GAME PREVIEW CAPSULE
Dixie State University at No. 25 Humboldt State University, today, 6 p.m. Pacific Time, Redwood Bowl, Arcata, Calif.
Previous Meeting: Nov. 15, 2014 — Jacks 71, Red Storm 13 (HSU racks up over 600 yards total offense and 10 touchdowns while limiting the Storm offense to 172 yards and no points. The Storm get two touchdowns from a kickoff return and a pick six by Trevor Oakley).
Overall Series Record: Jacks lead head-to-head series 12-6
Broadcast: ESPN SportsRadio 97.7 FM; Southern Utah Live
RED STORM
Head coach: Scott Brumfield (6th year, 12-44 overall)
Offense: Pistol, Pro Set
Defense: Pro 4-3
Last Game: Beat Central Washington 49-20 (September 10, 2015)
Players to watch: Quarterback Blake Barney shows great poise for a freshman. Running backs DeJon Coleman and Orlando Wallace are both averaging more than five yards per carry. Wide receiver Nate Stephens is dangerous in the open field. On defense linebacker Robert Metz and safety Colton Olson have led the Storm in tackles for the first two weeks. Linebacker Josh Symonette and defensive back Garret Hutnick also showed great playmaking abilities on defense.
Jacks
Head Coach: Rob Smith (8th year at HSU 41-35, 150-97-1 overall)
Offense: Multiple
Defense: 4-3
Last Game: Upset conference preseason favorite Azusa Pacific 62-41 (September 12, 2015)
Players to watch: Ja’Quan Gardner gained 236 yards against APU last week. Quarterback Robert Webber completed over 80 percent of his passes last game, throwing for five touchdowns. Defensive backs Eric Paopao and Daniel Castro lead the team in tackles. Linebacker Drew Dubois has four sacks on the young season. The defense has created four turnovers while the offense has yet to cough the ball up.
GAME OUTLOOK
The outcome for this game will be which defense plays better. Both teams are excellent run teams. HSU is also dangerous with the pass. Can Barney throw? I think that question will be answered today as HSU is likely to load the box. One thing in the young quarterback’s favor is wideout Stephens, a rare receiver who will fight through the defenders to get the catch. If HSU does gamble by loading the box, Damarrio Hammonds may get the ball in the open field where he is dangerous. Could this be another upset brewing? HSU tied Central Washington for second in the conference last year. They are beatable. It would be very sweet for DSU to go into Humboldt’s stadium and come out 2-1.
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