In my previous prediction blog, I predicted the Red Wolves would get the victory, with a score of 42-28. While I was nearly spot on score wise (44-28) the way that I predicted the result would come about was WWWAAAYYY off. Lets not waste any more time, we'll jump right into the review and my grades for Astate's three phases of the game.
DEFENSE: B-
Where to begin? Well lets get the bad out of the way; three weeks ago, the Cajuns completely exposed the weakness of the Red Wolves defense...the run D. Which in a way was rather bizarre because it had been so stout prior to that game. But Lafayette kept running it straight up the middle and found the holes and gashed the Astate Defense all night. Despite only averaging 119 yards on the ground, Idaho took what they saw from the Cajuns game and completely exploited it. The Vandals kept hammering at the Red Wolves and soon enough it started paying off for them, and paying big time. Idaho ended up with nearly 245 rushing yards and 4 rushing TDs. The rushing game was working so well for Idaho, that they actually threw for least amount of passing yards all season (206 yards). You're probably wondering "Jake, hearing a lot of negative here...why do you still give the defense a 'B-' for a grade?
Yes that's right...Idaho fumbled within literally inches from scoring and tying the game, and Rocky took it 93 yards for a touchdown. Though Idaho would answer back with another long, methodical drive, that wouldn't be the only turnover Astate would force that night. In fact, the Red Wolves would end up with EIGHT TAKEAWAYS...which resulted in 35 of Arkansas State's 44 points. Without those fumbles and interceptions, this game would've been a lost for ASU. So yes, the run defense got burned but the D made up for the chunks of yards given up on the ground with a boat load of turnovers and hence that's why I give them the B-.
OFFENSE: C+
First off, before I continue, hats off to Flash Gordon-the man is a beast and ASU is extremely lucky to have ended up with him in a Red Wolves uni...that young man could easily be starting for just about any squad in the county. Gordon ended up with 17 carries for 105 yards and 5 touchdowns. With that said...
The offense really reverted back to it's early season form, with inconsistent play. First quarter, the Pack was seemingly able to move the ball with relative ease, despite only a touchdown to show for it; Second quarter, they had 17 plays 54 yards and only a field goal. Third quarter, back to back three and outs, but when Idaho muffed the punt and ASU recovered, it seemingly ignited a fire and Astate was able to score on back to back possessions to end the that quarter. And finally in the 4th quarter, the 'Pack were able to score another 14 points (could've been 17 but Luke Furgeson missed a 40 yard field goal attempt) and force three turnovers along with a Idaho turn over on downs to secure the victory.
One thing is certain...when JD Mckissic is not 100% or even on the field, it definitely effects the play of this team. Though JD only played limited amount before being held out the remainder of the game, his one reception for 30 yards not only helped sustain a much needed Astate drive, but secured a field goal kick that gave ASU the halftime lead at that point, 17-14.
Ultimately, I gave them a C+ because while we still were able to 13 more points above their scoring average (31) and take full advantage of Vandal mistakes, the moments of inconsistency along with the penalty bug coming back in a large fashion and has me a little concerned that mistakes that seemingly looked corrected (Even in the UL lost) has crept back.
SPECIAL TEAMS: C
I put this highlight here not because it was clutch or even fantastic, but to make a point; how in the fudge can you make a 28 yard attempt...pretty much straight up the middle (you can say a tad to the left) but NOT MAKE A EXTRA POINT STRAIGHT UP THE MIDDLE?? Despite being inside a dome where their isn't any wind, I can let the 40 yarder he missed slide, but Ferguson's constant mental lapses in the kicking game is frustrating; so far he's been 7/12 on field goals and has already missed 4 PATs. At some point, his kick disparities are going to bite his team on the rear end.
In fact, this grade is not lower simply by the fact of the punt coverage team getting a fumble recovery which set up a MUCH needed score in the 3rd quarter.
FINAL THOUGHTS/LOOKING AHEAD
Was it a Georgia State-esque victory like I had predicted in my previous post? Nope. I tip my hats off to the Vandals; they certainly had a game-plan that once it got rolling really had the Red Wolves on the ropes for 2 quarters. However, the unbelievable amount of turnovers Idaho had simply was too much for them (heck, any team) to overcome.
If ASU wants to win out and get to 9 regular season wins, they better find a patch or better yet, find a way to fix this "lack" of a run defense and FAST. In their last two games, the Pack has now given up over 660 yards on the ground for 12 TOUCHDOWNS...12. Despite only rushing for 60 yards in their lost to the Cajuns, South Alabama still boasts an impressive rushing attack, averaging over 190 yards a game. The Jaguars have won four out of their last five contests on the gridiron and you can bet they're going pound the ball right at the Arkansas State D.
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