Weekly Prediction Thread: Game 2 at EWU

[[cat_bracket]]

All you folks predicting MSU will score under 50 realize UNI scored 38 with just four returning starters and their starting QB sat out most of the game, right? Don't be surprised if MSU goes for two after each TD until EWU stops them.

Before the season started, didn't you also predict that EWU's offense was going to take a significant step backwards this year, without VA? They haven't been running the ball very well so far, but their passing attack hasn't skipped a beat, West and Hennessey have combined for almost 1,000 yards passing in their first two games, against two very good teams. Although I don't really disagree with you about MSU's offense. I think we'll score plenty also (I predicted 45), but we'll probably have to score at least that much, if we're going to have any chance of winning.

No. Do you have early Alzheimer's? I didn't say that, but others have. I said I thought Rachac putting West at#7 on his list was too high. Not sure how you forgot that since you were so happy when Colter posted a bunch of stuff about past EWU QBs that you thought proved Greg right. Even if I did, what does that have to do with EWU's defense, which is what I'm talking about. I actually like EWU. They have a great program. So I'm not sure what you're trying to prove here other than you can stuff words in my mouth and feebly try to rewrite history.

We'll score 60+. Don't worry.

I think you're the one who may be "misremembering". I don't have time to look up your posts, but I clearly remember that we had a fairly spirited debate about how much, if any, EWU's offense would drop off this year, without VA. I said I didn't think they'd take a step back at all, and I suppose it depends upon how you define "significant", but you definitely said that you didn't expect their offense to be as good as last year. In fact, I believe it was your comments that prompted Colter to post those stats for previous EWU QB's, because he also disagreed with you.

Neat! You get to initiate claims, but not produce any supporting evidence other than your word. Nonetheless, if I didn't say I didn't expect their offense to be as good as last year with Adams, I will now. With Adams they averaged 47.1 ppg and 532.3 ypg.
This year they're averaging 38.5 points per game, last year through two games they were at 48.5. This year 550 yards per game last year 604. Rushing for 69 per game this year, 241 per game last year through two games.

[LIBBYCAT]

Though I don't believe this is a do or die game for the Cats, I do believe it is the one game out of conference that will help with post season seeding.

1.) this will be as rested and as healthy as the team is this year!
2.) we had two weeks to prepare and or perfect the offense and defense.
3.) the quality of games being played so far by league teams should offset the "it's just another game" mentality. Every game is important and road breakthroughs will decide the BSC.
4.) though the offense looked discombobulated through most of the first half of game one, I think the execution began to click until the carousel of players began and the score was deemed out of reach. I believe the game was won showing a minimum of the playbook.
5.)defensively, the Eagles may have gotten more from that film as the Ft. Lewis offense operated wide open in much the same fashion EWU does normally.
6.) special teams needs to be special! No 20 yd punts. Big returns that set up drives and field position.
7.) defensive intensity! Play solid but knock somebody down every play! If Kupp plays, understand he will make his catches. Eagles O runs around him. Make him pay every play! If Cats d can generate pressure, I don't believe West or Hennessy are nearly as adept at creating on the run as a VA was. They will make mistakes.

All that being said, the defense has something to prove! The offense needs to get on track early and take the crowd out of it.

Cats 52
EWU 31

[Team10]

Hate to say this, especially since I am going to the game in Cheney...

Montana State Bobcats 34
ewu 47

[luckyirishguy25]

Hate to say this, especially since I am going to the game in Cheney...

Montana State Bobcats 34
ewu 47

Ouch Debbie Downer! You better cheer extra-hard to make up for that prediction!

[LIBBYCAT]

I'll be there and cheer loud enough for both of us. Was fun in '11, hope it's a blast Saturday. It won't be 90 like it was then!

[Common Cat]

To me the X factor in this one is coaching. From what I've seen, Baldwin > Ash. My heart is with the cats, but I can't say my brain is.

Ash's assistant coaches are way better than Baldwin's.

I think this is the evolution of Ash. More and more we talk about the performance of our assistant coaches and less about Ash. I think that is because Ash is letting go and allowing his assistants to have more claim. I might be wrong about this, but from an outsider it is how I see it. To that end, I don't know anything about Baldwin's assistants, but Ewash is a system that allows their players to thrive. Point in case- look at their lineage of quarterbacks over the last decade. That is not coincidental, its a product of the system. This will be an exciting game.

[CelticCat]

I've seen that the last few years as well Common, it seems to be Ash is letting go of the reigns a bit and letting his coordinators have more control.

I don't think it was easy for Ash and I applaud him for it.

[Clinton T]

All you folks predicting MSU will score under 50 realize UNI scored 38 with just four returning starters and their starting QB sat out most of the game, right? Don't be surprised if MSU goes for two after each TD until EWU stops them.

Before the season started, didn't you also predict that EWU's offense was going to take a significant step backwards this year, without VA? They haven't been running the ball very well so far, but their passing attack hasn't skipped a beat, West and Hennessey have combined for almost 1,000 yards passing in their first two games, against two very good teams. Although I don't really disagree with you about MSU's offense. I think we'll score plenty also (I predicted 45), but we'll probably have to score at least that much, if we're going to have any chance of winning.

No. Do you have early Alzheimer's? I didn't say that, but others have. I said I thought Rachac putting West at#7 on his list was too high. Not sure how you forgot that since you were so happy when Colter posted a bunch of stuff about past EWU QBs that you thought proved Greg right. Even if I did, what does that have to do with EWU's defense, which is what I'm talking about. I actually like EWU. They have a great program. So I'm not sure what you're trying to prove here other than you can stuff words in my mouth and feebly try to rewrite history.

We'll score 60+. Don't worry.

Say what you want about John K, but his memory isn't something that I would question in a million years. Even though he is of Alzheimer's age , he is like the Ken Jennings of sports trivia. CatDaddy, John K and myself have won many sports trivia competitions on the back of his idiot savant-esque knowledge of statistics. Seriously bracket, you need to have a beer with this guy at the next home game. You two would be like Mutt and Jeff. Heck, I would even venture to say being BFFs wouldn't be completely out of the question! In fact I am wondering if you two aren't the same person arguing with themselves like in Fight Club

[CelticCat]

I'll go with my heart on this one!

41-38 Cats.

[wbtfg]

I think/hope we're a little better than we were last year, and I think EWU lost some talent and may be a half a step behind what they were last year.

I'll go MSU 42 EWU 37 in a thriller.

[chainbreaker]

Cats D holds eagles at the 20 in final minute

Bobcats 46
EWU 41

[Joe Bobcat]

I have no idea how we and they are going to get these scores but when time runs out tomorrow the score will be:

Bobcats 38 eagles 33

GO CATS!!!!!!!!!

[bobcat99]

I think realistically, we have a 30% chance of winning. Our passing defense is bad.

[onceacat]

I think realistically, we have a 30% chance of winning. Our passing defense is bad.

VA had one of his worst games of the year against the Cats. They held him to a QBR of 50 points below his average. I think the Cats pressure West; disrupt some timings, and the game looks an awful lot like last year, only the Offense converts its 4th (and 3rd and 2nd) unlike last year. We manage the clock on that last score, and don't give the Eagles a chance to drive at the end of the game.

Cats 51
Eags 45

[GRIZ1STCATS2ND]

Hate to say this, especially since I am going to the game in Cheney...

Montana State Bobcats 34
ewu 47

I hate to agree with you, but I do..... unless something has happened with your defense in the last couple weeks. EWU is gonna put up a lot of points. Hope I'm wrong.

[blueandgoldblitz]

Gonna be high scoring, that's for sure. The last few years we always seem to let the Eagles score more points against us then other BSC teams do. That being said, I'm going to have to go with a prediction of:

Cats - 56
Eagles - 52

[PapaG]

Bobcats 48
EWU 38
Go 'Cats!

[hiline1961]

I'm for the Cats and would like to see the Eags go 0-3 but I think the Eagles are going to pull this one out.

EWU 48
Cats 34

[RMD]

10-3 Cats

[RickRund]

CATS will win.. D is improved.
CATS 48
ewu. 41