#1 EWU @ SUU Game Thread

[Screamin_Eagle174]

http://www.myuploadedimages.com/images/90382637677860438106.pnghttp://www.myuploadedimages.com/images/41938696506972343510.png
#1 Eastern Washington Eagles (6-1, 5-0 BSC) AT Southern Utah Thunderbirds (3-5, 2-3 BSC)

Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012 • Noon Pacific
Eccles Coliseum (8,500) • Cedar City, Utah

Series: EWU leads 4-1 (http://cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_iaa/bigsky/eastern_washington/opponents_records.php?teamid=3056)
Last Meeting: EWU won 31-24 (Cheney) (http://goeags.com/sports/m-footbl/2010-11/Statistics/11-13-10.htm)

TV: None.
Radio: http://spokaneradio.com/player/kxlxam.html
Webcast: http://b2tv.com/upcoming_events.asp?q=v&value=bigsky


Two years later and the Eastern Washington University football team has its work cut out for it again against Southern Utah and Brad Sorensen.

The highly-regarded Thunderbird quarterback will try to lead his team to an upset victory against the top-ranked Eagles when EWU travels to Cedar City, Utah, for a Big Sky Conference game that starts at noon Pacific time. Southern Utah enters the game 3-5 overall and 2-3 in the Big Sky, while the league-leading Eagles are riding a five-game winning streak and are 6-1 overall and 5-0 in the league.

“It will be an extremely tough game,” said Eastern head coach Beau Baldwin. “They have one of the best, if not the best, quarterbacks in the nation. He can really throw it from the pocket and he’s consistent. They do some great things and this road game will be a huge challenge for us.”

Two years ago, during Eastern’s march to the NCAA Division I title, Sorensen completed 34-of-53 passes for 434 yards and two touchdowns, and he had his team primed for an upset against the then fifth-ranked Eagles. In the third quarter alone, Eastern was out-gained 161-4 and the game was tied at 24 in the fourth quarter.

But thanks to a pair of interceptions by Eastern’s Jesse Hoffman on SUU’s final two possessions, the Eagles were able to prevail 31-24. Eastern won the turnover battle 4-1 against a team that had only had eight turnovers in its first 10 games of the season. And Eastern recorded six sacks and had 11 passes broken up.

That was one of 10 games Eastern has won the last three seasons when trailing or tied in the fourth quarter.

Last week, Sorensen completed 33-of-47 passes for 320 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but SUU’s rally came up short and the Thunderbirds fell at home to previously winless Weber State, 24-22. Southern Utah, which converted just 3-of-14 third down conversions, trailed 21-6 before scoring 16 of its points in the final 21:49. The Thunderbirds missed on a potential game-tying two-point conversion with 54 seconds left.

Earlier this season, the Thunderbirds lost by just seven points to Montana State and knocked off Montana 30-20.

“They are very solid at what they do,” said Baldwin. “They understand their schemes and what they do best. Their offense plays fast because of that. They are a very good football team.”

Eastern, meanwhile, held off Sacramento State for a 31-28 victory at home at Roos Field, further improving Eastern’s best-ever Big Sky start. Eastern survived in its first outing since reaching the top spot in the Sports Network NCAA Football Championship Subdivision Top 25 poll.

“The Big Sky Conference, apparently, is nothing but nailbiters,” said Eastern quarterback Kyle Padron, who transferred to EWU from Southern Methodist. “So we’ll take the victory – a win’s a win. We’re 5-0 in the conference and it’s on to next week.”

The Eagles have made close victories commonplace thus far, and their only loss came in a narrow 24-20 setback at Washington State on Sept. 8 when EWU had a chance to win on the game’s final play. Despite having a 454-288 advantage in total offense against Sacramento State, the Eagles have now won their last two Big Sky games by three points, and two other league outings by six.

“There is such a fine line in the league when it comes to wins and losses,” added Baldwin. “Southern Utah is right there with the great teams in the conference we’ve played.”

Eastern remains the top team in the Sports Network NCAA Football Championship Subdivision Top 25 poll, with a 27-24 victory over then second-ranked Montana State catapulting the Eagles from sixth to the top spot. It’s the third-straight year Eastern has been ranked No. 1 at one point in the season.

“Like Coach (Beau) Baldwin says, every game is a playoff game,” said starting quarterback Vernon Adams. “We just want to keep winning games and get to the national championship – that’s our goal.”

http://goeags.com/sports/m-footbl/2012-13/Releases/12fbOct22SouthernUtah

[Screamin_Eagle174]

SUUTbirds.com
Football Hosts Top-Ranked Eagles On Senior Day (http://www.suutbirds.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=95828&SPID=11715&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=205718329&DB_OEM_ID=20100) (10/23)

SUUnews.com
SUU football set to host No. 1 Eastern Washington Saturday (http://www.suunews.com/news/2012/oct/24/suu-football-will-host-no-1-team-nation-saturday/) (10/24)

Spokesman-Review (Jim Allen)
Two-QB system works like family at Eastern (http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2012/oct/24/two-qb-system-works-like-family-at-eastern/) (10/24)
EWU Football Live Chat (http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/sportslink/2012/oct/25/ewu-football-live-chat/) (10/25)
Strong-armed Southern Utah quarterback challenge for EWU (http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2012/oct/25/strong-armed-southern-utah-quarterback-challenge/) (10/25)
Eastern’s Ena earned reputation for toughness (http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2012/oct/26/easterns-ena-earned-reputation-for-toughness/) (10/26)
Eagles hope offensive balance does trick (http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2012/oct/26/eagles-hope-offensive-balance-does-trick/) (10/26)

SWX
Rule Number One, We are Number One (http://www.swxrightnow.com/story/19917829/rule-number-one) (10/26)

[slostang]

SUU is tough in Cedar City. Just ask Montana State.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

SUU is tough in Cedar City. Just ask Montana State.

Can I ask Weber State and Sac State too? :)

[dudeitsaid]

I remember Sorensen from 2010, and that dude was a force at QB. I am very surprised they are where they are in the standings this year. I think their record doesn't come close to reflecting how good of a team they can be. I think EWU has to come out and play every game, or any one of these teams can steal one away. I hate to look forward to any game, and I hope and think the Eagles are focused on the game this Saturday. But if both EWU and Cal Poly can make it through this weekend with wins, that game will be EPIC!!! Hope it works out that way.

[slostang]

Can I ask Weber State and Sac State too? :)

Sure.

I fully expect a EWU, I just don't expect a walk in the park for EWU. I am really hoping both EWU and Cal Poly win this weekend so it will set up an epic battle November 3rd. Can not wait to make the trip.

[slostang]

I remember Sorensen from 2010, and that dude was a force at QB. I am very surprised they are where they are in the standings this year. I think their record doesn't come close to reflecting how good of a team they can be. I think EWU has to come out and play every game, or any one of these teams can steal one away. I hate to look forward to any game, and I hope and think the Eagles are focused on the game this Saturday. But if both EWU and Cal Poly can make it through this weekend with wins, that game will be EPIC!!! Hope it works out that way.
Great minds think alike.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Updated with articles.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Sure.

I fully expect a EWU, I just don't expect a walk in the park for EWU. I am really hoping both EWU and Cal Poly win this weekend so it will set up an epic battle November 3rd. Can not wait to make the trip.

Initially I actually thought it would a be tough win as well, and I still kind of do (Senior Day for Sorensen, TBirds have yet to notch a win at home this year).... BUT, I didn't realize how atrocious SUU's defense is. They're 3rd to last in both rush and pass D, allowing 190ypg/4.6ypc on the ground and 247ypg/66% through the air. SUU will get their yards, but without much of a run game of their own (78ypg/2.7ypc), I can see EWU forcing some turnovers while throttling their D like we did against UND.

[darell1976]

Wear them down EWU....we have SUU next Saturday.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Some stats:

Rush Offense:
EWU - 146.4 ypg/4.0 ypc (8th BSC)
SUU - 77.9 ypg/2.7 ypc (11th BSC)

Rush Defense:
EWU - 154.4 ypg/3.9 ypc (7th BSC)
SUU - 190.6 ypg/4.6 ypc (11th BSC)

Pass Offense:
EWU - 269.0 ypg/55.3% (5th BSC)
SUU - 269.9 ypg/60.7% (4th BSC)

Pass Defense:
EWU - 209.1 ypg/63.3% (2nd BSC)
SUU - 246.5 ypg/65.8% (11th BSC)

Sacks/Sacked:
EWU - 20/16
SUU - 18/28

Turnovers (season):
EWU - +6
SUU - +12

3rd Down % Offense/Defense:
EWU - 45%/43%
SUU - 37%/48%

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Updated.

SUU has been almost +2 turnovers per game, yet they're still 3-5. If they're only +1 or worse, EWU should win be two or more scores, IMO.

EWU 42, SUU 27.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

30 minutes until kickoff. QB Vernon Adams will get the start yet again, but Padron will likely play also, depending on game situations. RB Jordan Talley is still out with a concussion. LB Zach Johnson also sitting this one out, but will more than likely be back next week for the big game against Cal Poly. Bright in sunny in Cedar City, great weather for football! GO EAGS!!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A6OsxICCIAA9eV8.jpg:large

[Screamin_Eagle174]

DT Andru Pulu also out with a sprained ankle.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

EWU will receive first.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Rough start, 3 and out for EWU.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Sorensen with a big 22 yard completion on his first play from scrimmage, then 3 and out after a sack and a couple stops. SUU to punt.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Left side toss sweep to Forte, gain of 6, then a pass and catch Kaufman, first down Eagles.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Pass complete to Edwards, inside the 20 now.

Coming back on penalty. xohnox

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Pass to Edwards negated by penalty. Adams throws to Kauf on 3rd and 19, incomplete.

SUU blocks the punt, runs it back. *****.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Couldn't have started the game worse. Now picked in EWU territory. SUU ball.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Eagle D bailed us out, got a stop. SUU missed FG. Still 7-0 T-Birds.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Penalties and carelessness is killing EWU right now. FML.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

EWU D bailing us out again, forcing SUU to punt just outside of FG range. Eagle O and ST are effing pathetic so far.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

And as I say that, 43 yard pass and catch to Kauf.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Eagles driving, inside the 20 now. :47 left in the 1st.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

TD NICK EDWARDS!!! First one on the year for him after being out with an injured knee for a while.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

7-7 at the end of 1.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

SUU driving after getting a huge gain on 3rd and long and SUU penalty noncall.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Goal line stand for EWU, holds SUU to a FG. 10-7 SUU with 9:49 left in the 2nd Q.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

EWU driving, in SUU territory now.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Jimmy Pavel FG good, tie game at 10-10, 5:36 2nd Q.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

SUU answers back with another FG, 13-10 SUU, 2:46 left before halftime.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Huge screen play by Clark... 1st down EAGLES!!!!

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Goddamnit, penalty.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Eagles driving, in the red zone.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Nice catch and run inside by Herd. 1st and goal from the 2 or 3. Time out EWU.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Aaaaand we piss away 3 shots starting at the 3 yard line. FG upcoming to tie it at half.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

EWU is obviously trying to keep every game as close as possible and eke out wins with an SMU transfer QB in order to repeat our success from 2010. xlolx

13-13 at half.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

BIG SACK!!! SORENSEN GOES DOWN!!! CEJA!!!

[Screamin_Eagle174]

AND ANOTHER!!!!

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Big pass and catch to Kauf, 1st and goal!!!

[Screamin_Eagle174]

TD RUN BY DEMITRIUS BRONSON!!!

[Screamin_Eagle174]

20-13 EWU, 11:28 3rd Q

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Deep ball caught by SUU on a free play (offsides). T-Birds in redzone.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

TD SUU. 20-20, 8:11 3rd Q

[Screamin_Eagle174]

TD Eagles on a quick drive. Ashton Clark. EWU 27, SUU 20. 7:11 3rd Q.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Sorensen PICKED OFF!!!!

[Screamin_Eagle174]

McKenzie Murphy picks it off with a cast on one hand/arm!

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Bronson is looking GREAT right now. End of the 3rd Q, EWU in the red zone up 27-20.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

****. Bronson fumbled, SUU recovered.

[darell1976]

What's up with SUU? Is EWU playing bad or is SUU just on the ball today.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

What's up with SUU? Is EWU playing bad or is SUU just on the ball today.

EWU played real sloppy in the first half, SUU has been taking advantage, getting a big play here and there when they're up against a wall.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

EWU D holds, SUU punts. EWU ball inside the 15.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

KaufMAN with 176 yards, a TD so far. Should've had a lot more.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

SONOVA B. TD SUU. 7:01 left in the game, tied at 27.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

EWU at midfield. Run up the middle by Padron, 1st down.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

10th catch by Kauf, 190 or so yards. Inside the 20 now.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

**** THIS ****

[crusader11]

What's the latest here?

[crusader11]

SUU lining up for the game winner FG?

[crusader11]

Oh my.

And Northern Arizona is in danger of losing for Northern Colorado.

AGS...

[theasushow]

30-27 SUU 3 secs left.

[LehighU11]

This weekend is a couple more upsets away from pure madness in the power conferences

[theasushow]

This weekend is a couple more upsets away from pure madness in the power conferences

ESP if NDSU goes down.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

ESP if NDSU goes down.

After a slow start, NDSU in control of the game.

[crusader11]

Northern Colorado up on Northern Arizona 10-9 with 4:52 left.

[CopperCat]

SUU is legit with the deep ball. That's what kept them in the game.

[slostang]

SUU is tough in Cedar City. Just ask Montana State.

Like I said, SUU is tough in Cedar City.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

http://www.myuploadedimages.com/images/92141405813268788708.gif

[ITmonarch10]

http://www.myuploadedimages.com/images/92141405813268788708.gif

Just remember NAU could win the Big Sky without playing you or Montana State; in addition, you could beat Cal Poly and still lose the Big Sky title to them because it not counting as a conference game. :p

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

EWU has been playing with fire the last few weeks. I'll be interested to see how they respond.

[Wilson16]

http://www.myuploadedimages.com/images/92141405813268788708.gif

xbeerchugx

[CopperCat]

NAU is soft. NoCo took them to the wire today, they are a pretender imo.

[HandoEX]

EWU is still the best team in the Big Sky...aka, the prettiest fat girl.

Nice win for SUU.

[slostang]

EWU is still the best team in the Big Sky...aka, the prettiest fat girl.

Nice win for SUU.

We will see come December. BTW, didn't NDSU lose last week and were down late this week? Looks like he Bison have gain quite a bit of weight the last two weeks. I am just saying....

[sgt smash]

Two weeks ago.

[bojeta]

Just remember NAU could win the Big Sky without playing you or Montana State; in addition, you could beat Cal Poly and still lose the Big Sky title to them because it not counting as a conference game. :p

Actually, the EWU vs Cal Poly game could ostensibly wind up being THE conference game for both schools. Both teams have a good chance at finishing 7-1 in conference. The game next week would then become the tie breaker.

[Twentysix]

Actually, the EWU vs Cal Poly game could ostensibly wind up being THE conference game for both schools. Both teams have a good chance at finishing 7-1 in conference. The game next week would then become the tie breaker.

Really? An OOC game can be used to decide the conference? Wild!

[BlueKeyAlum]

Really? An OOC game can be used to decide the conference? Wild!

What do you mean OOC game?

[HandoEX]

What do you mean OOC game?
"
So far, there have been two matchups of conference teams playing in non-conference games. A third will take place on Nov. 3, when Cal Poly travels to Eastern Washington."

http://bigskyconf.com/news/2012/10/25/FB_1025124525.aspx

The game is not considered a Big Sky Conference game. The leage considers the game as a non-conference game.


So yes, the Big Sky will potentially use a game that is considered non-conference towards the first tie-breaker.

[slostang]

Really? An OOC game can be used to decide the conference? Wild!

It would not decide the conference champion, only the conference autobid.