Here's the deal. Hindsight is 20/20.
- in hindsight, Eastern needed to go into the transfer portal for a QB.
- they obviously evaluated their QB situation and felt they could win with what they had.
- It is also possible that there was no one in the portal, who would come to EMU who they felt was better than A. Smith.
- I believe players and teams can improve. If QB play improves, they can still contend, if it doesn't it will be a scramble to become
bowl eligible.

(09-24-2023 08:21 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(09-24-2023 07:56 AM)Sellers dweller Wrote:  As others have pointed out...I don't know why we don't run the ball early in the game. I thought Jackson had a pretty good game yesterday, and Evans with only three carries...something is going on with him. The rest of the year we need to come out with the attitude of running the ball, and stick with it. Maybe even bring in McCoy (not full time, but more often) to bring in some different run elements. From there hope that soften ups the defense enough to hit some quick passes to Knue (assuming he isn't out long) and the TEs. I think the defense and special teams is good enough to keep us in, and hopefully win, games.

The one good thing, for all doom and gloom, the MAC hasn't been impressive. I've pretty much given up any hope of a MAC title, but I think that type of gameplan going forward would be the way to try and get back to a bowl.

I can't recall but I haven't seen Samson Evans in the wildcat yet this year. Maybe others have. Yeah I agree the offense might try different personnel to give it looks but it doesn't address the problems up front with the OL.

Evans runs the wildcat in short yardage situations, especially around the goal line. EMU just hast had many situations like that this year.

I suspect the real problem with the offense is the OL. Run blocking is poor, which leads to long yardage situations, which leads to the defense applying pressure to an inexperienced QB in obvious passing situations, which leads to sacks and poor passes. It snowballs.

IMO, the only short-term solution is to completely mix it up and keep the defenses guessing. They won't beat anyone when they know what's coming.

I expect CC to make big changes going into the MAC season.

The most baffling thing to me is, if we asked everyone on this board who's EMU'S best player coming back? I believe many would've said Samson Evans, and he hasn't been used/utilized much at all! We're very lucky to be 2-2, UMASS outplayed us, but we won! Also, people keep saying we lost players, but so does every other program, I thought our recruiting was soooooo good? Maybe last season was a fluke, yes we went 9-4, but we only beat ONE team with a winning record, San Jose St in the bowl game........Has CC, peaked? Are we back to being A 6-7, 7-6 team again? I thought with this fairly easy schedule 9-3 was very attainable, but through 4 games, we've scored only 40 points.......The MAC West is down, so 7-5 is very doable! CC, needs to show us this is his 10th season at the helm, Rich Rodriguez took him school last night! This is JAX ST first season as an FBS school......We really look bad so far! Offensively this looks like 2014-2015 all over again......

(09-24-2023 09:12 AM)EMUGLORYDAYSthe90s Wrote:  The most baffling thing to me is, if we asked everyone on this board who's EMU'S best player coming back? I believe many would've said Samson Evans, and he hasn't been used/utilized much at all! We're very lucky to be 2-2, UMASS outplayed us, but we won! Also, people keep saying we lost players, but so does every other program, I thought our recruiting was soooooo good? Maybe last season was a fluke, yes we went 9-4, but we only beat ONE team with a winning record, San Jose St in the bowl game........Has CC, peaked? Are we back to being A 6-7, 7-6 team again? I thought with this fairly easy schedule 9-3 was very attainable, but through 4 games, we've scored only 40 points.......The MAC West is down, so 7-5 is very doable! CC, needs to show us this is his 10th season at the helm, Rich Rodriguez took him school last night!

Think about what you're saying! It wasn't long ago that being a consistent "6-7 or 7-6 team" was a pipe dream, impossible. What CC has done for this program is amazing. The foundation is solid. There is a winning culture here and there is definitely talent here as recent drafts have proven. There is absolutely no way I would give up on this season. We may not win the MAC title this year, but a really good season can still be had. P.S. Jax State will probably turn out to be a really good team and obviously Rich Rod is a TREMENDOUS coach at that level.

We probably all should have seen this coming. Smith is not an accomplished passer. He was our main QB in five games last year and did not throw for over 200 yards in ANY of them. We ran all over ASU, beat UMASS and Ball St with just 20 points and hapless Akron as well. Beydoun, Drummond and Lassiter could not get Smith passing yards let alone the unremarkable receivers we have now.

I've been really shocked by his inability to get out of the way of the rush, he appears to be less athletic than I remember. I did not figure we would bring in McCoy to run the short yardage play on fourth down as it certainly signaled to the world what we going to do. A QB with mobility issues and limited passing skills does not portend a bright future.

Dear Friends,
Many here have been critical of the offensive line, and maybe Justifiably. Going into your fourth game wouldn't one think you would work on blocking schemes? Also, it looks like Creighton was willing to try different quarterbacks. I did not watch the game, so I don't know how much playing time they received.
I just don't think the teams we have played are that much better than Eastern, but we just can't seem to put things together.

(09-24-2023 10:31 AM)Ken Barna Wrote:  Dear Friends,
Many here have been critical of the offensive line, and maybe Justifiably. Going into your fourth game wouldn't one think you would work on blocking schemes? Also, it looks like Creighton was willing to try different quarterbacks. I did not watch the game, so I don't know how much playing time they received.
I just don't think the teams we have played are that much better than Eastern, but we just can't seem to put things together.

Pass pro has been less than stellar at times, but I think Smith has become too fearful. His head goes down too quick, and his eyes are on the pass rush not down the field. Just my take.

McCoy looked lost as well. Actually, I thought Ike looked the most poised of the three QB's even though he completed two of his passes to defensive backs.

(09-24-2023 08:58 AM)TheWoodenNickle Wrote:  

(09-24-2023 08:21 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(09-24-2023 07:56 AM)Sellers dweller Wrote:  As others have pointed out...I don't know why we don't run the ball early in the game. I thought Jackson had a pretty good game yesterday, and Evans with only three carries...something is going on with him. The rest of the year we need to come out with the attitude of running the ball, and stick with it. Maybe even bring in McCoy (not full time, but more often) to bring in some different run elements. From there hope that soften ups the defense enough to hit some quick passes to Knue (assuming he isn't out long) and the TEs. I think the defense and special teams is good enough to keep us in, and hopefully win, games.

The one good thing, for all doom and gloom, the MAC hasn't been impressive. I've pretty much given up any hope of a MAC title, but I think that type of gameplan going forward would be the way to try and get back to a bowl.

I can't recall but I haven't seen Samson Evans in the wildcat yet this year. Maybe others have. Yeah I agree the offense might try different personnel to give it looks but it doesn't address the problems up front with the OL.

Evans runs the wildcat in short yardage situations, especially around the goal line. EMU just hast had many situations like that this year.

I suspect the real problem with the offense is the OL. Run blocking is poor, which leads to long yardage situations, which leads to the defense applying pressure to an inexperienced QB in obvious passing situations, which leads to sacks and poor passes. It snowballs.

IMO, the only short-term solution is to completely mix it up and keep the defenses guessing. They won't beat anyone when they know what's coming.

I expect CC to make big changes going into the MAC season.

I just hope all of coaching turnover isn't catching up to us.

(09-24-2023 11:14 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(09-24-2023 08:58 AM)TheWoodenNickle Wrote:  

(09-24-2023 08:21 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(09-24-2023 07:56 AM)Sellers dweller Wrote:  As others have pointed out...I don't know why we don't run the ball early in the game. I thought Jackson had a pretty good game yesterday, and Evans with only three carries...something is going on with him. The rest of the year we need to come out with the attitude of running the ball, and stick with it. Maybe even bring in McCoy (not full time, but more often) to bring in some different run elements. From there hope that soften ups the defense enough to hit some quick passes to Knue (assuming he isn't out long) and the TEs. I think the defense and special teams is good enough to keep us in, and hopefully win, games.

The one good thing, for all doom and gloom, the MAC hasn't been impressive. I've pretty much given up any hope of a MAC title, but I think that type of gameplan going forward would be the way to try and get back to a bowl.

I can't recall but I haven't seen Samson Evans in the wildcat yet this year. Maybe others have. Yeah I agree the offense might try different personnel to give it looks but it doesn't address the problems up front with the OL.

Evans runs the wildcat in short yardage situations, especially around the goal line. EMU just hast had many situations like that this year.

I suspect the real problem with the offense is the OL. Run blocking is poor, which leads to long yardage situations, which leads to the defense applying pressure to an inexperienced QB in obvious passing situations, which leads to sacks and poor passes. It snowballs.

IMO, the only short-term solution is to completely mix it up and keep the defenses guessing. They won't beat anyone when they know what's coming.

I expect CC to make big changes going into the MAC season.

I just hope all of coaching turnover isn't catching up to us.

we rank 131/132 in per game offensive yards

Are we so vain that we thought that EMU could reload instead of rebuild?

The defense looks good - the offense looks awful. I hope we eek out 6 wins and come back stronger next season.

(09-24-2023 09:12 AM)EMUGLORYDAYSthe90s Wrote:  The most baffling thing to me is, if we asked everyone on this board who's EMU'S best player coming back? I believe many would've said Samson Evans, and he hasn't been used/utilized much at all! We're very lucky to be 2-2, UMASS outplayed us, but we won! Also, people keep saying we lost players, but so does every other program, I thought our recruiting was soooooo good? Maybe last season was a fluke, yes we went 9-4, but we only beat ONE team with a winning record, San Jose St in the bowl game........Has CC, peaked? Are we back to being A 6-7, 7-6 team again? I thought with this fairly easy schedule 9-3 was very attainable, but through 4 games, we've scored only 40 points.......The MAC West is down, so 7-5 is very doable! CC, needs to show us this is his 10th season at the helm, Rich Rodriguez took him school last night! This is JAX ST first season as an FBS school......We really look bad so far! Offensively this looks like 2014-2015 all over again......

My theory on Samson is that Jackson hits whatever blocking holes there are faster meaning the OL don't have to hold their block as long. But only a theory.

(09-25-2023 09:17 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(09-24-2023 09:12 AM)EMUGLORYDAYSthe90s Wrote:  The most baffling thing to me is, if we asked everyone on this board who's EMU'S best player coming back? I believe many would've said Samson Evans, and he hasn't been used/utilized much at all! We're very lucky to be 2-2, UMASS outplayed us, but we won! Also, people keep saying we lost players, but so does every other program, I thought our recruiting was soooooo good? Maybe last season was a fluke, yes we went 9-4, but we only beat ONE team with a winning record, San Jose St in the bowl game........Has CC, peaked? Are we back to being A 6-7, 7-6 team again? I thought with this fairly easy schedule 9-3 was very attainable, but through 4 games, we've scored only 40 points.......The MAC West is down, so 7-5 is very doable! CC, needs to show us this is his 10th season at the helm, Rich Rodriguez took him school last night! This is JAX ST first season as an FBS school......We really look bad so far! Offensively this looks like 2014-2015 all over again......

My theory on Samson is that Jackson hits whatever blocking holes there are faster meaning the OL don't have to hold their block as long. But only a theory.

Makes sense. There are 5 OLs and it is easy to load up the box.

This is football 101. We see it all the time in short yardage situations. Literally the OL gets out numbered and gains are small.

Believe me, no one would run a 4 2 -5 against the 2023 EMU offense.

If anyone has a 5 DL defense from many decades ago, I'd run it and go helmet to helmet with the OL.

I bet Rob Rubic remembers 5-man defense with a nose tackle over the center.

I remember from many decades ago, 5 - 3 - 3 defenses in high school because no QB could throw a ball more than 30 yards.

Post game interview with Coach Creighton:

https://static.emueagles.com/custompages...092323.mp3

CC hit the nail on the head in that 2/3 of the team is playing well (Defense and Special Teams) but 1/3 ( offense) is not.

With so much coaching turn over maybe it’s time CC takes more control of the offense vs a rookie offensive coordinator??

(09-25-2023 09:17 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(09-24-2023 09:12 AM)EMUGLORYDAYSthe90s Wrote:  The most baffling thing to me is, if we asked everyone on this board who's EMU'S best player coming back? I believe many would've said Samson Evans, and he hasn't been used/utilized much at all! We're very lucky to be 2-2, UMASS outplayed us, but we won! Also, people keep saying we lost players, but so does every other program, I thought our recruiting was soooooo good? Maybe last season was a fluke, yes we went 9-4, but we only beat ONE team with a winning record, San Jose St in the bowl game........Has CC, peaked? Are we back to being A 6-7, 7-6 team again? I thought with this fairly easy schedule 9-3 was very attainable, but through 4 games, we've scored only 40 points.......The MAC West is down, so 7-5 is very doable! CC, needs to show us this is his 10th season at the helm, Rich Rodriguez took him school last night! This is JAX ST first season as an FBS school......We really look bad so far! Offensively this looks like 2014-2015 all over again......

My theory on Samson is that Jackson hits whatever blocking holes there are faster meaning the OL don't have to hold their block as long. But only a theory.

I've not been able to re-watch the whole game, but I have re-watched the first half. I noticed a few key things. First, for the most part, pass protection was there. Austin had time on several occasions to make a throw. Unfortunately, one of a few things happened too often in those instances: he would overthrow the receivers or the pass would be dropped; he would lock in on the initial target and not read through the progressions, giving the D a chance to flow to and cover the target; or if his initial target was covered, he would drop his eyes from looking downfield, tuck the ball and run too soon (the announcers even commented on that tendency).

The run plays just seemed to take too long to develop, giving the D a better chance to flow to the ball and make a play before much gain. The O-Line was opening holes, the ball was just not getting to them before linebackers or d-backs were able to fill them.

The other thing I noticed is that it almost appeared as if Rich Rod had snagged a copy of the EMU playbook. Stopping the playback and looking at the formations the D lined up in, on several occasions it looked like they knew precisely which play was coming and where to load their defenders. That tells me they probably spent a good deal of time watching video of the Eagles, and found the Eagles' offensive scheme to be predictable. It was uncanny how many times they would cheat up to the line, load up one side or the other of the defense, or drop off into coverage formations and be spot-on with those formations. Our Offensive plays were effectively dead before the ball was even snapped.

(09-25-2023 11:01 AM)Luckeyone Wrote:  Post game interview with Coach Creighton:

https://static.emueagles.com/custompages...092323.mp3

CC hit the nail on the head in that 2/3 of the team is playing well (Defense and Special Teams) but 1/3 ( offense) is not.

With so much coaching turn over maybe it’s time CC takes more control of the offense vs a rookie offensive coordinator??

Wouldn't help with QBs we have. Even with simplistic plays we run

(09-25-2023 11:47 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  

(09-25-2023 09:17 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(09-24-2023 09:12 AM)EMUGLORYDAYSthe90s Wrote:  The most baffling thing to me is, if we asked everyone on this board who's EMU'S best player coming back? I believe many would've said Samson Evans, and he hasn't been used/utilized much at all! We're very lucky to be 2-2, UMASS outplayed us, but we won! Also, people keep saying we lost players, but so does every other program, I thought our recruiting was soooooo good? Maybe last season was a fluke, yes we went 9-4, but we only beat ONE team with a winning record, San Jose St in the bowl game........Has CC, peaked? Are we back to being A 6-7, 7-6 team again? I thought with this fairly easy schedule 9-3 was very attainable, but through 4 games, we've scored only 40 points.......The MAC West is down, so 7-5 is very doable! CC, needs to show us this is his 10th season at the helm, Rich Rodriguez took him school last night! This is JAX ST first season as an FBS school......We really look bad so far! Offensively this looks like 2014-2015 all over again......

My theory on Samson is that Jackson hits whatever blocking holes there are faster meaning the OL don't have to hold their block as long. But only a theory.

I've not been able to re-watch the whole game, but I have re-watched the first half. I noticed a few key things. First, for the most part, pass protection was there. Austin had time on several occasions to make a throw. Unfortunately, one of a few things happened too often in those instances: he would overthrow the receivers or the pass would be dropped; he would lock in on the initial target and not read through the progressions, giving the D a chance to flow to and cover the target; or if his initial target was covered, he would drop his eyes from looking downfield, tuck the ball and run too soon (the announcers even commented on that tendency).

The run plays just seemed to take too long to develop, giving the D a better chance to flow to the ball and make a play before much gain. The O-Line was opening holes, the ball was just not getting to them before linebackers or d-backs were able to fill them.

The other thing I noticed is that it almost appeared as if Rich Rod had snagged a copy of the EMU playbook. Stopping the playback and looking at the formations the D lined up in, on several occasions it looked like they knew precisely which play was coming and where to load their defenders. That tells me they probably spent a good deal of time watching video of the Eagles, and found the Eagles' offensive scheme to be predictable. It was uncanny how many times they would cheat up to the line, load up one side or the other of the defense, or drop off into coverage formations and be spot-on with those formations. Our Offensive plays were effectively dead before the ball was even snapped.

Awesome analysis, Cid! Something too watch during the CMU game for sure.

(09-25-2023 11:47 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  

(09-25-2023 09:17 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(09-24-2023 09:12 AM)EMUGLORYDAYSthe90s Wrote:  The most baffling thing to me is, if we asked everyone on this board who's EMU'S best player coming back? I believe many would've said Samson Evans, and he hasn't been used/utilized much at all! We're very lucky to be 2-2, UMASS outplayed us, but we won! Also, people keep saying we lost players, but so does every other program, I thought our recruiting was soooooo good? Maybe last season was a fluke, yes we went 9-4, but we only beat ONE team with a winning record, San Jose St in the bowl game........Has CC, peaked? Are we back to being A 6-7, 7-6 team again? I thought with this fairly easy schedule 9-3 was very attainable, but through 4 games, we've scored only 40 points.......The MAC West is down, so 7-5 is very doable! CC, needs to show us this is his 10th season at the helm, Rich Rodriguez took him school last night! This is JAX ST first season as an FBS school......We really look bad so far! Offensively this looks like 2014-2015 all over again......

My theory on Samson is that Jackson hits whatever blocking holes there are faster meaning the OL don't have to hold their block as long. But only a theory.

I've not been able to re-watch the whole game, but I have re-watched the first half. I noticed a few key things. First, for the most part, pass protection was there. Austin had time on several occasions to make a throw. Unfortunately, one of a few things happened too often in those instances: he would overthrow the receivers or the pass would be dropped; he would lock in on the initial target and not read through the progressions, giving the D a chance to flow to and cover the target; or if his initial target was covered, he would drop his eyes from looking downfield, tuck the ball and run too soon (the announcers even commented on that tendency).

The run plays just seemed to take too long to develop, giving the D a better chance to flow to the ball and make a play before much gain. The O-Line was opening holes, the ball was just not getting to them before linebackers or d-backs were able to fill them.

The other thing I noticed is that it almost appeared as if Rich Rod had snagged a copy of the EMU playbook. Stopping the playback and looking at the formations the D lined up in, on several occasions it looked like they knew precisely which play was coming and where to load their defenders. That tells me they probably spent a good deal of time watching video of the Eagles, and found the Eagles' offensive scheme to be predictable. It was uncanny how many times they would cheat up to the line, load up one side or the other of the defense, or drop off into coverage formations and be spot-on with those formations. Our Offensive plays were effectively dead before the ball was even snapped.

RichRod is a truly a great X and O coach. He also had a bye week to prepare for us. You are correct, most of our offensive plays were DOA.

I've counted the seconds Austin has to throw and most of his sacks occur after the four to five second time generally allotted to get the pass off. The "knee jerk" reaction is to blame the OL, but 4-5 seconds is universally acceptable.

Is it his receivers not getting open? Maybe. Is it bad play calling? Perhaps. I just think Smith gets "happy feet" in the pocket, his eyes drop to the rushers, and then everything implodes as a result. The guy has NEVER really thrown the ball well, where we idiotic thinking all of a sudden, he could?

(09-25-2023 11:47 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  

(09-25-2023 09:17 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(09-24-2023 09:12 AM)EMUGLORYDAYSthe90s Wrote:  The most baffling thing to me is, if we asked everyone on this board who's EMU'S best player coming back? I believe many would've said Samson Evans, and he hasn't been used/utilized much at all! We're very lucky to be 2-2, UMASS outplayed us, but we won! Also, people keep saying we lost players, but so does every other program, I thought our recruiting was soooooo good? Maybe last season was a fluke, yes we went 9-4, but we only beat ONE team with a winning record, San Jose St in the bowl game........Has CC, peaked? Are we back to being A 6-7, 7-6 team again? I thought with this fairly easy schedule 9-3 was very attainable, but through 4 games, we've scored only 40 points.......The MAC West is down, so 7-5 is very doable! CC, needs to show us this is his 10th season at the helm, Rich Rodriguez took him school last night! This is JAX ST first season as an FBS school......We really look bad so far! Offensively this looks like 2014-2015 all over again......

My theory on Samson is that Jackson hits whatever blocking holes there are faster meaning the OL don't have to hold their block as long. But only a theory.

I've not been able to re-watch the whole game, but I have re-watched the first half. I noticed a few key things. First, for the most part, pass protection was there. Austin had time on several occasions to make a throw. Unfortunately, one of a few things happened too often in those instances: he would overthrow the receivers or the pass would be dropped; he would lock in on the initial target and not read through the progressions, giving the D a chance to flow to and cover the target; or if his initial target was covered, he would drop his eyes from looking downfield, tuck the ball and run too soon (the announcers even commented on that tendency).

The run plays just seemed to take too long to develop, giving the D a better chance to flow to the ball and make a play before much gain. The O-Line was opening holes, the ball was just not getting to them before linebackers or d-backs were able to fill them.

The other thing I noticed is that it almost appeared as if Rich Rod had snagged a copy of the EMU playbook. Stopping the playback and looking at the formations the D lined up in, on several occasions it looked like they knew precisely which play was coming and where to load their defenders. That tells me they probably spent a good deal of time watching video of the Eagles, and found the Eagles' offensive scheme to be predictable. It was uncanny how many times they would cheat up to the line, load up one side or the other of the defense, or drop off into coverage formations and be spot-on with those formations. Our Offensive plays were effectively dead before the ball was even snapped.

Great analysis. Did you see the same things with our other two QBs who played in the game?

(09-25-2023 06:13 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(09-25-2023 11:47 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  

(09-25-2023 09:17 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(09-24-2023 09:12 AM)EMUGLORYDAYSthe90s Wrote:  The most baffling thing to me is, if we asked everyone on this board who's EMU'S best player coming back? I believe many would've said Samson Evans, and he hasn't been used/utilized much at all! We're very lucky to be 2-2, UMASS outplayed us, but we won! Also, people keep saying we lost players, but so does every other program, I thought our recruiting was soooooo good? Maybe last season was a fluke, yes we went 9-4, but we only beat ONE team with a winning record, San Jose St in the bowl game........Has CC, peaked? Are we back to being A 6-7, 7-6 team again? I thought with this fairly easy schedule 9-3 was very attainable, but through 4 games, we've scored only 40 points.......The MAC West is down, so 7-5 is very doable! CC, needs to show us this is his 10th season at the helm, Rich Rodriguez took him school last night! This is JAX ST first season as an FBS school......We really look bad so far! Offensively this looks like 2014-2015 all over again......

My theory on Samson is that Jackson hits whatever blocking holes there are faster meaning the OL don't have to hold their block as long. But only a theory.

I've not been able to re-watch the whole game, but I have re-watched the first half. I noticed a few key things. First, for the most part, pass protection was there. Austin had time on several occasions to make a throw. Unfortunately, one of a few things happened too often in those instances: he would overthrow the receivers or the pass would be dropped; he would lock in on the initial target and not read through the progressions, giving the D a chance to flow to and cover the target; or if his initial target was covered, he would drop his eyes from looking downfield, tuck the ball and run too soon (the announcers even commented on that tendency).

The run plays just seemed to take too long to develop, giving the D a better chance to flow to the ball and make a play before much gain. The O-Line was opening holes, the ball was just not getting to them before linebackers or d-backs were able to fill them.

The other thing I noticed is that it almost appeared as if Rich Rod had snagged a copy of the EMU playbook. Stopping the playback and looking at the formations the D lined up in, on several occasions it looked like they knew precisely which play was coming and where to load their defenders. That tells me they probably spent a good deal of time watching video of the Eagles, and found the Eagles' offensive scheme to be predictable. It was uncanny how many times they would cheat up to the line, load up one side or the other of the defense, or drop off into coverage formations and be spot-on with those formations. Our Offensive plays were effectively dead before the ball was even snapped.

RichRod is a truly a great X and O coach. He also had a bye week to prepare for us. You are correct, most of our offensive plays were DOA.

I've counted the seconds Austin has to throw and most of his sacks occur after the four to five second time generally allotted to get the pass off. The "knee jerk" reaction is to blame the OL, but 4-5 seconds is universally acceptable.

Is it his receivers not getting open? Maybe. Is it bad play calling? Perhaps. I just think Smith gets "happy feet" in the pocket, his eyes drop to the rushers, and then everything implodes as a result. The guy has NEVER really thrown the ball well, where we idiotic thinking all of a sudden, he could?

I respect Cids analysis but honestly this O line is not as good as last years with Sow and Johnson. We are seeing that play out on the field.

(09-25-2023 06:13 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(09-25-2023 11:47 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  

(09-25-2023 09:17 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(09-24-2023 09:12 AM)EMUGLORYDAYSthe90s Wrote:  The most baffling thing to me is, if we asked everyone on this board who's EMU'S best player coming back? I believe many would've said Samson Evans, and he hasn't been used/utilized much at all! We're very lucky to be 2-2, UMASS outplayed us, but we won! Also, people keep saying we lost players, but so does every other program, I thought our recruiting was soooooo good? Maybe last season was a fluke, yes we went 9-4, but we only beat ONE team with a winning record, San Jose St in the bowl game........Has CC, peaked? Are we back to being A 6-7, 7-6 team again? I thought with this fairly easy schedule 9-3 was very attainable, but through 4 games, we've scored only 40 points.......The MAC West is down, so 7-5 is very doable! CC, needs to show us this is his 10th season at the helm, Rich Rodriguez took him school last night! This is JAX ST first season as an FBS school......We really look bad so far! Offensively this looks like 2014-2015 all over again......

My theory on Samson is that Jackson hits whatever blocking holes there are faster meaning the OL don't have to hold their block as long. But only a theory.

I've not been able to re-watch the whole game, but I have re-watched the first half. I noticed a few key things. First, for the most part, pass protection was there. Austin had time on several occasions to make a throw. Unfortunately, one of a few things happened too often in those instances: he would overthrow the receivers or the pass would be dropped; he would lock in on the initial target and not read through the progressions, giving the D a chance to flow to and cover the target; or if his initial target was covered, he would drop his eyes from looking downfield, tuck the ball and run too soon (the announcers even commented on that tendency).

The run plays just seemed to take too long to develop, giving the D a better chance to flow to the ball and make a play before much gain. The O-Line was opening holes, the ball was just not getting to them before linebackers or d-backs were able to fill them.

The other thing I noticed is that it almost appeared as if Rich Rod had snagged a copy of the EMU playbook. Stopping the playback and looking at the formations the D lined up in, on several occasions it looked like they knew precisely which play was coming and where to load their defenders. That tells me they probably spent a good deal of time watching video of the Eagles, and found the Eagles' offensive scheme to be predictable. It was uncanny how many times they would cheat up to the line, load up one side or the other of the defense, or drop off into coverage formations and be spot-on with those formations. Our Offensive plays were effectively dead before the ball was even snapped.

RichRod is a truly a great X and O coach. He also had a bye week to prepare for us. You are correct, most of our offensive plays were DOA.

I've counted the seconds Austin has to throw and most of his sacks occur after the four to five second time generally allotted to get the pass off. The "knee jerk" reaction is to blame the OL, but 4-5 seconds is universally acceptable.

Is it his receivers not getting open? Maybe. Is it bad play calling? Perhaps. I just think Smith gets "happy feet" in the pocket, his eyes drop to the rushers, and then everything implodes as a result. The guy has NEVER really thrown the ball well, where we idiotic thinking all of a sudden, he could?

I agree with your main points about RichRod and the elements of the passing game: protection, quarterbacking and receiving. Only one was adequate, the protection.

Surprise, where did we take our big losses, WR and QB.

Related, we lost our Road Grader, Sow, behind whom a lot yards were earned on the ground.