2021 Fall Playoffs Round 1: Northern Iowa @ Eastern Washington

[Professor Chaos]

Game kicks off at 1PM PT on 11/27. Winner goes to #6 Montana.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51694878107_73c588b155_z.jpg

Who ya got?

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

Picked Eastern since they are at home.

[putter]

I realize a lot of bubble teams lost but I am surprised UNI is here. Eastern's offense always one play away from scoring. Eastern by at least 14

[mvfcfan]

Went with UNI since they actually play some defense.

[putter]

Eastern played Montana, Montana St., and Weber. All ended the season with very good defenses.

[katss07]

Eastern played Montana, Montana St., and Weber. All ended the season with very good defenses.
Only Missouri Valley teams play defense.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

Only Missouri Valley teams play defense.


Now you're getting it....xnodx

[Roamingriz]

Love the matchup, I was thinking 2 disrespected teams in their conferences should match up and here it is.

[Chalupa Batman]

Is anyone else surprised that EWU outbid UNI?

[caribbeanhen]

Is anyone else surprised that EWU outbid UNI?

1 dollar?

[Roamingriz]

It was a red 5

[X-Factor]

Is anyone else surprised that EWU outbid UNI?

Have you seen UNIs playoff attendance in recent years? But I get it, EWU draws like crap too

[mvemjsunpx]

Eastern should win, I think. The Eagles have an underrated defense, and their offense has been more consistent since they got rid of their OC (or whatever actually happened).

I would favor EWU slightly over Montana—the Griz just can't run the ball, and I think they'll have to find some sort of running game to beat Eastern.
If UNI wins, they won't beat the Griz because that's something they're just incapable of doing. xrotatehx

[Professor Chaos]

Is anyone else surprised that EWU outbid UNI?
In the 2019 first round against San Diego UNI only drew an attendance of 3,743. I'd assume they probably bid pretty conservatively. Of course EWU was considering shuttering their football program earlier this fall too IIRC.

Maybe UNI didn't even bid??? Bids were due on 11/15 and at that point UNI had just lost it's 5th game.

[neverobeyed]

In the 2019 first round against San Diego UNI only drew an attendance of 3,743. I'd assume they probably bid pretty conservatively. Of course EWU was considering shuttering their football program earlier this fall too IIRC.

Maybe UNI didn't even bid??? Bids were due on 11/15 and at that point UNI had just lost it's 5th game.

The last three UNI-hosted Thanksgiving day playoff games ('17, '18, '19) have been about 4k each (official attendance). This season, the home attendance has been poor, perhaps the worst in decades. And, students have already left as UNI has no classes this entire week this year.

[UNI Pike]

Really have no idea with UNI team will show up for this EWU game - very Jekyll and Hyde this year. If UNI wins, I know that Farley will clench-up in the next game since its Montana.

[Chalupa Batman]

The last three UNI-hosted Thanksgiving day playoff games ('17, '18, '19) have been about 4k each (official attendance). This season, the home attendance has been poor, perhaps the worst in decades. And, students have already left as UNI has no classes this entire week this year.

I had thought that UNI had averaged 7-8k for their recent 1st round games which is why I was surprised EWU won the bid, but now it makes sense. Thanks.

[kdinva]

Have you seen UNIs playoff attendance in recent years? But I get it, EWU draws like crap too

over/under is about 5,140?

[UNI Pike]

UNI has been backing into playoff appearances for nearly a decade. The fan engagement has defiantly cratered between the AD department leadership (or lack of) and the 1970's football scheme showing on Saturdays.

[neverobeyed]

UNI has been backing into playoff appearances for nearly a decade. The fan engagement has defiantly cratered between the AD department leadership (or lack of) and the 1970's football scheme showing on Saturdays.

Yes. And, Yes.

[Professor Chaos]

EWU opens as 2 point favorites on 5dimes (https://madduxsports.com/college-football-lines.php). O/U of 60.5.

[ysubigred]

Man I so want to pick UNI. They have talent great D but something about the playoffs and winning.. EWU in a close one..

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[Chalupa Batman]

I think EWU should cover pretty easily, but it seems like they may be looking past the Panthers…

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211125/34704eb2cec1f4efda773a6db71f82ed.jpg

[Daytripper]

I think EWU should cover pretty easily, but it seems like they may be looking past the Panthers…

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211125/34704eb2cec1f4efda773a6db71f82ed.jpg

Ruh roh... We will see.

[dudeitsaid]

Ruh roh... We will see.

He did say "if we win this week." So, I don't think they are looking past UNI, but also don't think they are afraid of the Griz, and actually might be motivated to prove they deserved the seed over the Griz if they make it to the next round.

Also, I think there is a huge amount of respect to UNI and what they can do regardless of the poll on this thread. This definitely is not a gimme, the Eags were handed no cupcake. UNI can clearly win any game. Eastern will need to clean some things up if they are to win, and especially if they are to make a deep run.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

He did say "if we win this week." So, I don't think they are looking past UNI, but also don't think they are afraid of the Griz, and actually might be motivated to prove they deserved the seed over the Griz if they make it to the next round.

Also, I think there is a huge amount of respect to UNI and what they can do regardless of the poll on this thread. This definitely is not a gimme, the Eags were handed no cupcake. UNI can clearly win any game. Eastern will need to clean some things up if they are to win, and especially if they are to make a deep run.


This here. Doesn't seem like EWU is looking past UNI with this quote from the WR. EWU should be frustrated not being seeded. Use it for motivation.

[caribbeanhen]

I think EWU should cover pretty easily, but it seems like they may be looking past the Panthers…

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211125/34704eb2cec1f4efda773a6db71f82ed.jpg

Nothing too see here really

I would guess they were none too excited to get Northern Iowa

I think will be a close game but in the end Berriire pulls it out for EWash

[Professor Chaos]

Theo Day needs to find a solution to his INT issues he's been having if UNI wants a shot to win. Can't give the EWU offense extra possessions.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

Theo Day needs to find a solution to his INT issues he's been having if UNI wants a shot to win. Can't give the EWU offense extra possessions.


UNI is too jeckle/hyde. EWU wins this easily IMO.

[MR. CHICKEN]

....CAREFUL....WHAA YOUSE WISH FO'..TALOLO....CHECK WHIFF....S.E. LOUISIANA/TENNESSEE MARTIN..........BRAWK!

[Chalupa Batman]

UNI is too jeckle/hyde. EWU wins this easily IMO.

I still agree that EWU should win easily. IMO EWU needs to jump on them early though or this will be a close game. UNI is the type of team that the longer they hang around the more confidence they get and they play with more swagger.

[dudeitsaid]

I still agree that EWU should win easily. IMO EWU needs to jump on them early though or this will be a close game. UNI is the type of team that the longer they hang around the more confidence they get and they play with more swagger.

Unfortunately, that has been EWU's MO in too many situations. But, if they start fast, and make teams play catch-up, and not take the foot off the gas like with WIU, they can have success. They also need to take advantage of Barriere's legs, which isn't something they've done this season. Adding that wrinkle will help a lot, and we need something to offset our inept special teams play.

[POD Knows]

UNI doesn’t have the offensive horses and UNIs D is average. It will be a cakewalk. EWU by 17

[Chalupa Batman]

UNI doesn’t have the offensive horses and UNIs D is average. It will be a cakewalk. EWU by 17

They did hold two pretty high powered offenses in SDSU & SIU to their lowest point totals this season. Iowa State also had their lowest point total against the Panthers.

[POD Knows]

They did hold two pretty high powered offenses in SDSU & SIU to their lowest point totals this season. Iowa State also had their lowest point total against the Panthers.
I watched 3 games that these guys played. NDSU, MO State and USD. they gave up an average of 34 in those games. I change my mind. They are below average. EWU will drop 40 on these guys.

[Chalupa Batman]

I watched 3 games that these guys played. NDSU, MO State and USD. they gave up an average of 34 in those games. I change my mind. They are below average. EWU will drop 40 on these guys.

Yeah they have been pretty Jekyll and Hyde. That’s why I said EWU needs to start out fast. If this game is 0-0 after the 1st quarter the Eagles are in for a long day.

[POD Knows]

Yeah they have been pretty Jekyll and Hyde. That’s why I said EWU needs to start out fast. If this game is 0-0 after the 1st quarter the Eagles are in for a long day.
I would agree with that

[putter]

I would agree with that

Could be, however, Montana was up 21-10 in the 4th quarter and we know how that ended. Eastern can open it up at any time. I like the fact that UNI is not a fast paced team. Long drives and ball control is the best D against the Eagles.

[Professor Chaos]

I think EWU wins but, as long as UNI avoids losing the turnover battle, I think they'll push the Eagles to the end. There's a reason why EWU is only a 3.5 point favorite even though they're at home.

[caribbeanhen]

I think EWU wins but, as long as UNI avoids losing the turnover battle, I think they'll push the Eagles to the end. There's a reason why EWU is only a 3.5 point favorite even though they're at home.


I’m so close to picking N Iowa in this game as the Big Sky really doesn’t impress, but on the road vs E Wash QB will be too much to overcome

[semobison]

I’m so close to picking N Iowa in this game as the Big Sky really doesn’t impress, but on the road vs E Wash QB will be too much to overcome

EWU is 3-2 at home this year. MVFC>BSC. I’ll take UNI. Youngstown won out there a couple years ago.

[caribbeanhen]

EWU is 3-2 at home this year. MVFC>BSC. I’ll take UNI. Youngstown won out there a couple years ago.

I won’t be the least bit surprised if you’re right

[semobison]

I won’t be the least bit surprised if you’re right

But....it’s UNI, Farley, wouldn’t put money either way on this one!

[grizband]

EWU is 3-2 at home this year. MVFC>BSC. I’ll take UNI. Youngstown won out there a couple years ago.


I won’t be the least bit surprised if you’re right
They were one dropped Griz pass away from being 2-3 at home this year. I wouldn't be at all surprised if Northern Iowa wins this game, but I'm still picking EWU to win. Either way, the Griz have a tough draw in their first round game.

[Chalupa Batman]

UNI drives 94 yards down to EWU's 1 yard line and gets turned back on 4th and goal.

[ElCid]

UNI drives 94 yards down to EWU's 1 yard line and gets turned back on 4th and goal.

Yeah that was not very impressive.

[Chalupa Batman]

Yeah that was not very impressive.

I actually missed the play because of other games, did UNI try and get cute?

[ElCid]

I actually missed the play because of other games, did UNI try and get cute?

Not at all. Just poor play call and poor blocking.

[Chalupa Batman]

Barriere throws a TD pass on last play of 1st quarter, 6-0 Eagles after missed XP.

My goodness can't EWU find a better kicker than what they have? He's been horrible all year, and today he's missed a 27 yard FG and now an XP. Do like Texas Tech did a few years ago and hold open tryouts for all students on campus.

[TennBison]

UNI drives 94 yards down to EWU's 1 yard line and gets turned back on 4th and goal.
Same thing happened with NDSU at SDSU

[Mfergy4]

any up date on this game?

[Bison56]

any up date on this game?

EWU up 9-0
9:19 in 2Q

[Chalupa Batman]

9-0 Eagles after a FG, 9 minutes left in 2nd Q.

[Mfergy4]

Thank you for the updates

[Mfergy4]

Got my feed back....but sound is about 4 seconds ahead of the picture.

[Chalupa Batman]

UNI gets a TD with :34 left in the 1st half. 9-7 EWU

[Chalupa Batman]

UNI gets a TD with :34 left in the 1st half. 9-7 EWU

And that's your halftime score

[Daytripper]

And that's your halftime score

This obviously favors UNI.

[Chalupa Batman]

This obviously favors UNI.

They gotta feel like they should be leading with that missed opportunity on 4th and goal. They're really going to be playing with confidence now.

[Mfergy4]

Farley's team hanging in there.

[UNHWildcat18]

Of all the streams this year EWU's has had the most issues IMO. Tight game though, gonna come down to who wants it more.

[Mfergy4]

Ouch bad place for an INT....

[Mfergy4]

Of all the streams this year EWU's has had the most issues IMO. Tight game though, gonna come down to who wants it more.

Nothing like hearing the play caalled and then watching it on fold on the big screen.

[Chalupa Batman]

UNI throws a pick, EWU convert it into a TD. 16-7 Eagles with over 7 minutes left in 3rd

[Mfergy4]

Massey the new QB for UNI

[ElCid]

Nothing like hearing the play caalled and then watching it on fold on the big screen.

Sounds like connectivity issue with provider. Mine is perfect.

[Mfergy4]

Sounds like connectivity issue with provider. Mine is perfect.

The other two games I have up a feeding correctly. I have reloaded this game twice. Same results

[Chalupa Batman]

EWU up 16-7 going into the 4th. Almost feels like they are up 4 scores.

[Mfergy4]

Farley's team is a lose the first game team in the playoffs

[MTfan4life]

Farley's team is a lose the first game team in the playoffs

Actually it's quite rare they lose in the first round. Granted, they've had some friendly opponents, though. Since 2010, in their opening round, they have hosted Lehigh (Loss), Wofford, Stephen F Austin, Eastern Illinois, Monmouth, Lamar, and San Diego. This was the first time they've left town for their opening game in over 12 years.

[Chalupa Batman]

Farley's team is a lose the first game team in the playoffs

https://media1.giphy.com/media/VGVwLultLZjrrssAak/giphy.gif

[semobison]

If someone told me UNI held EWU to 19 points I would have thought they would have won.

[POD Knows]

UNI is worthless on offense. They show up with no clue, no risk and lose games and go home and shrug their narrow shoulders. Good riddance UNI. I didn’t pick you and I knew you wouldn’t show up, you never do.

[neverobeyed]

If someone told me UNI held EWU to 19 points I would have thought they would have won.

And I would reply, “You’ve never heard of this Mark Farley coach, have you?”

[kdinva]

If someone told me UNI held EWU to 19 points I would have thought they would have won.

Me, too. I thought EWU would win by about 36-21. Mercer folks saying "UUGGGHHHH"..

[mvemjsunpx]

If someone told me UNI held EWU to 19 points I would have thought they would have won.

Eastern is a more balanced team than most people realize. Their offense isn't as unstoppable as their reputation suggests, but their defense is underrated.

[JSUSoutherner]

Me, too. I thought EWU would win by about 36-21. Mercer folks saying "UUGGGHHHH"..
Mercer would have been rolled.

EWU was the best team to play yesterday not named SDSU.