EIU Mid-America Classic

[MadBird]

Annexstad was 19/33. Two TD passes one TD running. Admittedly not a football expert but I thought he had a pretty damn good game. While everyone can improve I fail to see all the negative results that some are saying. Jeez!

This is kind of where I am - we can pick apart the situations and specific plays, that's what "we" do, but I look at the stats and say, wow, refreshing, 19-33, 212 yds passing, 2 TD's. Interceptions happen, unfortunately, sometimes the QB, sometimes the receiver's "fault", crap happens, etc. Shouldn't happen, don't want them to happen, but they do. Need to clean it up. But we've got a guy who can toss it around pretty good.

If the OL would get after it and hold their blocks, wouldn't be a problem if he can sense the pocket collapsing or if he turns the wrong way, etc.!

Lampkin was very highly regarded coming out of HS in the Milwaukee area. Pretty stout stats in a tough conference. Give him a shot!

 

[NashvilleBirdFan]

They have all that southern evangelical “Christian” $$$$. We all know the Lord loves his football.

They also have a huge online presence that creates a large amount of revenue.

 

[gobirds85]

They also have a huge online presence that creates a large amount of revenue.

And how. And I'm pretty sure it's a tax free deal, so there's that.

 

[redbirds2000]

Annexstad was 19/33. Two TD passes one TD running. Admittedly not a football expert but I thought he had a pretty damn good game. While everyone can improve I fail to see all the negative results that some are saying. Jeez!

Re-watch the game. Some of the incomplete passes will be picked against a decent team. He forces it way too much. That can be fixed though. EIU is not good.

 

[topiarydan]

Re-watch the game. Some of the incomplete passes will be picked against a decent team. He forces it way too much. That can be fixed though. EIU is not good.

The kid hasnt played much in the last 3 years so Im ok he'll adjust - he had some other nice throws

 

[fourthandshort]

I was watching game on and off due to conflict. So I don't have great feel for the game itself. But it looks like the defense was very disruptive at times and this rattled EIU into playing bad .. 3 picks, 4 sacks, 11 TFLs. They put up 440 yards against NIU (not good, but still), and we had them under 100 total yards thru Q3 .. 31 on single pass play.

Out offense is spotty at best, but we have a QB that can make throws. He just needs to avoid the thread the needle throws more than he does .. but again, he can throw. Put him in position to make the right plays. I'm concerned we have 2 RBs down, and we may not have enough OL to overcome that. So while we've still got some talented RBs on field .. they will need more help up front. We've got a QB .. hope things start to sync up better each week as we play tougher teams.

Got 2 weeks to get ready for SIU who just beat a weak Northwestern team, and has struggle otherwise with high expectations. Players will get a week off to heal and prepare. Coaches will get another week to scout SIU against UND, who looks solid .. so that should be helpful scouting wise.

Some things to work for sure, but a nice step forward compared to Valpo coming off competitively decent Wisky game.

 

[Virginia Redbird]

This is kind of where I am - we can pick apart the situations and specific plays, that's what "we" do, but I look at the stats and say, wow, refreshing, 19-33, 212 yds passing, 2 TD's. Interceptions happen, unfortunately, sometimes the QB, sometimes the receiver's "fault", crap happens, etc. Shouldn't happen, don't want them to happen, but they do. Need to clean it up. But we've got a guy who can toss it around pretty good.

If the OL would get after it and hold their blocks, wouldn't be a problem if he can sense the pocket collapsing or if he turns the wrong way, etc.!

Lampkin was very highly regarded coming out of HS in the Milwaukee area. Pretty stout stats in a tough conference. Give him a shot!

Lampkin ran hard. No dancing around just hit the hole hard and quick. Lots of subs on the field at the time but why not give him a shot with the first team?
I am not down on Annexstad at all. He has had some things to work on in his first few games. I thought it was absolutely an awful decision by him when he was under pressure, backing up, feet not set and he still tried to force the ball downfield. Throw it away or take the sack. Make good decisions. Don't try to do too much. He has more upside than downside in my opinion but discussing the good things and bad things is what this forum is all about, right? If we are all going to come online and just say great game, great plays, a great effort it would be great boredom!

 

[Birgs]

Not sure what with all the Liberty talk. Anywho, I would say it was more an Eastern losing effort than an ISU win. I think our arrow is sideways right now, compared to where it was coming out of Madison. I try to be glass-full, but am not all that optimistic for the conference slate. Fortunately, our defense appears stalwart and we have some difference/playmakers on that side that should keep things entertaining. Not thrilled with Annexstad's decision-making, and we're definitely missing Mueller, so I'll give Petersen a reprieve for the time being. I love our line play on both sides and our back seven is beginning to look Frisco-worthy. Should be worth the watch.

 

[DaveBird10]

This team is where many of us thought we would be 2-1 after 3 games and a bye week to hopefully heal up and scout and improve before an important game vs SIU on October 1st.

Defense
- The front seven is impressive. For the the entire 2021 season we had 20 sacks total. Already after 3 games the team has 13 sacks and Zeke Vandenburgh has 5 of those. Zeke is playing outstanding football right now.
- The other guy who continues to impress me is Jude Okolo. I know EIU had problems snapping the ball but I wonder if the center was concerned about blocking Okolo. You just dont forget how to snap after 3 games or whatever. EIU had problems but some might have been caused by our defense.
- The secondary is really improving and that was without Braden Price who has sat out the last few games. Dabney, Lemont and Bowens stepping up really look good with West, Keondre Jackson and Gearhart.
Offense
- Now is the time to step up. I have liked how Annexstad has looked but now he needs to bring it all together for 4 quarters.
- Sobkowicz, Jk Carter, and Carr have stepped up at receiver with Taula and Deming at tight end. So the passing game has continued to improve where you want it to be.
- I like our running backs to the point where I am wondering if defenses are forcing us to pass. Everyone knows the Birds will run the ball and we struggled to pass the last few years. Keep on giving the ball to Wright, White and Brown and the running game will come.

All in all 2-1 after 3 weeks. Nice to have a bye before a big game vs SIU on family weekend.

 

[fourthandshort]

Not sure what with all the Liberty talk. Anywho, I would say it was more an Eastern losing effort than an ISU win. I think our arrow is sideways right now, compared to where it was coming out of Madison. I try to be glass-full, but am not all that optimistic for the conference slate. Fortunately, our defense appears stalwart and we have some difference/playmakers on that side that should keep things entertaining. Not thrilled with Annexstad's decision-making, and we're definitely missing Mueller, so I'll give Petersen a reprieve for the time being. I love our line play on both sides and our back seven is beginning to look Frisco-worthy. Should be worth the watch.

Agree with your general point. But don't you think our defense had something to do with EIU's sloppy offensive performance. They gained 440 yards against NIU. And were somewhat competitive against top 10 TN-Chattanooga .. down just 8 after 3 qtrs, but lost 38-20. Theyhad just 1 fumble and 1 pick against UTC .. but also gave up 6 sacks, and 12 TFLs.

 

[gobirds85]

e i u e i u i n e p t. They looked really bad.

 

[Birgs]

Agree with your general point. But don't you think our defense had something to do with EIU's sloppy offensive performance. They gained 440 yards against NIU. And were somewhat competitive against top 10 TN-Chattanooga .. down just 8 after 3 qtrs, but lost 38-20. Theyhad just 1 fumble and 1 pick against UTC .. but also gave up 6 sacks, and 12 TFLs.

Oh, no doubt. As I referenced, our D is Frisco-relevant. Just, yet again, putting digits on the board seems it will b a concern. One thin I do like is it seems Annexstad is not afraid to tuck it and hit the pylon, which will come in handy on cold/nasty weather games coming down the road.

• 
  unexpected WIN
  
  
  
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  Beat some ass and get some donations.
  
  
  
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  Easy 38-7 type game. Avoid injuries.
  
  
  
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  Sorry, I'm out of red Kool-Aid. Let's be realistic.
  
  
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  Big-time sandwich/pivot game that willl get the Spack-Attackers going. I feel we get upset in a low-scorer, but hope for better.
  
  
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  No chance. They're everything we can and should be.
  
  
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  Lose this one, I'll join the "Fire Spack" talk.

 

[MadBird]

Watched the "tape" yesterday before Bears debacle, and for the most part I feel positive. Optimism after Badgers, not so sure after Valpo, and thinking more positively today. This isn't one of our best teams, but there is talent and room for improvement.

For the most part, Annexstad is just fine, IMHO. Clean up a few things, get used to playing in real games again, he'll be fine.

Our OL play I'm not sure about. Some plays, looks good, some not so much. I will say, one of our TE's stands out to me as a not so good blocker, and he doesn't "set the edge" so good, just my opinion. Some of those runs around the end don't work out so good because defenders aren't on the ground. On the other hand, only one SR in the OL two-deep.

I'm not sold on our D backfield either, yet, the stats look pretty good. More time playing together hopefully will make a stronger unit.

Zeke is one of the best LB's we've had, and we've had some good ones.

Gotta get the kicking game squared away.

Still waiting for some WR's to step out and step ahead. Sobkowicz okay, gotta say he's a welcome newcomer. Guys are doing okay, but seems like we've got more slot receivers than we have slots. TreShawn Watson get hurt?

After watching SIU beat NU Saturday, we've got our work cut out for us. But you never know. Two weeks to prepare.

 

[Dmills]

Watched the "tape" yesterday before Bears debacle, and for the most part I feel positive. Optimism after Badgers, not so sure after Valpo, and thinking more positively today. This isn't one of our best teams, but there is talent and room for improvement.

For the most part, Annexstad is just fine, IMHO. Clean up a few things, get used to playing in real games again, he'll be fine.

Our OL play I'm not sure about. Some plays, looks good, some not so much. I will say, one of our TE's stands out to me as a not so good blocker, and he doesn't "set the edge" so good, just my opinion. Some of those runs around the end don't work out so good because defenders aren't on the ground. On the other hand, only one SR in the OL two-deep.

I'm not sold on our D backfield either, yet, the stats look pretty good. More time playing together hopefully will make a stronger unit.

Zeke is one of the best LB's we've had, and we've had some good ones.

Gotta get the kicking game squared away.

Still waiting for some WR's to step out and step ahead. Sobkowicz okay, gotta say he's a welcome newcomer. Guys are doing okay, but seems like we've got more slot receivers than we have slots. TreShawn Watson get hurt?

After watching SIU beat NU Saturday, we've got our work cut out for us. But you never know. Two weeks to prepare.

I was wondering about Watson as well. Was he in uniform?

 

[MadBird]

I was wondering about Watson as well. Was he in uniform?

Didn't see him on the sideline, and he's not listed in the participation report for either Valpo or EIU - but listed as starting vs. UW.

 

[Total Red]

The Up Close View

 

[fourthandshort]

The Up Close View

Did their QB really throw it to a lineman ? As the primary option ?