If anybody tries to tell you that Thursday night's season-opening football game at Minnesota State was well-played, don't believe it.
The Mavericks had only 207 yards of total offense and committed nine penalties. There were two missed field goals and countless missed opportunities. The offensive line opened few holes, unless you count the ones where the defensive linemen came pouring through to hit the quarterback.
Yet, at the end Minnesota State defeated Northern Michigan 7-6, stopping a two-point conversion in the final minute to preserve a key regional victory at Blakeslee Stadium.
Starting quarterback Steve Pachan was ineffective, completing only 3 of 14 passes for 32 yards with one interception. He injured his knee in the thrid quarter, and backup Will Brogan led the Mavericks on the only touchdown drive in the fourth quarter.
The defense was pretty good. Though Northern Michigan accumulated 254 yards of offnse, the Mavericks created two turnovers and kept the Wildcats out of the end zone until the final 42 seconds. Cornerback Bryce Kinniry knocked the two-point pass to secure the victory.
There are plenty of things to work on, and the schedule is favorable, with the next three games coming against Northern State, Minnesota Crookston and Concordia-St. Paul.
When it October comes around, the Mavericks have to be better offensively to challenge for postseason play.
But as coach Todd Hoffner said after the game, it's nicer to be working on things after a win than a loss.
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It was brutal to watch, but I'll take an ugly win over a pretty loss anyday.
ReplyDeleteIs the pistol formation new? I don't remember it from last season and Pachan and Aberg looked uncomfortable w/ it tonight.
The Mavericks will need to be much better offensively, but the weak schedule over the next three weeks should benefit that group. Plus, Northern Michigan is a good defensive team, especially on the line.
ReplyDeleteThat's the first I've seen the pistol, though with an inexperienced offensive line, it might be best. I'll be talking with coach Hoffner today to find out if Pachan will play this week so keep an eye on future posts.