Cal Poly football defeats Division II Western Oregon 31-14 in home opener

Coming into their third game Saturday against Western Oregon, the Mustangs knew what they had in their defense: an improved and more determined group.

The question remained whether the offense could find its rhythm.

The Mustangs (1-2) had a chance to see the potential of their offense against the Wolves.

Western Oregon was coming off a 50-10 loss to fellow Big Sky opponent Idaho State in the previous week. Last season, the Wolves finished 3-8.

While the defense had another strong outing, including its first interception of the season, the offense had mixed results.

Across the first two games of the season in losses to the University of San Diego and Stanford, the Mustangs were outgained in total offense by 43 yards and 208 yards.

The team’s ground game had only accumulated 33 yards and no touchdowns.

Some of that difficulty returned in the first half against Western Oregon, as the Mustangs’ offense was outgained 160 to 135 even as the team lead 14-6.

In the second half, however, the offense picked up. The Mustangs made explosive plays to get the ball down field, but the possessions that didn’t result in deep catches left much to be desired.

Western Oregon finished with 388 total yards compared to the Mustangs’ 315. The Wolves had a 150-51 rushing yards advantage but committed 12 penalties, which hindered their chances to compete.

“There are some things we can definitely improve upon, but I’m very happy with a lot of the stuff that did go on out there,” said Head Coach Paul Wulff after the game. “I liked how we responded in the second half offensively.”

Cal Poly defense improves from past years

The defense has drastically improved compared to previous years.

Against Stanford, the Mustangs held the Cardinal to 14 first-half points before the FBS program wore them out. Against San Diego, the defense got stops when needed, but the offense put them in tough positions.

“i’m very excited about where we’re heading into league plays in terms of our defense,” Wulff said. “We have work to do but are far more physical and athletic than we’ve ever been.”

Defensive end Elijah Ponder only played the second half following a targeting penalty the previous game against Stanford. He tallied one sack in his only half of play.

The difference this year with the defense, according to Ponder, comes from the team’s chemistry and mentality.

“I think we’ve got the people around us and the chemistry that we built over the offseason,” Ponder said.

He added that the defense has a new level of “tenacity.”

The offense, on the other hand, has “sputtered,” according to Wulff.

“You have to have rhythm and find rhythm,” Wulff said. “We hit good plays and then we don’t. We’re still working through that consistency on offense.”

Starting quarterback Bo Kelly completed 20 of his 44 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns. Kelly had only one passing touchdown through the first two games of the season.

Kelly said the offense has “all the weapons” it needs.

“By the time the first week of conference comes, we’ll be up and running,” Kelly said.

Offense finds some momentum

The rushing attack got its first score of the season on a 1-yard punch from Aiden Ramos, who’s been the starter at running back but missed the majority of last season with an injury after a strong start to the 2023 season.

Then, in the second quarter, Kelly found a wide open Michael Otterstedt who scored the Mustangs’ second touchdown of the game.

At the end of the second quarter, Wolves’ running back Dominque Loggins punched in a 5-yard score.

The Wolves got their second score of the game early in the second half when running back Dominique Loggins found the end zone on a 44-yard scamper. The Wolves then completed the two-point conversion to tie the game up at 14.

The Mustangs struggled to make deep pass plays throughout the game, but Kelly found a streaking Michael Briscoe, who beat his defender downfield, for a 51-yard catch to put the Mustangs back in front 21-14.

Punt returner Xavier Oliphant jump-started the Mustangs’ offensive drive with six minutes left in the third quarter when he ran for a 39-yard return.

After being forced to a fourth down, the Mustangs went for it deep in Western Oregon territory, and Kelly found tight end Jake Woods over the middle for a 21-yard touchdown with 5 minutes in the third quarter to give the Mustangs a 28-14 advantage.

However, the Wolves quarterback Kainoa Jones answered with a deep pass to Damon Hickok to set up the offense at the 1-yard line, but a fumbled snap pushed the Wolves back.

Ponder then followed up the fumble with a sack.

The Wolves settled for a field goal attempt, but the kick was blocked. It was recovered by Western Oregon at their own 43 yard line.

With 10 minutes in the fourth quarter, the Mustangs’ celebratory turnover surfboard came out.

Defensive back Kai Rapolla fought for a ball bound for a Wolves’ receiver and held on for the first interception of the season for the defense.

Kicker Noah Serna made a field goal with four minutes left in the game to put the game away.

Cal Poly coach sees progress from his young team

The Mustangs have made strides in certain areas of the game, but Wulff says the team is “still growing.”

“This is a very youthful football team,” Wulff said. “I look out there and we got first- and second-year players all over the field. That’s going to be painful at times, but it’s exiciting because I’m watching them grow in front of our eyes.”

The Mustangs have a bye next week. They’ll start Big Sky play against Northern Colorado on Sept. 28 on the road.

This story was originally published September 14, 2024 at 10:11 PM.