2008 Woodie Awards
Gorillas try to avoid Truman Bulldogs' bite
Josh Letner
Issue date: 10/9/08 Section: Sports
At the beginning of the season, this week's matchup with the Truman Bulldogs (3-2, 2-2) may have seemed to be a sure win. However that is no longer the case.
Truman has surprised many around the MIAA with its level of play this season. Last week the Bulldogs, who were picked eighth in the MIAA pre-season coaches' poll, upset the No. 16 team in the nation, the Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks 26-20 in double overtime. The Bulldogs also fell just short of defeating Central 31-28 earlier in the season.
Last season the Truman defense was just plain bad. They ranked dead last against the run, allowing their opponents over five yards per carry. This year, that average is down to 3.9 yards per carry. The Bulldogs have also forced 12 turnovers in their first five games.
The Bulldogs have never had a problem moving the ball through the air, and this year's squad is no exception. Senior quarterback Matt Ticich is 89-of-179 for 1,080 yards and six touchdowns with just two interceptions this season. Ticich has also rushed for 126 yards and one score.
The Bulldogs' rushing attack leaves much to be desired. Donald Harvey leads the team in rushing with just 128 yards on 44 carries and no touchdowns.
The spark for the Bulldogs this season has been their defense. Last week a 57-yard interception by Demetrius Levant carried the Bulldogs over Nebraska-Omaha.
Truman has played only one game on the road this season, and a trip to Carnie Smith Stadium will certainly test their nerve. This weekend could be a good opportunity for the Gorillas to get their offense back on track.
The Gorillas' defensive backs will be tested by the Bulldogs' pass-happy offense, and the linebackers will have to shut down the short passing routes.
Since Pitt State joined the MIAA in 1989, the Gorillas are the only team that Truman has not defeated, and if the Gorilla offense performs as it did against Central, Western and Chadron, that trend should continue.
Truman has surprised many around the MIAA with its level of play this season. Last week the Bulldogs, who were picked eighth in the MIAA pre-season coaches' poll, upset the No. 16 team in the nation, the Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks 26-20 in double overtime. The Bulldogs also fell just short of defeating Central 31-28 earlier in the season.
Last season the Truman defense was just plain bad. They ranked dead last against the run, allowing their opponents over five yards per carry. This year, that average is down to 3.9 yards per carry. The Bulldogs have also forced 12 turnovers in their first five games.
The Bulldogs have never had a problem moving the ball through the air, and this year's squad is no exception. Senior quarterback Matt Ticich is 89-of-179 for 1,080 yards and six touchdowns with just two interceptions this season. Ticich has also rushed for 126 yards and one score.
The Bulldogs' rushing attack leaves much to be desired. Donald Harvey leads the team in rushing with just 128 yards on 44 carries and no touchdowns.
The spark for the Bulldogs this season has been their defense. Last week a 57-yard interception by Demetrius Levant carried the Bulldogs over Nebraska-Omaha.
Truman has played only one game on the road this season, and a trip to Carnie Smith Stadium will certainly test their nerve. This weekend could be a good opportunity for the Gorillas to get their offense back on track.
The Gorillas' defensive backs will be tested by the Bulldogs' pass-happy offense, and the linebackers will have to shut down the short passing routes.
Since Pitt State joined the MIAA in 1989, the Gorillas are the only team that Truman has not defeated, and if the Gorilla offense performs as it did against Central, Western and Chadron, that trend should continue.
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