Weber State - Game Day Thread

[LDopaPDX]

This is a huge home game leading into a bye week. Weber is probably the best 4 loss team in the FCS, only losing close and competitive games. While unlikely, they need to run the table to have any shot of making the playoffs. Their only two wins were total beat-downs of Cal Poly and Dixie State.

The bad news is Weber is exceptional on defense, especially on the interior. It's tough to run the ball on them. They like to use a lot of different blitz packages, and mix up tight and soft coverages on the outside. Defensively, they're probably about even with Montana... making them either the best or second best defense we've faced.

Offensively, they started the season poorly and have only gotten worse. It's a little bit of the opposite effect of Eastern, where we usually have a great offense and a sub-standard defense... they have an elite defense and a makeshift, ineffective offense. Stylistically, they aren't too different from Montana. We CANNOT, under any circumstances, let them go on long drives and keep the clock winding. That's the one situation where they leave Cheney with a win.

We need to strap it up and play physical, because that's what it'll take to beat them. They'll try to beat us up and drag us into deep water. We've done well against this style in 2021, but historically it's been a nightmare for us. We need keep keep proving we're the real deal defensively, because everyone is still marking that as an achilles heel.

 

[luckyintheorder]

This is a huge home game leading into a bye week. Weber is probably the best 4 loss team in the FCS, only losing close and competitive games. While unlikely, they need to run the table to have any shot of making the playoffs. Their only two wins were total beat-downs of Cal Poly and Dixie State.

The bad news is Weber is exceptional on defense, especially on the interior. It's tough to run the ball on them. They like to use a lot of different blitz packages, and mix up tight and soft coverages on the outside. Defensively, they're probably about even with Montana... making them either the best or second best defense we've faced.

Offensively, they started the season poorly and have only gotten worse. It's a little bit of the opposite effect of Eastern, where we usually have a great offense and a sub-standard defense... they have an elite defense and a makeshift, ineffective offense. Stylistically, they aren't too different from Montana. We CANNOT, under any circumstances, let them go on long drives and keep the clock winding. That's the one situation where they leave Cheney with a win.

We need to strap it up and play physical, because that's what it'll take to beat them. They'll try to beat us up and drag us into deep water. We've done well against this style in 2021, but historically it's been a nightmare for us. We need keep keep proving we're the real deal defensively, because everyone is still marking that as an achilles heel.

Hey Dopa, don't know who is

everybody is still marking that as an achilles heel

People can either use their own senses, the stats and outcomes to see this defense is for real or they can live in the past. This defense is for real. The numbers don't lie, they've passed the eye test and the outcomes have been outstanding. Statistically, Eastern's defense stacks up very well with Weber's defense and more fortunately the Eagles offense is SUPERIOR to anything Weber has faced all season.

Aside from being stout on the interior DL not sure what Weber does uniquely that this Eagles team hasn't already seen. I've only seen a couple of quarters and Weber does not look like a top team. No doubt Jay Hill will prepare them as well as possible though.

Weber will not be able to move the ball effectively and the number of stops the defense gets will give the offense plenty of opportunities. Agree that Weber is a physical team and will endeavor to punch Eastern in the mouth. It will be up to the coaches to formulate a feasible plan to handle those challenges. It is also evident that the team leaders are focused and are finding solutions on the field helping the team to make plays and avoid costly mistakes. Plus, this one is on the Inferno

Right now Weber coaches are thinking, teams blitz and Eastern scores, teams play zone and Eastern scores, teams press and Eastern scores... They are also thinking Eastern's defense is creating long 3rd downs, TO's, tackling well, playing a lot of youngsters and getting off the field against better offenses than ours... If Eastern has a weak spot it might be the kicking game and special teams, not crippling but certainly can effect a close outcome. These are young men who may lose focus occasionally but the on field leadership has been outstanding. I have doubts too Dopa, just going to watch a little more film, pray for good weather and the health of our players and coaches and try to recognize just how good this team is becoming and put my prejudices aside. Easier said than done

 

[GoldenEagle]

Watched the Weber/MSU game and came away with a couple observations:

1) The Weber OLine is bad. The MSU DLine beat them the entire game. The MSU DLine looks athletic, but that OLine for Weber is porous.
2) The Weber QB (Bronson Barron) is young, and coming off of an injury. He has some arm talent and I think if he had more time, he could be effective.
3) I thought the MSU defense was better than the Weber defense, especially the MSU linebackers and DBs. However, the Weber D Lineman, Jared Scheiss was a beast.

So, I think the EAGS DLine and LBs will beat the Weber OLine and make it a long day for the young Weber QB. The Eags OLine will provide EB solid protection and he will have another big day.

 

[luckyintheorder]

Watched the Weber/MSU game and came away with a couple observations:

1) The Weber OLine is bad. The MSU DLine beat them the entire game. The MSU DLine looks athletic, but that OLine for Weber is porous.
2) The Weber QB (Bronson Barron) is young, and coming off of an injury. He has some arm talent and I think if he had more time, he could be effective.
3) I thought the MSU defense was better than the Weber defense, especially the MSU linebackers and DBs. However, the Weber D Lineman, Jared Scheiss was a beast.

So, I think the EAGS DLine and LBs will beat the Weber OLine and make it a long day for the young Weber QB. The Eags OLine will provide EB solid protection and he will have another big day.

:thumb: :nod:

 

[luckyintheorder]

Watched the Weber/MSU game and came away with a couple observations:

1) The Weber OLine is bad. The MSU DLine beat them the entire game. The MSU DLine looks athletic, but that OLine for Weber is porous.
2) The Weber QB (Bronson Barron) is young, and coming off of an injury. He has some arm talent and I think if he had more time, he could be effective.
3) I thought the MSU defense was better than the Weber defense, especially the MSU linebackers and DBs. However, the Weber D Lineman, Jared Scheiss was a beast.

So, I think the EAGS DLine and LBs will beat the Weber OLine and make it a long day for the young Weber QB. The Eags OLine will provide EB solid protection and he will have another big day.

OK. Watched this highlight today and even though it doesn't tell the whole story definitely agree that Barron can sling it. Know the highlights didn't include the low lights

Not sure Weber has a WR weapon. Rhasheed is a return weapon and remember him beating us deep once a couple years ago in a slobberknocker. Have always liked Weber's RB, suspect he'll get his on Saturday. Weber's DL is stout as both you and Dopa have mentioned but didn't see the Kats try the edge with Ifanse and the one QB keeper outside was successful late. Eastern can run off tackle IMO. Hill's team are always tough mentally. Also noted that when they pressed coverage, the WR's were able to get off them easily but the DL pressure was enough to stop the downfield pass. Our OL has seen two teams back to back who apply pressure and Eastern has scored over 100 points... :rofl: Ludicrous right?

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJsRaj9IpfI[/media]

 

[LDopaPDX]

We can all hope and pray the defense is what we want it to be. There's no doubt they've improved. But the Western Illinois game still happened; it can't just be ignored.

There is still that sinking feeling that, maybe, just maybe, another implosion happens somewhere this season. It seems unlikely Weber would be the team to make that happen. But they are definitely good enough to make problems for us if we don't fire on all cylinders. Without a doubt, our OL will get tested. They have too much pride in their own defense to pull an Idaho.

 

[EWU98]

We can all hope and pray the defense is what we want it to be. There's no doubt they've improved. But the Western Illinois game still happened; it can't just be ignored.

There is still that sinking feeling that, maybe, just maybe, another implosion happens somewhere this season. It seems unlikely Weber would be the team to make that happen. But they are definitely good enough to make problems for us if we don't fire on all cylinders. Without a doubt, our OL will get tested. They have too much pride in their own defense to pull an Idaho.

Personally I am soooo greatful the Western Illinois game happened the way it did. It showed the fellas you can't just play 2 quarters and coast. I love our aggressiveness and keeping the foot on the peddle till the end. I don't see us having to worry about another let down again. The guys are clicking.....1-0 this week!

 

[clawman1]

We can all hope and pray the defense is what we want it to be. There's no doubt they've improved. But the Western Illinois game still happened; it can't just be ignored.

There is still that sinking feeling that, maybe, just maybe, another implosion happens somewhere this season. It seems unlikely Weber would be the team to make that happen. But they are definitely good enough to make problems for us if we don't fire on all cylinders. Without a doubt, our OL will get tested. They have too much pride in their own defense to pull an Idaho.

@ UC Davis

 

[luckyintheorder]

We can all hope and pray the defense is what we want it to be. There's no doubt they've improved. But the Western Illinois game still happened; it can't just be ignored.

There is still that sinking feeling that, maybe, just maybe, another implosion happens somewhere this season. It seems unlikely Weber would be the team to make that happen. But they are definitely good enough to make problems for us if we don't fire on all cylinders. Without a doubt, our OL will get tested. They have too much pride in their own defense to pull an Idaho.

Hahaha... I'm fighting my own issues with coaches prejudices on this one Dopa. I recognize that WIU happened. What I do know, without prejudice or speculation, is that it hasn't happened again. Can we agree that the lesson has been learned? This is rhetorical, just providing a counterpoint. Some concern is always warranted.

As far as Weber is concerned, do they have an offense that can expose Eastern's D?

Was glad to see a guy like Caleb Davis get some upfield push this past game to compliment the wrecking ball that Joshua Jerome has become.

Hope I've chosen wisely

 

[Obzerver]

Best thing I've seen..speechless how good that is Lucky!

 

[ewueagfan]

I think our offense will score somewhere between 35-45 points on the Weber D, and maybe more than that. It really boils down to Weber’s ability to sustain a bunch of long, clock consuming drives. That’s how you beat Eastern. I personally believe our defense has improved enough this year to prevent them from doing that.

 

[LDopaPDX]

We can all hope and pray the defense is what we want it to be. There's no doubt they've improved. But the Western Illinois game still happened; it can't just be ignored.

There is still that sinking feeling that, maybe, just maybe, another implosion happens somewhere this season. It seems unlikely Weber would be the team to make that happen. But they are definitely good enough to make problems for us if we don't fire on all cylinders. Without a doubt, our OL will get tested. They have too much pride in their own defense to pull an Idaho.

Hahaha... I'm fighting my own issues with coaches prejudices on this one Dopa. I recognize that WIU happened. What I do know, without prejudice or speculation, is that it hasn't happened again. Can we agree that the lesson has been learned? This is rhetorical, just providing a counterpoint. Some concern is always warranted.

As far as Weber is concerned, do they have an offense that can expose Eastern's D?

Was glad to see a guy like Caleb Davis get some upfield push this past game to compliment the wrecking ball that Joshua Jerome has become.

Hope I've chosen wisely

I'm a hardcore cynic, so take it for what it's worth. All I see when I watch Eastern games is ways Eastern can be beat. It's kind of a depressing existence. Losing hurts 10x worse than winning feels good.

 

[EWURanger]

I think Weber’s still probably good enough to beat any team in the conference if they’re playing well and get a couple of calls here or there.

That said, I feel like Eastern has a TON of momentum right now and will not be inclined to lose focus in preparing for any of our remaining games.

 

[Obzerver]

The Red Death for all who enter...mask mandate or not. We have that going for us.

 

[eaglesfootball]

Start out fast, play our game. Gas their defense and make them play from behind.

 

[luckyintheorder]

I'm a hardcore cynic, so take it for what it's worth. All I see when I watch Eastern games is ways Eastern can be beat. It's kind of a depressing existence. Losing hurts 10x worse than winning feels good.

We know it's a defining characteristic. We're OK with it. Just seeing the D in a different light this season. Seriously think the two coach adds on defense have been a minor miracle and the team is the beneficiary. Always felt there was enough talent, just didn't understand the awareness gap. Now that new blood is bringing another level of urgency combined with on the field leadership from a couple of 6th year seniors (Sendelbach, Criner) and a couple of terrific sophomores (Jerome, Doyle) allowing everyone else to play their position and responsibilities. Hallelujah.

 

[luckyintheorder]

Start out fast, play our game. Gas their defense and make them play from behind.

:nod:

 

[LDopaPDX]

I'm a hardcore cynic, so take it for what it's worth. All I see when I watch Eastern games is ways Eastern can be beat. It's kind of a depressing existence. Losing hurts 10x worse than winning feels good.

We know it's a defining characteristic. We're OK with it. Just seeing the D in a different light this season. Seriously think the two coach adds on defense have been a minor miracle and the team is the beneficiary. Always felt there was enough talent, just didn't understand the awareness gap. Now that new blood is bringing another level of urgency combined with on the field leadership from a couple of 6th year seniors (Sendelbach, Criner) and a couple of terrific sophomores (Jerome, Doyle) allowing everyone else to play their position and responsibilities. Hallelujah.

LOL... trust me, I want to believe! It's just not in my nature. The funny thing is I'm eternally optimistic when it comes to just about anything but sports. Those sophomores are great, but even the frosh are stepping into big roles. Harrison, Newsom, and Brown have all played big parts. Harrison especially looks like the real deal... sort of a Peach/Ebukam type of guy.

 

[luckyintheorder]

Pulled off the Wildcat board after the JMU loss. Not all agree with this person's assessment, but they are homers (pot,kettle ) This is not shared to create an overwhelming sense of superiority. Eagles will have to show up, stay focused and execute on both sides of the ball. We know Weber won't just go away. They've earned a reputation for toughness.

Bottom line is that Weber is NOT a top 25 team right now!! They’ll be lucky to finish 6-5 and finish top 4 in the big sky. Defense is not very good and lacks the playmakers or stoppers of previous years. The offense is complete dog#*%t and that’s being generous!! Matt Hammer is a HORRIBLE OC and it’s obvious Hill is in over his head on offensive coaching decisions. Unless a REAL offensive coach is brought in this team is done and Hill must take over the D again or that will fall apart as well. In previous years the defense could bail out a bad offense but not this year. No pass rush and the overall the defense is pedestrian at best. Offense should all be benched or seriously look at themselves in the mirror and see how bad they are. Hammer should be fired tomorrow and head back to high school. Unacceptable to be blown out at home by JMU when all the fans have heard is how this team can be special or great. Hill will rue this one as it’ll be back to 3,000-4,000 fans at best after this HUGE turd of a performance!!! Awful coaching and execution all the way around. JMU is a great team and at least Weber fans got to see what a 1st class team looks like. Best of luck Dukes!!!

UC Davis Game comments: This ain't wrong. I am worried about their kick returner ;-)

This is the worst team since 2016. I don’t really know where we excel. Shaheed, Davis, McMillan, Preston Smith, and Lavaka are all great but beyond that I’m not seeing a whole standouts. Offensive line is average. Defensive line is average. Secondary loses guys in coverage regularly. Quarterback is green.

When you game plan against us, what are you worried about?? Our kick returner and nothing else.

Another take:

Weber is not a 'bad' team, and it is not a good team. It is just average. It is far better than the teams the few years before Hill came. However, Jay Hill had targeted national championships. They reached one rung below that ladder of elite teams in FCS in 20167,17 & 18. From their it dropped back from the second tier to the third tier of teams. That is to say teams that win 6-8 games. Again just average!

This last one just made me laugh. Coaches have ego's and all the other foibles that come with that IMO. :rofl:

I'm confident that our coaches are seeing everything we are, and more.

Reading the comments made me think of Bodie Reeder. Did anyone know he's an analyst with Auburn? https://auburntigers.com/sports/football/coaches

 

[EWURanger]

Pulled off the Wildcat board after the JMU loss. Not all agree with this person's assessment, but they are homers (pot,kettle ) This is not shared to create an overwhelming sense of superiority. Eagles will have to show up, stay focused and execute on both sides of the ball. We know Weber won't just go away. They've earned a reputation for toughness.

Bottom line is that Weber is NOT a top 25 team right now!! They’ll be lucky to finish 6-5 and finish top 4 in the big sky. Defense is not very good and lacks the playmakers or stoppers of previous years. The offense is complete dog#*%t and that’s being generous!! Matt Hammer is a HORRIBLE OC and it’s obvious Hill is in over his head on offensive coaching decisions. Unless a REAL offensive coach is brought in this team is done and Hill must take over the D again or that will fall apart as well. In previous years the defense could bail out a bad offense but not this year. No pass rush and the overall the defense is pedestrian at best. Offense should all be benched or seriously look at themselves in the mirror and see how bad they are. Hammer should be fired tomorrow and head back to high school. Unacceptable to be blown out at home by JMU when all the fans have heard is how this team can be special or great. Hill will rue this one as it’ll be back to 3,000-4,000 fans at best after this HUGE turd of a performance!!! Awful coaching and execution all the way around. JMU is a great team and at least Weber fans got to see what a 1st class team looks like. Best of luck Dukes!!!

UC Davis Game comments: This ain't wrong. I am worried about their kick returner ;-)

This is the worst team since 2016. I don’t really know where we excel. Shaheed, Davis, McMillan, Preston Smith, and Lavaka are all great but beyond that I’m not seeing a whole standouts. Offensive line is average. Defensive line is average. Secondary loses guys in coverage regularly. Quarterback is green.

When you game plan against us, what are you worried about?? Our kick returner and nothing else.

Another take:

Weber is not a 'bad' team, and it is not a good team. It is just average. It is far better than the teams the few years before Hill came. However, Jay Hill had targeted national championships. They reached one rung below that ladder of elite teams in FCS in 20167,17 & 18. From their it dropped back from the second tier to the third tier of teams. That is to say teams that win 6-8 games. Again just average!

This last one just made me laugh. Coaches have ego's and all the other foibles that come with that IMO. :rofl:

I'm confident that our coaches are seeing everything we are, and more.

Reading the comments made me think of Bodie Reeder. Did anyone know he's an analyst with Auburn? https://auburntigers.com/sports/football/coaches

I did not…nor did I know that Schmedding is their LB/defensive run game coach.