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This really sucks for the Eagles--paying for the sins of a prior coaching staff...
By NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
CHENEY, Wash. -- Eastern Washington's toughest opponent this season won't be on the football field.
The NCAA has ruled the Eagles are not eligible for postseason play because of a series of infractions under former coach Paul Wulff. The team has appealed that penalty, but at this point the Eagles' season is scheduled to end on Nov. 21 at Northern Arizona.
Coach Beau Baldwin said all the team can do is try to win as many of its regular season games as possible.
"There's a little chip on their shoulder, but to me, it has taken nothing away from their work ethic," Baldwin said. "All we control is how well we play each day. We are guaranteed 11 games and we're going to do everything we can to prepare for that."
The penalty is particularly harsh because the Eagles figured to contend for the Big Sky Conference title, thanks to 15 returning starters from a team that finished 6-5 last year, 5-3 in the league.
Eastern was picked No. 17 in the preseason FCS Coaches Poll, behind conference rivals Montana (No. 3) and Weber State (No. 9).
The Eagles open play against Western Oregon on Sept. 5. The following weekend they play at No. 12 California in their money game. Southern Utah is their final non-conference game.
The Eagles also play Portland State on Oct. 31 at Qwest Field in Seattle, believed to be their first game ever in the state's largest city.
Once again, the Eagles rely on a potent offense, led by quarterback Matt Nichols and wide receiver Aaron Boyce.
Nichols has started 33 games in his career, passing for more than 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns in each of the past two seasons.
"I've been extremely impressed with his approach to his senior season, especially with the unfortunate news of the postseason ban," Baldwin said
Nichols' backups are freshmen Jeff Minnerly and Scott Burgett. The Eagles also recently added former Washington State quarterback J.T. Levenseller, who decided to leave the WSU program and is eligible to play immediately.
Boyce caught 63 passes last season for a total of 183 in his career, second-most in school history. Also back is receiver Brynsen Brown, who caught 50 passes last year, and Tony Davis, who caught 53.
The major loss from last season is defensive end Greg Peach, who won the Buck Buchanan Award given to the top defensive player in FCS.
Eastern lost four senior running backs, but has three letter winners returning. Tyler Hart and Taiwan Jones figure to start, with Darriell Beaumonte and Chase King in the mix.
By NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
CHENEY, Wash. -- Eastern Washington's toughest opponent this season won't be on the football field.
The NCAA has ruled the Eagles are not eligible for postseason play because of a series of infractions under former coach Paul Wulff. The team has appealed that penalty, but at this point the Eagles' season is scheduled to end on Nov. 21 at Northern Arizona.
Coach Beau Baldwin said all the team can do is try to win as many of its regular season games as possible.
"There's a little chip on their shoulder, but to me, it has taken nothing away from their work ethic," Baldwin said. "All we control is how well we play each day. We are guaranteed 11 games and we're going to do everything we can to prepare for that."
The penalty is particularly harsh because the Eagles figured to contend for the Big Sky Conference title, thanks to 15 returning starters from a team that finished 6-5 last year, 5-3 in the league.
Eastern was picked No. 17 in the preseason FCS Coaches Poll, behind conference rivals Montana (No. 3) and Weber State (No. 9).
The Eagles open play against Western Oregon on Sept. 5. The following weekend they play at No. 12 California in their money game. Southern Utah is their final non-conference game.
The Eagles also play Portland State on Oct. 31 at Qwest Field in Seattle, believed to be their first game ever in the state's largest city.
Once again, the Eagles rely on a potent offense, led by quarterback Matt Nichols and wide receiver Aaron Boyce.
Nichols has started 33 games in his career, passing for more than 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns in each of the past two seasons.
"I've been extremely impressed with his approach to his senior season, especially with the unfortunate news of the postseason ban," Baldwin said
Nichols' backups are freshmen Jeff Minnerly and Scott Burgett. The Eagles also recently added former Washington State quarterback J.T. Levenseller, who decided to leave the WSU program and is eligible to play immediately.
Boyce caught 63 passes last season for a total of 183 in his career, second-most in school history. Also back is receiver Brynsen Brown, who caught 50 passes last year, and Tony Davis, who caught 53.
The major loss from last season is defensive end Greg Peach, who won the Buck Buchanan Award given to the top defensive player in FCS.
Eastern lost four senior running backs, but has three letter winners returning. Tyler Hart and Taiwan Jones figure to start, with Darriell Beaumonte and Chase King in the mix.