The Grizzlies cleaned up their game for an impressive 31-13 victory over Sacramento State. They shut down a power house. They scored big. They are on their way up to big places. Or are they?
Fun fact, Sacramento State put up more yards on offense than the Grizzlies. If you looked solely at the statistics sheet, you would probably guess this game was close or in SAC's favor. So what led to SAC's downfall?
1) First, Sacramento could not establish the run. This shouldn't be surprising. SAC has relied heavily on the passing game this season and it is starting to bite them.
2) Before their garbage timeout, SAC marched all the way downfield and into Montana's red zone FOUR times. Never managing to punch it in, and settling for two field goals.
3) No pressure on Jordan Johnson
Keys to Eastern's Victory:
1. Forget Vernon Adams vs Jordan West. Montana has repeatedly shown that their young linebackers can be exploited by a solid running game. SAC either failed to take notice, or failed to establish their run game. This game hinges on Forte's ability to get to the next level. If our offensive line can open holes wide enough for Forte, he can do the rest. It's essential that Forte be healthy this week, because he is a major game changer. I think we should bump Jabari Wilson to the #2 runningback spot, just to get some more push when Forte needs a break.
2. Score in the red zone. Baldwin has a full resume of red zone scores. Our teams are specialists in getting touchdowns. This will not be a problem for Eastern Washington is 96% on red zone scores and 80% on redzone touchdowns. UM has had success keeping teams far inferior at red zone scoring out of the end zone. They won't have such success with EWU.
3. Keep UM out of the red zone. If we want to keep UM off the board, we need to do it early. Let's face it, we aren't hot at goal line stands and if Montana marches up the field, they are sure to score.
4. Linebackers need to stay home and don't over commit. UM's big rushing touchdowns mostly came from cut backs against an over extended defense. They will utilize screens, and Van will burn us if we are over aggressive.
5. Put pressure on Jordan Johnson. Not as easy a task as you would think. We need Linebackers to contain big plays, and UM's o-line specializes in pass protection. So this job lies entirely on the defensive line.
I think EWU controls this game, but never pulls away for a big lead. In the beginning, UM sells out on protecting the pass and gets absolutely burned on the rush. As the game progresses, EWU becomes balanced again and controls the game. I don't think that UM has that great of a defense, and EWU will prove it this weekend.
Eastern Washington will take a step back in previous defensive performances, but not so much that the offense has to make up lost ground.
My final score is EWU 48 UM 32
