Whats it going to take to beat the Griz?

[clawman1]

Maybe the biggest game in FCS is in Cheney this weekend. What do the Eagles have to do to beat the Griz? I may as well beat the first S/A to it... score more points :lol:

 

[rontheoldwiseeagle2]

Watched them 3 times.
Quick release, until they give up on their over whelming blitzing.
QB can not roll back to avoid the rush they are to fast.
Use the tight ends
Throw to a back which goes through the blitzing hole.

 

[GoldenEagle]

The OLine needs to pick up the LB stunts and receivers need to catch all passes. The Montana defense has not seen any QB talent even close to EB. Our OLine just needs to give him that small amount of time to read the defense and he will pick them apart.

On defense for F*&ks sake blitz their QB and punish him.. He gets happy feet very quickly and loses all accuracy. Hauck will play him until he looks like Swiss cheese so get after him.

 

[Obzerver]

What will it take? Obviously it's a BLACKOUT! https://twitter.com/EWUFootball/status/1442316523108847622

 

[LDopaPDX]

It’s a scary game because I think Montana is better than they’ve been in long while. I expect that we’ll score, but not the kind of output we’ve had in the last 3 games. Therefore, it’ll come down to our defense making stops. That’s a tough one, because I’m still of the opinion the D isn’t very good.

I’d rate Montana as a A-grade FCS defense and a B-grade FCS offense. We are an A-grade offense and a C-grade defense. Based on what’s played out so far, Montana should be a favorite even in Cheney.

 

[GreatDayToBeAnEagle]

It’s a scary game because I think Montana is better than they’ve been in long while. I expect that we’ll score, but not the kind of output we’ve had in the last 3 games. Therefore, it’ll come down to our defense making stops. That’s a tough one, because I’m still of the opinion the D isn’t very good.

I’d rate Montana as a A-grade FCS defense and a B-grade FCS offense. We are an A-grade offense and a C-grade defense. Based on what’s played out so far, Montana should be a favorite even in Cheney.

I don't disagree that Montana will be favored by Vegas in the game. Probably something like 3.5 point favorite. But I do disagree with you, LDopa, about their offense grade. It's more of a C. That quarterback of theirs is pretty awful. He constantly misses throws, can't push the ball down the field, doesn't have good mobility. And really the running game is pretty pedestrian. They have some weapons at WR but a QB that can't involve them. Unless they completely evolve their play calling against us, I don't see that offense being able to expose our pretty shitty D. They'll probably succeed in extending drives and eating up clock, but they'll only be able to do that for so long until the Eags score a few quick ones and build a lead.

So really that's what it's going to take. We can't turn the ball over. We need to be efficient on offense (as we know this team can) and we need to score more than they do. Which I don't worry about. Oh and don't forget EWU has the most experienced and best O line in the Big Sky.

 

[ewueagle2010]

Beat the blitz. Cal Poly was successful in setting up the screen but was far too inconsistent in executing it. Montana seems to bring pressure on nearly every play and if they're bringing pressure, it's going to be hard to consistently hold the line long enough to let some of the longer developing plays play out. So, you have to keep them back a bit and beat the blitz.

Eric has to play a clean, mistake free game. He's got all the talent in the world and is playing at home where he's never lost as the EWU starting QB. However, he's probably not faced a defense at home like he'll face this weekend. EWU is 61-0 since 2010 when winning the turnover battle. That is the key.

I don't know how successful our running attack will be this weekend if we can't loosen up the aggressiveness of their D. Merritt is a finesse back who is better in open space (great for screen game) but he's not the guy I want in when we need a yard on the goal line (as evidence as last weekend at SUU).

Defensively, their offense might be out best defense. I don't think they're very good but our D has proven they have the ability to make an average offense look above average. I would say cover the middle of the field, make tackles and force them to beat us down field. They have a couple playmakers but their QB isn't very accurate.

 

[LDopaPDX]

It’s a scary game because I think Montana is better than they’ve been in long while. I expect that we’ll score, but not the kind of output we’ve had in the last 3 games. Therefore, it’ll come down to our defense making stops. That’s a tough one, because I’m still of the opinion the D isn’t very good.

I’d rate Montana as a A-grade FCS defense and a B-grade FCS offense. We are an A-grade offense and a C-grade defense. Based on what’s played out so far, Montana should be a favorite even in Cheney.

I don't disagree that Montana will be favored by Vegas in the game. Probably something like 3.5 point favorite. But I do disagree with you, LDopa, about their offense grade. It's more of a C. That quarterback of theirs is pretty awful. He constantly misses throws, can't push the ball down the field, doesn't have good mobility. And really the running game is pretty pedestrian. They have some weapons at WR but a QB that can't involve them. Unless they completely evolve their play calling against us, I don't see that offense being able to expose our pretty shitty D. They'll probably succeed in extending drives and eating up clock, but they'll only be able to do that for so long until the Eags score a few quick ones and build a lead.

So really that's what it's going to take. We can't turn the ball over. We need to be efficient on offense (as we know this team can) and we need to score more than they do. Which I don't worry about. Oh and don't forget EWU has the most experienced and best O line in the Big Sky.

Couple of things, Montana brings their A game when playing Eastern. The opposite used to be true, we'd always play them tough when they were good and we were average. In the last decade or so, we've been good and they've been average. Yet the games are rarely one-sided.

I expect we'll score some points, and Montana will still get some stops. If we hang 30+points on them, that's a pretty good showing that we could be proud of. But can we keep them to under 30? That's what it'll take. Eastern's D is so dubious; if Montana has some success moving the ball early, I think they hammer us. Our D rarely improves over the course of a game, usually backsliding over 4 quarters. We've got to press up on their receivers and get a lot of gap control on the line... if they push us around like NDSU did last season, it'll get ugly quick. I don't want to get into a lot of blitz packages, but we've done well when bringing LBs on the blitz, so I assume we'll see some of that.

 

[mtgrizfankb1]

It’s a scary game because I think Montana is better than they’ve been in long while. I expect that we’ll score, but not the kind of output we’ve had in the last 3 games. Therefore, it’ll come down to our defense making stops. That’s a tough one, because I’m still of the opinion the D isn’t very good.

I’d rate Montana as a A-grade FCS defense and a B-grade FCS offense. We are an A-grade offense and a C-grade defense. Based on what’s played out so far, Montana should be a favorite even in Cheney.

I don't disagree that Montana will be favored by Vegas in the game. Probably something like 3.5 point favorite. But I do disagree with you, LDopa, about their offense grade. It's more of a C. That quarterback of theirs is pretty awful. He constantly misses throws, can't push the ball down the field, doesn't have good mobility. And really the running game is pretty pedestrian. They have some weapons at WR but a QB that can't involve them. Unless they completely evolve their play calling against us, I don't see that offense being able to expose our pretty shitty D. They'll probably succeed in extending drives and eating up clock, but they'll only be able to do that for so long until the Eags score a few quick ones and build a lead.

So really that's what it's going to take. We can't turn the ball over. We need to be efficient on offense (as we know this team can) and we need to score more than they do. Which I don't worry about. Oh and don't forget EWU has the most experienced and best O line in the Big Sky.

Not to totally disagree here on Cam but Montana does have the ability to push the ball deep. In fact majority of our pass scoring has been deep passes. We put up tons of points in the spring and then could have put up just as many on WIU as you did if we kept passing.

I agree that Cam is not a top QB in the Sky but he is very smart and opposite of what you said…does have mobility. He time and time again has extended plays, ran for key first downs and has kept plays alive to find wide outs. Montana has only had 3 sacks. So 1 a game.

The Montana D is going to have their hands full with EB. Nobody can stop that dude…so I guess we hope to get lucky some and then try and ball control when we do have the ball. I know thats the same strategy most teams have when the face EWU and it’s much easier said than done. Montana has a top 50 rushing offense so, without out top 2 RBs and using a converted WR for 2 games so far this fall.

Overall this has all the makings to be a very very close, tight football game. Ewu is so tough at home. Montana is going to have to play great. No prediction for me, but the keys are obvious.

Montana has the #3 scoring D in FCS Ewu has the #1 offense

Montana has the #34 offense. Ewu has the #70 D.

Montana has to LIMIT Ewu to non video game numbers and keep it looking like football and not track

Ewu has to score…score and score. EWU will still probably give up 28-35 even on a good day vs Montana. So score more than that.

If the game hits the under. Montana wins. If the Game hits the over…Ewu wins. Gonna be exciting.

Surprised Ewu didn’t go with red tho…it’s obviously a huge advantage to wear red when at home….even if it makes one additional QB mistake.

 

[EWURanger]

Come out fast. We’ll have to score a lot to win this one and we can’t turn the ball over at all. Make them uncomfortable by having to keep up on the scoreboard. We probably need a break or two and the D has to find a way to make more a single stop a half.

 

[clawman1]

The Eagles are going to have to play a lot cleaner than the last two games. Against WIU there were 6 dropped balls, 1 was on Eric but 5 on receivers just losing concentration. @ SUU we had 10 penalties for 99 yards but more importantly that gave them 5 first down.
Dropped pass on 3rd down is like a turnover, a penalty that results in a first down is like a turnover.
I've seen Eric get too excited early in big games, and overthrows receivers. This could give them mo early. I'd like to see short quick plays to get Eric into a rhythm.
The best thing we can do for our defense is keep the offense on the field with consistent drives.
Go Eagles!!!

 

[LDopaPDX]

The Eagles are going to have to play a lot cleaner than the last two games. Against WIU there were 6 dropped balls, 1 was on Eric but 5 on receivers just losing concentration. @ SUU we had 10 penalties for 99 yards but more importantly that gave them 5 first down.
Dropped pass on 3rd down is like a turnover, a penalty that results in a first down is like a turnover.
I've seen Eric get too excited early in big games, and overthrows receivers. This could give them mo early. I'd like to see short quick plays to get Eric into a rhythm.
The best thing we can do for our defense is keep the offense on the field with consistent drives.
Go Eagles!!!

I think you're right. Even if we aren't scoring on the drive, we need to move the ball, eat some clock, and change field position. The D just doesn't seem like they can play on short fields. Playing clean is important, too. I suspect the offense will at least have some measure of success. Eastern is the best offense Montana has seen, just as Montana is the best defense Eastern has seen. I feel like those things will cancel each other out to some degree and both teams will have just enough success when Eastern has the ball to keep our defense and their offense in charge of deciding the game.

We need a lot of 3 and outs, or at least short drives where Montana can't just either get an easy score or a mountain of first downs. I'm sure teams watching tape on Eastern think they can grind clock and play keep-away with the ball. Hell, if I saw Eastern's game against NDSU in the Spring, that's what I'd be doing. To win, we've got show that we've risen above that misery... Montana is going to be a huge test. The DBs are going to have to be able to get in the receivers face and not get beat... if we try that soft zone crap, we're just inviting those long drives that'll be a death knell.

 

[Seattle Eagle]

The defense has to play a lot more aggressively and take more chances.

 

[eaglesfootball]

This is the best Grizz team we’ve faced in a decade. We’re going to need some of that Inferno Mono to pull this one off.

 

[luckyintheorder]

The Griz look like a complete team in the pieces of games I watched. QB play is superb and he can really air it out with some accuracy. Running game looks average. Defense is stellar with some version of tight, bump and run at one of the corners and berserk blitz packages on nearly every down. The Griz have started slow the last two games but aren't making big mistakes as they feel out the opponent.

Eag's need to start fast. Liked some of what CP did to negate the blitz with the different screens and think with Merrit and Jackson might be able to do a little more running off the edge, not running laterally; actually designed runs angled off tackle, preferably to the side were the corner is off the WR. (Griz consistently had one DB in press and the other off the WR against CP). Not sure if there will be a given down or distance where a draw play would work as Montana blitzes 6 frequently and that O'Connell guy is a stud off the edge who will clean it up on any delay in the backfield. Eastern cannot run sweeps against this D. Fact. If they do, it will really put them behind the sticks. Eastern has to earn positive yardage every down, avoid TO's and negative plays and should they punt, make Montana go 80+ every time.

This could be an old fashioned field position battle decided by a couple of miscues or big plays and patience. I don't think Montana can cover all the WR's, putting a premium on EB3's ability and experience to understand the defense, make good decisions, be accurate and get the ball out quickly. A bit concerned that Eastern has been playing 2-3 Freshman OL, albeit good players; their inexperience will likely show against this defensive front. (LG, RT starters and C subs alot) O'Connell comes off that right edge a lot. Eastern can run the ball against Montana, maybe not into the teeth of the blitz.

Eastern's DL has performed this season. All the DL has shown some explosion and tackled relatively well. Montana isn't an offensive juggernaut and if pressure is applied to the QB, good things might happen in the TO department. I like Montana's QB and am sure he is riding high with confidence, so a few hits early would benefit Eastern. Would love to think we can blitz effectively and still make plays but not sold. Stick with a good rotation of the 4 DL, let the LB's flow to the run or take the middle pass away and keep a safety over the top of Montana's two good receivers (going to have to chose one at least) and put Doyle on the island with the other (sorry Tre, just can't seem to handle 1 on 1 against athletic WR's, it's tough to do). Yes, I think the DL can get some needed penetration and if the other seven play their responsibility, Eastern will have a serviceable bend, don't break defense that can hold Montana to around 30 points.

We know the best defense for Eastern is a superb offense. Go Eags.

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rn_cbYxruk[/media]

 

[tomq04]

Quick slants, screens, and delayed/disguised runs on over blitzes.

These receivers aren't near the 2016 crew, but they are still the best in the FCS, the Griz still will have their hands full.

42-35 EWU on the last drive.

 

[Obzerver]

EB3 will have to use his legs in this win. Win turnover battle and throw in a few lucky bounces.

 

[chicagoeag]

It’s a scary game because I think Montana is better than they’ve been in long while. I expect that we’ll score, but not the kind of output we’ve had in the last 3 games. Therefore, it’ll come down to our defense making stops. That’s a tough one, because I’m still of the opinion the D isn’t very good.

I’d rate Montana as a A-grade FCS defense and a B-grade FCS offense. We are an A-grade offense and a C-grade defense. Based on what’s played out so far, Montana should be a favorite even in Cheney.

Totally agree here. Won't be surprised if UM finally wins their first game on the Red. Their last win in Cheney George W Bush was finishing up is 2nd term in office, 2008.

But we've seen this movie before. Griz have come to Cheney with the more talented team and still lost.

GO EAGS!

 

[clawman1]

Lucky is correct in that we can not get behind the sticks on this D. It is important to get something on 1st and 2nd down because 3rd and long will result in 4th downs and a punt which we haven't done much this season.
Plays need to develop FAST

 

[luckyintheorder]

Lucky is correct in that we can not get behind the sticks on this D. It is important to get something on 1st and 2nd down because 3rd and long will result in 4th downs and a punt which we haven't done much this season.
Plays need to develop FAST

This. FAST is the key for sure.

Hero sports article: https://herosports.com/fcs-football-2021-montana-ewu-preview-bzbz/

Montana ranks No. 3 in the FCS in points allowed per game (7.0), No. 6 in rushing defense (50.7), No. 3 in sacks per game (4.3), and No. 1 in tackles for loss per game (11.0). Lewis and safety Robby Hauck are the household, All-American names on Montana’s D. But former walk-on LB Patrick O’Connell has risen to be a star. In three games, he has been a wrecking ball with 28 total tackles, 9.5 TFLs, and 5.5 sacks.

EWU has an 18-game home winning streak that dates back to 2017. Barriere is 14-0 on the red turf as the starter.