Maine @ Weber St

[SWeberCat02]

https://wgme.com/sports/content/maine-heading-to-utah

:rofl: Webber State. Nice old logo too.

better?
https://wgme.com/sports/content/black-bears-prepare-for-playoff-matchup

Sure, except for the fact that we haven't been Weber State College since 1990 hno: :wall: :facepalm:

:lol: Yeah keep trying. Maybe by the end of the week he'll get it right. In the age of the internet it really shouldn't be that difficult. Do they have the internet in Maine?

 

[WSUWildcat]

https://wgme.com/sports/content/maine-heading-to-utah

:rofl: Webber State. Nice old logo too.

better?
https://wgme.com/sports/content/black-bears-prepare-for-playoff-matchup

Let's talk about the propensity for UMaine to "run out of gas in the second half" and how that may affect the matchup. Weber tends to wear teams down in the second half. Does Maine have conditioning issues that may be exposed at altitude against a "finesse" defense? Has this been a problem for them this year? Anyone have data to back this up?

 

[SWeberCat02]

https://wgme.com/sports/content/maine-heading-to-utah

:rofl: Webber State. Nice old logo too.

better?
https://wgme.com/sports/content/black-bears-prepare-for-playoff-matchup

Let's talk about the propensity for UMaine to "run out of gas in the second half" and how that may affect the matchup. Weber tends to wear teams down in the second half. Does Maine have conditioning issues that may be exposed at altitude against a "finesse" defense? Has this been a problem for them this year? Anyone have data to back this up?

I laughed at that too. Like it's a known fact that teams run out of gas in the second half in Ogden.

But seriously, will the travel, elevation, and cold have an impact on Maine? Maybe, maybe not. Also, the air quality is supposed to be unhealthy on Friday. Will that have an impact? IDK, but thin and bad air can't be good for anyone, especially if you're not used to it.

 

[SWeberCat02]

Coach Hill on the radio

http://www.1280thezone.com/jay-hill-looked-back-on-the-wildcats-playoff-win-last-weekend-and-ahead-to-the-next-round/

 

[SWWeatherCat]

Stats FCS writer, Craig Haley, likes Weber, only by a home field advantage FG. He sees both teams as mirror images of each other. There do appear to be some striking similarities.
http://www.fcs.football/cfb/story.asp?i=20181205095959358967504&ref=hea&tm=&src=FCS

Brian & Sam, of Hero Sports, are split in their quarterfinal game predictions on SDSU/KSU and UM/WSU, with Brian taking KSU and UM in 1 point games. Even though he sees UM/WSU as a 50/50 game, he takes the visitor because of comparing what he sees as the two teams top strengths: UM's (FCS) 2nd-ranked run D vs WSU's (FCS) leading freshman RB Josh Davis. I think his take is fair, it sure looks like both teams are legit quarterfinalists and have similar strengths. I do wonder, though, if Maine's secondary will be able to limit Weber's newly found passing game while at the same time stifling the run. SEMO's run D looked to have Weber stuffed until the passing opened it up some for Garrett, not Davis. Can't help but wonder if it might play out similarly? I know our D needs to bring it again and Contantine & Co. need to limit turnovers.
https://herosports.com/fcs/football-score-predictions-quarterfinals-bzbz

Still hoping and rooting for Weber State to be the first of the two schools to reach the semi's.

 

[Mainebrother]

Does anyone have directions to Eastern Washington University. I have not been up there and being a Mainiac as I am....just wanna support my team after we beat you guys...Of course if U.C. Davis manages to win this one then I am all set..

Your finesse team seems like they are capable...will see on Friday which is the better team....because at this point you can throw out stats, Comparable games, BSC vs CAA Conference. Any team that is here now deserves to be here and that includes Weber State. You guys also failed to mention our big win over Jacksonville State like that was some sort of fluke...it was not fluke....but if you want to keep believing what you are saying then be my guest...

The game will be won or lost on Friday evening...enough said...

 

[WILDCAT]

Does anyone have directions to Eastern Washington University. I have not been up there and being a Mainiac as I am....just wanna support my team after we beat you guys...Of course if U.C. Davis manages to win this one then I am all set..

Your finesse team seems like they are capable...will see on Friday which is the better team....because at this point you can throw out stats, Comparable games, BSC vs CAA Conference. Any team that is here now deserves to be here and that includes Weber State. You guys also failed to mention our big win over Jacksonville State like that was some sort of fluke...it was not fluke....but if you want to keep believing what you are saying then be my guest...

The game will be won or lost on Friday evening...enough said...

You had a great win over Jacksonville State. You know who else beat Jacksonville State? Southeast Missouri State by 23..........the team Weber just beat by 25

 

[Mainebrother]

I am still waiting on directions to EWU...if you know how to get there please let me know...as I said past performances mean nothing...any team that is here now deserves to be here...

 

[Mainebrother]

Just announced, game will be Friday evening at 6 PM. Short week for Maine who has to travel a long way. Game will be on national TV on ESPN2.

Maine will be ready for Weber State... :roll:

Proud Weber State alum here who lives 10 miles from Orono, me. I'm super excited for this matchup and think it will be a great game.

Got to be honest,tho. If you have never traveled from Maine to Ogden, you have no idea how crappy that is. Unless Maine has a chartered flight, they will have to fly from Bangor or Portland with very unreliable connections or fly out of Boston after a 4 hour drive. It's long uncomfortable travel. Thankfully for the Maine players, unlike me, they won't be traveling with kids. It is a legit full day of travel.

Anyway, I hope umaine has safe travels. I root for them in every other game but this one and always go to a couple of athletic events each year. I'm sad it's a Friday game, or I would be heading to Ogden next weekend.

Do you really feel that the altitude will have an affect on Maine players...must be tough rooting for Weber State when you are only 10 miles from Orono. Almost as tough as rooting for Maine while working in Sacramento watching these Big Sky Conference teams play. I have been to two U.C. Davis games and I am pretty impressed with their QB and their two running backs. They have done well this year, but I do expect EWU may beat them once again this year.

I saw Weber State down in SlO this year and if I recall it was like 24 to 17 Weber State. They did not play well down there and I also saw them (on TV) play Sacramento State.

That being said, I kind of see this game as a tossup, as much as I want to see Maine win (and I do). I think this may be a much more high scoring game between two top teams.

My thoughts for today I guess.

 

[WSUfan1]

Just announced, game will be Friday evening at 6 PM. Short week for Maine who has to travel a long way. Game will be on national TV on ESPN2.

Maine will be ready for Weber State... :roll:

Proud Weber State alum here who lives 10 miles from Orono, me. I'm super excited for this matchup and think it will be a great game.

Got to be honest,tho. If you have never traveled from Maine to Ogden, you have no idea how crappy that is. Unless Maine has a chartered flight, they will have to fly from Bangor or Portland with very unreliable connections or fly out of Boston after a 4 hour drive. It's long uncomfortable travel. Thankfully for the Maine players, unlike me, they won't be traveling with kids. It is a legit full day of travel.

Anyway, I hope umaine has safe travels. I root for them in every other game but this one and always go to a couple of athletic events each year. I'm sad it's a Friday game, or I would be heading to Ogden next weekend.

Do you really feel that the altitude will have an affect on Maine players...must be tough rooting for Weber State when you are only 10 miles from Orono. Almost as tough as rooting for Maine while working in Sacramento watching these Big Sky Conference teams play. I have been to two U.C. Davis games and I am pretty impressed with their QB and their two running backs. They have done well this year, but I do expect EWU may beat them once again this year.

I saw Weber State down in SlO this year and if I recall it was like 24 to 17 Weber State. They did not play well down there and I also saw them (on TV) play Sacramento State.

That being said, I kind of see this game as a tossup, as much as I want to see Maine win (and I do). I think this may be a much more high scoring game between two top teams.

My thoughts for today I guess.

HAHAHAHAHAAHAHAH this guy..... what a trolllllllol... I think this is really Sir Velo just doing some troll work, UMaine doesn't have fans, do they?

 

[Mainebrother]

Just announced, game will be Friday evening at 6 PM. Short week for Maine who has to travel a long way. Game will be on national TV on ESPN2.

Maine will be ready for Weber State... :roll:

Proud Weber State alum here who lives 10 miles from Orono, me. I'm super excited for this matchup and think it will be a great game.

Got to be honest,tho. If you have never traveled from Maine to Ogden, you have no idea how crappy that is. Unless Maine has a chartered flight, they will have to fly from Bangor or Portland with very unreliable connections or fly out of Boston after a 4 hour drive. It's long uncomfortable travel. Thankfully for the Maine players, unlike me, they won't be traveling with kids. It is a legit full day of travel.

Anyway, I hope umaine has safe travels. I root for them in every other game but this one and always go to a couple of athletic events each year. I'm sad it's a Friday game, or I would be heading to Ogden next weekend.

Do you really feel that the altitude will have an affect on Maine players...must be tough rooting for Weber State when you are only 10 miles from Orono. Almost as tough as rooting for Maine while working in Sacramento watching these Big Sky Conference teams play. I have been to two U.C. Davis games and I am pretty impressed with their QB and their two running backs. They have done well this year, but I do expect EWU may beat them once again this year.

I saw Weber State down in SlO this year and if I recall it was like 24 to 17 Weber State. They did not play well down there and I also saw them (on TV) play Sacramento State.

That being said, I kind of see this game as a tossup, as much as I want to see Maine win (and I do). I think this may be a much more high scoring game between two top teams.

My thoughts for today I guess.

HAHAHAHAHAAHAHAH this guy..... what a trolllllllol... I think this is really Sir Velo just doing some troll work, UMaine doesn't have fans, do they?

Not sure what you mean by Troll...nope you have a native Mainiac in California who has been going to some of these BIG Sky games this season....

We have some very good fans...

 

[mainejeff]

This game will come down to QB pressure and turnovers.

Maine 41 Weber State 35.

 

[SWeberCat02]

This game will come down to QB pressure and turnovers.

Maine 41 Weber State 35.

If you think Maine's scoring 41 then you know nothing about Weber's defense or Maine's offense.

 

[WILDCAT]

This game will come down to QB pressure and turnovers.

Maine 41 Weber State 35.

I agree that turnovers is going to be the deciding factor in this game, however I would be very surprised if either of these teams scores more than 30 in this game. And I highly doubt that Maine (even in a win) will score 40+ points. Weber has held their FCS competition to an average of 21.1 points on the year. And they have faced more prolific offenses than Maine already this year. In fact every FCS team Weber has played this year has a higher rated offense than Maine.

Total offense
2. Eastern Washington
7. Idaho State
27. Southern Utah
33. Cal Poly
42. South Dakota
45. Southeast Missouri State
51. Sacramento State
56. North Dakota
60. Northern Arizona
69. Montana State
76. Northern Colorado
93 Maine
101 Weber State

And with how good both teams play defense, I doubt there will be much scoring going on.

 

[mainejeff]

This game will come down to QB pressure and turnovers.

Maine 41 Weber State 35.

If you think Maine's scoring 41 then you know nothing about Weber's defense or Maine's offense.

:blah: :blah: :blah:

 

[mainejeff]

This game will come down to QB pressure and turnovers.

Maine 41 Weber State 35.

I agree that turnovers is going to be the deciding factor in this game, however I would be very surprised if either of these teams scores more than 30 in this game.

I might have predicted a bit higher score than we might expect. Just a hunch.

I know it is cliche but both teams really want this.....should make for a terrifically intense playoff football game! :thumb:

 

[WSUWildcat]

This game will come down to QB pressure and turnovers.

Yep.

Weber 27-17

 

[Muchups]

This game will come down to QB pressure and turnovers.

Maine 41 Weber State 35.

I agree that turnovers is going to be the deciding factor in this game, however I would be very surprised if either of these teams scores more than 30 in this game. And I highly doubt that Maine (even in a win) will score 40+ points. Weber has held their FCS competition to an average of 21.1 points on the year. And they have faced more prolific offenses than Maine already this year. In fact every FCS team Weber has played this year has a higher rated offense than Maine.

Total offense
2. Eastern Washington
7. Idaho State
27. Southern Utah
33. Cal Poly
42. South Dakota
45. Southeast Missouri State
51. Sacramento State
56. North Dakota
60. Northern Arizona
69. Montana State
76. Northern Colorado
93 Maine
101 Weber State

And with how good both teams play defense, I doubt there will be much scoring going on.

There are many things that box scores or stat lines don't tell you. While Maine's offense hasn't been the most prolific they have been very good (much better than 93rd) when their starting QB plays most of the game. That said, out of their 12 games their starter has missed all or part of 5 of them. The backup QB has proven incapable of running the offense. For example, the three worst scoring games (5, 13 and 14 points) were all games where the backup played.

In the 7 games where their starter played the majority they scored: 35, 31, 38, 20, 35, 28 and 55. This is a 34.6 ppg average when their starter plays.

I can't stress it enough that this team seems like an entirely different team with the starter vs. the backup. With the backup they are an average FCS team. With the starter they are one of the best in the FCS.

Going in to this game the starter is as healthy as he's been in weeks. If he plays the whole game I will not be at all surprised if Maine scores 30.

 

[WSUWildcat]

There are many things that box scores or stat lines don't tell you. While Maine's offense hasn't been the most prolific they have been very good (much better than 93rd) when their starting QB plays most of the game. That said, out of their 12 games their starter has missed all or part of 5 of them. The backup QB has proven incapable of running the offense. For example, the three worst scoring games (5, 13 and 14 points) were all games where the backup played.

How mobile is Maine's QB? Weber's defense tends to give pocket passers fits. Mobile QBs can sometimes escape pressure and avoid the loss. Weber's game plan on D is likely to be to stuff the run inside, smash the pocket and prevent long runs to the edges. Almost all of our takeaways have been off of pressure. The secondary is very opportunistic, but it starts with the front seven.

Weber's QB was highly immobile and pressured often the first half of the year. As the players learned the new offensive coordinator's scheme and we called plays to better match Constantine's strengths the offense has improved. Doesn't hurt that he appears to now be fully healed from his knee injury last season and is more mobile. His confidence is markedly different the last 6 games since the Jenks injury.

 

[Muchups]

There are many things that box scores or stat lines don't tell you. While Maine's offense hasn't been the most prolific they have been very good (much better than 93rd) when their starting QB plays most of the game. That said, out of their 12 games their starter has missed all or part of 5 of them. The backup QB has proven incapable of running the offense. For example, the three worst scoring games (5, 13 and 14 points) were all games where the backup played.

How mobile is Maine's QB? Weber's defense tends to give pocket passers fits. Mobile QBs can sometimes escape pressure and avoid the loss. Weber's game plan on D is likely to be to stuff the run inside, smash the pocket and prevent long runs to the edges. Almost all of our takeaways have been off of pressure. The secondary is very opportunistic, but it starts with the front seven.

Weber's QB was highly immobile and pressured often the first half of the year. As the players learned the new offensive coordinator's scheme and we called plays to better match Constantine's strengths the offense has improved. Doesn't hurt that he appears to now be fully healed from his knee injury last season and is more mobile. His confidence is markedly different the last 6 games since the Jenks injury.

Maine's QB is not mobile. The O-line has been playing well lately and the QB generally is good at getting rid of the ball quickly so he's not often hit. The times he has tried to extend the play with his feet are the cause of his injuries.

It sounds like Weber's defense is a lot like Maine's. Maine's defense is relentless in the pass rush. They racked up tons of sacks versus some of the immobile QBs they faced early in the season. They were leading the FCS in sacks for awhile and still rank highly. Mobile QBs, on the other hand, have sometimes given Maine problems.

Additionally, its very hard to run a traditional run game on Maine. Their front 7 is one of the best in the FCS (and they're very deep at LB). They're a swarming, aggressive and hard hitting defense. The only teams that have been able to run even somewhat successfully against Maine have been the teams who have gotten their QB into the run game.

It should be interesting to see how this game plays out. I'm excited to see a different team.