30 lashes for our offense...

[LDopaPDX]

...wow... I thought we got some stuff straightened out last week at Weber State, but our O regressed right back to Terribleville.

Bad reads by our QB, ballcarriers not holding onto the ball, Taiwan Jones wanting to play pinball instead of taking the yardage given, and sacks at inopportune times.

5 turnovers could have been a killer... and don't even get me started about being up 2 TDs in the 4th quarter at your own 3 yardline and handing off to a RB in the endzone. If we stopped making idiotic errors or even putting ourselves into positions where we can make idiotic errors, we'll be a good football team. Unfortunately, we make ourselves easily beatable by simply letting less talented teams hang around in games against us by not making plays.

Give our OL and DL credit, they played well. Hell, our whole D played well. Take away two of our unforced turnovers and we may have shut out NAU (who coincidentally was, in fact, FAR less talented than we were...)

 

[FreeBird]

...wow... I thought we got some stuff straightened out last week at Weber State, but our O regressed right back to Terribleville.

Bad reads by our QB, ballcarriers not holding onto the ball, Taiwan Jones wanting to play pinball instead of taking the yardage given, and sacks at inopportune times.

5 turnovers could have been a killer... and don't even get me started about being up 2 TDs in the 4th quarter at your own 3 yardline and handing off to a RB in the endzone. If we stopped making idiotic errors or even putting ourselves into positions where we can make idiotic errors, we'll be a good football team. Unfortunately, we make ourselves easily beatable by simply letting less talented teams hang around in games against us by not making plays.

Give our OL and DL credit, they played well. Hell, our whole D played well. Take away two of our unforced turnovers and we may have shut out NAU (who coincidentally was, in fact, FAR less talented than we were...)

No doubt we were lucky to escape with a win given all of the turnovers. Some bright spots though:

Edwards got on track catching the ball with 8 catches for 73 yards. Another fumble though while trying to gain extra yards. I'm not sure about the lashes, but some extra time in the weight room might be in order.

Kaufman again made the big catches as usual, and he and Bo remain on the same page.

20 of 26 passing for 288 yards and 3 TD's is a pretty good day. I liked the air he put under the deep ball to Kaufman when he got behind the defense. Very similar play to the one against Montana to TJ, where there wasn't enough air under the ball for TJ to run under it. Some improvement. Definitely need to cut down on the picks. I didn't see the first pick because bstv wasn't working at that time. I think we're a little spoiled after watching Nichols game after game not throw a pick at all. Today we got BLM as advertised. He'll throw for big yardage, make some plays, and throw some touchdowns. He will also throw some picks. It is what it is, but statistically not a bad day. Of course what we'd like to see over time is some improvement in the decision making. I'd like to think that's why he chose to come to Eastern.

 

[LDopaPDX]

The statistics aren't what bothered me so much... through 3 quarters I'd have said we're fine despite the turnovers. But the 4th quarter was complete mismanagement... BoLevi threw a pick on a first down play into heavy coverage--- it was a ball you simply don't throw up two TDs and trying to secure a win. But even that was dwarfed by the piss-poor effort to run the ball out of the endzone that resulted in a TD for NAU but was going to be a safety before Taiwan tossed it on the turf.

Up 2 TDs in the 4th quarter with a defense playing well, the first rule is DON'T GIVE THE OTHER TEAM SOME BULLSHIT TO GET BACK INTO THE GAME !!! So we hand the ball to Jones, who tries to play pinball instead of just getting into the pile, wins up not getting across the line, and gives NAU a free TD without doing anything to earn it (especially after our D had just handed the game to the offense on a platter by making a key 4th down stop).

Maybe Jones is injured, maybe NAU's defense just keyed to stop him... either way, he was rotten today. I'll give the guy all the credit in the world for getting us to 2-1 (we'd have been 0-3 without him), but since then, he's been a no-show.

 

[flyingnail]

The statistics aren't what bothered me so much... through 3 quarters I'd have said we're fine despite the turnovers. But the 4th quarter was complete mismanagement... BoLevi threw a pick on a first down play into heavy coverage--- it was a ball you simply don't throw up two TDs and trying to secure a win. But even that was dwarfed by the piss-poor effort to run the ball out of the endzone that resulted in a TD for NAU but was going to be a safety before Taiwan tossed it on the turf.

Up 2 TDs in the 4th quarter with a defense playing well, the first rule is DON'T GIVE THE OTHER TEAM SOME BULLSHIT TO GET BACK INTO THE GAME !!! So we hand the ball to Jones, who tries to play pinball instead of just getting into the pile, wins up not getting across the line, and gives NAU a free TD without doing anything to earn it (especially after our D had just handed the game to the offense on a platter by making a key 4th down stop).

Maybe Jones is injured, maybe NAU's defense just keyed to stop him... either way, he was rotten today. I'll give the guy all the credit in the world for getting us to 2-1 (we'd have been 0-3 without him), but since then, he's been a no-show.

We should've been up 28 zip at half !! Piss poor QB play, terrible play calling (throughout ) the game , BLM tried single handedly to give them the game AGAIN, BUT we still win !! IF and I say a BIG IFthe play calling and the QB stay with what works we run the table !!, if not we will continue to let teams hand around until they pin the big "L" on us !!!GOEAGS !

 

[Vic E. Wallace]

All you so called "Coaches/Players", you are constantly criticizing our team. Why the "Fuck" don't some of you stay home? We escaped with a Win, so What? It is a Win, regardles of how ugly it was. Don't care what this team does, some of you will never be happy. Hope I am wrong. And you call yourselves "Eagle Backers.

I am not mad, just get tired of some of the Bitching about our team. Taiwan Jones is still feeling the effect from the earlier injuries he received. I spoke with him today, he stated NAU Players were kicking him in his groin,Butt, back. What the hell are those Zebras doing out there and letting all this stuff to continue. I sat up in my seats and observed those players from NAU doing their dirty deeds, and the Refs not doing anything about it.

I saw one of NAU Player threw a punch at one of our Player, instead of throwing the dirty yellow rag, the Ref walked with the player talking to him about it. I am glad we didn't lose, I would have more to say about the officiating. I have always said we need to play through some of the calls, I had to say something about it today, it continues to get worse. Ladies sorry for the profanity, I had to get this off my mind. I will get off now. Go Eags.!!!!!Vic Wallace

 

[EWURanger]

Wouldn't take things too seriously, Vic, just some discussion points. Besides, if everything were rosy all of the time we'd have nothing to talk about. And besides, many of the points are pretty valid.

For me, the main problem I had with this one was all the TO's. I don't think anyone can argue with that.....the two picks were bad, but to fumble it three times by our backs just isn't taking care of business with the ball.

Clean up the TO's, and I think we're ok. I love how our defense is playing right now, and we have the play-makers on offense to make plays, even without TJ.

Bring on UNC!

 

[kalm]

My only complaints from yesterday were the turnovers and missed field goals. NAU has a solid defense, add at least 6 more points to the scoreboard and possibly another td, and we're all whistling dixie this morning.

It would be nice though, one of these weeks, to turn in a complete game and dominate somebody in all three parts of the game, from start to finish.

 

[JoinTheEAA]

Couldn't have said it better Vic. I know you are there for our student-athletes win or lose. I would like to remind some of our more passionate fans that these are not professional athletes. If you criticize them, people like Vic (and myself) are going to take offense. Taiwan is not only an amazing player but he is an amazing teammate. He is keyed on every game and he takes hits that few could take. I'm sure no one reading this post could take the punishment he takes while attending classes and leading our team both on and off the field. The expectations placed on these young men are a challenge but our coaches keep them focused. Zornes, Kramer, Wulff and now Coach Baldwin have built something special in Cheney. Love the passion but tone it down and if you aren't a member of the Eagle Athetic Association you should just shut up. Folks like Vic not only put their time into the program but their dollars too. To see so many students attending yesterday and with us winning a game that we may have lost in the past was amazing. I see nothing negative about beating a ranked team when the offense struggles, the defense came through, just like any great team. On to Northern Colorado and then back home to the Inferno to face a tough Sac State team for Homecoming. Go Eags!

 

[flyingnail]

Wouldn't take things too seriously, Vic, just some discussion points. Besides, if everything were rosy all of the time we'd have nothing to talk about. And besides, many of the points are pretty valid.

For me, the main problem I had with this one was all the TO's. I don't think anyone can argue with that.....the two picks were bad, but to fumble it three times by our backs just isn't taking care of business with the ball.

Clean up the TO's, and I think we're ok. I love how our defense is playing right now, and we have the play-makers on offense to make plays, even without TJ.

Bring on UNC!

It must be mid-term elections or there is something in the water that Vic is drinking!! Sure he goes to all the practices, sure he has dinner for his Favs, and yep your right EAA, these are student atheletes, they don't try to under perform but come on guys you cant CONTINUE to throw 2 picks a game and put the ball on the ground as often as we have this year and hope that you just pull out a win !! Critizism comes with the territory, yes some of it is uncalled for and some of it isn't, when you have high expectations and the ability to make a good run you NEED your team to get it done, yep, they're gonna turn it over and yep, they're gonna blow assignments, but we should expect the product to be getting BETTER after 6 games, not remain the same!!! So as a fan and a parent some CONSTRUCTIVE critizism doesn't mean were haters! and I don't think anyone of these guys posting There opinions deserve your profanity ridden statement !! Get a grip Vic we all want them to perform up to their capabilities and come out with the "W" and some days that just might not happen! The play calling, the execution in the red zone and the TO's are all mental and can be fixed, but with 6 games down and 5 to go it's time to CRUSH someone !!! Enough said, we DID win the game !!! GOEAGS!

 

[LDopaPDX]

C'mon Vic... defend players all you want, but our decision-making yesterday was horrbile and that had NOTHING to do with any perceived dirty play by NAU. BTW, I didn't see much of anything that was dirty.

I understand risk v. reward in football. And I've probably been around FCS and Big Sky football longer than anyone on this board. And the EAA bit, ticket holder, all the rest, that describes me too. And it certainly doesn't change my opinion that we make dumb decisions on offense, especially yesterday. You don't throw into coverage on first down up two TDs late in the game when the potential reward is only 15 yards... and you CERTAINLY don't handoff in the endzone up by the same margin and give NAU a chance to take easy points. Wasn't it against Central that we let them back into the game doing the EXACT same thing? Why not play a little more conservative and just win the game by a comfortable margin?

Jeezus, we should've won that game yesterday by 3 TDs, and maybe even shut out NAU had our offense not given our D some nasty situations to deal with. The most embarrassing thing in the world is to lose a game- at home, no less- to a less talented team by just giving it away. That sucks.

The good news is when we're on, we're really on. We're tough for anyone to beat when we play well. The problem is that we don't play mistake-free football very often. I know mistakes happen, but the kind of mistakes we're making are usually just domb mental errors that a disciplined team doesn't make.

 

[EWUeag]

Couldn't have said it better Vic. I know you are there for our student-athletes win or lose. I would like to remind some of our more passionate fans that these are not professional athletes. If you criticize them, people like Vic (and myself) are going to take offense. Taiwan is not only an amazing player but he is an amazing teammate. He is keyed on every game and he takes hits that few could take. I'm sure no one reading this post could take the punishment he takes while attending classes and leading our team both on and off the field. The expectations placed on these young men are a challenge but our coaches keep them focused. Zornes, Kramer, Wulff and now Coach Baldwin have built something special in Cheney. Love the passion but tone it down and if you aren't a member of the Eagle Athetic Association you should just shut up. Folks like Vic not only put their time into the program but their dollars too. To see so many students attending yesterday and with us winning a game that we may have lost in the past was amazing. I see nothing negative about beating a ranked team when the offense struggles, the defense came through, just like any great team. On to Northern Colorado and then back home to the Inferno to face a tough Sac State team for Homecoming. Go Eags!

Yes if you aren't a member of the EAA you should shut up. Good advertising.

 

[mt jack]

NAU's defense has played well. They played decent, but not great, yesterday also. GIve em a bit of credit as well as credit to EWU's defense.

Vic - You're living life like the "bubble boy" if you think a bit of dirty play isn't part of college football. No college football team, your Eagles included, is exempt. It's not like the it's the Our Lady of Perpetual Shame Church Choir/Knitting Club out there on the field. As long as no one is cut/chop blocking or spearing with the top of your helmet on a tackle then, sadly, there's really not much way to clean it up completely. A rough game results in rough play. Gotta ask if your indignation will arise when it's the Eagles players on the other side of the interaction?

Two or three cents here - if folks continue whining over 7 point wins vs. in-conference foes then this place is bound to start sounding like egriz.com where no one is ever happy. You won. Quit bitching and moaning. Quit blaming Taiwan Jones for having an off day. Most teams would be thrilled to have a 70-80% Taiwan on their team. Quit blaming B.L. Mitchell as he's now been partially responsible for winning 4 of the 5 games you should have realistically had a chance to win. Quit blaming the opposing players perceived cheating for the reason the game was closer than you would like. Quit blaming the refs. The Eagles did what they had to win and got out of a scrappy game with a well deserved W in the standings. Sole possession of second place now...enjoy it.

Like I've said earlier, best of luck the rest of the season. Hoping you guys make the playoffs and get healthy as a team.

 

[Larry Weir]

Some credit should be given to the NAU defense, which is a pretty solid unit. They made some good plays when EWU got a little loose with the ball and took advantage. Good on them. That being said, EWU needs to do a better job of wrapping up the football before contact. That's twice this year Nick Edwards has fumbled while fighting for extra yardage. He's just trying to make a play, but must make sure that his fumbles while fighting for that yardage gets fixed.

As far as Taiwan's fumbles are concerned, he was running to avoid contact all day. My opinion is he didn't want to get caught in a pile, so he was bouncing everything outside. In hindsight, maybe he shouldn't have been playing. But he's a tough young man, a great competitor, and he wanted to be out there for his team. He has not had a big fumbling problem in his career, so his fumbles can probably be attributed to that injury.

Mitchell was 20-26 passing and that's a near 80% completion rate. He made two bad throws and they both got picked. We said on the broadcast that sometimes when you have a big arm you try to fit something in there that shouldn't be thrown. He'll be the first to say that he has to clean up the mistakes. That's what he said on the post-game show anyway. Let's give him credit for making some great throws as well.

We'll talk all about it tomorrow on the coaches show from Northern Quest. There will be a film session at 5:30 with the coaches show at 6:00. We'll be in the Q Sports bar or on the radio at 700 ESPN or online at http://www.espnnorthwest.com.

 

[kalm]

NAU's defense has played well. They played decent, but not great, yesterday also. GIve em a bit of credit as well as credit to EWU's defense.

Vic - You're living life like the "bubble boy" if you think a bit of dirty play isn't part of college football. No college football team, your Eagles included, is exempt. It's not like the it's the Our Lady of Perpetual Shame Church Choir/Knitting Club out there on the field. As long as no one is cut/chop blocking or spearing with the top of your helmet on a tackle then, sadly, there's really not much way to clean it up completely. A rough game results in rough play. Gotta ask if your indignation will arise when it's the Eagles players on the other side of the interaction?

Two or three cents here - if folks continue whining over 7 point wins vs. in-conference foes then this place is bound to start sounding like egriz.com where no one is ever happy. You won. Quit bitching and moaning. Quit blaming Taiwan Jones for having an off day. Most teams would be thrilled to have a 70-80% Taiwan on their team. Quit blaming B.L. Mitchell as he's now been partially responsible for winning 4 of the 5 games you should have realistically had a chance to win. Quit blaming the opposing players perceived cheating for the reason the game was closer than you would like. Quit blaming the refs. The Eagles did what they had to win and got out of a scrappy game with a well deserved W in the standings. Sole possession of second place now...enjoy it.

Like I've said earlier, best of luck the rest of the season. Hoping you guys make the playoffs and get healthy as a team.

Well said mtjack. I'll add that after wathching Roper, Selle, Herrick, and Higgins play against us, I'm not sure I'd be willing to trade Mitchell for any of them. We're all just accustomed to watching two of the best QB's in the history of FCS over the last 6 years.

And I sure as shit wouldn't trade our coaching staff for anyone else in the conference either.

And take it easy on Vic. I'm guessing it's much more difficult to take the criticism when you're as close to the team as he is. You guys put your opinions out there, prepare for them to be challenged from time to time. Even if Vic is a potty mouth.

 

[kalm]

Some credit should be given to the NAU defense, which is a pretty solid unit. They made some good plays when EWU got a little loose with the ball and took advantage. Good on them. That being said, EWU needs to do a better job of wrapping up the football before contact. That's twice this year Nick Edwards has fumbled while fighting for extra yardage. He's just trying to make a play, but must make sure that his fumbles while fighting for that yardage gets fixed.

As far as Taiwan's fumbles are concerned, he was running to avoid contact all day. My opinion is he didn't want to get caught in a pile, so he was bouncing everything outside. In hindsight, maybe he shouldn't have been playing. But he's a tough young man, a great competitor, and he wanted to be out there for his team. He has not had a big fumbling problem in his career, so his fumbles can probably be attributed to that injury.

Mitchell was 20-26 passing and that's a near 80% completion rate. He made two bad throws and they both got picked. We said on the broadcast that sometimes when you have a big arm you try to fit something in there that shouldn't be thrown. He'll be the first to say that he has to clean up the mistakes. That's what he said on the post-game show anyway. Let's give him credit for making some great throws as well.

We'll talk all about it tomorrow on the coaches show from Northern Quest. There will be a film session at 5:30 with the coaches show at 6:00. We'll be in the Q Sports bar or on the radio at 700 ESPN or online at http://www.espnnorthwest.com.

Larry is spot on here. Mithchell is obviously a gun slinger and he's gonna throw his picks, but he's also gonna make some terrific plays.

BTW Larry, the coaches show is great to listen too, I look forward to it every Monday. Keep the outstanding work as always.

 

[MLR]

This is about as balanced an argument can get. I like it....
I believe ultimately EWU will be fine this year and outstanding next year.

 

[Vic E. Wallace]

All EWU Fans,
First let me apologize for some of the language I used on this blog yesterday. If I made any of you mad for my words, again I apologize. I know our team is working very hard to become the Best Team possible. It frustrate me when our young men get on the field and perform, and we continue to say negative things about their playing. I guess that is part of life.

It would be nice should we criticize, we need to put some positive things about the team and players. I don't want us to become Haters like some other Universities. :lol:

Kalm,
Sorry I didn't get there yesterday, we came in about 12:30pm, got my seat. I had couple of my older children with me. I did notice Friday the Air Stream in the back of the lot.

Wineguy,
We will meet sometime this year should you get beck to the some more games. How is the job prospect going in Idaho? Go Eags!!!!! Vic Wallace

 

[LDopaPDX]

I like nasty language... it shows passion--- just not in front of the children!

I think we can all agree that we show flashes of brilliance on both sides of the ball... it's just a matter of making those flashes last 60 minutes at a time instead of just a quarter here or series there. If we can play as we have at our best, we're going to be very tough to beat. In fact, I think we ought to be favored against everyone left on our schedule... and for good reason. That doesn't mean we will or should win them all, but I think we are truly more talented than anyone left on the sked.

 

[Vic E. Wallace]

LDopaPDX,
I will keep it clean from now on. I do show passion for our team. Thanks for the positive info. I agree with your comments. Vic Wallace

 

[EWURanger]

MT Jack - Spot on with the comments.

While I wouldn't want to see our board end up like egriz, I also don't want people to not express their opinions about the program - what we're doing right, what we're doing wrong. Because in the end, that's exactly what they are - opinions. Give credit where credit is due (and I think we all do) but that doesn't mean we need to sugar-coat everything, either.

Bottom line is that I think about 99% of the folks that post on here are die-hard fans/alum....we all want what's best for the program. Some people go about saying things in a way that might upset others, but there's really no need for the ultra-sensitivity. I'm sure some of the players/coaches read these things, but they're big boys. They know better than any of us what went right and wrong.

We won the game, despite the 5 TO's, and that says something about the character and heart of this team. The defense was dominant the majority of the game - I like how we are playing on that side of the ball, they are going to be a tough nut to crack for everyone else who plays us.

Go Eags! On to UNC!