Cal Poly falls to Weber State in season finale, 28-17. Where does the team go from here?

Cal Poly took the lead heading into the fourth quarter against Weber State, but the Mustangs couldn’t hold on for win in a 28-20 loss that closed out the 2024 season.

The Mustangs (3-8, 2-6 Big Sky) were without starting quarterbacks Jaden Jones, Bo Kelly and Jackson Akins. Jones and Kelly have missed the past few weeks of play with injuries, while Akins started in the win over Sacramento State but didn’t play against the Wildcats to maintain his eligibility as a redshirt for this season.

Richie Watts started the game, but the team opted to play freshman quarterback Lucas Razore in the second half. Razore threw his first collegiate touchdown on an 80-yard pass to Michael Briscoe to get the Mustangs their first score of the game in the third quarter.

The Mustangs’ defense held Weber State to nine first-half points off three field goals, but the offense couldn’t find their rhythm.

To switch things up, head coach Paul Wulff substituted Razore in for Watts. On his first snap, on third and 15, Razore launched the ball for an 80-yard touchdown reception to Briscoe.

On the team’s next offensive drive, redshirt freshman running back Aiden Ramos broke free for a 42-yard rushing touchdown to take a 14-12 lead.

After Ramos’ score, Cal Poly defensive back Kai Rapolla forced a fumble, and the Mustangs took over on the Weber State 38-yard line. The team settled for a field goal at the start of the fourth quarter to take a 17-12 lead.

But that would be the end of the scoring for the Mustangs, while the Weber State offense came to life in the fourth quarter and scored on every drive — two touchdowns and field goal.

On the defensive side for the Mustangs, junior safety Brian Dukes Jr. intercepted a pass in the second quarter. Defensive end Elijah Ponder earned a sack in his final game for Cal Poly. The redshirt senior is expected to garner NFL looks in the next draft cycle. Redshirt sophomore Jordan Sanders also recorded a sack.

On offense, Ramos ran 10 times for 73 yards and a score. Watts rushed three times for 15 yards.

Briscoe made two receptions for 94 yards in his final game. Receiver Giancarlo Woods wrapped up his college career with two receptions for 16 yards.

Where Cal Poly goes from here

The Mustangs finished the season with two Big Sky wins for the first time since 2019. They were also more competitive in certain Big Sky matchups, such as the three-point loss to Idaho State and a five-point defeat to No. 13/14 Idaho. They defeated Northern Colorado and Sacramento State, who came into the season ranked in the top 25 in the FCS.

Wulff has commented that the physicality of the team has improved, which has led to more competitive outcomes.

The team also faced instability at quarterback one season after Sam Huard’s departure to Utah. The team used four different starting quarterbacks, including Kelly, Jones, Watts and Akins. All four players have eligibility next season.

Kelly and Jones sustained injuries at the midway point of the season and never made a full recovery. Watts was used in a specialized capacity as a wildcat and running quarterback but showed moments of sending the ball downfield.

Akins was a highly touted Division III quarterback. He came in late in a loss to the University of San Diego and had a good showing in the win against Sacramento State. The coaching staff opting to hold out Akins for eligibility reason could be an indicator of how they prioritize him in their future plans.

For the program, the John Madden Football Center is projected to be completed by next season. The original deadline was prior to this past season, but due to issues with construction in the area behind the end zone, the plan was altered.

Many current players were recruited with the idea the Madden Center would be available to them at some point in their college careers, so access to the facility could be crucial in retaining players and bringing in additional recruits.

While the team finished with the same record as last season, there were improvements on the field.

Cal Poly had a mix of veteran players and young contributors, such as Ramos and defensive back Jeremiah Bernard, who forced the game-winning fumble against Sacramento State.

Meanwhile, Cal Poly signed its second consecutive top-five FCS recruiting class. Many of those players will soon become ready to contribute.