(09-30-2017 08:27 PM)TheCrumbIsHere Wrote:  It is amazing how in just the course of three years how far this program has come. This was an entertaining game to attend and who would have thunk that EMU despite all of its mistakes still had a chance at the end of the game to win it. It was a gorgeous afternoon and from our seats at the 40 in the upper deck my wife and I had a great view of the game. In addition over the course of the past two nights we have both been impressed with how friendly most of the folks are here in Lexington. However, the other thing that was clear as day was how frustrated their fan base was with their offense and that was the product of our defense which played an amazing game. There were fans that were texting others of whether they had left because they were disgusted with what they saw and I heard one other comment that described this game as "the game from hell."

I had posted in a previous thread that I thought EMU would have a chance because of the hang over from Florida and I think that was evident in this game. It doesn't take huge knowledge to see that. I also thought that in the second half they finally just let Brogan go offensively and we saw what we generally see with him, some good, some bad. He reminds me a lot of Brett Favre in his gunslinger mentality. It's a shame that special teams cost us tonight.

However, I still think this game ought to give us confidence going into the rest of the MAC season and against Army. This team showed they can compete on the road in big environments. Now we need to fix some things on special teams and who knows where we will go. Not to mention too this might be the best defensive team EMU will see all year and they still managed 20 points.

Progress sometimes comes in small steps. We have gone from being blown out in non conference games to competing in non conference games. Next step is to learn to finish the job. Despite the loss, there was a lot of good from this effort. Thata my thoughts from what I saw.

Well said, I hope we use this two close losses as fire to do better the rest of the year. Our kids didn't quit which is a major change since CC got here.

They did cut down on the penalties only 5 for 50. Yes special teams hurt us but prior to this game the field goal unit has done well and we're getting kickoffs into the end zone or near it. We have new personnel at long snapper, kickoffs and holder. We're not getting much offensive production from the TE spot and I wonder how much blocking we're getting from that position as well. Terry Myrick a true frosh LB played yesterday for his first game. Yes its amazing we could been 4-0 and you wonder if the staff had brought in a JUCO TE and another OT where we might be. I agree I think the program should be past the moral victories stage. Haven't really seen alot of this translate into positive recruiting and changing the perception of the program. I agree our defense this year is awesome, maybe the best we've had at EMU?

(10-01-2017 03:01 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(09-30-2017 09:36 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  I wanted this win, not just a moral victory. Troy just went down to LSU and won, No reason why EMU couldn't have beaten Kentucky. Having a senior QB who doesn't play like a senior kind of hurts. The defense should get us enough wins to play in another bowl game. Overall, solid effort. Everyone has to be pleased that we are playing to win these P5 games. EMU definitely belonged on the field with Kentucky and could have won, in spite of some awful officiating.

I thinking the officiating was the difference in the game.

KY had zero penalties in the 1st half.

Which is unheard of. Their guy is allowed to target our players with no repercussions too. Sometimes these games feel like a boxing tune up fight, where the contender brings in a tomato can to build up the resume and get a sure W...well, EMU football is no longer a patsy, but we had to knock them out, because the crooked judges were not going to give us anything...that is my boxing analogy.

Nobody wants to face it but IMAGINE if Kilby stuck with the program. We need a potential NFL prospect offensive weapon to help Roback...probably would be 4-0. There are certain players that you cannot replace easily at this level.

(10-01-2017 04:33 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(09-30-2017 08:27 PM)TheCrumbIsHere Wrote:  It is amazing how in just the course of three years how far this program has come. This was an entertaining game to attend and who would have thunk that EMU despite all of its mistakes still had a chance at the end of the game to win it. It was a gorgeous afternoon and from our seats at the 40 in the upper deck my wife and I had a great view of the game. In addition over the course of the past two nights we have both been impressed with how friendly most of the folks are here in Lexington. However, the other thing that was clear as day was how frustrated their fan base was with their offense and that was the product of our defense which played an amazing game. There were fans that were texting others of whether they had left because they were disgusted with what they saw and I heard one other comment that described this game as "the game from hell."

I had posted in a previous thread that I thought EMU would have a chance because of the hang over from Florida and I think that was evident in this game. It doesn't take huge knowledge to see that. I also thought that in the second half they finally just let Brogan go offensively and we saw what we generally see with him, some good, some bad. He reminds me a lot of Brett Favre in his gunslinger mentality. It's a shame that special teams cost us tonight.

However, I still think this game ought to give us confidence going into the rest of the MAC season and against Army. This team showed they can compete on the road in big environments. Now we need to fix some things on special teams and who knows where we will go. Not to mention too this might be the best defensive team EMU will see all year and they still managed 20 points.

Progress sometimes comes in small steps. We have gone from being blown out in non conference games to competing in non conference games. Next step is to learn to finish the job. Despite the loss, there was a lot of good from this effort. Thata my thoughts from what I saw.

Well said, I hope we use this two close losses as fire to do better the rest of the year. Our kids didn't quit which is a major change since CC got here.

They did cut down on the penalties only 5 for 50. Yes special teams hurt us but prior to this game the field goal unit has done well and we're getting kickoffs into the end zone or near it. We have new personnel at long snapper, kickoffs and holder. We're not getting much offensive production from the TE spot and I wonder how much blocking we're getting from that position as well. Terry Myrick a true frosh LB played yesterday for his first game. Yes its amazing we could been 4-0 and you wonder if the staff had brought in a JUCO TE and another OT where we might be. I agree I think the program should be past the moral victories stage. Haven't really seen alot of this translate into positive recruiting and changing the perception of the program. I agree our defense this year is awesome, maybe the best we've had at EMU?

As always, changing recruiting and the perception of the program TAKES TIME.

Why? There are three blue chip program in the MAC West, namely, Toledo, WMU, and NIU. We would like to be #4. But to move into that blue chip class we need to beat teams like UT, WMU, NIU, and hit say 8 Ws.

Well, a great experience getting to be at the game and in the Lexington area for the weekend. As far as the game, if you would have told me beforehand that we would have a play at the end with a shot to win I would take it. However like the Ohio game there were so many poor decisions and poor execution throughout that foiled us. Special teams need to get back to the basics. Not having Banham out there to return kicks really hurt. Coaching staff took far too long to make adjustments on both sides of the ball. As I mentioned during, we had so many 3rd and shorts where our DBs were giving 10 yards of cushion and then getting burned by those WR screens. Gotta recognize that and adjust. I think on the other side Brogan is lacking confidence. He is just not making throws that he did last year. He is far too reliant on Bailey, at times he stares him down the whole play. Rushing attack is nonexistent, with or without Shaq. Hopefully Shaq, Banham and Hoying are back next week for Toledo.

With all that if you would have told me that we split our 2 P5 games and were within a Hail Mary of going 2-0 and still taking almost 2 million total for those games I would be very happy.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No moral victories here, or wow how we've improved. We have literally given the last 2 games away with ridiculous mistakes.

Pathetic performance by 2/3's of the team and coaching staff (outside of Neathery of course). Even after another poor offensive showing, we STILL win that game if not for the muffed punt, and blocked punt. Has to be disheartening for Neathery and the defense. If this continues there's a real danger that this team splits down the middle, it's simply human nature.

On a positive note, if we just play a clean game, we can beat Toledo, and it'll make up for just giving the last 2 away. The Toledo D is weak, so hopefully the O can figure something out. Their O is really good so it'll be strength against strength. Pressuring the QB can make a really good one look really average.

On to the next one.