Western Michigan hunting expedition

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MadBird

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fourthandshort said:
I honestly have no clue.. that Butler was able to convert on 9 of 18 3rd downs and 1 of 2 4th downs is very concerning to me. Plus just 1 sack and 3 TFLs ... we've got work to do on defense and WMU can put up points in MAC .. a conference we are only slightly better than, putting aside NDSU most years.

Being healthy and an underdog, plus using more of playbook on both offebse and defense will make a difference ... but still to many question marks for our Redbirds.

I can see higher scoring game in 30s even .. and yes, we can win a game like this, but ....
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Maybe, hopefully, you answered your own question - Butler conversions due to "restricted" defensive playbook? At least in part?

I go back to a previous point I tried to make - Butler had eleven drives, and 5 ended on punts, 2 on downs, 3 on interceptions. So, they may have converted 9 3rd downs, but only 1 drive ended up in a score. If my figgerin is right, they got 6 of their first downs on the one TD drive. Take those out of the picture, and they were 3 of 12 on 3rd down conversions? Much better?

Hopefully there are some tricks and stunts that weren't used vs. Butler that come out of the bag for WMU. And Hickox will maybe suit up, that could help some. Bryce has to step it up too, or at least not take a step back.
 
Virginia Redbird

Virginia Redbird

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I don't agree with the author's predicted score but overall I think this is a fair and balanced outlook of the game between WMU and ISU. I think both teams will score. I also think WMU probably has the edge offensively. The Birds had some big plays against Butler which directly impacted that time of possession stat. The Redbirds just scored quickly against Butler. I think they need to control the ball more and keep the WMU offense off the field. The O-line will have to play well to do that, protect Jefferson and open up holes for the RBs. Jefferson could be key to keeping drives alive and the chains moving. If this turns into a scoring fest of big plays I think the Redbirds end up on the short end of that track meet. Interesting analysis I thought. The author gives ISU some decent kudos as a "solid, if unspectacular, FCS squad". Honestly folks, I think that is a 100% accurate description of Redbird Football. A solid program but hardly spectacular. I would say that is probably the best description of the difference between an annual winning program and an annual championship program I have heard. I still think the Redbirds can win this game but if they do lose I think it will be close. I don't look for a 20 point loss on either side.

www.hustlebelt.com

2021 MAC Football Week 2 Game Preview: WMU vs. Illinois State

After a disappointing performance at Michigan in week one, the Broncos return to Kalamazoo with hopes of righting the ship.
www.hustlebelt.com www.hustlebelt.com
 
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redbirdfan04

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fourthandshort said:
I honestly have no clue.. that Butler was able to convert on 9 of 18 3rd downs and 1 of 2 4th downs is very concerning to me. Plus just 1 sack and 3 TFLs ... we've got work to do on defense and WMU can put up points in MAC .. a conference we are only slightly better than, putting aside NDSU most years.

Being healthy and an underdog, plus using more of playbook on both offebse and defense will make a difference ... but still to many question marks for our Redbirds.

I can see higher scoring game in 30s even .. and yes, we can win a game like this, but ....
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Spack had no reason to have his DBs in press covrages. Butler threw a ton of passes for 1-5 yards. We all know the stats in a game like that are flawed. Same for WMU. The stats against Michigan are flawed. I bet they score a few more times and open up the playbook more against us. We were not going to get many sacks against Butler when the QB was throwing ball on step 3 most downs.
 
fourthandshort

fourthandshort

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redbirdfan04 said:
Spack had no reason to have his DBs in press covrages. Butler threw a ton of passes for 1-5 yards. We all know the stats in a game like that are flawed. Same for WMU. The stats against Michigan are flawed. I bet they score a few more times and open up the playbook more against us. We were not going to get many sacks against Butler when the QB was throwing ball on step 3 most downs.
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Good info on 3 step drops related to sacks .. i didnt see the game. But more TFLs against run would have been expected ... any insights there ?
 
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redbirdfan04

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fourthandshort said:
Good info on 3 step drops related to sacks .. i didnt see the game. But more TFLs against run would have been expected ... any insights there ?
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The box score doesn't give the story. Most run plays they were overloading one side of the line. They were getting a few yards on those plays. They tried running jet sweep type plays with little success. They averaged 2.7 per rush. Also a few draw plays when we were playing dime or shell defensive looks.
 
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jbird

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For those whose TV sports packages include the ESPN College Xtra channels, the Redbirds are on Saturday; on my DirecTV subscription, it's scheduled for Channel 788.
 
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redbirdfan04

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jbird said:
For those whose TV sports packages include the ESPN College Xtra channels, the Redbirds are on Saturday; on my DirecTV subscription, it's scheduled for Channel 788.
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You could also just get in your car and drive to the game!
 
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Trey_Guidry4three

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The new ISU President has a gutsy bet with the WMU Pres. The loser of the games dog must wear other schools apparel. Bold, just bold! I'll be at this game and plan to celebrate at the Old Goat Tavern!! Go Birds!
 
Bird Friend

Bird Friend

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Watching on ESPN3. Announcers couldn’t be more apathetic. Boring, lifeless game calling. Would also be nice if they got Jefferson’s name right every now & then.
 
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