2017 score

[clawman1]

In 2016 the Eagles averaged 42.35 points per game. Will 2017 be more or less than 2016?
Here is a little insight from Jim Allen about our new O/C
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2017/aug/08/new-eastern-washington-offensive-coordinator-bodie/

 

[EdubU10]

My prediction is the D will give up somewhere around the low 20s. With a seasoned bunch of that side of the ball plus the philosophy of controlling the clock with more runs should do the trick.

 

[dudeitsaid]

According to the poll, I think there is a sense that a more balanced offensive attack is going to produce less points. And I agree. I think it will lengthen the time it takes to score, and allow more time to come off the clock through more running plays. That being said, I think the offense will be able to execute plays as effectively, or more-so than last year.

On the flipside, I think the defense is going to be more improved on a much improved squad last year, and is going to produce more stops. They will get the offense back on the field more frequently, so I think the scoring potential will still be very close to last year.

 

[KHB_Eagle4Life]

I don't think much will change with our offense, as far as scoring points (hoping for more than last year); however I do think we will control the game better. That was KEY vs. YSU. Focusing more on a balanced attack will let us control the clock, but I don't see that high energy offense we thrive for and are most known for going anywhere. Yes, we lost a very talented senior group of receivers, but I'm excited for the next generation of WR's to pick-up right where we left off.

 

[kalm]

We pick up 3 of the better BSC defenses which we didn't face last season in UND, SUU, and Weber so expect our conference numbers to go down a little. On the OOC side, Fordham is not UNI and TTU had a terrible defense last year so that might balance it out.

Agreed on the shortening the game through rushing. Something along the lines of 38 while giving up low 20's would be a nice combo reminiscent of 2010.

 

[Atomic Eagle]

No brainer. Less. Losing three NFL wide receivers is going to have a big impact. We'll run the ball more this year, because we won't have a choice.

 

[dudeitsaid]

No brainer. Less. Losing three NFL wide receivers is going to have a big impact. We'll run the ball more this year, because we won't have a choice.

I don't think it's "because we won't have a choice." It's more related to the way Best wants to balance the offense. We have incredible receiver depth, and one of the best recruiting classes in the FCS. This is the 2nd time we've lost "the big three," but we handled it just fine before, and we will handle it well this time as well. That's not to negate the impact and abilities of Kupp, Bourne, or Hill, obviously. But, our style of play has attracted solid WR recruits for quite a while. I think we do have a choice, but with another year under the belts of our RB's and O-line, I think the running game can be more of a factor, and will actually make the offense even more effective. We will have BOTH a strong running game and a strong passing game, IMO.

 

[clawman1]

IMO the most important aspects of successful offense is the Oline, followed closely by game experience @ QB. We are one year better than last season in both points, so I could see us scoring more than last seasons 42.35.