(7) Towson Tigers at (3) EWU Game Thread

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Towson University Tigers (12-2, 6-2 CAA) at Eastern Washington Eagles (12-2, 8-0 BSC)

Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013 • 11:05 a.m. Pacific
Roos Field (8,600) • Cheney, Wash.



Series: First meeting.
TV: ESPNU
Radio: http://www.700espn.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Webcast: http://espn.go.com/watchespn/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

First there was David Fluellen from Toledo, then Timothy Flanders from Sam Houston State, Cody Kirk from Montana State and D.J. Adams from Portland State, followed by Zach Zenner and DaMarcus James in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision Playoffs.

But the most prolific running back of them all – and a team that has won 11-straight road games -- awaits the Eastern Washington University football team this Saturday (Dec. 21) at Roos Field in Cheney, Wash.

Standing in the way of another appearance in the NCAA Division I Championship Game for the third-seeded and No. 3 ranked Eagles are the Towson Tigers, who feature FCS rushing and scoring leader Terrance West. Kickoff in the semifinal matchup between teams with Walter Payton Award finalists is 11:05 a.m. Pacific time in a game televised live by ESPNU.

Towson upset second-seeded and No. 2 ranked Eastern Illinois 49-39 on Dec. 13, the night before EWU advanced to the semis with a 35-24 win over Jacksonville State. The seventh-seeded and fifth-ranked Tigers were led by West, who rushed for a FCS playoff record 354 yards and five touchdowns in Towson’s 11th-consecutive win on the road. Of the top 10 FCS teams ranked nationally in rushing offense, Towson will be the fourth EWU has faced this season (No. 1 Cal Poly, No. 3 Portland State, No. 6 Sam Houston, No. 10 Towson).

“They are a physical football team on both sides of the ball,” said Eastern head coach Beau Baldwin, who has coached the Eagles to victories in eight of their last nine postseason games. “They are well-coached and know how to handle big games and win on the road. They are a tremendous challenge for us.”

With 2,295 rushing yards for the season, West needs only 32 to break the NCAA FCS single season record of 2,326 yards set by Jamal Branch of Colgate in 2003. West has already broken the FCS single season record for rushing touchdowns in a season with 38, and his 39 touchdowns overall has tied the FCS record. The Tigers are now 12-2 and finished 6-2 in CAA Football.

“After watching him, he’s as good as any running back I’ve ever seen in my career here at Eastern,” Baldwin said.

It will be EWU’s first-ever meeting with Towson, and Towson’s first-ever meeting against a team from the Big Sky Conference. The Eagles are 2-0 against CAA Football, and are 12-2 this season with a 10-game winning streak.

“You just have to find ways to win,” said Baldwin, whose team has outscored its first two playoff opponents 41-6 in the second half. “It is nice that we’ll have plenty of stuff we can come back, coach and correct even after a win going to the Final Four. The bottom line is you are doing everything you can to win so you get to this position. I am proud of our players for that.”

 

[luckyintheorder]

Just watched Towson v UConn replay on ESPN3, first impression.... Toledo. Its an impression not a dot to dot comparison and trying not to let the EIU game influence me.

Lots of senior leadership on Oline (62, 70,60,71,61) at QB, TE, they know what they are out there to do, make way for West and other TB's, decent pass blockers in this game against suspect D Line. Defense has some beef upfront (over 3 bills 99,96, DE 56 is fast), LB's are fast and physical (13,17,22). QB throws OK out of play action but not as well as Toledo threw the ball. Thought the DB's tackled well and showed good athleticism. UConn wasn't tearing it up. Towson has speed all over the field and plays with good discipline on both sides of the ball like a senior led team should. All RB's do a great job of being patient between tackles and bust it outside with strength and speed if there isn't a hole. West and Phifer are special.

This is the best team EWU has faced all season bar none (except FBS).

Interesting notes: Early in contest, O-line cut the D line to slow down upfield penetration ONE time and it slowed UConn down the rest of the game, so the coaching is savvy and willing to do what it takes. Last note; center is a senior but light body and can be had.

EWU has seen this "wear you down" formula before. Think we match up well and will have to play our best game to win. LIGHT A FIRE ON THE INFERNO ! More thoughts as the week progresses.

:nod:



http://www.towsontigers.com/SportSe...00&SORT_ORDER=1&Q_SEASON=2013&PRINTABLE_PAGE=

 

[aresef]

Did you watch our EIU and Fordham games? Save for the special teams issues and the early snow issues, those are a pair of complete games. Aside from UConn (or, given how their season has gone, including UConn?), my guys had a cupcake non-con schedule because apparently that's how you get into the playoffs, especially after how the committee screwed us last year. There were a couple pushovers on our conference sked, but it's still the CAA. There's a reason they got three teams in and a reason two are left.

Gonna be a hell of a game. Best of luck.

 

[marceagfan5]

EIU's game plan was to let West "get his" and not let the rest of the team beat them, the announcers were even commenting on that. I believe we will do everything we can to limit West and make their QB beat us.

This has the makings for a great game, their D appears to be suspect so I expect a lot of points from our offense.

West will have to run a lot more outside the tackles because of Pulu taking up the middle, no one has been able to contain him...

 

[luckyintheorder]

Did you watch our EIU and Fordham games? Save for the special teams issues and the early snow issues, those are a pair of complete games. Aside from UConn (or, given how their season has gone, including UConn?), my guys had a cupcake non-con schedule because apparently that's how you get into the playoffs, especially after how the committee screwed us last year. There were a couple pushovers on our conference sked, but it's still the CAA. There's a reason they got three teams in and a reason two are left.

Gonna be a hell of a game. Best of luck.

Was going to walk through each game and give impression, but saw most of EIU game and didn't see anything different then I saw in UConn game. Phifer and West impressed. Wanted to get a sense of growth of team throughout season, but it looks like the gameplan and play on the field was similar from game one to the EIU game. No surprises. Did I mention this was the best team EWU will face this season to date IMO? You should take the time to watch EWU v SDSU or EWU v Oregon State to get a better picture of what EWU is capable of. Second halves are the most fun.

"my guys had a cupcake non-con schedule because apparently that's how you get into the playoffs"... Winning your conference outright is another way to make the playoffs BTW. :roll:

 

[luckyintheorder]

EIU's game plan was to let West "get his" and not let the rest of the team beat them, the announcers were even commenting on that. I believe we will do everything we can to limit West and make their QB beat us.

This has the makings for a great game, their D appears to be suspect so I expect a lot of points from our offense.

West will have to run a lot more outside the tackles because of Pulu taking up the middle, no one has been able to contain him...

+1 Our D Line won't be pushed off the ball in the middle. West/Phifer are patient and go outside a lot. Containment and tackling will go a long way to success against this offense. Our offense can be our best defensive option by keeping pressure on Towson QB Athens to make plays. Towson D may not be deep enough to keep pace with offensive output or cover all the offensive options EWU presents. Towson is a disciplined team and LB's get good drops in coverage. West has a tendency to reach ball out on short yardage, should look to knock it out rather than pile on if late to the pile, at least cause a booth review.

Expect Towson to cut block early to slow down interior push and pound A, B gaps and off tackle with FB lead block and challenge our LB's and Safeties in game of attrition and to set up play action. EWU can defeat this by bringing edge blitzes early and often, letting D Line stand up middle and making West have to settle for 2-4 yd carries. Holding this rushing attack to around 3.5 per would make enough situations where Archer has to beat EWU. Continue to blitz off edge and play action sets him up for sacks. Sure there are other ways to get this done, just like moving forward aggression against power attacks.

 

[clawman1]

According to the article naming the winer of the Walter PAyton Award it mentions West has 2295. yards rushing. Is that for the regular season which the voting was based on or currently? If it is currently Zenner just went over 2000 yds in the game against us and West has played two more games since then, one of which he ran for 350+ yds alone.
My point is we stopped the unstoppable Zenner so should be able to dramatically slow West down.

 

[Rjones61]

Outside linebackers are going to have a lot on their shoulders. Their responsibility will be to contain big plays to the outside, but also keep an eye on the flat. Their run game will be hard to contain if our DEs are getting beat.

If our D-line tries to line straight up against Towson's O-line, like EIU did, we will be in trouble. Towson has a very good offensive line and a small victory is a big victory when you have a back like Terrance West. Our D-line will have to line up in the gaps or play some shifts to try and throw off their front men in order to shut down gaps.

 

[EWU98]

Outside linebackers are going to have a lot on their shoulders. Their responsibility will be to contain big plays to the outside, but also keep an eye on the flat. Their run game will be hard to contain if our DEs are getting beat.

If our D-line tries to line straight up against Towson's O-line, like EIU did, we will be in trouble. Towson has a very good offensive line, and a small victory is a big victory when you have a back like Terrance West. Our D-line will have to line up in the gaps or play some shifts to try and throw off their front men in order to shut down gaps.

Anyone know of an update on Tevin McDonald could he be back for the Final Game in Jan?

 

[luckyintheorder]

Are we there yet? Saturday can't get here soon enough. Just contemplating my navel.



Anyone know how VA is feeling after the trip east? Thought he was favoring left arm late in the JSU game too. Updates on injuries? Hamlin?

 

[clawman1]

Are we there yet? Saturday can't get here soon enough. Just contemplating my navel.



Anyone know how VA is feeling after the trip east? Thought he was favoring left arm late in the JSU game too. Updates on injuries? Hamlin?

VA did not go, Baldwin wanted him and Kupp to be here. He was at the basketball game Sun and at the coaches show Monday until they had to leave early.

 

[JoinTheEAA]

VA, Ashton Clark and many other football players were at Reese Court tonight supporting their fellow student athletes as the EWU women beat Northwest University. Watched practice for a few minutes and talked to Vic and a few other fans. Our focus is filling Roos Saturday. WA Trust Bank has stepped and helped with that. Win or lose this has been a terrific season, going 8-0 in Big Sky play after beating a bowl bound PAC-12 team to open the season.

Our seniors are playing their last game in Cheney Saturday. The players who redshirted came to a mud bowl with an ancient scoreboard and all the seniors leave a legacy of league titles, national stature and dramatically increased student enrollment. Thank you seniors.

 

[Screamin_Eagle174]

VA, Ashton Clark and many other football players were at Reese Court tonight supporting their fellow student athletes as the EWU women beat Northwest University. Watched practice for a few minutes and talked to Vic and a few other fans. Our focus is filling Roos Saturday. WA Trust Bank has stepped and helped with that. Win or lose this has been a terrific season, going 8-0 in Big Sky play after beating a bowl bound PAC-12 team to open the season.

Our seniors are playing their last game in Cheney Saturday. The players who redshirted came to a mud bowl with an ancient scoreboard and all the seniors leave a legacy of league titles, national stature and dramatically increased student enrollment. Thank you seniors.

:clap:

I'd love to go, but with work at 6am Sunday, I'd have to catch a ride up there and back same day Saturday from the Tri-Cities. Know of any alum that are making the trip and would like to split the cost of gas?

 

[GreatDayToBeAnEagle]

VA, Ashton Clark and many other football players were at Reese Court tonight supporting their fellow student athletes as the EWU women beat Northwest University. Watched practice for a few minutes and talked to Vic and a few other fans. Our focus is filling Roos Saturday. WA Trust Bank has stepped and helped with that. Win or lose this has been a terrific season, going 8-0 in Big Sky play after beating a bowl bound PAC-12 team to open the season.

Our seniors are playing their last game in Cheney Saturday. The players who redshirted came to a mud bowl with an ancient scoreboard and all the seniors leave a legacy of league titles, national stature and dramatically increased student enrollment. Thank you seniors.

Wow. Your'e right. Amazing to think how much things have progressed. Great post, thank you! :clap:

 

[luckyintheorder]

Are we there yet? Saturday can't get here soon enough. Just contemplating my navel.



Anyone know how VA is feeling after the trip east? Thought he was favoring left arm late in the JSU game too. Updates on injuries? Hamlin?

VA did not go, Baldwin wanted him and Kupp to be here. He was at the basketball game Sun and at the coaches show Monday until they had to leave early.

Glad to hear it. Was very nervous about the impact that kind of travel would have on preparation and general well being. News on Hamlin?

 

[EWURanger]

Are we there yet? Saturday can't get here soon enough. Just contemplating my navel.



Anyone know how VA is feeling after the trip east? Thought he was favoring left arm late in the JSU game too. Updates on injuries? Hamlin?

VA did not go, Baldwin wanted him and Kupp to be here. He was at the basketball game Sun and at the coaches show Monday until they had to leave early.

Glad to hear it. Was very nervous about the impact that kind of travel would have on preparation and general well being. News on Hamlin?

I don't see any scenario where Hamlin doesn't play this Saturday. :lol:

 

[walkon79]

Good Luck Saturday, Eags Fans!!!

 

[RedRaptor]

Thanks Walk on, no give me's when you get to the final four, appreciate the support.

 

[MLEagle]

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/news/news.aspx?id=4648639" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It feels like outside of Cheney, Corvalis or the Big Sky Conference there are not many with much faith in EWU. They haven't seen how this team competes and understands how it finds ways to win. I think people that just read stat lines don't understand how good this offense is, or how well our defense competes.

This reminds me a lot of 2010 when we faced a couple CAA foes in the playoff bracket.

Go Eags!

 

[luckyintheorder]

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/news/news.aspx?id=4648639

It feels like outside of Cheney, Corvalis or the Big Sky Conference there are not many with much faith in EWU. They haven't seen how this team competes and understands how it finds ways to win. I think people that just read stat lines don't understand how good this offense is, or how well our defense competes.

This reminds me a lot of 2010 when we faced a couple CAA foes in the playoff bracket.

Go Eags!

Does seem this way. Part of it is that EWU games aren't generally broadcast outside the NW during the season IMO or available for streaming replays. I know several on our board would watch other top teams prior to EWU games in part or whole so we have a good idea of how other teams play. There is also the ECBias, ESPN's infatuation with SEC and Big Ten football, Chip Kelly's time in NH etc..., so compared to the other teams left in playoff's exists in a vacuum.

Sort of a generalization, our Toledo game is on ESPN3 replay. Lastly, other fans may be to lazy to actually do their research and will rely on last impression (JSU game) and FCS Stats to make up their minds. If I were them, would ask myself, how did a team that looked so out of sync against JSU make the semi's or have 3 All-American's and Rice Award winner. Funny to be the #3 team going into playoff's and now be the underdog. Good stuff.

Fun ad for Towson game.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdQKH5tXUJs[/youtube]