View From the Booth: Great Start!

This Pioneer team is legit. On Saturday, they absolutely smothered the unique Central Methodist attack, and really attacked the CMU Defensive Line in the running game. Pioneer running backs averaged over 6 yards per carry against a decent opponent, including a 2-time All-American in Matt Fraley. Greg Gates definitely answered the bell in the first test of his sophomore campaign, he tore off several impressive runs, including a 35 yard touchdown run in which he stiff-armed a defender into the ground and then made several defenders miss on his way to the end zone. He earned Conference Player of the Week, and with good reason, his line: 17 carries, 128 yards and 2 scores.

Brandon Smith is well on his way to a possible All-America season. Defensive Ends in 3-4 defenses do not put up the kind of stats that "B-Smith" registered in the opening contest, look at this line: 9 tackles (!?!?) 3 tackles-for-loss, and 2 sacks. That is an unreal line, for a guy who played only three quarters, because the coaching staff rested him in the fourth quarter. His motor is second to none. Talking to the guy, you get a sense that he will not be outworked under any circumstances.He even plays fullback in short-yardage situations on offense, and even then, he is still folding guys with his lead blocks. He is a true leader, and if you don't know his name already, get to know it.

The Linebacking Corps did a great job on Saturday. The Pioneers are trying to replace 4 starters along that line, including 2-time All-American Jake Duren, and they performed very well. Newcomer James Gadison was tied for the team lead in tackles with 9 against CMU. Sophomore Jared Moyston had a big interception to end CMU's first drive. Junior Joey Oxley had a big sack and forced fumble in the second half that really sucked the life out of the Eagles. The Linebacking Corps looks solid and fairly deep with Oxley, Junior Frankie Sou, and Freshman Matt Cobb coming off the bench. This is going to be a strong point of this Pioneer Defense.

Sean Ransburg left the game due to injury in the 2nd quarter, so Junior Tyler Herl made his comeback after missing the 2010 season, and he performed admirably. He finished with 9 completions in 18 attempts for 94 yards, and two interceptions. The interceptions were not egregious however, as the first one was just a terrific play by the Eagle safety, and the second interception was a ill-advised throw after an incredible play to avoid a sack. The Pioneers are very blessed to have a backup in Tyler Herl. Let's hope Ransburg's injury is not severe, so we can see both of these guys on the field this weekend against rival Missouri Valley (I'll talk about them later in the week.).

Lastly, Former MNU QB Stinson Dean joined me in the booth for this game, and it was awesome! He is very football-smart and he knows how to communicate the game. Make sure you tune into KMNU Sports Radio and mnusports.com to hear his awesome color commentary all season long at kmnu.mnubox.com

Thank you for reading this blog and listening to the Pioneers on KMNU Sports Radio all season. GO 'NEERS!