(06-16-2021 01:07 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  Throwing out 2020 as an anomaly, EMU has been basically a .500 team since 2016. + or - one win off that
mark. 6-6 not considering a Bowl game would be a pretty
safe guess.

It’s a result that would be disappointing, but wouldn’t surprise me. We need to see massive improvement on the defensive side of the ball for 8-win predictions to carry any weight. We will score points and beat bad teams, but I see why any major publication would slot us in the middle/bottom of the pack. Hopefully this is the year we prove them wrong.

I made a prediction a while back prior to the mags coming out. It was 6-6 with a bowl game. The key is the defensive line which didn't stop the run or rush the passer consistently last year. We added one transfer and lost one. So the key will be improvement from returning players and redshirts/true frosh. An improved DL to get above .500 is key. Also please learn to tackle. Last year's tackling was horrible. Ditto running backs fumbling the ball which put the defense in the hole several times.

(06-15-2021 01:46 PM)TheWoodenNickle Wrote:  

(06-15-2021 07:36 AM)Sellers dweller Wrote:  I saw the Athlon magazine while in the store yesterday. I didn't buy it but checked out the MAC section real quick; I can't remember exactly where they had us in the MAC west (it was either 4th or 5th), and going 6-6 with no bowl game.

I'm assuming that you found the Athlons rag in the toilet paper aisle.

No baby wipes...which is worse right?

I agree with both Sam and 79, I have high hopes for this year but have some doubts because of the D, namely upfront. Everyone (me included) are excited about a lot of the transfers we were able to add, but they all seem to be skill position players on offense. The few we have on D seem to be in the secondary. Since we "got good" in 2016 the best teams in this era have been when we had some dudes upfront, which I don't think is a coincidence. Hopefully some of the young guys like Ramirez, Haney, Merritt can take a step forward.

The guys I think have the most promise are all true or RS freshmen so I doubt they'll be able to contribute much this year.

(06-16-2021 07:55 AM)Sellers dweller Wrote:  I agree with both Sam and 79, I have high hopes for this year but have some doubts because of the D, namely upfront. Everyone (me included) are excited about a lot of the transfers we were able to add, but they all seem to be skill position players on offense. The few we have on D seem to be in the secondary. Since we "got good" in 2016 the best teams in this era have been when we had some dudes upfront, which I don't think is a coincidence. Hopefully some of the young guys like Ramirez, Haney, Merritt can take a step forward.

The guys I think have the most promise are all true or RS freshmen so I doubt they'll be able to contribute much this year.

Agree. To be successful a team should have at least one impact DL and LB. Not sure that we do.

What we don't know if the effect of injuries, HOWEVER, on offense we are very deep so we can offset losses there. While our opponents might be hurting at certain positions our depth may carry the day.

(06-16-2021 06:46 AM)EagleSam Wrote:  

(06-16-2021 01:07 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  Throwing out 2020 as an anomaly, EMU has been basically a .500 team since 2016. + or - one win off that
mark. 6-6 not considering a Bowl game would be a pretty
safe guess.

It’s a result that would be disappointing, but wouldn’t surprise me. We need to see massive improvement on the defensive side of the ball for 8-win predictions to carry any weight. We will score points and beat bad teams, but I see why any major publication would slot us in the middle/bottom of the pack. Hopefully this is the year we prove them wrong.

Sam, I'm sure hoping so as well! LB are my biggest concern!

(06-16-2021 07:05 AM)emu79 Wrote:  I made a prediction a while back prior to the mags coming out. It was 6-6 with a bowl game. The key is the defensive line which didn't stop the run or rush the passer consistently last year. We added one transfer and lost one. So the key will be improvement from returning players and redshirts/true frosh. An improved DL to get above .500 is key. Also please learn to tackle. Last year's tackling was horrible. Ditto running backs fumbling the ball which put the defense in the hole several times.

BOOM! I wish I had written this post, it pretty much sums it all up!

There's a lot of dogging going on here about the defense, the lack of a defensive star, and concern about linebackers. In the meantime, for 2020, Terry Myrick (super-senior for the coming season) was one of the nation's best tacklers, ranking fourth in the MAC and 11th in the NCAA in tackles per game (11.2). As a team, EMU's red zone defense was No. 7 nationally, and the best in the MAC.

On the face of it, the run defense appeared less than effective, but in a "bend don't break" mode they were quite effective once a team hit the red zone. In my book, walking away with a stop in the red zone, or at worst holding a team to a field goal, is putting the game in the hands of the offense to win. And as has been pointed out here, the additions made on the offense should be impactful.

I'm not saying the defense doesn't have room for improvement. Yes, the Eagles need to pressure the opposing QB and run-stop more effectively than they have since the days of Crosby and Rachwal. It would be nice to force a team to punt instead of stopping them in the red zone. But there were some positives on defense last year, so if we do see any defensive improvements in the coming season (which in my mind seems reasonable to expect), the Eagles could truly be a team to watch on both sides of the ball.

(06-17-2021 07:35 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  There's a lot of dogging going on here about the defense, the lack of a defensive star, and concern about linebackers. In the meantime, for 2020, Terry Myrick (super-senior for the coming season) was one of the nation's best tacklers, ranking fourth in the MAC and 11th in the NCAA in tackles per game (11.2). As a team, EMU's red zone defense was No. 7 nationally, and the best in the MAC.

On the face of it, the run defense appeared less than effective, but in a "bend don't break" mode they were quite effective once a team hit the red zone. In my book, walking away with a stop in the red zone, or at worst holding a team to a field goal, is putting the game in the hands of the offense to win. And as has been pointed out here, the additions made on the offense should be impactful.

I'm not saying the defense doesn't have room for improvement. Yes, the Eagles need to pressure the opposing QB and run-stop more effectively than they have since the days of Crosby and Rachwal. It would be nice to force a team to punt instead of stopping them in the red zone. But there were some positives on defense last year, so if we do see any defensive improvements in the coming season (which in my mind seems reasonable to expect), the Eagles could truly be a team to watch on both sides of the ball.

The position group im most concerned about on defense is the secondary. I'd like to see more sacks caused by lock down coverage and more INTs and less big plays over the top.

(06-17-2021 07:37 AM)dansplaining Wrote:  

(06-17-2021 07:35 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  There's a lot of dogging going on here about the defense, the lack of a defensive star, and concern about linebackers. In the meantime, for 2020, Terry Myrick (super-senior for the coming season) was one of the nation's best tacklers, ranking fourth in the MAC and 11th in the NCAA in tackles per game (11.2). As a team, EMU's red zone defense was No. 7 nationally, and the best in the MAC.

On the face of it, the run defense appeared less than effective, but in a "bend don't break" mode they were quite effective once a team hit the red zone. In my book, walking away with a stop in the red zone, or at worst holding a team to a field goal, is putting the game in the hands of the offense to win. And as has been pointed out here, the additions made on the offense should be impactful.

I'm not saying the defense doesn't have room for improvement. Yes, the Eagles need to pressure the opposing QB and run-stop more effectively than they have since the days of Crosby and Rachwal. It would be nice to force a team to punt instead of stopping them in the red zone. But there were some positives on defense last year, so if we do see any defensive improvements in the coming season (which in my mind seems reasonable to expect), the Eagles could truly be a team to watch on both sides of the ball.

The position group im most concerned about on defense is the secondary. I'd like to see more sacks caused by lock down coverage and more INTs and less big plays over the top.

Cid, I agree with you. The defense will be improved but I still do believe we need a "bendy" athletic D-end that can get to the QB.

(06-17-2021 07:37 AM)dansplaining Wrote:  The position group im most concerned about on defense is the secondary. I'd like to see more sacks caused by lock down coverage and more INTs and less big plays over the top.

I feel better about the DBs as we brought in two transfers at that spot. Paul from Rutgers and Benson from Bucknell. Maybe the both have a shot to start?

(06-17-2021 09:00 AM)FrankAnderson Wrote:  

(06-17-2021 07:37 AM)dansplaining Wrote:  The position group im most concerned about on defense is the secondary. I'd like to see more sacks caused by lock down coverage and more INTs and less big plays over the top.

I feel better about the DBs as we brought in two transfers at that spot. Paul from Rutgers and Benson from Bucknell. Maybe the both have a shot to start?

Both are safeties. Are we weaker at CB or S?

(06-17-2021 07:37 AM)dansplaining Wrote:  

(06-17-2021 07:35 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  There's a lot of dogging going on here about the defense, the lack of a defensive star, and concern about linebackers. In the meantime, for 2020, Terry Myrick (super-senior for the coming season) was one of the nation's best tacklers, ranking fourth in the MAC and 11th in the NCAA in tackles per game (11.2). As a team, EMU's red zone defense was No. 7 nationally, and the best in the MAC.

On the face of it, the run defense appeared less than effective, but in a "bend don't break" mode they were quite effective once a team hit the red zone. In my book, walking away with a stop in the red zone, or at worst holding a team to a field goal, is putting the game in the hands of the offense to win. And as has been pointed out here, the additions made on the offense should be impactful.

I'm not saying the defense doesn't have room for improvement. Yes, the Eagles need to pressure the opposing QB and run-stop more effectively than they have since the days of Crosby and Rachwal. It would be nice to force a team to punt instead of stopping them in the red zone. But there were some positives on defense last year, so if we do see any defensive improvements in the coming season (which in my mind seems reasonable to expect), the Eagles could truly be a team to watch on both sides of the ball.

The position group im most concerned about on defense is the secondary. I'd like to see more sacks caused by lock down coverage and more INTs and less big plays over the top.

No DB looks good against a QB that has all day to throw or can mix the offense because the DL can't stop the run or get to the QB.

(06-17-2021 10:22 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(06-17-2021 07:37 AM)dansplaining Wrote:  

(06-17-2021 07:35 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  There's a lot of dogging going on here about the defense, the lack of a defensive star, and concern about linebackers. In the meantime, for 2020, Terry Myrick (super-senior for the coming season) was one of the nation's best tacklers, ranking fourth in the MAC and 11th in the NCAA in tackles per game (11.2). As a team, EMU's red zone defense was No. 7 nationally, and the best in the MAC.

On the face of it, the run defense appeared less than effective, but in a "bend don't break" mode they were quite effective once a team hit the red zone. In my book, walking away with a stop in the red zone, or at worst holding a team to a field goal, is putting the game in the hands of the offense to win. And as has been pointed out here, the additions made on the offense should be impactful.

I'm not saying the defense doesn't have room for improvement. Yes, the Eagles need to pressure the opposing QB and run-stop more effectively than they have since the days of Crosby and Rachwal. It would be nice to force a team to punt instead of stopping them in the red zone. But there were some positives on defense last year, so if we do see any defensive improvements in the coming season (which in my mind seems reasonable to expect), the Eagles could truly be a team to watch on both sides of the ball.

The position group im most concerned about on defense is the secondary. I'd like to see more sacks caused by lock down coverage and more INTs and less big plays over the top.

No DB looks good against a QB that has all day to throw or can mix the offense because the DL can't stop the run or get to the QB.

Agreed. It all starts up front. If we can’t hit the QB, it won’t matter even if Stephon Gilmore is back there in coverage. If we can generate more pressure with the front 4, you’ll see improved play from the LBs and secondary.

(06-18-2021 05:45 AM)EagleSam Wrote:  

(06-17-2021 10:22 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(06-17-2021 07:37 AM)dansplaining Wrote:  

(06-17-2021 07:35 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  There's a lot of dogging going on here about the defense, the lack of a defensive star, and concern about linebackers. In the meantime, for 2020, Terry Myrick (super-senior for the coming season) was one of the nation's best tacklers, ranking fourth in the MAC and 11th in the NCAA in tackles per game (11.2). As a team, EMU's red zone defense was No. 7 nationally, and the best in the MAC.

On the face of it, the run defense appeared less than effective, but in a "bend don't break" mode they were quite effective once a team hit the red zone. In my book, walking away with a stop in the red zone, or at worst holding a team to a field goal, is putting the game in the hands of the offense to win. And as has been pointed out here, the additions made on the offense should be impactful.

I'm not saying the defense doesn't have room for improvement. Yes, the Eagles need to pressure the opposing QB and run-stop more effectively than they have since the days of Crosby and Rachwal. It would be nice to force a team to punt instead of stopping them in the red zone. But there were some positives on defense last year, so if we do see any defensive improvements in the coming season (which in my mind seems reasonable to expect), the Eagles could truly be a team to watch on both sides of the ball.

The position group im most concerned about on defense is the secondary. I'd like to see more sacks caused by lock down coverage and more INTs and less big plays over the top.

No DB looks good against a QB that has all day to throw or can mix the offense because the DL can't stop the run or get to the QB.

Agreed. It all starts up front. If we can’t hit the QB, it won’t matter even if Stephon Gilmore is back there in coverage. If we can generate more pressure with the front 4, you’ll see improved play from the LBs and secondary.

Good stuff posted here all around! Still I don't want to get carried away with congratulating Myrick's performance. The Mike Linebacker will always be statistically the number one tackler in the Neathery scheme, as witnessed by Rachwal and Beltram prior. His stats also benefitted from the fact that Crosby and Harris were not sucking up tackles before the ball carrier got to him.

This is an inflection year for Neathery, our darling when he first got here. He was a respected film addict and schematic wizard when he had POC, Harris and Crosby rushing off the ends and Rachwal, Calhoun and Hoying tackling past the line of scrimmage.

Our defensive issues in the past two years, however, have become chronic. We have had little pass rush since Maxx declared for the NFL draft. Our tackling has been abysmal, as an example our potentially best defensive player, Kevin Magill adopted the "Venus De Milo" technique of armless tackling and was often embarrassed. Neil also coaches DB's to favor keeping receivers in front of them instead of jumping a route to get the interception, a practice not necessarily wrong but open to criticism.

We've seen the bad movie of the past two seasons. Tackling is a coaching issue for sure. As for the pass rush, you either develop someone or adopt some alternative blitz schemes to get the job done. The 4-2-5 is a back loaded defense, designed to bend not break for sure, why not occasionally turn loose the DB's for a pick?

Creighton has at a minimum two years left for me no matter the results of this season. Neathery, however, is in a make or break year.

I love these posts. Because posters note great talent makes a coach (e.g., DC) great and then not great talent makes a coach (e.g., DC) look not great.

Remembering back, I believe remembering that Harris wasn't the same the season after his injury.

(06-18-2021 07:56 PM)emu steve Wrote:  I love these posts. Because posters note great talent makes a coach (e.g., DC) great and then not great talent makes a coach (e.g., DC) look not great.

Remembering back, I believe remembering that Harris wasn't the same the season after his injury.

Your memory is 100% correct Steve. Jerry Harris was a beast as a sophomore and junior, he just never recovered fully from that knee injury for his senior year. He went from a sure NFL draft choice to a UDFA as a result. Sad indeed.

Steve your comment about about good players making coaches good is obviously true, after all when was the last time you saw Alabama, Clemson or OSU haul in a less than Top Ten recruiting class? Ryan Day hardly had a lineage of success, but when your first head coaching job involves inheriting the OSU program and its associated recruiting machine, you instantly achieve coaching prominence.

As you know I absolutely adore Creighton. At some point, however, when your shortcomings repeat themselves year after year, your approach needs to change and adjustments need to be made. The 4-2-5 is not a favorable defensive formation versus the run and we have been found wanting stopping the rushing game. Our pass rush the prior two years has been weak, but I don't see much creativity in solving the issue. Blitzing, or for that matter zone blitzing is seldom employed. At some point you have to "dance with who brought you" and coach to their abilities.

We've got the All-Steele teams:

https://emueagles.com/news/2021/6/23/foo...NGOrv1Shuc

Phil Steele's College Football Preview - 2021 All-MAC Team

First-Team Offense
TE Thomas Odukoya
OL Sidy Sow

First-Team Defense
DL Turan Rush
LB Terry Myrick
CB Alvinoski LaFleur

First-Team Specialists
P Jake Julien

Second-Team Offense
WR Hassan Beydoun

Second-Team Specialists
K Chad Ryland

Fourth-Team Offense
QB Preston Hutchinson
C Mike Van Hoeven

Fourth-Team Defense
DL Woo Scott

Fourth-Team Specialists
PR Jeff Hubbard

(06-23-2021 08:05 AM)dansplaining Wrote:  We've got the All-Steele teams:

https://emueagles.com/news/2021/6/23/foo...NGOrv1Shuc

Phil Steele's College Football Preview - 2021 All-MAC Team

First-Team Offense
TE Thomas Odukoya
OL Sidy Sow

First-Team Defense
DL Turan Rush
LB Terry Myrick
CB Alvinoski LaFleur

First-Team Specialists
P Jake Julien

Second-Team Offense
WR Hassan Beydoun

Second-Team Specialists
K Chad Ryland

Fourth-Team Offense
QB Preston Hutchinson
C Mike Van Hoeven

Fourth-Team Defense
DL Woo Scott

Fourth-Team Specialists
PR Jeff Hubbard

Phil thinks we are a defensive powerhouse.

3 defensive players on first team? Say you didn’t watch us play at all without saying you didn’t watch us play at all, Phil. Lafleur and MAYBE Myrick are the only guys that should be anywhere near any all-MAC preseason team, and definitely not first. I hope we see some serious growth on that side of the ball, because that could make us an 8-9 win team. But come on.