Ryan ChartrandKarl Ivory is a former Cal Poly cornerback who finished up his eligibility in 2004. He has shed his helmet and pads for a pen and notebook as a special football analyst for the Mustang Daily. Here is what “Coach K” has to say about this week’s matchup:
Out-coached? Out of gas?
Those are just some of the things people have said about the way Cal Poly played last Saturday at North Dakota State.
I don’t believe any of this to be true.
The Mustangs just went up against a better team and got their butts handed to them.
Led by Walter Payton Award candidate quarterback Steve Walker – who was 13 for 16 through the air – the Bison were able to put up a whopping 51 unanswered points en route to a 51-14 thrashing of Cal Poly.
Running backs Kyle Steffes and Pete Blincoe were able to rack up more than 100 yards apiece. The Mustangs jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead by the end of the first quarter, but after that, they were not heard from.
This Saturday brings in Savannah State, which ranks almost dead last in just about every major statistical category.
This will be the last game the Mustang Maniacs will ever get to see of some of the most talented seniors ever to put on a Cal Poly uniform.
As we say goodbye to these seniors, let’s not forget some of the records this group was able to put up.
Led by Kenny Chicoine (career interception leader at 17) and Kyle Shotwell (158 tackles in 2005), the 17 seniors were able to put pride in the hearts of all of the Cal Poly faithful and continue the legacy.
Also Cal Poly will be saying goodbye to 28th-year equipment manager Dick McMath, who has been at Cal Poly longer than many have been alive.
Now, to break down the matchups:
Cal Poly offense vs. Savannah State defense:
This is probably the biggest advantage Cal Poly will have against anybody.
Savannah State has not been able to stop anyone all season long. Just two weeks ago, the Tigers got blown out by Coastal Carolina, a team that is always around the top 25, by a score of 66-6.
So expect nothing but big plays from “Big Game” James Noble and Ramses “The Giant” Barden.
Cal Poly defense vs. Savannah State offense:
Again, this game should be over by the second snap.
The Cal Poly defense will again be led by the sack brothers, Kyle and Ryan Shotwell, who have seven sacks each.
After a good butt-kicking, the Mustangs will have their ears pinned back looking for revenge.