Prediction Thread EWU 37 @ UC Davis 14 Sep 27th

[Seattle Eagle]

Oh boy, when was the last time we scored 63 points in a game? Some of these predictions are ridiculous. Slightly off topic, but what are the viewing options for this game? Will it be shown on Big Sky TV?

I'm not bothering to look this up, but I think the last time Eastern went over 60 was against Rocky Mountain in 97. The last time it happened against an FCS team (out of conference at the time) was in 94 against Cal Poly.

That's what I mean, it doesn't happen. And it certainly won't happen in this game because UC Davis is a running team, so they will do their best to shorten the game and limit how much we have the ball. We scored 52 against UW and MSU, but those were total shootout type games. I just don't see this game being that way at all. It' far more likely we'll score in the mid to upper 30's.

 

[clawman1]

Okay, I think we get it... There isn't a topic, a day, a blog that doesn't have a posting (or several) about how crappy the defense has been. Here's a proposal: unless you think that the players and coaches aren't trying to (a) make the plays and (b) take steps to get better, how about we give it a rest? I'm not saying the viewpoint isn't valid, I'm simply stating that sh&ting all over these guys every day isn't productive. The defense either gets better or not but how many times do we really need to castigate them like they want to fail? :twocents:

:thumb:
Well said HannahO

 

[dudeitsaid]

I think I may have severely overestimated our defensive talent this year. For some reason, I thought we were all beat up on D. However, we had 9 of 11 of our opening game starters play at Montana State, and it would have been 10 starters except Wadood has moved ahead of Hoffman.

Well, here's a few considerations.

CB D'Londo Tucker - Lost during Spring Ball and won't play in 2014. Split time with Baines last year and was projected as a starter this year.

CB Diamonte Wiggins - Grades, was projected to see considerable PT this year.

CB Frank Cange - Was a starter against SHSU; lost for the season during that game.

CB Nzuzi Webter - Lost for the season against Washington. Was a starter due to Cange injury.

That's four guys that were either starters at one point, and/or supposed to get a lot of reps, just at CB. I'd personally like to see Keonte White on the field; seems like he could be a big, physical corner - but I suppose we don't see what the coaches do every day in practice.

The injuries to the D Line seem a little less, severe, but Evan Day was probably our top player coming into the season, and he hasn't played at all. Jordan Pulu also figured to get considerable PT but has been injured as well.

Losing Pulu and Larry to graduation were also big losses.

I believe Diamonte Wiggins was penciled as a safety, but I get your point. Still, we've got Wadood in and he might be the best corner in the Big Sky. Hoffman was a first game starter as well and looks like he has a lot of talent. We've also got McDonald, who along with Boyette, are probably the best safeties in the conference. After that, all of the front 7 is up and playing. Therefore, we're a little short on two DBs but the rest of the starting unit is intact. I didn't even realize this until I read the chatroll from Jim Allen yesterday.

Being down a couple of starters shouldn't be a complete disaster... although that typically is how it goes in the FCS with 63 schollies. A team can go from great to mediocre in a weekend if injuries pile up in the same position.

I still think this defense, on paper, is a lot better than what we're seeing. People can call that negativity or whatever else, but really I'm just seeing a unit that is not playing to the sum of their parts. There were a lot of situations last week where the scheme was right, but tacklers just got beat in open field or got outran. I don't know what to make of that.

Negativity? I call it optimism! I would much rather believe our D can and will improve significantly throughout the season than to think they are at their peak. I hope you are right!

 

[luckyintheorder]

Okay, I think we get it... There isn't a topic, a day, a blog that doesn't have a posting (or several) about how crappy the defense has been. Here's a proposal: unless you think that the players and coaches aren't trying to (a) make the plays and (b) take steps to get better, how about we give it a rest? I'm not saying the viewpoint isn't valid, I'm simply stating that sh&ting all over these guys every day isn't productive. The defense either gets better or not but how many times do we really need to castigate them like they want to fail? :twocents:

HannahO, you appear to be a voice of reason. Not sure grouping the coaches and players together in your above points is a valid way to breakdown the situation. The question isn't whether the team and coaches are "trying" to improve, but are they "capable" of improving. ... old dog, new tricks.

Geniuses abound on both sides of the issue and emotion may weigh heavily at times on the commentary, but don't want to see speech shut down on an important topic by tying 18-21 year old players in with 40-60 year old coaches. Haven't seen anyone question the players hearts, effort or desire. Like Ranger said, "it is what it is", but that doesn't mean people have to like it.

Go Eags!

 

[Sylvergunsuperman]

I'm really feeling this is a game where the defense steps up, although Davis will probably get good yards on the ground. The game is in Cali, I'm sure our support there will be good. Lots of family and friends there. The offense will be productive as usual. I feel we will get 2 picks and have a good special teams day. All in all, it will be a complete performance. Eags win 55-24. Yes, its all feelings folks.

 

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Oh boy, when was the last time we scored 63 points in a game? Some of these predictions are ridiculous. Slightly off topic, but what are the viewing options for this game? Will it be shown on Big Sky TV?

I'm not bothering to look this up, but I think the last time Eastern went over 60 was against Rocky Mountain in 97. The last time it happened against an FCS team (out of conference at the time) was in 94 against Cal Poly.

That's what I mean, it doesn't happen. And it certainly won't happen in this game because UC Davis is a running team, so they will do their best to shorten the game and limit how much we have the ball. We scored 52 against UW and MSU, but those were total shootout type games. I just don't see this game being that way at all. It' far more likely we'll score in the mid to upper 30's.

Both UW and MSU are running teams. Huskies ran it 70% of the time on us, MSU ran it 68% of the time on us. Now I understand that UC-Davis doesn't have the have the offensive firepower that those two teams have, but they're a far cry from being NDSU. They will TRY to keep the ball away from us, but we will get more stops and/or turnovers than we did against MSU and UW. We will score more than 42 without a doubt, and if they're careless with the ball or we can get a couple lucky breaks, we will have a chance at 60. Won't be likely, but we'll have a chance. I bet we break 60 against ISU and at least one other team this year.

 

[clawman1]

Oh boy, when was the last time we scored 63 points in a game? Some of these predictions are ridiculous. Slightly off topic, but what are the viewing options for this game? Will it be shown on Big Sky TV?

I'm not bothering to look this up, but I think the last time Eastern went over 60 was against Rocky Mountain in 97. The last time it happened against an FCS team (out of conference at the time) was in 94 against Cal Poly.

That's what I mean, it doesn't happen. And it certainly won't happen in this game because UC Davis is a running team, so they will do their best to shorten the game and limit how much we have the ball. We scored 52 against UW and MSU, but those were total shootout type games. I just don't see this game being that way at all. It' far more likely we'll score in the mid to upper 30's.

Both UW and MSU are running teams. Huskies ran it 70% of the time on us, MSU ran it 68% of the time on us. Now I understand that UC-Davis doesn't have the have the offensive firepower that those two teams have, but they're a far cry from being NDSU. They will TRY to keep the ball away from us, but we will get more stops and/or turnovers than we did against MSU and UW. We will score more than 42 without a doubt, and if they're careless with the ball or we can get a couple lucky breaks, we will have a chance at 60. Won't be likely, but we'll have a chance. I bet we break 60 against ISU and at least one other team this year.

For the Eagles to score 60 our defense would be forcing them into 3 and out a number of times, so their score will be low. Before the Eagles rack up 60 Baldwin would have lots of backups playing. I would like to see West in live game conditions.
So... I don't see the Eagles getting close to 60.

 

[DefendtheRed]

The game is in Cali, I'm sure our support there will be good. Lots of family and friends there.

And alums. Makes sense that Brown would get the start today, seeing as how he's from the Bay Area and will probably have a lot of fans at the game.

 

[clawman1]

Is this game televised anywhere?

 

[eaglesfootball]

Is this game televised anywhere?

no TV, only streaming through big sky.

 

[Rjones61]

Dang, I didn't think my prediction would be so controversial.

For a team to score more than 60 points on another team, three things need to happen.

1. You need to score very quickly.
2. The score needs to be close enough to keep the starters out.
3. The opposing team can't chew up the clock.

I wouldn't predict that kind of score of many teams. However, UC Davis has the capability to keep up in score (if their star runningback is present) and we will absolutely wreck their defense. We will have a small time of possession simply from scoring so quickly.

 

[luckyintheorder]

Gonna take a flyer on this one. Third game in a row on the road. Last one was tough. Some of our players will be able to have friends and family in the stands that can't make it to Cheney ...

To end the suspense; EWU goes 4 - 1 on the season.

Flyer: D scores a touchdown and forces 5 or more stops. Run as much as we throw about 35 times each, have 450 yards of total offense, possess the ball 34+ minutes, Kupp scores on a fly sweep run and a reception, VA is efficient completing 78% of his throws, no INT's, the TE's catch more than 2 passes, Tally gets a sack off the edge rush, D holds UC Davis under 350 yds, Forte goes over 100 again and 2 TD's, UC Davis wins the toss and opts to receive.

Sunny, clear and 74 degrees at kickoff

EWU 48 (incl D's TD) -- UC Davis 26

D didn't score. UC davis won toss and elected to receive: check; 5 or more stops: check; EWU TOP 35 min: check; VA 82% completions: check; Rushes 40+, passes attempts 29: check; TE's more than 2 catches: check; UC Davis under 350 yds offense (260): check; EWU total yards 475: check

Nice team win: CHECK! Go Eags!

http://stats.statbroadcast.com/statmonitr/?id=61411

 

[Seattle Eagle]

43 - 17. Defense brings it together like we know they can.

Well played Dozy, not too far off.

 

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Oh boy, when was the last time we scored 63 points in a game? Some of these predictions are ridiculous. Slightly off topic, but what are the viewing options for this game? Will it be shown on Big Sky TV?

I'm not bothering to look this up, but I think the last time Eastern went over 60 was against Rocky Mountain in 97. The last time it happened against an FCS team (out of conference at the time) was in 94 against Cal Poly.

That's what I mean, it doesn't happen. And it certainly won't happen in this game because UC Davis is a running team, so they will do their best to shorten the game and limit how much we have the ball. We scored 52 against UW and MSU, but those were total shootout type games. I just don't see this game being that way at all. It' far more likely we'll score in the mid to upper 30's.

Both UW and MSU are running teams. Huskies ran it 70% of the time on us, MSU ran it 68% of the time on us. Now I understand that UC-Davis doesn't have the have the offensive firepower that those two teams have, but they're a far cry from being NDSU. They will TRY to keep the ball away from us, but we will get more stops and/or turnovers than we did against MSU and UW. We will score more than 42 without a doubt, and if they're careless with the ball or we can get a couple lucky breaks, we will have a chance at 60. Won't be likely, but we'll have a chance. I bet we break 60 against ISU and at least one other team this year.

Well I was more wrong than I was right, so I'll eat my crow. We did get some turnovers, and had a couple of TD's taken away by penalties, but UCD did an excellent job of limiting our possessions with their ground and pound.

 

[tomq04]

end of game prediction, UC Davis is going to sneak up on someone for a season changing win. Watch UM or MSU, and any other people trying to sneak into the play offs. These guys played great for 2 quarters, might not be a stretch to get them mentally prepped for 4.

 

[luckyintheorder]

end of game prediction, UC Davis is going to sneak up on someone for a season changing win. Watch UM or MSU, and any other people trying to sneak into the play offs. These guys played great for 2 quarters, might not be a stretch to get them mentally prepped for 4.

Our offense took them out of their game plan; if they had stayed patient who can say. We made enough mistakes with penalties in the fourth quarter it could have become uncomfortably close had they kept chipping away.... Don't think they are good enough to get by UM or MSU straight up; they would need some help.

 

[EWURanger]

Oh boy, when was the last time we scored 63 points in a game? Some of these predictions are ridiculous. Slightly off topic, but what are the viewing options for this game? Will it be shown on Big Sky TV?

I'm not bothering to look this up, but I think the last time Eastern went over 60 was against Rocky Mountain in 97. The last time it happened against an FCS team (out of conference at the time) was in 94 against Cal Poly.

That's what I mean, it doesn't happen. And it certainly won't happen in this game because UC Davis is a running team, so they will do their best to shorten the game and limit how much we have the ball. We scored 52 against UW and MSU, but those were total shootout type games. I just don't see this game being that way at all. It' far more likely we'll score in the mid to upper 30's.

Both UW and MSU are running teams. Huskies ran it 70% of the time on us, MSU ran it 68% of the time on us. Now I understand that UC-Davis doesn't have the have the offensive firepower that those two teams have, but they're a far cry from being NDSU. They will TRY to keep the ball away from us, but we will get more stops and/or turnovers than we did against MSU and UW. We will score more than 42 without a doubt, and if they're careless with the ball or we can get a couple lucky breaks, we will have a chance at 60. Won't be likely, but we'll have a chance. I bet we break 60 against ISU and at least one other team this year.

Well I was more wrong than I was right, so I'll eat my crow. We did get some turnovers, and had a couple of TD's taken away by penalties, but UCD did an excellent job of limiting our possessions with their ground and pound.

They definitely did that in the first half, but overall I think we had something like 35 minutes TOP.

 

[LDopaPDX]

end of game prediction, UC Davis is going to sneak up on someone for a season changing win. Watch UM or MSU, and any other people trying to sneak into the play offs. These guys played great for 2 quarters, might not be a stretch to get them mentally prepped for 4.

I don't know about that. They might get a signature win somewhere along the way, but they aren't a very good football team. It really hurt them not to have Boyett play, which came as a surprise because I thought he was healthy.

Defensively, as soon as we sold out to stop the run, they were finished. It was a great adjustment by the coaches and the kids executed it well. They basically made a single play all second half, as they just didn't have the firepower to get vertical. Every team they play will do the same, stack up the box and play manned up on the outside, and I don't think UC Davis has an offense that can score points against teams who play like that.

 

[Rjones61]

Boy, my big sky challenge took a turn for the worst. I picked Cal Poly, Weber and Sac.

 

[luckyintheorder]

Boy, my big sky challenge took a turn for the worst. I picked Cal Poly, Weber and Sac.

I had Sac and CP too, everyone must have struggled cause I actually moved up a few spots. Next week should go better.