luckyintheorder said:
Mister207 said:
luckyintheorder said:
dudeitsaid said:
Maine has a stellar defense. I think everyone has acknowledged that, regardless of some of the supposed chip on the shoulder cause they don't get respect. If they don't get respect from anyone, it appears to only be the oddsmakers. The vast majority of people I've seen expect this to be a close game.
But, I think maybe the Black Hole Koolaid might be flowing a little stronger than it needs to. They are talking on their boards like they would punch NDSU in the mouth. Cool, but they need to get by us first.
Some things to consider. They still surrendered 477 yards to Jax St. It's not like teams can't move the ball on them. The did limit the Gamecocks to about 40% of their rushing average, which rushing D is their strength. However, they allowed over 150 yards rushing to both Elon and Towson at the end of the season. EWU is the 10th rated rushing offense in the FCS. If EWU is held to 50% of our rushing average, that's still over 130 yards.
You had the right of it on the AGS when you stated that this game could very well be more about Eastern's defense v Maine offense. Sorry if I misparaphrase. At best Maine can hope the the Eag offense v Maine defense is a push but the Eastern D, even a short handed one, has shown itself to be very opportunistic and the Maine offense isn't that dynamic. I like Ferguson and believe he could be a starter on half the teams in the BigSky and they have a young first year OL with some players but no skill players I would term as "big play" threats. If the D has it's typical day, Eags by 2 td's.
Watch what Earnest Edwards does.
Thanks Mr. Stats Don't Matter. I like Edwards, with the same OL and Ferguson NEXT YEAR, he might be one to watch. This year ~800 yds, 49 receptions, 60 yds/gm... is workmanlike not big play like. Eastern has a defense, y'all just continue to overlook. If there is a lack of respect, this might be it. Not too worried, moving the ball between the 20's doesn't win these contests.
edit: Edwards is a good returner too. Eastern's kicking & special teams has been well above average this season.
Never said stats don't matter. I think they can be very useful. I said stats don't always tell the full story and can be misleading. For example, I think a cumulative review of Maine's offensive stats are skewed towards the negative. The primary reason for this is that Maine's season (especially the early season) was marred with QB injuries and a very incompetent backup played all of or significant portions of 5 games this year. This is a similar type of argument that I've seen EWU fans make in regards to their loss to Weber.
Anyway, in regards to the above, if you don't think this Maine team has playmakers or big play potential you don't know the team. I gave the example of Earnest Edwards because he is probably their biggest playmaker but not the only one. He has 14 touchdowns this year (10 receiving, 2 rushing, 2 returns). 11 of those TDs came in the last 6 games when the QB situation has been somewhat resolved and the team has been able to get him the ball more consistently. He's a threat to score on every play and in multiple ways. As a true freshman he was the only player in the country to score a receiving, rushing, return and throwing TD in the same season. Honestly, I'd argue that he's the quintessential playmaker type. Their second receiver, Micah Wright, is a former first team all CAA selection. Jaquan Blair is one of the better third receivers in the country. The receiving group, as a whole, has a ceiling as high as just about any in the FCS and are all capable of making plays. The lead running back, Jefferson, is a big play back. He takes lots of rushes for a loss but still averages around 6 yards a carry because he consistently breaks big runs. From what I've seen on tape and in the box scores it does look like EWU has a very capable defense. Maine will be challenged but there will be opportunities for big plays and I believe that Maine's playmakers will hit on some.
The game against Big Sky champion Weber State corroborates my point. Maine had a sluggish offensive day and had a hard time moving the ball consistently. BUT... they made big plays. Edwards scored on a 67 TD reception and Jefferson scored on a 45 yard run.