I'm getting antsy for kickoff, just like all of you I'm sure, so I figured why not start this thread a little early? Let's get some game discussion going!
Opponent: Monmouth. Went 9-3 last season with an appearance in the playoffs. However, they play in a relatively weaker conference and were crushed each time they played a powerhouse FCS program. For example, 52-21 L to Kennesaw State and 46-7 L to Northern Iowa in the playoff game.
Monmouth's strength last season was it's offense and returns 94% of its production and 11 starters (starting center graduated). They have an All-American senior WR returning, who will be their biggest threat.
On defense, they lost their all-American starting safety who lead the team in tackles. They also lose two other starting DBs, who were #3 and #4 in tackles. They gave up 27.5 point per game, but in the last 2 games against Kennesaw and UNI allowed 1,039 yards and 98 points. Ouch.
My suspicion is they'll probably have a pretty prolific offense for an FCS-level team, but won't be particular strong on defense. Especially compared to an FBS team. And despite returning most of their OL, I have a feeling Crosby and Harris won't have a hard time getting to their QB.
FYI - Monmouth preview article where I got most of this info -
https://www.app.com/story/sports/college...887958002/
The offense will run into our strength which is our pass rush, LBs and DBs. On our offense the question is still who starts at QB, I do expect us to see if we can stick with the run rotating different backs and avoid turnovers while easing the new QB and WRs into the offensive mix. We want special teams to be solid avoid the miscues like blocks in the back or blocked punts and hit the kicks. Should be a good tune up game for FBS competition.
Monmouth also graduated their 'do-it-all' kicker, who did place kicking, punting, and kickoffs. No one else punted all season, and their backup kick went 1-2 for FGs on the season and only kicked off once.
So talk about a special teams rebuild...
Dear Friends,
I just checked their roster, and most of their offensive linemen were about 265lbs., and their defensive linemen were mostly in the 260lbs. range. Defensive ends and linebackers were mostly about the 210lbs range. Now they did have some players that weighed more in all of the positions I mentioned, but for the most part they don't have much bulk. Quickness because of lighter weights might be an advantage, but it also depends on how quick Eastern's linemen are with greater bulk.
(08-21-2018 11:17 AM)emu79 Wrote: [ -> ]The offense will run into our strength which is our pass rush, LBs and DBs. On our offense the question is still who starts at QB, I do expect us to see if we can stick with the run rotating different backs and avoid turnovers while easing the new QB and WRs into the offensive mix. We want special teams to be solid avoid the miscues like blocks in the back or blocked punts and hit the kicks. Should be a good tune up game for FBS competition.
There is NO QUESTION as to who starts at QB.
(08-21-2018 01:00 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote: [ -> ] (08-21-2018 11:17 AM)emu79 Wrote: [ -> ]The offense will run into our strength which is our pass rush, LBs and DBs. On our offense the question is still who starts at QB, I do expect us to see if we can stick with the run rotating different backs and avoid turnovers while easing the new QB and WRs into the offensive mix. We want special teams to be solid avoid the miscues like blocks in the back or blocked punts and hit the kicks. Should be a good tune up game for FBS competition.
There is NO QUESTION as to who starts at QB.
Lets see what happens when the depth chart gets released.
Bob acts like he's some magic soothsayer with special insight and uncanny predictions........
News flash........Our QB depth chart coming into this year consisted of exactly 1 QB with a half game of experience under his belt with a questionable arm, 1 Juco that hasn't played in 2 years, 1 redshirt freshman, and 2 true freshman who are run-first guys.
Creighton goes out and gets a local 5th year Senior transfer from Iowa to add to the team......
Who is the overwhelming favorite to start from that moment on??????????????
Bob needs to leave ouija boards alone
(08-21-2018 01:00 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote: [ -> ] (08-21-2018 11:17 AM)emu79 Wrote: [ -> ]The offense will run into our strength which is our pass rush, LBs and DBs. On our offense the question is still who starts at QB, I do expect us to see if we can stick with the run rotating different backs and avoid turnovers while easing the new QB and WRs into the offensive mix. We want special teams to be solid avoid the miscues like blocks in the back or blocked punts and hit the kicks. Should be a good tune up game for FBS competition.
There is NO QUESTION as to who starts at QB.
Who are you saying it should be?
(08-21-2018 09:52 PM)mpleafan Wrote: [ -> ] (08-21-2018 01:00 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote: [ -> ] (08-21-2018 11:17 AM)emu79 Wrote: [ -> ]The offense will run into our strength which is our pass rush, LBs and DBs. On our offense the question is still who starts at QB, I do expect us to see if we can stick with the run rotating different backs and avoid turnovers while easing the new QB and WRs into the offensive mix. We want special teams to be solid avoid the miscues like blocks in the back or blocked punts and hit the kicks. Should be a good tune up game for FBS competition.
There is NO QUESTION as to who starts at QB.
Who are you saying it should be?
Tyler Wiegers, Iowa transfer...I will tell you, folks in Iowa City are bummed that he is no longer at Iowa. If Nate Stanley goes down, they do not have a reliable backup. Wiegers is going to have a really good season for EMU. He is the #1 reason why I think EMU is going to have a really solid season--a run at MAC title and a bowl win. Tyler Wiegers ALL. DAY.
(08-22-2018 08:03 AM)FrankAnderson Wrote: [ -> ]Creighton was on a Lansing radio show yesterday. Good 17 minute interview: https://www.spreaker.com/user/5707063/ch...ton-180820
That is Jack Eblings show Herb Haygood used to appear on it time to time its Ebling vs Staudt in the Lansing sports show market
Eastern better bring their best game and not take anything for granted in a game like this. Monmouth may be the underdog but they do have an explosive offense led by a three-year starter at QB. This is a huge game for Monmouth and emu needs to prove that they are ready for a good season.
It'll be very interesting to watch Eastern's quarterback and receiver situations. How well will those guys play? That said, I look for Eastern to line up and try to pound the ball down their throat.
I will be watching if our DL shuts down their running game. I believe if our D leads the MAC in allowing fewest rushing yards we'll be in for a very good season. I don't think that most college teams will be able to consistently pass on us with two potential NFL DEs!
Today officially begins game week..
Happy Friday folks! Does anyone have a lead as to who the starting QB will be one week from today?
(08-24-2018 04:09 PM)TheWoodenNickle Wrote: [ -> ]Happy Friday folks! Does anyone have a lead as to who the starting QB will be one week from today?
I am sure that question will come up at the coaches luncheon on Wednesday. If not, I will ask.
(08-24-2018 04:09 PM)TheWoodenNickle Wrote: [ -> ]Happy Friday folks! Does anyone have a lead as to who the starting QB will be one week from today?
Wiegers most likely.