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EKU really took it to EMU. Normally when I start something up like that, it's sarcasm. But not really in this case. EMU had to hold on to win by one possession in a game that EKU statistically dominated.

EMU struggled to get the run game going. I posted somewhere on the UCLA thread that mid third, EMU only had 25 rush yards. The rush offense did eventually get going as they finished with 124 yards on 33 carries. Meanwhile, EKU ran for 141 on 28 carries. Yup, EKU got more rushing yards than EMU. And more ypc.

On the passing side, EMU has a senior QB. (Note, their QB last year is now Cincinnati's QB.) Passing stats: 21 / 30, 271, 3 TDs, 1 pick. EKU: 35 / 51, 351 yards, 3 TDs, 1 pick. Yup, more passing yards too.

EMU lead by 28-10 at one point, and later 35-17. But EKU rallied and came up just short. EMU won 42-34. It gives me haunts of the Akron game last year where BG was in cruise control early and then took the foot off the gas, at which point Akron started making some plays and then shut down BG. Just because it is an FCS team does not mean you can relax with a lead.

So what does all this mean? EKU is a solid team. Losing 32-24 to a MAC team that went bowling last year and took BG to the woodshed basically means you are MAC caliber. Take this team lightly at your own risk. Still, it is an FCS vs FBS game which means BG should win.

It’s going to be tough, but I think this team (if they’re recovered from dehydration and ready to go) bounces back on Saturday.

I have BG winning 31-20. I think we’ll be much more competitive this week, and we won’t be ground down so quickly by bigger and stronger opponents. I think we have a strong defensive showing, and the offense has a chance to show some improvement.

This game will say a lot more about the program than UCLA will.

Season starts…well, we need a W!

Nothing earth shattering from the press conference today. Doesn't sound like there are any new injuries. Players critical of the performance especially on offense. SL making excuses for McDonald. Just another day.

Priority #1 should be getting center figured out. Whether it is Cade Z or someone else. Cade was thrust into an unfortunate position. Hopefully if he's the guy he will be more prepared going forward.

Doesn't sound like there's much to figure out. It's either Robinson or Zimmerly.

Priority 1 should be,more reps for Orth.

IIRC somebody else played C down the stretch last year and Cade moved to a guard position. If I'm right there's a chance that someone else has starting C experience. But I could be wrong.

MarkL wrote: ↑Mon Sep 05, 2022 1:26 pm IIRC somebody else played C down the stretch last year and Cade moved to a guard position. If I'm right there's a chance that someone else has starting C experience. But I could be wrong.

Jalen Grant was the starter late in the season.

Bowling Green between a 4.5 to 6 point favorite as of now on Saturday. Yikes.

Scot is very very mad at Vegas...

guest44 wrote: ↑Tue Sep 06, 2022 5:59 am Bowling Green between a 4.5 to 6 point favorite as of now on Saturday. Yikes.

I wouldn’t expect anything else. Why would I? We haven’t done anything yet.

Here’s hoping we win, and it would be even better if we cover.

guest44 wrote: ↑Tue Sep 06, 2022 5:59 am Bowling Green between a 4.5 to 6 point favorite as of now on Saturday. Yikes.

My sheet has the game as a very slight lean to BG, but effectively a toss-up. You can thank the offense for that (yards per play, 3rd down efficiency). A close loss is not out of the realm of possibility and IMO would render the season already failed only two weeks in.

Jakari Robinson apparently passed a class at a prior school that somehow did not count. That means the paperwork onus is on the other school, either Cincinnati or Memphis. Apparently there's a good chance a waiver is coming in early this week. Regardless getting starter reps to Cade Zimmerly and/or Jalen Grant is essential this week so the team does not suddenly have a new C.

There are a million cases of classes not transferring when kids go into the Portal every year. Happens literally everywhere. To not have a backup plan and a kid ready to go is simply inexcusable but at this point, I am not surprised.

Orth getting reps? If McDonald is breathing and upright, he gets the reps that matter and most of the ones that don't. I don't see that changing anytime soon either.