(08-12-2022 04:12 PM)TheWoodenNickle Wrote:  

(08-12-2022 01:43 PM)steve4840 Wrote:  21 days until game day!

I get fired up for the start of the season so it's hard for me to separate Fandom from actual objective expectations, but I do feel the optimism is real this year.

Not looking past week 1 is important. EKU is a good team with a good 5th year QB that is on the NFL radar. EMU needs to play well. Nothing is guaranteed.

Nickel, you are right but I hope this is nothing to worry about. I agree EKU is good, but I would be devastated with a loss like this to an FCS school after all our momentum in getting better recruits the past 3-4 years who are all playing now, and a 9th year head coach.

We have to win and win early this year so that we gain people's attention and also put is in a good bowl position

(08-13-2022 07:30 AM)steve4840 Wrote:  

(08-12-2022 04:12 PM)TheWoodenNickle Wrote:  

(08-12-2022 01:43 PM)steve4840 Wrote:  21 days until game day!

I get fired up for the start of the season so it's hard for me to separate Fandom from actual objective expectations, but I do feel the optimism is real this year.

Not looking past week 1 is important. EKU is a good team with a good 5th year QB that is on the NFL radar. EMU needs to play well. Nothing is guaranteed.

Nickel, you are right but I hope this is nothing to worry about. I agree EKU is good, but I would be devastated with a loss like this to an FCS school after all our momentum in getting better recruits the past 3-4 years who are all playing now, and a 9th year head coach.

We have to win and win early this year so that we gain people's attention and also put is in a good bowl position

Agree - if we’re going to win the MAC next season, then I expect a 21 point win.

Full scrimmage happening this morning. I hope we hear some details.

(08-13-2022 07:53 AM)Luckeyone Wrote:  

(08-13-2022 07:30 AM)steve4840 Wrote:  

(08-12-2022 04:12 PM)TheWoodenNickle Wrote:  

(08-12-2022 01:43 PM)steve4840 Wrote:  21 days until game day!

I get fired up for the start of the season so it's hard for me to separate Fandom from actual objective expectations, but I do feel the optimism is real this year.

Not looking past week 1 is important. EKU is a good team with a good 5th year QB that is on the NFL radar. EMU needs to play well. Nothing is guaranteed.

Nickel, you are right but I hope this is nothing to worry about. I agree EKU is good, but I would be devastated with a loss like this to an FCS school after all our momentum in getting better recruits the past 3-4 years who are all playing now, and a 9th year head coach.

We have to win and win early this year so that we gain people's attention and also put is in a good bowl position

Agree - if we’re going to win the MAC next season, then I expect a 21 point win.

You guys are so spot on! I'm all for the home game FCS opponent, it puts an additional W on the record for bowl eligibility and gives us watchable home game NOT on a weeknight in November.

That said it is not without risk. Playing Wisconsin for the road paycheck and getting smoked carries less embarrassment than needing Matt Sexton to perform a miracle to beat Central Connecticut State. 21 points should be the minimum expectation.

Hope we found a replacement kicker.

https://twitter.com/thevannzee/status/15...xZVfrLu_SA

(08-13-2022 04:37 PM)emu steve Wrote:  Hope we found a replacement kicker.

https://twitter.com/thevannzee/status/15...xZVfrLu_SA

Fricano was, in my estimation, an adequate kicker and Creighton opted to replace him with Ryland as he saw something we did not. Chad did indeed "choke" on many critical kicks early in his career, but he has been dynamite since. He clearly was the best FBS placekicker in the State of Michigan last season.

(08-13-2022 10:34 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  Full scrimmage happening this morning. I hope we hear some details.

Dennis, we all really appreciate your posts! Thanks for being a part of this board.

ETough used to post similar inside info and it was always infinitely more valuable than our remote opinions. Appreciate you man!

(08-13-2022 05:30 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(08-13-2022 10:34 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  Full scrimmage happening this morning. I hope we hear some details.

Dennis, we all really appreciate your posts! Thanks for being a part of this board.

ETough used to post similar inside info and it was always infinitely more valuable than our remote opinions. Appreciate you man!

Just saw the highlight video. Looked intense. praying there were no injuries. Would be great to hear who is separating themselves. The secondary is soooo deep and I'd love to know who is earning time with the 1s

(08-13-2022 05:30 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(08-13-2022 10:34 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  Full scrimmage happening this morning. I hope we hear some details.

Dennis, we all really appreciate your posts! Thanks for being a part of this board.

ETough used to post similar inside info and it was always infinitely more valuable than our remote opinions. Appreciate you man!

I second that - thanks Dennis!

(08-13-2022 10:34 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  Full scrimmage happening this morning. I hope we hear some details.

So limited feedback, but a little insight gained.

It appears the starting offense played the first series as a squad, and for the rest of the scrimmage the coaches were mixing in 2's and 3's and also shifting guys around on the line some. It was a good chance to give some of the guys without game experience some time at close to full game-speed action.

It sounds like the offensive priority for the scrimmage was the run game as the first series was pretty much all on the ground. With what amounts to two-hand touch rules, there were no real long breakaway runs, but the starting offense apparently moved the ball pretty effectively on the ground. Not quite sure, but there may not have been a pass in that first series. If there were any, they were limited.

Overall, the Offense did okay, but still needs to shake off a little bit of rust to be ready for EKU. A scrimmage like this really helps the individual players identify where they need to focus during the remaining practices.

The Defense played a much improved and more aggressive scheme than they did last year. Word is the D-Line is significantly improved in flowing to the ball and penetration as opposed to waiting for the action to come to them. And apparently, the Linebacker play was day and night compared to last year when it comes to speed to the ball and aggressiveness. No standing on their heels until after the ball crossed the line.

Not much info on secondary (perhaps partially because of the run-focus by the O), nor on the kicking.

All in all, it seems to have been a pretty good litmus test for the team at this point in time. It sounds like they definitely have stuff to work on, and will use what they learned from the scrimmage to sharpen their focus for the remaining practices.

(08-14-2022 10:25 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  

(08-13-2022 10:34 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  Full scrimmage happening this morning. I hope we hear some details.

So limited feedback, but a little insight gained.

It appears the starting offense played the first series as a squad, and for the rest of the scrimmage the coaches were mixing in 2's and 3's and also shifting guys around on the line some. It was a good chance to give some of the guys without game experience some time at close to full game-speed action.

It sounds like the offensive priority for the scrimmage was the run game as the first series was pretty much all on the ground. With what amounts to two-hand touch rules, there were no real long breakaway runs, but the starting offense apparently moved the ball pretty effectively on the ground. Not quite sure, but there may not have been a pass in that first series. If there were any, they were limited.

Overall, the Offense did okay, but still needs to shake off a little bit of rust to be ready for EKU. A scrimmage like this really helps the individual players identify where they need to focus during the remaining practices.

The Defense played a much improved and more aggressive scheme than they did last year. Word is the D-Line is significantly improved in flowing to the ball and penetration as opposed to waiting for the action to come to them. And apparently, the Linebacker play was day and night compared to last year when it comes to speed to the ball and aggressiveness. No standing on their heels until after the ball crossed the line.

Not much info on secondary (perhaps partially because of the run-focus by the O), nor on the kicking.

All in all, it seems to have been a pretty good litmus test for the team at this point in time. It sounds like they definitely have stuff to work on, and will use what they learned from the scrimmage to sharpen their focus for the remaining practices.

Thanks for this. Not surprised that the run game is the focus. I expect that the offensive game plan for EKU will be to pound them on the ground, much like the SFU opener last year.

(08-14-2022 11:03 AM)TheWoodenNickle Wrote:  

(08-14-2022 10:25 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  

(08-13-2022 10:34 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  Full scrimmage happening this morning. I hope we hear some details.

So limited feedback, but a little insight gained.

It appears the starting offense played the first series as a squad, and for the rest of the scrimmage the coaches were mixing in 2's and 3's and also shifting guys around on the line some. It was a good chance to give some of the guys without game experience some time at close to full game-speed action.

It sounds like the offensive priority for the scrimmage was the run game as the first series was pretty much all on the ground. With what amounts to two-hand touch rules, there were no real long breakaway runs, but the starting offense apparently moved the ball pretty effectively on the ground. Not quite sure, but there may not have been a pass in that first series. If there were any, they were limited.

Overall, the Offense did okay, but still needs to shake off a little bit of rust to be ready for EKU. A scrimmage like this really helps the individual players identify where they need to focus during the remaining practices.

The Defense played a much improved and more aggressive scheme than they did last year. Word is the D-Line is significantly improved in flowing to the ball and penetration as opposed to waiting for the action to come to them. And apparently, the Linebacker play was day and night compared to last year when it comes to speed to the ball and aggressiveness. No standing on their heels until after the ball crossed the line.

Not much info on secondary (perhaps partially because of the run-focus by the O), nor on the kicking.

All in all, it seems to have been a pretty good litmus test for the team at this point in time. It sounds like they definitely have stuff to work on, and will use what they learned from the scrimmage to sharpen their focus for the remaining practices.

Thanks for this. Not surprised that the run game is the focus. I expect that the offensive game plan for EKU will be to pound them on the ground, much like the SFU opener last year.

Our internet guy, Vannzee has Tweeted. LB play is much, much better than before.

I'm going with much improved LB and improved DL = significantly improved defense.

(08-14-2022 11:03 AM)TheWoodenNickle Wrote:  

(08-14-2022 10:25 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  

(08-13-2022 10:34 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  Full scrimmage happening this morning. I hope we hear some details.

So limited feedback, but a little insight gained.

It appears the starting offense played the first series as a squad, and for the rest of the scrimmage the coaches were mixing in 2's and 3's and also shifting guys around on the line some. It was a good chance to give some of the guys without game experience some time at close to full game-speed action.

It sounds like the offensive priority for the scrimmage was the run game as the first series was pretty much all on the ground. With what amounts to two-hand touch rules, there were no real long breakaway runs, but the starting offense apparently moved the ball pretty effectively on the ground. Not quite sure, but there may not have been a pass in that first series. If there were any, they were limited.

Overall, the Offense did okay, but still needs to shake off a little bit of rust to be ready for EKU. A scrimmage like this really helps the individual players identify where they need to focus during the remaining practices.

The Defense played a much improved and more aggressive scheme than they did last year. Word is the D-Line is significantly improved in flowing to the ball and penetration as opposed to waiting for the action to come to them. And apparently, the Linebacker play was day and night compared to last year when it comes to speed to the ball and aggressiveness. No standing on their heels until after the ball crossed the line.

Not much info on secondary (perhaps partially because of the run-focus by the O), nor on the kicking.

All in all, it seems to have been a pretty good litmus test for the team at this point in time. It sounds like they definitely have stuff to work on, and will use what they learned from the scrimmage to sharpen their focus for the remaining practices.

Thanks for this. Not surprised that the run game is the focus. I expect that the offensive game plan for EKU will be to pound them on the ground, much like the SFU opener last year.

I would hope that the focus on the run game is for more than just EKU. If the Eagles are going to make a run in the MAC, their run game overall needs to be improved. They have arguably one of the best receiving corps in the MAC (if not the best). Teams will prep for that... which should theoretically provide an opportunity for an effective ground game to succeed. It would be great to see some real balance in the Eagle's offense.

(08-14-2022 11:35 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  

(08-14-2022 11:03 AM)TheWoodenNickle Wrote:  

(08-14-2022 10:25 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  

(08-13-2022 10:34 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  Full scrimmage happening this morning. I hope we hear some details.

So limited feedback, but a little insight gained.

It appears the starting offense played the first series as a squad, and for the rest of the scrimmage the coaches were mixing in 2's and 3's and also shifting guys around on the line some. It was a good chance to give some of the guys without game experience some time at close to full game-speed action.

It sounds like the offensive priority for the scrimmage was the run game as the first series was pretty much all on the ground. With what amounts to two-hand touch rules, there were no real long breakaway runs, but the starting offense apparently moved the ball pretty effectively on the ground. Not quite sure, but there may not have been a pass in that first series. If there were any, they were limited.

Overall, the Offense did okay, but still needs to shake off a little bit of rust to be ready for EKU. A scrimmage like this really helps the individual players identify where they need to focus during the remaining practices.

The Defense played a much improved and more aggressive scheme than they did last year. Word is the D-Line is significantly improved in flowing to the ball and penetration as opposed to waiting for the action to come to them. And apparently, the Linebacker play was day and night compared to last year when it comes to speed to the ball and aggressiveness. No standing on their heels until after the ball crossed the line.

Not much info on secondary (perhaps partially because of the run-focus by the O), nor on the kicking.

All in all, it seems to have been a pretty good litmus test for the team at this point in time. It sounds like they definitely have stuff to work on, and will use what they learned from the scrimmage to sharpen their focus for the remaining practices.

Thanks for this. Not surprised that the run game is the focus. I expect that the offensive game plan for EKU will be to pound them on the ground, much like the SFU opener last year.

I would hope that the focus on the run game is for more than just EKU. If the Eagles are going to make a run in the MAC, their run game overall needs to be improved. They have arguably one of the best receiving corps in the MAC (if not the best). Teams will prep for that... which should theoretically provide an opportunity for an effective ground game to succeed. It would be great to see some real balance in the Eagle's offense.

Agreed. Teams should never be able to stack the box against us. I would assume most teams will play with 2 safeties against our W.R.'s leaving one less in the box. This is a big year for Boone at the RB position. I think he's good and he has to prove it this year.

(08-14-2022 12:35 PM)steve4840 Wrote:  

(08-14-2022 11:35 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  

(08-14-2022 11:03 AM)TheWoodenNickle Wrote:  

(08-14-2022 10:25 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  

(08-13-2022 10:34 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  Full scrimmage happening this morning. I hope we hear some details.

So limited feedback, but a little insight gained.

It appears the starting offense played the first series as a squad, and for the rest of the scrimmage the coaches were mixing in 2's and 3's and also shifting guys around on the line some. It was a good chance to give some of the guys without game experience some time at close to full game-speed action.

It sounds like the offensive priority for the scrimmage was the run game as the first series was pretty much all on the ground. With what amounts to two-hand touch rules, there were no real long breakaway runs, but the starting offense apparently moved the ball pretty effectively on the ground. Not quite sure, but there may not have been a pass in that first series. If there were any, they were limited.

Overall, the Offense did okay, but still needs to shake off a little bit of rust to be ready for EKU. A scrimmage like this really helps the individual players identify where they need to focus during the remaining practices.

The Defense played a much improved and more aggressive scheme than they did last year. Word is the D-Line is significantly improved in flowing to the ball and penetration as opposed to waiting for the action to come to them. And apparently, the Linebacker play was day and night compared to last year when it comes to speed to the ball and aggressiveness. No standing on their heels until after the ball crossed the line.

Not much info on secondary (perhaps partially because of the run-focus by the O), nor on the kicking.

All in all, it seems to have been a pretty good litmus test for the team at this point in time. It sounds like they definitely have stuff to work on, and will use what they learned from the scrimmage to sharpen their focus for the remaining practices.

Thanks for this. Not surprised that the run game is the focus. I expect that the offensive game plan for EKU will be to pound them on the ground, much like the SFU opener last year.

I would hope that the focus on the run game is for more than just EKU. If the Eagles are going to make a run in the MAC, their run game overall needs to be improved. They have arguably one of the best receiving corps in the MAC (if not the best). Teams will prep for that... which should theoretically provide an opportunity for an effective ground game to succeed. It would be great to see some real balance in the Eagle's offense.

Agreed. Teams should never be able to stack the box against us. I would assume most teams will play with 2 safeties against our W.R.'s leaving one less in the box. This is a big year for Boone at the RB position. I think he's good and he has to prove it this year.

Do we have the receiver to take the top off the defense this year? That, in my limited-football-knowledge opinion, has seemed to be the biggest drawback to the WR corp the last few years. Amazing to have a dominant guy like Beydoun working basically anywhere, but that can get bottled up if we odn't have a deep threat.

BTW, if readers want to get a lot of opinion from Alex who attends a lot of the practices, he has his podcast.

Couple of my thoughts listening to him:

0). Not much in terms of fall practice injuries. Some teams have lost players for the season. I doubt we have any fresh injuries which would cause a player to miss games or many games.

1). I consider TE kind of TE by committee. I don't think we have a TE who is a good blocker and good stretch the field pass catcher. Alex likes Jackson. A talent trying to find his home.

2). QB. Smith is the alternative to Powell but mostly as a runner. Has a ways to go as a thrower. Accuracy is an issue.

3). Samson Evans starts at RB, I think.

4). Carter Evans has a chance to break through as the season progresses.

5). LB and DBs are strengths. Also DL is improved. Add all together the defense has to be improved. How can the DL, LB and DBs all improved as units and the defense not be improved?

6). As we know, WR is very, very deep.

You can listen for yourself and see if you agree with Alex. I didn't take notes so my comments may not parrot what Alex said.

https://twitter.com/YpsiEleven/status/15...HBtBHhVzdw

(08-16-2022 01:47 PM)emu steve Wrote:  BTW, if readers want to get a lot of opinion from Alex who attends a lot of the practices, he has his podcast.

Couple of my thoughts listening to him:

0). Not much in terms of fall practice injuries. Some teams have lost players for the season. I doubt we have any fresh injuries which would cause a player to miss games or many games.

1). I consider TE kind of TE by committee. I don't think we have a TE who is a good blocker and good stretch the field pass catcher. Alex likes Jackson. A talent trying to find his home.

2). QB. Smith is the alternative to Powell but mostly as a runner. Has a ways to go as a thrower. Accuracy is an issue.

3). Samson Evans starts at RB, I think.

4). Carter Evans has a chance to break through as the season progresses.

5). LB and DBs are strengths. Also DL is improved. Add all together the defense has to be improved. How can the DL, LB and DBs all improved as units and the defense not be improved?

6). As we know, WR is very, very deep.

You can listen for yourself and see if you agree with Alex. I didn't take notes so my comments may not parrot what Alex said.

https://twitter.com/YpsiEleven/status/15...HBtBHhVzdw

I will be curious to see if Boone and Evans split time at RB. Boone is good, but maybe Evans just had a better offseason?

I would love to see Smith get reps to get him experience as well as give the coaches an idea of what we will have for the following season when Powell is gone.

I think our Defense will take a major step forward. The talent in the secondary is deep and our LB's got instantly better. I'm not hearing much about our D.E.'s outside of Jose. Is this Carter Evans job to take?

(08-13-2022 04:37 PM)emu steve Wrote:  Hope we found a replacement kicker.

https://twitter.com/thevannzee/status/15...xZVfrLu_SA

Ryland is tough to replace but I think Gomez and the transfer will do fine. I would be more worried about replacing Julien's production.

16 days to kickoff!!!

Questions top of mind....

1. Who is developing as the back up QB and will this backup get game reps. Man, I hope so.

2. What is this stuff Alex Alvarado is talking about with Dylan Drummond maybe not being in the WR rotation. he is reporting what he is seeing, but if thats true, that's crazy. Drummond is a potential 1st to 2nd team all-MAC guy. I wonder what's going on

3. Who is showing separation at the other D.E. position opposite of Jose and who will start in our secondary Who I think is the deepest room on the team

4. Who will start at Center? Alvarado said Dmitri is getting reps. Also, on the line, will Carson Lee the transfer from Colorado get reps.

5 When are Captains announced and how many Captains. My guess is Beydoun, Ramirez and a lineman.

(08-17-2022 03:33 PM)steve4840 Wrote:  16 days to kickoff!!!

Questions top of mind....

1. Who is developing as the back up QB and will this backup get game reps. Man, I hope so.

2. What is this stuff Alex Alvarado is talking about with Dylan Drummond maybe not being in the WR rotation. he is reporting what he is seeing, but if thats true, that's crazy. Drummond is a potential 1st to 2nd team all-MAC guy. I wonder what's going on

3. Who is showing separation at the other D.E. position opposite of Jose and who will start in our secondary Who I think is the deepest room on the team

4. Who will start at Center? Alvarado said Dmitri is getting reps. Also, on the line, will Carson Lee the transfer from Colorado get reps.

5 When are Captains announced and how many Captains. My guess is Beydoun, Ramirez and a lineman.

Solid post, we all are wondering about such.