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Topic: Official Game 9 Thread: Western Michigan

Topic: Official Game 9 Thread: Western Michigan

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Ted Thompson
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Official Game 9 Thread: Western Michigan

Posted: 10/19/2014 8:37:29 PM

Use this thread to talk about anything game-related. For away games, we'll have a separate travel thread.

Date: October 25th, 2014 2:00 PM

Opponent: Western Michigan (4-3, 2-1 MAC)

Site: Waldo Stadium

TV: None

Radio: Ohio Radio

Webcast: ESPN3

Ohio Game Notes

WMU Game Notes

Western Michigan statistics, roster and media guide.

Western Michigan Fan Site: BroncoBlitz.com (Rivals) Bronco Stampede (MAC BBS)

Ohio Injury List (status is my interpretation based upon media reports):

OL Jared McCray - Left Akron game with knee injury

LB Blair Brown - Probable (concussion)

WR Brendan Cope - Probable

S Corey Quallen - Questionable (toe)

S Nathan Carpenter - Questionable (groin)

WR Herman Brunis - Probable

S Devin Jones - Out (knee)

OL Nick Gibbons - Out

QB Derrius Vick - Questionable (knee)

RB Papi White - Out (knee)
TE Brennan Boland - Questionable
LB Ben Russell - Out for season (shoulder)
OL Seth Everhart - Out (appendicitis)
OL Durrell Wood - Out for season (shoulder)
DT Tony Stephens - Out for season (knee)

Follow Ohio Football recruiting on the BobcatAttack.com football recruiting database.

DesertDog
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RE: Official Game 9 Thread: Western Michigan

Posted: 10/19/2014 9:40:56 PM

I do some see positive things in Sprague. The play he made on 3rd down to keep the drive alive in the first drive of the game showed athleticism and poise. He will need to keep playing better.

The Bobcats were close to making big plays against Akron, such as the interceptions they narrowly missed. They will have to make those plays this week. And find a way to get to the quarterback more.

I would really like to see them run more play action off the zone read action, especially on first down. That play is becoming too predictable...Ohio doesnt have the dominant line to get away with that much predictability.

Let's hope those listed as questionable heal up and the Bobcats play a great game on Saturday.

Since LC nearly predicted the exact score last week, I look forward to his prediction!

OhioCatFan
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RE: Official Game 9 Thread: Western Michigan

Posted: 10/19/2014 11:13:17 PM

I believe Cope will be OK for WMU. It's been reported that he was really ready to play against UA, but was kept out as a precaution.

The only BLSS Certified Hypocrite on BA

"It is better to be an optimist and be proven a fool than to be a pessimist and be proven right."

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L.C.
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RE: Official Game 9 Thread: Western Michigan

Posted: 10/19/2014 11:18:41 PM

DesertDog wrote:

...Since LC nearly predicted the exact score last week, I look forward to his prediction!

It will be a few days. I don't have a handle on WMU yet, other than that they are young, but improving. I know this - it won't be an easy game. I see this as the hardest remaining game. Ohio is a 9.5 point underdog, and that's probably about right.

In any case, Ohio9704's guess was even close than mine. I was at 19-16, he was at 23-21.

WMU's average age of players is very comparable to Ohio on their first string, and their backups are actually slightly younger than Ohio's. As starters, WMU lists 3 true freshmen, playing RB, FB, and WLB, and on second string they have another 7 true freshmen, at LG, RG, RT, and TE on offense, plus DE, DT, and FS on defense.

While it will be nice to not be facing a lineup of all Juniors/Seniors such as Akron and CMU had, keep in mind that WMU's recruiting class last year was off the charts for a MAC class; they had a class that many P5 schools would have been happy with.

With all this youth, like Ohio, WMU has improved a lot from the beginning of the year. In Fleck's first year, he took a top half of the MAC program (under Cubit), and turned it into a cellar dweller, trying a lot of radical things. This year I haven't heard about any crazy stuff, so he seems to have returned to fundamentals, and has WMU again positioned as a top-half of the MAC team.

Last Edited: 10/20/2014 2:42:43 PM by L.C.

�We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.� ― Epictetus

L.C.
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RE: Official Game 9 Thread: Western Michigan

Posted: 10/20/2014 2:22:59 PM

There are a couple other Bobcats that perhaps should be on the injury report. I note that Nic Gibbons, who entered the season still recovering from a serious injury from Spring Practice, started against Idaho, but hasn't played since, and is no longer listed on the depth chart. I presume the conclusion was that he wasn't ready to go yet.

I also noticed that the #2 TE, Mason Morgan did not play against Akron. Devin Saunders, a fifth year Senior walkon, started in his place when they opened against Akron in a two TE set, and Davon Henry also played. Morgan missed the Kent and Idaho games as well, so he may have some nagging injury, but hopefully will be back soon.

�We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.� ― Epictetus

OUs LONG Driver
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RE: Official Game 9 Thread: Western Michigan

Posted: 10/20/2014 3:08:30 PM

I believe Seth Everhart (shoulder surgery not the appendectomy) and Devin Jones were both recently noted as out for the year. Vick and White are more likely Questionable as they are both practicing now. Cope will play this week. Purdum played against Akron so should probably be removed from the list.

L.C.
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RE: Official Game 9 Thread: Western Michigan

Posted: 10/20/2014 3:33:49 PM

OUs LONG Driver wrote:

...Purdum played against Akron so should probably be removed from the list.

Purdum had 3 tackles against Akron. Ingol also played, and had 4 tackles, so he also hopefully doesn't belong on the list. Brunis was listed on the game participation report, but I don't recall seeing him, and he had no stats, so it could have been an error.

Last Edited: 10/20/2014 3:36:39 PM by L.C.

�We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.� ― Epictetus

Lande71
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RE: Official Game 9 Thread: Western Michigan

Posted: 10/20/2014 3:52:08 PM

Brunis was in full pads but I don't remember him getting in the game. He did grab his helmet and run to the offensive huddle during to's. White is one that I didn't see on the sidelines period. Could have missed him!

Bobcat Grad 86
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RE: Official Game 9 Thread: Western Michigan

Posted: 10/20/2014 4:47:43 PM

L.C. wrote:

I wonder if they might consider moving Spring Practice up another week or two with the IFP to allow some who are injured to have some extra time healing prior to reporting to fall camp?

ytownbobcat
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RE: Official Game 9 Thread: Western Michigan

Posted: 10/20/2014 4:52:49 PM

Blair Brown returns this week too.

oldkatz
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RE: Official Game 9 Thread: Western Michigan

Posted: 10/20/2014 4:57:10 PM

Brunis played a few times in the fourth quarter. He wasn't targeted for a pass, though.

"All my inside sources tell me I have no inside sources." Salvatore "money bucks" Mafiosiano.

L.C.
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RE: Official Game 9 Thread: Western Michigan

Posted: 10/20/2014 5:32:43 PM

So, we should have Cope, Purdum, Brunis, Blair Brown, and Ingol all back this week? That would certainly help, and make the injury list the shortest in quite some time.

As a tidbit of information, I note that the leading receiver for WMU in terms of yardage is Corey Davis, the younger brother of Titus Davis, who played for CMU.

�We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.� ― Epictetus

L.C.
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RE: Official Game 9 Thread: Western Michigan

Posted: 10/20/2014 6:20:16 PM

Continuing the comparison between Ohio and WMU, they have two common opponents so far this year, BG and Idaho. Interestingly the stats are fairly similar, with a couple exceptions. The one big difference is that in each those games WMU won the turnover battle 2-0, while Ohio won the turnover battle against Idaho, but lost it (and the game) to BG, 2-1.

The other big difference is in play selection. In the two games, Ohio ran 53% runs, while WMU used 71% runs. Like CMU, WMU lines up with a fullback, and favors the run. Presumably a lot of the passes are play action passes.

WMU has a very good rushing attack. They are averaging 5.2 yards/attempt, second only to NIU, and significantly above CMU, which averages only 3.9 yards, also using a fullback. Ohio averages 4.2 yards/rush. WMU also has 17 rushing TDs, nearly twice the 9 that Ohio has.

Ohio can win this game, but to do so they need to do two things. First, they need to stop WMU's running game. Second, they need to win the battle of turnovers. If they can do both, they can win. If they fail at either, they probably lose. Ohio has been improving a lot in both categories, so they have a shot.

Last Edited: 10/20/2014 9:53:18 PM by L.C.

�We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.� ― Epictetus

Ted Thompson
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RE: Official Game 9 Thread: Western Michigan

Posted: 10/20/2014 9:06:59 PM

L.C. wrote:

Continuing the comparison between Ohio and WMU, they have two common opponents so far this year, BG and Idaho. Interestingly the stats are fairly similar, with a couple exceptions. The one big difference is that in each those games WMU won the turnover battle 2-0, while in both games Ohio lost the turnover battle, 3-1 to Idaho, and 2-1 to BG.

The other big difference is in play selection. In the two games, Ohio ran 53% runs, while WMU 71% runs. Like CMU, WMU lines up with a fullback, and favors the run. Presumably a lot of the passes are play action passes.

WMU has a very good rushing attack. They are averaging 5.2 yards/attempt, second only to NIU, and significantly above CMU, which averages only 3.9 yards, also using a fullback. Ohio averages 4.2 yards/rush. WMU also has 17 rushing TDs, nearly twice the 9 that Ohio has.

Ohio can win this game, but to do so they need to do two things. First, they need to stop WMU's running game. Second, they need to win the battle of turnovers. If they can do both, they can win. If they fail at either, they probably lose. Ohio has been improving a lot in both categories, so they have a shot.

Ohio won the tunrover battle vs. Idaho. Poling had 3 INTs.

Follow Ohio Football recruiting on the BobcatAttack.com football recruiting database.

L.C.
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RE: Official Game 9 Thread: Western Michigan

Posted: 10/20/2014 9:51:51 PM

Oops, sorry, reversed that. Thanks, Ted. I went back and fixed it.

Last Edited: 10/20/2014 9:53:35 PM by L.C.

�We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.� ― Epictetus

Bcat2
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RE: Official Game 9 Thread: Western Michigan

Posted: 10/21/2014 7:27:29 AM

L.C. wrote:

Nic Gibbons shows up again on the WMU depth chart. :-)

"Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men." JFK

Bobcat1998
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RE: Official Game 9 Thread: Western Michigan

Posted: 10/21/2014 10:34:17 AM

I know it's a longshot but we can compete with the teams we are finishing with. I would be disappointed to lose to Fiami or Buffalo. I think Northern and Western can go either way. It all comes down to toughness. Will Bass get owned? Will Basham show up? Will A.J. make plays and J.D. enough plays to keep us alive? We are a team no one wants to play right now. I just hope we can go 3-1 at least to finish this thing out.

Deciduous Forest Cat
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RE: Official Game 9 Thread: Western Michigan

Posted: 10/21/2014 10:58:34 AM

We have four left and I think Buffalo is probably our best shot at a win. Despite the joy of pulling off the upset against Akron on Saturday, I still think there's a strong possibility we lose out. Akron's situation played right into our hands breaking in a new, inaccurate QB and not having a running game to speak of (i.e. on that particular day, they were the only team in the conference with a worse offense than Ohio). WMU, NIU and Miami all have offenses that we simply can't keep up with. Should be interesting. I hope we grab one of those other three to at least finish 6-6.

Anyone else kinda glad we don't have to deal with UMass's offense this season?

OhioCatFan
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RE: Official Game 9 Thread: Western Michigan

Posted: 10/21/2014 11:48:13 AM

WMU relies heavily on the ground game; our defense against the run is our strong suit. I think that's a plus for us. Our young guys are improving each game. That's another plus. L.C. reported that this may be the healthiest (fewest out with injuries) of any game thus far. Another plus. Frank is a good coach, Fleck is a flack. One more plus. Our team gained confidence after last week's victory. An important plus in an emotional game. So, I think this far from an impossible task. Go OHIO!

Deciduous Forest Cat
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RE: Official Game 9 Thread: Western Michigan

Posted: 10/21/2014 12:02:18 PM

OhioCatFan wrote:

Make fun of PJ Fleck all you want (seriously, you should), but his recruiting has been bananas, and he has already quadrupled his win total from year 1 to year 2. Oh, he also just totally shut down the defending MAC champ, and the team that embarrassed us on homecoming 10 days ago.

No, this weekend is not an impossible task, but it's hardly a pick 'em. WMU is a double-digit favorite for a reason. On top of that, our history in their building stinks to high heaven. I look for a *fairly* competitive game, but I believe it will take a +3 in turnovers or a couple special teams/defense scores to win. I predict that we will pretty much be out of it when the 4th quarter hits.

Last Edited: 10/21/2014 12:04:54 PM by Deciduous Forest Cat

GoCats105
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RE: Official Game 9 Thread: Western Michigan

Posted: 10/21/2014 12:32:36 PM

Deciduous Forest Cat wrote:

OhioCatFan wrote:

Well put DFC. WMU is a possible dark horse to win this darn thing. Who would be a Flecking Flack then?

Edit note: they've got seven 3-star commits according to their Rivals page. And they are spread out across the roster from LB, OL and DB to RB and ATH. Fleck must be doing something right.

Last Edited: 10/21/2014 12:36:01 PM by GoCats105

OhioBobcat
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RE: Official Game 9 Thread: Western Michigan

Posted: 10/21/2014 1:21:35 PM

I see us hanging around for four quarters and pulling it out again at the end on another late kick just as we've done in our other two MAC wins.

OU 24
WMU 23

Paul Graham
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RE: Official Game 9 Thread: Western Michigan

Posted: 10/21/2014 1:30:57 PM

GoCats105 wrote:

Edit note: they've got seven 3-star commits according to their Rivals page. And they are spread out across the roster from LB, OL and DB to RB and ATH. Fleck must be doing something right.

It'll be interesting to follow Fleck and Co. for the next few years to see how all this shakes out. Can just a few years of great recruiting move you to the front of the pack in the MAC? Hopefully Fleck sticks around long enough to find out.

L.C.
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RE: Official Game 9 Thread: Western Michigan

Posted: 10/21/2014 2:20:03 PM

Deciduous Forest Cat wrote:

OhioCatFan wrote:

... Fleck is a flack....

Make fun of PJ Fleck all you want (seriously, you should), but his recruiting has been bananas, and he has already quadrupled his win total from year 1 to year 2. ....

In his defense, he was busy being a flake last year, but I haven't heard of anything flakey this year. He seems to have buckled down and focused on coaching. On the other hand, it's not fair to compare his win total this year to last year, because it's entirely too low of a target. Under Cubit WMU was typically 3rd behind Toledo and NIU, and he won 6 in 2010, 7 in 2011, and 4 in 2012. If Fleck only gets to 5-6 wins this year, he will have just gotten back to the level Cubit was. Like Ohio, though, he has a young team, and they will be a force in the MAC for the next several years.

GoCats105 wrote:

Edit note: they've got seven 3-star commits according to their Rivals page. And they are spread out across the roster from LB, OL and DB to RB and ATH. Fleck must be doing something right.

Fleck is a salesman, there is no doubt about it. Still, seven 3-star players out of 25 recruits is good, and they will probably be the top class in the MAC again this year, but it is not off-the-charts good, like his class last year, when he had fourteen 3-star recruits.

One question, though: Does WMU take partial qualifiers? I thought I read that some of those fourteen 3-star players from last year did not qualify academically, but were enrolled and sitting this year out. Clearly if you are willing to take partial qualifiers, it's a recruiting advantage because you can go after the 3-4 star players that the P5 won't/can't touch because of academics. Marshall is another school that takes partial qualifiers, and they have used that method to collect some impressive talent for a G-5 team.

By contrast, Ohio does not take partial qualifiers; they route them to JUCO, and in a few cases they return, but in most cases they do not. That's fine with me. I think Ohio should not compromise on academics, and I like seeing players who excel as academics as well as on the field, even if it means a few less wins.

Paul Graham wrote:

If his team does rise to the top of the MAC, a P5 job will be ready for him very quickly, probably no later than next year. A salesman that can recruit that much better talent than his conference peers will always be in demand.

�We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.� ― Epictetus

OhioCatFan
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RE: Official Game 9 Thread: Western Michigan

Posted: 10/21/2014 3:44:08 PM

A point of clarification: I meant to say that Fleck was a "flake" not a "flack." It was, perhaps, a Freudian slip (original meaning of that term). I will concede that he's a good recruiter, but I'm not really sold on his coaching abilities. Of course, good recruiting can cover a multitude of coaching sins.

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