(7) Towson Tigers @ (3) Eastern Eagles Game Thread

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Towson University Tigers (12-2, 6-2 CAA) at Eastern Washington Eagles (12-2, 8-0 BSC)

Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013 • 11:05 a.m. Pacific
Roos Field (8,600) • Cheney, Wash.

Series: First meeting.
TV: ESPNU
Radio: http://www.700espn.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Webcast: http://espn.go.com/watchespn/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

First there was David Fluellen from Toledo, then Timothy Flanders from Sam Houston State, Cody Kirk from Montana State and D.J. Adams from Portland State, followed by Zach Zenner and DaMarcus James in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision Playoffs.

But the most prolific running back of them all – and a team that has won 11-straight road games -- awaits the Eastern Washington University football team this Saturday (Dec. 21) at Roos Field in Cheney, Wash.

Standing in the way of another appearance in the NCAA Division I Championship Game for the third-seeded and No. 3 ranked Eagles are the Towson Tigers, who feature FCS rushing and scoring leader Terrance West. Kickoff in the semifinal matchup between teams with Walter Payton Award finalists is 11:05 a.m. Pacific time in a game televised live by ESPNU.

Towson upset second-seeded and No. 2 ranked Eastern Illinois 49-39 on Dec. 13, the night before EWU advanced to the semis with a 35-24 win over Jacksonville State. The seventh-seeded and fifth-ranked Tigers were led by West, who rushed for a FCS playoff record 354 yards and five touchdowns in Towson’s 11th-consecutive win on the road. Of the top 10 FCS teams ranked nationally in rushing offense, Towson will be the fourth EWU has faced this season (No. 1 Cal Poly, No. 3 Portland State, No. 6 Sam Houston, No. 10 Towson).

“They are a physical football team on both sides of the ball,” said Eastern head coach Beau Baldwin, who has coached the Eagles to victories in eight of their last nine postseason games. “They are well-coached and know how to handle big games and win on the road. They are a tremendous challenge for us.”

With 2,295 rushing yards for the season, West needs only 32 to break the NCAA FCS single season record of 2,326 yards set by Jamal Branch of Colgate in 2003. West has already broken the FCS single season record for rushing touchdowns in a season with 38, and his 39 touchdowns overall has tied the FCS record. The Tigers are now 12-2 and finished 6-2 in CAA Football.

“After watching him, he’s as good as any running back I’ve ever seen in my career here at Eastern,” Baldwin said.

It will be EWU’s first-ever meeting with Towson, and Towson’s first-ever meeting against a team from the Big Sky Conference. The Eagles are 2-0 against CAA Football, and are 12-2 this season with a 10-game winning streak.

“You just have to find ways to win,” said Baldwin, whose team has outscored its first two playoff opponents 41-6 in the second half. “It is nice that we’ll have plenty of stuff we can come back, coach and correct even after a win going to the Final Four. The bottom line is you are doing everything you can to win so you get to this position. I am proud of our players for that.”

http://goeags.com/sports/m-footbl/2013- ... sonPreview" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[CatBlitz22]

No ESPN2? Lame.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

No ESPN2? Lame.

Yeah, you're tellin' me. ESPN has been gobbling everything NDSU, despite the fact that their games aren't entertaining; they're one-sided snooze-fests. EWU/Towson at least will be a battle.

[SuperHornet]

I love Stacy Keibler, but her school is going down....

[EWURanger]

Apparently we're the dogs in this one. I think we play better that way, anyway. Should be a GREAT game, with really no clear-cut favorite. This is a little reminiscent of the 2010 semi-finals against 'Nova. EWU probably doesn't shut down West like they did the SDSU RB, but I think we will limit him enough to take Towson out of their comfort zone. At the very least, I am very confident that they won't run it like they did on EIU. Towson will have to deal with Mr. Pulu in the middle, which should force Mr. West outside a little more than in his last game, where he will have to deal with Mr. Hamlin.

On offense, I doubt EWU (or should I say Adams) will play as poorly as they did last week with respect to TO's. We better hope we don't or we'll lose. Either way, I think we'll move the ball just fine on Towson's defense. We have 3 or 4 very capable receivers and our running game has been clicking in the playoffs.

Should be another wild semi's at Roos Field, with the winner probably only having a very small MOV.

EWU 38, Towson 35

[BlackFalkin]

Apparently we're the dogs in this one. I think we play better that way, anyway. Should be a GREAT game, with really no clear-cut favorite. This is a little reminiscent of the 2010 semi-finals against 'Nova. EWU probably doesn't shut down West like they did the SDSU RB, but I think we will limit him enough to take Towson out of their comfort zone. At the very least, I am very confident that they won't run it like they did on EIU. Towson will have to deal with Mr. Pulu in the middle, which should force Mr. West outside a little more than in his last game, where he will have to deal with Mr. Hamlin.

On offense, I doubt EWU (or should I say Adams) will play as poorly as they did last week with respect to TO's. We better hope we don't or we'll lose. Either way, I think we'll move the ball just fine on Towson's defense. We have 3 or 4 very capable receivers and our running game has been clicking in the playoffs.

Should be another wild semi's at Roos Field, with the winner probably only having a very small MOV.

EWU 38, Towson 35

I like your analysis, EWU has face faced better run games. And I think the west's game last week against an overrated and out of tune eiu has people doubting EWU. (Like always) I think EWU will hold west to under 120 yards and I think the key to victory is holding him under 250. Nobody was raving about towson till last week. I'm sure west is a great back, but he's not gonna run up and down the red turf like a wild man. And that's what he'll need to do to win. I just don't see Vernon playing that bad again. I think he plays with a chip Bc he got screwed out of the Payton.

42-21 EWU. Prove me wrong towson.

[Gil Dobie]

Track meet for this one.

EWU 52 Towson 45

[Screamin_Eagle174]

I did a 100 game matchup on that national sports rankings simulator, and EWU wins 76 of them. I like their average score too, I'll go with 37-30 Eagles.

[Ivytalk]

No ESPN2? Lame.

Yeah, you're tellin' me. ESPN has been gobbling everything NDSU, despite the fact that their games aren't entertaining; they're one-sided snooze-fests. EWU/Towson at least will be a battle.

The glare from the red field shorts out ESPN2's deluxe cameras.

[BDKJMU]

EWU Offense vs TU defense:

EWU:
Scoring Offense: 6th at 40.1 ppg
Total Offense: 4th at 530 ypg
Rushing Offense: 42nd at 183.5 ypg
Passing Offense: 4th at 346.6 ypg

TU (defensive #s have slipped the last 2 games vs Fordham & EIU (27 & 39 points):
Scoring Defense: 22nd at 22.6 ppg
Total Defense: 34th at 353.4 ypg
Rushing Defense: 12th at 116.6
Passing Defense: 87th at 236.8

The only comparable passing team TU has faced was EIU last week. The EIU QB leads the nation in passing yds, and he went 38 of 50, 321 yds, 2 TDs, 0 INT. #2 in the nation in passing yds is the EWU QB. While TU's run defense is pretty solid, they do struggle somewhat against the pass...
http://www.ncaa.com/stats/football/fcs/ ... eam/695/p2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[BDKJMU]

TU offense vs EWU defense:

TU:
Scoring Offense: 10th at 38.8
Total Offense: 12th at 471.9
Rushing Offense: 10th at 249.5 ypg
Passing Offense: 52nd at 222.4 ypg

EWU:
Scoring Defense: 68th at 27.8 ppg
Total Defense: 104th at 455.9 ppg
Rushing defense: 71st at 176.4 ypg
Passing Defense: 117th at 279.6 ypg

The only comparable rushing team EWU has faced is SHSU, at 265 ypg. TU avg 250 ypg rushing. EWU lost @ SHSU in late Sept 49-34, and gave up 450 yds rushing. I wouldn't be surprised to see TU rush for 350+, with West going for 250+.

[BDKJMU]

I look for the TU game to be similar to EWU @ SHSU when SHSU won 49-34 rushing for 450. Despite TU having a long road game for the 2nd week in a row and without their top 2 WR that went down during the season, I predict:
TU 42, EWU 34.

[vutomcat]

EWU Offense vs TU defense:

EWU:
Scoring Offense: 6th at 40.1 ppg
Total Offense: 4th at 530 ypg
Rushing Offense: 42nd at 183.5 ypg
Passing Offense: 4th at 346.6 ypg

TU (defensive #s have slipped the last 2 games vs Fordham & EIU (27 & 39 points):
Scoring Defense: 22nd at 22.6 ppg
Total Defense: 34th at 353.4 ypg
Rushing Defense: 12th at 116.6
Passing Defense: 87th at 236.8

The only comparable passing team TU has faced was EIU last week. The EIU QB leads the nation in passing yds, and he went 38 of 50, 321 yds, 2 TDs, 0 INT. #2 in the nation in passing yds is the EWU QB. While TU's run defense is pretty solid, they do struggle somewhat against the pass...
http://www.ncaa.com/stats/football/fcs/ ... eam/695/p2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Good post. Really looking forward to this game. EC vs. WC. Big Fluffy vs. CAA.
Two excellent teams. My CAA bias tells me Towson is a little tougher and will prevail ---- 40-34

[kalm]

TU offense vs EWU defense:

TU:
Scoring Offense: 10th at 38.8
Total Offense: 12th at 471.9
Rushing Offense: 10th at 249.5 ypg
Passing Offense: 52nd at 222.4 ypg

EWU:
Scoring Defense: 68th at 27.8 ppg
Total Defense: 104th at 455.9 ppg
Rushing defense: 71st at 176.4 ypg
Passing Defense: 117th at 279.6 ypg

The only comparable rushing team EWU has faced is SHSU, at 265 ypg. TU avg 250 ypg rushing. EWU lost @ SHSU in late Sept 49-34, and gave up 450 yds rushing. I wouldn't be surprised to see TU rush for 350+, with West going for 250+.

We also faced the #1 and #3 rushing offenses in FCS and 4 out of the top 12 rushers.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

TU offense vs EWU defense:

TU:
Scoring Offense: 10th at 38.8
Total Offense: 12th at 471.9
Rushing Offense: 10th at 249.5 ypg
Passing Offense: 52nd at 222.4 ypg

EWU:
Scoring Defense: 68th at 27.8 ppg
Total Defense: 104th at 455.9 ppg
Rushing defense: 71st at 176.4 ypg
Passing Defense: 117th at 279.6 ypg

The only comparable rushing team EWU has faced is SHSU, at 265 ypg. TU avg 250 ypg rushing. EWU lost @ SHSU in late Sept 49-34, and gave up 450 yds rushing. I wouldn't be surprised to see TU rush for 350+, with West going for 250+.

Towson will be the 4th team ranked in the top 10 in rushing offense that EWU has faced.

[BDKJMU]

TU offense vs EWU defense:

TU:
Scoring Offense: 10th at 38.8
Total Offense: 12th at 471.9
Rushing Offense: 10th at 249.5 ypg
Passing Offense: 52nd at 222.4 ypg

EWU:
Scoring Defense: 68th at 27.8 ppg
Total Defense: 104th at 455.9 ppg
Rushing defense: 71st at 176.4 ypg
Passing Defense: 117th at 279.6 ypg

The only comparable rushing team EWU has faced is SHSU, at 265 ypg. TU avg 250 ypg rushing. EWU lost @ SHSU in late Sept 49-34, and gave up 450 yds rushing. I wouldn't be surprised to see TU rush for 350+, with West going for 250+.

We also faced the #1 and #3 rushing offenses in FCS and 4 out of the top 12 rushers.

Missed that. See EWU gave up to 251 to Cal Poly (avg 309) and 199 to Portland State (avg 277). So clearly did better vs those 2 against the rush. But I see also gave up 225 passing yds and 41 pts to PSU. TU does avg 222 through the air, and has a good passing game...

[kalm]

We also faced the #1 and #3 rushing offenses in FCS and 4 out of the top 12 rushers.

Missed that. See EWU gave up to 251 to Cal Poly (avg 309) and 199 to Portland State (avg 277). So clearly did better vs those 2 against the rush. But I see also gave up 225 passing yds and 41 pts to PSU. TU does avg 222 through the air, and has a good passing game...

Difference being all three of those other teams ran option and had dual threat QB. Same with JSU in the first half. We've fared much better against power running teams who use play action.

Towson's QB will need to make some plays.

[AZGrizFan]

I think EWU will hold west to under 120 yards and I think the key to victory is holding him under 250. Nobody was raving about towson till last week.

I'll take the over @ 120.

[Gil Dobie]

I think EWU will hold west to under 120 yards and I think the key to victory is holding him under 250. Nobody was raving about towson till last week.

I'll take the over @ 120.

Make that 2, like NDSU stopping TJ in '10.

[Grizalltheway]

Yeah, you're tellin' me. ESPN has been gobbling everything NDSU, despite the fact that their games aren't entertaining; they're one-sided snooze-fests. EWU/Towson at least will be a battle.

The glare from the red field shorts out ESPN2's deluxe cameras.

I'm no fan of the red turf, but you guys really need some new material.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Missed that. See EWU gave up to 251 to Cal Poly (avg 309) and 199 to Portland State (avg 277). So clearly did better vs those 2 against the rush. But I see also gave up 225 passing yds and 41 pts to PSU. TU does avg 222 through the air, and has a good passing game...

Difference being all three of those other teams ran option and had dual threat QB. Same with JSU in the first half. We've fared much better against power running teams who use play action.

Towson's QB will need to make some plays.

This exactly.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

The glare from the red field shorts out ESPN2's deluxe cameras.

I'm no fan of the red turf, but you guys really need some new material.

Also this.

[Ivytalk]

The glare from the red field shorts out ESPN2's deluxe cameras.

I'm no fan of the red turf, but you guys really need some new material.

Meh. I think EWU will win this game by a nose hair and go on to lose to NDSU in the final.

[andy7171]

I'm no fan of the red turf, but you guys really need some new material.

Also this.

Haven't we heard this the last two weeks?

[93henfan]

Towson 44
EWU 28

And it won't seem that close.