Thoughts on the game

[EWURanger]

I made a thread right after the game congratulating you guys on the way your team played and the EWU talent as a whole. In my opinion, you deserved that game more than us, and certainly looked like you wanted it more.

That said, we absolutely did play a vanilla scheme. If you would have watched any of our games last year, the contrast should be glaring and obvious. On the defensive side of the ball, Nick Holt had me scratching my head the entire game. I was fuming at his decision not to change up coverages. When you have a QB destroying your zone with quick slants off a three step drop, you switch to press coverage. Inexplicably, Holt did nothing to change the schemes. Furthermore, on those third and long plays he dropped everyone back and rush only three. This had me literally yelling at my TV. I don't care if you're playing a high school team, you give a receiver enough time and he WILL get open. For whatever reason, UW did not play their usual style of ball. This is a fact and really not up for any legit debate. However, it's not an excuse. Eastern is that good, and UW should be ashamed for taking them lightly.

I think UW went in to this with a fairly vanilla game plan to try to keep things simple for Price's first start. And Price wasn't spectacular, but for his first start he did what he needed to do and didn't turn the ball over. We knew UW would try and lean on us and run the ball and that's exactly what happened. Although we were ok stopping Polk at times, he got enough productivity to keep UW on the field long enough to get all those FG's. All things considered, I think our defense did pretty well. I was actually a bit surprised that our young corners were not tested more than they were.

On defense, I can understand the effects of having a lot of new guys playing in their first game can do. So I can see where they might have wanted to keep things simple. That said, I don't think the UW coaches really had an appreciation for how talented EWU is offensively. There is that difference in talent and depth in general between FBS and FCS, but a good QB is a good QB. Tall receivers with speed will still hurt you. But I was really surprised that UW did not adjust coverages more. I can only deduce that the db's were playing so far off the line of scrimmage because they were concerned about giving up the big play over the top, which was a real possibility (it happened anyway). So vanilla plan or not, when you are giving up that many yards without making adjustments, that is a coaching deficiency IMO. You need to have the flexibility to change your game plan on the fly. I do think that UW needs to get their coverage situation worked out prior to this weekend though, because I imagine Hawaii will try to do the same thing we did on you.

I think the big take-away for this for UW should be that these games aren't played on paper. If you don't prepare 100% for every opponent, you can very well get beat. To an extent I think our team had to learn this the hard way last season, as we almost lost to Division II Central Washington. They were a very good football team that was undoubtedly in a similar mindset that EWU was going into the Washington game. Teams will generally play a little bit more inspired ball when they are playing up a Division, especially against an in-state school.

 

[EWURanger]

Not me...The players need appreciation from every live body in Cheney and Spokane. This team is going to put up phenominal numbers and will hopefully make it back to Frisco, (so I can see another game) . You can skew the numbers any way you want, 2,000 isn't enough for this caliber of game. I am sure it will be packed for the home opener against MSU. It's still a shame that we didn't get a better turn out in Seattle to support the football team.

I completely agree with you Wineguy. Attendance and facilities have always been the biggest bitches amongst the EWU faithful. The pickle is that you can't get one without the other. I.E. it's hard to attract new people for "game day" in the facilities we've got, and it's hard to justify renovations/upgrades in seating when the attendance sits fairly stagnant. It is better some years than others. The good news is that I think we will finally start seeing some improvements in the attendance situation this season. There are several things that point to that - the fact that the upper parking lot has been sold out for a while and I would expect that the bottom will be in a similar situation soon. With only 4 home games this season, I don't think we'll see an improvement in season tickets, however, our regular season game average will be up.

All I can say is that Rome wasn't built in a day, and every year the program will have to face the challenge of improving on what it did the last, whether that be with drawing more folks in, venue improvements, whatever. As long as we are going in the right direction that's a good thing, and I really think that we are. Proud to be an Eagle. :thumb:

 

[marceagfan5]

Not me...The players need appreciation from every live body in Cheney and Spokane. This team is going to put up phenominal numbers and will hopefully make it back to Frisco, (so I can see another game) . You can skew the numbers any way you want, 2,000 isn't enough for this caliber of game. I am sure it will be packed for the home opener against MSU. It's still a shame that we didn't get a better turn out in Seattle to support the football team.

I completely agree with you Wineguy. Attendance and facilities have always been the biggest bitches amongst the EWU faithful. The pickle is that you can't get one without the other. I.E. it's hard to attract new people for "game day" in the facilities we've got, and it's hard to justify renovations/upgrades in seating when the attendance sits fairly stagnant. It is better some years than others. The good news is that I think we will finally start seeing some improvements in the attendance situation this season. There are several things that point to that - the fact that the upper parking lot has been sold out for a while and I would expect that the bottom will be in a similar situation soon. With only 4 home games this season, I don't think we'll see an improvement in season tickets, however, our regular season game average will be up.

All I can say is that Rome wasn't built in a day, and every year the program will have to face the challenge of improving on what it did the last, whether that be with drawing more folks in, venue improvements, whatever. As long as we are going in the right direction that's a good thing, and I really think that we are. Proud to be an Eagle. :thumb:

We should see better numbers for the 4 home games this year, and hopefully the 3 playoff games to follow (wishful thinking). I would expect the MSU game would sell out, Eastern has done a lot to try to get butts in the seats this year, I give Troy a lot of credit, but it is now up to Spokane and the fans/alumni to turn out.

There are deals on season tickets through sterling savings bank, and single game tickets through columbia tractors in 4 lakes. No reason we can't fill the stands all 4 games. This team is going to be special this year and as I told one of my friends after the game on Saturday, I don't think Eastern will lose again this year unless we beat ourselves.

BTW Wineguy...your son put up a fantastic performance on Saturday and I am sure there are many more to come this year, I see a lot of records being broken.

 

[GoEags]

I am sick and tired of hearing about how "vanilla" UW's schemes were - offensively and defensively. Complete and total cop out Husky Fan. In fact, the offense that was vanilla was EWU - QB pass ball, receiver catch ball, EWU score - pretty vanilla! On defense, we didn't do a whole lot that was really deceiving - lined up smashed your a**es in the ground and held your pathetic offense to a measely 250 yds. Can you say 3 and out?? Perhaps the U was so vanilla is because from the coach down they disrespected EWU. But when they needed to scheme and change things up they couldn't, why?....lack of talent? poor coaching? I know EWU is scheduled to play the U in a couple years, wonder if Sark will keep that date?

Win is still a win and you can't beat a team with an 0-4 turnover margin. Time to let this one go and start getting ready for the Yotes in South Dakota! Hope the Q carries the game - of not it's Larry and Paul on the radio!

GO EAGS!!!

 

[Dawg Pound]

I made a thread right after the game congratulating you guys on the way your team played and the EWU talent as a whole. In my opinion, you deserved that game more than us, and certainly looked like you wanted it more.

That said, we absolutely did play a vanilla scheme. If you would have watched any of our games last year, the contrast should be glaring and obvious. On the defensive side of the ball, Nick Holt had me scratching my head the entire game. I was fuming at his decision not to change up coverages. When you have a QB destroying your zone with quick slants off a three step drop, you switch to press coverage. Inexplicably, Holt did nothing to change the schemes. Furthermore, on those third and long plays he dropped everyone back and rush only three. This had me literally yelling at my TV. I don't care if you're playing a high school team, you give a receiver enough time and he WILL get open. For whatever reason, UW did not play their usual style of ball. This is a fact and really not up for any legit debate. However, it's not an excuse. Eastern is that good, and UW should be ashamed for taking them lightly.

I think UW went in to this with a fairly vanilla game plan to try to keep things simple for Price's first start. And Price wasn't spectacular, but for his first start he did what he needed to do and didn't turn the ball over. We knew UW would try and lean on us and run the ball and that's exactly what happened. Although we were ok stopping Polk at times, he got enough productivity to keep UW on the field long enough to get all those FG's. All things considered, I think our defense did pretty well. I was actually a bit surprised that our young corners were not tested more than they were.

On defense, I can understand the effects of having a lot of new guys playing in their first game can do. So I can see where they might have wanted to keep things simple. That said, I don't think the UW coaches really had an appreciation for how talented EWU is offensively. There is that difference in talent and depth in general between FBS and FCS, but a good QB is a good QB. Tall receivers with speed will still hurt you. But I was really surprised that UW did not adjust coverages more. I can only deduce that the db's were playing so far off the line of scrimmage because they were concerned about giving up the big play over the top, which was a real possibility (it happened anyway). So vanilla plan or not, when you are giving up that many yards without making adjustments, that is a coaching deficiency IMO. You need to have the flexibility to change your game plan on the fly. I do think that UW needs to get their coverage situation worked out prior to this weekend though, because I imagine Hawaii will try to do the same thing we did on you.

I think the big take-away for this for UW should be that these games aren't played on paper. If you don't prepare 100% for every opponent, you can very well get beat. To an extent I think our team had to learn this the hard way last season, as we almost lost to Division II Central Washington. They were a very good football team that was undoubtedly in a similar mindset that EWU was going into the Washington game. Teams will generally play a little bit more inspired ball when they are playing up a Division, especially against an in-state school.

That about sums it up, great post.

GoEags, not so much...

 

[Vic E. Wallace]

To All,
Our team have been practicing all week, including "Monday Labor Day." Aston Miller, is in a walking boot right now, Kaufman, Bo Levi, are all practicing. I haven't seen any problems with any of the team, except, Kauf goes and get iced after each practice. Remember he had surgeries after last season.The team is working very hard for the games the rest of the season. Had they beaten UW, I would have been worried of the let down. Not now, they are really working their butts off to go 1-1.

Reference Dennis Patchin, I spoke to someone in Athletics Department, and mention Patchin calling the games fo Montana State, I was told he will be doing the games this year.

I can see all of the concerns about Patchin calling MS Games, however, it is like someone mention, it is a bad economy, and we must do all we can to provide for our families, providing it is honest.

Surely great posting about our team against UW, Outstanding comments from all. I really enjoyed reading all of them. Larry Weir, I will have my radio tuned to ESPN 700 AM, Saturday @ 1:30pm. Can't wait for this game to get going. Bo looked great in practice, along with the other QBs, and rest of team. Good Luck on Saturday. Go Eagles!!!!! Vic Wallace

 

[grizhunter]

FWIW, the Eagles looked awesome on Saturday!!! Every part of the game looked really sharp, especially for the very first game of the season. Well done, very well done!! :clap:

 

[eaglesfootball]

hi all, I have posted more highlights from this game in the video section. Also be on the lookout for more video highlights of our players as the year goes along similar to the Taiwan videos I did last season.

 

[FrontFive4Life]

Nice work.

 

[Vic E. Wallace]

To All Interested,
Spoke with Troy Kirby today at practice, he stated the game will be televised at Northern Quest and Swingging Doors in Spokane.

Team will be leaving a 9am, tomrrow. The practices went well, and they are prepared for what the Coyotes have to throw at them, :thumb: :clap: are they ready for what we have for them? hno: hno:

The Coaches entire team came up to me and wished me a "Happy Birthday", which is Friday. I said to them come back with a "W", that will be my BD Gift. They all responded, "We Got You Vic" :thumb: :thumb: :nod: :nod:

We have some walkons, and excuse me I forgot to write their names down, and positions. We have another big player from WSU. He came up and introduced himself to me. He said he see me and my daughter everyday, and he wanted me to know who he is. I forgot to see if Gomez,S. Hill, are in. They were waiting for Clelaring House. S. Hill, is a WR. If you see him run and cuts, you would swear it is Twian Jones back again. Hope his grades are up to where they should be so he can get to practice. "GOOD LUCK ON SATURDAY, COME BACK WITH A WIN" Go Eagles!!!!! Vic Wallace

 

[Screamin_Eagle174]

To All Interested,
Spoke with Troy Kirby today at practice, he stated the game will be televised at Northern Quest and Swingging Doors in Spokane.

Team will be leaving a 9am, tomrrow. The practices went well, and they are prepared for what the Coyotes have to throw at them, :thumb: :clap: are they ready for what we have for them? hno: hno:

The Coaches entire team came up to me and wished me a "Happy Birthday", which is Friday. I said to them come back with a "W", that will be my BD Gift. They all responded, "We Got You Vic" :thumb: :thumb: :nod: :nod:

We have some walkons, and excuse me I forgot to write their names down, and positions. We have another big player from WSU. He came up and introduced himself to me. He said he see me and my daughter everyday, and he wanted me to know who he is. I forgot to see if Gomez,S. Hill, are in. They were waiting for Clelaring House. S. Hill, is a WR. If you see him run and cuts, you would swear it is Twian Jones back again. Hope his grades are up to where they should be so he can get to practice. "GOOD LUCK ON SATURDAY, COME BACK WITH A WIN" Go Eagles!!!!! Vic Wallace

Vic, you're talking about Shaquille Hill, right? Yeah I remember him running very similar to TJ in his highlight video. I can't wait to see him play more... he could be like a small TJ in the slot... that would be a deadly combo. :nod:

 

[TRochon]

I'm a returning student at EWU going into my sophomore year. (You can only imagine how awesome it was to have a national championship football team your freshman year.) I went to the game this past weekend and talked as much trash to UW fans as possible. We all knew we were being underestimated and we sure proved how great of a team we were on the field. To the huskies: you may try to produce all the excuses you can, but the fact is; you almost lost to an FCS team. The huskies played Eagle football all game and that is simply a fact. It really doesn't matter what scheme you guys ran all game, the media doesn't see it that way and neither do we. The press is now breathing down your backs and the huskies must produce against hawaii. EWU received their largest incoming freshman class this summer, which I think will be great for filling the inferno this year. With the Eagles starting to hit the media and such, I'd like to think we will see more fans at the games. Although we only have 4 home games this season (and more incounting on the road to Frisco ) I think the games will be packed. I will do my part as a student to let everyone know of the games, but I really think this will be a turn around season fan wise. Now that the eagle buzz is going around, it's only a matter of time before Montana State comes to visit a packed Roos Field.

 

[Screamin_Eagle174]

I'm a returning student at EWU going into my sophomore year. (You can only imagine how awesome it was to have a national championship football team your freshman year.) I went to the game this past weekend and talked as much trash to UW fans as possible. We all knew we were being underestimated and we sure proved how great of a team we were on the field. To the huskies: you may try to produce all the excuses you can, but the fact is; you almost lost to an FCS team. The huskies played Eagle football all game and that is simply a fact. It really doesn't matter what scheme you guys ran all game, the media doesn't see it that way and neither do we. The press is now breathing down your backs and the huskies must produce against hawaii. EWU received their largest incoming freshman class this summer, which I think will be great for filling the inferno this year. With the Eagles starting to hit the media and such, I'd like to think we will see more fans at the games. Although we only have 4 home games this season (and more incounting on the road to Frisco ) I think the games will be packed. I will do my part as a student to let everyone know of the games, but I really think this will be a turn around season fan wise. Now that the eagle buzz is going around, it's only a matter of time before Montana State comes to visit a packed Roos Field.

Great to hear TRochon, and keep up the good work! :thumb:

 

[Obzerver]

wish I was going into my soph. year...

 

[wineguy]

I'm a returning student at EWU going into my sophomore year. (You can only imagine how awesome it was to have a national championship football team your freshman year.) I went to the game this past weekend and talked as much trash to UW fans as possible. We all knew we were being underestimated and we sure proved how great of a team we were on the field. To the huskies: you may try to produce all the excuses you can, but the fact is; you almost lost to an FCS team. The huskies played Eagle football all game and that is simply a fact. It really doesn't matter what scheme you guys ran all game, the media doesn't see it that way and neither do we. The press is now breathing down your backs and the huskies must produce against hawaii. EWU received their largest incoming freshman class this summer, which I think will be great for filling the inferno this year. With the Eagles starting to hit the media and such, I'd like to think we will see more fans at the games. Although we only have 4 home games this season (and more incounting on the road to Frisco ) I think the games will be packed. I will do my part as a student to let everyone know of the games, but I really think this will be a turn around season fan wise. Now that the eagle buzz is going around, it's only a matter of time before Montana State comes to visit a packed Roos Field.

You my friend are exactly what this team needs. A student that is totally into the football team. Please tell us more about you and can you get some of your fellow students off their ass and attend some games.

 

[Vic E. Wallace]

SE174,
That is correct, Shaquille Hill. He looks very fast in his film. I did go out to see the team off this morning. Their plane came in early "Sun Country Airlines", Boeing 700-800, very sharp looking aircraft. I taught the team was leaving at 9am, when I got there I found out they were going to leave about 950am. The plane left about 10:15am. The Coaches and Team taught I was going with the team, I told them no, so I stayed there unti the plain got airborne.

Wineguy,
I am with you, I have seen Cory Work his butt off in practices. He has some great hands, I have seen him go high and pull down some of the high passes his brother threw to him. 75 Players were taken on the trip, Pres. "A" and Wife, Cheer Ladies, 1 Board Of Trustee, etc. Approximately 105 personnel. Team is due back about 11pm Saturday evening, we will be there to welcome them back home, with "W". :nod: :nod: :clap: :clap:

TRochon,
Welcome to the blog. Glad to see a student is involved. Please get the word out to your friends about the four home games. Should we get 8,000 at the game, they will make me out a lier. That will be one time I wouldn't mind being a lier. I have been coming to the games now for approximately 11 years, and I get so frustrated when I see the poor attendance. Like I've said earlier, the way we played UW, and "National Championship, we might get some bigger crowds. (HOPE) Again tanks for being part of our blog, and "Dedicated Eagle Fan" Go Eagles!!!!! Vic Wallace

 

[FormerEag]

wish I was going into my soph. year...

:nod: :nod: :nod:

 

[EWUeag]

Good old sophomore year shenanigans on Lincoln street

 

[reveagle]

Just another EWU student checking in. I've been checking this forum almost daily for the past 3 yrs. Ive posted here before, mainly on the recruiting post. Now entering my Sr. yr. I've been to every home game since my Fr yr and had a blast at the UW game. Looking forward to traveling to UM game and watch my Eags put a beat down on the griz. I agree with TRochon and I'm confident we will have a packed house for every home game this year. I also believe that we are building a bigger generation of long term fans who will continue attending games even after they are done at Eastern.

 

[EWURanger]

I'm a returning student at EWU going into my sophomore year. (You can only imagine how awesome it was to have a national championship football team your freshman year.) I went to the game this past weekend and talked as much trash to UW fans as possible. We all knew we were being underestimated and we sure proved how great of a team we were on the field. To the huskies: you may try to produce all the excuses you can, but the fact is; you almost lost to an FCS team. The huskies played Eagle football all game and that is simply a fact. It really doesn't matter what scheme you guys ran all game, the media doesn't see it that way and neither do we. The press is now breathing down your backs and the huskies must produce against hawaii. EWU received their largest incoming freshman class this summer, which I think will be great for filling the inferno this year. With the Eagles starting to hit the media and such, I'd like to think we will see more fans at the games. Although we only have 4 home games this season (and more incounting on the road to Frisco ) I think the games will be packed. I will do my part as a student to let everyone know of the games, but I really think this will be a turn around season fan wise. Now that the eagle buzz is going around, it's only a matter of time before Montana State comes to visit a packed Roos Field.

Great to hear. I've said it before, but I'll say it again: Our attendance hinges largely upon student involvement. With only four home games this season, there is no reason why there shouldn't be MASSIVE student attendance at these games. We are a school of 11.000 full-time students that struggled in the playoffs last year to get people at games. That was largely due to school not being in session, I know, but during the regular season everyone should be at the game. The dorms, every fraternity, every sorority, and downtown Cheney should be a ghost town because the BIG game is going on at Roos Field. The school needs to be pushing attendance to these games as much as possible and I'm glad to hear that students are getting more excited. No matter how many tickets are sold to these games, students will never be turned away, even if it's standing room only. At most schools students have to pay to get into games. And besides, what else is there to do in Cheney on a cool, crisp, autumn afternoon? Students get your butts out there! (and alums too). :thumb: