predict the record

[clawman1]

The schedule is what it is. Most of us complaining about the schedule would probably say they would like to trade one of the MVFC games for a home game against a D2 school. If that were the case, we'd be in no better shape with a win there because you still need 7 d1 wins for the playoffs. One could argue this opportunity gives the team another chance for that 7th win.

Bottom line, embrace it for what it is. This team needs to go 2-2 in the first 4 to even prove they're a playoff team. UNI is a home game and NAU needs some payback.

Common misconception, you do not need 7 d1 wins to make the playoffs. Eastern has even proved that before, once making the playoffs with 6 d1 wins as an at-large. That was, at one time, considered a preferred status to have 7 d1 wins, but it has never been a mandatory. However, even the playoff committee restated that and said the determining factor is strength of schedule. Even if you replaced the roadie with NDSU with St. Francis, we still have rock-solid strength of schedule.

Stop whining, because the Eagles players and coaches aren’t

 

[Obzerver]

I don't hear whining or whining about whining....I heard wondering and wondering about making the playoffs and wondering if we make the playoffs wondering how far we will go. I thought the goals were winning a BSC Ring, making the playoffs with the highest seed possible and winning as many of those playoff games at home as to win a National Title. I wonder if that are the goals of the Power Brokers? And I wonder why she went away...

 

[Eagledawg]

I will admit that I'm not very good at predictions but here we go! Keeping in mind the O line is in a learning mode and if the D doesn't have a marked improvement EWU will be the underdog in the first 4 games but I think they will find a way to win one of those (if 2 then that's a bonus). (1)

Beat UC Davis and N. Colo. at home. (2)

Split with the Montana schools (1)

Split their final 2 road games at Cal poly and Portland St. (1)

Beat Idaho St. (in between the above 2 road games) (1)

That would be a 6-5 record but it could be 8-3 depending on a few things. Now here are the variables, I think the O line will get better every game and by mid season could be quite good, just depends how fast they can jell. Can we have a descent running game? Could that Custer kid be part of that?

The Defense, ah the defense, if they continue to bleed off 475 yards a game this year I don't feel bad about picking them at 6-5 but, if they show improvement that could make all the difference but after reading about yesterdays scrimmage it sound like the same old story. you would think the defense would have the upper hand early on. Everything starts with the guys up front and on defense it hasn't been very good (no push up front) and that the part I've been most disappointed with.

But like I said making predictions is not my strong suite. I will be interesting how I feel after the first 4 games. On the bright side we could be 1-3 and still be undefeated in the Big Sky.

How many of you are shocked that GG looks like he will be our starting QB. After watching RH in the Oregon game I thought he was the future (another bad prediction). Too bad GG didn't get more playing time last year!

 

[LDopaPDX]

The schedule is what it is. Most of us complaining about the schedule would probably say they would like to trade one of the MVFC games for a home game against a D2 school. If that were the case, we'd be in no better shape with a win there because you still need 7 d1 wins for the playoffs. One could argue this opportunity gives the team another chance for that 7th win.

Bottom line, embrace it for what it is. This team needs to go 2-2 in the first 4 to even prove they're a playoff team. UNI is a home game and NAU needs some payback.

Common misconception, you do not need 7 d1 wins to make the playoffs. Eastern has even proved that before, once making the playoffs with 6 d1 wins as an at-large. That was, at one time, considered a preferred status to have 7 d1 wins, but it has never been a mandatory. However, even the playoff committee restated that and said the determining factor is strength of schedule. Even if you replaced the roadie with NDSU with St. Francis, we still have rock-solid strength of schedule.

Stop whining, because the Eagles players and coaches aren’t

Not sure if you have an understanding of what whining is.... Stating facts isn't whining. While the players and coaches don't want to say it, every publication in America is agreeing that Eastern has a tremendously disadvantageous schedule. We could be a pretty good football team and be out of the playoff picture before the end of September. We need to finish September at 2-2, and that's an awfully tough task.

 

[allweatherfan2]

I will be satisfied if we finish the regular season 7-4, even thrilled if it gets us in the playoffs.

 

[kalm]

I will admit that I'm not very good at predictions but here we go! Keeping in mind the O line is in a learning mode and if the D doesn't have a marked improvement EWU will be the underdog in the first 4 games but I think they will find a way to win one of those (if 2 then that's a bonus). (1)

Beat UC Davis and N. Colo. at home. (2)

Split with the Montana schools (1)

Split their final 2 road games at Cal poly and Portland St. (1)

Beat Idaho St. (in between the above 2 road games) (1)

That would be a 6-5 record but it could be 8-3 depending on a few things. Now here are the variables, I think the O line will get better every game and by mid season could be quite good, just depends how fast they can jell. Can we have a descent running game? Could that Custer kid be part of that?

The Defense, ah the defense, if they continue to bleed off 475 yards a game this year I don't feel bad about picking them at 6-5 but, if they show improvement that could make all the difference but after reading about yesterdays scrimmage it sound like the same old story. you would think the defense would have the upper hand early on. Everything starts with the guys up front and on defense it hasn't been very good (no push up front) and that the part I've been most disappointed with.

But like I said making predictions is not my strong suite. I will be interesting how I feel after the first 4 games. On the bright side we could be 1-3 and still be undefeated in the Big Sky.

How many of you are shocked that GG looks like he will be our starting QB. After watching RH in the Oregon game I thought he was the future (another bad prediction). Too bad GG didn't get more playing time last year!

The last two times we started a sophomore at QB, was with Nichols in 2007 and Adams in 2013. We gave up 22 and 24 ppg respectively in those regular seasons. We made it to the quarters in 2007 with a massive upset of #2 seed Mcneese in '07 and the semi's with VA in '13.

I think we'd all be thrilled to average those numbers this year and that's probably what it's going to take for a GG led team to make some waves.

 

[EWURanger]

One rough season and people have forgotten a lot of good in the program! Yes, we know the schedule is tough and I agree. However, this team relishes that. This team is loaded with talent!

Mark it down now.. the guys will likely start 0-2 and then haul off a lot of wins! 8-3 is my prediction with that 3rd loss coming somewhere in conference play. Possibly @ Cal Poly or Portland State. I don't think this team loses at home.

Yeah, I agree with this. Last year's results might not have been a total anomaly, but I think that VA's departure did have some sort of psychological effect on the team. Having to replace such a key player when you're expecting to be a playoff contender was probably hard to swallow.

The biggest issue will be how fast the Offensive Line can come together. I think if that happens the offense has the potential to be really good again. I think we will have better QB play this year just based off of maturity alone if nothing else. I also think 1-2 of those true Freshman RB's will play in the fall, and be really good right off the bat.

Marginal improvement on defense would be...a huge improvement.

 

[marceagfan5]

The schedule is what it is. Most of us complaining about the schedule would probably say they would like to trade one of the MVFC games for a home game against a D2 school. If that were the case, we'd be in no better shape with a win there because you still need 7 d1 wins for the playoffs. One could argue this opportunity gives the team another chance for that 7th win.

Bottom line, embrace it for what it is. This team needs to go 2-2 in the first 4 to even prove they're a playoff team. UNI is a home game and NAU needs some payback.

Common misconception, you do not need 7 d1 wins to make the playoffs. Eastern has even proved that before, once making the playoffs with 6 d1 wins as an at-large. That was, at one time, considered a preferred status to have 7 d1 wins, but it has never been a mandatory. However, even the playoff committee restated that and said the determining factor is strength of schedule. Even if you replaced the roadie with NDSU with St. Francis, we still have rock-solid strength of schedule.

Stop whining, because the Eagles players and coaches aren’t

Not sure if you have an understanding of what whining is.... Stating facts isn't whining. While the players and coaches don't want to say it, every publication in America is agreeing that Eastern has a tremendously disadvantageous schedule. We could be a pretty good football team and be out of the playoff picture before the end of September. We need to finish September at 2-2, and that's an awfully tough task.

Here are some stats....

Since 2009 only 1 team has made it to the national championship game that wasn't seeded (top 8) and that was Sam Houston in 2014. In order to be seeded, teams in larger conferences (MVFC, BSC, CAA) need to have no more than 2-3 losses, any more than that and you are playing in round 1 if you make it. Seeded teams have an advantage because they get a bye in week 1 and a home game in week 2, and more beyond that depending on your seed. Its pretty simple to see the formula and how it works...

Bigger schools in the bigger conferences get it, they won't schedule 3 tough non conf games because they know they will get tested in conference, for some reason we don't get it.

 

[kalm]

The schedule is what it is. Most of us complaining about the schedule would probably say they would like to trade one of the MVFC games for a home game against a D2 school. If that were the case, we'd be in no better shape with a win there because you still need 7 d1 wins for the playoffs. One could argue this opportunity gives the team another chance for that 7th win.

Bottom line, embrace it for what it is. This team needs to go 2-2 in the first 4 to even prove they're a playoff team. UNI is a home game and NAU needs some payback.

Common misconception, you do not need 7 d1 wins to make the playoffs. Eastern has even proved that before, once making the playoffs with 6 d1 wins as an at-large. That was, at one time, considered a preferred status to have 7 d1 wins, but it has never been a mandatory. However, even the playoff committee restated that and said the determining factor is strength of schedule. Even if you replaced the roadie with NDSU with St. Francis, we still have rock-solid strength of schedule.

Stop whining, because the Eagles players and coaches aren’t

Not sure if you have an understanding of what whining is.... Stating facts isn't whining. While the players and coaches don't want to say it, every publication in America is agreeing that Eastern has a tremendously disadvantageous schedule. We could be a pretty good football team and be out of the playoff picture before the end of September. We need to finish September at 2-2, and that's an awfully tough task.

Here are some stats....

Since 2009 only 1 team has made it to the national championship game that wasn't seeded (top 8) and that was Sam Houston in 2014. In order to be seeded, teams in larger conferences (MVFC, BSC, CAA) need to have no more than 2-3 losses, any more than that and you are playing in round 1 if you make it. Seeded teams have an advantage because they get a bye in week 1 and a home game in week 2, and more beyond that depending on your seed. Its pretty simple to see the formula and how it works...

Bigger schools in the bigger conferences get it, they won't schedule 3 tough non conf games because they know they will get tested in conference, for some reason we don't get it.

It still boils down to gate and availability of mid majors. Schools like Montana, MSU, and NDSU can afford one off contracts and the CAA has a zillion Patriot League, MEAC's, and NEC's at their disposal. But UNI, Poly, SDSU, and WIU have been scheduling similar to us. UNI plays Iowa State, us, and Montana this year. We are not alone.

 

[ewueagle2010]

The schedule is what it is. Most of us complaining about the schedule would probably say they would like to trade one of the MVFC games for a home game against a D2 school. If that were the case, we'd be in no better shape with a win there because you still need 7 d1 wins for the playoffs. One could argue this opportunity gives the team another chance for that 7th win.

Bottom line, embrace it for what it is. This team needs to go 2-2 in the first 4 to even prove they're a playoff team. UNI is a home game and NAU needs some payback.

Common misconception, you do not need 7 d1 wins to make the playoffs. Eastern has even proved that before, once making the playoffs with 6 d1 wins as an at-large. That was, at one time, considered a preferred status to have 7 d1 wins, but it has never been a mandatory. However, even the playoff committee restated that and said the determining factor is strength of schedule. Even if you replaced the roadie with NDSU with St. Francis, we still have rock-solid strength of schedule.

Stop whining, because the Eagles players and coaches aren’t

Not sure if you have an understanding of what whining is.... Stating facts isn't whining. While the players and coaches don't want to say it, every publication in America is agreeing that Eastern has a tremendously disadvantageous schedule. We could be a pretty good football team and be out of the playoff picture before the end of September. We need to finish September at 2-2, and that's an awfully tough task.

Here are some stats....

Since 2009 only 1 team has made it to the national championship game that wasn't seeded (top 8) and that was Sam Houston in 2014. In order to be seeded, teams in larger conferences (MVFC, BSC, CAA) need to have no more than 2-3 losses, any more than that and you are playing in round 1 if you make it. Seeded teams have an advantage because they get a bye in week 1 and a home game in week 2, and more beyond that depending on your seed. Its pretty simple to see the formula and how it works...

Bigger schools in the bigger conferences get it, they won't schedule 3 tough non conf games because they know they will get tested in conference, for some reason we don't get it.

It still boils down to gate and availability of mid majors. Schools like Montana, MSU, and NDSU can afford one off contracts and the CAA has a zillion Patriot League, MEAC's, and NEC's at their disposal. But UNI, Poly, SDSU, and WIU have been scheduling similar to us. UNI plays Iowa State, us, and Montana this year. We are not alone.

That's true. It's another good way to look at it. The most important thing to remember about scheduling as well, is that they're usually agreed to or laid out at least 3-4 years in advance. When this year's schedule was made, WSU didn't look nearly as good, nor did UNI.

This argument could go on for days and weeks and really see both sides. But at this point, all EWU can do is play the games. I think there has been some unfair blame put on our AD for the scheduling. I think the hoops for this program are much harder to jump through than realized by some.

 

[marceagfan5]

The schedule is what it is. Most of us complaining about the schedule would probably say they would like to trade one of the MVFC games for a home game against a D2 school. If that were the case, we'd be in no better shape with a win there because you still need 7 d1 wins for the playoffs. One could argue this opportunity gives the team another chance for that 7th win.

Bottom line, embrace it for what it is. This team needs to go 2-2 in the first 4 to even prove they're a playoff team. UNI is a home game and NAU needs some payback.

Common misconception, you do not need 7 d1 wins to make the playoffs. Eastern has even proved that before, once making the playoffs with 6 d1 wins as an at-large. That was, at one time, considered a preferred status to have 7 d1 wins, but it has never been a mandatory. However, even the playoff committee restated that and said the determining factor is strength of schedule. Even if you replaced the roadie with NDSU with St. Francis, we still have rock-solid strength of schedule.

Stop whining, because the Eagles players and coaches aren’t

Not sure if you have an understanding of what whining is.... Stating facts isn't whining. While the players and coaches don't want to say it, every publication in America is agreeing that Eastern has a tremendously disadvantageous schedule. We could be a pretty good football team and be out of the playoff picture before the end of September. We need to finish September at 2-2, and that's an awfully tough task.

Here are some stats....

Since 2009 only 1 team has made it to the national championship game that wasn't seeded (top 8) and that was Sam Houston in 2014. In order to be seeded, teams in larger conferences (MVFC, BSC, CAA) need to have no more than 2-3 losses, any more than that and you are playing in round 1 if you make it. Seeded teams have an advantage because they get a bye in week 1 and a home game in week 2, and more beyond that depending on your seed. Its pretty simple to see the formula and how it works...

Bigger schools in the bigger conferences get it, they won't schedule 3 tough non conf games because they know they will get tested in conference, for some reason we don't get it.

It still boils down to gate and availability of mid majors. Schools like Montana, MSU, and NDSU can afford one off contracts and the CAA has a zillion Patriot League, MEAC's, and NEC's at their disposal. But UNI, Poly, SDSU, and WIU have been scheduling similar to us. UNI plays Iowa State, us, and Montana this year. We are not alone.

That's true. It's another good way to look at it. The most important thing to remember about scheduling as well, is that they're usually agreed to or laid out at least 3-4 years in advance. When this year's schedule was made, WSU didn't look nearly as good, nor did UNI.

This argument could go on for days and weeks and really see both sides. But at this point, all EWU can do is play the games. I think there has been some unfair blame put on our AD for the scheduling. I think the hoops for this program are much harder to jump through than realized by some.

I understand this side of it, I just think we don't do a good enough job and I get there is more to it. The fact that we went to South Dakota in 2011 without a return game says a lot....

We still have one more game to fill next year, looking at our non conf schedule (NDSU, @Texas Tech) what we do with our 3rd non conf game will be telling.

 

[luckyintheorder]

Hey folks, haven't posted in a while. I deliberately took a break this off-season for various reasons, but now that the season is getting closer and activity on the board is picking back up, it's time to chime in. So, here goes.

I guess I'm not quite ready to share in all the doom and gloom discussion quite yet. Yes, the schedule is probably the toughest we've had in quite a while, but here's a few things to consider:

1) The O-Line will take some time to "gel", but there is a lot of talent recruited there over the last couple of years...and Coach Best IS one of the best. The first couple of games might be a little tough to watch, but I'm guessing by game 3 or 4 we'll start to see a pretty good product on the field.

2) Although we've yet to settle on a starting QB, I'm quite confident that any 3 of the guys we have would compete for a starting spot on any other team in the conference. This is, after all, EWU. Good QB's is kind of our thing. I'm really excited to see what Coach Taylor brings to the offense. If his past experience is any indication, good things are coming.

3) Show me a better receiver than Kupp, or a better overall receiving corps in the FCS. Bourne will be a second team, all-conference type of player, and we get a deep threat back with Shaw, assuming he's fully recovered by the start of fall camp. Sblendorio will be another great receiver in the slot, and with a little more confidence and maturity, Grady and Webster could also be key players. Also keep an eye on Jayson Williams from Tacoma. Remember, we beat out Montana and quite a few other schools for some of these players.

4) We will absolutely be bigger, and more physical along the defensive line. Ebukam will be one of the league's better pass rushers, and look for Keenan Williams come into his own this season.

5) LB Corps will be SOLID.

6) Don't dismiss the effect that a 6-5 season has on this program. I am willing to bet that the players have worked that much harder this off-season. I have heard the work ethic of the players this summer compared to 2010.

7) Did I mention Cooper Kupp?

8) Beau Baldwin. Enough said.

9) Don't ever underestimate the excellence, tradition, and history of the program. Don't ever under-estimate Eastern Washington football.

Looking forward to another exciting season. Call me a homer, I'm going with 8-3.

Nice points Ranger. Forgot about adding Coach Taylor, completely agree the DL and LB's are a strength; pray the lads are pissed off about last season and bring it every week. Hope Coach B isn't overthinking the QB position. Went 7-4 with possible upside

 

[LDopaPDX]

Hey folks, haven't posted in a while. I deliberately took a break this off-season for various reasons, but now that the season is getting closer and activity on the board is picking back up, it's time to chime in. So, here goes.

I guess I'm not quite ready to share in all the doom and gloom discussion quite yet. Yes, the schedule is probably the toughest we've had in quite a while, but here's a few things to consider:

1) The O-Line will take some time to "gel", but there is a lot of talent recruited there over the last couple of years...and Coach Best IS one of the best. The first couple of games might be a little tough to watch, but I'm guessing by game 3 or 4 we'll start to see a pretty good product on the field.

2) Although we've yet to settle on a starting QB, I'm quite confident that any 3 of the guys we have would compete for a starting spot on any other team in the conference. This is, after all, EWU. Good QB's is kind of our thing. I'm really excited to see what Coach Taylor brings to the offense. If his past experience is any indication, good things are coming.

3) Show me a better receiver than Kupp, or a better overall receiving corps in the FCS. Bourne will be a second team, all-conference type of player, and we get a deep threat back with Shaw, assuming he's fully recovered by the start of fall camp. Sblendorio will be another great receiver in the slot, and with a little more confidence and maturity, Grady and Webster could also be key players. Also keep an eye on Jayson Williams from Tacoma. Remember, we beat out Montana and quite a few other schools for some of these players.

4) We will absolutely be bigger, and more physical along the defensive line. Ebukam will be one of the league's better pass rushers, and look for Keenan Williams come into his own this season.

5) LB Corps will be SOLID.

6) Don't dismiss the effect that a 6-5 season has on this program. I am willing to bet that the players have worked that much harder this off-season. I have heard the work ethic of the players this summer compared to 2010.

7) Did I mention Cooper Kupp?

8) Beau Baldwin. Enough said.

9) Don't ever underestimate the excellence, tradition, and history of the program. Don't ever under-estimate Eastern Washington football.

Looking forward to another exciting season. Call me a homer, I'm going with 8-3.

Nice points Ranger. Forgot about adding Coach Taylor, completely agree the DL and LB's are a strength; pray the lads are pissed off about last season and bring it every week. Hope Coach B isn't overthinking the QB position. Went 7-4 with possible upside

Really hope you're right about DL and LBs being a strength. It's been a long time since we've really excelled with either group. I actually think our CBs might be pretty good, but I'm scared to death of the safeties. And really, to some degree, it's all pissing in the wind if we continue to play passive football. We need to start stacking the box and forcing teams to try and beat us over the top. It seems like we've rattled off a lot of years in a row where we give up first down, after first down, after first down, after first down.

 

[Rafter_Reese]

Hey folks, haven't posted in a while. I deliberately took a break this off-season for various reasons, but now that the season is getting closer and activity on the board is picking back up, it's time to chime in. So, here goes.

I guess I'm not quite ready to share in all the doom and gloom discussion quite yet. Yes, the schedule is probably the toughest we've had in quite a while, but here's a few things to consider:

1) The O-Line will take some time to "gel", but there is a lot of talent recruited there over the last couple of years...and Coach Best IS one of the best. The first couple of games might be a little tough to watch, but I'm guessing by game 3 or 4 we'll start to see a pretty good product on the field.

2) Although we've yet to settle on a starting QB, I'm quite confident that any 3 of the guys we have would compete for a starting spot on any other team in the conference. This is, after all, EWU. Good QB's is kind of our thing. I'm really excited to see what Coach Taylor brings to the offense. If his past experience is any indication, good things are coming.

3) Show me a better receiver than Kupp, or a better overall receiving corps in the FCS. Bourne will be a second team, all-conference type of player, and we get a deep threat back with Shaw, assuming he's fully recovered by the start of fall camp. Sblendorio will be another great receiver in the slot, and with a little more confidence and maturity, Grady and Webster could also be key players. Also keep an eye on Jayson Williams from Tacoma. Remember, we beat out Montana and quite a few other schools for some of these players.

4) We will absolutely be bigger, and more physical along the defensive line. Ebukam will be one of the league's better pass rushers, and look for Keenan Williams come into his own this season.

5) LB Corps will be SOLID.

6) Don't dismiss the effect that a 6-5 season has on this program. I am willing to bet that the players have worked that much harder this off-season. I have heard the work ethic of the players this summer compared to 2010.

7) Did I mention Cooper Kupp?

8) Beau Baldwin. Enough said.

9) Don't ever underestimate the excellence, tradition, and history of the program. Don't ever under-estimate Eastern Washington football.

Looking forward to another exciting season. Call me a homer, I'm going with 8-3.

Nice points Ranger. Forgot about adding Coach Taylor, completely agree the DL and LB's are a strength; pray the lads are pissed off about last season and bring it every week. Hope Coach B isn't overthinking the QB position. Went 7-4 with possible upside

Really hope you're right about DL and LBs being a strength. It's been a long time since we've really excelled with either group. I actually think our CBs might be pretty good, but I'm scared to death of the safeties. And really, to some degree, it's all pissing in the wind if we continue to play passive football. We need to start stacking the box and forcing teams to try and beat us over the top. It seems like we've rattled off a lot of years in a row where we give up first down, after first down, after first down, after first down.

after first down, after first down, after first down, after first down.......Seriously, lets try SOMETHING CREATIVE on defense. Can't remember the last time I saw a corner blitz for EWU. The talent is there!

go eags!

 

[Eagle Talon]

8-3. This team will be better than most people think.

 

[01eag]

I feel like this team will be 6-5 or 7-4 this year. With the question marks on defense and the o-line needing to gel I just worry that we will not be able to pull out enough wins early to make the playoffs.

 

[ewueagle2010]

8-3. This team will be better than most people think.

Agree, 100%. This is a playoff team....and assuming they are...watch out.

 

[Eags12]

I feel like this team will be 6-5 or 7-4 this year. With the question marks on defense and the o-line needing to gel I just worry that we will not be able to pull out enough wins early to make the playoffs.

Ditto. I think it will be a very talented 6-5 or 7-4 team, though. The schedule is just so damn brutal.

 

[EagInTexas]

It's fairly telling that only 7 of the 35 people who have voted consider this an 8-3 or better team.

 

[Rafter_Reese]

It's fairly telling that only 7 of the 35 people who have voted consider this an 8-3 or better team.

Don't forget...1 person voted 11-0. You gotta love outliers!