srchat: OK, let's talk Eastern sports!

Aug 27 2015, 11:59 AM

srchat: I just got in from practice, a helmets-only affair focused on special teams.

Aug 27 2015, 12:02 PM

srchat: Air quality was fine by the way; remember, Cheney is at 2,352 feet, more than 500 feet higher than downtown Spokane.

Aug 27 2015, 12:04 PM

Shane (guest): Well, which freshman (redshirt or true) has impressed you the most?

Aug 27 2015, 12:06 PM

srchat: Hello, Shane. I think both true freshman running backs (Williams and McPherson) have made an impression; also Cheney product Keenan Williams, a defense end. I think all three will play this season.

Aug 27 2015, 12:07 PM

srchat: Of the redshirt freshmen, WR Simba Webster was sensational in last week's scrimmage.

Aug 27 2015, 12:07 PM

srchat: Also, safety Cole Karstetter out of Ferris has looked very good; he's a redshirt freshman.

Aug 27 2015, 12:08 PM

srchat: I'll ask a question: how many games do the Eagles win this year?

Aug 27 2015, 12:09 PM

Guest1702 (guest): 13

Aug 27 2015, 12:09 PM

srchat: Nice. That would mean a loss at Oregon, followed by 13 straight wins, including the FCS title game - am I right?

Aug 27 2015, 12:10 PM

srchat: I'm at 8-3 for the regular season.

Aug 27 2015, 12:10 PM

Shane (guest): Great that there are lots of names to throw out there. I'm optimistic at 9 wins (regular season)

Aug 27 2015, 12:11 PM

Guest1702 (guest): Yessir, that's correct

Aug 27 2015, 12:12 PM

srchat: 13, the man says!

Aug 27 2015, 12:12 PM

srchat: What's your biggest concern this year?

Aug 27 2015, 12:13 PM

srchat: Mine is the lack of speed in the offensive backfield, and of course the transition to a new defense, defensive coordinator, etc.

Aug 27 2015, 12:16 PM

Guest1702 (guest): Lack of confidence in the fan base

Aug 27 2015, 12:16 PM

srchat: Interesting, why is that?

Aug 27 2015, 12:17 PM

Shane (guest): If rbs can stay healthy and young defensive players can perform CONSISTENTLY on Saturdays

Aug 27 2015, 12:17 PM

srchat: I couldn't agree more, Shane!

Aug 27 2015, 12:18 PM

srchat: Do you consider the fans fickle?

Aug 27 2015, 12:21 PM

Guest1702 (guest): I consider them shitckle

Aug 27 2015, 12:22 PM

Guest1702 (guest): I hear Zaire Andre may be headed our way?

Aug 27 2015, 12:23 PM

srchat: That's interesting, because Andre (redshirt freshman wide receiver) is on the current WSU roster.

Aug 27 2015, 12:24 PM

srchat: Some would say that on paper at least, the Oregon game is the toughest in EWU history. Thoughts?

Aug 27 2015, 12:24 PM

Guest1702 (guest): H'm. Heard he was granted a release today

Aug 27 2015, 12:24 PM

srchat: Thanks, I'll check on that!

Aug 27 2015, 12:24 PM

KHatch_Brecek: Jim, who do you think will be our toughest opponent will be this year- Big Sky wise?

Aug 27 2015, 12:26 PM

srchat: I would say Montana State, although technically that's a non-conference game this year. Lots of tough ones in-conference: Cal Poly, at Idaho State, and of course at Montana.

Aug 27 2015, 12:26 PM

Guest2488 (guest): It will be Oregon or West Virginia. i believe they were ranked top 5 in the country when we played them

Aug 27 2015, 12:27 PM

srchat: That said, I picked EWU to win the conference. I'm sticking with my prediction of a 1-2 start followed by a 7-1 Big Sky record for 8-3 overall.

Aug 27 2015, 12:27 PM

KHatch_Brecek: Do you feel we will have a tougher battle this year to win the Big Sky?

Aug 27 2015, 12:28 PM

srchat: Yes, I do. The defense has to get better, though I think it will. I think the Big Sky is tougher top to bottom right now than in years past.

Aug 27 2015, 12:28 PM

Guest2488 (guest): who do you have us lossing too? NIU or MSU?

Aug 27 2015, 12:30 PM

srchat: Can't say. I'm predicting they win beat either No. Iowa or MSU (yeah, that's a copout!) No. Iowa is rebuilding on offense but is at home, while MSU is awful on defense but IMO has the best QB and offense in the Sky.

Aug 27 2015, 12:30 PM

Guest1702 (guest): Ewu better than wsu?

Aug 27 2015, 12:30 PM

srchat: Better than Washington State? No. I'd say if they played 10 times, the Eagles would win 3.

Aug 27 2015, 12:31 PM

srchat: Of course, they'll meet next year!

Aug 27 2015, 12:50 PM

srchat: Sorry, but I got knocked offine for 12 minutes!

Aug 27 2015, 12:50 PM

Guest2488 (guest): in conference my big worry game is ISU. If we win in Pocatello we will go undefeated in the big sky.

Aug 27 2015, 12:50 PM

srchat: ISU will be a tough one, probably the toughest conference road game.

Aug 27 2015, 12:50 PM

Guest1702 (guest): What's the score when they play?

Aug 27 2015, 12:50 PM

srchat: Which game?

Aug 27 2015, 12:50 PM

KHatch_Brecek: You've been around the team the last couple of weeks, how is the morale?

Aug 27 2015, 12:51 PM

srchat: I think morale is great - the players seem loose, yet focused on the task.

Aug 27 2015, 12:51 PM

GoldenEagle (guest): Jim, How has the poor air quality affected the practices? Have they had to go inside?

Aug 27 2015, 12:52 PM

srchat: Air quality was a factor only last Friday. Monday's two-a-days were pushed into evening, but otherwise it's been OK. The big problem is that the indoor facility isn't suitable for football.

Aug 27 2015, 12:52 PM

Shane (guest): How many TDs do you think Jordan West will throw this season? And how many receiving TDs do you think Kupp will have?

Aug 27 2015, 12:52 PM

srchat: I say 35 TDs and Kupp gets 9

Aug 27 2015, 12:53 PM

srchat: That's down from last year.

Aug 27 2015, 12:53 PM

Guest2488 (guest): that a low ball number for Kupp

Aug 27 2015, 12:53 PM

srchat: I think the tight ends get more balls this year in the red zone, plus I think West will throw fewer overall TDs than Adams did.

Aug 27 2015, 12:54 PM

KHatch_Brecek: How did you feel Gage and Riley both looked at the scrimmage this past week, as well as practices?

Aug 27 2015, 12:54 PM

srchat: I just spoke with the coaches after this morning's practice and they're still neck and neck to back up West.

Aug 27 2015, 12:54 PM

Guest2488 (guest): we have so many WR's that no D will be able to double team Kupp all game and when they don't he will make them pay

Aug 27 2015, 12:55 PM

srchat: I still think he'll see a lot of doubles on deep routes. I think Bourne will emerge this year (as if he hasn't already!)

Aug 27 2015, 12:55 PM

Bj5: Any. Surprise players on d or o line

Aug 27 2015, 12:55 PM

srchat: Sorry, I'm not sure

Aug 27 2015, 12:55 PM

Shane (guest): Only 9? Wow interesting prediction. I would guess 38 for west and 17 for kupp

Aug 27 2015, 12:56 PM

srchat: 9 out of 35 is still more than a quarter of the TD throws.

Aug 27 2015, 12:56 PM

KHatch_Brecek: I thought Gage looked great, then again that was my first time seeing him in action. He seems to be quick on his feet.

Aug 27 2015, 12:56 PM

srchat: Gage is very mobile; Hennessey a bit more polished overall, IMO

Aug 27 2015, 12:56 PM

Guest2488 (guest): how has the young D line looked against our very good O line?

Aug 27 2015, 12:57 PM

srchat: Not so great last week - this week's scrimmage will be more telling. The defense overall wasn't too happy after last week's scrimmage.

Aug 27 2015, 12:58 PM

KHatch_Brecek: It seems West is going to be the starter, but do you think Gage or Riley will get a good amount of playing time?

Aug 27 2015, 12:59 PM

srchat: For sure, but so much depends on how close the games are. One of them will play at Oregon, I'm guessing.

Aug 27 2015, 12:59 PM

srchat: Thanks, everyone, for chatting - we'll do it again next week!

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