST outside of actually kicking the ball. If you disagree with me point me to 5 FCS teams (out of 128) that have kicking coaches. The best thing we can do outside of the team just picking up someone from the transfer portal is for fans to fund an NIL to Kautzman specifically to attend multiple kicking camps and/or time with a private kicking coach.