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EWU football chat, Oct. 8 (transcript)

Jim: Good morning, folks. Who wants to talk Eastern football?

joemon (guest): Hopefully we don't come out in a 4-2 defense. That will be a recipe for Cal Poly scoring on every drive

Jim: Hi Joemon. Coaches say that the 4-2-5 is flexible against all offenses, but I've reported that senior Todd Raynes is moving back to safety (because of his experience against Cal Poly) while Cole Karstetter is at rover.

GoEags88 (guest): Jim, how will our defense do against a good Cal Poly rushing attack?

Jim: Based on the last two meetings, they'll do fine. I think Eastern does well against one-dimensional offense but has struggled in recent years against mobile quarterbacks. Thoughts?

joemon (guest): The past couple of years we have shut the option down so hopefully we run the same scheme we did the past couple of years but we'll see...

Jim: The EWU safeties are key. They have to find their run fits but not get sucked in on play action. You've got veterans back there in Raynes, Weatheroy and Zach Bruce.

Jim: Warmup question: Based on what you've seen so far, who do you think wins the Big Sky?

joemon (guest): I have a feeling the DE's will be key in this game. If they contain, we shut them down

Jim: Yes, sealing off the first two options will be huge in this game. Eastern's speed will take care of the perimeter.

joemon (guest): EWU or Montana will win it

Jim: Gotta pick one, Joe

Jim: Interestingly, North Dakota and Southern Utah are 2-0 in the Sky, and Eastern doesn't play either one.

joemon (guest): EWU wins its, the passing game is to good for any of the Big Sky to stop

GoEags88 (guest): EWU will win the big sky, obviously http://chatroll.com/t.gif

Jim: I agree, but I'm liking SUU right now. They're 4-1 overall and took Utah State to the wire in a 12-9 loss.They also miss Montana and Eastern (but have to play in Bozeman).

joemon (guest): So who do you think is better Jordan West or Prokup (sp?)

Jim: That was a great game to watch. West is clearly a better passer, while Prukop is a great dual threat. Did anyone else notice how much more he threw against Cal Poly after the EWU game?

joemon (guest): SUU got blasted by SDSU. I can't see them beating EWO, MSU or Montana

Jim: Sorry, they're 3-2 overall. But they don't play EWU or Montana.

GoEags88 (guest): Which players do you expect to have a big game this week?

Jim: Cole Karstetter, who's starting again at roverback.Opposing coaches are noticing him on film, since they mention him during the weekly conference calls with the media. He's very sound and one of the pleasant surprises on defense.

joemon (guest): West, Kupp, Splendorio and the DT's

Jim: Good point, Joemon: Sblendorio is back from the shoulder injury suffered at Sac State, so he didn't miss a game!

Jim: Anyone concerned about EWU's inconsistency on offense. That is, explosion plays and three-play TD "drives" followed by a several three-and-outs. That almost cost them against MSU and Sac.

Brett (guest): What about Clay Debord Concussion?

Jim: DeBord was not in pads on Tuesday, through he was doing agility drills. Intentionally or note, Baldwin was VERY vague about injuries this week - that's one reason I didn't pass those along on Twitter. DeBord is listed as questionable, by the way.

 

joemon (guest): I think the injury bug was getting to them at Sac St. Hopefully we have enough players back for this one

Jim: For sure, the bye week helped a lot. Baldwin said he expects several players back, but wouldn't/couldn't say who.

Jim: On offense, the Eagles sure could use RB Jalen Moore, who's missed three games. Wilson has carried a heavy load since then.

joemon (guest): I'm hoping that Kreifels plays because they need a physical player out there

Jim: Yes, but he was a little too physical at Oregon, if you know what I mean. He's still third on the depth chart at roverback, behind Karstetter and J.J Njoku.

joemon (guest): Jalen seems to have a history of playing 1 or 2 games and then being out for 2 or 3 games

Jim: Sadly, that's true. But looking at the depth chart as I write this, Eastern has EIGHT running backs.

Jim: And BTW, Moore is listed as No. 2 behind Wilson and is questionable for Cal Poly. A good sign, perhaps?

joemon (guest): Our success seems to hinge on the running game. Without it, we seem to score in the 20's even though we pass for over 400 yards

Jim: That would be true of the Sac State game, for sure.Massive struggles in that game on short yardage. 4-for-14 on third down won't cut it.

Jim: Related question: does Cal Poly's running offense make their own defense tougher against the run?

Guest9119 (guest): MIGHT HENESSY RECEIVE A MEDICAL EXEMPTION IF HE DOES NOT PLAY FURTHER THIS YEAR?

Jim: I think that's a moot question, as Hennessey said he was almost completely healed. That was Tuesday, and he was in full pads for practice. Also, he's second on the depth chart this week.

joemon (guest): Curious why they haven't burned Codi Mcguires redshirt since we are down to one center. You can't have Neary playing guard, tackle and center

Jim: Sorry, that question is above my pay grade.

Jim: It's nice having a player of Neary's versatility, don't you think?

joemon (guest): Absolutely! But they will need some experience for next year and I think most of the freshman they have this year could make the step up

Jim: I agree. Next year will be a major challenge on the O-line.

Jim: Next question: Other than Montana, which remaining game worries you the most?

joemon (guest): Northern AZ. I watched them against MSU and they ran the ball quite well

Jim: We're thinking alike, Joe. NAU beat the Eags last year in Flagstaff.

joemon (guest): They have the type of running game that we have a hard time stopping

Guest9119 (guest): Which coach or coaches prepare the scout team to excute?

http://chatroll.com/t.gifJim: I know that it's a team effort. LB coach Josh Fetter is involved and so is DL coach Brian Strandley.

Jim: Eight minutes left ... let's see some score predictions. I have it EWU 45, Cal Poly 28

Jim: Thanks, everyone. We'll do it again next week!

 



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