Give and Take: EWU football chat with S-R’s Jim Allen

Staff writer Jim Allen conducts a weekly online chat on Thursdays at noon about the Eastern Washington football team. What follows is an abbreviated version of the chat. Go to spokesman.com/ blogs/sportslink for the complete transcript.

Q: Which freshman (redshirt or true) has impressed you the most?

JA: I think both true freshman running backs (Williams and McPherson) have made an impression; also Cheney product Keenan Williams, a defensive end. I think all three will play this season. Of the redshirt freshmen, WR Simba Webster was sensational last week. Also, safety Cole Karstetter out of Ferris has looked very good; he’s a redshirt freshman.

Q: Who do you think will be our toughest opponent this year, Big Sky-wise?

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

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

JA: 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.

Q: Is EWU better than WSU?

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

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

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

Q: How has the poor air quality affected the practices? Have they had to go inside?

JA: 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.

Q: It seems Jordan West is going to be the starter, but do you think Gage Gubrud or Reilly Hennessey will get a good amount of playing time?

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