EWU sports chat Aug. 14 (noon)

Thursday’s EWU football chat ran from noon to 1 p.m. Read the full transcript here :

EWU footbll chat, Aug. 14 archives Monthly Archives August 2014

Aug 14 2014, 11:58 AM

Jim:

I can’t wait anymore, let’s get this thing going!

Aug 14 2014, 11:59 AM

ghstflame: 30 minutes too soon, but I really do want to hear more about defense. I don’t think anyone is too nervous about what our offense is capable of.

Aug 14 2014, 12:00 PM

Jim:

Hello. Overall, there’s plenty of talent, but questions too, especially at corner; my biggest worry, frankly, is run defense, but of course this is all interrelated. What worries out there, specifically?

Aug 14 2014, 12:01 PM

Joemon (guest): Hey Jim, any true freshman you see standing out?

Aug 14 2014, 12:02 PM

Jim:

On offense, WR Terence Grade has been a standout, and I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t see the field this year. Also WR Jalani Phelps.

Aug 14 2014, 12:04 PM

Jim:

On defense, CB Nzuzi Webster could see the field along with at least two linemen, Dylan Donohue, Patiole Pesefea, Nick Foerstel and Marcus Saugen out of North Central. Two or three of the above, I think.

Aug 14 2014, 12:04 PM

FormerEag (guest): Hey Jim, how does the Oline look after some key departures?

Aug 14 2014, 12:06 PM

Jim:

The Oiline looks solid thanks the experience developed by the coaches. All have seen action before. My story last week noted that, with the exception of center Jase Butorac (285lbs), the new starters carry about as much weight as their predecessors.

Aug 14 2014, 12:06 PM

EWU_Fan (guest): Who is our projected 2nd string QB and how capable is he? We had a huge luxury last year with a solid backup QB to take the reins now and again…

Aug 14 2014, 12:08 PM

Jim:

The coaches are high on Jordan West, rangy athletic redshirt sophomore who also throws well on the run. The question, of course, is how he can handle live action. Hopefully he sees the field against Sam Houston after the Eagles have a comfortable lead in the fourth quarter.

Aug 14 2014, 12:08 PM

StormFromEWU (guest): Do you think we have the pieces up front to duplicate last year’s success on the ground?

Aug 14 2014, 12:10 PM

Jim:

I do. The linemen have size and experience. RB Quincy Forte showed more willingness last year to go up the middle, which the Eagles need. The other three are less elusive and need to be more of a receiving threat. Still, Brown, Moore and Wilson are strong up the middle

Aug 14 2014, 12:10 PM

GOEWU (guest): I concur Jim on the run defense..somewhat concerning since…forever. Seems we always have the talent but perhaps the scheme needs to be changed. Thoughts on the scheme/formation/blitzing?

Aug 14 2014, 12:11 PM

Jim:

Hello … My bold prediction, a bit more blitzing, not only to see how these young corners can hold out in single coverage, and to give opposing QBs less time to throw.

Aug 14 2014, 12:11 PM

ghstflame: Are there any lingering injuries to be worried about? Hamlin etc.

Aug 14 2014, 12:12 PM

Jim:

A bit - I didn’t see Hamlin at practice this morning, so we’re at 10 days and counting. Still, I have no doubt he’ll see the field on 8/23.

Aug 14 2014, 12:12 PM

Joemon (guest): Jim do you know why Monike Sarte and Kody Beckering didn’t make it to camp?

Aug 14 2014, 12:12 PM

Jim:

Sorry, no

Aug 14 2014, 12:13 PM

Jim:

Speaking of the corners, I’m curious what others expect to see from a defense with inexperienced corners.

Aug 14 2014, 12:13 PM

Pete (guest): Jim, thoughts on our kicking game?

Aug 14 2014, 12:15 PM

Jim:

Redshirt freshman Roldan Alcobendas appears to be a lock at PK, although there’s a new face in town: former Colfax kicker Tyler McNannay. Extra points looked good, and remember that the Eagles attempted just 8 FGs all of last year.

Aug 14 2014, 12:15 PM

Jim:

I’m thinking that senior punter Jake Miller (Central Valley HS) will also handle kickoffs.

Aug 14 2014, 12:15 PM

EWU_Fan (guest): Impressive that EWU already sold out the first game of the season… but disappointing it’s only 8.6k capacity at the game (unlike others where we’ve had 10k in attendance). Thoughts?

Aug 14 2014, 12:16 PM

Jim:

There’s room for more, of course, but now that you bring it up, I don’t know whether EWU will be adding end zone bleachers for this game. Gotta check on that

Aug 14 2014, 12:16 PM

ghstflame: Coach Baldwin never (ok, RARELY)kicked a field goal withing a certain yardage (40 yards i believe), is this due to mistrust in kickers, or greater trust in the offense. It’s a trend that has worked for us, but is there any notion that it will continue this year?

Aug 14 2014, 12:17 PM

Jim:

Let me put it this way. Fourth and 2 at the 30 with a new kicker early in the game - Baldwin will go for it!

Aug 14 2014, 12:18 PM

Jim:

what Baldwin wants most is consistency on XPs and short FGs.

Aug 14 2014, 12:18 PM

ghstflame: response to above: I believe the final attendance tally’s include students that come had have their cards swiped, which is how we often hit the 10k #.

Aug 14 2014, 12:18 PM

Jim:

I think that’s right - thanks, ghstflame

Aug 14 2014, 12:19 PM

Joemon (guest): I think we will be fine at the corner with the Wadood AZ Transfer in the mix. It seems the other are very athletic and fast. But I do think the coaches need to change the scheme up. I hope the coaches have watched how North Dakota State does it. After watching North Dakota State a few times their talent doesn’t seem better but they seem to be in the right place at the right time

Aug 14 2014, 12:20 PM

Jim:

They are athletic and fast, but inexperienced. It’s a steep learning curve at any position, but there’s a lot to learn at CB

Aug 14 2014, 12:20 PM

Pete (guest): Wow, only 8 fg’s attempted? Good memory and concern on red zone scoring by Baldwin could be not going for the fg…tough to know how special teams look as it’s hard to practice but what are you seeing out of this unit?

Aug 14 2014, 12:20 PM

Jim:

I recall because it was the fewest attempted since EWU moved up from NAIA!

Aug 14 2014, 12:21 PM

Jim:

Which special teams are we talking about? KO KO Return, or punting units?

Aug 14 2014, 12:21 PM

ghstflame: Watching NDSU is a lesson in speed defense, very few plays didn’t involve having 3 defenders chasing down the ball carrier. I was consistently impressed.

Aug 14 2014, 12:22 PM

Jim:

Funny, I don’t get a chance to watch other teams that much - can you guess why?

Aug 14 2014, 12:22 PM

luckyintheorder (guest): tonani and McDonald with the addition of a veteran like wadood should help get on field adjustments made. no team lights it up like the eags, so the young DB’s are learning against the best right now. leveraging the knowledge of on field generals like Ronnie and cody should allow the D to bring extra pressure in the right situations and all these guys can run. havili, Zamora, tally and galt to name a few.

Aug 14 2014, 12:23 PM

Jim:

That’s exactly right (in the order!) - the CBs won’t face an offense as potent as they one they see in practice.

Aug 14 2014, 12:24 PM

Jim:

I spoke with safety Todd Raynes this morning and he talked about how the safeties are helping the young CBs, also how they have meetings and film sessions as an entire secondary.

Aug 14 2014, 12:24 PM

Pete (guest): I was thinking of KO KO Return and punting units…so hard to go full speed on those in practice so was wondering what you think.

Aug 14 2014, 12:26 PM

Jim:

You’re right, Pete, it’s hard to practice that, but ST coach Jeff Schmedding has it dialed in, especially in kickoff coverage - very few big returns last year, and none for 6. I do he think he wants to see some better returns, though - those were way down from 2012 when Shaq Hill took a couple to the house.

Aug 14 2014, 12:26 PM

ghstflame: I’m curious, last year we were consistently the most dominant team stat-wise in the league in the 3rd quarter. Obviously some of this is due to half time adjustments, is there enough of a spark to get our defense to start as fast as our offense? Have there been any Defensive coaching changes?

Aug 14 2014, 12:28 PM

Jim:

Only one coaching change since April 2012, and that was on offense this year (Nick Edwards replacing Junior Adams, who went to Boise State) As far as the third quarter, it was pretty remarkable, and almost always due to those “adjustments.”

Aug 14 2014, 12:28 PM

luckyintheorder (guest): would like to see more double coverage against threats like Henderson at Montana (especially around the red zone) with the caveat when you take something away may be giving something else. it’s a measured risk. staying healthy would help too

Aug 14 2014, 12:30 PM

Jim:

This is the problem - what do you give up. I believe that inexperience at CB could hurt run defense, because they can be TOO focused on coverage and not keep their eyes right.

Aug 14 2014, 12:30 PM

Jim:

On the other hand, CB Jake Hoffmann told me that practicing against Vernon Adams does wonders for keeping your eyes right in any coverage scheme.

Aug 14 2014, 12:31 PM

luckyintheorder (guest): With the depth, speed and aggressiveness of the young guys on the team, hoping Eags are monsters on special teams this season and make plays that put away games early and often. Long fields for the opposition and short ones for the Eags.

Aug 14 2014, 12:32 PM

Jim:

That’s on everyone’s wish list, I’m sure. And I forgot to address the last part Pete’s question - punt returns. Cooper Kupp will be the guy, and he’s very good after the catch. I think you’ll see some improvement in that category.

Aug 14 2014, 12:32 PM

TCFan (guest): We are getting some of your articles down here in the Tri-City Herald. Last year they used a bunch of your material and hope so this season. Do you know Jeff Morrow? A few of us have sent him messages thanking him for your articles.

Aug 14 2014, 12:33 PM

Jim:

I know Jeff only by name, but thanks for sending the messages to him. I know there are a lot of Eagle fans in the Ti Cities.

Aug 14 2014, 12:33 PM

luckyintheorder (guest): Season yet to begin, any news on the 2015 recruiting circuit?

Aug 14 2014, 12:34 PM

Jim:

Sorry, it’s a bit early. I usually wait till midseason to start checking on commits.

Aug 14 2014, 12:34 PM

ghstflame: I imagine it’s hard to practice this against VA, but has there been any dicussion of trying to get more pressure on the opposing QBs? I felt we were pretty light on blitzing compared to some more stout defenses in the league.

Aug 14 2014, 12:36 PM

Jim:

Thanks, that was the point I made earlier: by blitzing and putting the CBs on an island, you 1) really see what they’r made of; 2) you give opposing QBs less time; and 3) you can get lucky against the running game when you have another guy in the backfield. Thoughts?

Aug 14 2014, 12:36 PM

StormFromEWU (guest): The game atmosphere in Cheney is worlds different from where it was even five years ago. What do you think of the product put out on game day? Is there any word out on adjustments that might be made this year?

Aug 14 2014, 12:37 PM

Jim:

Yes, it’s far different, that’s for sure. The red turf, the scoreboard, the tailgating scene, even a fan shop - all a big improvement. I don’t know of any specific additions this year.

Aug 14 2014, 12:37 PM

Guest819 (guest): Is the line out for the 8/23 game yet?

Aug 14 2014, 12:39 PM

Jim:

Not that I’ve seen - those are hard to find.

Aug 14 2014, 12:39 PM

ghstflame: The track + bleachers are still an eyesore!!

Aug 14 2014, 12:40 PM

Jim:

True. And so is the snack shop/restroom building on the south end, IMO

Aug 14 2014, 12:40 PM

Guest848 (guest): EWU -7 and a half

Aug 14 2014, 12:40 PM

Jim:

Thanks - where did you get that?

Aug 14 2014, 12:41 PM

Guest848 (guest): over/under 71 1/2

Aug 14 2014, 12:41 PM

ghstflame: Does anyone have any knowledge of how ESPN is going to set up shop come game day? Anything different than ESPN3 set ups?

Aug 14 2014, 12:41 PM

Jim:

For one thing, don’t expect Lee Corse to show up and put an Eagle head over his shoulders!

Aug 14 2014, 12:43 PM

Jim:

It will have more bells and whistles than an ESPN3 event, I’m told, but I don’t have the details yet. (I’m just newspaper guy!)

Aug 14 2014, 12:43 PM

Guest848 (guest): 5 dimes live lines, college extra. Purely for entertainment purposes

Aug 14 2014, 12:43 PM

Jim:

Purely …

Aug 14 2014, 12:43 PM

luckyintheorder (guest): Per Katfan, Jared Johnson has been names starting QB after a three way competition. you’ll be glad to know Jim, they are reposting your articles religiously.

Aug 14 2014, 12:44 PM

Jim

That’s good to hear - thanks!

Aug 14 2014, 12:44 PM

Jim:

By the way, I have some more unit features coming up, including the backup QBs for tomorrow and the secondary for sometime soon.

Aug 14 2014, 12:45 PM

TCFan (guest): Jim, what do you see as the future of FCS Football as it relates to EWU? Do you think the 5 big FBS leagues will separate and the rest will merge with top tier FCS teams? Where would that put EWU especially if we don’t get massive improvements from Gateway?

Aug 14 2014, 12:47 PM

Jim:

Glad you brought this up, It may take years, but this is a potential time bomb for programs like Eastern’s. If the top FBS teams, say 60-70 out of 128, break away into an elite group, then we could see a new second-tier with stadiums in the 15-30K range, and where would that leave Eastern? Just saying …

Aug 14 2014, 12:47 PM

Guest819 (guest): Will you be doing these chats each week?

Aug 14 2014, 12:48 PM

Jim:

Absolutely, every Thursday at noon except for bye weeks on 9/11 and 11/13.

Aug 14 2014, 12:48 PM

ghstflame: Mild diversion, is UW worthy of their #25 ranking, and will we have shot of knocking that crown off too?

Aug 14 2014, 12:50 PM

Jim:

I don’t think they are (new coach, new QB, RB and an inexperienced secondary). But that front 7 is QUITE good. Yes, the Eagles have a shot here, but the defense has to contain their very mobile QB (a big problem last year in the FCS playoffs last year.)

Aug 14 2014, 12:50 PM

Guest819 (guest): Wasn’t Oregon State ranked 25th???????

Aug 14 2014, 12:50 PM

Jim:

Yes, they were.

Aug 14 2014, 12:50 PM

EWU_Fan (guest): ESPN’s Pac-12 blog admitted the UW-EWU game has intrigue. EWU won’t be the easiest game on their schedule…

Aug 14 2014, 12:52 PM

Jim:

Agreed. EWU is better than Georgia State and on a par with Hawaii and Cal. What do you think?

Aug 14 2014, 12:52 PM

Guest527 (guest): Thanks for all you do Jim. Your coverage of EWU football is great for the program and for all of us hardcore fans.

Aug 14 2014, 12:53 PM

Jim:

You are very welcome - they even pay me to do this!

Aug 14 2014, 12:53 PM

Jim:

Seven minutes left - bring it on!

Aug 14 2014, 12:53 PM

Guest819 (guest): Yes Jim, thanks for hard work

Aug 14 2014, 12:53 PM

Jim:

Thank you!

Aug 14 2014, 12:54 PM

Jim:

By the way, I will post a complete replay of this chat after I do some cutting and pasting. Look for it here in an hour or so.

Aug 14 2014, 12:54 PM

TCFan (guest): I’ll wait till next week to ask for your SHSU prediction…what is your season prediction for this season?

Aug 14 2014, 12:56 PM

Jim:

Barring an injury to Adams, I can’t see worse than 8-3. Realistically, there isn’t a game they can’t win, and that includes Washington. Now if they can only get past the FCS semis this time…

Aug 14 2014, 12:56 PM

Guest527 (guest): When do Redshirts have to be decided

Aug 14 2014, 12:56 PM

Jim:

The end of the season!

Aug 14 2014, 12:57 PM

Jim:

Redshirts can be burned at any time in the season.

Aug 14 2014, 12:58 PM

Jim:

Thanks, everyone, for participating. We’ll do it again on Aug. 21. - which by the way is the publication date of our college FB special section - watch for it!

Aug 14 2014, 12:58 PM

Jim:

And don’t forget to follow me on Twitter at @srjimallen