Tiger Gameday – Week 7
Tiger Gameday – Week 7
Last Game: Hutchinson 28 Willmar 21
Game Recap: A fast start, shaky middle, and good end gave Hutch the win, snapping a 3 game losing streak. Hutch had more passing yards than rushing yards for the first time in a while. Graydon Rostberg threw 9/13 for 145 yards and a Touchdown in the game. Brady Larson picked off his 6th pass of the season and returned it for a defensive Touchdown, and Nate Thode rushed for 2 TD’s.
Current Record: 3-3
This Week’s Opponent: Princeton (6-0)
About the Opponent: This will be the best rushing attack Hutch has seen to date. Princeton has been destroying teams in their path this year. In my pregame interview with Hutch Coach Andy Rostberg he stated the LONGEST drive that Princeton has had this year is 8 plays. That’s it. They can strike from anywhere on the field with their run game, it’s that explosive. Defensively they have given up some points, but it’s never mattered because their offense is always up big.
Key Hutch Players: Hutch’s run defense. Which in this case tonight is probably the entire defense. Princeton has about 4 or 5 kids that will see carries tonight, and all of them can run the ball effectively. While it’s not an option style offense…it is kind of. You’ll see Wishbone like formations, and a lot of different backs. Once the ball is snapped y ou dont know who’s getting the handoff. Playing good solid positional defense and tackling will be key. Wouldn’t be surprised to see a blitz here and there as well.
4 Downs/Storylines:
First Down: Turnovers. I think I’ll keep this key on first down until Hutch wins a turnover battle. Now last week wasn’t bad, finishing even on the plus minus ratio. Loved seeing Brady Larson get his 6th pick of the year. He and the rest of the defense will need to get a big play or turnover to help turn the tide in this one.
Second Down: Make the most of your chances. This could be the fastest moving game of the season, with both teams wanting to run the ball. That means you may not get many offensive drives, period. Cash in when you can, move the ball, and finish drives. Have a sense of urgency from the beginning tonight. Hutch has done a real nice job of starting fast this year but then trails off in the 2nd half. You’ll need 4 good quarters to beat Princeton.
Third Down: Run the ball…Or Not? We all know Hutch likes to run the ball. And I’m of the belief that establishing the run is a wonderful thing. BUT…Last week showed me, this pass game is better than years past. If the run isn’t there…take the pass. The name of the game is moving the chains and getting points. It doesn’t say Hutch football must always run the ball.
4th Down/Quick Hit Keys: Look for the OL to make some adjustments tonight. Coaches have been working on ways to improve there…Does Hutch’s strength of schedule mean an advantage tonight? Princeton’s opponents are a combined 10-26 this year, with none of them ranked. This is the 4th ranked opponent for Hutch, and 3rd Top 5 ranked team…Congrats to new kicker Maddox Schumacher on his debut last week. He went 4 for 4, not sure the last time that happened!
