National Semifinals vs. Maine Game Day Thread

[air045]

I think at this point for the four teams left you can throw out all the Stats...as I recall JSU quoted Stats, then weber quoted Stats and look where they ended up. I agree with Mister207 that our QB did not have a good game last week, perhaps it was Weber State, or perhaps it was the high altitude which Maine players were not used to. Either way we won...and at this point I don't see EWU being able to stop our defense with much success. I think your QB is in for a very long day next Saturday...as is your running game...
I just don't think EWU has faced as tough a defense as Maine...but I could be wrong...Our TFL(tackles for losses) was very high at Weber. If our QB does have a good day next Saturday I don't even think this game will be close...

:shock: :lol: :rofl: now you just graduated to clown status. Ask the PAC 12 teams if ewu will cower to booboo the bear. From this time on. I'm going to let the game do all the talking. Ewu has a premier football team and you are about to learn that. I know nothing about your team, but I do know I have watched EWU beat 2 Pac 12 teams almost 4, over the the last several years. Like I said. Your team better be a complete team.

 

[Mainebrother]

ok

 

[LDopaPDX]

In a lot of ways, Maine is the type of team that is most concerning to me. Really physical teams have given Eastern problems in the past. Weber was a physical team. As was Youngstown State in both semifinal losses to them. There are games where other teams just beat us up... our ability to stand tall against those types of teams is a little dubious.

Make no mistake, this will be a huge test. I think Eastern has a little more talent, but Maine is bad fit. This is the kind of game we’ve lost in past seasons. If we make it to the championship game, it’ll be because we conquered those demons.

 

[air045]

I'll have to dis-agree with your assessment. This offensive struggles have been related solely on the development of the qb position after injury of Gage. Weber didn't beat us up, our offense had to adjust to another qb. Can't wait until the game.

 

[LDopaPDX]

I'll have to dis-agree with your assessment. This offensive struggles have been related solely on the development of the qb position after injury of Gage. Weber didn't beat us up, our offense had to adjust to another qb. Can't wait until the game.

I’ve always figured this explains why we can win so much in the Big Sky but struggle so much against the MVC teams. They play a much more physical style in that conference.

That said, I certainly hope you’re right and I’m wrong. I’m happy to be wrong on this. And I’ll be happy to eat some crow if we ball out on Maine.

 

[93bird]

There won't be a let down Saturday. This team has been dialed in for a while. If Maine wins, it will be because of their defense. Against Weber, I was impressed by their speed to the ball, and the overall physicality. If they can somehow force EB into four quarters of bad decisions, we'll be in big trouble. I just don't see it, though. EB made a couple big mistakes against the Aggies, but he righted the ship quickly. That's just our style this year.
The Blackbears offense isn't exactly fearsome. Ferguson has had a respectable season, but he looked pretty average against a Weber defense that's not as good as Eastern's. Maine also averages more than 100 fewer rushing yards per game, so they'll have to find some more production somewhere. Again, if their defense can force some turnovers, they'll be in good shape.
Davis controlled the clock last Saturday. Their play calling was great, their defense was good, and Maier and Doss were as advertised. In short, they played a whale of a game and still came up short. I expect the same style game this Saturday, with the Eagles on the winning end.

 

[EWU98]

I'll have to dis-agree with your assessment. This offensive struggles have been related solely on the development of the qb position after injury of Gage. Weber didn't beat us up, our offense had to adjust to another qb. Can't wait until the game.

I’ve always figured this explains why we can win so much in the Big Sky but struggle so much against the MVC teams. They play a much more physical style in that conference.

That said, I certainly hope you’re right and I’m wrong. I’m happy to be wrong on this. And I’ll be happy to eat some crow if we ball out on Maine.

I would agree about the physicality. Last year against ND...it was the same play over and over and over again...25 lead..I was yelling it from the stands (they are going to the left)...they pound the ball. Then pound it again! I see a whole different D this year and excited to see what we can do against Maine and their tent pole QB. Plus another thing and that by us running the ball it keeps our D off the field and allows them to rest instead of having 25 second drives for scores or 3 and outs from passes. That is taxing on the D.

I also agree with the assessment of the Weber game. O was adjusting to EB3 even though he had a great first game not having all the reps as a starter throughout the preseason and such made it more difficult to adjust when things were not going as planned (familiarity with one another).

 

[luckyintheorder]

Yes, Eastern will now have hosted 5 FIVE semi-final games in 9 years when Maine comes calling... This will be Coach Best's first as the HC. One thing about Coach Best I've seen, he doesn't lie to himself. This has allowed him to improve from last season to this season and since the coaching fiasco at Weber. Yesterday, the Eagles were "coached down" to the level of UC Davis, fortunately; the players played up to their talent level and bailed it out. Coach Best won't make that mistake again.

Maine is hyper energetic with a 29 year old HC, a tough, big, fast D with a above average front 7 and two super DB's. Offensively, efficient and made just enough explosive plays to win games. Going to save the smack talk. Watched the whole Weber game and came away impressed. Looking for our Coaches to rise to the challenge.

BTW, Kettner Kupp played an amazing game yesterday. Way to go young man! McPherson is supernatural with a flare for the dramatic and all the backups were magnificent. I like our chances.

Maine fan here. I wanted to come see what the opponents were saying about us.

I have to correct a few inaccuracies with the above. The Maine HC is 32 (still the youngest in D1). They are a fast, very aggressive and violent defense but its not their DBs that are the strength; it is definitely the front 7. I'd argue that they probably have the best front 7 in the FCS. This was evident last week when they held Weber to -1 rush yards. Their LB core, in particular, is deep and talented (they have at least 2 LBs that are likely to play in the NFL). Their DBs are good, Patterson has a shot to play next level and is their best, but not at the level of their front 7.

Yeah, it's been said in other posts, I don't feel the need to repeat known information again and again. Read the Weber v Maine thread for further acknowledgements of Maine's prowess... Like I said, above average.

But... you just repeated misinformation.

The secondary could be described as "above average" but the front 7 is among the best in all of the FCS.

Time will tell. Good news for you, this one will be settled on the football field. Let's look into the numbers... Massey has Eastern with a slightly better SOS at 141, Maine 153; Offense at 49, Maine 147 (ouch); Defense 99, Maine 116. These aren't the end all but should provide some much needed perspective.

Eastern has an above average defense and is rated better in 2 of the 3 below stats.

Passing defense:
Maine 79th
Eags 73rd
Scoring defense:
Maine 20th
Eags 18th
Total Defense:
Maine 9th
Eags 49th

Total Offense
Maine 96th
Eags 2nd

Eastern gave up 275 yds against the only common opponent, Weber. Maine gave up 271 yds. If this was all about the defenses, it would be an old school 7-3 type game... If it comes to that, will take our kicker who is 15-15 this season all day long.

You can cherry pick whichever stats you want to try to make them fit your argument. Stat lines and box scores, though, obviously don't tell the whole story.

For example, you think Maine has a terrible offense but, really, those stats you present leave out so much. Maine has an historically bad backup QB who struggles to even take a snap. He started or finished 5 of Maine's 13 games this year (including the losses to CMU and Yale which I think they win otherwise). In those games Maine averaged 262 yards per game. Terrible. I more accurate reflection of the Maine offense that EWU will see next week should be based on the games that Ferguson, their starter, started and finished. In those 8 games Maine averaged 387 yards per game. Again, not phenomenal but a little above the middle of the pack in the FCS.

I know Ferguson didn't look good last week. It was probably the worst he's looked all season. Maybe it was a fluke. Maybe it was something Weber did. That said, he's a solid QB who can make all the throws. Additionally, Maine has some dynamic playmakers on offense. Earnest Edwards (leading WR) is a burner and big time player who has 14 total TDs this year. Ramon Jefferson (#1 RB) is a freshman who has started to find his legs late in the season and is putting up huge numbers in recent weeks. If EWU takes this offense lightly or thinks they can't score or make plays they'll be in for a rude awakening. Just ask Jacksonville St. who Maine just scored 55 on two weeks ago. You could even look at the Weber game... Maine scored 17 more points on them than EWU did...

You don't need my approval to believe or feel the way you do about your team and am certain you don't know what I think either.

Everyone on this board has seen a lot of playoff football. Miracle season's can happen, Eastern had one in 2010 when we beat a good Delaware team with several NFL prospects on it. What happened 8 years ago or two weeks ago won't matter Saturday. Did your team meet or exceed the expectation for the season? If so, take that as a victory. Hard to win the big one on the road, harder still on the opposing teams fan board.

Chill. No one is looking for approval. I'm just trying to talk football and learn about EWU. I want to learn what EWU fans think of their team and mine. I'm also going to give my assessment of my team who I think I know a lot about. If you open yourself to other perspectives you can learn something.

Don't be afraid of civil discourse. A message board where everyone agrees with each other is boring and less informative.

So, you're need for acceptance is now about civil discourse... ah.. Didn't actually see any questions about Eastern's team in this whole "discussion" just your OPINION about how excellent the players on the Maine front seven are and then some mishmash about how the offense isn't as poor as a season of stats suggests. Your whole spiel is about setting the record straight from your perspective and setting the record straight from your perspective again and then making your shortcomings and need for someone else to recognize your unique form of genius to set the record straight again... There truly isn't anything you can tell me about Maine on the football field I haven't seen on tape.

At least you aren't superstitious enough to deny that Maine is a good team and will bring their A game saturday. I can get behind that.

Eastern is playing in the semi's being led by the backup QB, has several key defensive players out and a second year HC and even so, will be the superior team when everyone steps on the field Saturday. That is my opinion. I expect Maine to play hard and given any miscreant ball bounces I suppose anything can happen. Does it look like Maine's offensive unit can outplay Eastern's defensive unit? No. Can Eastern's offensive unit outplay Maine's defensive unit? Even if we call it a toss up, this is a HUGE uphill battle for Maine. Let me know what number you wear when you suit up, will be watching.

 

[EWURanger]

I'll have to dis-agree with your assessment. This offensive struggles have been related solely on the development of the qb position after injury of Gage. Weber didn't beat us up, our offense had to adjust to another qb. Can't wait until the game.

Agreed. I thought we were every bit as physical as Weber was and frankly we had a bunch of chances to win that game. EB3 starting his first game against a quality opponent was the difference. They really exploited that fact by disguising coverages and blitzing the hell out of him.

 

[luckyintheorder]

I think at this point for the four teams left you can throw out all the Stats...as I recall JSU quoted Stats, then weber quoted Stats and look where they ended up. I agree with Mister207 that our QB did not have a good game last week, perhaps it was Weber State, or perhaps it was the high altitude which Maine players were not used to. Either way we won...and at this point I don't see EWU being able to stop our defense with much success. I think your QB is in for a very long day next Saturday...as is your running game...
I just don't think EWU has faced as tough a defense as Maine...but I could be wrong...Our TFL(tackles for losses) was very high at Weber. If our QB does have a good day next Saturday I don't even think this game will be close...

:shock: :lol: :rofl: now you just graduated to clown status. Ask the PAC 12 teams if ewu will cower to booboo the bear. From this time on. I'm going to let the game do all the talking. Ewu has a premier football team and you are about to learn that. I know nothing about your team, but I do know I have watched EWU beat 2 Pac 12 teams almost 4, over the the last several years. Like I said. Your team better be a complete team.

One funny post from Mainebrother... going from "throwing out all the stats..." to "EWU not being able to stop their defense" (whatever the hell that means)... to "this one won't be close IF their QB shows up"... unassailable reason and logic from the great state of Maine.. hno:

 

[luckyintheorder]

I'll have to dis-agree with your assessment. This offensive struggles have been related solely on the development of the qb position after injury of Gage. Weber didn't beat us up, our offense had to adjust to another qb. Can't wait until the game.

Agreed. I thought we were every bit as physical as Weber was and frankly we had a bunch of chances to win that game. EB3 starting his first game against a quality opponent was the difference. They really exploited that fact by disguising coverages and blitzing the hell out of him.

Not kicking 4 FG's in easy range didn't help either. I love an aggressive offense, but Eastern needs to have much better plays for fourth down situations. Passing on those points put even more pressure on EB3. Our OL can match up with Maine's DL and should give EB3 and WR's some opportunities to make plays. Don't think it's going to take a herculean effort to win this one with Eag's defense containing Maine's offense. Looking for a couple of TO's and wouldn't mind another defensive score

 

[Mainebrother]

I think at this point for the four teams left you can throw out all the Stats...as I recall JSU quoted Stats, then weber quoted Stats and look where they ended up. I agree with Mister207 that our QB did not have a good game last week, perhaps it was Weber State, or perhaps it was the high altitude which Maine players were not used to. Either way we won...and at this point I don't see EWU being able to stop our defense with much success. I think your QB is in for a very long day next Saturday...as is your running game...
I just don't think EWU has faced as tough a defense as Maine...but I could be wrong...Our TFL(tackles for losses) was very high at Weber. If our QB does have a good day next Saturday I don't even think this game will be close...

:shock: :lol: :rofl: now you just graduated to clown status. Ask the PAC 12 teams if ewu will cower to booboo the bear. From this time on. I'm going to let the game do all the talking. Ewu has a premier football team and you are about to learn that. I know nothing about your team, but I do know I have watched EWU beat 2 Pac 12 teams almost 4, over the the last several years. Like I said. Your team better be a complete team.

One funny post from Mainebrother... going from "throwing out all the stats..." to "EWU not being able to stop their defense" (whatever the hell that means)... to "this one won't be close IF their QB shows up"... unassailable reason and logic from the great state of Maine.. hno:

At the end of the game...Maine will be headed to Frisco...
and EWU will be headed back to their locker room...
:rofl:

 

[jimobrien]

Looking at this game....Maine Lost to W&M ...which turns out is a very bad team so I really wonder what turned them around after that game. Watching them play was not overly impressed by their offense, but their D is TOUGH, but looks like they lack athleticism.

Maine didn't have there starting quarterback that game. Out with shoulder injury.

 

[EdubU10]

Looking at Maine's schedule this year, this did not play James Madison (#2 in CAA), Delaware (#3 in CAA) or Stony Brook (#4 in CAA).

 

[maine612]

Looking at Maine's schedule this year, this did not play James Madison (#2 in CAA), Delaware (#3 in CAA) or Stony Brook (#4 in CAA).

True. But we did beat the #1 team in the Big Sky

612

 

[maine612]

Looking forward to the game Eagle fans. Have enjoyed the chatter over on AGS and was glad to be pointed to your board. Question.. how is your kicker? this game could come down to a late field goal and wondering how close you need to be to feel comfortable.

612

 

[EAGLEFUZZ]

:clap: :clap: Lets kick this thing off already...Go Eags !!! :thumb: :thumb:

 

[luckyintheorder]

I think at this point for the four teams left you can throw out all the Stats...as I recall JSU quoted Stats, then weber quoted Stats and look where they ended up. I agree with Mister207 that our QB did not have a good game last week, perhaps it was Weber State, or perhaps it was the high altitude which Maine players were not used to. Either way we won...and at this point I don't see EWU being able to stop our defense with much success. I think your QB is in for a very long day next Saturday...as is your running game...
I just don't think EWU has faced as tough a defense as Maine...but I could be wrong...Our TFL(tackles for losses) was very high at Weber. If our QB does have a good day next Saturday I don't even think this game will be close...

:shock: :lol: :rofl: now you just graduated to clown status. Ask the PAC 12 teams if ewu will cower to booboo the bear. From this time on. I'm going to let the game do all the talking. Ewu has a premier football team and you are about to learn that. I know nothing about your team, but I do know I have watched EWU beat 2 Pac 12 teams almost 4, over the the last several years. Like I said. Your team better be a complete team.

One funny post from Mainebrother... going from "throwing out all the stats..." to "EWU not being able to stop their defense" (whatever the hell that means)... to "this one won't be close IF their QB shows up"... unassailable reason and logic from the great state of Maine.. hno:

At the end of the game...Maine will be headed to Frisco...
and EWU will be headed back to their locker room...
:rofl:

That will be one smelly plane ride. :lol:

 

[goeagles17]

Not sure what to think, but...

• EWU's margin of victory is much more impressive than Maine's. Can't say I know to much about Maine's opponents. Maybe they played better teams than we did in the conference season?

• EWU gave up 29 points last weekend. The most since playing top 10 Wazzu and second most of the season.

• EWU has allowed 17 points or less on 7 different games. Does Maine have a better offense than Cal Poly, Central, Southern Utah, Montana State, Northern Colorado, and Idaho? They beat Weber so we'll check than as a yes.

• EWU isn't the same team that played Weber, much like we didn't play the same (better) UC Davis team last weekend.

That said, our Saturday Semifinal results don't inspire confidence. Any other game and I'd say EWU wins easy. But traditions are meant to be broken...

 

[EagML]

I was on the Maine forum and that a cocky group people considering this is their first time playing in a semifinal, they think their "Black Hole" defense will shut down EB3 like they did Constantine but I don't know if they know how athletically gifted he is same goes with Sam, but I could be wrong.