I don't think McGuire is close to losing his starting job. I expected more and the passing game was almost non existent, but the run was working well, so no need to force the pass.
Remember this was the first game of the season, on the road, the first time running the offense in a real game, going against an experienced D, playing the first half without the best receiver, and he didn't turn the ball over. Was close on the first play of the second half, but luckily the ball that bounced off Lance's shoulder pad was not held on to.
As far as I could tell re-watching the game there weren't a ton of openings downfield. Missed one before half to Joey who was looking inside and Sean went safe to the outside shoulder and floated one. Otherwise, might just be a timing thing and Sean not looking to force ball with the lead. By the way only threw 3 official passes in the 4th going 1 for 3 and the third pass had a declined holding penalty that wouldn't have counted.
Think they'll open it up a bit more this week and should see more success in the passing game. Then again, if we run like last week we might not.
Watched NAU last week and they're a very good team. Have a good LB in Jake Thomas (44) and a DE Siupeli Anau (90) that was a beast and the right side of the line will have their hands full with him. Limit those guys ability to make plays and we put up some decent points.
We know what they bring on offense, so a few key stops and win the turnover battle and we get the W.
WIU 38 NAU 28
WIU vs Northern Arizona (9/10/2016)
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Western_101
- Posts: 1226
- Joined: Thu Apr 24, 2014 12:09 pm
- Location: Morton, IL
Leatherneck57, great post
You made some excellent points. Offensive line needs to step it up, EIUs secondary was pretty good too. Sean, seemed out of sync, but that happens from time to time especially game number one.
I feel pretty good about this Saturday but am worried that NAU might be better than a #19 team. I feel like maybe NAU has an advantage conditioning wise, they practice in high altitude thin air, Necks practice in oppressive heat and humidity. With it foretasted to be so nice Saturday I wonder who that benefits more?
You made some excellent points. Offensive line needs to step it up, EIUs secondary was pretty good too. Sean, seemed out of sync, but that happens from time to time especially game number one.
I feel pretty good about this Saturday but am worried that NAU might be better than a #19 team. I feel like maybe NAU has an advantage conditioning wise, they practice in high altitude thin air, Necks practice in oppressive heat and humidity. With it foretasted to be so nice Saturday I wonder who that benefits more?
I didn't really mean my "criticisms" of certain aspects of our game at EIU to be knocks against the team. I think we're off to a great start so far, and was mostly just talking about some areas where we can improve. Things like...the run game appears to be solid already, now we can work on airing out the ball a bit more...for example. Or "we've been vulnerable to deep passes lately, so maybe we can work to get more pressure on the QB and take some of the pressure off the younger DBs...give them a chance to get back into the swing of things".
One one hand I was like "aw man...Lenoir only had 1 catch for 15 yards" because I know that he can put up 100+ and a TD or two like it's almost nothing (but then again, he was out for half the game). But on the other hand..."Holy McShane" because it's been 8 years since we had a RB put up 200+ yards and the list of names on that list reads like a "Who's Who" of some of the top RBs in conference history...Aaron Stecker, Herb Donaldson, Travis Glasford. And how many players were able to do it their sophomore season?...two...Donaldson in '06 and Glasford in '03. McShane actually only has 25 yards to go to equal his entire rushing total for last season. I think we'll continue to see some huge numbers out of him this season.
The most exciting part for me this season is that it doesn't feel like any games are "unwinnable"...which is something I occasionally felt about some games in the recent past (not so much last year, but go back a couple of years and you'd look at the FBS games and occasionally the top teams in the conference and say "yea...we're gonna lose those"). This year though...Northern Illinois, NDSU, SDSU, UNI...tough games, but I think we can hang with all of them if we play like I know we can.
One one hand I was like "aw man...Lenoir only had 1 catch for 15 yards" because I know that he can put up 100+ and a TD or two like it's almost nothing (but then again, he was out for half the game). But on the other hand..."Holy McShane" because it's been 8 years since we had a RB put up 200+ yards and the list of names on that list reads like a "Who's Who" of some of the top RBs in conference history...Aaron Stecker, Herb Donaldson, Travis Glasford. And how many players were able to do it their sophomore season?...two...Donaldson in '06 and Glasford in '03. McShane actually only has 25 yards to go to equal his entire rushing total for last season. I think we'll continue to see some huge numbers out of him this season.
The most exciting part for me this season is that it doesn't feel like any games are "unwinnable"...which is something I occasionally felt about some games in the recent past (not so much last year, but go back a couple of years and you'd look at the FBS games and occasionally the top teams in the conference and say "yea...we're gonna lose those"). This year though...Northern Illinois, NDSU, SDSU, UNI...tough games, but I think we can hang with all of them if we play like I know we can.
Scott Lawson - Board AdminWestern Illinois University Alum/Fan/Employee
Member of the Marching Leathernecks - 1996-2000
Thanks for the input LN57.
It's probably just me, but I know last year I expected a lot more than what we got - yes, we made the playoffs but I honestly thought with the guys we had last year we should have been better than a "bubble" team. When I saw the pretty poor passing game, the lack of pass protection, and the lack of defense on the long balls I flashed back to how much we ended up struggling last year. My bad.
Here's hoping we got the kinks pretty much worked out and are headed for a better game this week. Never having played football myself, it's hard to imagine how much of a jump it is from practice to a real-time game.
Looking forward to Saturday!!
It's probably just me, but I know last year I expected a lot more than what we got - yes, we made the playoffs but I honestly thought with the guys we had last year we should have been better than a "bubble" team. When I saw the pretty poor passing game, the lack of pass protection, and the lack of defense on the long balls I flashed back to how much we ended up struggling last year. My bad.
Here's hoping we got the kinks pretty much worked out and are headed for a better game this week. Never having played football myself, it's hard to imagine how much of a jump it is from practice to a real-time game.
Looking forward to Saturday!!
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LocalYokelFan
- Posts: 129
- Joined: Wed Jun 11, 2014 9:23 am
LN57 - Let me preface this by saying I agree with 90% of what you're saying. This was the first game and first WIN under a new and very capable coaching staff, the run game looked really freakin' good, and as a long time Bears fan - you know I love destroying a team in the turnover +/-. On another note, I've heard GREAT things around town about your contributions to the Leatherneck football program and hope they keep coming. We need more former players like you involved and it seems like that is happening, particularly in the tough arena of lower level college football (everyone but the Power 5 FBS conferences).
But your continued obsession with blaming things on the past regime is at best a stretch and potentially worrisome. I was taught from a young age that you only throw shade on other peoples' records if you're worried that you can't stand on your own accomplishments. Listen, I'm very hopeful and optimistic that this team is good already and going to get better. But making the "we didn't do this great BUT IT WAS BETTER THAN YELK, NIELSON and CO" is just poor form and doesn't help the program or the players, in my opinion.
Having watched the EIU game online, I will say I came away concerned about pass offense and pass defense. The pass offense being the lesser concern because I think Sean is a gamer and he showed us enough last year that he'll get it figured out. I also think Coach Fish has an incredible record with QBs and if he says Sean is the man, Sean is the man. But, let's also call a spade a spade and deal with the fact that 13-28, 109 yds won't be good enough week in and week out.
My biggest concern is the defense and defensive secondary. Pop quiz - last week we gave up 366 yds to a EIU through the air while they broke in 2 new QBs (what's the cliche, you only have a 2 QB system if you don't really have 1 good QB?). Anybody know how many times last year we gave up 366 yds thru the air with incompetent Yelk? From my quick check, the answer would be 0 times (most was against IL, 353 yds). We gave up 468 total yards against EIU (last year vs EIU it was 308). Last year we gave up more yards than that 5 times (not good for sure)... once was to FBS IL (500 yds), once to national champ NDSU (528 yds), once to SDSU in 2 OT periods in what actually was a win (492 yds), and ISUr twice (482 yds in the playoffs, 517 yds in regular season). 3 of those teams are very good football teams with very good football players by the way (IL is just bigger).
What does this all mean? Hell, I don't really know, but I know we gave up a lot of nice sized chunks through the air last week by 2 QBs that I didn't think should be that successful against us. I'm also pretty confident we didn't lose any games from coaching mistakes last year. ISUr was good and I completely disagree that Yelk's coaching had anything to do with those loses. Roberson and Coprich were studs and their talent wore on us in the 2nd half in that playoff game last year. Our guys last 1 vs 1 battles late in that game last year and game tape would show that. My hope is that the 2016 'Necks can tip their hats, work to get better, and simply be better than their opponent each week. I'm confident we have the coaches and players to do just that.
Let's let the politicians do the mudslinging against their opponents this fall. Let's have fun debating our 'Necks on a very entertaining fan message board where opinions and disagreements are free and welcomed. Most importantly, let's have fun watching a very talented WIU team of players and coaches do their thing on the field. Is Saturday here yet!?
But your continued obsession with blaming things on the past regime is at best a stretch and potentially worrisome. I was taught from a young age that you only throw shade on other peoples' records if you're worried that you can't stand on your own accomplishments. Listen, I'm very hopeful and optimistic that this team is good already and going to get better. But making the "we didn't do this great BUT IT WAS BETTER THAN YELK, NIELSON and CO" is just poor form and doesn't help the program or the players, in my opinion.
Having watched the EIU game online, I will say I came away concerned about pass offense and pass defense. The pass offense being the lesser concern because I think Sean is a gamer and he showed us enough last year that he'll get it figured out. I also think Coach Fish has an incredible record with QBs and if he says Sean is the man, Sean is the man. But, let's also call a spade a spade and deal with the fact that 13-28, 109 yds won't be good enough week in and week out.
My biggest concern is the defense and defensive secondary. Pop quiz - last week we gave up 366 yds to a EIU through the air while they broke in 2 new QBs (what's the cliche, you only have a 2 QB system if you don't really have 1 good QB?). Anybody know how many times last year we gave up 366 yds thru the air with incompetent Yelk? From my quick check, the answer would be 0 times (most was against IL, 353 yds). We gave up 468 total yards against EIU (last year vs EIU it was 308). Last year we gave up more yards than that 5 times (not good for sure)... once was to FBS IL (500 yds), once to national champ NDSU (528 yds), once to SDSU in 2 OT periods in what actually was a win (492 yds), and ISUr twice (482 yds in the playoffs, 517 yds in regular season). 3 of those teams are very good football teams with very good football players by the way (IL is just bigger).
What does this all mean? Hell, I don't really know, but I know we gave up a lot of nice sized chunks through the air last week by 2 QBs that I didn't think should be that successful against us. I'm also pretty confident we didn't lose any games from coaching mistakes last year. ISUr was good and I completely disagree that Yelk's coaching had anything to do with those loses. Roberson and Coprich were studs and their talent wore on us in the 2nd half in that playoff game last year. Our guys last 1 vs 1 battles late in that game last year and game tape would show that. My hope is that the 2016 'Necks can tip their hats, work to get better, and simply be better than their opponent each week. I'm confident we have the coaches and players to do just that.
Let's let the politicians do the mudslinging against their opponents this fall. Let's have fun debating our 'Necks on a very entertaining fan message board where opinions and disagreements are free and welcomed. Most importantly, let's have fun watching a very talented WIU team of players and coaches do their thing on the field. Is Saturday here yet!?
Leatherneck57 wrote:
The kid is 4-1 as a starter and has beat some good teams plus the players love him and respect him...that's why he's a captain! Think about this...our All Conference and potential All American WR dropped his first pass last week so REMAIN CALM!
If you think about it...the last 3 games against Illinois State we led in the 3 qtr until our staff got outcoached in the 2nd half of those games especially Yelk and his defense!! 2015 we led 24-6 at half and our HC and OC got conservative offensively and blew the lead! In 2016 we took a 28-21 on our first drive of the third qtr and we led the playoff game well into the 3 qtr until Yelk got outcoached again!! These kids can play with anyone...they just have to learn how to close which this staff can teach them!
LN57
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letsgonecks
- Posts: 994
- Joined: Tue Apr 22, 2014 6:19 am
LYF, good input. I'm actually not that concerned about the D pass game. I put this in the EIU thread, but you remove a 58 harder that was almost broken up on a great play call/throw/catch and a 70 yard broken play on D and their numbers aren't that great. Don't know the scheme on that one, but rb wheel route might be the lb's responsible and a good play call.
I know they came in pretending they were going to run with 2 QBs, but that was not the case. Mitch played almost every down for them and in my opinion will be one of the 2 best QBs in the OVC.
Or maybe I'm way off, but this week will give us a great gauge against a top passing team.
Love talking WIU football and ready for Saturday!!!!
I know they came in pretending they were going to run with 2 QBs, but that was not the case. Mitch played almost every down for them and in my opinion will be one of the 2 best QBs in the OVC.
Or maybe I'm way off, but this week will give us a great gauge against a top passing team.
Love talking WIU football and ready for Saturday!!!!
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Western_101
- Posts: 1226
- Joined: Thu Apr 24, 2014 12:09 pm
- Location: Morton, IL
Thanks for the info NAU fellas.
For some time now ST_Lawson starts the official game threads and provides extensive pregame/backgroundinfo. We typically try to go with one dedicated "pregame" thread for chatter.
Either way though, I enjoy feedback from folks in the know.
For some time now ST_Lawson starts the official game threads and provides extensive pregame/backgroundinfo. We typically try to go with one dedicated "pregame" thread for chatter.
Either way though, I enjoy feedback from folks in the know.
I guess I'll be posting here now. Ha. Just wanted to thank ST for posting coach's teleconference as I totally forgot about it. I'll use that in my newscasts tomorrow. I also wanted to invite you to listen to our coaches show/segment tomorrow (Thursday) morning at 8:35 a.m. AZ time, to be honest I'm not sure the time difference. Head coach Jerome Souers will be with me in studio to go over last week and this week's game. He's a great guy with great insight and we always have a good time. You can listen online at kafflegends.com and hit the listen live button. It's our classic country station too for those who like classic country music. If you miss it, I'll come on tomorrow and post the link to our interview.
One thing I wanted to add about Butler from the other thread, ASU did a good job last week of floating a safety over to help on coverage, which most teams will do this year. The big thing that burned them was single coverage on Marks, which didn't go well. ASU's secondary isn't good to begin with and NAU kinda exposed them. If you go man or zone on Butler, you'll probably lose that battle. He's a terror to go man with, unless you have a cover corner that can play with him, then give it a shot. If I were a DC, I would try to make NAU beat me with the run and try to seal off best I can the pass, especially the 10-20 yard stuff. Maybe keep a linebacker back in coverage. I honestly don't know, but that's how I would defend them at least to start. Make them run the ball if you can.
I love reading stuff from great fans, which I can tell you all are. I am thrilled we have you coming in next year. We haven't had a quality FCS non conference opponent here in some time, so this will be fun. Is it Saturday yet?
Dave
One thing I wanted to add about Butler from the other thread, ASU did a good job last week of floating a safety over to help on coverage, which most teams will do this year. The big thing that burned them was single coverage on Marks, which didn't go well. ASU's secondary isn't good to begin with and NAU kinda exposed them. If you go man or zone on Butler, you'll probably lose that battle. He's a terror to go man with, unless you have a cover corner that can play with him, then give it a shot. If I were a DC, I would try to make NAU beat me with the run and try to seal off best I can the pass, especially the 10-20 yard stuff. Maybe keep a linebacker back in coverage. I honestly don't know, but that's how I would defend them at least to start. Make them run the ball if you can.
I love reading stuff from great fans, which I can tell you all are. I am thrilled we have you coming in next year. We haven't had a quality FCS non conference opponent here in some time, so this will be fun. Is it Saturday yet?
Dave
Gilmore nursing a hamstring so doubtful again this week after missing the opener.
O Line healthy after week one and ready to help put up some more big rushing totals.
Like most here I hope to see more efficient pass game this week but if we can play ball control (best defense is good offense), win time of possession and turnovers then I think we win.
Tom
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
O Line healthy after week one and ready to help put up some more big rushing totals.
Like most here I hope to see more efficient pass game this week but if we can play ball control (best defense is good offense), win time of possession and turnovers then I think we win.
Tom
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
[thinkpurple]Leatherneck Football[/thinkpurple]
Thanks for the update, Tom. Appreciate it.
Too bad Gilmore is injured. It appears we still have talent available at that position until he is healed up, though (thank heaven!!).
Would love to see Borsellino and Lenoir start adding to their stat totals this week. I'm sure they're itching for it as well.
Give the guys our best, and tell 'em we're rooting for them.
Too bad Gilmore is injured. It appears we still have talent available at that position until he is healed up, though (thank heaven!!).
Would love to see Borsellino and Lenoir start adding to their stat totals this week. I'm sure they're itching for it as well.
Give the guys our best, and tell 'em we're rooting for them.