Date: September 23rd, 2017
Time: 3:30 PM
Opponent: Mercer (1-2, 0-1 SoCon)
Place: William B. Greene. Jr Stadium
Television: none
Webcast:
ESPN 3 (Free)
Radio online:
640WXSM.com (Free)
Mercer 2017
Schedule
Mercer 2017
Roster
Mercer
Message Board
Time to go get a win, though as well as they played against Auburn this could be a long day.
(09-18-2017 12:40 PM)Buccaneerlover Wrote: [ -> ]Time to go get a win, though as well as they played against Auburn this could be a long day.
I can see this being a let down game for them after playing Auburn so tough. We had a chance at the end to win last year. The boys need to step up Saturday.
The fan interaction and game atmosphere this year compared to last, is not even comparable.
(09-18-2017 12:55 PM)ETSUfan1 Wrote: [ -> ]The fan interaction and game atmosphere this year compared to last, is not even comparable.
Let's all just be honest; it was miserable going to a game at Science Hill.
(09-18-2017 12:40 PM)Buccaneerlover Wrote: [ -> ]Time to go get a win, though as well as they played against Auburn this could be a long day.
For sure, but we shouldn't turn the ball over to them 5 times like Auburn did. Hope we can run the ball some this time.
I've heard no complaints from any of my gang or other friends about Kermit Tipton. Yes, William Greene Stadium is much better, it should be and its supposed to be, but If KT hadn't been available, this would be our first year of football.
Thank you Johnson City and School Board for allowing ETSU to use KT. I don't believe there is one person that wanted to wait three more years to see the Bucs play. We already waited twelve.
Mercer is a 13.5 point favorite.
I have no idea how they figure these odds, but this game looks like a fairly even match up statistically.
Team needs to do better on 3rd down conversions.
Better pass protection would help.
Defense should be able to limit their rushing.
Get after Fr. QB, He's thrown 4 Int's.
Bucs win 1st Socon game at home.
Howdy y’all, just got back from the NYJ game, man Det looks like they are on the come up, but still have a bit to go. Anyway, lets talk Buc Ball.
First off – Who said they don’t play the TN Waltz before the game… Wrong! I told you they did. My buddy asked why in the world… My response, “I guess it’s s fan favorite, but wake me when it’s over.”
Ok everyone calm down about the AU game. A butt load of AU turnovers in the End/Red Zone took 28 points off the board. But the Mercer D looked very good, so give tem props.
The Good: ETSU Run Defense
The Bad: ETSU Pass Defense (Mercer will expose it)
The Ugly: The ETSU Punt Team
That said, I’ll stir it up and generate some good conversation. Somebody please wake your fan base up. It’s okay to yell, clap and stand up and cheer… I’m sure the team wouldn’t mind at all.
Also, seeing a replay on that big beautiful video board (one that actually shows the play might get the fans involved a bit) would be greatly appreciated – Thoughts?
Game: This one is a bit more difficult to handicap, I’d love to say I see the Bucs win a close one, but without a punting game, its hard to defend a short field all night. So I will give you two (just to ensure I don’t get basted – ETSU 24 Mercer 23 or Mercer 23 ETSU 20.
Just for fun, let’s break down the O skill players this week and the D next week. Then after a few more game, we can gage the line play.
When I got done playing and coaching, I did some scouting for the ACC and AAC. Please note that I have NO inside information to this team, it’s players, staff, practices or boosters. I sit on the 35-40 yard line with my buddy Mike and take in every play I can. (Sitting off center gives you a better look at separation. By the way did anyone see the sure TD that was under thrown last week? It was directly in front of us. My boy Mike (ETSU alum) darn near had a heart attack. That was a sure TD if #7 puts any arm into it. #89 was had the CB beat by 8 yards…No worries, that INT was totally forgotten on that 4th and 2 run call at the end of the game… 26 total rushing yards and you run it up the middle…? Oh well, that’s why we watch and don’t coach. Perhaps they saw something. Who am I to second guess Coach O.
Anyway, here are a few observations I’ve noticed thus far:
QBs: #7 is limited on speed/range, box him in and make him get rid of the ball quickly. He appears to stare
down his receiver and does not look off the coverage. If he looked left, expect the ball to go to the
left. The good thing is that can be corrected, but you have to start now.
#19 and #12 have not got on the field to my knowledge; thus, need reps to evaluate.
RBs: #6 is the main guy, but does not have breakaway speed, average size, average blocking, good hands
#1 Good speed, out of the backfield, good lateral quickness, limited ability to break tackles, don’t
recall seeing him catch any passes as yet.
#42 Big thumper, breaks tackles, plays more FB and TE, good hands, below average quickness and
lateral Change Of Direction (COD), limited snaps to really evaluate
#15 Limited snaps to really evaluate
TE: #87 solid hands, good speed, better receiver than blocker
#42 solid blocker both pass and run, better run blocker, good hands
#81 limited snaps to evaluate
WR: #4 Tracks the ball well, great hands, terrific change of Direction (COD), better than average speed,
can create separation with his COD, small in size, will sell out for the ball (see TD against Cit, see
hands at Kennesaw) (Leader)
#9 Big and tall, good speed, inconstant hands, will make a great catch and then drop an easier one,
Strong and can get off of press man, but lacks the speed you want on the outside (See drops at JMU
and Limestone, see terrific play at Cit and vs Citadel)
#21 (Need more reps to evaluate)
#86 Very good hands, plays bigger than he is, average speed and size, plays smart looks to get open
and makes the difficult catch over the middle (best Y or H on the team)
#80 Normally terrific hands, but fell off this past game dropping two good passes, below average
speed, but will sell out for the ball (See drops vs Cit) (Plays Smart)
#20 good speed, good COD, good hands, lacks size, struggled against press man coverage (see vs
Limestone and Cit) (Lots of upside)
#17 Above average speed, good COD, inconsistent hands, (need more reps to evaluate)
#88 (Need more reps to evaluate)
#89 Great speed, good size, tracks the ball well, plays physical, (see TD vs Limestone,
deep balls vs Cit) (Could be the best on the field with more reps)
#Spector: EXCELLENT evaluation. Need more reps to finalize assessment though
Spector, might need you to come sit with my crew and break down the game. Also what's the deal with the fans? Are they not knowledgeable about when to cheer? Basketball crowds are pretty rowdy. I don't get the lack of enthusiasm.
I think the fans did a much better job in the Citadel game. And I don't think it is fair to compare basketball and football crowds. Totally different environments. The basketball setting is more compact, much more game action than in football, etc.
If we can stay in the game against Mercer, and the fans remember to bring a hat to shield them from the sun, we should have a good crowd environment. And ticket sales appear to be much better for this game than it was against the Citadel.
Don't really get any complaining about our football fanbase. I've been around long enough to remember it not ever being much better than it was Saturday. For sure better than any game I've been to other than the first half against Kennesaw. I'm proud of them for showing up.
We had a chance last year with these dudes and I feel like we owe them one. I say the Bucs take care of business and win by 10. #BucUp!!!!!!!
Looking close to a sellout.
I think we have a good chance of getting these guys Saturday.