It's official....Ferris State at MSU Mankato (2pm CST)

[laker]

Re: It's official....Ferris State at MSU Mankato (2pm CST)

Not sure if anyone else noticed but I am curious on the Mav's foot wear selection yesterday. It appeared they were wearing old school turf shoes (the ones with the little nubs) instead of normal cleats. I noticed it early and then noticed both lines getting pushed around uncharacteristically. Just curious if their grip could've been a factor as Ferris St was wearing typical cleats.

Yes. I was told by a parent that they were wearing a turf shoe. He wasn't in favor of it.

You have an eagle eye! Or rather, a Dragon eye! Good pick up!

[DoubleNickels]

Re: It's official....Ferris State at MSU Mankato (2pm CST)

Yes. I was told by a parent that they were wearing a turf shoe. He wasn't in favor of it.

You have an eagle eye! Or rather, a Dragon eye! Good pick up!

Honestly think that was a bigger deal than a lot will ever admit and in watching how both the OL and DL were pushed around more than normal, I really think it had a negative impact. That being said, Ferris St looked very good up front in both games I watched them play.

[NW Normal]

Re: It's official....Ferris State at MSU Mankato (2pm CST)

When Northwest played at Chadron in 2007 on a frozen field, our team wore regular cleats while Woodhead's team wore sneakers. Our O-line dominated the game resulting in Omon having close to 300 yards rushing, while our defense held Danny to under 25 yards rushing. While traction and footwear were factors, personnel and execution were more important.

From what I saw of Ferris (in 2016 and 2018), I believe their physical line play was more a result of their size, strength and technique than what either the Bulldogs or the Mavericks wore on their feet.

[laker]

Re: It's official....Ferris State at MSU Mankato (2pm CST)

Honestly think that was a bigger deal than a lot will ever admit and in watching how both the OL and DL were pushed around more than normal, I really think it had a negative impact. That being said, Ferris St looked very good up front in both games I watched them play.

In high school I remember reading about the 1934 NFL championship- known as the Sneaker Game.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1934_N...mpionship_Game

[Matt Witwicki]

Re: It's official....Ferris State at MSU Mankato (2pm CST)

Postgame Pressers....FYI..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aswMgAhNB4
MSU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tbdg1w39i-8&t=1s
Ferris

[Clean Liver]

Re: It's official....Ferris State at MSU Mankato (2pm CST)

In high school I remember reading about the 1934 NFL championship- known as the Sneaker Game.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1934_N...mpionship_Game

In which grade were you?

[laker]

Re: It's official....Ferris State at MSU Mankato (2pm CST)

In which grade were you?

Third year of kindergarten.

[Matt Witwicki]

Re: It's official....Ferris State at MSU Mankato (2pm CST)

I haven't been on here to comment about the game..as I ended up tweeting about it during the game a lot. (I was worn out by the time the game finished..ha)

Unfortunately for Mankato my concerns about the MSU offense came true with their challenges being efficient in the passing game....and instead of throwing some 50/50 balls to 84, they overshot him and others frequently..and simply threw balls 100mph in freezing cold temps (Ekowa)....which aren't the most catchable balls if you are trying to be productive as an offense. In all 3 postseason games the Mavs were bad passing..all 3..as they all kinda looked the same throwing downfield. After hearing Todd Hoffner talk in the presser it makes one wonder if the Mavs would like to incorporate a little of what beat them Saturday....which is passes to the flats (a high percentage completion) and letting their most athletic players get YAC. The Mavs can continue to win the NSIC with their current formula, but they need to get more speed on D and a player on the offense who has another gear that can lineup in the slot for a variety of uses. The teams that beat the Mavs have a player or a few like that. I wouldn't be surprised if MSU looks for a few plug-n-play guys (D1 drop-backs or Juco possibly) that can fill the needed void mentioned here. That would make MSU more dynamic and diverse than they are currently on O.

On the other side of the ball Ferris really stretched the Mavs out....choosing to play more on the perimeter than in the box..where Kato was better. Very smart decision. This is where I like the Ferris approach better than Tarleton and how they run their offense.
With the FSU motion and swing passes and then a QB who could run for yards, they are a tough defend and make a defense really play sideline to sideline..and vertically as well. I don't think the Mavs secondary was terrible on Saturday, and I thought they came up and make some plays in the back half of the game....but they struggled with the speed and agility of Ferris on a few select plays and it cost the Mavs.

I was a bit surprised to see MSU continue to strive so much for balance between the run and pass when it was apparent the Mavs passing game couldn't be counted on to have sustained success. On the other hand Gunn seldom got less than 3-4 yards on a carry..and mixing him with Ekowa runs should've been able to continually move the chains....as they were when the Mavs really ran the ball almost exclusively. I know Todd mentions that the rushing game wasn't doing very well..but in watching the game I thought it was doing fairly well considering this was a semifinal opponent the Mavs were playing....and not Minot or Mary, where they get 8 yards per tote.

The Mavs had an outstanding campaign....but I think if they look hard at the offensive challenges they encountered in the postseason they might change a few of the things they do come next year come playoffs or look to inject a a bit more in the short passing game to allow their athletes and run after the catch..maybe even some screens. Getting Taormina involved more as a pass-catcher, given his athleticism and burst....might be a good thing too.

[laker]

Re: It's official....Ferris State at MSU Mankato (2pm CST)

Getting Taormina involved more as a pass-catcher, given his athleticism and burst....might be a good thing too.

I agree. Why not incorporate him out in space with the passing game? Tremendous speed. At least he was being used as a kick returner, but when so many kicks go into the end zone the returns don't come as often.

[Tundra_Man]

Re: It's official....Ferris State at MSU Mankato (2pm CST)

I haven't been on here to comment about the game..as I ended up tweeting about it during the game a lot. (I was worn out by the time the game finished..ha)

Unfortunately for Mankato my concerns about the MSU offense came true with their challenges being efficient in the passing game....and instead of throwing some 50/50 balls to 84, they overshot him and others frequently..and simply threw balls 100mph in freezing cold temps (Ekowa)....which aren't the most catchable balls if you are trying to be productive as an offense. In all 3 postseason games the Mavs were bad passing..all 3..as they all kinda looked the same throwing downfield. After hearing Todd Hoffner talk in the presser it makes one wonder if the Mavs would like to incorporate a little of what beat them Saturday....which is passes to the flats (a high percentage completion) and letting their most athletic players get YAC. The Mavs can continue to win the NSIC with their current formula, but they need to get more speed on D and a player on the offense who has another gear that can lineup in the slot for a variety of uses. The teams that beat the Mavs have a player or a few like that. I wouldn't be surprised if MSU looks for a few plug-n-play guys (D1 drop-backs or Juco possibly) that can fill the needed void mentioned here. That would make MSU more dynamic and diverse than they are currently on O.

On the other side of the ball Ferris really stretched the Mavs out....choosing to play more on the perimeter than in the box..where Kato was better. Very smart decision. This is where I like the Ferris approach better than Tarleton and how they run their offense.
With the FSU motion and swing passes and then a QB who could run for yards, they are a tough defend and make a defense really play sideline to sideline..and vertically as well. I don't think the Mavs secondary was terrible on Saturday, and I thought they came up and make some plays in the back half of the game....but they struggled with the speed and agility of Ferris on a few select plays and it cost the Mavs.

I was a bit surprised to see MSU continue to strive so much for balance between the run and pass when it was apparent the Mavs passing game couldn't be counted on to have sustained success. On the other hand Gunn seldom got less than 3-4 yards on a carry..and mixing him with Ekowa runs should've been able to continually move the chains....as they were when the Mavs really ran the ball almost exclusively. I know Todd mentions that the rushing game wasn't doing very well..but in watching the game I thought it was doing fairly well considering this was a semifinal opponent the Mavs were playing....and not Minot or Mary, where they get 8 yards per tote.

The Mavs had an outstanding campaign....but I think if they look hard at the offensive challenges they encountered in the postseason they might change a few of the things they do come next year come playoffs or look to inject a a bit more in the short passing game to allow their athletes and run after the catch..maybe even some screens. Getting Taormina involved more as a pass-catcher, given his athleticism and burst....might be a good thing too.

Good analysis.

It seems like the play calling was dictated more by what they wish could happen rather than looking objectively at what they've had success with and sticking with it. The long passes hadn't been working throughout the entire playoffs but for some reason they kept trying them, I suppose in the hopes that one of them would work. That was a big gamble that in the end didn't pay off.

[Twincitiesmav]

Re: It's official....Ferris State at MSU Mankato (2pm CST)

I haven't been on here to comment about the game..as I ended up tweeting about it during the game a lot. (I was worn out by the time the game finished..ha)

Unfortunately for Mankato my concerns about the MSU offense came true with their challenges being efficient in the passing game....and instead of throwing some 50/50 balls to 84, they overshot him and others frequently..and simply threw balls 100mph in freezing cold temps (Ekowa)....which aren't the most catchable balls if you are trying to be productive as an offense. In all 3 postseason games the Mavs were bad passing..all 3..as they all kinda looked the same throwing downfield. After hearing Todd Hoffner talk in the presser it makes one wonder if the Mavs would like to incorporate a little of what beat them Saturday....which is passes to the flats (a high percentage completion) and letting their most athletic players get YAC. The Mavs can continue to win the NSIC with their current formula, but they need to get more speed on D and a player on the offense who has another gear that can lineup in the slot for a variety of uses. The teams that beat the Mavs have a player or a few like that. I wouldn't be surprised if MSU looks for a few plug-n-play guys (D1 drop-backs or Juco possibly) that can fill the needed void mentioned here. That would make MSU more dynamic and diverse than they are currently on O.

On the other side of the ball Ferris really stretched the Mavs out....choosing to play more on the perimeter than in the box..where Kato was better. Very smart decision. This is where I like the Ferris approach better than Tarleton and how they run their offense.
With the FSU motion and swing passes and then a QB who could run for yards, they are a tough defend and make a defense really play sideline to sideline..and vertically as well. I don't think the Mavs secondary was terrible on Saturday, and I thought they came up and make some plays in the back half of the game....but they struggled with the speed and agility of Ferris on a few select plays and it cost the Mavs.

I was a bit surprised to see MSU continue to strive so much for balance between the run and pass when it was apparent the Mavs passing game couldn't be counted on to have sustained success. On the other hand Gunn seldom got less than 3-4 yards on a carry..and mixing him with Ekowa runs should've been able to continually move the chains....as they were when the Mavs really ran the ball almost exclusively. I know Todd mentions that the rushing game wasn't doing very well..but in watching the game I thought it was doing fairly well considering this was a semifinal opponent the Mavs were playing....and not Minot or Mary, where they get 8 yards per tote.

The Mavs had an outstanding campaign....but I think if they look hard at the offensive challenges they encountered in the postseason they might change a few of the things they do come next year come playoffs or look to inject a a bit more in the short passing game to allow their athletes and run after the catch..maybe even some screens. Getting Taormina involved more as a pass-catcher, given his athleticism and burst....might be a good thing too.

[MStateMaverick]

Re: It's official....Ferris State at MSU Mankato (2pm CST)

I haven't been on here to comment about the game..as I ended up tweeting about it during the game a lot. (I was worn out by the time the game finished..ha)

Unfortunately for Mankato my concerns about the MSU offense came true with their challenges being efficient in the passing game....and instead of throwing some 50/50 balls to 84, they overshot him and others frequently..and simply threw balls 100mph in freezing cold temps (Ekowa)....which aren't the most catchable balls if you are trying to be productive as an offense. In all 3 postseason games the Mavs were bad passing..all 3..as they all kinda looked the same throwing downfield. After hearing Todd Hoffner talk in the presser it makes one wonder if the Mavs would like to incorporate a little of what beat them Saturday....which is passes to the flats (a high percentage completion) and letting their most athletic players get YAC. The Mavs can continue to win the NSIC with their current formula, but they need to get more speed on D and a player on the offense who has another gear that can lineup in the slot for a variety of uses. The teams that beat the Mavs have a player or a few like that. I wouldn't be surprised if MSU looks for a few plug-n-play guys (D1 drop-backs or Juco possibly) that can fill the needed void mentioned here. That would make MSU more dynamic and diverse than they are currently on O.

On the other side of the ball Ferris really stretched the Mavs out....choosing to play more on the perimeter than in the box..where Kato was better. Very smart decision. This is where I like the Ferris approach better than Tarleton and how they run their offense.
With the FSU motion and swing passes and then a QB who could run for yards, they are a tough defend and make a defense really play sideline to sideline..and vertically as well. I don't think the Mavs secondary was terrible on Saturday, and I thought they came up and make some plays in the back half of the game....but they struggled with the speed and agility of Ferris on a few select plays and it cost the Mavs.

I was a bit surprised to see MSU continue to strive so much for balance between the run and pass when it was apparent the Mavs passing game couldn't be counted on to have sustained success. On the other hand Gunn seldom got less than 3-4 yards on a carry..and mixing him with Ekowa runs should've been able to continually move the chains....as they were when the Mavs really ran the ball almost exclusively. I know Todd mentions that the rushing game wasn't doing very well..but in watching the game I thought it was doing fairly well considering this was a semifinal opponent the Mavs were playing....and not Minot or Mary, where they get 8 yards per tote.

The Mavs had an outstanding campaign....but I think if they look hard at the offensive challenges they encountered in the postseason they might change a few of the things they do come next year come playoffs or look to inject a a bit more in the short passing game to allow their athletes and run after the catch..maybe even some screens. Getting Taormina involved more as a pass-catcher, given his athleticism and burst....might be a good thing too.

Excellent summary Matt. As an MSU fan, I hope the staff takes these ideas into serious consideration for next season. Ferris St. had in my opinion a better offensive plan for this game, and executed it well. I believe the Mavs have the athletes that can make a shorter passing game work, or can possibly add a few via the transfer route over the off season to supplement that; also on the defensive side.
Also, hopefully there is a sustained effort to get to the D2 scholarship maximum asap; if the program is to sustain success in the future.

[Purple Mav Man]

Re: It's official....Ferris State at MSU Mankato (2pm CST)

Nyles Williams (who is faster than Barnes and Arnold in my mind) was out with a injury this season and should be back next season. He was a guy who could make things happen in the short passing game. Something they could incorporate more is more RB screens. We have the O-line to make blocks and JT is more elusive. Gunn also has the ability to catch out the backfield as well.

The Mavs missed his speed and shiftiness this season, absolutely.

[laker]

Re: It's official....Ferris State at MSU Mankato (2pm CST)

I think people forgot Nyles Willians (who is faster than Barnes and Arnold in my mind).

Why did Barnes seem to disappear? Was he hurt? I thought he had done pretty well.

[Twincitiesmav]

Re: It's official....Ferris State at MSU Mankato (2pm CST)

The Mavs missed his speed and shiftiness this season, absolutely.

Should be a sophomore (or junior at the worst) next season.