#2 EWU at #14 MSU Game Thread

[Screamin_Eagle174]

http://i.imgur.com/l6pbglt.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/4JsLv2a.png
#2 Eastern Washington Eagles (2-1, 0-0 BSC) at Montana State Bobcats (2-1, 0-0 BSC)


Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014 • 12:10 p.m. Pacific
Bobcat Stadium (17,277) • Bozeman, Mont.


TV: ROOT Sports
Radio: http://www.700espn.com
Webcast: http://www.watchbigsky.com


Athletics: GoEags.com (http://www.goeags.com/sports/m-footbl/index) | MSUBobcats.com (http://www.msubobcats.com/index.aspx?path=football)
Twitter: @ewuathletics (https://twitter.com/ewuathletics) | @msubobcats (https://twitter.com/msubobcats)
Fan Forums: EWU Redzone (http://www.bigskyfans.com/eagles/viewforum.php?f=2) | Bobcat Nation (http://www.bobcatnation.com/bobcatbb/viewforum.php?f=20&sid=75a3ac6c6accdba1c202bf6113e016ac)


Series: EWU leads 27-10-0 (http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_iaa/bigsky/eastern_washington/opponents_records.php?teamid=2089)
Last Meeting: 2013 - EWU won 54-29 (http://goeags.com/sports/m-footbl/2013-14/Statistics/11-09-13.htm) in Cheney, WA.



It's been more than 25 years since the Eastern Washington University versus Montana State football game didn't count in the Big Sky Conference standings.


But that doesn't lessen the importance of this week's game when the No. 2 Eagles battle the No. 14 Bobcats in Bozeman, Mont., on Saturday (Sept. 20). Kickoff at Bobcat Stadium is 12:10 p.m. Pacific time in a game carried live regionally by ROOT Sports. Fans may also listen to the game live on 700-AM ESPN and via the web at http://www.700espn.com, with pre-game coverage starting 1 1/2 hours prior to kickoff.


This is the fifth-straight season both teams will enter the Eagle-Bobcat game ranked nationally.


"We know what a challenge it will be, how good a program they are and how consistent they've been over the years," said Eastern head coach Beau Baldwin of the Bobcats, who shared league titles with EWU in 2010 and 2012, and won it outright in 2011. "I judge a lot on the consistency of their product on the field, and what I'm seeing this year is no different. We took advantage of the bye week to look at them and focus in on this game. It's going to be a tough ballgame for sure."


The Eagles are ranked No. 2 in this week's NCAA Football Championship Subdivision in The Sports Network top-25 poll. Montana State enters ranked 14th, and is 2-1 after last week's 43-33 home victory against Central Arkansas.

[CrazyCat]

I don't think ROOT games are available on BSTV.

[veinup]

Best of luck to my Montana brethren.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

I don't think ROOT games are available on BSTV.

Good call. I wonder if that changed, or if EWU Sports Information had an oversight. I'll look into it.

[Red & Black]

I don't think ROOT games are available on BSTV.

You're right, they're not.


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[kalm]

Not much excitement for the two best teams in the BSC.

[Red & Black]

Not much excitement for the two best teams in the BSC.
Speak for yourself. xthumbsupx

[Grizalltheway]

Not much excitement for the two best teams in the BSC.

Lots of hype for the Griz game, at least.

[Red & Black]

Lots of hype for the Griz game, at least.

Which do you think will be the better game?

[Grizalltheway]

Which do you think will be the better game?

Objectively...ours. Cats couldn't slow down your offense last year and I don't see them doing it this year.

[Red & Black]

Objectively...ours. Cats couldn't slow down your offense last year and I don't see them doing it this year.

Thanks. I think our game with MSU will be a lot closer than it was last season. They look like a much better team than last year, wheras I think we look basically the same with a few exceptions.


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[tomq04]

If I weren't a raging eagle fan I would be more excited about the NDSU/MT game too. I don't like missing the ewu offense show myself however.

[CrazyCat]

There is alot of excitement for this game. Just not around here. It will probably be well over a sellout crowd.

Wouldn't it be really boring and predictable if every game resulted the same as last year?

[Grizo406]

Who's got a better chance of winning their respective game this Saturday; the Bobcats or the Griz?xcoffeex

[robsnotes4u]

Which do you think will be the better game?

Excitement, and scoring definitely EWU/Cats. I agree the Cats look a lot better so far this year. Not saying the Cats are going to win, but they have a better chance than the Griz, according to everything I read, and watching all teams play every game so far. I do like the offense, it was what I was expecting the last 3 years.

Normally the Bison don't run up scores, the get ahead and control the game clock, and just win. That was Bohl. I think the new offense for the bison likes to score more. This could get really ugly once the Griz get tired.

Good Luck to all, and I hope there are no major injuries. Hope JJ survives, as he didn't look good kneeling on the sidelines vs USD.

[robsnotes4u]

Who's got a better chance of winning their respective game this Saturday; the Bobcats or the Griz?xcoffeex

Well Massey has the Cats at +7.5 and the Griz at +28
Versus give the Cats 28% and the Griz 4%

So to answer your question, the Cats, by the numbers. I agree, but not because of the above numbers. I don't know if the Cats can win, but it is better than the 0% chance I think the Griz have.

If the numbers mattered we wouldn't play the game, so lets get here Saturday so we can see.

[Wallace]

Who's got a better chance of winning their respective game this Saturday; the Bobcats or the Griz?xcoffeex
Bobcats. The Griz would need a miracle to win at NDSU.

[robsnotes4u]

Opening lines
19707

[tomq04]

Bobcats won't need a miracle, but they will have to play perfect ball. The Griz will need the hand of the Lord to intervene.

[Catbooster]

We won't need to play perfect ball......if you guys make a few mistakes. xsmiley_wix But I agree that we have less room for error.

[Red & Black]

Excitement, and scoring definitely EWU/Cats. I agree the Cats look a lot better so far this year. Not saying the Cats are going to win, but they have a better chance than the Griz, according to everything I read, and watching all teams play every game so far. I do like the offense, it was what I was expecting the last 3 years.

Normally the Bison don't run up scores, the get ahead and control the game clock, and just win. That was Bohl. I think the new offense for the bison likes to score more. This could get really ugly once the Griz get tired.

Good Luck to all, and I hope there are no major injuries. Hope JJ survives, as he didn't look good kneeling on the sidelines vs USD.

Pretty much agreed on all.


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[robsnotes4u]

I think the EWU/MSU matchup puts the two best teams in the BSC against each other at this point of the season. Wish it was a conference game.

Wish I could watch this one

[thebootfitter]

Not much excrement for the two best teams in the BSC.
This is what I read the first time I read your post. I was thinking, "Kalm is right. There isn't much excrement being thrown around in this thread."

[Screamin_Eagle174]

This is what I read the first time I read your post. I was thinking, "Kalm is right. There isn't much excrement being thrown around in this thread."

That's because AlphaBitch hasn't shown her face in here yet. She's too busy fluffing every man on the NDSU two-deep.

[wmmii]

See upset here as ESU goes down--gave up too many points to SHSU so home team has a field day

[Red & Black]

See upset here as ESU goes down--gave up too many points to SHSU so home team has a field day

ESU could go down, whoever that is and whoever they are playing.

I think EWU, however, most likely wins this one. But admittedly, it's a game that could go either way.


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[Screamin_Eagle174]

See upset here as ESU goes down--gave up too many points to SHSU so home team has a field day

Does Waste Management Community College still have a football team? Or an English Department?

[Cleets]

There is going to be EWU wide receivers open all over the field... that complete tool of a QB (Vernon) will have a nice day throwing the ball

[Screamin_Eagle174]

There is going to be EWU wide receivers open all over the field... that complete tool of a QB (Vernon) will have a nice day throwing the ball
Not a tool, more like a machine.

[Walkon79]

The best secondary in the BSC vs. the best receivers.

This year's Payton winner vs. a potential future winner.

Two defenses with something to prove. It's going to come down to stops and turnovers. The team that gets the most wins.

GO CATS!


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[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Montana State has looked a lot better than most would have guessed imo. I think they have a legitimate shot today at home. This would be the biggest non-Griz win in Ash's career imo....

[veinup]

ROOT SPORTS BABY WOOOOO.

[Catbooster]

I think we will pull off the upset today. A lot of people basing their opinions of MSU on the game last year may be surprised. Either way, here's to a good game with no injuries. xbeerchugx

I'm off to the tailgates xdrunkyx

[Wallace]

can't wait until the real game of the week starts!!!! EWU @ MSU

[Screamin_Eagle174]

I think we will pull off the upset today. A lot of people basing their opinions of MSU on the game last year may be surprised. Either way, here's to a good game with no injuries. xbeerchugx

I'm off to the tailgates xdrunkyx
I see you got an early start.

[tomq04]

Not sure about you folks, but I'm getting excited!

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Aaaaand we pick up right where we let off against MSU last year.

[veinup]

prupop dude looks good.

[profisme]

TD MSU. 7-0

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Goddamn, Quincy with a beautiful stutter step and then houses it up the right sideline!

MSU 7, EWU 7

[profisme]

TD EWU. 7-7

[profisme]

MSU moving the ball well. Down to the 25 or so of EWU

- - - Updated - - -

TD pass #2 to Roderick for MSU. 13-7.

This might be a high scoring game.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

This might be a high scoring game.

Didn't see this coming.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Another TD by Quincy. 33 yards, 14-13 Eags. Horsecollar tackle, tack it on the kickoff.

[profisme]

14-13 EWU

[Catbooster]

I see you got an early start.

You betcha. I was at Cheney last year. Better this year so far. But a long time to go before the end

[profisme]

Prukop to Johnson. TD MSU

[profisme]

Adams intercepted. Bobcats ball at the EWU 10

[profisme]

FG MSU. 23-14

[profisme]

TD EWU. Missed XP. 23-20

[profisme]

Fumble by MSU. Int by EWU. Bobcat ball.

[catbob]

30-27 MSU with 36 seconds left in the half, kicking off to EWU.

[catbob]

MSU takes the opening drive 75 yards for TD, up 37-27 with 9 minutes left in the 3rd.

[catbob]

EWU drives all the way down, scores a TD but it's called back for an illegal formation, settles for a FG. 37-30 MSU.

[Bisonator]

Ho hum another shootout over here I see.:D

[catbob]

And the 1st play from scrimmage, 70 yard TD Johnson! 44-30

[catbob]

TD EWU, aided by a roughing the passer penalty. 44-37 Cats, still in the 3rd.

[unigriff]

No defense today huh?>

[centennial]

Defense is a difficult concept

[catbob]

Cats go for it on 4th and 1 in their own territory, get stuffed...

[catbob]

TD EWU, XP will tie it. 11:44 left.

[catbob]

MSU driving down, goes for it on 4th and 2, stuffed again. Back to back failed 4th down attempts.

[catbob]

Game has shifted 100% to EWU, Cat defense needs a turnover here, or a stop.

[catbob]

On last MSU drive that resulted in a failed 4th down attempted, RB dropped an open TD pass.

[catbob]

EWU fumbles driving into MSU territory, turns it over. MSU driving now. Under 4 left, 44-44.

[catbob]

TD MSU! 51-44, EWU will have plenty of time to score.

[catbob]

Big play by EWU is dropped, might've had a TD, at least 50 yards.

[centennial]

#nodefense4life

[catbob]

4th and 10, big completion by EWU to the MSU 20.

- - - Updated - - -

TD EWU! Wait, they mark him short, bad call. 1st and inches.

- - - Updated - - -

Okay now TD EWU, will they go for 2?

- - - Updated - - -

Yes they are!

[catbob]

It's good! 52-51 EWU with 27 seconds left. Shizzle.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

It's good! 52-51 EWU with 27 seconds left. Shizzle.

Man, that's brutal! Had two chances to win, on 4th down and then on the two point try....

[catbob]

Cats completed over the middle to the 50, 16 seconds left, 1 timeout left.

- - - Updated - - -

Prukop to the 43, last timeout taken. :09 seconds left.

wait, I guess MSU still has a timeout.

[Bisonator]

Jesus what a game. Is this pop warner???xlolx

[catbob]

2 incompletions in a row, 4th down... hail mary time. :(

[catbob]

Hail mary gets batted around but hits the ground, Eags win 52-51. It's worth nothing the Cats went for 2 early in the game, and missed.

[Red & Black]

Wow. Good game MSU fans.


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[deez_na]

What an ending. Any defense?

[centennial]

What an ending. Any defense?
No defense was seen that day.

[veinup]

good lord.

[DaBizon]

The 1st time EWU plays against a team with real defense , everyone will see that they aren't close to being worthy of the #2 spot.
You can not give up 50+ points a game and expect to see Frisco in January.

Offense gets ya highlights... Defense wins ya champoinships !

[dudeitsaid]

How did we win this game?

I don't know if I've ever been so pissed during a game! Freaking turnovers, lack of stops, miscues, dropped balls, poor throws. Only thing that would suck more is to be MSU and lose the game that way. I thought the Bobcats played a heck of a game.

MSU is the real deal this year. Prukop is going to give most BSC defenses fits.

[dudeitsaid]

The 1st time EWU plays against a team with real defense , everyone will see that they aren't close to being worthy of the #2 spot.
You can not give up 50+ points a game and expect to see Frisco in January.

Offense gets ya highlights... Defense wins ya champoinships !

You mean the Bison? That won't happen until the playoffs, or next year.

It will be an interesting matchup. An offense that struggles to score versus a D that can't seem to stop anybody, and an offense that seems to be able to score 50+ even on a bad day against a D that continues to be the best in the FCS. I have wanted to see that for a long time, because right now, your repeat of the cliche (that isn't true 100% of the time) is just hypothetical.

I saw both teams play today, and I agree that your D is the best I've seen at this level. And if EWU would have played you guys today, they wouldn't have won. But if EWU cleans up some of that offensive stuff, it would be extremely interesting to watch.

[tomq04]

that was a game of sorts. MSU moves up, EWU down to 3 or 4 depending on other outcomes IMO

[veinup]

Super impressed by Prukop.

[Walkon79]

H-ll of a game Eags. New found respect for Adams today. No punk in him today, especially postgame


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[dudeitsaid]

Some highlights from the game. What a game!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktAymmsQ3TI

[Walkon79]

How did we win this game?

I don't know if I've ever been so pissed during a game! Freaking turnovers, lack of stops, miscues, dropped balls, poor throws. Only thing that would suck more is to be MSU and lose the game that way. I thought the Bobcats played a heck of a game.

MSU is the real deal this year. Prukop is going to give most BSC defenses fits.

xnodxxnodxxnodx

[Cleets]

So somebody "UPDATE" me... did this game show us that MSU is under-ranked or that EWU is over-ranked..?

[Bisonator]

So somebody "UPDATE" me... did this game show us that MSU is under-ranked or that EWU is over-ranked..?

Yes

[Red & Black]

So somebody "UPDATE" me... did this game show us that MSU is under-ranked or that EWU is over-ranked..?

It showed that playing what is most likely the second best team in your conference on the road is not an easy win.


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[Grizalltheway]

So what is this, like the 4th or 5th year now that we've heard MSU is easily the best or second best team in the conference? Someone remind me how that's panned out most years.

[Catbooster]

Last 4 or 5 years? Let's see...(i'll put UM in there too - and go out to 5 years as much as I'd like to stop at 4 xsmiley_wix)

2013 MSU tied for 4th (UM 3rd)
2012 MSU co-champs (UM tied for 8th)
2011 MSU co-champs with UM
2010 MSU co-champs (UM tied for 3rd)
2009 MSU 4th (UM 1st)

so I guess it's panned out fairly well xcoffeex

[dudeitsaid]

Great props to MSU from Beau Baldwin:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tvwkKKjbdE

[Grizalltheway]

Last 4 or 5 years? Let's see...(i'll put UM in there too - and go out to 5 years as much as I'd like to stop at 4 xsmiley_wix)

2013 MSU tied for 4th (UM 3rd)
2012 MSU co-champs (UM tied for 8th)
2011 MSU co-champs with UM
2010 MSU co-champs (UM tied for 3rd)
2009 MSU 4th (UM 1st)

so I guess it's panned out fairly well xcoffeex

You know the real season starts in December, right? ;)

[robsnotes4u]

Great props to MSU from Beau Baldwin:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tvwkKKjbdE

Class interview. Sounds like the Cats are on the right path, getting compared to UW. Thanks for the link

[Catbooster]

You know the real season starts in December, right? ;)

Somehow, I knew a response like this would be coming





maybe because we haven't done well in Decembers xsmhx

[Walkon79]

Great props to MSU from Beau Baldwin:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tvwkKKjbdE

I'm really impressed with this guy. Can't believe an FBS school hasn't paid him a couple $Mil to get out of our hair!

:)

[Grizalltheway]

Somehow, I knew a response like this would be coming





maybe because we haven't done well in Decembers xsmhx

I guess we haven't lately, either. xembarrassedx

[tomq04]

I'm really impressed with this guy. Can't believe an FBS school hasn't paid him a couple $Mil to get out of our hair!

:)
Next year I suspect :(

I think 2012 they only paid him $150k? Bohle was triple that or so iirc.

Edit- 2013 Baldwin made $155 in total comp.

[dudeitsaid]

Next year I suspect :(

I think 2012 they only paid him $150k? Bohle was triple that or so iirc.

Edit- 2013 Baldwin made $155 in total comp.

I have to think he's already had offers. I wonder if he is just waiting for the right one. Or maybe there is something else that we just don't know of that is keeping him here. I know it's about money for most, but for very few, there are other things more important that play a part. But, it's all speculation. I dread the day he leaves if it comes, and just hope they bring someone in with his type of character and class.

[robsnotes4u]

I'm really impressed with this guy. Can't believe an FBS school hasn't paid him a couple $Mil to get out of our hair!

:)
Yes he is a class act from what I see

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but not their own facts