Does anybody know much about this team. (any on the blog anyway)
I read the following:
YSU 27.7 PPG OPP 18.1 PPG
EWU 42.7 PPG OPP 25.4 PPG
Rush YSU 3867 OPP 2220
EWU 2041 OPP 2753
Pass YSU 291-169-13 169 YPG
EWU 585-402-12 402 YPG
Looks like we can rush and score, but will need to stop best passing attack we've seen in a while to prevail, but that is just reading a few stats.
Defensively, you can see my previous comment. But in general, be expecting the 16ppg unit of late, probably not the 35ppg of the early season unit. #3 Samson Ebukam DE is a player to watch, he set up camp in Richmond's backfield and still had time to forage out in coverage for an INT. Albert Havili DT and Miquiyah Zamora LB are the run stoppers. Zamaora is working his way up the ranks of EWU tacklers to finish out his senior season.
This defense typically allows yards not points. Gotta get creative in the redzone. I would also say that they typically adjust over a game. Lots of teams have had a great first half only to find out that they can't go anywhere in the second half. See UNI and Central Arkansas for examples of that.
The offense is fairly entertaining. Sophomore QB Gage Gubrud is in his first season as a starter and in 13 games has 6 of the top 8 total offensive performances in the EWU record books. He is great from the pocket and mobile when it breaks down. You will see looks where they intentionally move his pocket out left because he throws well on the run. You will also see designed runs up the middle from him.
The three starting receivers are all over 1000 yards this year and have accounted for 37 TDs, Kupp Bourne and Hill have all run the ball a bit this season as well, Kupp has himself a number of completed passes as well as a pair of TD passes. The back ups are all capable and you will see them play lots of snaps as well, they have accounted for 1000 receiving yards and 7 scores. The Eagles throw every pass in the book, but we prefer the high percentage short throws/screens/boundary plays that keep the chains moving rather than deep routes. I think this is why Richmond tried to drop everyone into coverage and cover all of the field, that was a fairly big mistake. Gotta rush our QB, that's your ticket.
Running has been tough for us most of the season, but coach is dedicated to it. So you'll see Custer Jr and Wilson a plenty as runners and receivers. The games where we have been bottled up we've had to make up for it by throwing a million passes, but it hasn't seemed to hold us back yet. A lot of this may be because the offensive line is young and could only handle so much going into the season, as they grow the run has become a better part of the game.
There are a number of gadgets in the playbook so expect to see one or two during the game. They aren't an integral part of the offense the way Portland State likes. Coach will run them more based on the defense giving us the right look rather than on needing it due to the game situation.
This team tends to start slow allowing points early and sputtering on offense at the same time. But they get the kinks worked out around halftime and usually come out on top in good fashion. It's a scary trend to watch. It even makes blowouts like UC Davis feel like nail biters.
What else... IDK y'all can ask if you want more about 'em.
