Eastern Washington

[talhadfoursteals]

Well, here we are. Our season of ranked opponents continues. After playing #9, we get to play #2 on their eye burning red turf. I wouldn't doubt it if Eastern will do everything in their power to try and run up the score on us. They kept Barrier in the game well after everyone knew that Idaho was done. Idaho isn't a bad team. They just don't match up with Eastern (no crap right). They match up with teams like Davis and Montana State (State would win but it would be closer), but not prolific offenses. Besides Eastern was in the zone on Saturday. They are playing great and everything is going their way.

Weber, well, the Cats are at the top of the league defensively. BUT, offense is really struggling. Something has to change and I don't know if it will happen in time against the Eagles this Saturday. Is Weber good enough to win? Yes. But, will they? That is what's fun about playing the game. You never know.

Positives:

Eastern's defense is decent but it gives up a lot of yards. Western Illinois is terrible but found a way to claw their way back into their game finally losing by a TD and putting up 468 yards passing and running for 175 yards. SUU had over 300 yards of offense. What I am getting at is that Eastern is susceptible defensively. Eastern hasn't faced a defense like Weber's yet this season, and that includes Montana. Weber should be able to move the ball more effectively than when they played JMU or even State (best defense all season and that includes Utah when we saw them) and Eastern hasn't faced a defense as talented and skilled as Weber. That should give us some hope. Right?

UNLV 0-6
SUU 1-6
Western Illinois 1-6
UNC 2-5
Idaho 2-4
Montana 4-2
DI Opponents record: 10-29
DII Central Washington 4-2

 

[Chex]

There are certainly surprises on any given Saturday. I wouldn’t get my hopes up. I remember watching Weber State’s prolific defense stonewall EWU at Stewart Stadium…between that D and the special teams, they won the game for the offense that sputtered. It was an awesome game to watch.

The D isn’t as prolific, and I think EWU knows what to expect and will be comfortable on that hideous red turf.

I hope the D can keep can make a statement, but it will be hard if the offense can’t put some sustained drives together and points on the board.

Honestly, the offense is too much of a mess and the D will probably tire out. I’ll guess EWU 38-14 with one of the TDs for Weber State coming from the defense. I was going to put Weber State at 17, but I don’t think the kicking game exists outside of 37 yards.

I think Weber State would be wise to run as much clock as possible. The three and outs in 20 seconds are something that needs to be avoided.

If the O line is as bad as last week, just put Barron in the Shotgun to keep him from getting hit too much.

 

[GoCatsGo!!!]

This is the classic nail in the coffin game. It doesn’t help to complain about our AWFUL OC Hammer nor the fact Coach Hill doesn’t seem willing to ditch bad coaches. It is what it is at this point and some fans on here who are just blind seem happy we were good and are okay being mediocre to crappy again. I’m afraid without a serious change at offensive coaching positions then even more recruits/prospects will not come to Weber. As for this game the defense won’t be able to keep EWU out of the end zone that often and with zero help from our offense (if you call it that) I’ll say the final score is ……… EWU 41 Weber State 13.

 

[n.ogdencat]

We each have our own opinions. Diversity of ideas is great. I, however, will elect to look at this situation positively. Why not see this as a glass half full scenario instead of a glass half empty one? I’m glad n.ogdencat posted about Easterns opponents overall record. Our opponents record is 22-16. Take away Dixie and Poly it is 21-5. Weber has lost games to very good teams. Yes, we normally win one or two of those games but we haven’t. Win 5 straight and we host Thanksgiving weekend and go from there.

 

[Chex]

We each have our own opinions. Diversity of ideas is great. I, however, will elect to look at this situation positively. Why not see this as a glass half full scenario instead of a glass half empty one? I’m glad n.ogdencat posted about Easterns opponents overall record. Our opponents record is 22-16. Take away Dixie and Poly it is 21-5. Weber has lost games to very good teams. Yes, we normally win one or two of those games but we haven’t. Win 5 straight and we host Thanksgiving weekend and go from there.

Love the optimism, I certainly hope they run the table. I hope Hammer becomes the most successful OC in Big Sky History. I think I would wear some parachute pants and dance to Hammer Time if he could turn it around and get the team on track and get in the top third of the conference offensive statistics…fairly confident I’m safe in that will never happen.

Stating an obvious truth is not pessimism. I think the Wildcats could improve with some simple adjustments and better play calling from a new OC. Hammer has been given enough time, this boat isn’t turning, in fact I think we hit the iceberg already and are taking on some water and are about ready to run like hell for the lifeboats…maybe that will happen if a loss happens in Pocatello.

There’s the old saying that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

Honestly, I think a lot could be done if Hill overtakes most of the play calling on offense or has Gary Anderson help out with it. Maybe some heavy tutoring would help Hammer…but just hoping it improves on its own isn’t working.

Hill is amazing and got Weber State to prominence. I think his stubbornness or loyalty probably cost a title opportunity and might now run the program into mediocrity for a few years. I guess I just get frustrated because they are close and because making a few changes could yield better results but there is no willingness to do that…and doing staff changes is a big part of coaching.

Oh well, I think it’s obvious, and it’s past saying anything. I just don’t want to hear any player comments on going to the “Natty” and coaches comments on playoffs or goal to win a National Championship because if that was true, changes would have been made.

Hoping for the best on Saturday.

 

[AlumniWSU]

We each have our own opinions. Diversity of ideas is great. I, however, will elect to look at this situation positively. Why not see this as a glass half full scenario instead of a glass half empty one? I’m glad n.ogdencat posted about Easterns opponents overall record. Our opponents record is 22-16. Take away Dixie and Poly it is 21-5. Weber has lost games to very good teams. Yes, we normally win one or two of those games but we haven’t. Win 5 straight and we host Thanksgiving weekend and go from there.

Love the optimism, I certainly hope they run the table. I hope Hammer becomes the most successful OC in Big Sky History. I think I would wear some parachute pants and dance to Hammer Time if he could turn it around and get the team on track and get in the top third of the conference offensive statistics…fairly confident I’m safe in that will never happen.

Stating an obvious truth is not pessimism. I think the Wildcats could improve with some simple adjustments and better play calling from a new OC. Hammer has been given enough time, this boat isn’t turning, in fact I think we hit the iceberg already and are taking on some water and are about ready to run like hell for the lifeboats…maybe that will happen if a loss happens in Pocatello.

There’s the old saying that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

Honestly, I think a lot could be done if Hill overtakes most of the play calling on offense or has Gary Anderson help out with it. Maybe some heavy tutoring would help Hammer…but just hoping it improves on its own isn’t working.

[b]Hill is amazing and got Weber State to prominence. I think his stubbornness or loyalty probably cost a title opportunity and might now run the program into mediocrity for a few years. I guess I just get frustrated because they are close and because making a few changes could yield better results but there is no willingness to do that…and doing staff changes is a big part of coaching.[/b]

Oh well, I think it’s obvious, and it’s past saying anything. I just don’t want to hear any player comments on going to the “Natty” and coaches comments on playoffs or goal to win a National Championship because if that was true, changes would have been made.

Hoping for the best on Saturday.

Just wanted to second that Chex, you're right on & I could expand on the coaching thing applying to our BB program also...it's frustrating to some of us fans. Yes, I understand that it's a person's job & livelihood we're talking about, but in the coaching profession, people have to realize that it's tough, you're graded constantly & if you don't make adjustments or work improvements for success over a certain time frame, then it's move on out to something else. Guess it's the debate of how long, but realism shows it's ugly insanity side pretty soon :wall: . Some cry negativism, it's natural to always hope, be it a fickle result in athletics. :argue:

 

[AlumniWSU]

It's a win!! Not pretty but offensive runs saved the day, as well as some great defense on occassion. :thumb:

Luck was a lady today for the Wildcats on that missed extra point to tie it up. :notworthy:

 

[Agalum]

Just wanted to congratulate you guys on a great win! Excellent game.
Agalum

 

[Chex]

Just wanted to congratulate you guys on a great win! Excellent game.
Agalum

Very nice of you.

That win just opened the up the Big Sky race. Sets up a big matchup with Montana State and EWU next week. If EWU wins that game, Sacramento State looks to have inside track with UC Davis having a good, shot, too.

Might create a possible log jam scenario of many teams at 2 losses…but I only seeing the Hornets possibly losing one against UC Davis…of course no week is safe in the Big Sky.

 

[Chex]

It's a win!! Not pretty but offensive runs saved the day, as well as some great defense on occassion. :thumb:

Luck was a lady today for the Wildcats on that missed extra point to tie it up. :notworthy:

Of all the games I couldn’t watch…this is the game. I followed along on ESPN app with scores. I hope a highlight feed is posted to YouTube.

Glad WSU caught a break on missed PAT…they were due a break. I saw Johnson was in late, is Barron hurt, or just a move to switch things up?

I owe Tad a Coke or something, never thought they could win in Cheney. They certainly have a chance to run the table, but certainly can’t overlook any week.

Congratulations to the Wildcats!

 

[Agalum]

Just wanted to congratulate you guys on a great win! Excellent game.
Agalum

Very nice of you.

That win just opened the up the Big Sky race. Sets up a big matchup with Montana State and EWU next week. If EWU wins that game, Sacramento State looks to have inside track with UC Davis having a good, shot, too.

Might create a possible log jam scenario of many teams at 2 losses…but I only seeing the Hornets possibly losing one against UC Davis…of course no week is safe in the Big Sky.

Sac has had the easiest schedule in the conference. I’m bummed i will be traveling when we play them.
Good on Weber for knocking off EWU!

 

[the dan]

It's a win!! Not pretty but offensive runs saved the day, as well as some great defense on occassion. :thumb:

Luck was a lady today for the Wildcats on that missed extra point to tie it up. :notworthy:

Of all the games I couldn’t watch…this is the game. I followed along on ESPN app with scores. I hope a highlight feed is posted to YouTube.

Glad WSU caught a break on missed PAT…they were due a break. I saw Johnson was in late, is Barron hurt, or just a move to switch things up?

I owe Tad a Coke or something, never thought they could win in Cheney. They certainly have a chance to run the table, but certainly can’t overlook any week.

Congratulations to the Wildcats!

Lol same. Kind of figured the Cats would win when I realized I couldn’t watch for once.

 

[AlumniWSU]

Yeah, I was surprised to see only one post right after the game concluded, (congrats from a UC Davis fan)....maybe that's the key for us, me included, don't watch the games, just listen on the radio or follow online!! :lol:

Coach Hill said it best at the post game interview when he relayed his joy at seeing certain players have key successes here & there. It has to have a positive vibe for all of the team.

Coach said that QB Barron received a cut on his hand...backups came in for some relief at times...Hill praised Johnson for remaining calm & cool & sticking to the game plan; Cooper also had a series, Davis was held out because of injury recovery.

Coach Hill "I love playing on this ('Roos') field"... no wonder, last loss at home for Eagles was to the Wildcats in 2017.

Four left, can the Wildcats build off this momentum?

 

[Chex]

Yeah, I was surprised to see only one post right after the game concluded, (congrats from a UC Davis fan)....maybe that's the key for us, me included, don't watch the games, just listen on the radio or follow online!! :lol:

Coach Hill said it best at the post game interview when he relayed his joy at seeing certain players have key successes here & there. It has to have a positive vibe for all of the team.

Coach said that QB Barron received a cut on his hand...backups came in for some relief at times...Hill praised Johnson for remaining calm & cool & sticking to the game plan; Cooper also had a series, Davis was held out because of injury recovery.

Coach Hill "I love playing on this ('Roos') field"... no wonder, last loss at home for Eagles was to the Wildcats in 2017.

Four left, can the Wildcats build off this momentum?

I think Weber State definitely got a much needed boost of confidence for sure. I don’t want to get overly excited as the Wildcats played far from a perfect game. They fumbled a chance to
put it away when they were up 35-28. EWU put the ball in the turf 6 times. The missed extra point was a huge break…but sometimes a break is what is needed to turn the season around.

Weber State should be favored to win every game from here out, but all these teams are capable of upending the Wildcats…and I don’t see the Wildcats routing any of these teams, so turnovers and other miscues could factor in. Wildcats should be able to get more offensive production. The balanced run/pass attack should make it tougher on opponents as well.

I’m much more optimistic.

 

[the dan]

We should be favored by about 14 points vs Idaho State and Portland State, and 17 points vs UNC and Southern Utah. I feel somewhat confident, but we can’t keep our QB healthy, we turn the ball over, and our kicking game is shaky. That’s the perfect recipe for getting upset against an inferior team.

I’ll just enjoy the last month of the season and hope for the best. If we get that far, a 7-3 FCS record with 1 good win would be squarely on the playoff bubble.

 

[Mousegriz]

Didn't Weber upset the #2 ranked team in FCS football last weekend? Does anyone care besides the Dan, Chex and some guy from Cal Davis?

Sure must be rewarding playing at Weber? :thumb:

 

[oldrunner]

Didn't Weber upset the #2 ranked team in FCS football last weekend? Does anyone care besides the Dan, Chex and some guy from Cal Davis?

Sure must be rewarding playing at Weber? :thumb:

This isn't the only place we hav to communicate.