CAN EASTERN WASHINGTON BEAT nova WITHOUT TAIWAN JONES?

[LeadBolt]

Anything is possible. 'Nova could have a let down traveling long distance third week in a row and after beating ASU, weather and officiating could break EWU's way, the shock of playing on a red carpet might take a toll, who knows, but most likely EWU isn't quite as good as App State...

[kalm]

I'm not saying Nova shouldn't be the favorite, but it's much closer than CAA homers believe.

And if it's not we will know who the homer is.

Yes dear hen, I'm a homer just like you. But unlike you, I don't obsess on an entire half of a continent.

[Thumper 76]

It pains me to see Taiwan Jones sidelined after working so hard during the season & having so much success. Apparently hes out for the season & if EWU makes it past nova, & if he has surgery he'll be 25%-50% for the Championship game in Frisco. Total let down, considering its only gonna get harder from her on out. Mario Brown and Darriell Beaumonte, Jones' backups' stats are similar..Brown has rushed for 214 yards and a one touchdown this fall, while Beaumonte has rushed for 216 yards and two TDs. Neither one has impressed me so hopefully they understand that mediocre wont cut it & their best effort is need if EWU is gonna get past nova.

I really wish TJ was playing, so we could TRULY find out. '

Injuries are part of the game BF, you need to adjust your gameplan.


RBs have to be durable, especially if they want to play at the next level

Fuck you houndawg, you pussy bastard. Sure, he could be more durable, but goddamn, a broken ankle is not something that you can avoid. Shit happens, but saying that an injury to someone like TJ is something that should be overcome is fucking dumb. Fuck you. Basically the last sentence is all I wanted to say to you. Fuck off guy.

[Wildcat Ryan]

The only way anybody can say yes or no on "Can Eastern Washington beat Villanova"







is when EWU has the lead when the game clock reaches 0:00

Its college football, anything can happen. (AppSt/Michigan) (JMU/Virginia Tech)

[houndawg]

Injuries are part of the game BF, you need to adjust your gameplan.


RBs have to be durable, especially if they want to play at the next level

**** you houndawg, you pussy bastard. Sure, he could be more durable, but goddamn, a broken ankle is not something that you can avoid. **** happens, but saying that an injury to someone like TJ is something that should be overcome is **** dumb. **** you. Basically the last sentence is all I wanted to say to you. **** off guy.

Either overcome it or get beat, Maybe both.

[houndawg]

Injuries are part of the game BF, you need to adjust your gameplan.


RBs have to be durable, especially if they want to play at the next level

**** you houndawg, you pussy bastard. Sure, he could be more durable, but goddamn, a broken ankle is not something that you can avoid. **** happens, but saying that an injury to someone like TJ is something that should be overcome is **** dumb. **** you. Basically the last sentence is all I wanted to say to you. **** off guy.

Either overcome it or get beat. Maybe both.

[DJH]

Injuries are part of the game BF, you need to adjust your gameplan.


RBs have to be durable, especially if they want to play at the next level

Fuck you houndawg, you pussy bastard. Sure, he could be more durable, but goddamn, a broken ankle is not something that you can avoid. Shit happens, but saying that an injury to someone like TJ is something that should be overcome is fucking dumb. Fuck you. Basically the last sentence is all I wanted to say to you. Fuck off guy.

[JBB]

Anything is possible. 'Nova could have a let down traveling long distance third week in a row and after beating ASU, weather and officiating could break EWU's way, the shock of playing on a red carpet might take a toll, who knows, but most likely EWU isn't quite as good as App State...

They arent quite as good as NDSU either. They arent that physical of a club and would be ground down in a stronger league. The officials remain the big factor here. If the NDSU game had been allowed to proceed without continual controversy caused by confusing and perplexing calls by the officials EWU would have been on the short end of a route. As it was they were able to stay close and then lock the win on the final controversial call of the game which by the way will not be appealed by NDSU.

Any call that rises to the level of an AD saying it made him sick but there will be no appeal is a bad call and thats the message: After 2 poorly called games at EWU there is pressure on the NCAA to clean it up.

I dont see how EWU can win outside some type of Any Given Miracle. Thats why we play the game and thats what makes this one so interesting. What had been the #1 team in this once great nation of ours now looks like a decided underdog.

[kalm]

Anything is possible. 'Nova could have a let down traveling long distance third week in a row and after beating ASU, weather and officiating could break EWU's way, the shock of playing on a red carpet might take a toll, who knows, but most likely EWU isn't quite as good as App State...

They arent quite as good as NDSU either. They arent that physical of a club and would be ground down in a stronger league. The officials remain the big factor here. If the NDSU game had been allowed to proceed without continual controversy caused by confusing and perplexing calls by the officials EWU would have been on the short end of a route. As it was they were able to stay close and then lock the win on the final controversial call of the game which by the way will not be appealed by NDSU.

Any call that rises to the level of an AD saying it made him sick but there will be no appeal is a bad call and thats the message: After 2 poorly called games at EWU there is pressure on the NCAA to clean it up.

I dont see how EWU can win outside some type of Any Given Miracle. Thats why we play the game and thats what makes this one so interesting. What had been the #1 team in this once great nation of ours now looks like a decided underdog.

Your offense scored 17 points on a short field off 5 turnovers and two blocked field goals. You're lucky you didn't lose by three scores. I'll take the BSC record against the MVC in the playoffs over your "physical".

[griz8791]

. . . After 2 poorly called games at EWU there is pressure on the NCAA to clean it up. . . .

This is at least the second time in the last three days you have insinuated that these aren't just random bad calls. You do realize that they bring in non-league officials for playoff games? I understood the crew for your game was from the CAA, while they inflicted one of our awful crews on the Delaware-UNH game. And the crew for the Eastern-SEMO game would again have been from somewhere other than the BSC. That being the case, exactly how do you connect the dots and blame EWU for bad officiating? Exactly what would you have the NCAA do to "clean it up?"

[houndawg]

**** you houndawg, you pussy bastard. Sure, he could be more durable, but goddamn, a broken ankle is not something that you can avoid. **** happens, but saying that an injury to someone like TJ is something that should be overcome is **** dumb. **** you. Basically the last sentence is all I wanted to say to you. **** off guy.

Ol' Thump is getting a wee bit peevish in his old age.....

[Tribe4SF]

Of course.

3) Weather may also be a factor. The same poor footing that neutralized TJ last week in the second half and gave an edge to the straight ahead running style of NDSU could hurt Nova and the speed of Szczur a bit. On the other hand we seem to run it more up the middle when Beaumonte and Brown are in.


I'm not saying Nova shouldn't be the favorite, but it's much closer than CAA homers believe.

Bad weather plays directly to Nova's strength on offense. They are a power running team with maybe the best offensive line in the country. Babbaro, Ball, and Szczur are killers between the tackles, and Whitney is big, strong, and very difficult to bring down. If the weather is really bad, look for Whitney to do alot of work on the ground.

[houndawg]

Anything is possible. 'Nova could have a let down traveling long distance third week in a row and after beating ASU, weather and officiating could break EWU's way, the shock of playing on a red carpet might take a toll, who knows, but most likely EWU isn't quite as good as App State...

They arent quite as good as NDSU either. They arent that physical of a club and would be ground down in a stronger league. The officials remain the big factor here. If the NDSU game had been allowed to proceed without continual controversy caused by confusing and perplexing calls by the officials EWU would have been on the short end of a route. As it was they were able to stay close and then lock the win on the final controversial call of the game which by the way will not be appealed by NDSU.

Any call that rises to the level of an AD saying it made him sick but there will be no appeal is a bad call and thats the message: After 2 poorly called games at EWU there is pressure on the NCAA to clean it up.

I dont see how EWU can win outside some type of Any Given Miracle. Thats why we play the game and thats what makes this one so interesting. What had been the #1 team in this once great nation of ours now looks like a decided underdog.

Actually, jb, they are better than NDSU. A TD better.

I gave you the keys to beating MSU, (score first, defense provide a couple of short fields, win special teams), and you did as I said and you won. And I told you those were exactly the same keys to beating EWU but you didn't listen and you lost. If you're going to be a playoff team you should listen to advice from those teams that are accustomed to being in the playoffs, jb.

Be a winner, jb, not a whiner.

[kalm]

Of course.

3) Weather may also be a factor. The same poor footing that neutralized TJ last week in the second half and gave an edge to the straight ahead running style of NDSU could hurt Nova and the speed of Szczur a bit. On the other hand we seem to run it more up the middle when Beaumonte and Brown are in.


I'm not saying Nova shouldn't be the favorite, but it's much closer than CAA homers believe.

Bad weather plays directly to Nova's strength on offense. They are a power running team with maybe the best offensive line in the country. Babbaro, Ball, and Szczur are killers between the tackles, and Whitney is big, strong, and very difficult to bring down. If the weather is really bad, look for Whitney to do alot of work on the ground.

The middle doesn't make me nervous, weve been solid up front. It's option, wildcat, and end around type plays getting Szczur to the edge that could be a problem. That being said, it looks like clear and cold for Friday night.

[GannonFan]

Bad weather plays directly to Nova's strength on offense. They are a power running team with maybe the best offensive line in the country. Babbaro, Ball, and Szczur are killers between the tackles, and Whitney is big, strong, and very difficult to bring down. If the weather is really bad, look for Whitney to do alot of work on the ground.

The middle doesn't make me nervous, weve been solid up front. It's option, wildcat, and end around type plays getting Szczur to the edge that could be a problem. That being said, it looks like clear and cold for Friday night.

Then you haven't seen nova's offensive line. There's no secret why the CAA has become so dominant over the past half decade or more - both the OL and DL have been far superior to what other teams from other conferences are putting out there. You get outliers like the Appy St teams and some of the better Montana teams, but most of the CAA titles have been won by teams that just grind it out and wear down the other team by the second half. You could argue that the title game losses for the CAA (UMass in '06 and UD in '07) were due to those being teams that didn't possess that ability to grind down teams. But both nova and UD have lines on both sides of the ball that can do that and have been doing that all year and into the playoffs. NDSU wasn't a great team and they started to get to EWU in the second half. nova is significantly better than NDSU and it will end up looking that way on the scoreboard. nova by at least 21 in this game, and I wouldn't be shocked if it's a lot more.

[kalm]

The middle doesn't make me nervous, weve been solid up front. It's option, wildcat, and end around type plays getting Szczur to the edge that could be a problem. That being said, it looks like clear and cold for Friday night.

Then you haven't seen nova's offensive line. There's no secret why the CAA has become so dominant over the past half decade or more - both the OL and DL have been far superior to what other teams from other conferences are putting out there. You get outliers like the Appy St teams and some of the better Montana teams, but most of the CAA titles have been won by teams that just grind it out and wear down the other team by the second half. You could argue that the title game losses for the CAA (UMass in '06 and UD in '07) were due to those being teams that didn't possess that ability to grind down teams. But both nova and UD have lines on both sides of the ball that can do that and have been doing that all year and into the playoffs. NDSU wasn't a great team and they started to get to EWU in the second half. nova is significantly better than NDSU and it will end up looking that way on the scoreboard. nova by at least 21 in this game, and I wouldn't be shocked if it's a lot more.

There's no doubt Nova has a great line, and you're correct about the physicality of the CAA. But NDSU, SEMO, Nevada, and SUU all had big physical lines as well. We held Nevada to less yards rushing than Boise State and BYU, and a 100 yards less than California. So we are capable.

As for NDSU wearing us down, our first three possession of the 2nd half ended in fumble, pick 6, and fumble. Our drive times in the third quarter were .49, .47, 1.07, 2:27, and 2:47. Our drive times in the 4th quarter were 1:19, 1:02, and 2:00. In other words, our defense was bound to wear down a bit with what our offense was doing. But like I said before, we can't afford the turnovers and lack of sustained drives this time and get away with it.

[EWURanger]

Anything is possible. 'Nova could have a let down traveling long distance third week in a row and after beating ASU, weather and officiating could break EWU's way, the shock of playing on a red carpet might take a toll, who knows, but most likely EWU isn't quite as good as App State...

They arent quite as good as NDSU either. They arent that physical of a club and would be ground down in a stronger league. The officials remain the big factor here. If the NDSU game had been allowed to proceed without continual controversy caused by confusing and perplexing calls by the officials EWU would have been on the short end of a route. As it was they were able to stay close and then lock the win on the final controversial call of the game which by the way will not be appealed by NDSU.

Any call that rises to the level of an AD saying it made him sick but there will be no appeal is a bad call and thats the message: After 2 poorly called games at EWU there is pressure on the NCAA to clean it up.

I dont see how EWU can win outside some type of Any Given Miracle. Thats why we play the game and thats what makes this one so interesting. What had been the #1 team in this once great nation of ours now looks like a decided underdog.

JBB - you keep acting like EWU played their best game against NDSU. They didn't - and it's not even close. We played perhaps one of our worst games of the season in regards to trying to give the game away. EWU committed 5 TO's (almost all of which were completely unforced. ball slipping out of the hand, etc) yet, still found a way to come back being down late in the game and drive down the field and get into a position to tie the game. Let's not forget that NDSU could have been down 21-0 in the first quarter had Kaufman not let the ball go through his hands in the end zone.

Furthermore, how can you account for any sort of bad officiating in the SEMO game having any kind of factor in the outcome of that game? SEMO had 26 yards of offense in the second half for god's sake.

And as for the physicality of the NDSU game - while I think NDSU had some very good down-field blocking, I don't understand how anyone can say NDSU looked like a more physical team. I didn't see that. What I did see was #98 for EWU creating havoc on your offensive line and tackling your QB in the backfield before he could hand the ball off.

While each game is it's own, I can tell you that if we had committed 5 TO's against Montana, Sac State, NAU, or Weber State, we would have lost those games. Truth be told, I think Montana, NAU, and Weber State were all more "physical" than NDSU, but that's just my opinion.

[SuperHornet]

You know what's telling here?

The Mississippi River.

Those west of the Mississippi are being quite realistic. An EWU victory is within the realm of possibility if the Eags bring their A game. They're also relying on the short week, reduced practices, and the potential of bad weather to adversely affect Nova. The only exception is one disgruntled UNC fan.

Those who at least LIVE east of the Great River think the game is already in the bag and should not even be played. That's the kind of thinking that gets you killed. Michigan, Ball State, and VA Tech can all attest to that in recent years.
They're also busting out the "last year" argument, which is amazing considering the number of them who have used the exact OPPOSITE argument in other threads in recent months. You can't have it both ways, guys.

We out west have seen what EWU can do, for better or for ill. I for one believe that they can pull this off. Does that mean it's a given? Certainly not. Unlike what ECB bandwagoners seem to think, that's why they actually play the game. Regardless of the result, it'll be an interesting game.

[Thumper 76]

Ol' Thump is getting a wee bit peevish in his old age.....

Or maybe a bit drunk.

[GannonFan]

You know what's telling here?

The Mississippi River.

Those west of the Mississippi are being quite realistic. An EWU victory is within the realm of possibility if the Eags bring their A game. They're also relying on the short week, reduced practices, and the potential of bad weather to adversely affect Nova. The only exception is one disgruntled UNC fan.

Those who at least LIVE east of the Great River think the game is already in the bag and should not even be played. That's the kind of thinking that gets you killed. Michigan, Ball State, and VA Tech can all attest to that in recent years.
They're also busting out the "last year" argument, which is amazing considering the number of them who have used the exact OPPOSITE argument in other threads in recent months. You can't have it both ways, guys.

We out west have seen what EWU can do, for better or for ill. I for one believe that they can pull this off. Does that mean it's a given? Certainly not. Unlike what ECB bandwagoners seem to think, that's why they actually play the game. Regardless of the result, it'll be an interesting game.

I'll sum it up for, make it more concise. If we agree with your opinion, then we're realistic. If we don't agree with you're opinion, we're blind bandwagon jumpers (although my team's still in the playoffs so I'm already on a different wagon) who don't have a clue. Glad to know that you're opinion is the barometer of where people stand.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

They arent quite as good as NDSU either. They arent that physical of a club and would be ground down in a stronger league. The officials remain the big factor here. If the NDSU game had been allowed to proceed without continual controversy caused by confusing and perplexing calls by the officials EWU would have been on the short end of a route. As it was they were able to stay close and then lock the win on the final controversial call of the game which by the way will not be appealed by NDSU.

Any call that rises to the level of an AD saying it made him sick but there will be no appeal is a bad call and thats the message: After 2 poorly called games at EWU there is pressure on the NCAA to clean it up.

I dont see how EWU can win outside some type of Any Given Miracle. Thats why we play the game and thats what makes this one so interesting. What had been the #1 team in this once great nation of ours now looks like a decided underdog.

JBB - you keep acting like EWU played their best game against NDSU. They didn't - and it's not even close. We played perhaps one of our worst games of the season in regards to trying to give the game away. EWU committed 5 TO's (almost all of which were completely unforced. ball slipping out of the hand, etc) yet, still found a way to come back being down late in the game and drive down the field and get into a position to tie the game. Let's not forget that NDSU could have been down 21-0 in the first quarter had Kaufman not let the ball go through his hands in the end zone.

Furthermore, how can you account for any sort of bad officiating in the SEMO game having any kind of factor in the outcome of that game? SEMO had 26 yards of offense in the second half for god's sake.

And as for the physicality of the NDSU game - while I think NDSU had some very good down-field blocking, I don't understand how anyone can say NDSU looked like a more physical team. I didn't see that. What I did see was #98 for EWU creating havoc on your offensive line and tackling your QB in the backfield before he could hand the ball off.

While each game is it's own, I can tell you that if we had committed 5 TO's against Montana, Sac State, NAU, or Weber State, we would have lost those games. Truth be told, I think Montana, NAU, and Weber State were all more "physical" than NDSU, but that's just my opinion.

We did commit 5 turnovers against NAU... 4 with Montana. If our team held onto the ball more, a lot of our games would have been won by two or three scores.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

You know what's telling here?

The Mississippi River.

Those west of the Mississippi are being quite realistic. An EWU victory is within the realm of possibility if the Eags bring their A game. They're also relying on the short week, reduced practices, and the potential of bad weather to adversely affect Nova. The only exception is one disgruntled UNC fan.

Those who at least LIVE east of the Great River think the game is already in the bag and should not even be played. That's the kind of thinking that gets you killed. Michigan, Ball State, and VA Tech can all attest to that in recent years.
They're also busting out the "last year" argument, which is amazing considering the number of them who have used the exact OPPOSITE argument in other threads in recent months. You can't have it both ways, guys.

We out west have seen what EWU can do, for better or for ill. I for one believe that they can pull this off. Does that mean it's a given? Certainly not. Unlike what ECB bandwagoners seem to think, that's why they actually play the game. Regardless of the result, it'll be an interesting game.

That's the most rational post I've ever seen you make. WTF is going on here!?

[Screamin_Eagle174]

[Appaholic]

It pains me to see Taiwan Jones sidelined after working so hard during the season & having so much success. Apparently hes out for the season & if EWU makes it past nova, & if he has surgery he'll be 25%-50% for the Championship game in Frisco. Total let down, considering its only gonna get harder from her on out. Mario Brown and Darriell Beaumonte, Jones' backups' stats are similar..Brown has rushed for 214 yards and a one touchdown this fall, while Beaumonte has rushed for 216 yards and two TDs. Neither one has impressed me so hopefully they understand that mediocre wont cut it & their best effort is need if EWU is gonna get past nova.

I really wish TJ was playing, so we could TRULY find out. '

Injuries are part of the game BF, you need to adjust your gameplan.


RBs have to be durable, especially if they want to play at the next level

Agree. TJ seems a little brittle. Too bad he couldn't man up for one more game. You wouldn't get away with that sandbaggin' shit playing for an east coast team....

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Injuries are part of the game BF, you need to adjust your gameplan.


RBs have to be durable, especially if they want to play at the next level

Agree. TJ seems a little brittle. Too bad he couldn't man up for one more game. You wouldn't get away with that sandbaggin' shit playing for an east coast team....

Too bad Appy couldn't get the job done WITH their best player on the field...