Prediction Semi Finals Maine 19 @ Eastern Washington 50 ;-)

[60s Savage]

I expect the Eagles to enter the Inferno with their champion attitude, confident and eager to prove Beyond a Doubt that nothing stands between them and Frisco, especially no Black Bear defense. This is our game, the Eagles best performance of the season. They are ready, determined, and will not be stopped passing or running. There will be no doubt. Eags 45, Bears 10.

 

[dudeitsaid]

Hero Sports prediction.

https://herosports.com/fcs/football-score-predictions-semifinals-bzbz

Looks like they view both games as 50/50 contests.

 

[MLEagle]

I just want this game to start already. I have a sense of dread in my heart, unable to shake the thoughts of past semifinal heartbreaks. But, my head says we got this game. I’m going with my head 31-21 Eags!!!!

 

[Rafter_Reese]

eags 20 - Maine 17
This one ends last second with the All-American's foot.

go eags!

 

[BearDown92]

Thanks for allowing me to post

 

[maine612]

We certainly have had no shortage of coverage and commentary this week and I think I have consumed most of it. Most of what I believe has already been said. I definitely think EWU should be favored at home but the spread is nuts.

Here is my Friday prediction: I think Maine's defense plays lockdown D for the entire first half and we score on the strength of Ferguson's arm. Something like 21-7 at the half. Then offenses heat up a bit and trade scores in the second half.

University of Maine Black Bears 35,
Eastern Washington Eagles 21

Should be a great one in Cheney.

612

 

[Obzerver]

612, if Maine scores 35 on our defense with your offense Maine deserves to win...crap did I just say that?

 

[luckyintheorder]

I expect the Eagles to enter the Inferno with their champion attitude, confident and eager to prove Beyond a Doubt that nothing stands between them and Frisco, especially no Black Bear defense. This is our game, the Eagles best performance of the season. They are ready, determined, and will not be stopped passing or running. There will be no doubt. Eags 45, Bears 10.

:thumb:

 

[maine612]

612, if Maine scores 35 on our defense with your offense Maine deserves to win...crap did I just say that?

Not if we give up 42...which surely could happen!!

Can't wait to find out.

612

 

[BearDown92]

Keys to the game:

1. Must keep Fergie upright.

2. No turnovers.

3. Deoul must have his best day of punting as a Black Bear.

4. We have to defend the RPO well. If we collapse too hard and lose lane integrity the QB will run for days on us...and if we have to put more men in the box to defend the run then the QB will throw all over the field.

5. Get the run game going early and often.

My lingering concern overall (besides penalties) is the travel (and my guess is that this is one of the driving forces behind us being 11-14pt dogs in Vegas et al). There's no way around it...that much travel, in that amount of time, has an effect on elite athletic performance. No amount of 'Will' or 'Want To' can overcome it fully -it's physiology. We have to hope our training staff has prepped our team for the journey. I trust we've done all we can to minimize its effects.

The Maine offense couldn’t get in rhythm last week against a stellar Defense but still found a way to win the matchup. Ramon is running with more confidence every week and is hitting his stride. Getting Belcher back into the gameplan in recent weeks has been great and Ernie/Micah are what they’ve always been –dominant. I could see a big game for Devin Young and Andre Miller if they choose to man up either Ernie or Micah. What’s exciting to me about this Offense is we’ve still yet to put a FULL game together (even the Jax St game Fergie was just over 50%).

Actually, I see some similarities between this game and the Bears vs. Rams game last week. The Rams came into the game with a prolific offense and good defense anchored by a stud Tackle. The Bears brought in a steady offense with an outstanding Defense. I hope this result plays out the same for our Bears as it did the Windy Citys'.

We can't take some comments seriously on this board, and others, about Maine not looking as fast as 'some of the other defenses'. Our Defense is legit. Size. Strength. Intelligence. AND Speed.

The Eagles "PLAN" this week is to be patient and take what the Defense gives them...that maybe even 4 yard runs will be 'highlight plays' and when the opportunity presents itself they'll take their shots. Along with creating turnovers and playing great special teams their hope is to keep the game close and win it in the end...

It's not often I look to Mike Tyson for words of wisdom...but he once said: "Everyone has a 'PLAN', until they get punched in the mouth."

Get ready Eagles; the Bears are about to Leave No Doubt.

We're coming for ya...and we're gonna take that Respect...all the way to Frisco

Maine - 28
EWU - 20

 

[sammamisheag]

What are we missing here? The consensus from local/national media as well as fan boards is a close game tomorrow.

Spread opened at -17, dropped to -8 and is now -13.

http://www.vegasinsider.com/college-football/odds/las-vegas/line-movement/[email protected]/date/12-15-18/time/1400#BT

EWU is has covered in 10-3 vs the spread this year. Two of the three, where they didn't cover, were last week and vs Weber State.

The late Beano Cook always those guys in Vegas live better than we do.

 

[Mainebrother]

Thats because I posted it in another thread...lets face it..the game is tommorow, someone will win and someone will go home...but since EWU is already home they won't be going anywhere while UMAINE will be headed down to Frisco, Texas for a very important game...

 

[luckyintheorder]

Keys to the game:

1. Must keep Fergie upright.

2. No turnovers.

3. Deoul must have his best day of punting as a Black Bear.

4. We have to defend the RPO well. If we collapse too hard and lose lane integrity the QB will run for days on us...and if we have to put more men in the box to defend the run then the QB will throw all over the field.

5. Get the run game going early and often.

My lingering concern overall (besides penalties) is the travel (and my guess is that this is one of the driving forces behind us being 11-14pt dogs in Vegas et al). There's no way around it...that much travel, in that amount of time, has an effect on elite athletic performance. No amount of 'Will' or 'Want To' can overcome it fully -it's physiology. We have to hope our training staff has prepped our team for the journey. I trust we've done all we can to minimize its effects.

The Maine offense couldn’t get in rhythm last week against a stellar Defense but still found a way to win the matchup. Ramon is running with more confidence every week and is hitting his stride. Getting Belcher back into the gameplan in recent weeks has been great and Ernie/Micah are what they’ve always been –dominant. I could see a big game for Devin Young and Andre Miller if they choose to man up either Ernie or Micah. What’s exciting to me about this Offense is we’ve still yet to put a FULL game together (even the Jax St game Fergie was just over 50%).

Actually, I see some similarities between this game and the Bears vs. Rams game last week. The Rams came into the game with a prolific offense and good defense anchored by a stud Tackle. The Bears brought in a steady offense with an outstanding Defense. I hope this result plays out the same for our Bears as it did the Windy Citys'.

We can't take some comments seriously on this board, and others, about Maine not looking as fast as 'some of the other defenses'. Our Defense is legit. Size. Strength. Intelligence. AND Speed.

The Eagles "PLAN" this week is to be patient and take what the Defense gives them...that maybe even 4 yard runs will be 'highlight plays' and when the opportunity presents itself they'll take their shots. Along with creating turnovers and playing great special teams their hope is to keep the game close and win it in the end...

It's not often I look to Mike Tyson for words of wisdom...but he once said: "Everyone has a 'PLAN', until they get punched in the mouth."

Get ready Eagles; the Bears are about to Leave No Doubt.

We're coming for ya...and we're gonna take that Respect...all the way to Frisco

Maine - 28
EWU - 20

The PLAN? Kick some baby bear butt. You had some nice points about the things Maine needed to do to have a chance in this game, then you stepped off the deep end.. Still trying to understand how Maine fans only think there will be only one defense on the field. Like I've already said, game isn't won between the 20's. Won't be able to stop Eag offense and can't score on the Eag defense.

Red Zone D: Maine 37th Eagles 17th (side note: Eastern D spent a lot more time on the field due to the fast, big play offense) Whoa Nelly!

 

[Mainehas1IPaddress]

Keys to the game:

1. Must keep Fergie upright.

2. No turnovers.

3. Deoul must have his best day of punting as a Black Bear.

4. We have to defend the RPO well. If we collapse too hard and lose lane integrity the QB will run for days on us...and if we have to put more men in the box to defend the run then the QB will throw all over the field.

5. Get the run game going early and often.

My lingering concern overall (besides penalties) is the travel (and my guess is that this is one of the driving forces behind us being 11-14pt dogs in Vegas et al). There's no way around it...that much travel, in that amount of time, has an effect on elite athletic performance. No amount of 'Will' or 'Want To' can overcome it fully -it's physiology. We have to hope our training staff has prepped our team for the journey. I trust we've done all we can to minimize its effects.

The Maine offense couldn’t get in rhythm last week against a stellar Defense but still found a way to win the matchup. Ramon is running with more confidence every week and is hitting his stride. Getting Belcher back into the gameplan in recent weeks has been great and Ernie/Micah are what they’ve always been –dominant. I could see a big game for Devin Young and Andre Miller if they choose to man up either Ernie or Micah. What’s exciting to me about this Offense is we’ve still yet to put a FULL game together (even the Jax St game Fergie was just over 50%).

Actually, I see some similarities between this game and the Bears vs. Rams game last week. The Rams came into the game with a prolific offense and good defense anchored by a stud Tackle. The Bears brought in a steady offense with an outstanding Defense. I hope this result plays out the same for our Bears as it did the Windy Citys'.

We can't take some comments seriously on this board, and others, about Maine not looking as fast as 'some of the other defenses'. Our Defense is legit. Size. Strength. Intelligence. AND Speed.

The Eagles "PLAN" this week is to be patient and take what the Defense gives them...that maybe even 4 yard runs will be 'highlight plays' and when the opportunity presents itself they'll take their shots. Along with creating turnovers and playing great special teams their hope is to keep the game close and win it in the end...

It's not often I look to Mike Tyson for words of wisdom...but he once said: "Everyone has a 'PLAN', until they get punched in the mouth."

Get ready Eagles; the Bears are about to Leave No Doubt.

We're coming for ya...and we're gonna take that Respect...all the way to Frisco

Maine - 28
EWU - 20

The PLAN? Kick some baby bear butt. You had some nice points about the things Maine needed to do to have a chance in this game, then you stepped off the deep end.. Still trying to understand how Maine fans only think there will be only one defense on the field. Like I've already said, game isn't won between the 20's. Won't be able to stop Eag offense and can't score on the Eag defense.

Red Zone D: Maine 37th Eagles 17th (side note: Eastern D spent a lot more time on the field due to the fast, big play offense) Whoa Nelly!

Maine red zone offense won’t matter after Earnest scores multiple times from 70 yds out
(Edited after typo... I’m the same personality though)

 

[luckyintheorder]

Keys to the game:

1. Must keep Fergie upright.

2. No turnovers.

3. Deoul must have his best day of punting as a Black Bear.

4. We have to defend the RPO well. If we collapse too hard and lose lane integrity the QB will run for days on us...and if we have to put more men in the box to defend the run then the QB will throw all over the field.

5. Get the run game going early and often.

My lingering concern overall (besides penalties) is the travel (and my guess is that this is one of the driving forces behind us being 11-14pt dogs in Vegas et al). There's no way around it...that much travel, in that amount of time, has an effect on elite athletic performance. No amount of 'Will' or 'Want To' can overcome it fully -it's physiology. We have to hope our training staff has prepped our team for the journey. I trust we've done all we can to minimize its effects.

The Maine offense couldn’t get in rhythm last week against a stellar Defense but still found a way to win the matchup. Ramon is running with more confidence every week and is hitting his stride. Getting Belcher back into the gameplan in recent weeks has been great and Ernie/Micah are what they’ve always been –dominant. I could see a big game for Devin Young and Andre Miller if they choose to man up either Ernie or Micah. What’s exciting to me about this Offense is we’ve still yet to put a FULL game together (even the Jax St game Fergie was just over 50%).

Actually, I see some similarities between this game and the Bears vs. Rams game last week. The Rams came into the game with a prolific offense and good defense anchored by a stud Tackle. The Bears brought in a steady offense with an outstanding Defense. I hope this result plays out the same for our Bears as it did the Windy Citys'.

We can't take some comments seriously on this board, and others, about Maine not looking as fast as 'some of the other defenses'. Our Defense is legit. Size. Strength. Intelligence. AND Speed.

The Eagles "PLAN" this week is to be patient and take what the Defense gives them...that maybe even 4 yard runs will be 'highlight plays' and when the opportunity presents itself they'll take their shots. Along with creating turnovers and playing great special teams their hope is to keep the game close and win it in the end...

It's not often I look to Mike Tyson for words of wisdom...but he once said: "Everyone has a 'PLAN', until they get punched in the mouth."

Get ready Eagles; the Bears are about to Leave No Doubt.

We're coming for ya...and we're gonna take that Respect...all the way to Frisco

Maine - 28
EWU - 20

The PLAN? Kick some baby bear butt. You had some nice points about the things Maine needed to do to have a chance in this game, then you stepped off the deep end.. Still trying to understand how Maine fans only think there will be only one defense on the field. Like I've already said, game isn't won between the 20's. Won't be able to stop Eag offense and can't score on the Eag defense.

Red Zone D: Maine 37th Eagles 17th (side note: Eastern D spent a lot more time on the field due to the fast, big play offense) Whoa Nelly!

Maine red zone offense won’t matter after Earnest scores multiple times from 70 yds out
(Edited after typo... I’m the same personality though)

You know it won't be more than 68 yds..

 

[luckyintheorder]

These feels a bit ironic, but Eastern has lost to better teams than Maine in the semi's... as a matter of opinion, I think each of those teams was better than Maine.

 

[Mainebrother]

The bottom line is Eagles should know better than to mess with the BEAR...but we will see tomorrow...then all will be settled...

 

[clawman1]

The bottom line is Eagles should know better than to mess with the BEAR...but we will see tomorrow...then all will be settled...

A Grizzly bear is much more formidable than a black bear and we OWN the grizzlies so...
no problem!

 

[GoldenEagle]

OK, this is how it’s going down.

The EAGS defense will blitz immediately and the black bears less-than-nimble QB will force throws down field like he did against weber for an early interception. Chris Ojoh and Mitchell Johnson will torment the teddy bear’s QB relentlessly, forcing multiple interceptions. The EAGS DLine will squash the Maine running game.

On offense the EAGS will take advantage of the teddy bear’s press coverage and our tall, fast wideouts will have a field day against the slower, shorter corners of Maine. Maine will continue to press cover which will open the middle seams and the EAGS tight ends will make big plays up the middle. Maine’s DLine will be exhausted from chasing Barriere and McPherson will run wild.

 

[Mainebrother]

Nice youtube video about Maine Blackbears football.

https://www.wabi.tv/content/sports/UMaine-begins-preparing-for-Eastern-Washington-NCAA-semifinals-502530691.html