The Bobcat Nation

Anyone else have butterflies for this game yet? Man, I am somewhat worried, but also very excited for the game. It should be a definate playoff type atmosphere this week. Again, WE NEED EVERYONE ... EVERYONE up at this game this week so we can get the 12th man going.

Injuries aside, I think we can take EW if we play our game and can get at least a little running game going. I also expect something 'weird' in our offense this week. OPTION? Maybe? TRICK PLAYS? Maybe? And definately probably a fake punt or so I bet. I just have a feeling that we try and do some different things than what we have shown the last 4-5 games on the game film.

Speaking of running game, I just saw where we rank 103 in rushing yards per game in all of 1AA. There can't be many more than 110 1AA teams!!??!!

Apparently, Kramer is going to work on the running game in practice this week. Maybe we will see a new RB in the lineup?

It wouldn't surprise me at all if COOP took some snaps at RB this week He was a very good RB in high school. I just have a feeling something shakes out in our running game/trick plays this week.

No, I think it will be someone off from the bench, possibly a freshmen.

Robcat wrote:No, I think it will be someone off from the bench, possibly a freshmen.

Freshman? Do we have a frosh on the bench at RB? Please dont tell me you mean Jimmy Beal

What do you know Robcat? Let us in on your secrets.

Could it be Evin Groves???

I do not believe you will see Beals face on the feild this weekend, unless he is the only player left. Take it to the bank.

Yeah, that would and certainly be the death of the Bobcats. I am sure he is a nice guy, however, no is not the time to have the bumbler out on the field.

HelenaCat95 wrote:Could it be Evin Groves???

Who?

Evin Groves
Freshman RB out of Calif
5'11" 180....late signee. That's all I know.

Anyone else, chime in with a scouting report on him.

I was jsut about to post that info myself as I found it on the athletics website. Must have been a late signee as I have no clue as to who he is. Not a write up or anything on him.

Robcat, I have a hunch you know something about this kid.

Robcat wrote:Apparently, Kramer is going to work on the running game in practice this week. Maybe we will see a new RB in the lineup?

Here's a plan. Since Lulay is already pretty much carrying the team anyway, why not keep JD back there, and on all running plays where JD's supposed to get the ball, Travis can just hold it and run behind JD? I can see it now. Lulay passes for 300 yards, and runs for 200 more.

Actually, I still have faith in JD. maybe he'll surprise us on Sat...

CARDIAC_CATS wrote:Anyone else have butterflies for this game yet? Man, I am somewhat worried, but also very excited for the game. It should be a definate playoff type atmosphere this week. Again, WE NEED EVERYONE ... EVERYONE up at this game this week so we can get the 12th man going.

Injuries aside, I think we can take EW if we play our game and can get at least a little running game going. I also expect something 'weird' in our offense this week. OPTION? Maybe? TRICK PLAYS? Maybe? And definately probably a fake punt or so I bet. I just have a feeling that we try and do some different things than what we have shown the last 4-5 games on the game film.

Won't you have a sell out this weekend??

Cat Pride wrote:I was jsut about to post that info myself as I found it on the athletics website. Must have been a late signee as I have no clue as to who he is. Not a write up or anything on him.

Robcat, I have a hunch you know something about this kid.

I met him at the Sneaker Ball. He was checking coats. He has a lot of confidence. He can hardly wait to carry the ball at MSU. Nice kid. #28

Jonathon Mollock was at Cat Chat a few weeks ago and Kramer made the comment that (despite being a defensive standout) he was the best running back on the team - bar none.... hmmm

Being as how well JD picks up blitz, and how big he is, maybe next year Kramer will utilize him as a FB in a 2-back set with a speedier tailback behind him.

I know Kramer uses 1-back sets only for the most part, but I think JD would be a helluva fullback.

Catatac wrote:

Actually, I still have faith in JD. maybe he'll surprise us on Sat...

I hope you are right Catatac but I have no faith left in JD. Not only has he not shown that breakout game we hoped he had, but the fumbling issue is my biggest concern. He has been averaging a fumble about every 5 carries I would guess. Also, the O-line isn't in their peak run block performance right now which doesn't help his cause at all. Nope, if we have a chance at all Saturday it will again have to come from Travis' game (running and throwing) and a much better effort from the defense. A few big plays wouldn't hurt either like a punt/kickoff return, INT return, etc. Can anyone even remember a big punt/kickoff return that we didn't have called back?

A fumble every 5 carries is a bit of an exaggeration, but I see your point:

JD has 147 carries for 555 yards on the year, for an avg per carry of 3.77 yds. per my research. He’s fumbled 8 times (and we’ve lost 4 of those). That means he fumbles on every 18th carry. Anyone know the frequency of fumbles for the average running back? As others have stated, I like the guy and this ratio would probably be tolerable if he was putting up 100 yd games on a regular basis, but he’s only averaging 69 yards a game. I'm guessing a change is in order. Just trying to pass the time until SATURDAY!!!

As a side note, to me this game sort of feels like last year when we went to Weber State. They were doing well, and we were all banged up at O-Line and we really needed the win. Kramer did some tricky things (TD Pass to Nick Barbero) and we kept them off balance and we won 26 to 3 or something like that. Obviously I'm not comparing Weber to the quality team that is Eastern this year, but it feels like we're going to see some funky things on Saturday. I'm guessing Kramer feels like he can out-coach his ex-pupils.

Great research Catatac. I didn't want to take the time but every time he touches the ball I am worried about a fumble (as is he I would guess - which is part of the problem). I think it has been worse the past few games which doesn't help his cause either.

I agree completely about the likelihood of trickery this week. Fake punts by Travis (we haven't run too many of them this year), personnel changes, etc. may come out. Should be a great game no matter the outcome.