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UCA
- Thread starter Eags12
- Start date
eaglesfootball
Active member
i didn't think either team looked particularly good but as we all know looks can been deceiving.
Seattle Eagle
Active member
As with any playoff team they'll be a tough out but from what I saw this should be a winnable game for us. Someone already mentioned their defense as a strong point, but I didn't see a strong rushing game to go along with that so I guess they are a little like us in that regard. I do think our passing offense is light years better.
luckyintheorder
Active member
Can check the stats to help form an opinion beyond the eye test.
http://www.ncaa.com/stats/football/fcs/current/team/22
Think the big consideration is the Southland. UCA's QB is a top ten QB per stats, but low completion rate, 8 yds per completion, only 2 receivers in top 50 (in the 40's). I don't think he would be in the top 50 in the CAA, MVCF or BigSky. Defense is top 15 ect... I'm taking all that with a grain of salt.
They didn't give up when Redbirds seemed on the verge of finishing them off, but wasn't high on Redbirds offense and they got away from what was working. Sometimes coaches amuse themselves with changing things for no reason.
Net net.. UCA is going to need the Eags help in a big way to win at the Inferno. Looking forward to being at the game and watching a dominate Eagle performance
http://www.ncaa.com/stats/football/fcs/current/team/22
Think the big consideration is the Southland. UCA's QB is a top ten QB per stats, but low completion rate, 8 yds per completion, only 2 receivers in top 50 (in the 40's). I don't think he would be in the top 50 in the CAA, MVCF or BigSky. Defense is top 15 ect... I'm taking all that with a grain of salt.
They didn't give up when Redbirds seemed on the verge of finishing them off, but wasn't high on Redbirds offense and they got away from what was working. Sometimes coaches amuse themselves with changing things for no reason.
Net net.. UCA is going to need the Eags help in a big way to win at the Inferno. Looking forward to being at the game and watching a dominate Eagle performance
sammamisheag
Active member
UCA's offense looked better in 2nd half. QB threw for 268 yds w/ 50% completion. They had 7 points through three quarters. Game turned on a blocked punt for a TD.
Strength of team seems to be their defense and special teams. Long road trip doesn't bode well. EWU should win by 2-3 scores after a sluggish first half (like always).
Still feel very fortunate EWU is in this bracket. Expect Richmond to beat UND setting up a Richmond/EWU quarterfinal.
Strength of team seems to be their defense and special teams. Long road trip doesn't bode well. EWU should win by 2-3 scores after a sluggish first half (like always).
Still feel very fortunate EWU is in this bracket. Expect Richmond to beat UND setting up a Richmond/EWU quarterfinal.
luckyintheorder
Active member
Their QB looked pretty confident, could make throws, and get out of the pocket if necessary. They have a LB that looked like a discount Khalil Mack. D line looked OK, too. Reminded me of past Weber teams, or maybe Portland State. If our offense can stretch the field per usual, we have enough weapons to easily control this game. The Bears are disciplined and versatile, though. I expect them to empty the play book. Maybe this is another UNI game that will require some trickeration for a W.
luckyintheorder
Active member
Nailed the Redbird v. UCA game
:shock:
luckyintheorder
Active member
Saw them as a Weber type team as well. There were a lot of Redbird receivers open yesterday and vice versa. Would Hildebrand have a chance to start at EWU? Poor man's West at best IMO.93bird said:
One thing is certain, Eastern ALWAYS gets their opponents best shot; UCA will be no exception and their coach will motivate them by pushing the "respect us" meme. Did not see anything from an X's and O's perspective where UCA had any advantage. Look forward to more information as the week progresses.
EagInTexas
Active member
From what I saw, no. Still, they will be a tough team. Very disciplined on both sides of the ball.luckyintheorder said:
EagerEagle
Active member
I thought UCA's d looked tough. They continued to get a pass rush with their front four d line. This could give is some trouble. Their LBs flowed well with the play and they had some athletic DBs. However they gave up a few big plays in the secondary. Looked like a pretty strong spec. Teams as well with the blocked punt that really changed the momentum of that game and some decent returns by their return guys. I believe their punter pinned the Redbirds at least twice inside their five.
I watched most of their game. I'd second what everyone else said, they don't have a lot of weaknesses, but they aren't particularly exceptional at anything either.
They mix it up on offense, but prefer to throw. Botha teams seemed perfectly capable of manning up on the other's receivers. This is likely a game where we can contest the line of scrimmage with 5 or 6 and try to lock them down man-to-man.
We are the better team in this one, but like most Big Sky games, UCA is within the "margin of error." If we play poorly, they're perfectly capable of beating us. If we play well, it seems highly unlikely that we'll lose.
They mix it up on offense, but prefer to throw. Botha teams seemed perfectly capable of manning up on the other's receivers. This is likely a game where we can contest the line of scrimmage with 5 or 6 and try to lock them down man-to-man.
We are the better team in this one, but like most Big Sky games, UCA is within the "margin of error." If we play poorly, they're perfectly capable of beating us. If we play well, it seems highly unlikely that we'll lose.
I also didn't see their opening round game (was busy with family stuff) but any team you face in the playoffs is going to be a tough game. I did see part of their game against Sam Houston and the turnovers killed them other wise they could have made a game of it. Could they win 9 games in the Big Sky? Maybe. I'll take the Eags at home by 10 points.
Where's the prediction thread?
Where's the prediction thread?
60s Savage
Active member
The Bears looked lethargic in the First Half, but overcame their scoring deficit plus enough to get ahead later. The QB did zip in a couple tight completions in traffic when they were needed, and looked more mobile in the Second Half. UCA was coming off a blowout with Houston, so they may revive further after this win. I say Eags high forties, Bears low twenties. Would love to see this game, but got a meeting; looking forward to the Frisco celebration singing, "Go Eagles Go!" Cooper Kupp deserves to play in that one, and I'm praying for his healing and more catches and runs during the playoffs. GO EAGS!
EWU Grad 82
Active member
Yes, UCA started off lethargic, but the one thing the Bears did very well was to not give up, come from behind, and win. I know of another team that does that very well. Despite their heart, UCA is overmatched, and I think the Eags will win win three scores.
They might be overmatched in some areas, but one thing is for sure. If the Eagles do not overcome the slow starts in the playoffs it will bite them in the ass sooner than later. These are much better teams we will be facing in playoffs than a ISU or PSU, including UCA.EWU Grad 82 said:
EWU Grad 82
Active member
Hodor, I think you're exactly right. The teams that have made it to the second round are very good, and if the Eagles don't start off in high gear for each and every game they may not go far. I do think they will play with the necessary intensity and focus to make a deep run.
Seattle Eagle
Active member
The biggest thing I noticed about the second half is that their coach has balls. The onside kick that UCA attempted with plenty of time left in the game is what made the difference. If they don't recover that I don't think they would have won the game.
EWU Grad 82 said:
Eastern teams under Baldwin have notoriously played down to the level of their opponents, but also notoriously find ways to win even when it seems unlikely.
Hopefully we come out fast and blow them away. If that doesn't materialize, I still feel good about our ability to play our way through the game.
The only thing that scares me is if we simultaneously have another slow offensive night (ala PSU) and look out of sorts early on defense (also ala PSU). That's sort of the perfect storm that gets us beat.
