#3 EWU at Cal Poly Game Thread

[Screamin_Eagle174]

http://i.imgur.com/EzUvUsb.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/VQt3mpv.png
#3 Eastern Washington Eagles (8-2, 6-0 BSC) at Cal Poly Mustangs (5-5, 4-2 BSC)


Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013 • 12:40 p.m. Pacific
Alex G. Spanos Stadium (11,075) • San Luis Obispo, Calif.


http://i.imgur.com/YHSHOdi.png


TV: Televised live regionally by ROOT Sports & DirectTV Audience Network 101.
Radio: http://spokaneradio.com/player/kxlxam.html
Webcast: First Row


Series: EWU leads 4-2: http://cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_iaa/bigsky/eastern_washington/opponents_records.php?teamid=458
Last Meeting: EWU won 34-17 in 2012 in Cheney: http://goeags.com/sports/m-footbl/2012-13/Releases/12fbNov3CalPolyRecap



Final exams aren’t until December at Eastern Washington University, but the tests continue for the school’s third-ranked football team trying for their seventh Big Sky Conference title in school history.
Fresh off their 54-29 dismantling of previously fourth-ranked Montana State, the Eagles play at NCAA Football Championship Subdivision rushing leader Cal Poly on Saturday (Nov. 16). Kickoff is 12:40 p.m. Pacific time for the second of three-straight EWU games televised on ROOT Sports


The Eagles are 8-2 overall and a perfect 6-0 in Big Sky Conference play for the first time in school history. Eastern hasn’t lost since falling at Sam Houston State 49-34 on Sept. 28 and are ranked third in The Sports Network FCS Top-25 Poll for the fourth-straight week.


Eastern can wrap-up at least a share of their seventh Big Sky Conference title in school history with a win this week. The Eagles can clinch the automatic berth in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision Playoffs with a victory and a Northern Arizona loss. A win and losses by both NAU and Montana State would clinch the outright title. The Eagles shared the title with Cal Poly and Montana State last year, and have also won league titles in 1992, 1997, 2004, 2005 and 2010.


“We have to go play a really good Cal Poly team on the road and that is all that matters,” said Eastern head coach Beau Baldwin. “Whether we are 5-1, 4-2, or 6-0 in the Big Sky, this is a big game coming up. It is huge to get this win and to get in this position. We control our own destiny which is all you can ask for this late in the year. But with all that being said, we are playing a Cal Poly team that is really impressive, especially defensively.”


The triple-option attack of Cal Poly is averaging 308.6 rushing yards per game to lead FCS, and had 424 in an easy 42-7 home win over Sacramento State last week. The Hornets had just 258 yards of offense, as Cal Poly enters this week’s game ranked 34th in FCS in total defense (350.0 per game) and 16th in scoring defense (21.0).


But the Mustangs, who earlier this year were ranked six-straight times by The Sports Network, are this year’s hard-luck Big Sky team. Two of their losses were to NCAA Football Bowl Division teams (nationally-ranked Fresno State 41-25 and Colorado State 34-17), as well as narrow losses to then No. 9 Montana (21-14 in overtime) and No. 16 Northern Arizona (17-13). Cal Poly also fell at home to Yale (24-10).


“We are going to play a really good Cal Poly team, and it is a really tough atmosphere to play in,” said Baldwin. “They are a couple nail-biters away from being in this race.”


Eastern, meanwhile, tries to keep on its current roll which has seen the Eagles score a combined 109 points in back-to-back games. That is unprecedented in the school’s history in the Big Sky, and the best for an Eastern team since 1966. EWU has scored 151 in the last three games, also its best since 1966. Eastern is just 80 points from the school record of 488 set in 2004.


During its current six-game winning streak – all against Big Sky foes -- Eastern has outscored its opponents by a 261-143 margin – a 43-23 average score. The last loss for EWU was 49-34 at Sam Houston State on Sept. 28, and its other loss was 33-21 to NCAA Football Championship Subdivision foe Toledo.


“We just have to stay on course,” added Baldwin. “We are in a great position, but at the same time, it is going to take an even better week during practice. We can’t have any emotional letdown coming off the Montana State win because Cal Poly is very good.”
http://goeags.com/sports/m-footbl/2013-14/Releases/13fbNov11CPPreview


Current Big Sky Stats (Conference Only) and Rankings: http://bigskyconf.com/custompages/football/2013/stats/confonly.htm

[Screamin_Eagle174]

THE TRIBUNE
Cal Poly faces Eastern Washington looking to keep football playoff hopes alive (http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2013/11/12/2780392/cal-poly-faces-eastern-washington.html) (11/12)
Eastern Washington coach likes Cal Poly’s defense (http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2013/11/14/2784004/eastern-washington-coach-likes.html) (11/14)


THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Eagle football benefits from depth charge (http://www.spokesman.com/eagles/stories/2013/nov/12/eagle-football-benefits-depth-charge/) (11/12)
Cal Poly boasts best defensive numbers in Big Sky conference (http://www.spokesman.com/eagles/stories/2013/nov/14/big-sky-football-cal-poly-boasts-best-defensive/) (11/14)
EWU Sports Chat With Jim Allen (http://www.spokesman.com/eagles/blogs/sportslink/2013/nov/14/eastern-sports-chat-noon-nov-14/) (11/14)
Murphy unexpected gift to EWU secondary (http://www.spokesman.com/eagles/stories/2013/nov/15/murphy-unexpected-gift-to-ewu-secondary/) (11/15)

[kalm]

Cal poly is 16th nationally in scoring defense at 21 with Montana, Sac, PSU, plus two FBS offenses in Fresno and CSU on the schedule. With conference only stats, they're giving up only 15.8

That's a helluva defense.

[clawman]

This game worries me, typical letdown game.

[citdog]

If Cal Poly is able to sustain drives it could be a LONG day for the Eagles. I would be scared to death of the option if I was them.

[veinup]

cal poly is a really scary team.

[dudeitsaid]

This game worries me, typical letdown game.

Me as well. Every team is going to bring it to EWU, as that win in itself would be a great feather in the season's cap. But, even though it seems most have written off CP's playoff hopes as completely nonexistent, is that really true? They could still get to 7 wins, and even though a seven win season may be hard pressed to make it in to this years field, would a signature win against EWU, and slip ups by UM, MSU, SUU pave the way for CP to sneak in? It's a heck of a long shot, but those playoff dreams would still be on my mind if I was them, and I see them treating this game like it's a playoff game.

EWU has to maintain focus. Winning out would presumably give us a high seed and a great chance at home-field throughout. I think Baldwin will have them in the right mindset for this game. Cal Poly is just a couple of plays away from being right in the mix for an at large. Give them the UM and NAU game, and they would be sitting pretty. This is no cupcake!

[coover]

Come on guys! Cal Poly lost to Yale, a decent FCS, but still a non-scholarship team. They lost to a good Montana squad, one that was beaten by EWU. The two squads don't compare. EWU is the 3rd ranked FCS squad. Cal Poly? They're not even ranked. Do you really think they could beat the great Eastern Washington Eagles? Nonsense. And the EWU players know it, too. This week will be as good as a bye for them. They should take vacation during the week in order to heal their injuries and regain any energy they've lost during the season. Cal Poly? Who are they? Nor somebody that could beat EWU!

You won't even have to watch this game. Take your girl out and give her a good time. She'll appreciate it, not having to watch the Eagles again this week. She needs a vacation too. The EWU - Cal Poly game is already over and the result is just waiting to be written. It's a lock.

[tomq04]

Seems to me that Cal Poly is as tough as any big sky team, but they have had problems at home haven't they? That being said, despite "problems" I would always take a home game, and I would suspect they have something to prove.

Statistically EWU is the favorite, but we are still seriously injured on defense and our offense still has to carry the load, maybe this will be the game to set the season record for TD passes in the big sky?

What is the overall FCS season record for TD's ?

[clawman]

Come on guys! Cal Poly lost to Yale, a decent FCS, but still a non-scholarship team. They lost to a good Montana squad, one that was beaten by EWU. The two squads don't compare. EWU is the 3rd ranked FCS squad. Cal Poly? They're not even ranked. Do you really think they could beat the great Eastern Washington Eagles? Nonsense. And the EWU players know it, too. This week will be as good as a bye for them. They should take vacation during the week in order to heal their injuries and regain any energy they've lost during the season. Cal Poly? Who are they? Nor somebody that could beat EWU!

You won't even have to watch this game. Take your girl out and give her a good time. She'll appreciate it, not having to watch the Eagles again this week. She needs a vacation too. The EWU - Cal Poly game is already over and the result is just waiting to be written. It's a lock.

Ya, rightxsmiley_wix

[dudeitsaid]

Statistically EWU is the favorite...

What is the overall FCS season record for TD's ?

I would say that EWU is the obvious favorite, but statistically speaking, Cal Poly is right in there, if not better than EWU. Using the link in the first post to rank each team in Big Sky stats:

Scoring Offense: EWU 1st, Cal Poly 5th
Scoring Defense: Cal Poly 1st, EWU 4th
Total Offense: EWU 1st, Cal Poly 2nd
Total Defense: Cal Poly 1st, EWU 9th
Rushing Offense: Cal Poly 1st, EWU 4th
Rushing Defense: Cal Poly 2nd, EWU 3rd
Pass Offense: EWU 1st, Cal Poly 13th
Pass Defense: Cal Poly 2nd, EWU 13th
First Downs: Cal Poly 2nd, EWU 4th
Opp First Downs: Cal Poly 1st, EWU 10th
3rd Down Conv: EWU 1st, Cal Poly 2nd
Opp 3rd Down Conv: Cal Poly 2nd, EWU 4th
Penalties: Cal Poly 11th, EWU 12th
TOP: Cal Poly 3rd, EWU 10th
Turnover Margin: Cal Poly 3rd @ +5, EWU 6th @ +3
Red Zone Offense: Cal Poly 1st, EWU 3rd
Red Zone Defense: Cal Poly 2nd, EWU 12th

I didn't list all of the stats, and we know each one only tells part of the story. But I think these stats are important, and Poly has played some stiff competition, and put up great numbers. Once again, a couple of their games could have easily gone the other way, and the nation would be speaking about the Mustangs very differently right now. If I had nothing to go on, rankings, win/loss record, seeing either team play, etc, I would give Poly the slight edge when looking at these stats.

I am certain that the coaching staff at EWU will have the team primed for this game. This very well coul be EWU's toughest Big Sky game of the season. I could see this coming down to the wire.

And keep in mind, Poly just blasted Sac St, who took UM to OT. Nothing but respect for the Mustangs! Would have liked to see them get another opportunity to represent the Big Sky this year.

In regards to the FCS record for touchdowns:

His [Vernon Adams] 39 TD passes this season ranks second in Big Sky history behind the 42 Brian Ah Yat for Montana had in 1996. It also ranks 14th in FCS history. Jimmy Garoppolo from Eastern Illinois currently has 40 to rank ninth. Ah Yat is seventh, with the record 56 shared by Willie Totten of Mississippi Valley (1984) and Bruce Eugene of Grambling (2005).

From http://www.goeags.com/sports/m-footbl/2013-14/Releases/13fbNov11AdamsTSNPOW

[slostang]

Looking at the above stats the problem I see for Cal Poly is that if EWU has an possible week spot it might be their pass defense and Cal Poly's offense is not built to take advantage of that. Cal Poly runs 85% of the time and EWU looks tough against the run ranking 3rd in the Big Sky.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Looking at the above stats the problem I see for Cal Poly is that if EWU has an possible week spot it might be their pass defense and Cal Poly's offense is not built to take advantage of that. Cal Poly runs 85% of the time and EWU looks tough against the run ranking 3rd in the Big Sky.

CP's strength's, weaknesses, and rankings seem to be pretty similar to MSU, granted the schemes they run are very different. I have no idea how well we'll be able to limit CP's rushing attack, although I don't think we'll be near as successful as we were last year. However I think our offense will have more success despite CP being very good defensively, considering how well our offense has been gelling lately, and how explosive/dynamic we are with VA at the helm.

[slostang]

CP's strength's, weaknesses, and rankings seem to be pretty similar to MSU, granted the schemes they run are very different. I have no idea how well we'll be able to limit CP's rushing attack, although I don't think we'll be near as successful as we were last year. However I think our offense will have more success despite CP being very good defensively, considering how well our offense has been gelling lately, and how explosive/dynamic we are with VA at the helm.
The one thing that gives me hope is I looked at the stats from your game against SHSU and saw that SHSU rushed for 450 yards and 4 TDs while only passing 8 times completing 4 for 106 yards and 2 TDs. That sounds like offensive stats from a Cal Poly game. Last week against Sac State Cal Poly rushed for 424 yards and passed only 10 times completing 6 for 66 yards and 4 TDs. Maybe there is hope.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

The one thing that gives me hope is I looked at the stats from your game against SHSU and saw that SHSU rushed for 450 yards and 4 TDs while only passing 8 times completing 4 for 106 yards and 2 TDs. That sounds like offensive stats from a Cal Poly game. Last week against Sac State Cal Poly rushed for 424 yards and passed only 10 times completing 6 for 66 yards and 4 TDs. Maybe there is hope.

Hey, if Yale can beat CP, then CP can most certainly beat EWU. :D

[slostang]

Hey, if Yale can beat CP, then CP can most certainly beat EWU. :D
I mention one thing that gives me a little hope and you have to throw Yale in my face. I thought you were better than that. Come on SE. Let us little guys dream.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

I mention one thing that gives me a little hope and you have to throw Yale in my face. I thought you were better than that. Come on SE. Let us little guys dream.

You should have much more than a little hope, Cal Poly is a very dangerous team, on AGS.

[slostang]

You should have much more than a little hope, Cal Poly is a very dangerous team, on AGS.
There you go again. Had to throw in "on AGS". I see how you are. xsmiley_wix

[Screamin_Eagle174]

There you go again. Had to throw in "on AGS". I see how you are. xsmiley_wix

xlolx

[tomq04]

Anyone else wishing for Saturday morning?

Hoping to put the big sky to rest with a win.

[Grizzlies82]

Anyone else wishing for Saturday morning?

Hoping to put the big sky to rest with a win.

Personally I was wishing for a Cal Poly win just to see Screaming Eagle implode.

[bojeta]

Not surprisingly.... I hoping for a Cal Poly win. Can't wait for the game!

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Personally I was wishing for a Cal Poly win just to see Screaming Eagle implode.
I am way too dense to implode. xcoffeex





Wait, what? :D

[Red & Black]

The one thing that gives me hope is I looked at the stats from your game against SHSU and saw that SHSU rushed for 450 yards and 4 TDs while only passing 8 times completing 4 for 106 yards and 2 TDs. That sounds like offensive stats from a Cal Poly game. Last week against Sac State Cal Poly rushed for 424 yards and passed only 10 times completing 6 for 66 yards and 4 TDs. Maybe there is hope.

We've shown at times this season that we can play some sound run defense. I think the teams we really struggled with (Toledo, SHSU) were a little more balanced than what CP has shown so far. Should be a good game.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

[slostang]

We've shown at times this season that we can play some sound run defense. I think the teams we really struggled with (Toledo, SHSU) were a little more balanced than what CP has shown so far. Should be a good game.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
SHSU threw the ball 8 times.

[Red & Black]

SHSU threw the ball 8 times.

In that game, yes. My point was that on the whole, Toledo and Sam are probably a little more balanced offensively. Anything can happen, but I don't think CP is going to be able to keep it on the ground the whole time and be able to keep up. Besides, I wouldn't put a huge amount if stock in the SHSU game. CP's TO and SHSU's "hybrid" option are very different.


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[Grizzlies82]

We've shown at times this season that we can play some sound run defense. I think the teams we really struggled with (Toledo, SHSU) were a little more balanced than what CP has shown so far. Should be a good game.

The game is an intriguing match up. I'm confident Cal Poly will move the ball on Eastern and score points. I also expect Poly will effectively shut down EWU's running game. The only question mark is how well CP can do at limiting Eastern air attack. I have to suspect EWU will give them all they can handle in that regard. Which means Eastern likely wins unless Poly has about 40/20 advantage in time of possession.

[Red & Black]

The game is an intriguing match up. I'm confident Cal Poly will move the ball on Eastern and score points. I also expect Poly will effectively shut down EWU's running game. The only question mark is how well CP can do at limiting Eastern air attack. I have to suspect EWU will give them all they can handle in that regard. Which means Eastern likely wins unless Poly has about 40/20 advantage in time of possession.

Our running game has been pretty effective this season. I don't think it's a given that it will be shut down, although CP's defense is probably the best we will have faced in the Big Sky this season.

That reminds me - I have the Montana/CP game recorded on the DVR and have only just seen some snippets of that game. Maybe tomorrow I'll give it a go.


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[slostang]

Our running game has been pretty effective this season. I don't think it's a given that it will be shut down, although CP's defense is probably the best we will have faced in the Big Sky this season.

That reminds me - I have the Montana/CP game recorded on the DVR and have only just seen some snippets of that game. Maybe tomorrow I'll give it a go.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
Just watch the first 58 minutes. xnodx

[dudeitsaid]

Getting excited for the game on Saturday. Trying to get an early fix by watching EWU highlights on youtube. Stumbled upon this, and can't believe I hadn't seen it yet. What a great vid!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rszXQA_GCLo

[tomq04]

What great staff we have, always seems to have players ready for every game, and every game taken seriously.

Only real mishap was almost letting Montana come back by taking off the gas

[Grizalltheway]

What great staff we have, always seems to have players ready for every game, and every game taken seriously.

Only real mishap was almost letting Montana come back by taking off the gas

You won't have to worry about that next time we meet.

[citdog]

Only real mishap was almost letting Montana come back by taking off the gas


actually the mishap was your coach not running the ball and punting like he should have.

[cpalum]

Anybody remember this Cal Poly v EWU classic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cq1UHHcllU

I am still thankful to Montana and EWU for scheduling Cal Poly when they were in the GWC.....oh and Sac St for avoiding them :)


Cant wait for this game!

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Updated the articles. Anyone know if post-season stats count towards the single season records? If so, Kupp is going to shatter some.


Kupp is still full
Thanks to a 36-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter from Anthony Vitto, Eastern wide receiver Cooper Kupp has now caught a touchdown pass in 10 straight games – one shy of the FCS record. Marshall’s Randy Moss (1996), Cal Poly’s Ramses Barden (2008) and Eastern’s Brandon Kaufman (2010) all caught TD passes in 11 straight games. Kupp, a candidate for the Jerry Rice Award, has caught 60 passes for 1,092 yards and 14 touchdowns. Kupp needs 104 receiving yards to tie the record for most receiving yards by a freshman in FCS history.
http://www.spokesman.com/eagles/stories/2013/nov/14/big-sky-football-cal-poly-boasts-best-defensive/

[dudeitsaid]

Anybody remember this Cal Poly v EWU classic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cq1UHHcllU


Cant wait for this game!

Great post! There have been several great games between EWU and Cal Poly. One of the toughest losses I've experienced as an EWU fan was back in O5, with Erik Meyer as QB, and high expectations, a back and forth game almost put EWU out of the playoffs. They had a chance to win at the end of the game, but gave Cal Poly new life on a personal foul call, and the Mustangs won the game. EWU squeaked into the playoffs and lost to UNI in the first round.

[tomq04]

Anyone know if post-season stats count towards the single season records?


http://www.spokesman.com/eagles/stories/2013/nov/14/big-sky-football-cal-poly-boasts-best-defensive/


I've been wondering if post season counts as well...can't find any sure info...admittedly haven't looked very hard though.

[Red & Black]

Now EWU 35 CP 3 in the 4th. Vernon Adams injured early in the 3rd quarter, but the backup Anthony Vitto came in and threw a couple TD's to break the game open.

Edit - EWU went for it on 4th down inside their own 40yl and were stopped. CP scores with the short field but misses on the 2-point conversion.

Now EWU 35, CP 9.

[dudeitsaid]

Sorry to see Cal Poly have this type of season after the expectations set from last year. You guys are a good team. Better than your record shows. Based on past history, I knew you guys would be a good addition to the Big Sky and a tough team. Something tells me you guys will be in the conversation every year.

Pumped about the Eagles win. That was a solid team that was playing like this was a playoff game. This Eagles team should go deep!

[dudeitsaid]

Any info on the injury to VA?