Hustle Belt - 2022 MAC Football Week 1 Content StreamMAC Football, MAC Basketball, MAC Recruiting, MAC Baseball and all of the other #MACtion hijinks in between - hustlebeltblog@gmail.comhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50387/hustle-fav.png2022-09-05T21:00:00-04:00http://www.hustlebelt.com/rss/stream/230930692022-09-05T21:00:00-04:002022-09-05T21:00:00-04:00What We Learned from Northern Illinois’ 34-27 win over Eastern Illinois
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 04 NIU at Georgia Tech" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LnjJ9S4e-LL9SuIEO0fIgS7-g0w=/0x0:3600x2400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71327838/1235089546.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Huskies have some work to do moving forward, especially on the defensive side.</p> <p id="6HAXEP">The Northern Illinois Huskies escaped with a 34-27 opening week victory over the Eastern Illinois Panthers, one of their oldest rivals. For the Huskies there was a lot to like, especially in that first half, but also a lot to improve on. </p>
<p id="NdXsR7">And, while it’s hard to fully understand a team after just sixty minutes of football, here are a few of the biggest takeaways from the first game of the season.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="BEkXJV">
<h3 id="3FZx5X">The defense needs to play better...especially in the second half</h3>
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<img alt="Northern Illinois v Michigan" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HPQw2CJeVlu3L39FgjgMXHBiNjM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23998356/1341130697.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="nyZCU7">The Huskie defense looked solid in the first 42 minutes, allowing just six points and forcing two turnovers. However, in the final 18 minutes of the game, EIU was able to score three touchdowns and move the ball incredibly well...netting eight passes and four rushes of 10 or more yards. </p>
<p id="2E4qRD">After 30 minutes of play, the Huskies had held EIU to just 126 yards and six points while also forcing two turnovers. However, by the end of the game the Panthers had tallied 441 total yards (315 yards in the second half) and boosted their average to 6.78 yards per play. They also scored three touchdowns in the final 17:43, while NIU netted just two field goals in that same timeframe. </p>
<p id="VP3sf2">The secondary gave up a bunch of yardage and was unable to defend the pass in the second half...they didn’t even record a single pass break up in the game. NIU, as a team, had just one - a knocked down pass by defensive lineman Ivan Davis. </p>
<p id="VBqHOi">Outside of Eric Rogers’ two interceptions, the Huskie defense backs were rarely seen near the ball while it was in the air. There was just too much space between them and the receivers, which allowed the Panthers net 11.4 yards per completion. </p>
<p id="JrQQts">Tulsa has a predominantly aerial attack and, if the Huskie secondary plays like they did against Eastern, it could be a very long game for them this Saturday. </p>
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<h3 id="SnUVL5">A second-half slowdown on offense is also a concern</h3>
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<img alt="2021 Cure Bowl - Northern Illinois v Coastal Carolina" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aQhnWc873p5xj6bXygxpFoDCPMs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23998357/1361825002.jpg">
<cite>Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="AScpBN">Offensively, the Huskies gained 379 yards and split the offense almost evenly, with 192 coming through the air and 187 on the ground. </p>
<p id="l0QKgg">They were able to sustain drives throughout the game, punting just twice and having five of their nine drives (not counting the kneel to end the half) go for eight or more plays, with two drives even lasting 11 plays. </p>
<p id="ZzCvyh">The major difference was when the Huskies got close in the first half, they were able to score touchdowns...in the second half, the offense relied more on the ground and pound strategy and ended up stalling out, having to settle for field goal attempts.</p>
<p id="i2CDYU">Between Waylee, Brown, and Blakemore, the backfield for the Huskies is insanely dangerous. Wasting as much clock as possible by churning yardage on the ground when leading is certainly a great strategy but the Huskie offense needs to find more ways to get to third and short. In their last three drives of the game, crucial drives, the Huskies had just one third down attempt under five yards.</p>
<p id="DG7ObZ">NIU was a modist 6-11 on third downs and had just four 3rd-and-short attempts (3 yards or less)...they converted all four. Seeing more play action passes and/or roll outs with Lombardi on first or second down should help in setting up those third-and-short situations...and, as we’ve seen over the past few years, the Huskies are going to win those short yard battles nine times out of ten. </p>
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<h3 id="i22ddq">Newbie Shermar Thornton will see a lot of use in the Huskies offense</h3>
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<img alt="Western Kentucky v Florida International" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ED8R72Z9JaoqP3pwrAN1eI_mlAI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23998358/878693888.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="2ufy9o">With speedster Treyvon Rudolph out for the season, the Huskies were in need of a big-time playmaker on offense and Shemar Thornton, the FIU transfer, looks to be just that.</p>
<p id="irLxDS">In his Huskie debut he led the team in receptions (6) and yardage (81) and had one of the biggest plays on the day for the Huskies, a 38-yard grab on 3rd-and-10 that helped get NIU into field goal range, where they would score. </p>
<p id="4piqMQ">Three of his six receptions went for more than ten yards and four of the six would net the Huskies a first down. In addition to the 38-yard bomb, he also had gains of 14 and 19 while a six-yard reception resulted in a first down as well. His final two grabs were for gains of five yards and one yard. </p>
<p id="YZv1kt">His stat line of six grabs and 81 yards is already more than he had all of last year, when he saw just five reception and 27 yards. </p>
<p id="A213Gl">He might not have the speed, or be used on jet sweeps, like Rudolph but look for him to be Lombardi’s go-to receiver through the air in 2022. He’s a big time target that will draw defenders on every pass. </p>
<p id="NdZX1B">Thornton should be an asset even when covered, as the defense will start to focus on him which should free up other receivers like Cole Tucker, Fabian McCray, Kacper Rutkiewicz, and/or the tight ends. </p>
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https://www.hustlebelt.com/2022/9/5/23338248/northern-illinois-huskies-eastern-illinois-panthers-football-game-analysis-what-we-learned-2022Dave Drury2022-09-05T18:00:03-04:002022-09-05T18:00:03-04:00What We Learned from Central Michigan’s 58-44 loss to Oklahoma State
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 01 Central Michigan at Oklahoma State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7h46wFmfeW-juQs1L38widTlONw=/4x0:2673x1779/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71327397/1242897695.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by William Purnell/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Early miscues put CMU at a disadvantage, but there’s plenty of potential in the roster which spells danger for opponents.</p> <p id="zAOUr1">The Central Michigan vs. Oklahoma State rubber match was a much-anticipated matchup on a Thursday night— to the point where it was given the national television treatment. It did not quite live up to the close reputation the unexpected rivalry had produced in the previous two games, but there was still a lot to be gleaned from the action. </p>
<p id="lmbZGx">If you missed the game, you can catch the recap <a href="https://www.hustlebelt.com/2022/9/2/23333826/central-michigan-chippewas-oklahoma-state-cowboys-football-game-recap-final-stats-september-1-2022">at this link</a>, then return back for the observations.</p>
<p id="lWKnCn">Here’s some of what we learned about the Chippewas during Thursday night’s action:</p>
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<h2 id="njzekv">CMU will be just fine at receiver</h2>
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Central Michigan at Oklahoma State" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yEX9SDjtjtI0iZYqtgKbVVHoPgo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23997815/usa_today_18966929.jpg">
<cite>Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<p id="7DTyyH">There were some initial concerns about the state of the receiving room after the departures of Kalil Pimpleton and JaCorey Sullivan left the Chips without a lot of options along the outside numbers. </p>
<p id="EEJ9v5">Dallas Dixon did return at the slot, but other experienced on-roster options, such as Lavar Gumms (transfer portal) and Remi Simmons (graduation) also departed, leaving CMU devastatingly shallow in spring camps. </p>
<p id="jso2sf">The staff got aggressive in recruiting transfers, picking up six new faces, including former Ball State Cardinal Jalen McGaughy and former Maryland Terrapin Carlos Carriere. Carriere (six-foot-five, 205 lbs.) and McGaughy (six-foot-four, 225 lbs.) immediately won the starting jobs, as they’re both strong, physical presences with the speed to break the top of the defense.</p>
<p id="oZR2i0">They showed up in a major way against a verifiable OK State defense, with McGaughy (six receptions, 126 yards, two touchdowns) especially being a revelation, while Carriere (five receptions, 75 yards, one touchdown) also proved to be a handful. </p>
<p id="pfcE5G">Not to be forgotten is Dixon, who had about 10 yards per reception on five catches for 53 yards out of the slot. There’s also a lot of belief on the staff that the six-foot-five, 209 lbs. rdshirt freshman Finn Hogan, who had three catches for 31 yards will be a key player down the line, giving CMU four reliable receivers— even before factoring in tight end Joel Wilson.</p>
<p id="wjS9zm">If the receivers continue to replicate this performance on a weekly basis, CMU will be well on the way to being a Top 25 offense once again.</p>
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<h2 id="tRMb9K">Daniel Richardson is dangerously good</h2>
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Central Michigan at Oklahoma State" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LCowjs_P8jyvw5edCOT1EB0kHn0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23997832/usa_today_18965063.jpg">
<cite>Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<p id="BoJ7Su">Daniel Richardson <a href="https://www.hustlebelt.com/2021/9/29/22701268/what-we-learned-central-michigan-chippewas-fiu-panthers-football-game-analysis-takeaways-week-4-2021">won back the starting QB job</a> with a fury during the 2021 contest with FIU, and he has proven why he never should have sat since, leading CMU to a 7-2 record last season as a starter while also throwing up some incredible numbers in just eight starts with 11 appearances.</p>
<p id="krldXm">Even in a loss to Oklahoma State, Richardson proved why he’s one of the MAC’s best quarterbacks in the 2022 campaign, winning <a href="https://getsomemaction.com/news/2022/9/5/mac-announces-week-1-football-players-of-the-week.aspx">MAC West Offensive Player of the Week honors</a> for his Week 1 performance, going 36-of-49 for 424 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions against a defense which was a Top 5 total unit in 2021. </p>
<p id="FY9TMg">The Chips could have folded after falling behind by a 36-point gap, but instead, Richardson and company damned the torpedoes, scoring 29 points in the second half (and almost had 31 were it not for a failed two-point conversion) to give the ‘Pokes no choice but to put their starters back into the game to preserve their victory.</p>
<p id="MXOtrA">Richardson has shown a lot of touch in the short game, and no hesitation to toss it deep as well, showing a knack for placing the ball right where the receiver can catch it.</p>
<p id="SimhKZ">As discussed above, with seemingly no drop-off in receiver talent, Richardson will have all the tools he’ll need to help the Chips make another deep run at the MAC West division if this pace of offense continues.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="C2riUu">
<h2 id="rdlEmm"> The offensive line will need some time to gel</h2>
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 01 Central Michigan at Oklahoma State" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OiWy2NSuq7_h8FoT6D6lgv-U3dQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23997821/1242897614.jpg">
<cite>Photo by William Purnell/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="hr5qna">One of the storylines most CMU fans will be tracking this season is the development of the offensive line after the departures of first-team all-MAC tackles Bernhard Raimann and Luke Goedeke to the NFL.</p>
<p id="uyDeuH">Those tackle spots were where the major position battles took place, and it wasn’t until the week of the game we knew how the situation resolved itself.</p>
<p id="EVpkS0">The interior of the line returns intact, with Deiyantei Powell-Woods, Jamezz Kimbrough and Tyden Ferris occupying those spaces left-to-right. The bookend tackles, however, are brand-new, with six-foot-five, 289 lb. sophomore Braden Swartout and six-foot-seven, 296 lbs. redshirt freshman Davis Heinzen occupying the right and left spots, respectively. </p>
<p id="YuHCIB">They had a handful in front of them for a first assignment, and we’ll need a few weeks to know the true state of the team, but if the first week is an indication of anything, there’s some work to be done. </p>
<p id="0Sp15Y">The Chippewas allowed 13 tackles-for-loss, two sacks, four QB hurries and— worst of all— a safety against a stout OK State unit, contributing in part to CMU’s early struggles, as screens were blown up due to lack of downfield blocking and the zone runs were initially limited in effectiveness. </p>
<p id="fWcxpQ">Give credit where it’s due, though, as they bowed up in the second half to put up some great pass protection reps for Richardson as the Chips attempted a massive comeback effort. We haven’t seen them at their full strength yet, but they did show some flashes of brilliance along the way, which should be promising as the schedule gets more favorable over the next few weeks.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="IkMgVl">
<h2 id="W1nl5t">The big play is still a problem for the defense</h2>
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 01 Central Michigan at Oklahoma State" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Tz5nw_-3L9A8zZDpUYzg9AnftLg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23997824/1242897666.jpg">
<cite>Photo by William Purnell/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="8UY5Ry">For all the positives to be had from the game, there are still some major questions surrounding the Chippewas defense. </p>
<p id="k4vo5H">The normally havoc-causing defense probably met their toughest test, picking up just one sack and five tackles-for-loss for a team which was a Top 5 unit in both statistics in 2021. The secondary and linebackers also had their share of issues, often getting beat in coverage or leaving zones open.</p>
<p id="daBR6L">Some of the issues could be pinned down to game flow, as the OK State safety certainly placed the defense on its heels, but even then, the CMU defense looked complely overwhelmed by a faster, stronger Cowboys offense.</p>
<p id="VgFA59">The Cowboys posted five plays of 20+ yards in the first half, all of which contributed to scoring drives, including the first Cowboys touchdown of the game, when John Paul Richardson got behind the secondary for a 45-yard scoring strike. </p>
<p id="XdNJs0">The other first-half explosive plays went for 41 yards, 28 yards, 23 yards (Spencer Sanders touchdown run) and 42 yards, with plenty of other plays going between 10-19 yards to continue drives. It was as if the defense had not anticipated Oklahoma State’s tempo in the passing game, which is a bit of a concern.</p>
<p id="3hFGfU">It looked like OK State would continue to pull off explosives at the start of the third quarter, with another 45-yard pass from Sanders to Braydon Johnson on the first play from scrimmage leading to a touchdown on the next play. </p>
<p id="FutJaY">To their credit, the Chips buckled down and forced a lot of limited drives in the second half, with the Cowboys only scoring 14 points, but a key penalty for offsides on an interception by Jayden Davis allowed OK State an opportunity to extend their lead. If the interception stood, it could have been a whole different game flow.</p>
<p id="lT2a91">The defense will certainly have opportunities to avail itself over the rest of the non-conference season, but they’ll have to acknowledge some of the issues from the 2021 season have carried over into 2022 during film study this week.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="RRKdgP">
<p id="OrRK7U">CMU will begin their 2022 home campaign by hosting the Sun Belt’s South Alabama in a Saturday afternoon game on Sept. 10.</p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/2022/9/5/23338021/what-we-learned-from-central-michigans-58-44-loss-to-oklahoma-stateJames H. Jimenez2022-09-05T15:30:00-04:002022-09-05T15:30:00-04:00What We Learned from Western Michigan’s 35-13 loss to Michigan State
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Western Michigan at Michigan State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4nTEvwWNeBvKoDisKL18noHQnGc=/0x0:4123x2749/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71326938/usa_today_18973860.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Explosive plays doomed the Broncos defense, a continuation of an issue from the 2021 campaign, while the offense flashed some decent potential in bursts.</p> <p id="TMJk0B">Western Michigan drew a tough Week 1 matchup in Michigan State, who entered the Friday night game ranked 15th in the nation. The Spartans won 35-13; with that score, Michigan State could’ve been in total control. They were not.</p>
<p id="AfKxYx">Early in the fourth quarter, the teams were separated by eight points with the Broncos having scored ten unanswered points and in possession of the ball. The Spartans would finish the game with 134 yards on nine plays and two touchdowns. The first touchdown finished an eight-play, 91-yard drive that took the momentum and hope from the Broncos and sealed the game. </p>
<p id="6b8dqn">The advanced stats paint a different picture. If WMU had won the game with the stats they finished with, it would have been the steal of the season. Undoubtedly, the fourth quarter would go differently and the stats would be different, but as it is the Spartans have a 98 percent post-game win expectancy. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="5BIgKB">
<h2 id="WEYlUE"><strong>Explosive plays, field position gives Michigan State the win</strong></h2>
<p id="C10Uoi">The Spartans had the edge by a wide margin in three main areas of advanced statistics. </p>
<p id="LPUcBR">The average starting field position for Michigan State was their own 35. The average for the 2021 season is the 29-yard line. Being six yards better isn’t exceptional, but in contrast to Western Michigan, it is. The Bronco's average starting field position was their own 21. A 14-yard advantage in field position means Michigan State had a much easier path to a touchdown or field goal attempt on each drive</p>
<p id="Es8mZ1">That advantage comes from Michigan State’s incredible punter, turnovers and WMU’s inability to flip the field when the offense stalled. Michigan State’s sixth-year punter Bryce Baringer averaged 50.5 yards per punt and sent one punt 70 yards. When the Bronco defense did their job, Baringer and the punt team made sure that they had a long way to go.</p>
<p id="GB2RvE">Michigan State scored touchdowns on five drives and each was punctuated by explosive plays. The explosive play wasn’t always the play that scored, but the least explosive drive had an eleven-yard rush and, two plays later, a 13-yard touchdown pass. </p>
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Western Michigan at Michigan State" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SZQGvvQbifx54mKeSkkdhNDVaeU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23997958/usa_today_18973858.jpg">
<cite>Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
</figure>
<p id="xkyf3N">The explosive plays bled into another important advanced stats category, yards per play. The Spartans held an 8.3 yards per play to 4.4 yards per play advantage. This is the advantage that puts the post-game win expectancy at 98%. A nearly four-yard-per-play advantage is a strong indicator of a win and extremely difficult to overcome. </p>
<p id="UQD4SH">Once Michigan State punted to Western Michigan with a 21-13 score, these differences became more extreme. The Broncos ran 17 plays for a paltry 44 yards, while Michigan State ran 13 plays for 158 yards. Two of their drives ended in touchdowns and the last ended the game. </p>
<p id="9pOE1x">Not everything requires advanced metrics to explain how the Spartans won. Two Bronco drives made it to the redzone and ended in relative disaster. WMU got a first down at the MSU eight-yard line. On third-and-goal from the three-yard line, the Western running back Abdus-Salaam rushed for a yard. Tim Lester has shown aggressiveness in 4th and goal situations, and it’s likely the Broncos attempt a conversion. However, the play was flagged for holding and the ball was fumbled to the defense on the next play. </p>
<p id="FXlXmB">In the third quarter, the Broncos were in the redzone again and redshirt freshman quarterback Jack Salopek threw his first collegiate touchdown pass to Corey Crooms to make it a 21-17 game. The touchdown was taken off the board by an ineligible receiver penalty and the Broncos had to settle for a field goal. It was progress but touchdowns win games, not field goals. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="RycP8g">
<h2 id="aecsNL"><strong>Bronco Offense: lacked efficiency and too many sacks</strong></h2>
<p id="sbcHVU">The Broncos had thirteen drives Friday night and only one ended in the endzone. Understanding a problem is the first step to fixing it. The first question to ask is always “What happened?” </p>
<p id="gITIXA">The first categorization of drives is successful versus unsuccessful. Successful drives end in touchdowns and unsuccessful drives do not. </p>
<p id="wIUN0r">Based on that, the one successful drive was a success due to explosive plays. The Broncos moved the ball well, converting a 4th and 1, to get to midfield. Then running back Sean Tyler exploded for 45 yards to the Michigan State four. One play later he scored on a four-yard rush. </p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sean Tyler 45 yard run! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WMU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WMU</a> <a href="https://t.co/0nSNIZS2da">pic.twitter.com/0nSNIZS2da</a></p>— @ (@FTBeard7) <a href="https://twitter.com/FTBeard7/status/1565871465114656768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p id="LCfkjL">That’s it for the good. The unsuccessful drives had a few more reasons for failure. </p>
<div id="N4zuyi"><table width="" border="2" cellpadding="" cellspacing="">
<tbody>
<tr bgcolor="#EDF1F3">
<th align="left">Failure Mode</th>
<th align="center">Count</th>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">Behind the Chains</td>
<td align="center">4</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">Tackle For Loss</td>
<td align="center">3</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">Penalty</td>
<td align="center">2</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">Failed to Finish Drive</td>
<td align="center">1</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">Turnover</td>
<td align="center">1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p id="mCLakH">Getting behind the chains is the effect of a tackle for loss, so let's define the difference for the purpose of this analysis. When a drive failed due to getting behind the chains, that means the efficiency fell off. Whether it was a short run or incomplete passes, the offense went forward but not enough. </p>
<p id="MEuN40">When the defense makes a tackle for a loss or a sack, that’s a different failure. The reason the drive failed is functionally the same, but fixing inefficiency is different than stopping negative plays. </p>
<p id="WsXFmg">Failing to finish drives means settling for field goals. Field goals aren’t bad, but they certainly don’t feel <em>good </em>when there’s more points to be found. Especially in this game for the Broncos, getting seven instead of three in a 21-10 game goes a long way to pulling the upset. </p>
<p id="xZctev">Four drives ended due to inefficiency, and three more ended due to negative plays. Some inefficiency is expected in football games but not on one-third of the drives. Salopek was sacked a total of seven times and the drives in the fourth quarter especially were disrupted by sacks. </p>
<p id="fwiXeL">I’m confident that without the penalty on third-and-goal from the three-yard line, the Broncos do not fumble the ball on the next play and they go for the endzone on fourth-and-two. That drive and the drive that had a touchdown negated were effectively ended by the penalties. In other words, to fix those drives, fix the penalties.</p>
<p id="0Niug0">The drive that stalled out and ended in a field goal and the drive that ended in a turnover were important, but not the priority to focus on as an area to improve. The fumble by Sean Tyler on the Michigan State 39 was a missed opportunity for the Broncos, but the Spartans didn’t turn it into points. </p>
<p id="jWWnTf">The Broncos were built on efficiency in 2021, almost to a fault. When they fail to be efficient and cannot sustain a drive, like Friday, they don’t have the explosiveness to make up for it. Efficiency is an area that will improve. There won’t be a defense in the MAC with athletes like Michigan State’s defense. Salopek will improve and become more consistent than in his first start, but the work needs to be put in on the practice field and film room for that to materialize. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Ooy0vR">
<h2 id="tSHaUr"><strong>Bronco Defense: Highly efficient with too many breakdowns</strong></h2>
<p id="tAEybY">To start with the positives, the Bronco defense forced three three-and-outs and a five-play punt from the Michigan State offense. There needed to be more punts forced, but they also forced two turnovers and got a gift in a missed field goal. </p>
<p id="h0JCZi">The analysis is the same, drives are sorted by touchdown allowed or no touchdown allowed. Then each group is subdivided to figure out why there is or is not a touchdown. </p>
<div id="r2B60E"><table width="" border="2" cellpadding="" cellspacing="">
<tbody>
<tr bgcolor="#EDF1F3">
<th align="left">Drive Ender</th>
<th align="center">Count</th>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">Behind the Chains</td>
<td align="center">4</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">Tackle For Loss</td>
<td align="center">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left">Turnover</td>
<td align="center">1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p id="3MLZzx">The Broncos did a good job forcing the Spartans into third and long situations, then getting off the field. The four drives that are “Behind the Chains” successes for the Broncos had third down yardages of 10, 6, 5 and 7. Each drive ended in an incompletion except one. Michigan State was forced into a passing situation on 3rd and 5, and quarterback Payton Thorne was intercepted by Keni-H Lovely at the Western Michigan 10-yard line.</p>
<p id="dUmWpk">The first drive of the game was ended by a great solo tackle by defensive tackle Braden Fiske. Fiske held contain on the end of the line and let Michigan State wide receiver Daniel Barker run right to him on a sweep. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Braden Fiske with the TFL on 3rd down! Nice start for the Western Michigan defense! <a href="https://t.co/EzpvyJvE2I">pic.twitter.com/EzpvyJvE2I</a></p>— @ (@FTBeard7) <a href="https://twitter.com/FTBeard7/status/1565839181435117568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2022</a>
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<p id="HAaftQ">Michigan State’s missed field goal came after defensive end Andre Carter sacked Thorne for a seven-yard loss on 2nd and 4. The 3rd and 11 pass fell incomplete and the drive was over.</p>
<p id="ZylPZ1">The Broncos showed proficiency in forcing long downs and making negative plays, just as they did in 2021. The one turnover that wasn’t situationally induced was another great play by Fiske. Running back Jalen Berger was wrapped up and pulled onto a pile of linemen and defenders. An argument could be made for stopped forward progress, but before the play could be whistled dead, Fiske balled a fist and punched the ball out. Aaron Wofford fell on it, and seven plays later, the Broncos were in the endzone. </p>
<p id="592tBK">Unfortunately, the weaknesses for the Broncos are the same as last season. The five touchdown drives were all headlined by explosive plays. Whether by design or circumstance, the Spartan passing attack went right after Dorian Jackson. He had a tough game and got beat in single coverage twice for long touchdowns. The first was to Germie Bernard for 44 yards.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">First TD of the year was a beauty. <a href="https://twitter.com/germie_bernard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@germie_bernard</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/MSU_Football?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MSU_Football</a> <a href="https://t.co/ANWv3Rw83b">pic.twitter.com/ANWv3Rw83b</a></p>— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigTenNetwork/status/1565847115741335552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2022</a>
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<p id="qlRpTq">The second was by Keon Coleman, with maybe a slight push-off. </p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">HOLY SMOKES KEON COLEMAN. <a href="https://twitter.com/keoncoleman6?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@keoncoleman6</a> X <a href="https://twitter.com/MSU_Football?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MSU_Football</a> <a href="https://t.co/OrXnnnDgkA">pic.twitter.com/OrXnnnDgkA</a></p>— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigTenNetwork/status/1565852842790776832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2022</a>
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<p id="cLg6VB">To make his day worse, his backup, Lovely, comes in and intercepts a pass during his second series. </p>
<p id="RA2S11">Two of the other three explosive drives were through the air and appeared to be breakdowns by safeties. Wide receiver Daniel Barker made a spectacular one-handed catch to beat transfer safety Gio Vonne Sanders for a 13-yard touchdown. There’s not much to be done against that.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">ONE HAND GRAB FOR THE TD <a href="https://t.co/wEXeL4oVuj">pic.twitter.com/wEXeL4oVuj</a></p>— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNCFB/status/1565851709062017024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2022</a>
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<p id="TeG7fj">The last touchdown of the game got past the safeties in the middle of the field and without a wider view of the play, it’s hard to tell what happened. Michigan State took a shot at the endzone and Western seemed to be betting on underneath throws to kill the clock. It’s reasonable but incorrect.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A 43 yard score hauled in by Tre Mosley for the Michigan State University <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Spartans?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Spartans</a>. 35-13, MSU lead, with 4:07 left in the contest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Touchdown?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Touchdown</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoGreen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoGreen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFB?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Michigan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Michigan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sports?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpartanUp?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpartanUp</a> <a href="https://t.co/OoCuZMlbe6">pic.twitter.com/OoCuZMlbe6</a></p>— Gabriel Schray (@schrayguy) <a href="https://twitter.com/schrayguy/status/1565887847789461505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2022</a>
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<p id="fiAXHv">The remaining drive was an explosive play where the Broncos got caught being too aggressive against the run. </p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jalen Berger 50 yard run! Look at the blocking up front as well <a href="https://t.co/FfRuBCELlC">pic.twitter.com/FfRuBCELlC</a></p>— @ (@FTBeard7) <a href="https://twitter.com/FTBeard7/status/1565883126609391624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2022</a>
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<p id="qGKfxA">Linebacker Corvin Moment walked up to the line and got caught by the Michigan State center while the backside cornerback blitzed. The two remaining linebackers overpursued and left a huge cutback lane. The cornerback on that side was behind the line of scrimmage and unable to make the stop after a medium gain. The receiver that the cornerback left went downfield to block a safety and then it was a footrace. That corner was Anthony Romphf, a Purdue transfer, that got into pursuit and showed exceptional speed to eventually push the running back out of bounds at the seven-yard line. Four plays later, the Spartans converted a 4th and goal for a touchdown.</p>
<p id="xi8uOc">It doesn’t matter if the secondary got lost in single coverage, called poorly timed blitzes or simply had miscommunication issues: the Bronco defense cannot continue to give away easy points and expect to win games. </p>
<p id="tJhRCu">With inexperience across the board on offense, that unit will have ups-and-downs. The defense needs to be consistent and not consistently give up easy scores. </p>
<p id="LjSmOI">They’ll hope to correct these issues when they take on Ball State in an early conference matchup on Sept. 10.</p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/2022/9/5/23336885/western-michigan-broncos-michigan-state-spartans-football-game-analysis-what-we-learned-2022andrewpearson132022-09-05T13:00:00-04:002022-09-05T13:00:00-04:00What We Learned from Ohio’s 41-38 win over Florida Atlantic
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Ohio at Northwestern" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZWRMjF-Z-QarU8iCB4mXhMKmUS0=/41x0:4411x2913/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71326532/usa_today_16824145.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Banks-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Bobcats shocked many with an extremely competent performance on Saturday night against FAU after some very public struggles in 2021.</p> <p id="o14Q0a">The Bobcats won a wild game Saturday night against FAU for the victory in the first ever game played on Frank Solich Field. </p>
<p id="72yvPk">In so doing, the “Cats looked improved in several ways over the 2021 Ohio squad and did it against a solid opponent in FAU. Here are some things we learned about the 2022 Bobcats in Week 1:</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="u8wKsK">
<p id="LeA1OT"><strong>Familiar faces in new places</strong></p>
<p id="hy36av">The Bobcats moved some players to new position groups this year with strong early returns in the season opener.</p>
<p id="5TLcEE">Ben Johnson, a former linebacker, made an impact debut at starting safety, with 15 tackles, the most for a Bobcat since LB Jared Dorsa and S Javon Hagan had 16 each in a overtime loss to Western Michigan on November 12, 2019.</p>
<p id="pLbWRm">Former linebacker turned defensive end Jack McCrory looked very comfortable and productive at his new spot, finishing second on the team with 7 tackles. McCrory also added a sack and a QB pressure.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Famous Idaho Potato Bowl - Nevada v Ohio" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/a81rs0Yx_CLP40qmXDOsrwOtIns=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23997300/1191477319.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Jack McCrory </figcaption>
</figure>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="PFPO1e">
<p id="Lx7pkw"><strong>Effective rush defense</strong></p>
<p id="1rQTYg">The new scheme, coaches, and position changes contributed to a very sound performance against the run, especially when compared with last season. After surrendering 193 yards rushing per contest in 2021, the Bobcats held FAU to 100 total rushing yards on the day, just 3.4 yards per carry. FAU’s longest run on the day was just 11 yards and leading rusher Larry McCammon III had only 60 yards on 14 carries.</p>
<p id="EjAY8W">The Bobcats showed frequent communication to get pre-snap plays and alignments correct, whether the signals were verbal, by hand, or sometimes a gentle shove in the right direction.</p>
<p id="fjfhw8">While the Bobcats did give up over 350 yards passing, about half of that, 175 yards, came in the 4th quarter after Ohio had a three-score lead.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="WVidN9">
<p id="gH4Ghu"><strong>Aerial attack</strong></p>
<p id="zREc4c">Ohio’s offense took a quarter or two to heat up but once they did they repeatedly burned FAU on what was a historic night for Ohio’s passing attack.</p>
<p id="5j2I14">QB Kurtis Rourke took command as the game went on and finished with 345 yards passing and four passing TDs, while completing 79 percent of his passes. The 345 yards passing ranks eighth all-time in program history, and also gives Kurtis bragging rights over his brother, former Ohio Bobcat and current CFL superstar Nathan, whose best Bobcat single-game effort was 342 yards versus Kent State in 2019.</p>
<p id="fJ1I9z"></p>
<p id="LqJ7wK">The passing attack was a team effort though, as five players had at least four catches, lead by James Bostic, who blew up for six catches for 136 yards and a score. Bostic was critical on the game winning drive, hauling in 69 receiving yards including a 54-yard bomb from Rourke. </p>
<p id="6GEkgg">Bostic was so productive and clutch we tabbed him as one of our five potential MAC breakout players for 2022, which you can read about <a href="https://www.hustlebelt.com/2022/9/4/23336852/five-new-mac-starters-show-signs-breakout-season-week-1-salopek-bostic-walker-mcgaughy-taylor-2022">here.</a></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="yF6r9E">
<p id="l8YAIh"><strong>Notable debuts</strong></p>
<p id="spPS5y">Ohio was busy in the offseason, making additions to its roster or developing new starters that paid immediate dividends in the 2022 opener.</p>
<p id="HiRrfB">Ohio State transfer WR Sam Wiglusz had a memorable game with five grabs for 59 yards and two scores, while also finishing six inches away from a third TD reception. Wiglusz also had some key blocks in the running game; his pancake block helped spring the running back for a 16-yard gain on a critical fourth-quarter touchdown drive.</p>
<p id="ErJEtK">JUCO transfer WR Jacoby Jones also saw his first Bobcat action, finishing with four catches for 48 yards.</p>
<p id="Kuay6y">MAC champions find a way to win close games, with last year’s champ Northern Illinois winning four games by less than a field goal. Bobcat fans got a glimpse of that concept in action Saturday night in the first game for kicker Nathanial Vakos. The true freshman converted both FG attempts, helping secure the three-point win. Vakos also hit on all five extra points for 11 total points.</p>
<p id="xOvuTh">It is only one game, but Vakos’ leg looked strong and accurate so he could prove to be an upgrade over last year’s performance where ‘Cat kickers converted only 67 percent of field goal attempts.</p>
<p id="FfcO6k">Redshirt freshman RB Sieh Bangura made his first career start after spending 2021 as a rotational option, rushing for 114 yards against a pretty solid FBS front seven. With Ohio’s other two top running backs out injured, Bangura has the talent and opportunity to be the first back since 2018 to run for 1,000 yards, when AJ Ouellette amassed 1,306.</p>
<p id="avDC71">A defensive starting debut which stood out was DE Vonnie Watkins, who finished the night with six stops and two QB pressures.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="UUlTmV">
<p id="kmXxi2"><strong>Big Plays</strong></p>
<p id="yx5qOL">The Bobcats looked noticeably more dynamic in the first game of 2022 than they did in 2021, particularly on defense. Ohio harassed FAU’s QB N’Kosi Perry, finishing with two sacks and seven QB pressures.</p>
<p id="f6Ku3J">After finishing 2021 near the bottom of the FBS with a -7 turnover ratio, the Bobcats start the season on the plus side of the ledger, gaining two while surrendering zero. DT Rodney Mathews’ strip sack of Perry late in the fourth quarter caused a fumble recovered by Bryce Houston, a critical play which ultimately led to a Bobcat score to help seal the game.</p>
<p id="qQW3Vu">The Bobcats move on to a week two showdown next Saturday versus Penn State at Noon ET.</p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/2022/9/5/23337831/ohio-bobcats-florida-atlantic-owls-football-game-analysis-what-we-learned-2022Keith Gregorski2022-09-04T02:13:19-04:002022-09-04T02:13:19-04:00Game Recap: Washington Huskies 45, Kent State Golden Flashes 20
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Kent State at Washington" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/87Ls4Ykk2toMm67-NnpQkJ6CFD8=/0x0:2233x1489/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71322502/usa_today_18985692.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Golden Flashes can’t keep up with new-look Huskies offense as Kalen DeBoer era begins in Seattle.</p> <p id="oEqWQB">One of the final matchups to kick off in the first full Saturday slate of the year involved two beloved college football Twitter hashtags joining together — #MACtion and #Pac12AfterDark.</p>
<p id="GpZ2wl">The late-night kick in Seattle between Kent State and Washington favored the latter, as the Pac-12 squad claimed victory around 2 am on the east coast. In head coach Kalen DeBoer’s debut, the Huskies played a well-balanced game by piling the points offensively and limiting Kent State’s high-tempo offense to 340 yards in a 45-20 decision.</p>
<p id="v2tpmg">Saturday marked the collegiate starting debut of quarterback Collin Schlee, who served as the primary understudy to Kent State’s All-MAC star Dustin Crum over the past two seasons. Schlee’s first pass as a full-fledged starter wound up in the hands of Washington free safety Asa Turner. The dual-threat QB later remained turnover-free for the remainder of the half and wound up with 178 passing yards on a 50 percent completion clip. His first 10 completions landed in the hands of one of two receivers — Dante Cephas and Devontez Walker. Cephas produced 105 yards on six catches while Walker churned out 56 yards on four in his best collegiate showing.</p>
<p id="8uZnVU">The opposite sideline also utilized a new starting quarterback, but unlike Kent State, it wasn’t an incumbent member of the roster. Former Indiana standout Michael Penix Jr. reunited with his old Hoosier offensive coordinator DeBoer this offseason and shined in his Washington debut with 345 passing yards (the third-most of his career) and four touchdowns.</p>
<p id="YqLyoS">With Penix leading the way, Washington’s offense displayed itself as the more refined unit Saturday night. The Huskies scored on each of its first six possessions, remaining free of giveaways throughout the night, and they also refrained from punting until the final three minutes of the third quarter. Washington’s first of its many touchdowns stemmed from a 4th and 1 conversion, when the offensive line parted a massive pathway for running back Wayne Taulapapa. The Virginia transfer ran free in the open field, finishing with a 28-yard touchdown to hand the Huskies an immediate 7-0 advantage.</p>
<p id="akVSud">The Huskies scored from considerable distance on their second drive as well when Penix connected with wide receiver Taj Davis for a 32-yard touchdown strike. But Kent State responded within seconds on an RPO where Schlee found Walker on a 47-yard streak for paydirt. Unfortunately for the Golden Flashes, that momentum was short-lived as Washington piled on its third and fourth touchdowns by the eight-minute mark of the second quarter to secure a three-score advantage.</p>
<p id="XTs9A1">Kent State attempted a semblance of a comeback in the early fourth quarter when Schlee drove the Golden Flashes down to the goal line with his lone to completion to tight end Kris Leach. Head coach Sean Lewis then dialed up a 1-yard wildcat run for a Marquez Cooper touchdown — signifying the team’s first rushing score of the season. But in a recurring theme Saturday, Washington’s offense answered every blow from Kent State. The Huskies were back in the end zone within one minute and 22 seconds of action, essentially sealing the win with a 45-20 advantage in the early fourth.</p>
<p id="c5YEJq">The Golden Flashes’ high-powered rushing attack ranked second nationally in 2020 and third in 2021. Kent State will certainly have to accelerate that pace if it hopes for similar lofty goals in 2022, as the team combined for 147 yards at 3.8 per carry in the opener. Schlee led all ball carriers with 47 yards, while Cooper spearheaded the running back production with 36 on 11 carries.</p>
<p id="tdQ2dl">After the loss, Kent State still remains in search of its first win in a non-conference opener since 2013. The Golden Flashes, looking to rebound after the 25-point loss, don’t get any favors from the schedule in the near future. A road trip to No. 9 Oklahoma looms next week, and later in September, Kent State must visit No. 3 Georgia in Athens.</p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/2022/9/4/23336361/washington-huskies-kent-state-golden-flashes-45-20-football-game-recap-sept-3-2022-pac-12-mactionSteve Helwick2022-09-03T22:57:33-04:002022-09-03T22:57:33-04:00Game Recap: Kentucky Wildcats 37, Miami RedHawks 13
<figure>
<img alt="Miami Ohio v Kentucky" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EsThg5qm118coKNSBZOdFqrHTow=/0x0:4385x2923/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71322232/1242926847.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>After a tight game in the first half, Kentucky used a strong start in the 3rd quarter to pull away from the RedHawks.</p> <p id="D2YBzp">The Miami RedHawks held their own during the first 30 minutes of their contest against the <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com">Kentucky Wildcats</a>. The game was tied and 7-7, and then again at 10-10, before the Wildcats were able to snag a field goal right before the half and take a 13-10 lead into the locker room. </p>
<p id="68X3tF">However, it didn’t take long for UK to separate themselves in the second half - scoring 14 points in just over a minute. First, the second half kickoff was returned 100-yards for a touchdown. Then, on Miami’s second play of the half, Jaylon Bester fumbled which was scooped up by the Wildcats and returned down to the 8-yard line. Kentucky would punch it in a few plays later when Will Levis found Chauncey Magwood in the endzone to give UK a 27-10 lead after just 62 seconds. </p>
<p id="Dz5IMT">From there, the RedHawks would string together a nice, 11-play 65-yard drive but couldn’t find a way into the endzone, instead settling for a 27-yard field goal that cut the score back down to two possessions. It would be the last time Miami got into scoring range. </p>
<p id="WOuLfl">After the teams traded punts, Kentucky found a way to drive into field goal range and hit a 50-yard attempt to push the lead back up to three scores, at 30-13. Miami would stall on their next possession and once again give the ball back to the Wildcats, who drove 84-yards in nine plays to score the final points of the game - a 1-yard pass from Levis to Dane Key. </p>
<p id="hm1Paq">For the most part, the RedHawk defense look really solid...especially in the first half, holding the SEC team to just one TD and a pair of field goals. The offense had moments where they shined and moved the ball rather well against this stout defense, tallying 290 yards on offense to Kentucky’s 353 yards. If not for that kick return and big fumble return, this is a MUCH closer game. </p>
<p id="eO7mKx">Gabbert was quite effective, going 20/28 for 166 yards. He also ran it ten times for 28 yards. Mac Hippenhammer was his biggest target, with 7 grabs for 85 yards, but seven RedHawk players had two or more catches.</p>
<p id="pETBf2">On the ground Tyre Sheltonled the way with 50 yards and their only touchdown on seven carries while Keyon Mozee added 25 yards on his seven touches. </p>
<p id="mFLd4w">For Kentucky, Levis ended the day 21/32 with 303 yards and three touchdowns to one interception. Tayvion Washington did most of the damage there, snagging six passes for 136 yards. Their ground game never got anything going, as the RedHawk defense held them to just 50 rushing yards on 26 attempts. Kavosiey Smoke led the way with 32 yards on seven rushes. </p>
<p id="PfyGy0">Miami will head home to take on Robert Morris next Saturday, September 10th. But the MAC isn’t done with Kentucky just yet. The Wildcats will host both the MAC East and MAC West favorites as the NIU Huskies head to Lexington to take on UK in a few weeks, on September 24th. </p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/2022/9/3/23336232/2022-mac-football-week-1-game-recap-kentucky-wildcats-37-miami-redhawks-13Dave Drury2022-09-03T22:36:27-04:002022-09-03T22:36:27-04:00Game Recap: Ohio Bobcats 41, Florida Atlantic Owls 38
<figure>
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 16 Toledo at Ohio" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/idEJUxHM_2rSw2Lras0yVhV0qF8=/0x808:3568x3187/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71322188/1236743078.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Graham Stokes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In one of the wildest games of the extremely young 2022 campaign so far, the Bobcats hold on for the program’s first September win since 2018. </p> <p id="EQxvlQ">It was a beautiful Saturday night for football in the Midwest, and the Ohio Bobcats (1-0) and Florida Atlantic Owls (1-1) made sure to give the assembled fans at the newly-cristened Frank Solich Field at Peden Stadium a show they won’t be forgetting any time soon, as the Bobcats won a barnburner over the Owls by the final score of 41-38.</p>
<p id="gqLmd1">The FAU Owls came out high-flying, taking the first possession of the game the length of the field on a 10-play, 75-yard drive over the first 3:50 of game time and converting it for a touchdown on a N’Kosi Perry pass to Je’Quan Burton from 20 yards out to go up 7-0.</p>
<p id="KPi4zf">After going three-and-out, Ohio’s Jonah Wieland would trot on to punt for the Bobcats, but FAU returner LaJohntay Wester muffed the catch on a tricky ball, and Justin Holloway rushed into recover the ball, giving the drive new life. Nathanial Vakos would hit from 29 yards out to put Ohio on the board, down 7-3.</p>
<p id="8FJ4Tn">FAU would once again do what they liked offensively on the next drive, though this go-around the Ohio defense was able to bend enough to ensure it was only a field goal to cap an 11-play, 68-yard drive to put the Owls up 10-3 with 2:50 to go first quarter. </p>
<p id="P33Hr3">The Bobcats struck back at the start of the second quarter, with Ohio State transfer Sam Wiglusz coming in the clutch twice on the drive with a 30-yarder on third-and-seven and a six-yard scoring strike on a tunnel screen play to get Ohio tied up at 10-all with 14:13 to go in the first half, capping off a nine-play, 75-yard drive. </p>
<p id="P1m5uc">As was the pattern, the Owls pulled down yet another 11-play drive, this time for 73 yards, en route to a wide-open 16-yard touchdown pass from Perry to Jahman Edrine to push the score to 17-10 FAU. </p>
<p id="wsPIzS">The two teams would stymie one another until the 1:24 mark of the second quarter, when Ohio’s Nathanial Vakos converted another short field goal to get the ‘Cats to 17-13 just before the break. </p>
<p id="f2UCvp">In what was perhaps the most key stretch of the game, Ohio took possession first in the third quarter, taking up 4:21 of the game clock to record their longest drive of the night on an 11-play, 87-yard drive ending in another Wiglusz touchdown, this time from five yards out, to put the ‘Cats ahead 20-17. </p>
<p id="rQFHCE">They would add two more touchdowns on their next two possessions, with Miles Cross putting Ohio up 27-17 on a one-yard catch, and Kurtis Rourke calling his own number on a two-yard scamper to push the lead further out to 34-17 with 12:20 remaining.</p>
<p id="1EAPBa">The Rourke score was set up by a Rodney Matthews sack fumble of N’Kosi Perry, which Bryce Houston recovered and returned to the FAU 29 to set up the drive.</p>
<p id="Gna3Zd">That’s where the fireworks would begin, as FAU settled down after a series of bad possessions and scored on a nine-yard pass from Perry to Tony Johnson to end a seven-play, 75-yard drive lasting just under two minutes. That cut the lead down to 34-24, and stopped the 24-point unanswered streak the Bobcats had built up. </p>
<p id="ey5fS2">Unfortunately for the Owls, the Bobcats would go back to their scoring ways on the ensuing drive, as Kurtis Rourke fooled the defense on an inverted veer look to find James Bostic for a 54-yard reception, Sieh Bangura would spin cycle his way into a 16-yard run, and Rourke and Bostic would connect a second time from 15 yards out to go up 41-24 with just 7:10 remaining. </p>
<p id="cmkl9s">Florida Atlantic would sandwich an Ohio three-and-out with two scores of their own, with two separate seven-yard touchdown passes to Jamhal Edrine and LaJohntay Wester capping their respective drives and pulling the score back to a more managable 41-38 deficit.</p>
<p id="8M49Qr">The Wester touchdown drive was one engineered by Wester himself on the three-and-out punt, as he took advantage of the sky boot from the endzone, hesitated to let blocks get downfield, and returned the 47-yard punt 41 yards the other way, giving FAU advantageous field position. </p>
<p id="FubYXJ">The FAU defense bowed up on the next Ohio series, forcing another three-and-out and possessing the punt at their own 16-yard line— after a holding penalty was called on the returning team. </p>
<p id="B01LxS">That left about 1:36 on the board for the Owls to come back, but after some initial successes with a 12-yard pass to Je’Quan Burton and Jahmal Edrine, N’Kosi Perry was stifled on his next four attempts, with the final throw of the contest broken up by Ohio’s emergent Roman Parodie. </p>
<p id="fAkZjR">The win is the first for Ohio in the month of September since Sept. 29, 2018, when they took down UMass by a score of 58-42. The ‘Cats had gone 0-7 since their last September win prior to tonight’s contest. </p>
<p id="wmZM0e">It was also the first opening week win for head coach Tim Albin, who took over the program from Frank Solich in 2021. </p>
<p id="VehAGR">It was a coronoation game for Kurtis Rourke, brother of former Bobcat legend Nathan, as the Ontarian went 27-of-34 for 345 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions, while also picking up a rushing score. </p>
<p id="ds1618">James Bostic led all receivers on the day with 136 yards and a touchdown on six receptions, while debutante receiver Sam Wigluscz made his presence felt with two touchdowns on 59 yards and five receptions. Ty Walton also had a key performance in a drive which resulted in points, finishing with six catches for 64 yards.</p>
<p id="gAiMeD">Sieh Bangura broke the 100-yard barrier in his first game as a lead back in 2022, with 114 yards on 23 carries.</p>
<p id="meFYim">Defensively for the ‘Cats, safety Ben Johnson was all over the field, with 14 tackles on the day even despite his ejection about halfway through the fourth quarter. Jack McCrory was also an asset for the defense, with seven tackles, one tackle-for-loss and a sack.</p>
<p id="SD8oNP">Kicker Nathanial Vakos was 2-of-2 on field goals from 29 and 36 yards, while punter Jonah Wieland had five punts for 221 net yards, including two inside-the-20 punts and a long of 51 yards.</p>
<p id="dqnGY3">Florida Atlantic had a quietly good performance despite the circumstances, with QB N’Kosi Perry, the former Miami [FL] product, finishing the day 23-of-41 for 346 yards and five touchdowns, with no interceptions. </p>
<p id="gqaLxt">Je’Quan Burton paced the owns with 115 yards on just five receptions, scoring once. Fellow receiver Jahmal Edrine led all receivers in receptions (eight), while pulling in 87 yards and two touchdowns. Tony Johnson and LaJohntay Wester also had touchdowns on the day.</p>
<p id="37xxJL">The FAU run game was fairly limited, with Larry McCammon picking up just 60 yards on 14 attempts. Perry (32 yards) and Zuberi Mosley (19) eeked out some yards to get the Owls attack over the 100 mark threshold. </p>
<p id="kmovBc">Owls linebacker Eddie Williams led all tacklers (15 total), while also picking up two tackles-for-loss and a sack. Cornerback Jayden Williams was a fellow double-digit tackler (11), while defensive back Romain Mungin had five tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss and a sack. </p>
<p id="bb6ode">Riley Thompson had four punts for FAU, totaling 155 yards, including two inside-the-20, while Morgan Suarez was good on his only attempt of the day from 24 yards out.</p>
<p id="75jVq8">Next week, Ohio will take on a tough noon matchup against Penn State on national television on Saturday, Sept. 10.</p>
<p id="qIDueN">The FAU Owls, meanwhile, will host Southeastern Louisiana in Boca Raton for an evening contest on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. Eastern time.</p>
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https://www.hustlebelt.com/2022/9/3/23336109/ohio-bobcats-florida-atlantic-owls-football-game-recap-final-score-stats-september-3-2022James H. Jimenez2022-09-03T18:38:17-04:002022-09-03T18:38:17-04:00Game Recap: UCLA Bruins 45, Bowling Green Falcons 17
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Bowling Green at UCLA" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JkQ6zqJA_gdwm5qsRQpZwh9QXUg=/1x0:4186x2790/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71321687/usa_today_18980158.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Show-stopping special teams play gave the Falcons an early 10-point lead, but the offense couldn’t maintain the momentum late.</p> <p id="IiGaKt">Last September, the Bowling Green Falcons stormed into Minneapolis and shocked the world. By means of a relentless defense, they overcame status as 31-point underdogs to shock Minnesota on the road in a program-altering win.</p>
<p id="ZYtiPK">Bowling Green aimed for a sequel upset to commence its 2022 season. Surrounded by the scenic backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains in the historic Rose Bowl, the Falcons opened their new year with a test against a UCLA team fresh off an 8-4 campaign. While Bowling Green showed initial signs of pulling off another non-conference upset, UCLA ultimately emerged triumphant in 45-17 fashion with 38 unanswered to close the game.</p>
<p id="V4sTnr">“The guys played extremely hard. Obviously on defense they played their hearts out,” Bowling Green head coach Scot Loeffler said. “They were in a tough situation considering we didn’t play complimentary football in terms of having a ton of three and outs on offense. We couldn’t run the ball or protect the passer. We need to get that fixed because we have enough guys at skill positions, and we need to get them the ball.”</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Juz50l8z8Cc64PgBa2VAKGK4DXc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23994014/UCLA_BGSU.jpg">
<cite>Steve Helwick</cite>
<figcaption>A press box view of the Rose Bowl and the surrounding San Gabriel Mountains.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="E7xRlM">Roughly one minute into the contest, Bowling Green came out with its own fire in the 100+ degree Los Angeles heat. </p>
<p id="NRrddg">After forcing an immediate three-and-out, the Falcons’ punt rush proved too much for UCLA to handle. PaSean Wimberly flew into the backfield with a full head of steam and trucked the punter before he could even release the ball. Ultimately ruled a blocked punt, Charles Rosser scooped up the loose pigskin on the 11-yard line and trotted into the end zone uncontested.</p>
<p id="P3sA5l">“I thought our special teams did some really good things,” Loeffler said. “We said that we wanted to block a punt and we ended up getting the opportunity. I thought that was an excellent play by our special teams.”</p>
<p id="7GAcio">UCLA’s response was rather immediate. Fifth-year quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson accounted for the Bruins’ first score of the season by escaping pressure in the backfield, finding daylight on the right sideline, and finally, cutting all the way across the field to the left corner pylon on a 68-yard scamper. Through 160 seconds of clock time, 14 points were accumulated by the teams in their first-ever matchup.</p>
<p id="grAiyU">“We have a lot of third, fourth, and fifth years guys that have been in this program, they know how to be college athletes, they know how to be football players, when stuff gets hard they are not going to tanks and everything,” Thompson-Robinson said on UCLA’s quick response. “I couldn’t be more proud of my team for that, just the maturity level out there on the field.”</p>
<p id="Zy50oZ">Even after the early chaos quelled, Bowling Green’s defense and special teams made quite an imprint in the first quarter. Falcons’ middle linebacker DJ Taylor (who had a career-high eight tackles) picked off a pass in zone coverage and returned it 24 yards to stall a Bruin drive. After the offense failed to cash in, UCLA muffed the ensuing punt on the 11-yard line, providing Bowling Green a chip shot field goal for a 10-7 advantage.</p>
<p id="XWWxov">The Falcons eventually built on its first quarter success in the second stanza when Matt McDonald evaded a quick blitz and lobbed the ball to reigning First Team All-MAC tight end Christian Sims, who ran in for a 22-yard touchdown. But the 17-7 double-digit advantage attained on that play was short-lived at the Rose Bowl.</p>
<p id="csELjo">UCLA roared back with 17 unanswered points in a span that covered six minutes and 10 seconds. Thompson-Robinson was an artist with his mobility all afternoon and escaped pass rush after pass rush, typically finding his targets on screen passes after dodging defenders. His first touchdown pass was a tunnel screen to Kazmeir Allen for a 20-yard score. Then, he found running back Keegan Jones in the flat who sprinted 52 yards down the left sideline to hand the Bruins their first lead at 24-17 — which served as the halftime score.</p>
<p id="v0Fcma">“I can’t stop thinking about the pick, I’m going to be super, super critical about that, making sure to clean up those mistakes, especially a lot of the stuff that happened in the first quarter, but I think I still brought a really good day,” Thompson-Robinson said. “I try to get the ball out of my hands as fast as possible, not try to take as many sacks, try to get this o-line to cool down a little bit. I think it was a really good day for the team overall.”</p>
<p id="OINsQL">Play slowed to a crawl in the third quarter, as injuries and cramping transpired on an overwhelming amount of plays, and the scorching conditions in triple-digit temperatures certainly didn’t help keep the players fresh.</p>
<p id="ppijnV">“It was definitely hot and it definitely played a factor in the game, but it was hot for them also so you just have to overcome,” Bowling Green quarterback Matt McDonald said. “Second half, guys were dropping like flies cramping and whatnot. So we need to do a better job of preparing.”</p>
<p id="swICDW">Additionally, Bowling Green’s havoc fundamentals exhibited in the first half subsided for the latter part of the contest. In the opening frame alone, they blocked a punt, intercepted a pass, broke up a pass at the line of scrimmage, and recovered a muffed punt. In the second half, momentum-generating defensive plays shifted in the Bruins’ favor. Benefiting from routinely excellent field position, UCLA moved the ball methodically with heavy involvement of running back Zach Charbonnet. The star junior tailback racked up 121 yards and a touchdown in the victory.</p>
<p id="RbCklZ">“When we needed a play and we were down, it was Dorian’s long touchdown and then Zach really kind of sparked us,” UCLA head coach Chip Kelly said. “Those two veteran leaders on the offensive side of the ball, helped us get out of that hole, and it was good to see. You’ve got to rely on your playmakers with those deals and then they can make some big plays.”</p>
<p id="dTPrIE">The inability to rally the offense was a recurring theme for Bowling Green all afternoon. When the Falcons held a 17-10 lead, 10 of those points could be attributed solely to special teams execution, and the initial reliance on that unit showed in the second half.</p>
<p id="XFTm0j">“We wanted to do more offensively,” McDonald said. “We had opportunities, just couldn’t really get into rhythm. I think that was what was tough, because it takes all 11 of us every single play. We shot ourselves in the foot a couple times and you can’t do that, especially when you’re playing a superior team.”</p>
<p id="HQhVkL">The Bruins more than tripled Bowling Green’s offensive output at halftime, holding a 369 to 102 advantage in the yards department. Things only got worse in the second half, as Loeffler’s team finished the afternoon with 162 yards, averaging 1.5 yards per rush and 3.5 yards per passing play — paling in comparison to UCLA’s 626 yards. McDonald competed half of his 34 passes, generating 125 yards through the air, and yet, the passing attack was Bowling Green’s strong suit Saturday.</p>
<p id="4iOgHZ">“That quarterback (McDonald), and I talked to him after the game, he’s a tough sucker,” Kelly said. “We got after him today. And he just kept bouncing back, making plays. They have a really sound scheme. For us to do what we did, hold them to under 200 yards and really seven points, that was really impressive to start the season.”</p>
<p id="5x94fw">Bowling Green starts 0-1 for the third consecutive year and still awaits its first Week 1 FBS win since 2013. The Falcons return home next week, hoping to generate a more explosive offense as they host Eastern Kentucky, who nearly upset fellow MAC peer Eastern Michigan <a href="https://www.hustlebelt.com/2022/9/2/23335257/eastern-michigan-eagles-eastern-kentucky-colonels-football-game-recap-final-score-september-1-2022">on Friday evening</a>.</p>
<p id="4eXsTz">For that home opener, Loeffler hopes his starting center Jakari Robinson, who started a handful games at Cincinnati, receives his NCAA transfer waiver and gets cleared to play after missing Saturday’s outing.</p>
<p id="AkqCC6">“I’ve got faith in the NCAA and I think they’re going to do the right thing here, I really do,” Loeffler said. “If there was a poster child for a waiver situation, it’s this one. This is why the waiver situation was created hands down. He is a 3.1 student, graduated, and came in second for offensive captain. He has a child, is married, and he has worked all year long to make sure he can provide for his family. Not to go into the specifics whatsoever, it was an error that no one can control. I am confident the NCAA will do absolutely the right thing. I really am and I hope soon.”</p>
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https://www.hustlebelt.com/2022/9/3/23335823/bowling-green-falcons-ucla-bruins-football-game-recap-final-score-stats-september-3-2022Steve Helwick