Eastern Washington Preview
by John Berkowitz on Jun 7, 2011 9:36 AM PDT
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PrintWashington opens the season against the defending FCS national champions Eastern Washington in Seattle on September 3rd.
It marks the first time that the Huskies have scheduled a lower division opponent since the FCS/1-AA classifications were created.
The Eagles are led by fourth year coach Beau Baldwin who was previously the head coach at Central Washington. Baldwin came in and cleaned up the administrative mess left behind by Paul Wulff when he left to take the WSU coaching job. Four years later the Eagles are off probation and are defending national champs.
On offense the Eagles are led by QB Bo Levi Mitchell who is a transfer from SMU is one of the better QB's in the FCS. He throws a real nice ball and he knows how to execute the Eagle offense well. Mitchell had three TD passes in the second half of the national championship game to lead the Eagles to victory.
When the Eagles air it out expect Brandon Kaufman, Cory Mitchell, and Nicholas Edwards to be Mitchell's prime targets. Kaufman won AA honors in 2010 while catching 76 passes for 1,214 yards and 15 touchdowns. The Eagles are loaded with plenty of depth and talent at these positions.
Mario Brown and UW transfer Demetrious Bronson lead a running game that should still be productive even though leading rusher Taiwan Jones has taken his act to the NFL. FB Darriell Beaumont who is also a special teams demon led all the rushers during the spring game.
C Chris Powers anchors a very competent offensive line. Powers has started 27 games during his career at Eastern and has earned AA honors.
Eastern finished the 2010 season ranked 22nd in the FCS in total offense (397.1 yards per game), as well as rankings of 26th in passing (241.0), 49th in rushing (156.1) and 18th in scoring (31.5). They have enough parts returning that they just might improve on those numbers in 2011.
DT Renard Williams will anchor the defensive line. He had nine sacks to earn first-team All-Big Sky Conference honors in 2009. He finished with 6 1/2 in the 2010 season to repeat as an All-Big Sky selection and earn All-America honors in 2010. He has a total of 34 tackles for loss during his career despite being double teamed most of the time.
DE Jerry Ceja prvides the pressure from the outside. He had 23 tackles with five sacks, three forced fumbles and three quarterback hurries in 2010. He had two sacks and a hurry against Villanova. Paul Ena will move over from LB to fill the other DE position. UW transfer Andru Pulu is also in the mix to start.
WLB Zach Johnson has started 25 straight games. In the championship game he led the Eagles with 15 tackles and 2 sacks. He had 134 tackles on the year. MLB Tyler Washburn returns after sitting out the spring recovering from knee surgery.
The Eagles lost their top three CB's from 2010. Ronald Baines, Jeremy Chaten, and Shane Stagg looked like the leaders coming out of the spring but the battle for starting jobs will continue in the fall.
SS Matt Johnson has started 38 straight games and is the twin brother of Zach Johnson who was mentioned above.. Matt has 15 career interceptions and is only three away from the all time Eagle career record. FS Jeff Minnerly lines up beside Matt.
EWU vs Washington
Eastern Washington is a very good football team that could give Washington trouble at times in the opener. Can the Eagles pull off an Appalachian State/Michigan style upset? Since they are the best that the FCS has to offer going into 2011 they are capable of it but I don't see it happening unless the Huskies completely self destruct via the multiple turnover route.
I think the Eagles will be competitive early and then the size, speed, and athletic ability of Washington will simply wear them down as the game goes on. Most of the focus going into the game will be on UW QB Keith Price who is replacing Jake Locker. Price is going to surprise people. He isn't the athlete that Jake Locker is...of course who really is...but I think he will end up being a much better college quarterback.
Early Prediction
Washington 45 Eastern Washington 10
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score
I’ll reserve full judgment until we’ve seen the team go through Fall Camp, but at this point I’d go more conservative on the score and say we win by 20 or so. I’m just thinking this team will probably need a few games to work out the kinks and for the coaches to really hone in on what’s working and what needs revision.
As well, I figure Eastern is a pretty tough FCS team, and will be giving this game their best effort. It’s the Huskies first game, so they should be eager to strap on the helmets and get to work, but they may also overlook Eastern a little bit.
This is a great opening game, because there’s enough talent difference that the Huskies can afford to not play their best game and still win comfortably. I just have a feeling it won’t be as comfortable as 35 points.
Agreed
I see this one playing out like the Syracuse game, except Polk will be the one going crazy instead of Kearse. I bet Polk puts up 2 TDs in the 4th quarter as the Eastern D line wears out.
Score II
My first inclination was to be more conservative on the score but Cal put over 50 points on the board against this program two years ago. So after a little reflection I upped UW’s offensive output by ten points.
UW Dawg Pound - SBN Seattle
by John Berkowitz on Jun 8, 2011 7:29 AM PDT up reply actions
Watch your back . . .
Are you sure? Absolutely sure? Eastern played #5 Texas Tech 49-24, 27-21 at half, in 2008. Lost to Pac-12 newcomer, 31-24 on a last minute interception.
I commend you being excited about your season, after all you were .500 with Jake Locker, maybe Price will lift you higher?
You should be worried. Eastern is excited and willing to play the Huskies. The first game of the year is very dangerous. While Husky fans are not very enthusiastic about this game, Eagle fans are. There will be a lot of red in the Horseshoe.
Husky fans should be worried about the reigning FCS Champs coming in . . . No worries on our side. We have everything to gain, while you have a whole season that could possibly tank due to an incredible upset whether it may be by 1 point or more. Imagine what the rest of your year would be like. Just ask 2008 Michigan.
Its a win for us if Huskies will be under 50 (yes, that will happen) and we are in the 20’s (yes, that will happen). Anything else, is icing.
I could see Eastern punching you guys in the mouth in the first quarter.
But I still see you guys still winning pretty easily.
Attractive, Intelligent, Smart A**
by Neil Vincent Roberts on Jun 12, 2011 12:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Pound the ball, get Polk, Cooper and Callier around
40 touches combined. Throw to the TE and WRs on safe routes. Let the OL establish a rhythm and confidence. Keep the game plan simple and vanilla.
surprise
I think Keith Price will be the big surprise. Handled himself admirably filling in for Jake.
Poise and leadership he already has the rest is practice and repetition.
Saw the soft pass overthrown but well executed v. OR I think that could have been a TD.
This team will grow together and eventually become a powerhouse.
Will be an exciting year.
Support our student athletes, have faith in the coaches! "...it's how you play the game!"
Agreed
I think Keith Price will be the big surprise
Teams are going to underestimate this kid and they’re going to pay for it.
Washington Husky Football-"Hear the bark, feel the bite!"
I don't think it'll be Keith, so much as his many fancy new targets that surprise.
No offense to Keith. I think he’s going to do great.
But seriously, he should look great, being the primary beneficiary of a sudden flood of large NFL-grade pass-catching talent. Guys that can seriously go up and get it.
Main question being, whether the O-line can reliably move enough meat to make it all work.
Decent writeup, but...
Your score is laughable. I can tell you’ve done your research and have been reading the Eagle forum, so I commend you on that. Now I’m not predicting an upset or anything like, that, but I think this game will be a lot closer than UW fans want it to be. I understand the talent and depth difference between 63 and 85 scholarships, but EWU does a great job of recruiting kids glossed over by BCS programs. Our DL will give your line some fits, and won’t tire out. I’m excited to see what Brandon Kaufman can do against your CBs and Safeties. Kid’s a beast.
UW 34, EWU 27
by Screamin Eagle174 on Jun 7, 2011 10:49 PM PDT reply actions
It's not laughable
It’s a distinct possibility that it’s even higher. While I respect EWU, they just don’t have the horses to hang with a BCS level opponent without a major UW collapse. Beyond the scholly differences, UW has a significant talent and athletic advantage.
It will take 2008 levels of futility from UW for this game to be within two touchdowns.
And just because you teed it up, WSU is the real program who does a good job recruiting kids glossed over by BCS programs.
UW 44 EWU 14
by B Money on Jun 7, 2011 11:16 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd
For making me laugh with the WSU jab.
I’m not sure if we’ll roll by 30, but it certainly won’t be a 7 point game. I’ll guesstimate somewhere in between with 31-10. With Polk getting at least 2 TDs.
P.S. I can’t wait to see D. Cooper in action. Considering he was ahead of Callier last fall I have some high expectations…
+1 on Cooper
I love the descriptors I heard tossed around last spring “glides” “zippy” “slippery”. I hope he’s ready to go, because he could get 10-15 carries if we jump out early.
Watch and See
UW of 2011 will not be as good as Cal of 2008. I’m sorry, but it’s true. Cal was a legit BCS contender until their collapse in November. The score would have been much closer had Taiwan not been injured early in the game and our offense reduced to being one-dimensional. Although we no longer have TJ, we have a more experienced OL (all around 6’3, 300lbs) than UW, and perhaps a little insight in transfer Demetrius Bronson. The game will be won or lost between our DL and UW’s OL though. Disagree all you want, but our DL could start for a lot of FBS schools. It will be a great game for the state of WA, and I don’t expect an EWU win (although certainly within the realms of possibility), but I can’t wait to see the concern on UW faces when it’s a one or two score game in the 4th. We will not lose by more than 21.
by Screamin Eagle174 on Jun 8, 2011 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Cal of 2008?
What does Cal of 2008 have to do with the 8-5 Cal team of 2009 that whooped up on Eastern? That 2009 Cal team got clown-stomped by Sark’s first UW team by the way.
Look, Appalachian State over Michigan proved that FCS teams can beat BCS FBS teams, so I’m not going to sit here and say there’s no way Eastern can win.
That said, the chances of them winning are very, very slim, and the chances of them hanging within 7 points only slightly less slim. As I noted above, I do think there’s a decent chance Eastern hangs pretty tough early in the game and the Huskies are more likely to win by 20 than by 35, but you’d have to have really red-tinted homer glasses on to think Eastern is going to lose by only a slim margin in this one.
I will be shocked if the UW doesn’t rush for 250+ in this one – this should be a game where Polk gets his 100 yards early in the 2nd half and Deonte Cooper and Jesse Callier get extended playing time in the 2nd half. Your best hope is that the Huskies lose a lot of fumbles and Price throws a number of interceptions.
by kirkd on Jun 9, 2011 5:14 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Not to mention...
…we are playing at Husky Stadium, it is the season opener and I’M GOING TO BE THERE!!!!!!…just kidding but as for the two previous points, they are valid. The fans and team are going to be pumped to see some HUSKY FOOTBALL! Man you got “my blood a boilin’” already! GO DAWGS!!
Washington Husky Football-"Hear the bark, feel the bite!"
Why are you bringing up 2008 Cal?
The Huskies are not playing the 2008 EWU squad.
by Carl Shinyama on Jun 9, 2011 9:21 PM PDT up reply actions
It won't be that close...
I love your enthusiasm. I think it is great that you have such faith in your team. Never lose it!
Now lets get back to reality…on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009 in Berkeley, Calif. California beat Eastern Washington 59-7. That is what is supposed to happen when a good FCS program plays a middle of the road Pac 12 program.
You need to understand the huge difference between a Pac 12 squad and a FCS squad…the difference is huge even when you are talking about an elite program like Eastern. The difference in numbers and overall talent is huge.
If Eastern does really well the score will be in the neighborhood of 35-14. Even if the UW offense sputters Eastern will not be able to move consistently against the UW defense.
UW Dawg Pound - SBN Seattle
by John Berkowitz on Jun 8, 2011 7:46 AM PDT up reply actions
My thoughts
I see EWU coming out very fired up for this game. This is the in state program. One that i am sure a lot of their kids dreamed about playing for. HOwever, UDUB wil dominate the second half and coast to 3+ TD victory. 7 point game? I would be shocked.
high and low
High score so we can play backups for experience.
Montana and backup team get playing time even if we end up with a lower margin.
Love to checkout all and familiarize with all the numbers.
Support our student athletes, have faith in the coaches! "...it's how you play the game!"
My guess is 34-13
I think EWU keeps it close early before we wear them out in the 2nd half. I would be very happy with 45-10
Potential Trap Game
I don’t like adding this game to the schedule. Play a second tier team from the Midwest. Eastern is a very good D2 school, we are breaking in a new qb, and they will be up for the game. Half their team is probably from the NW and I am sure they will be motivated. Meanwhile, it is an easy one for UW to look beyond.
I think the Huskies win 35-14, but I think it will be close in the first half.
I understand what you mean about the possible trap game. However, if we can’t beat an FCS team with 20 less scholarship players than us, something is seriously wrong. Also, we have a better chance of filling in the visiting section with a local team with fired up fans coming off a championship than some second rate school from the Midwest. I think it is a decent compromise between getting an easier team and still making top dollar on a home game.
cost to schedule
The main reason why programs are more eager to schedule FCS programs over low-level FBS programs is the guaranteed gate – FCS programs generally are much more willing to take these games for lesser money, whereas lower-level FBS programs know they are in demand as schedule filler and have been asking for higher and higher gate guarantees to take these games.
SMFH
We’re D-I… the ONLY D-I with a playoff… you know, to determine real champions.
by Screamin Eagle174 on Jun 8, 2011 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions
No reason to be upset
Not only can we not control our lack of a playoff, but most people don’t know what the heck FBS and/or FCS means. D2 and D1 is a lot easier to remember, and never really needed to be replaced.
It was never replaced
It went from D1 and D1-AA to FBS and FCS. He’s right, but yeah, it’s nothing to get worked up over. They’re still different classifications, you could swap designations and it wouldn’t change anything.
by B Money on Jun 9, 2011 7:45 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
You might have to change that to...
…the Screamin Beagle174 after the game…just kidding.
Washington Husky Football-"Hear the bark, feel the bite!"
Another O****n player in trouble.
Per Bob Condotta of the Times " Cliff Harris has been cited for going 118 MPH. "
And followup link..
My understanding is you can’t rent a car until you’re 23 or something anyways… So how does a 20 year old get a rental car on a suspended license?
I'm sure glad we are not playing on their red turf field. That field is terrible to look at.
Welcome my son, Welcome to Machine. The Electric Eye is watching.
by Eyeofthebeholder on Jun 14, 2011 1:26 AM PDT reply actions
It looks pretty cool from the air!
I flew into Spokane last week, the field was quite easy to spot and looked awesome from above. Not saying I’d like to watch a game on it, but it sure makes for good scenery for the local pilots.
"Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing."
"Legends are made on the shores of Lake Washington"
So does this start a trend?
Maybe we should go purple?
Washington Husky Football-"Hear the bark, feel the bite!"
no, no, a thousand times no
The field is grass, grass is green. This trend of artificial turf colored something other than green is awful. Boise’s field is a cheap gimmick, and Eastern’s is even harder to look at.
Good read
First off, great read John. It seems you did your homework RE: the 2011 EWU Eagles. I will agree with the majority of the comments that have been made regarding the outcome of this game. And I think that it’s sort of natural for fans of a BCS program to think that their team will blow an FCS opponent out of the water. UW is, after all, a Pac-10 team with superior talent and depth to the tune of 22 more football scholarships.
The thing is, you never know how these games are going to go. FCS or not, EWU would be very competitive with a number of teams say, in the WAC. The problem is that it’s hard to gauge these games due to the fact that there is so little in the way of common opposition. EWU has played competitive games against BCS opposition in the past, and has also been absolutely destroyed as well, so you just never know how these things will play out. Each season is it’s own.
So for what it’s worth, I don’t necessarily agree with your prediction, but I’m not going to knock you for it, either. It’s perfectly reasonable……….it’s also reasonable to believe that this is college football, and if a few balls bounce EWU’s way, the score could be closer than some think. We’ve got a few kids that will probably play on Sundays, so we do have some talent, although not on the level of UW, but enough talent to probably make some plays here and there.
At the end of the day, it’s a good game for the State of Washington, whether so UW fans want to admit it or not.
Also, for whoever said Eastern is Division II – check again. We haven’t been Division II since 1983 when we made the transition. Eastern is Division I in all sports, and Division I-AA (FCS) in football. The difference is 63 football scholarships versus 85. Just sayin.
45-10?
Um, minus 15 from 1st team’s score and add 15 to second teams score, that’s more like it.
Don’t be upset. you are still favored.
Not by much though . . . . .
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