Poll: Preseason Favorite

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Screaming Eagle,

Wow, your DL is pretty nasty.....cage the rage is always the challenge no matter what sport. Why did UW release Pulu? He had such a tremendous season, I thought he was going to be fighting for a starting position this season.

I guess UW's loss is your gain, but really, leaving a D1 program like the Huskies who are on an upswing really baffles a lot of us. Either way, he is a formidable player and a force to reckon with.

Have a great season, see you in October........

Off the field issues. Word is somebody was out of line with his little brother and wouldn't take no for an answer, so Pulu beat his ass.

 

[EWURanger]

Perhaps is was not a "route", but that score is mis-leading. Eastern controlled the majority of the game.

Whoever wins the Big Sky will have at least one conference loss. Winning the Big Sky will be a big challenge, let alone another NC, but we do have the majority of our team returning. Losing Sherritt hurts, but our other LB's are probably as capable. Our offense will be more balanced without Jones, as much as it sucks to have lost him.

Anyway, I see potential losses against Montana, MSU, Weber, Sac State, and Weber although I do not see Montana State or Weber beating us at home. Our conference record should be 6-2 or better, and hopefully with the tie-breaker over MSU that should be enough.

 

[bigskychamps07]

I'm sorry but losing BLM, TJ and Sherrit is going to hurt your team more than you think. We'll probably lose up at your place this year, but I don't think you're Big Sky champs this year. McGhee is the scariest and most talented QB I have seen in the BSC in a LONG time. And don't forget the MSU defense usually is no slouch either. I almost picked them to go undefeated this next season in the Big Sky. Show me where I'm wrong, give me your 2011 Final BSC standings.

Well first off, we didn't lose BLM. This will be his last year, and after how he performed in the second half of the season, he shouldn't be throwing as many picks this. He didn't have any in Spring ball. Yes, TJ was a playmaker and a big part of our team, but when he was playing, we relied on him more than we needed to. When he didn't play, we stepped it up (i.e. the WSU game last year... oh, and beating National Champs Villanova and the #1 defense Delaware). Not to mention Mario Brown is a hell of a player in his own right, evidenced by the Nova game. He needs to work on his fumbling issue, but he's fast (4.4-4.5 range) and very shifty, similar to Taiwan. He was averaging about 5 yards a carry during Spring Ball. Also don't forget that we have all of our big WRs back, and Kaufman is impossible to cover. BLM's brother Cory (two years older) redshirted last year and made some SICK catches in the Spring. He caught everything that went his way. We should have the best WRs in the Big Sky this year.

As far as defense, losing Sherritt does hurt. Zach Johnson will be taking on a bigger role though, so that bodes well. DT Andru Pulu, the transfer from UW, is just as big as Renard Williams, and was looking real good so far. Our run D up the middle this year is going to be nasty. You better hope your O-line is as good as you say it is, because with how Renard dominated Nova's All-American line, imagine having two Renards coming at you. Can't double team 'em both. The DBs are the biggest concern for EWU, since we lost both starting corners. However the guys vying for the spots had two pick 6's in the Spring Game, and numerous swatted balls, so it's not looking too bad.

I don't disagree about MSU; they will be very good, and the BSC title will likely hinge on our game against them. But also consider that prior to last year, we had won the last 7 straight. Even in 2006 with our all freshman team and we had to play in Bozeman, we beat 'em. We return most of our NC team, and we'll be on the red turf where we're undefeated. That will be the first game of the year (just like Montana last year). It's gonna be real tough for them, and I don't see it happening.

EWU 8-0, 9-2
MSU 7-1, 9-2
UM 6-2, 7-4
SAC 5-3, 6-5
Everyone Else

FYI, ISU will win two games in the Sky this year under Kramer. They almost did last year even. :nod:

You make some pretty good points for your Eags, I also really though BLM was done :dunce: . I must admit that I don't know a whole lot about the E. Wash squad in comparison to the Montana schools. However, I think you're too high on UM and Sac. You're putting UM in a comfortable 3rd place when they couldn't stop a Weber running attack which was anchored by arguably the best O-Line next season. They'll have issues on offense again. "the Griz are breaking in a newb QB and have OL issues again." Your own words on EGriz. I'm starting to think you like stirring the pot on other teams' sites. :lol: With Sac, they've never had very good success in Ogden and I'll take Ron McBride recruits over anything Sac can come up with any day.

 

[Screamin_Eagle174]

I'm sorry but losing BLM, TJ and Sherrit is going to hurt your team more than you think. We'll probably lose up at your place this year, but I don't think you're Big Sky champs this year. McGhee is the scariest and most talented QB I have seen in the BSC in a LONG time. And don't forget the MSU defense usually is no slouch either. I almost picked them to go undefeated this next season in the Big Sky. Show me where I'm wrong, give me your 2011 Final BSC standings.

Well first off, we didn't lose BLM. This will be his last year, and after how he performed in the second half of the season, he shouldn't be throwing as many picks this. He didn't have any in Spring ball. Yes, TJ was a playmaker and a big part of our team, but when he was playing, we relied on him more than we needed to. When he didn't play, we stepped it up (i.e. the WSU game last year... oh, and beating National Champs Villanova and the #1 defense Delaware). Not to mention Mario Brown is a hell of a player in his own right, evidenced by the Nova game. He needs to work on his fumbling issue, but he's fast (4.4-4.5 range) and very shifty, similar to Taiwan. He was averaging about 5 yards a carry during Spring Ball. Also don't forget that we have all of our big WRs back, and Kaufman is impossible to cover. BLM's brother Cory (two years older) redshirted last year and made some SICK catches in the Spring. He caught everything that went his way. We should have the best WRs in the Big Sky this year.

As far as defense, losing Sherritt does hurt. Zach Johnson will be taking on a bigger role though, so that bodes well. DT Andru Pulu, the transfer from UW, is just as big as Renard Williams, and was looking real good so far. Our run D up the middle this year is going to be nasty. You better hope your O-line is as good as you say it is, because with how Renard dominated Nova's All-American line, imagine having two Renards coming at you. Can't double team 'em both. The DBs are the biggest concern for EWU, since we lost both starting corners. However the guys vying for the spots had two pick 6's in the Spring Game, and numerous swatted balls, so it's not looking too bad.

I don't disagree about MSU; they will be very good, and the BSC title will likely hinge on our game against them. But also consider that prior to last year, we had won the last 7 straight. Even in 2006 with our all freshman team and we had to play in Bozeman, we beat 'em. We return most of our NC team, and we'll be on the red turf where we're undefeated. That will be the first game of the year (just like Montana last year). It's gonna be real tough for them, and I don't see it happening.

EWU 8-0, 9-2
MSU 7-1, 9-2
UM 6-2, 7-4
SAC 5-3, 6-5
Everyone Else

FYI, ISU will win two games in the Sky this year under Kramer. They almost did last year even. :nod:

You make some pretty good points for your Eags, I also really though BLM was done :dunce: . I must admit that I don't know a whole lot about the E. Wash squad in comparison to the Montana schools. However, I think you're too high on UM and Sac. You're putting UM in a comfortable 3rd place when they couldn't stop a Weber running attack which was anchored by arguably the best O-Line next season. They'll have issues on offense again. "the Griz are breaking in a newb QB and have OL issues again." Your own words on EGriz. I'm starting to think you like stirring the pot on other teams' sites. :lol: With Sac, they've never had very good success in Ogden and I'll take Ron McBride recruits over anything Sac can come up with any day.

The Griz have issues to be sure, but let's not forget their history. They struggled last year, but they were still 7-4 with the chance to be 9-2 if a couple plays go the other way. I also said on eGriz that they would still be good, and probably reach the playoffs at 8-3 (didn't know they had a D-II on the schedule, thought it was SUU instead which I would count as a loss for the Griz). I'm not just putting the Griz in a comfortable 3rd place... they finished in third place last year despite not being able to "stop a Weber running attack."

I do like to stir the pot though, as it leads to good discussion, which I enjoy more. :thumb:

 

[bigskychamps07]

I'm sorry but losing BLM, TJ and Sherrit is going to hurt your team more than you think. We'll probably lose up at your place this year, but I don't think you're Big Sky champs this year. McGhee is the scariest and most talented QB I have seen in the BSC in a LONG time. And don't forget the MSU defense usually is no slouch either. I almost picked them to go undefeated this next season in the Big Sky. Show me where I'm wrong, give me your 2011 Final BSC standings.

Well first off, we didn't lose BLM. This will be his last year, and after how he performed in the second half of the season, he shouldn't be throwing as many picks this. He didn't have any in Spring ball. Yes, TJ was a playmaker and a big part of our team, but when he was playing, we relied on him more than we needed to. When he didn't play, we stepped it up (i.e. the WSU game last year... oh, and beating National Champs Villanova and the #1 defense Delaware). Not to mention Mario Brown is a hell of a player in his own right, evidenced by the Nova game. He needs to work on his fumbling issue, but he's fast (4.4-4.5 range) and very shifty, similar to Taiwan. He was averaging about 5 yards a carry during Spring Ball. Also don't forget that we have all of our big WRs back, and Kaufman is impossible to cover. BLM's brother Cory (two years older) redshirted last year and made some SICK catches in the Spring. He caught everything that went his way. We should have the best WRs in the Big Sky this year.

As far as defense, losing Sherritt does hurt. Zach Johnson will be taking on a bigger role though, so that bodes well. DT Andru Pulu, the transfer from UW, is just as big as Renard Williams, and was looking real good so far. Our run D up the middle this year is going to be nasty. You better hope your O-line is as good as you say it is, because with how Renard dominated Nova's All-American line, imagine having two Renards coming at you. Can't double team 'em both. The DBs are the biggest concern for EWU, since we lost both starting corners. However the guys vying for the spots had two pick 6's in the Spring Game, and numerous swatted balls, so it's not looking too bad.

I don't disagree about MSU; they will be very good, and the BSC title will likely hinge on our game against them. But also consider that prior to last year, we had won the last 7 straight. Even in 2006 with our all freshman team and we had to play in Bozeman, we beat 'em. We return most of our NC team, and we'll be on the red turf where we're undefeated. That will be the first game of the year (just like Montana last year). It's gonna be real tough for them, and I don't see it happening.

EWU 8-0, 9-2
MSU 7-1, 9-2
UM 6-2, 7-4
SAC 5-3, 6-5
Everyone Else

FYI, ISU will win two games in the Sky this year under Kramer. They almost did last year even. :nod:

You make some pretty good points for your Eags, I also really though BLM was done :dunce: . I must admit that I don't know a whole lot about the E. Wash squad in comparison to the Montana schools. However, I think you're too high on UM and Sac. You're putting UM in a comfortable 3rd place when they couldn't stop a Weber running attack which was anchored by arguably the best O-Line next season. They'll have issues on offense again. "the Griz are breaking in a newb QB and have OL issues again." Your own words on EGriz. I'm starting to think you like stirring the pot on other teams' sites. :lol: With Sac, they've never had very good success in Ogden and I'll take Ron McBride recruits over anything Sac can come up with any day.

The Griz have issues to be sure, but let's not forget their history. They struggled last year, but they were still 7-4 with the chance to be 9-2 if a couple plays go the other way. I also said on eGriz that they would still be good, and probably reach the playoffs at 8-3 (didn't know they had a D-II on the schedule, thought it was SUU instead which I would count as a loss for the Griz). I'm not just putting the Griz in a comfortable 3rd place... they finished in third place last year despite not being able to "stop a Weber running attack."

I do like to stir the pot though, as it leads to good discussion, which I enjoy more. :thumb:

I can only understand your preseason rankings only if you have Weber at 4-4 in 5th place. That's assuming they lose @home to Montana State (reasonable), losing at your place (likely), losing @Montana (given the history reasonable, but given last year's game and the amount of starters lost I'd say 50/50 tossup), and losing @home to Sac (doubtful, to a team Weber only lost to by a touchdown at their place). I just don't understand the sentiment that Weber has lost too much to be able to compete. When you have 90% of your defense and your entire O-line coming back along with many pivotal skill pieces of last year, you usually expect to have a good season. Yes, we sort of have a new QB coming back. A lot of folks in the BSC don't know that Hoke basically started 2 games last year and performed well.

 

[Screamin_Eagle174]

I'm sorry but losing BLM, TJ and Sherrit is going to hurt your team more than you think. We'll probably lose up at your place this year, but I don't think you're Big Sky champs this year. McGhee is the scariest and most talented QB I have seen in the BSC in a LONG time. And don't forget the MSU defense usually is no slouch either. I almost picked them to go undefeated this next season in the Big Sky. Show me where I'm wrong, give me your 2011 Final BSC standings.

Well first off, we didn't lose BLM. This will be his last year, and after how he performed in the second half of the season, he shouldn't be throwing as many picks this. He didn't have any in Spring ball. Yes, TJ was a playmaker and a big part of our team, but when he was playing, we relied on him more than we needed to. When he didn't play, we stepped it up (i.e. the WSU game last year... oh, and beating National Champs Villanova and the #1 defense Delaware). Not to mention Mario Brown is a hell of a player in his own right, evidenced by the Nova game. He needs to work on his fumbling issue, but he's fast (4.4-4.5 range) and very shifty, similar to Taiwan. He was averaging about 5 yards a carry during Spring Ball. Also don't forget that we have all of our big WRs back, and Kaufman is impossible to cover. BLM's brother Cory (two years older) redshirted last year and made some SICK catches in the Spring. He caught everything that went his way. We should have the best WRs in the Big Sky this year.

As far as defense, losing Sherritt does hurt. Zach Johnson will be taking on a bigger role though, so that bodes well. DT Andru Pulu, the transfer from UW, is just as big as Renard Williams, and was looking real good so far. Our run D up the middle this year is going to be nasty. You better hope your O-line is as good as you say it is, because with how Renard dominated Nova's All-American line, imagine having two Renards coming at you. Can't double team 'em both. The DBs are the biggest concern for EWU, since we lost both starting corners. However the guys vying for the spots had two pick 6's in the Spring Game, and numerous swatted balls, so it's not looking too bad.

I don't disagree about MSU; they will be very good, and the BSC title will likely hinge on our game against them. But also consider that prior to last year, we had won the last 7 straight. Even in 2006 with our all freshman team and we had to play in Bozeman, we beat 'em. We return most of our NC team, and we'll be on the red turf where we're undefeated. That will be the first game of the year (just like Montana last year). It's gonna be real tough for them, and I don't see it happening.

EWU 8-0, 9-2
MSU 7-1, 9-2
UM 6-2, 7-4
SAC 5-3, 6-5
Everyone Else

FYI, ISU will win two games in the Sky this year under Kramer. They almost did last year even. :nod:

You make some pretty good points for your Eags, I also really though BLM was done :dunce: . I must admit that I don't know a whole lot about the E. Wash squad in comparison to the Montana schools. However, I think you're too high on UM and Sac. You're putting UM in a comfortable 3rd place when they couldn't stop a Weber running attack which was anchored by arguably the best O-Line next season. They'll have issues on offense again. "the Griz are breaking in a newb QB and have OL issues again." Your own words on EGriz. I'm starting to think you like stirring the pot on other teams' sites. :lol: With Sac, they've never had very good success in Ogden and I'll take Ron McBride recruits over anything Sac can come up with any day.

The Griz have issues to be sure, but let's not forget their history. They struggled last year, but they were still 7-4 with the chance to be 9-2 if a couple plays go the other way. I also said on eGriz that they would still be good, and probably reach the playoffs at 8-3 (didn't know they had a D-II on the schedule, thought it was SUU instead which I would count as a loss for the Griz). I'm not just putting the Griz in a comfortable 3rd place... they finished in third place last year despite not being able to "stop a Weber running attack."

I do like to stir the pot though, as it leads to good discussion, which I enjoy more. :thumb:

I can only understand your preseason rankings only if you have Weber at 4-4 in 5th place. That's assuming they lose @home to Montana State (reasonable), losing at your place (likely), losing @Montana (given the history reasonable, but given last year's game and the amount of starters lost I'd say 50/50 tossup), and losing @home to Sac (doubtful, to a team Weber only lost to by a touchdown at their place). I just don't understand the sentiment that Weber has lost too much to be able to compete. When you have 90% of your defense and your entire O-line coming back along with many pivotal skill pieces of last year, you usually expect to have a good season. Yes, we sort of have a new QB coming back. A lot of folks in the BSC don't know that Hoke basically started 2 games last year and performed well.

I never said that Weber wouldn't be able to compete... hell, every team in the Sky can compete and make games interesting. What I meant was that Weber wouldn't be in the thick of things for the conference title... won't be competing at the top, where I think EWU, MSU, UM and SAC will be. They way I have it right now...

EWU and MSU at the top
UM and SAC a notch below
WSU, NAU in the middle
UNC, PSU, ISU rounding out the bottom.

 

[WSUFootballer]

I appreciate Screaming's insite and posting, however, we need not bicker. Instead, how about at this time both WSU and EWU fans take a moment to reflect and enjoy the fact that we both beat the Montana Griz last yr. :thumb:

 

[ajwildcat]

I appreciate Screaming's insite and posting, however, we need not bicker. Instead, how about at this time both WSU and EWU fans take a moment to reflect and enjoy the fact that we both beat the Montana Griz last yr. :thumb:

:clap: :clap: :clap:

 

[Screamin_Eagle174]

I appreciate Screaming's insite and posting, however, we need not bicker. Instead, how about at this time both WSU and EWU fans take a moment to reflect and enjoy the fact that we both beat the Montana Griz last yr. :thumb:

I'll drink to that. :lol: :thumb:

EDIT: Both by 9 points too.

 

[bigskychamps07]

I never said that Weber wouldn't be able to compete... hell, every team in the Sky can compete and make games interesting. What I meant was that Weber wouldn't be in the thick of things for the conference title... won't be competing at the top, where I think EWU, MSU, UM and SAC will be. They way I have it right now...

EWU and MSU at the top
UM and SAC a notch below
WSU, NAU in the middle
UNC, PSU, ISU rounding out the bottom.[/quote]

Just curious why you have UM as a notch below? Are you basing this on history or returning talent? As it looks to me Montana is worse off this year than last. New QB in a system that is difficult to run. Power running offense players running the spread. Lost are 4 starters on offense including Roper and Reynolds and 4 defensive starters. Sac better learn how to be road EXPERTS this year with 1 home game in the first 6 weeks.

 

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Just curious why you have UM as a notch below? Are you basing this on history or returning talent? As it looks to me Montana is worse off this year than last. New QB in a system that is difficult to run. Power running offense players running the spread. Lost are 4 starters on offense including Roper and Reynolds and 4 defensive starters. Sac better learn how to be road EXPERTS this year with 1 home game in the first 6 weeks.

Their likely starter at QB (Jordan Johnson) was recruited for the spread offense they're running, and is much better suited for it than their QBs from last year were. Reynolds was good, but he was less effective because of their offensive approach. The RBs they'll have this year are faster and shiftier (Jordan Canada and Peter Nyguen), which is better suited to the spread as well. Their defense will still be top tier. Their biggest question mark is coaching, IMO. We'll see if Pflu progresses or gets worse.

 

[EWURanger]

I appreciate Screaming's insite and posting, however, we need not bicker. Instead, how about at this time both WSU and EWU fans take a moment to reflect and enjoy the fact that we both beat the Montana Griz last yr. :thumb:

:clap: :clap: :clap:

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

:thumb:

 

[ajwildcat]

As much as I hate to admit it, this is the way I see the Conference picture breaking down:
1. EWU
2. MSU
3. WSU
4. UM
5. SAC
6. NAU
7. PSU
8. UNC
9. ISU
Top 3 teams will make the playoffs.

 

[WSUFootballer]

On October 16 if we can make it to a 4-1 start in our first 5 Big Sky games we should be ranked and most likely have a win against Sac or EWU of whom we lost to both last season.

 

[Wildcat 100]

On October 16 if we can make it to a 4-1 start in our first 5 Big Sky games we should be ranked and most likely have a win against Sac or EWU of whom we lost to both last season.

each game has it's own flavor, but i like the fact that our OL is returning, and our DL is going to have some decent depth...a luxury in years past.... and speed kills, bunch of H.A.M.'s out there, Hostile, Agile, Mobile....defenders, with a cadre of LB's who love to go head hunting.

it's still a game, with young adults handling the pigskin, so anything....anything can happen......but you gotta love the game. GO WILDCATS.......

 

[n.ogdencat]

Its nice that a lot of people are already counting the Cats out. We all tend to forget the importance of the guys in the trenches. Last year was a rebuilding, if you can call it that, year for our lines. Both the OL and DL are stacked and have the potential to dominate. Offensive skill positions can only be seen if there is a good line giving them the time to make plays. As for the defensive side of the ball...I love that Weber's defense is being under-rated. Just like 08!!

 

[Wildcat 100]

Its nice that a lot of people are already counting the Cats out. We all tend to forget the importance of the guys in the trenches. Last year was a rebuilding, if you can call it that, year for our lines. Both the OL and DL are stacked and have the potential to dominate. Offensive skill positions can only be seen if there is a good line giving them the time to make plays. As for the defensive side of the ball...I love that Weber's defense is being under-rated. Just like 08!!

i hear ya.....gonna be a good season with lots of opportunities.....

 

[grizhunter]

I appreciate Screaming's insite and posting, however, we need not bicker. Instead, how about at this time both WSU and EWU fans take a moment to reflect and enjoy the fact that we both beat the Montana Griz last yr. :thumb:

:clap: :clap: :clap:

Don't forget the Cats as well!! :clap:

 

[talhadfoursteals]

As much as I hate to admit it, this is the way I see the Conference picture breaking down:
1. EWU
2. MSU
3. WSU
4. UM
5. SAC
6. NAU
7. PSU
8. UNC
9. ISU
Top 3 teams will make the playoffs.

I like the way you think!! :thumb:

I'd only change one thing, UM and SAC. It probably won't happen, but it would be funny as Hell to see the mighty Jizz finish the season in 5th.

 

[talhadfoursteals]

I appreciate Screaming's insite and posting, however, we need not bicker. Instead, how about at this time both WSU and EWU fans take a moment to reflect and enjoy the fact that we both beat the Montana Griz last yr. :thumb:

:clap: :clap: :clap:

Don't forget the Cats as well!! :clap:

Amen Brotha!! :clap: