EIU weakness GREATLY exaggerated!

[FeliSilvestris]

In other threads it has been alleged that EIU was so bad/weak that it wasn't even worth for NU reserve QB's to try to run a normal offense as some sort of scrimmage....presumably EIU isn't even practice material for NU...and presumably the NU QB's are actually better off practicing against their teammates under controlled conditions.

Yet, the evidence says otherwise. First of course is the game itself. In the first half, when presumably both teams were trying hard and playing their starters, NU was forced into two 3-and-out (one was actually a 4-and-out!), and had to settled for FG's in two other occasions. In the 2H, with many reserves on both sides, NU's O scored only once. Not exactly what one expects when a team is vastly superior.

But what about the actual roster? Who actually plays FB for EIU?

It turns out that among those there are ELEVEN players who transferred from FBS schools, including SIX SEC players, one from the Illini , one from Syracuse, and several from NIU. It is safe to say that many of those could be in the NU roster from the athletic POV (grades are another story). Of course they transferred more likely because of playing time issues, but their Saturday QB STARTED FIFTEEN games for Kentucky (and participated in several others) and their main RB played in 20 games for IL and was projected as a top reserve this year.

What about the other players? Besides a fair share or JUCO transfers, their HS recruits list decent-sounding accomplishments, for example:
- named first team All-State Class 7A by Illinois Football Coaches Association
- named All-State by Illinois Football Coaches Association...team placed second in IHSA Class 5A state championships…
- made first round of the IHSA Class 7A playoffs… named All-Conference Mid-Suburban East…
- made the IHSA Class 8A state championship game… earned All-State honorable mention as a junior… named All-Southwest Suburban Blue Conference
etc

Although many players are from Illinois, most are NOT, including quite a few from deep in SEC country....It seems their nationally recognized recent success (ranked as high as #2 nationally a couple of seasons ago) has indeed helped them recruit nationally.

In all, neither the game itself nor their roster lends credence to the claim that they were super weak and massively overwhelmed by NU...of course a decent P5 team should have more talent and beat comfortably a decent FCS team...but the FCS team can still put up a spirited fight, and should at least serve as a good practice for the P5 reserves.

 

[ColumbusCatFan1]

I believe the 'Cats are playing Duke this week. A discussion of the Blue Devils' perceived strengths/weaknesses would be much more pertinent.

 

[FeliSilvestris]

A discussion of the Blue Devils' perceived strengths/weaknesses would be much more pertinent.

What prevents you from leading such a discussion? Go right ahead (in your own thread).

 

[CoralSpringsCat]

In other threads it has been alleged that EIU was so bad/weak that it wasn't even worth for NU reserve QB's to try to run a normal offense as some sort of scrimmage....presumably EIU isn't even practice material for NU...and presumably the NU QB's are actually better off practicing against their teammates under controlled conditions.

Yet, the evidence says otherwise. First of course is the game itself. In the first half, when presumably both teams were trying hard and playing their starters, NU was forced into two 3-and-out (one was actually a 4-and-out!), and had to settled for FG's in two other occasions. In the 2H, with many reserves on both sides, NU's O scored only once. Not exactly what one expects when a team is vastly superior.

But what about the actual roster? Who actually plays FB for EIU?

It turns out that among those there are ELEVEN players who transferred from FBS schools, including SIX SEC players, one from the Illini , one from Syracuse, and several from NIU. It is safe to say that many of those could be in the NU roster from the athletic POV (grades are another story). Of course they transferred more likely because of playing time issues, but their Saturday QB STARTED FIFTEEN games for Kentucky (and participated in several others) and their main RB played in 20 games for IL and was projected as a top reserve this year.

What about the other players? Besides a fair share or JUCO transfers, their HS recruits list decent-sounding accomplishments, for example:
- named first team All-State Class 7A by Illinois Football Coaches Association
- named All-State by Illinois Football Coaches Association...team placed second in IHSA Class 5A state championships…
- made first round of the IHSA Class 7A playoffs… named All-Conference Mid-Suburban East…
- made the IHSA Class 8A state championship game… earned All-State honorable mention as a junior… named All-Southwest Suburban Blue Conference
etc

Although many players are from Illinois, most are NOT, including quite a few from deep in SEC country....It seems their nationally recognized recent success (ranked as high as #2 nationally a couple of seasons ago) has indeed helped them recruit nationally.

In all, neither the game itself nor their roster lends credence to the claim that they were super weak and massively overwhelmed by NU...of course a decent P5 team should have more talent and beat comfortably a decent FCS team...but the FCS team can still put up a spirited fight, and should at least serve as a good practice for the P5 reserves.

You really are a sicko...please get yourself some help.

 

[shakes3858]

Feli, what are your thoughts about Kim Dameron? Out of 8 conference games, the number of conference wins went 168(KD)5. So before Dameron took over, the Panthers averaged 5 wins per season which he matched. But if you look only at the previous two seasons, Dameron did not match the mark set by Dino Babers.

 

[Alaskawildkat]

Interesting. Thanks for taking the time to put that together.

 

[villox]

Can you provide any observations that could only be provided by someone who actually watched the game? In other words, did you actually watch the game?

 

[Deeringfish]

In other threads it has been alleged that EIU was so bad/weak that it wasn't even worth for NU reserve QB's to try to run a normal offense as some sort of scrimmage....presumably EIU isn't even practice material for NU...and presumably the NU QB's are actually better off practicing against their teammates under controlled conditions.

Yet, the evidence says otherwise. First of course is the game itself. In the first half, when presumably both teams were trying hard and playing their starters, NU was forced into two 3-and-out (one was actually a 4-and-out!), and had to settled for FG's in two other occasions. In the 2H, with many reserves on both sides, NU's O scored only once. Not exactly what one expects when a team is vastly superior.

But what about the actual roster? Who actually plays FB for EIU?

It turns out that among those there are ELEVEN players who transferred from FBS schools, including SIX SEC players, one from the Illini , one from Syracuse, and several from NIU. It is safe to say that many of those could be in the NU roster from the athletic POV (grades are another story). Of course they transferred more likely because of playing time issues, but their Saturday QB STARTED FIFTEEN games for Kentucky (and participated in several others) and their main RB played in 20 games for IL and was projected as a top reserve this year.

What about the other players? Besides a fair share or JUCO transfers, their HS recruits list decent-sounding accomplishments, for example:
- named first team All-State Class 7A by Illinois Football Coaches Association
- named All-State by Illinois Football Coaches Association...team placed second in IHSA Class 5A state championships…
- made first round of the IHSA Class 7A playoffs… named All-Conference Mid-Suburban East…
- made the IHSA Class 8A state championship game… earned All-State honorable mention as a junior… named All-Southwest Suburban Blue Conference
etc

Although many players are from Illinois, most are NOT, including quite a few from deep in SEC country....It seems their nationally recognized recent success (ranked as high as #2 nationally a couple of seasons ago) has indeed helped them recruit nationally.

In all, neither the game itself nor their roster lends credence to the claim that they were super weak and massively overwhelmed by NU...of course a decent P5 team should have more talent and beat comfortably a decent FCS team...but the FCS team can still put up a spirited fight, and should at least serve as a good practice for the P5 reserves.

Good post Feli. There is no reason for us to demean a 41-1 win or Think we are world beaters because of beating a non power five team. It is early in the season and there is little evidence to base even the flawed transitive property to try to determine our talent level. We have played two teams and beaten them both by more than a whisker; that is something, yes?

 

[gocatsgo2003]

In other threads it has been alleged that EIU was so bad/weak that it wasn't even worth for NU reserve QB's to try to run a normal offense as some sort of scrimmage....presumably EIU isn't even practice material for NU...and presumably the NU QB's are actually better off practicing against their teammates under controlled conditions.

Yet, the evidence says otherwise. First of course is the game itself. In the first half, when presumably both teams were trying hard and playing their starters, NU was forced into two 3-and-out (one was actually a 4-and-out!), and had to settled for FG's in two other occasions. In the 2H, with many reserves on both sides, NU's O scored only once. Not exactly what one expects when a team is vastly superior.

But what about the actual roster? Who actually plays FB for EIU?

It turns out that among those there are ELEVEN players who transferred from FBS schools, including SIX SEC players, one from the Illini , one from Syracuse, and several from NIU. It is safe to say that many of those could be in the NU roster from the athletic POV (grades are another story). Of course they transferred more likely because of playing time issues, but their Saturday QB STARTED FIFTEEN games for Kentucky (and participated in several others) and their main RB played in 20 games for IL and was projected as a top reserve this year.

What about the other players? Besides a fair share or JUCO transfers, their HS recruits list decent-sounding accomplishments, for example:
- named first team All-State Class 7A by Illinois Football Coaches Association
- named All-State by Illinois Football Coaches Association...team placed second in IHSA Class 5A state championships…
- made first round of the IHSA Class 7A playoffs… named All-Conference Mid-Suburban East…
- made the IHSA Class 8A state championship game… earned All-State honorable mention as a junior… named All-Southwest Suburban Blue Conference
etc

Although many players are from Illinois, most are NOT, including quite a few from deep in SEC country....It seems their nationally recognized recent success (ranked as high as #2 nationally a couple of seasons ago) has indeed helped them recruit nationally.

In all, neither the game itself nor their roster lends credence to the claim that they were super weak and massively overwhelmed by NU...of course a decent P5 team should have more talent and beat comfortably a decent FCS team...but the FCS team can still put up a spirited fight, and should at least serve as a good practice for the P5 reserves.

Remember when you tried to convince me that you only posted the same rote point in response to people asking about that point?

Troll Status = Confirmed.

 

[FeliSilvestris]

Good post Feli. There is no reason for us to demean a 41-1 win ... We have played two teams and beaten them both by more than a whisker; that is something, yes?

Right! The worse our opponents look, the worse we look, since our accomplishments are diminished....better say we totally dismantled a solid FCS program that came with 11 former FBS players including a former 15-game SEC starter as QB and a 20-game B1G RB, than we beat a team so bad that couldn't even serve us as a glorified scout team....

 

[NJCat83588]

Right! The worse our opponents look, the worse we look, since our accomplishments are diminished....better say we totally dismantled a solid FCS program, with 11 FBS players including a former 15-game SEC starter as QB and a 20-game B1G RB, than we beat a team so bad that couldn't even serve us as a glorified scout team....

No matter how you dress them up, EIU was pretty bad. They have scored all of 5 points in 2 games. If you had seen the game, you would have realized their offense was pathetic. The QB just couldn't throw the ball. It wasn't a contest. Move on to Duke.

 

[shakes3858]

Right! The worse our opponents look, the worse we look, since our accomplishments are diminished....better say we totally dismantled a solid FCS program that came with 11 former FBS players including a former 15-game SEC starter as QB and a 20-game B1G RB, than we beat a team so bad that couldn't even serve us as a glorified scout team....

Yes, let's talk them up!!!! Stanford is full of early risers and morning people! The 4:40 wake up call didn't effect them at all.

 

[hdhntr1]

In other threads it has been alleged that EIU was so bad/weak that it wasn't even worth for NU reserve QB's to try to run a normal offense as some sort of scrimmage....presumably EIU isn't even practice material for NU...and presumably the NU QB's are actually better off practicing against their teammates under controlled conditions.

Yet, the evidence says otherwise. First of course is the game itself. In the first half, when presumably both teams were trying hard and playing their starters, NU was forced into two 3-and-out (one was actually a 4-and-out!), and had to settled for FG's in two other occasions. In the 2H, with many reserves on both sides, NU's O scored only once. Not exactly what one expects when a team is vastly superior.

But what about the actual roster? Who actually plays FB for EIU?

It turns out that among those there are ELEVEN players who transferred from FBS schools, including SIX SEC players, one from the Illini , one from Syracuse, and several from NIU. It is safe to say that many of those could be in the NU roster from the athletic POV (grades are another story). Of course they transferred more likely because of playing time issues, but their Saturday QB STARTED FIFTEEN games for Kentucky (and participated in several others) and their main RB played in 20 games for IL and was projected as a top reserve this year.

What about the other players? Besides a fair share or JUCO transfers, their HS recruits list decent-sounding accomplishments, for example:
- named first team All-State Class 7A by Illinois Football Coaches Association
- named All-State by Illinois Football Coaches Association...team placed second in IHSA Class 5A state championships…
- made first round of the IHSA Class 7A playoffs… named All-Conference Mid-Suburban East…
- made the IHSA Class 8A state championship game… earned All-State honorable mention as a junior… named All-Southwest Suburban Blue Conference
etc

Although many players are from Illinois, most are NOT, including quite a few from deep in SEC country....It seems their nationally recognized recent success (ranked as high as #2 nationally a couple of seasons ago) has indeed helped them recruit nationally.

In all, neither the game itself nor their roster lends credence to the claim that they were super weak and massively overwhelmed by NU...of course a decent P5 team should have more talent and beat comfortably a decent FCS team...but the FCS team can still put up a spirited fight, and should at least serve as a good practice for the P5 reserves.

Probably the biggest source of the weakness claims are because many of the players are undersized by comparison to what we normally face.

 

[FeliSilvestris]

Probably the biggest source of the weakness claims are because many of the players are undersized by comparison to what we normally face.

Do you mean the measurements listed with their roster are greatly exaggerated (more than they normally are)? I ask, because the LISTED figures for height and weight look respectable for the given position (don't know of course about their lean weight). See HERE.

 

[shakes3858]

Do you mean the measurements listed with their roster are greatly exaggerated (more than they normally are)? I ask, because the LISTED figures for height and weight look respectable for the given position (don't know of course about their lean weight). See HERE.

Ok.... I enjoyed your trolling schtick for a day, but I'm now tired of it. Headhunter knows how big the guys on the team are because he was actually at the game. I know because I saw him.

 

[Mr. Stupor]

Oh for crying out loud, FeliSyphilis , please just STFU. You're a joke.

 

[techtim72]

I agree with FeliS. The other guys play ball for a reason and it doesn't pay to be arrogant. NU would have been wise IMO to run a little varied offense with their backups, particularly with Alviti. At the end of the day, Thorson will get hurt this year. Pretty much all quarterbacks get hurt during the season. Practice time for Alviti would have been a good thing.

 

[MRCat95]

I agree with FeliS. The other guys play ball for a reason and it doesn't pay to be arrogant. NU would have been wise IMO to run a little varied offense with their backups, particularly with Alviti. At the end of the day, Thorson will get hurt this year. Pretty much all quarterbacks get hurt during the season. Practice time for Alviti would have been a good thing.

It's a valid or at least a lucid opinion to suggest letting the backup QB throw a few passes could be beneficial. (As previously stated for dozens of reasons already discussed, I respectfully disagree that live reps against this opponent have any meaningful value compared to the benefit of ending the game ASAP without injury.)

However, asserting that EIU is anything but atrocious is not an opinion any rational person can argue.

 

[NJCat83588]

However, asserting that EIU is anything but atrocious is not an opinion any rational person can argue.

No, unless the person asserting it didn't actually watch the game.....

 

[FeliSilvestris]

It's a valid or at least a lucid opinion to suggest letting the backup QB throw a few passes could be beneficial. (As previously stated for dozens of reasons already discussed, I respectfully disagree that live reps against this opponent have any meaningful value...However, asserting that EIU is anything but atrocious is not an opinion any rational person can argue.

You may again be arguing the wrong point. EIU lost 41-0. Obviously they did NOT play well (or were close to it). The argument however is that even against them our backup QB's (especially Alviti, who has played less) would have benefited from running the normal offense for a half of FB.

Their D was weak, but still prevented our starters from reaching the end zone 4 out of 7 times -- including two possessions in which they couldn't even get a single 1D even after four downs --- during the first half, when presumably both teams were trying hard. If they could do this, OBVIOUSLY they are at least good enough to give our 2nd/3rd stringers a good work out. Denying that is simply blindly arguing that our staff can do no wrong, EVER.

Keep also in mind that many of their players are from Illinois or nearby, and probably had friends and family on the stands, which gave them a little extra incentive to try to make things interesting at least against our 2nd/3rd stringers....and for all of them the opportunity to show whatever they can do in front of a B1G crowd in a big city and with some TV coverage is not something they get everyday, which again gave them incentives to try at least not to get overly embarrassed by our reserves.

Bottom line, our staff missed an opportunity to allow our backup QB's (especially Alviti) to run our normal offense for a real half of FB in a real life situation, on TV, in front of a relatively large crowd (compared to practice) and against an opponent that was doubtlessly modest yet competent enough to stop our 1st-stringers from reaching the EZ most times....let us hope our staff won't regret it.

 

[villox]

You may again be arguing the wrong point. EIU lost 41-0. Obviously they did NOT play well (or were close to it). The argument however is that even against them our backup QB's (especially Alviti, who has played less) would have benefited from running the normal offense for a half of FB.

Their D was weak, but still prevented our starters from reaching the end zone 4 out of 7 times -- including two possessions in which they couldn't even get a single 1D even after four downs --- during the first half, when presumably both teams were trying hard. If they could do this, OBVIOUSLY they are at least good enough to give our 2nd/3rd stringers a good work out. Denying that is simply blindly arguing that our staff can do no wrong, EVER.

Keep also in mind that many of their players are from Illinois or nearby, and probably had friends and family on the stands, which gave them a little extra incentive to try to make things interesting at least against our 2nd/3rd stringers....and for all of them the opportunity to show whatever they can do in front of a B1G crowd in a big city and with some TV coverage is not something they get everyday, which again gave them incentives to try at least not to get overly embarrassed by our reserves.

Bottom line, our staff missed an opportunity to allow our backup QB's (especially Alviti) to run our normal offense for a real half of FB in a real life situation, on TV, in front of a relatively large crowd (compared to practice) and against an opponent that was doubtlessly modest yet competent enough to stop our 1st-stringers from reaching the EZ most times....let us hope our staff won't regret it.

I'm convinced that Felis is one of those robot-journalists that writes its analysis entirely based on the Box Score. Because once again he has yet to prove that he's ever seen a single NU game.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/...iated-press-automated-insights_n_6795648.html

 

[gocatsgo2003]

You may again be arguing the wrong point. EIU lost 41-0. Obviously they did NOT play well (or were close to it). The argument however is that even against them our backup QB's (especially Alviti, who has played less) would have benefited from running the normal offense for a half of FB.

Their D was weak, but still prevented our starters from reaching the end zone 4 out of 7 times -- including two possessions in which they couldn't even get a single 1D even after four downs --- during the first half, when presumably both teams were trying hard. If they could do this, OBVIOUSLY they are at least good enough to give our 2nd/3rd stringers a good work out. Denying that is simply blindly arguing that our staff can do no wrong, EVER.

Keep also in mind that many of their players are from Illinois or nearby, and probably had friends and family on the stands, which gave them a little extra incentive to try to make things interesting at least against our 2nd/3rd stringers....and for all of them the opportunity to show whatever they can do in front of a B1G crowd in a big city and with some TV coverage is not something they get everyday, which again gave them incentives to try at least not to get overly embarrassed by our reserves.

Bottom line, our staff missed an opportunity to allow our backup QB's (especially Alviti) to run our normal offense for a real half of FB in a real life situation, on TV, in front of a relatively large crowd (compared to practice) and against an opponent that was doubtlessly modest yet competent enough to stop our 1st-stringers from reaching the EZ most times....let us hope our staff won't regret it.

You either have no idea how football works or are willfully ignoring how football works in an attempt to troll. I'm leaning towards the latter.

 

[MRCat95]

You may again be arguing the wrong point. EIU lost 41-0. Obviously they did NOT play well (or were close to it). The argument however is that even against them our backup QB's (especially Alviti, who has played less) would have benefited from running the normal offense for a half of FB.

Their D was weak, but still prevented our starters from reaching the end zone 4 out of 7 times -- including two possessions in which they couldn't even get a single 1D even after four downs --- during the first half, when presumably both teams were trying hard. If they could do this, OBVIOUSLY they are at least good enough to give our 2nd/3rd stringers a good work out. Denying that is simply blindly arguing that our staff can do no wrong, EVER.

Keep also in mind that many of their players are from Illinois or nearby, and probably had friends and family on the stands, which gave them a little extra incentive to try to make things interesting at least against our 2nd/3rd stringers....and for all of them the opportunity to show whatever they can do in front of a B1G crowd in a big city and with some TV coverage is not something they get everyday, which again gave them incentives to try at least not to get overly embarrassed by our reserves.

Bottom line, our staff missed an opportunity to allow our backup QB's (especially Alviti) to run our normal offense for a real half of FB in a real life situation, on TV, in front of a relatively large crowd (compared to practice) and against an opponent that was doubtlessly modest yet competent enough to stop our 1st-stringers from reaching the EZ most times....let us hope our staff won't regret it.

Your OP was a laughable rant about how EIU was loaded with talent. You can't just change the subject by saying "you're arguing the wrong point." I'm not the one who changed the subject.

By the way, the next stop after transferring from a BCS school to EIU is a glue factory.

 

[FeliSilvestris]

Your OP was a laughable rant about how EIU was loaded with talent. You can't just change the subject by saying "you're arguing the wrong point." I'm not the one who changed the subject....By the way, the next stop after transferring from a BCS school to EIU is a glue factory.

The whole argument started when I claimed in another thread that our staff should have allowed our backups to run the normal offense in the 2H, and you and others started arguing that it'd made no sense to do so b/c EIU was such an immensely weak opponent.

In my OP this thread I have simply pointed out that both their multiple stops of our starters as well as their roster (which has 6 former SEC players -- including starters -- among 11 FBS transfers plus many who list respectably-sounding accolades as HS players) prove that it would have been worthwhile for our 2nd/3rd stringers to play a normal half of football against EIU. Yes this implies that our staff made a mistake. Believe it or not, they are not infallible (or close to it) which is one of the reasons for their rather modest B1G accomplishments as NU coaches.

 

[CatFanEd]

Did not know EIU had that much talent. Could have been a reason for our surge into the top 25 that many of us did not expect. AP and coaches probably know about it. Makes the analysis very relevant in my mind.

 

[FeliSilvestris]

Did not know EIU had that much talent. Could have been a reason for our surge into the top 25 that many of us did not expect. AP and coaches probably know about it. Makes the analysis very relevant in my mind.

I have thought that it was our convincing win over EIU that finally convinced some poll-voters that we were for real (or at least seem to be early on), but I didn't dare post it, afraid that some sort of riot would ensue (or I'd be banned or both).
Anyhow, as I mentioned elsewhere they seem to have some name recognition at the FCS level, as a program which 2 seasons ago finished ranked #4 nationally and held the #2 spot for multiple weeks...this of course must have helped them recruiting out of HS and persuading transfers from P5 programs to join them.... the pro's may well know such things (and/or the poll organizers may provide them with relevant info to help them make a more informed decision, which ultimately increases the reliability of the early rankings).

One thing that people often forget is that the number of FBS programs is really small. For example, a populous and talent-rich state like IL only has 3 such programs (NU being more a national program), IA has 2, and WI and MN only one each...that's only 7 for all the people living in the mentioned states. Obviously one can be a pretty good FB player and still fail to find a spot on an FBS team, which works in favor of the better FCS programs like EIU.

Still, there should be a big talent gap between a good FCS program and a P5 program, but it isn't an insurmountable one...which is why occasionally an FCS team does manage to beat a P5 opponent...as it almost happened a few days ago.

 

[MRCat95]

The whole argument started when I claimed in another thread that our staff should have allowed our backups to run the normal offense in the 2H, and you and others started arguing that it'd made no sense to do so b/c EIU was such an immensely weak opponent.

In my OP this thread I have simply pointed out that both their multiple stops of our starters as well as their roster (which has 6 former SEC players -- including starters -- among 11 FBS transfers plus many who list respectably-sounding accolades as HS players) prove that it would have been worthwhile for our 2nd/3rd stringers to play a normal half of football against EIU. Yes this implies that our staff made a mistake. Believe it or not, they are not infallible (or close to it) which is one of the reasons for their rather modest B1G accomplishments as NU coaches.

Argument 1: As I previously stated, it's fine to argue that the backups should have run the normal offense (whatever that means) in the 2nd half.

Argument 2: However, it is not fine to argue that EIU is a good or even decent football team.

These are two very different arguments. Argument #1 is debatable. Argument #2 is not.

Thus, your logical position should be, "NU should have run its normal offense in the 2nd half despite EIU being a poor team because reps are reps and have value even against a lessor opponent."

As for EIU's 11 FBS transfers and 6 former SEC players, ask yourself this question. What FBS (and/or BCS) player is likely to transfer to a FCS program like Eastern Illinois? The correct answer is an FBS player that isn't good enough to see playing time at the FBS level.

By the way, NU has 85 FBS/BCS players (many of which are very good FBS/BCS players). Eastern Illinois has 11 former FBS players that transferred away from programs because they weren't good FBS players. Please explain how you think that is a competitive situation.

By the way, I argue we did run our normal offense in the second half. In the event we could run the ball against Stanford, Minnesota, Michigan, etc. on first and second down like we did against EIU in the second half, we would not and should not throw the ball against those teams either.

 

[FeliSilvestris]

Argument 1: As I previously stated, it's fine to argue that the backups should have run the normal offense (whatever that means) in the 2nd half.
Argument 2: However, it is not fine to argue that EIU is a good or even decent football team.

I am not making argument 2. My argument is that they were good ENOUGH for our 2nd/3rd stringers to practice their normal playbook on them, and gain valuable experience doing it.
How good they turn out to be this season is to be determined. It of course depends on the definition: good within their conference, good within their level (FCS) or good in absolute terms. More than likely they will not satisfy the last definition, but potentially could satisfy one or both of the other 2. Last season they finished 5-3 tied for 3rd (among 9 teams) in their conference, with the 2 teams ahead of them ranked nationally #9 and #21...I suppose they were good, but only in relative terms.

 

[MRCat95]

I am not making argument 2. My argument is that they were good ENOUGH for our 2nd/3rd stringers to practice their normal playbook on them, and gain valuable experience doing it.

That's good to hear because your OP was making comparisons between EIU and SEC/BCS teams... Yikes!

In all, neither the game itself nor their roster lends credence to the claim that they were super weak and massively overwhelmed by NU...of course a decent P5 team should have more talent and beat comfortably a decent FCS team...but the FCS team can still put up a spirited fight, and should at least serve as a good practice for the P5 reserves.

My four year son puts up a "spirited fight" every time we play basketball together. That doesn't mean I gain valuable experience making me a better basketball player when we face off against each other. It actually might be detrimental experience seeing how I have to reach DOWN to block his shots.

I'm done on this thread unless you answer the following question. Did you watch this game?

 

[shakes3858]

It actually might be detrimental experience seeing how I have to reach DOWN to block his shots.

You block your 4 year old son's shots? I could see putting a handing in his face while he's shooting. That's good practice for him. But you actually swat his shots away?

 

[lou v]

You block your 4 year old son's shots? I could see putting a handing in his face while he's shooting. That's good practice for him. But you actually swat his shots away?

Then he gives him the Dikembe Mutombo finger wag and dunks it in his face (on the 6-foot rim).

 

[MRCat95]

You block your 4 year old son's shots? I could see putting a handing in his face while he's shooting. That's good practice for him. But you actually swat his shots away?

I swat them into the cheap seats! It's a cruel and competitive world. I make him earn it!

Actually, I usually let him get the shots off and only swat them when he gets sloppy. He's already almost 4 feet tall, so I suspect he'll be blocking my shots soon.

 

[FeliSilvestris]

That's good to hear because your OP was making comparisons between EIU and SEC/BCS teams... Yikes!

Well, they do have in their roster 11 FBS transfers, including 6 SEC players one of which started 15 games as a QB for an SEC school, and another was a promising Illini RB....that is just the way it is, which does NOT mean they are good enough to dominate any FBS conference if given the chance....Now, keeping the starters of a B1G team out of the end zone most times they tried that is something of which they have already proven to be capable...no doubts about it.

My four year son puts up a "spirited fight" every time we play basketball together. That doesn't mean I gain valuable experience making me a better basketball player when we face off against each other.

Does he also keep you from dunking most times???
Has he held you to a single basket for 30 minutes??
If yes, imagine what he'd do once he is, say, 5' tall...you must be a proud father!!

 

[MRCat95]

I'm done on this thread unless Felis answers the following question. Did you watch this game?

Bump.

 

[NJCat83588]

Bump.

You asked an obviously rhetorical question........