Mustang News
Cal Poly Football returned its primary quarterback this week in redshirt junior Jaden Jones but still struggled in its 42-7 loss to the No. 8 FCS-ranked University of Montana on Saturday at Mustang Memorial Field.
The Mustangs (2-6, 1-4 Big Sky) potentially lost another quarterback to injury in redshirt sophomore Bo Kelly.
Kelly entered the medical tent and exited in a sling on his left arm, suffering a shoulder injury against the Grizzlies (7-2, 4-1 Big Sky). The severity of the injury is unknown as of now.
Jones returned to the field after missing two games due to concussion protocol. He finished 13-for-28 for 147 yards but could not find the end zone. He said after the game that he wants to improve on his reads and make quicker decisions.
“I don’t want to ball too long,” Jones said. “Just be able to manage the game, keep making it a little slower. I was a little too fast today for myself.”
The Cal Poly offense earned yards from short passes by Jones and running plays quickly off of first downs to catch Montana’s defense off-guard.
Yet, they failed to finish their drives in the first half. The Mustangs pushed the Montana 30-yard line multiple times but turned the ball over twice on downs and a fumble by Giancarlo Woods.
“I think if we could have scored and gotten some kind of rhythm we could have done something, but we just could never do it on offense,” head coach Paul Wulff said.
Despite redshirt sophomore safety Mason Rivera collecting an interception on the opening drive and the defense breaking up three passes in the first half, Montana scored two passing touchdowns by two different quarterbacks.
Rivera also added nine solo tackles including three for loss and a forced fumble in a strong performance.
After an unsuccessful opening second-half drive with Jones, Wulff brought in Kelly.
In his first drive, Kelly got to the Montana 35-yard line before getting to fourth and one. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Richie Watts came in for a quarterback sneak but could not convert.
On the next drive, Kelly gave up a fumble with 4:34 left in the third, causing the shoulder injury.
However, the call was overturned after review as Montana was penalized for targeting. Jones reentered the game, and the drive ended with a punt.
Cal Poly then allowed their second punt return touchdown of the season, increasing the deficit to 21.
Things only got worse for Cal Poly when Jones underthrew a third-down pass that resulted in an interception. Montana scored a touchdown with short field position and sealed the game.
Cal Poly has three games left this season and will face Northern Arizona University on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 5 p.m. at Mustang Memorial Field.
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