I guess my concern is that the EWU struggles are somewhat of a false flag. The last 2 weeks they play 2 of the toughest defenses in the Big Sky and MSU specifically might have one of the best defenses in all of FCS. EWU still only lost by 3 to them. The 2 weeks before the losses they dropped 71 on Idaho and 63 on Northern Colorado. I just worry because our defense hasn't been tested by a particularly potent offense all season.

And add to that the fact we historically struggle with mobile QBs. EB3 is one of the best. He really torched us at the end of the playoff game with about a 60 run. Our offense is going to have to move the ball and score when in the red zone.

Yeah, its hard for me to be confident. But, if O line is healthy and we dont turn it over, who knows?

I'm jacked for this game.

I’ve been nervous all week. One game at a time, but both of these games are huge. I’m bummed I’ll be traveling for the causeway, but hopefully i can stream the radio broadcast on my phone.
And looking forward to seeing you Finn and your pop.

Thanks for your contributions. BTW I’ve heard your pre-game tailgates are fun and welcoming to opposing fans.

And one year ago we were watching reruns. Lots of exciting football being played. Heck, even the Steelers - Bears game was a nail biter.

Maybe more clarity next Sunday. I’ll be at the EW game but unfortunately I’ll be traveling for the causeway. That will be the first one I’ve missed in a long time and has the potential to be a real barn burner.

Yeah but if they don’t lose to PSU and we beat them, they still share the league championship.

PSU has shown improvement. Let’s hope they knock off J street.

I think it would be really cool to learn what some of the former players are doing now. We know some, but thinking about Tehran Thomas made me wonder what he ended up doing career wise. Hopefully that degree helped open some doors.

During the Dll days as i recall we lost to J street during the regular season and had them for the first round of the playoffs. I think we lost again. I guess if geographical proximity was a factor in the bracket it doesn’t get much closer than across the causeway.

Lots of respect from me for N. Iowa. I’ll never forget the respect they showed for our injured player during our game with them. The entire team took a knee.
And remember the missed field goal we kicked that was actually good?

Yep

One example. I was sitting with a former Aggie player. He had me one on side and some Eagle fans on the other. During the course of the game the ref calls, and just the regular progression of the game was a matter of heated conversation. The Eagle guy was obviously drunk or high and the vulgarities started flying and i was certain there was going to be a fist fight. We ended up moving. Then at half time, the only place to get warm was the mens room so i stood in there for a while and had to listen to the jeering directed at me until i left. It was a very uncomfortable experience. The only other time i had that feeling as a visitor was at J street. I would like to believe that we don’t treat our visitors like that.

He had several fractured ribs. Real nice young man, i had a chance to visit with him a few times at the athletics tailgate. And his grandma sat below our box seats. She flew in from Phoenix for each game. Very nice and supportive family.

Yes. I actually went to the regular season game where we got clobbered. I seriously doubt i would go back. The field is terrible to look at, really cold with no heating stations, and the fan interaction we had was not welcoming to put it mildly. This week the highs are in the 40s, lows in the 20s. Glad we have them at home.

Lots of chatter on the EW board about their defense playing well but their offense being flat the second half of the season. They're also not happy with play calling. There are comments that Barriere is sliding at the first hint of contact instead of going for it. Regardless, hopefully we saved our best for the last two games.

24-9 J street at half, but poly is just a few plays away from hanging with them.

Unfortunately our forte has never been, that i can remember, handling a mobile QB. And Barriere is the class act of mobility. But both EW and J street are looking vulnerable.

And Isiah Thomas, he was as good as i have ever seen him.

I don’t think Miles ran with the ball at all. That’s one element that HR brings, better mobility. Miles reminds me of Jake to a certain degree. I think naming Miles as the starter and giving him the helm will go a long way in giving him confidence. We just need to protect him.