(12-02-2019 04:35 PM)Ken Barna Wrote:  Dear Friends,
Many have made fair points about field goals and the person responsible for them. However, when Eastern has failed to score a touchdown in the red-zone we need to come away with some points, ala field goal. All I am asking for is consistency. If, one cannot deliver that, then you need to find someone that can. It is no different then any other position on the team. You need to perform or you can be replaced.

I forgot the name of the coach who said "offense sells tickets, defense wins games and kicking wins championships".

Perhaps I am wrong but to me it seems that college kickers today show far better range than in the past, often making 50+ yard field goals yet suffer at the "chip shot" distances under 40 yards. Michigan missed their first PAT last Saturday for goodness sakes. ESPN analysts often humorously refer to late game misfires and blame them on "college kickers".

Kickers also are often PWO's and seldom offered scholarships which proves the axiom that you get what you pay for. Dennis and Steve make extremely valid points and Ryland's predecessor Fricano suffered from similar maladies. And yes Ken, you can probably name more than just Ryland's misses vs. NIU and Western last year as well as Toledo this year that could have transformed both seasons.

As I have said before our special teams SUCK! We return nothing, opting to fair catch almost every time. Kent, however, had a TD return last weekend AFTER a near another. Perhaps a coaching focus is needed here.

(12-02-2019 03:42 PM)TheCrumbIsHere Wrote:  

(12-02-2019 11:44 AM)Lefty One Wrote:  Very unlikely any program will turn down a bowl-including BC and FSU.

EMU-Has to sell the win over Illinois.

KSU-Would sell the win over EMU and that they have had a long bowl drought (since 2012) and thus even a small bowl would be a big deal.

Liberty- Neven been to a bowl, Hugh Freeze and a WR who will go high in the draft-all good selling points.

Toledo- Most nervous along with EMU. Sell their early season win over BYU.

Bright side of EMU being left out---maybe Creighton's stock will go down and thus not be on the radar of a higher paying HC job.

I would also argue EMU’s road record being 4-3 as another argument. In college football it isn’t exactly easy to win on the road. Of all of the teams in the MAC the only other one with a winning record on the road is Ohio. My whole point behind this is that bowl games aren’t played at home. The other teams in the conversation don’t have close to that same type of record. Just another thought.

That means they had a losing record at home a minus and that last second win against ccsu another minus

(12-02-2019 04:35 PM)Ken Barna Wrote:  Dear Friends,
Many have made fair points about field goals and the person responsible for them. However, when Eastern has failed to score a touchdown in the red-zone we need to come away with some points, ala field goal. All I am asking for is consistency. If, one cannot deliver that, then you need to find someone that can. It is no different then any other position on the team. You need to perform or you can be replaced.

I'm with you, Ken. If your kicker can't be consistent (or any player for that matter), changes need to be made. Field goal kickers are the last resort when all else fails offensively. Based on what Alex has told me, I think there is more to Chad's capability than what he has shown. I don't know if it's a confidence issue, a coaching issue, or if what he's shown may be all he's got. He has demonstrated a strong leg, just has lacked consistent accuracy on the chip shots. I hope, for his sake, that is something that can be addressed in the off-season.

(12-02-2019 03:10 PM)cidbearit Wrote:  

(12-02-2019 12:53 PM)Ken Barna Wrote:  What I see as a recurring problem, is our field goal kicker. Whether you want to put blame on one individual or not. Creighton needs to find someone who can consistently make kicks from the 35 yard line. I don't know what Ryland's problem is from that distance, but he has cost Eastern some games we should have won with his misses.

I feel your frustration with the field goal kicking, and agree it has cost us some. A couple things to keep in mind, though. Generally you kick field goals when you get into (or at least close to) the red zone and can't convert that momentum into a touchdown. The big exception to that is at the end of halves when time is expiring and a field goal try is all you have time for. But my point is, the team has generally already "missed" in most instances when you get to the point when you need to attempt a field goal. Change some of those missed field goal attempts to TD's, and it's a whole different season for EMU. Yes, Chad missed some costly kicks, but many of those are after the Offense has already missed their scoring opportunity. There's a lot that needs to be worked on there on many different levels.

Also keep in mind that Chad is a true sophomore. And while he has kicked for EMU now for two seasons, he's only had one full off-season, so is still developing physically and mentally as a college level player. I admittedly may be a bit biased toward him because Chad and Alex share an apartment, but I think this off-season could be a big growth period for Chad as a player. I'm not saying that CC and Nunez shouldn't be concerned and exploring their options, but with another off-season of workouts and training under his belt, Chad could be a different player next year.

look, I agree Ryland has had some struggles but he's a sophomore and will figure it out. He is NOT the issue we have on this team. We are giving up 30 points a game defensively. That will not get you to MAC champion status. We need a pass rush and quick LB's who can cover space. I will keep on with my argument that this team has been fun to watch, and next years team I think will be really good with all the returners.

(12-02-2019 11:17 PM)steve4840 Wrote:  

(12-02-2019 03:10 PM)cidbearit Wrote:  

(12-02-2019 12:53 PM)Ken Barna Wrote:  What I see as a recurring problem, is our field goal kicker. Whether you want to put blame on one individual or not. Creighton needs to find someone who can consistently make kicks from the 35 yard line. I don't know what Ryland's problem is from that distance, but he has cost Eastern some games we should have won with his misses.

I feel your frustration with the field goal kicking, and agree it has cost us some. A couple things to keep in mind, though. Generally you kick field goals when you get into (or at least close to) the red zone and can't convert that momentum into a touchdown. The big exception to that is at the end of halves when time is expiring and a field goal try is all you have time for. But my point is, the team has generally already "missed" in most instances when you get to the point when you need to attempt a field goal. Change some of those missed field goal attempts to TD's, and it's a whole different season for EMU. Yes, Chad missed some costly kicks, but many of those are after the Offense has already missed their scoring opportunity. There's a lot that needs to be worked on there on many different levels.

Also keep in mind that Chad is a true sophomore. And while he has kicked for EMU now for two seasons, he's only had one full off-season, so is still developing physically and mentally as a college level player. I admittedly may be a bit biased toward him because Chad and Alex share an apartment, but I think this off-season could be a big growth period for Chad as a player. I'm not saying that CC and Nunez shouldn't be concerned and exploring their options, but with another off-season of workouts and training under his belt, Chad could be a different player next year.

look, I agree Ryland has had some struggles but he's a sophomore and will figure it out. He is NOT the issue we have on this team. We are giving up 30 points a game defensively. That will not get you to MAC champion status. We need a pass rush and quick LB's who can cover space. I will keep on with my argument that this team has been fun to watch, and next years team I think will be really good with all the returners.

nobody on the buffalo bills ever blamed scott norwood - i refuse to blame chad ryland.

FG kicking is hard. Like, insanely hard. For a relatively short 35 yarder (from the 18), a kicker has just 10 degrees to work with. With a ball designed for throwing. Relying on the timing and placement of a walk-on throwing between his legs to a backup quarterback. While 11 men are trying to kill you.

It's easy to forget this because NFL kickers are absolute freaks. In a good year 3 kickers will be drafted. Considering the career longevity of the best kickers (Vinatieri is almost 47), 2 or 3 of the starters you see on Sunday are destined for the Hall of Fame. Maybe 10% of the attempts are by Hall of Famers, and even they miss 10-20% of the time.

https://www.calculator.net/triangle-calc...&x=51&y=20

All that said, kicking a PAT into the backside of your snapper is junior high type stuff.

I looked at 8 different bowl predictions sites, and 2 have us getting a bowl, and 6 don't have us making it! Of the 6 that don't have us making it, the few bowls that have been mentioned the bowl game in Boca Raton, FL, or Frisco, TX have either Liberty, Kent St, or Toledo! 7 wins must matter, and maybe they actually do look at head to head matchups? Only time will tell this Sunday, unless a youtube video pops up!!!!!! We had are chances, and simply blew it this year! FG were an issue, but the defense was really bad this year, especially against the run! Giving up 250-400 yards a game is simply horrific……..

(12-03-2019 11:48 AM)EMUGLORYDAYSthe90s Wrote:  I looked at 8 different bowl predictions sites, and 2 have us getting a bowl, and 6 don't have us making it! Of the 6 that don't have us making it, the few bowls that have been mentioned the bowl game in Boca Raton, FL, or Frisco, TX have either Liberty, Kent St, or Toledo! 7 wins must matter, and maybe they actually do look at head to head matchups? Only time will tell this Sunday, unless a youtube video pops up!!!!!! We had are chances, and simply blew it this year! FG were an issue, but the defense was really bad this year, especially against the run! Giving up 250-400 yards a game is simply horrific……..

I don't see how Frisco can take Liberty over a MAC team. That bowl has a secondary agreement w. the MAC.

(12-03-2019 11:54 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(12-03-2019 11:48 AM)EMUGLORYDAYSthe90s Wrote:  I looked at 8 different bowl predictions sites, and 2 have us getting a bowl, and 6 don't have us making it! Of the 6 that don't have us making it, the few bowls that have been mentioned the bowl game in Boca Raton, FL, or Frisco, TX have either Liberty, Kent St, or Toledo! 7 wins must matter, and maybe they actually do look at head to head matchups? Only time will tell this Sunday, unless a youtube video pops up!!!!!! We had are chances, and simply blew it this year! FG were an issue, but the defense was really bad this year, especially against the run! Giving up 250-400 yards a game is simply horrific……..

I don't see how Frisco can take Liberty over a MAC team. That bowl has a secondary agreement w. the MAC.

if we get left home, and it's looking more and more like that's gonna happen - maybe it will be a teachable moment and will galvanize the team to not dog it against rivals and to finish games more consistently

What makes you say it’s looking like we will be left home? Inside info?

(12-03-2019 11:54 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(12-03-2019 11:48 AM)EMUGLORYDAYSthe90s Wrote:  I looked at 8 different bowl predictions sites, and 2 have us getting a bowl, and 6 don't have us making it! Of the 6 that don't have us making it, the few bowls that have been mentioned the bowl game in Boca Raton, FL, or Frisco, TX have either Liberty, Kent St, or Toledo! 7 wins must matter, and maybe they actually do look at head to head matchups? Only time will tell this Sunday, unless a youtube video pops up!!!!!! We had are chances, and simply blew it this year! FG were an issue, but the defense was really bad this year, especially against the run! Giving up 250-400 yards a game is simply horrific……..

I don't see how Frisco can take Liberty over a MAC team. That bowl has a secondary agreement w. the MAC.

Money always wins, and Liberty will bring 15,000 fans!!!!!!!

The most updated predictions from USA today have us in playing Southern Mississippi in the first responders bowl! They've Liberty in the Belk bowl! Ohio U making it, and Toledo being left out! The first responders bowl, I believe doesn't have any MAC tie ins either! This is getting interesting! 3 YES, and 6 no...…...when do you think the university, or coaches will find out? I'm going if we make it...……..Anyone on this board PLEASE respond if you hear anything! A few days ago USA today had us OUT!!!!!! Do they know something??????

TheAthletic updated 6 hours ago had us left out.

Also, friend sent me this link and it seeeeeeems like Liberty has a tie in with the Cure Bowl so it may come down to us having to beat out the other MAC teams

https://www.liberty.edu/flames/index.cfm...wsID=20457

In the real world if you don't do your job consistently you lose your job.
If you kick out of bound on kickoffs someone replaces you if you miss game changing field goals you will be replaced
Love to have Mulder back

(12-03-2019 12:41 PM)EMUGLORYDAYSthe90s Wrote:  The most updated predictions from USA today have us in playing Southern Mississippi in the first responders bowl! They've Liberty in the Belk bowl! Ohio U making it, and Toledo being left out! The first responders bowl, I believe doesn't have any MAC tie ins either! This is getting interesting! 3 YES, and 6 no...…...when do you think the university, or coaches will find out? I'm going if we make it...……..Anyone on this board PLEASE respond if you hear anything! A few days ago USA today had us OUT!!!!!! Do they know something??????

Some writer from the Miami Herald thinks that the 6-6 Hurricanes should decline. I second that.

(12-03-2019 02:03 PM)TheWoodenNickle Wrote:  

(12-03-2019 12:41 PM)EMUGLORYDAYSthe90s Wrote:  The most updated predictions from USA today have us in playing Southern Mississippi in the first responders bowl! They've Liberty in the Belk bowl! Ohio U making it, and Toledo being left out! The first responders bowl, I believe doesn't have any MAC tie ins either! This is getting interesting! 3 YES, and 6 no...…...when do you think the university, or coaches will find out? I'm going if we make it...……..Anyone on this board PLEASE respond if you hear anything! A few days ago USA today had us OUT!!!!!! Do they know something??????

Some writer from the Miami Herald thinks that the 6-6 Hurricanes should decline. I second that.

And why not Florida State?

(12-03-2019 03:19 PM)emu steve Wrote:  

(12-03-2019 02:03 PM)TheWoodenNickle Wrote:  

(12-03-2019 12:41 PM)EMUGLORYDAYSthe90s Wrote:  The most updated predictions from USA today have us in playing Southern Mississippi in the first responders bowl! They've Liberty in the Belk bowl! Ohio U making it, and Toledo being left out! The first responders bowl, I believe doesn't have any MAC tie ins either! This is getting interesting! 3 YES, and 6 no...…...when do you think the university, or coaches will find out? I'm going if we make it...……..Anyone on this board PLEASE respond if you hear anything! A few days ago USA today had us OUT!!!!!! Do they know something??????

Some writer from the Miami Herald thinks that the 6-6 Hurricanes should decline. I second that.

And why not Florida State?

A totally different sports reporter Erick Smith from USA today which was updated 4 minutes ago has us in the first responders bowl versus Southern Mississippi!

(12-03-2019 11:14 AM)dansplaining Wrote:  

(12-02-2019 11:17 PM)steve4840 Wrote:  

(12-02-2019 03:10 PM)cidbearit Wrote:  

(12-02-2019 12:53 PM)Ken Barna Wrote:  What I see as a recurring problem, is our field goal kicker. Whether you want to put blame on one individual or not. Creighton needs to find someone who can consistently make kicks from the 35 yard line. I don't know what Ryland's problem is from that distance, but he has cost Eastern some games we should have won with his misses.

I feel your frustration with the field goal kicking, and agree it has cost us some. A couple things to keep in mind, though. Generally you kick field goals when you get into (or at least close to) the red zone and can't convert that momentum into a touchdown. The big exception to that is at the end of halves when time is expiring and a field goal try is all you have time for. But my point is, the team has generally already "missed" in most instances when you get to the point when you need to attempt a field goal. Change some of those missed field goal attempts to TD's, and it's a whole different season for EMU. Yes, Chad missed some costly kicks, but many of those are after the Offense has already missed their scoring opportunity. There's a lot that needs to be worked on there on many different levels.

Also keep in mind that Chad is a true sophomore. And while he has kicked for EMU now for two seasons, he's only had one full off-season, so is still developing physically and mentally as a college level player. I admittedly may be a bit biased toward him because Chad and Alex share an apartment, but I think this off-season could be a big growth period for Chad as a player. I'm not saying that CC and Nunez shouldn't be concerned and exploring their options, but with another off-season of workouts and training under his belt, Chad could be a different player next year.

look, I agree Ryland has had some struggles but he's a sophomore and will figure it out. He is NOT the issue we have on this team. We are giving up 30 points a game defensively. That will not get you to MAC champion status. We need a pass rush and quick LB's who can cover space. I will keep on with my argument that this team has been fun to watch, and next years team I think will be really good with all the returners.

nobody on the buffalo bills ever blamed scott norwood - i refuse to blame chad ryland.

Hard agree.

(12-03-2019 12:28 PM)EMUGLORYDAYSthe90s Wrote:  

(12-03-2019 11:54 AM)emu steve Wrote:  I don't see how Frisco can take Liberty over a MAC team. That bowl has a secondary agreement w. the MAC.

Money always wins, and Liberty will bring 15,000 fans!!!!!!!

This is how I see it too. Liberty will be a draw for a little bowl.