Next up: Montana State

[Counter Assault]

We are all very respectful of the fact we are welcoming the best offense in the BSC, perhaps all of FCS and maybe half of FBS. I would have said two weeks ago EWU was going to blow us out. With the way our offense is clicking, I think it might be a much closer game, especially with our home field noise, etc. You can fully expect 21,000+ yelling at this one. Our defense, while not completely clicking yet, looks very tough this year - in the context of this being a rivalry game in Bozeman, MSU defense can easily give you as much heat as UW. I am still officially posting a loss to you guys because VA is just too hard to contain, but I will be cheering as if we can beat you!

How many guys do you have injured? Any key injuries? Is Kupp healthy?

Lastly, I really like EWU fans because we all hate the Grizzlies about equally. It's like having double the fan base.

 

[Obzerver]

CA, your offense looks very good and "D" looks very good as well. I expect this to be a shootout. Don't put to much stock that home field is a huge advantage for MSU. You mentioned " I think it might be a much closer game, especially with our home field noise, etc. You can fully expect 21,000+ yelling at this one". The two loudest and biggest crowds the last two years have been at Oregon State and U of Washington. The combined crowds in attendance was 105,000 that witnessed EWU's offense combine for 1198 offensive yards and 13 td's in those two games.

 

[talon38]

And yes, I will second that that, last year at OSU we had 40,000 fans yelling at EWU, and just 10 days ago on the UW home opener, we had 63,000 fans yelling at Eastern. I think they can handle the 21,000 MSU rowdy fans. Actually, they thrive on that kind of atmosphere. Same went for the Griz game last year when they, the Griz, set a record for the most noise ever in their stadium and still LOST 41-37.

 

[marceagfan5]

We are all very respectful of the fact we are welcoming the best offense in the BSC, perhaps all of FCS and maybe half of FBS. I would have said two weeks ago EWU was going to blow us out. With the way our offense is clicking, I think it might be a much closer game, especially with our home field noise, etc. You can fully expect 21,000+ yelling at this one. Our defense, while not completely clicking yet, looks very tough this year - in the context of this being a rivalry game in Bozeman, MSU defense can easily give you as much heat as UW. I am still officially posting a loss to you guys because VA is just too hard to contain, but I will be cheering as if we can beat you!

How many guys do you have injured? Any key injuries? Is Kupp healthy?

Lastly, I really like EWU fans because we all hate the Grizzlies about equally. It's like having double the fan base.

Your new Qb is extremely mobile and you run the type of offense that tends to give us fits. This should be a high scoring game. The bye week for Eastern came at a perfect time and EWU should be ready to go. A few injuries, but nothing that is crippling. The offense will be without Mitchell, but should have Shaq Hill back. Forte has been a little banged up, so the bye week probably really helped him.

Our D will improve every week, but this will be a tough game. Your offense seems to be hitting on all cylinders (like Ash's teams do early in the season) and it should be a shootout. Obviously I think EWU wins, but I think it will be close and that this is the toughest game remaining on our schedule, and the toughest FCS opponent we will face in the regular season.

 

[Counter Assault]

ok, i'll give you that. VA can thrive here. This is a rivalry game. You barely escaped two years ago and it WAS roudy. We got in your heads that game, I remember it... it was fierce here.

on another topic, does your defense make you a little nervous? giving up 500+ yards to both SHSU and UW.

SHSU just got dropped at home by D-II and was losing by four touchdowns at halftime.

Is your D improving?

This is not meant as smack at all.

 

[celticcat]

The difference between when FCS teams play at FBS stadiums, and when they play at FCS stadiums, is that the FCS teams care about the game much more. I mean are you as rowdy when you play a slack DII school versus when the Griz come to town? That's how FBS teams feel when we come to town, they don't know us, they don't care about us.

I'm going to sound like a complete Griz homer jackass here, but the UCA QB and HC both were quoted as saying it was louder in Bozeman than it was in their opener against Texas Tech.

I'm not saying VA or EWU won't handle the noise, or that Bozeman is noisier than OSU or UDub, but don't underestimate fans, especially in a rivalry game like this, making more noise than a fans of a team that just doesn't care about the game. I'm sure UDub was into the game though after last time.

I agree that after our Central Arkansas game, all I could think is that EWU is going to destroy us. Black Hills State was encouraging, but they are a bad DII team so hard to gauge. When we owned Central Arkansas, a team that was right outside of the top 25 (and inside in the AGS poll), it gave me hope that the Cats might actually be a playoff team this year. We made some boneheaded mistakes down the stretch, aided by a couple of what I'll call questionable calls, and the game was closer than it should have been.

Despite what everyone outside of Bozeman kept saying, that we couldn't easily replace McGhee, Bleskin and Kirk, MSU fans realized there was potential to actually be more dynamic on offense. Our WR corp was the biggest question mark, and they aren't going to really scare anybody but they have enough talent to get by.

Our defense has played pretty well but we can't get any pressure with the front 4, which is bad news for a team like Eastern. We are going to have to bring extra pressure which leaves too many 1 on 1 matchups, even with our two talented CBs, Flowers and Keeton.

I don't think the Cats can holder EWU under 40 and I'm not sure we can score enough to keep up, unless we play mistake free.

 

[cats25061]

ok, i'll give you that. VA can thrive here. This is a rivalry game. You barely escaped two years ago and it WAS roudy. We got in your heads that game, I remember it... it was fierce here.

on another topic, does your defense make you a little nervous? giving up 500+ yards to both SHSU and UW.

SHSU just got dropped at home by D-II and was losing by four touchdowns at halftime.

Is your D improving?

This is not meant as smack at all.

CSUP is a very good DII team and SHSU is a young team that hasn't come together yet.

it remains to be seen if EWU's SHSU game can be called a quality win yet or not, I do believe that SHSU will make huge improvements as the year goes on but for now it is just considered a W

 

[LDopaPDX]

ok, i'll give you that. VA can thrive here. This is a rivalry game. You barely escaped two years ago and it WAS roudy. We got in your heads that game, I remember it... it was fierce here.

on another topic, does your defense make you a little nervous? giving up 500+ yards to both SHSU and UW.

SHSU just got dropped at home by D-II and was losing by four touchdowns at halftime.

Is your D improving?

This is not meant as smack at all.

Anyone on this board who says they are confident the D can make stops is lying. We have no idea what to expect from that group. They have underperformed so far this season, but it looks like they have a lot of upside in returning talent. Our LB corps, on paper, is probably the best in the Big Sky. We have two superstar transfers at safety and corner who are way above what most Big Sky teams line up.

Unfortunately, we've been a little beat up and things just haven't clicked for this group at all. Giving up all those yards to a Sam Houston State team that looks only semi-competent on offense is a big red flag. Perhaps now that we've had a week off to heal up and prepare, with the addition of some game experience, will mean some quick improvements. Who knows?

 

[EWU98]

ok, i'll give you that. VA can thrive here. This is a rivalry game. You barely escaped two years ago and it WAS roudy. We got in your heads that game, I remember it... it was fierce here.

on another topic, does your defense make you a little nervous? giving up 500+ yards to both SHSU and UW.

SHSU just got dropped at home by D-II and was losing by four touchdowns at halftime.

Is your D improving?

This is not meant as smack at all.

Anyone on this board who says they are confident the D can make stops is lying. We have no idea what to expect from that group. They have underperformed so far this season, but it looks like they have a lot of upside in returning talent. Our LB corps, on paper, is probably the best in the Big Sky. We have two superstar transfers at safety and corner who are way above what most Big Sky teams line up.

Unfortunately, we've been a little beat up and things just haven't clicked for this group at all. Giving up all those yards to a Sam Houston State team that looks only semi-competent on offense is a big red flag. Perhaps now that we've had a week off to heal up and prepare, with the addition of some game experience, will mean some quick improvements. Who knows?

One thing not to overlook is how deflating the loss was for SHS. They came in guns a blazing and maybe come into that game overlooking their opponent because of the different level.
Also maybe some of the questions regarding their head coach and change in style is catching up to them. If memory serves me . . .they had a ton of transfers so maybe things are not mixing well.

 

[cats25061]

ok, i'll give you that. VA can thrive here. This is a rivalry game. You barely escaped two years ago and it WAS roudy. We got in your heads that game, I remember it... it was fierce here.

on another topic, does your defense make you a little nervous? giving up 500+ yards to both SHSU and UW.

SHSU just got dropped at home by D-II and was losing by four touchdowns at halftime.

Is your D improving?

This is not meant as smack at all.

Anyone on this board who says they are confident the D can make stops is lying. We have no idea what to expect from that group. They have underperformed so far this season, but it looks like they have a lot of upside in returning talent. Our LB corps, on paper, is probably the best in the Big Sky. We have two superstar transfers at safety and corner who are way above what most Big Sky teams line up.

Unfortunately, we've been a little beat up and things just haven't clicked for this group at all. Giving up all those yards to a Sam Houston State team that looks only semi-competent on offense is a big red flag. Perhaps now that we've had a week off to heal up and prepare, with the addition of some game experience, will mean some quick improvements. Who knows?

One thing not to overlook is how deflating the loss was for SHS. They came in guns a blazing and maybe come into that game overlooking their opponent because of the different level.
Also maybe some of the questions regarding their head coach and change in style is catching up to them. If memory serves me . . .they had a ton of transfers so maybe things are not mixing well.

Are you really going for an Eagle hangover (2 weeks later) for Sammy :rofl:

 

[LDopaPDX]

I wouldn't say it's a hangover, but I think a couple of early losses played heavy on their psyche.

 

[LDopaPDX]

5th consecutive year that both Eastern and Montana State are ranked at the time of the match-up. It was very nearly the third year in a row both teams entered with a top 10 ranking.

FTG

 

[DefendtheRed]

The difference between when FCS teams play at FBS stadiums, and when they play at FCS stadiums, is that the FCS teams care about the game much more. I mean are you as rowdy when you play a slack DII school versus when the Griz come to town? That's how FBS teams feel when we come to town, they don't know us, they don't care about us.

I'm going to sound like a complete Griz homer jackass here, but the UCA QB and HC both were quoted as saying it was louder in Bozeman than it was in their opener against Texas Tech.

I'm not saying VA or EWU won't handle the noise, or that Bozeman is noisier than OSU or UDub, but don't underestimate fans, especially in a rivalry game like this, making more noise than a fans of a team that just doesn't care about the game. I'm sure UDub was into the game though after last time.

I agree that after our Central Arkansas game, all I could think is that EWU is going to destroy us. Black Hills State was encouraging, but they are a bad DII team so hard to gauge. When we owned Central Arkansas, a team that was right outside of the top 25 (and inside in the AGS poll), it gave me hope that the Cats might actually be a playoff team this year. We made some boneheaded mistakes down the stretch, aided by a couple of what I'll call questionable calls, and the game was closer than it should have been.

Despite what everyone outside of Bozeman kept saying, that we couldn't easily replace McGhee, Bleskin and Kirk, MSU fans realized there was potential to actually be more dynamic on offense. Our WR corp was the biggest question mark, and they aren't going to really scare anybody but they have enough talent to get by.

Our defense has played pretty well but we can't get any pressure with the front 4, which is bad news for a team like Eastern. We are going to have to bring extra pressure which leaves too many 1 on 1 matchups, even with our two talented CBs, Flowers and Keeton.

I don't think the Cats can holder EWU under 40 and I'm not sure we can score enough to keep up, unless we play mistake free.

MSU looked solid when I watched them play on Saturday on both sides of the ball. I think you guys will be a playoff team this year regardless of who wins this game.

 

[HannahO]

Counter and 2506, it must be very disappointing to come here (troll a tinsy bit) and get nothing back but respectful and knowledgable football talk! We're pretty boring compared with the eGrizzers, huh?

Be patient, though, there's still time for things to get heated. :rofl:

 

[cats25061]

Counter and 2506, it must be very disappointing to come here (troll a tinsy bit) and get nothing back but respectful and knowledgable football talk! We're pretty boring compared with the eGrizzers, huh?

Be patient, though, there's still time for things to get heated. :rofl:

So point me to the post where I was trolling, I thought I have been pretty respectfull of your team

Now if SE1234 shows up I may have something else to say :thumb:

 

[EWURanger]

Counter and 2506, it must be very disappointing to come here (troll a tinsy bit) and get nothing back but respectful and knowledgable football talk! We're pretty boring compared with the eGrizzers, huh?

Be patient, though, there's still time for things to get heated. :rofl:

So point me to the post where I was trolling, I thought I have been pretty respectfull of your team

Now if SE1234 shows up I may have something else to say :thumb:

No doubt.

UM fans + MSU fans=problem
UM fans + EWU fans=problem
EWU fans + MSU fans=no problem

I am kidding, of course. Every group has their fair share of D-bags. Montana just seems to have a lot more. :thumb:

 

[cats25061]

Counter and 2506, it must be very disappointing to come here (troll a tinsy bit) and get nothing back but respectful and knowledgable football talk! We're pretty boring compared with the eGrizzers, huh?

Be patient, though, there's still time for things to get heated. :rofl:

So point me to the post where I was trolling, I thought I have been pretty respectfull of your team

Now if SE1234 shows up I may have something else to say :thumb:

No doubt.

UM fans + MSU fans=problem
UM fans + EWU fans=problem
EWU fans + MSU fans=no problem

I am kidding, of course. Every group has their fair share of D-bags. Montana just seems to have a lot more. :thumb:

I would agree :nod:

 

[Seattle Eagle]

5th consecutive year that both Eastern and Montana State are ranked at the time of the match-up. It was very nearly the third year in a row both teams entered with a top 10 ranking.

FTG

I'm glad both schools decided to schedule this as a non-conf game the next couple of years. I can't really imagine not playing MSU. It's always a big game for both schools.

 

[GoldenEagle]

I didn't see or listen to the bobcat/CAU game. Did the CAU defense get much pressure on Prukop?

 

[cats25061]

I didn't see or listen to the bobcat/CAU game. Did the CAU defense get much pressure on Prukop?

2 sacks, but often when he is pressured he breaks and runs, thus the 90 yards rushing, he also gets rushing from the zone read and designed runs

I would also add that CAU has a very good DE, #90, I thought the OL did very good holding him for 5 TT including 1 sac, the other sac was a well designed blitz that caught Dakota blind side.

Our OL did better than I expected against what I thought was a solid DL