The Eagles: Same Old Foe?
Our history with E. Washington started on the wrong foot when they rallied to win the semi-final game out there in 2010 on a controversial call. Since then, we have won 4 straight including the 2018 Natty at the behest of one of Easton Stick’s finest collegiate games. The Eagles have been a consistent playoff team from the Big Sky, but last year sunk to 3-8. What do they look like for this game?
Let’s start with the Eagles biggest problem last year, they played horrific defense. They were last in rushing defense out of 123 FCS schools, yielding 289 YPG and 6.1 YPC. Your scout squad should do better. They were 122nd it total D at 504.2 YPG and finished 121st in scoring D with 42.4 PPG. Nine of their top 14 tacklers graduated. So they have to do a quick makeover on D to have a chance versus the Herd.
They brought in 3 FBS transfers at safety, a LB from UCLA, a DT from BYU (small at 272 lbs), a DT & DE from the Juco ranks and 1 CB from Wash. State. These boys will really have to show up come Saturday for the Eagles to win.
We scored 50 pts in 2016, 40 in 2017, 38 against their best Defense in the last 10 years in the 2018 Natty game. We also scored 42 in the abomination of the 2021 spring Covid season. Folks, that’s 42.5 PPG. I am starting this preview with what I think the key component of the Eagle’s fatal weakness is, DEFENSE. I just don’t see how they will contain our run game.
Where can they make this game interesting? The Eagles are a skilled, offensive program. They do have a new QB, but he fits their mold of being a gun slinger and is also very mobile. Code Green was decimated by the transfer portal, so we are very raw in the secondary. E. Washington will come out blasting both barrels. We will have to play sound assignment football or they could score in bunches.
What do I see happening? I just think the Herd has a much better overall roster of talent on both sides of the ball. I think the Ram’s led offense will roll up over 300 yards of rushing. I think Code Green might bend, but I don’t think it will break very often. I think the Herd will win by three scores. Go Bison!!