• Hi Guest, want to participate in the discussions, keep track of read/unread posts access private forums and more? Create your free account and increase the benefits of your eGriz.com experience today!

Eastern Washington Eagles scouting report

BWahlberg

BWahlberg

Well-known member
DONOR
It’s time for conference play to get started and the Grizzlies are hitting the road with the hope to do something they’ve never done – win on the red turf of EWU. Since the Eagles went to the red field the Griz have had their share of heartbreaking losses there, could this be their year to finally end that streak?

EWU’s not having the start to the season they hoped for, but conference play gives everyone renewed life. Their offense last season was one of the better passing offenses in the conference, and they’re returning 8 starters from that team. Their defense returns 8 starters as well and they’ve got a new DC running the show there.

Eastern Washington Eagles

42-27 win vs Monmouth: In their home opener, EWU piled up the yards, 265 rushing, almost 290 passing. The game was tied at 14-14 early but EWU would pull away and then just hold a comfy lead through the game. Monmouth did pass for 390 yards in the game, they did lose 1 pick as well. EWU also had 37:18 of TOP. Kind of the wild thing though, Monmouth this last weekend beat FBS Florida International 45-42.

32-35 loss vs Drake: Drake is the conference favorite in the Pioneer (same conf as Morehead), this was a wild game. There were 7 lead changes into the 4th quarter when Drake would hit a field goal with 4:29 left in the game to tie it at 29-29. EWU gets the ball and goes to the Drake 31, but loses a fumble. Drake, with the ball, gets to EWU’s 36 but with 1:12 left they miss a field goal. EWU then gets to midfield… but… turns it over on downs! Drake with a chance to win in regulation has 4 bungled plays and the game goes to OT. EWU starts with the ball and goes backwards, but makes a long field goal. Drake within 4 plays finds paydirt for a TD and it’s game over. Drake almost had 400 passing in the game, while EWU was far more balanced, 206 rushing / 179 passing. Lots of penalty yards in this game, EWU had 115 .

24-28 loss vs SE Louisiana: Lots of points and activity in the first half – both teams scored 21 points. In the 2nd half though EWU would only add 3 points, while SELA would score the go-ahead TD just as the 4th quarter started. The game really slowed down, EWU had just 4 possessions in the 2nd half, 2 of which ended in turnovers on downs. SELA would hold the ball for 34:00 of TOP and ran for 253 in the game, effectively playing keep away.

16-49 loss @ Nevada: The fighting Jeff Choates took a 21-3 lead at the half, added 14 unanswered in the 3rd quarter, and cruised to a win. EWU would give up over 500 total yards of offense, 320 rushing allowed, and 214 passing allowed. UNR had the ball for nearly 34:00 of TOP and went 10 for 13 on 3rd down.

-------------
General Stats



Passing yards per game EWU (177 for GRIZ vs 221 for EWU)

Rushing yards per game GRIZ (272 for GRIZ vs 183 for EWU)

Total offense GRIZ (449 for GRIZ vs 404 for EWU)

Passing yards allowed per game GRIZ (197 for GRIZ vs 271 for EWU)

Rushing yards allowed per game GRIZ (108 for GRIZ vs 172 for EWU)

Total defense GRIZ (305 for GRIZ vs 443 for EWU)

Just like the WCU stat breaks went, Griz pick up 5, EWU gets 1.


Offense points scored GRIZ (39.5 for GRIZ vs 28.5 for EWU)

Defense points allowed GRIZ (22 for GRIZ vs 34.75 for EWU)

Turnover margin GRIZ (+1 for GRIZ / +/- 0 for EWU)

Field goal % EWU (67% for GRIZ vs 100% for EWU)

Punt Returns GRIZ (8.25 yards for GRIZ vs 4.3 yards for EWU)

Kick Returns PUSH (22.9 yards for GRIZ vs 22.9 yards for EWU)

T.O.P. EWU (28:38 for GRIZ vs 30:42 for EWU)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns) GRIZ (58% GRIZ / 93% EWU)

Red Zone offense (touchdowns) EWU (62% GRIZ / 75% EWU)

3rd down offense EWU – (38% for GRIZ / 44.2% for EWU)

3rd down defense GRIZ – (35.2% allowed for GRIZ vs 54% allowed for EWU)


Griz get 6 here, of all the stats we have a push on kickoff returns, and EWU adds 4. That puts the totals at Griz 11 – EWU 5 – Push 1.

--------------------
EWU Players to Watch:


#7 Efton Chism III, WR – Chism has been at EWU for quite some time it seems. He’s one of the very best WRs in the FCS. This year he is their predominant workhorse in the passing game. He leads the team in yards with 406 (2nd highest guy has 137), he’s got 4 receiving TDs, and 25 more catches this year than the next targeted WR. Chism doesn’t appear to be returning kicks this year but is returning punts, but just 13 yards on 3 returns.

#0 Kekoa Visperas, QB – An elusive QB that can run and throw, he’s 811 passing / 82 rushing, 6 passing TDs, and no interceptions this year. Last year he passed for 275 yards per game, had 19 TDs and 10 INTs, as well as 203 rushing yards and 2 rushing TDs.

#5 Tuna Altahir, RB – EWU uses a lot of running backs, Tuna has been listed as the starter, he’s 6 feet tall, 217 pounds. He has 232 rushing yards and 1 rushing TD as well as 3 catches for 18 yards. But also look for #26 Malik Dotson who as 194 rushing, 3 rushing TDs, and 81 receiving yards on 7 catches.

#18 Darek Ganter Jr, S – Ganter is leading the team in tackles with 29 tackles, most solo tackles, he’s got 0.5 TFLs and a pass breakup.

#4 Brock Harrison, DE – A 6-2, 250 pound DE he’s got the team lead in TFLs with 2.5. He’s got 1 sack as well.

#23 Ahmani Williams, LB – At 6-1, 221 he’s got 1.5 sacks, 2 pass breakups, and 2 QB hits. He has 17 total tackles this season.

-------------------------------

Keys to a Grizzly victory

  1. The Grizzly ground game has to get going early and often. With question marks at who might be our starting QB this team needs to lean on its strength of running the damn ball. I think Gillman and Ostmo need to both have big nights, slow the game down, keep that dangerous EWU offense off the field.
  2. Keep tracks on the EWU QB. We will potentially see #6 Wortham (101 rushing / 2 TDs / 2 passing TDs) or possibly #15 Taylor (139 rushing / 1 TD) take direct snaps with #0 on the field as well. EWU’s running some wildcat / direct snap stuff to these guys and they run the ball well, but also throw some passes. I’ll bet that the amount of times the Griz secondary has been caught out of position the first four games we see these two a little more than they’d played before – and they’re going to take some shots in hope our corners/safeties get fooled again.
  3. Stand tall in the red zone. EWU’s efficiency once in the red zone is impressive – they almost always come away with TDs. I have a feeling they’ll be getting their yards on the Griz, once that field starts to shorten the strength of the Griz D that’s been forcing more field goal attempts will need to win the day.
  4. Ride the wave of EWU’s emotion. We are their #1 rival. This *might* be a “save Coach Best” game for their coach who is rumored to be on the hot seat. This is our first time back in Cheney since 2021 – and some may recall that game, EWU scored 24 points in the 4th quarter to erase a 21-10 deficit and win the game 34-28. If the Griz let EWU hit some big / early plays and/or commit some bad turnovers or mistakes that keep them firing they’ll let that momentum push them the whole game.
  5. The Grizzlies will need to start the game better than they did against WCU. As suggested to us on the GFP – if that WCU game were on the road, the final outcome might not have been the same. Montana cannot dig itself into a huge hole in this game early.
  6. I would love to see this Grizzly secondary serve Visperas up his first few interceptions this season. That’s going to require far better/smarter play from our safeties and corners. EWU will be salivating at the opportunities the WCU film showed them, and believe me, they’ll be taking shots at the secondary all night. What will help too is continuing the strong pass rush. The D-line and blitzing linebackers need to put #0 on his back a lot.
  7. Keep a lid on Efton Chism, this guy is their workhorse in the passing game and one of the very best in the FCS. He’s the only true WR that’s in the top 10 all purpose yards in the conference, he has the most catches of any conference WR, most yards, and most receiving TDs. This guy has to draw the attention of this defense because he’s going to be EWU’s target all night.

----------------------

I need to see this Grizzly team show improvement from their last road game. Yes the UND game started great, but then it totally fell apart. Can the Griz blend their learning experience of that road loss with their big come back win last week and put together a bit more of a complete game? I’m worried we’re still going to see too many errors and sloppy play that’s going to make this one a nail biter. I’m not totally convinced that this Montana team is quite ready to just start playing more complete football yet.

I have a feeling this game will be a faster moving one with Montana’s offense trying to really hold onto the ball, and EWU having some (but hopefully not continued) success with quicker scores. In a tense game the Griz ground game carries the day, but it ain’t a fun one. Montana wins 27 - 21.

Go Griz!
 
52-35, Griz ground game puts up 400+ yards on Eastern’s subpar defense and throw for 200+ on their lackluster secondary. Griz defense starts slow and gives up lots of yards, but tightens up some. I expect #0 to be on his back a lot. Riley Wilson will have a big impact in the 2nd half, when he regains eligibility.
 
Statistically speaking, EWU has the 2nd worst D in the league...and it's not like they've played murderer's row either...we should be able to run at will, and pass when necessary. I can see a game a lot like that of last weekend, without the 17-0 lead we spotted WCU. Eastern is going the wrong way scoring wise, putting up 42-32-24-16...I don't think they're suddenly scoring 35 on us.

I'll say 38-17 or something similar, with a late score by EWU to make it closer than it really was...
 
I think Eastern and Coach Best see this game as a must win given their paltry 1-3 record, and Coach Best's hot seat probably became a little hotter after losing to 35-32 to nonscholardhip Drake of the Pioneer Conference @ home on their infamous red turf.

Coach Best's Eags are 3-8 and 4-7 the last two years, he Is in the last year of his three-year contract, and he almost certainly will not receive a new contract with a third consecutive losing season !!!

I guess we can't call the Eags a cornered, wounded animal, so maybe they are the caged bird desperate for a win !!!
 
Eastern's defense is downright abysmal. We may rush for 400 yards again. Realistically, we should be able to do whatever we want to them. Contrary to what we've seen from Eastern in the past, their offense is nowhere near as potent as it once was. I remember a receiver core that included Cooper Kupp, Kendrick Bourne, and Shaq Hill. Now they have one good receiver and a mid QB.

Logic would say the Griz should win this going away and exorcise the demons of the red rug, but as we know, Football can be a crazy game.
 
billingsgriz said:
I think Eastern and Coach Best see this game as a must win given their paltry 1-3 record, and Coach Best's hot seat probably became a little hotter after losing to 35-32 to nonscholardhip Drake of the Pioneer Conference @ home on their infamous red turf.

Coach Best's Eags are 3-8 and 4-7 the last two years, he Is in the last year of his three-year contract, and he almost certainly will not receive a new contract with a third consecutive losing season !!!

I guess we can't call the Eags a cornered, wounded animal, so maybe they are the caged bird desperate for a win !!!
Click to expand...
He's already got one foot out the door and he's lost that locker room.
 
48-20 with Griz getting revenge on that ugly turf😈

Griz control the game by RUNNING THE DAMN BALL, keep Eastern’s offense off of the field. The Oline and RBs should have a field day with that defense. Leave no doubt, ground them out.
 
Silenoz said:
We've never won on the rug, correct? Time and time again we've pulled defeat from the jaws of victory.

They better rectify it this time. It's certainly the year for it.
Click to expand...
Taking a not so fun look down memory lane:

2010: First TD ever on the red rug is a Tru pick-6, Griz go up 14-0, EWU battles back. Griz tie it with 1:33 left, EWU kicks what would be the game winner with 4 seconds left, then scoops and scores on the last play as Griz are attempting a hail mary.

2012: Griz are up 26-17 until 2:16 left in the game, EWU scores a TD, gets an onside kick where UM seemed unprepared that it was coming, EWU scores again with just a few seconds left and wins 32-26

2014: EWU goes up 33-10, Griz battle back and get it to 33-26 with 5:56 left in the game, EWU puts together a drive that ends in a field goal, Griz try to throw multiple laterals at the end but can't pull it off. Vernon Adams passes for 410 yards in the game.

2016: Cooper Kupp has 3 receiving TDs and EWU wins easy, 35-16

2021: EWU scores 24 points in the 4th quarter to go from down 21-10 to win the game 34-28. The only thing Montana did in the 4th was a Flowers 99 yard kick return TD. Cam Humphrey would throw 2 picks in the 4th as well.
 
BWahlberg said:
Taking a not so fun look down memory lane:

2010: First TD ever on the red rug is a Tru pick-6, Griz go up 14-0, EWU battles back. Griz tie it with 1:33 left, EWU kicks what would be the game winner with 4 seconds left, then scoops and scores on the last play as Griz are attempting a hail mary.

2012: Griz are up 26-17 until 2:16 left in the game, EWU scores a TD, gets an onside kick where UM seemed unprepared that it was coming, EWU scores again with just a few seconds left and wins 32-26

2014: EWU goes up 33-10, Griz battle back and get it to 33-26 with 5:56 left in the game, EWU puts together a drive that ends in a field goal, Griz try to throw multiple laterals at the end but can't pull it off. Vernon Adams passes for 410 yards in the game.

2016: Cooper Kupp has 3 receiving TDs and EWU wins easy, 35-16

2021: EWU scores 24 points in the 4th quarter to go from down 21-10 to win the game 34-28. The only thing Montana did in the 4th was a Flowers 99 yard kick return TD. Cam Humphrey would throw 2 picks in the 4th as well.
Click to expand...
This year I feel it is different. The Griz win by 10.
 
RUN, RUN and RUN some more. The Griz run game seems to be getting mode confident each week, particularly with the RPO sets. The QB's have to make quick decisiotheteam the team needs to figure out a way to convert on 3rd and 1 or 3rd and 2!
I don't know what EWU's defensive depth is like, but I would suspect that we can wear them down and by the 4th quarter be in control!

Just like last week, I anticipate the Griz winning by 2 scores! 10 points or more!
 
BWahlberg said:
Taking a not so fun look down memory lane:

2010: First TD ever on the red rug is a Tru pick-6, Griz go up 14-0, EWU battles back. Griz tie it with 1:33 left, EWU kicks what would be the game winner with 4 seconds left, then scoops and scores on the last play as Griz are attempting a hail mary.

2012: Griz are up 26-17 until 2:16 left in the game, EWU scores a TD, gets an onside kick where UM seemed unprepared that it was coming, EWU scores again with just a few seconds left and wins 32-26

2014: EWU goes up 33-10, Griz battle back and get it to 33-26 with 5:56 left in the game, EWU puts together a drive that ends in a field goal, Griz try to throw multiple laterals at the end but can't pull it off. Vernon Adams passes for 410 yards in the game.

2016: Cooper Kupp has 3 receiving TDs and EWU wins easy, 35-16

2021: EWU scores 24 points in the 4th quarter to go from down 21-10 to win the game 34-28. The only thing Montana did in the 4th was a Flowers 99 yard kick return TD. Cam Humphrey would throw 2 picks in the 4th as well.
Click to expand...
That 2012 game still haunts me.

407 rushing yards.

2 lost fumbles on EWU's 13 and 5 yard line.

Recover a fumble at the 50 with a chance to ice the game and go 3-and-out.

Give up 2 TDs and an onside kick in 4 minutes.

I get angry every time I think about it.

We need to get whatever curse is on us off this weekend from that stupid fucking field.
 
On paper, the referee should be giving ewooo a standing 8 count before this one even gets underway. It should be a complete first round KO.


But it's ewoooo on that ridiculous field so I'm sure crazy shit will happen.
 
BWahlberg said:
It’s time for conference play to get started and the Grizzlies are hitting the road with the hope to do something they’ve never done – win on the red turf of EWU. Since the Eagles went to the red field the Griz have had their share of heartbreaking losses there, could this be their year to finally end that streak?

EWU’s not having the start to the season they hoped for, but conference play gives everyone renewed life. Their offense last season was one of the better passing offenses in the conference, and they’re returning 8 starters from that team. Their defense returns 8 starters as well and they’ve got a new DC running the show there.

Eastern Washington Eagles

42-27 win vs Monmouth: In their home opener, EWU piled up the yards, 265 rushing, almost 290 passing. The game was tied at 14-14 early but EWU would pull away and then just hold a comfy lead through the game. Monmouth did pass for 390 yards in the game, they did lose 1 pick as well. EWU also had 37:18 of TOP. Kind of the wild thing though, Monmouth this last weekend beat FBS Florida International 45-42.

32-35 loss vs Drake: Drake is the conference favorite in the Pioneer (same conf as Morehead), this was a wild game. There were 7 lead changes into the 4th quarter when Drake would hit a field goal with 4:29 left in the game to tie it at 29-29. EWU gets the ball and goes to the Drake 31, but loses a fumble. Drake, with the ball, gets to EWU’s 36 but with 1:12 left they miss a field goal. EWU then gets to midfield… but… turns it over on downs! Drake with a chance to win in regulation has 4 bungled plays and the game goes to OT. EWU starts with the ball and goes backwards, but makes a long field goal. Drake within 4 plays finds paydirt for a TD and it’s game over. Drake almost had 400 passing in the game, while EWU was far more balanced, 206 rushing / 179 passing. Lots of penalty yards in this game, EWU had 115 .

24-28 loss vs SE Louisiana: Lots of points and activity in the first half – both teams scored 21 points. In the 2nd half though EWU would only add 3 points, while SELA would score the go-ahead TD just as the 4th quarter started. The game really slowed down, EWU had just 4 possessions in the 2nd half, 2 of which ended in turnovers on downs. SELA would hold the ball for 34:00 of TOP and ran for 253 in the game, effectively playing keep away.

16-49 loss @ Nevada: The fighting Jeff Choates took a 21-3 lead at the half, added 14 unanswered in the 3rd quarter, and cruised to a win. EWU would give up over 500 total yards of offense, 320 rushing allowed, and 214 passing allowed. UNR had the ball for nearly 34:00 of TOP and went 10 for 13 on 3rd down.

-------------
General Stats



Passing yards per game EWU (177 for GRIZ vs 221 for EWU)

Rushing yards per game GRIZ (272 for GRIZ vs 183 for EWU)

Total offense GRIZ (449 for GRIZ vs 404 for EWU)

Passing yards allowed per game GRIZ (197 for GRIZ vs 271 for EWU)

Rushing yards allowed per game GRIZ (108 for GRIZ vs 172 for EWU)

Total defense GRIZ (305 for GRIZ vs 443 for EWU)

Just like the WCU stat breaks went, Griz pick up 5, EWU gets 1.


Offense points scored GRIZ (39.5 for GRIZ vs 28.5 for EWU)

Defense points allowed GRIZ (22 for GRIZ vs 34.75 for EWU)

Turnover margin GRIZ (+1 for GRIZ / +/- 0 for EWU)

Field goal % EWU (67% for GRIZ vs 100% for EWU)

Punt Returns GRIZ (8.25 yards for GRIZ vs 4.3 yards for EWU)

Kick Returns PUSH (22.9 yards for GRIZ vs 22.9 yards for EWU)

T.O.P. EWU (28:38 for GRIZ vs 30:42 for EWU)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns) GRIZ (58% GRIZ / 93% EWU)

Red Zone offense (touchdowns) EWU (62% GRIZ / 75% EWU)

3rd down offense EWU – (38% for GRIZ / 44.2% for EWU)

3rd down defense GRIZ – (35.2% allowed for GRIZ vs 54% allowed for EWU)


Griz get 6 here, of all the stats we have a push on kickoff returns, and EWU adds 4. That puts the totals at Griz 11 – EWU 5 – Push 1.

--------------------
EWU Players to Watch:


#7 Efton Chism III, WR – Chism has been at EWU for quite some time it seems. He’s one of the very best WRs in the FCS. This year he is their predominant workhorse in the passing game. He leads the team in yards with 406 (2nd highest guy has 137), he’s got 4 receiving TDs, and 25 more catches this year than the next targeted WR. Chism doesn’t appear to be returning kicks this year but is returning punts, but just 13 yards on 3 returns.

#0 Kekoa Visperas, QB – An elusive QB that can run and throw, he’s 811 passing / 82 rushing, 6 passing TDs, and no interceptions this year. Last year he passed for 275 yards per game, had 19 TDs and 10 INTs, as well as 203 rushing yards and 2 rushing TDs.

#5 Tuna Altahir, RB – EWU uses a lot of running backs, Tuna has been listed as the starter, he’s 6 feet tall, 217 pounds. He has 232 rushing yards and 1 rushing TD as well as 3 catches for 18 yards. But also look for #26 Malik Dotson who as 194 rushing, 3 rushing TDs, and 81 receiving yards on 7 catches.

#18 Darek Ganter Jr, S – Ganter is leading the team in tackles with 29 tackles, most solo tackles, he’s got 0.5 TFLs and a pass breakup.

#4 Brock Harrison, DE – A 6-2, 250 pound DE he’s got the team lead in TFLs with 2.5. He’s got 1 sack as well.

#23 Ahmani Williams, LB – At 6-1, 221 he’s got 1.5 sacks, 2 pass breakups, and 2 QB hits. He has 17 total tackles this season.

-------------------------------

Keys to a Grizzly victory

  1. The Grizzly ground game has to get going early and often. With question marks at who might be our starting QB this team needs to lean on its strength of running the damn ball. I think Gillman and Ostmo need to both have big nights, slow the game down, keep that dangerous EWU offense off the field.
  2. Keep tracks on the EWU QB. We will potentially see #6 Wortham (101 rushing / 2 TDs / 2 passing TDs) or possibly #15 Taylor (139 rushing / 1 TD) take direct snaps with #0 on the field as well. EWU’s running some wildcat / direct snap stuff to these guys and they run the ball well, but also throw some passes. I’ll bet that the amount of times the Griz secondary has been caught out of position the first four games we see these two a little more than they’d played before – and they’re going to take some shots in hope our corners/safeties get fooled again.
  3. Stand tall in the red zone. EWU’s efficiency once in the red zone is impressive – they almost always come away with TDs. I have a feeling they’ll be getting their yards on the Griz, once that field starts to shorten the strength of the Griz D that’s been forcing more field goal attempts will need to win the day.
  4. Ride the wave of EWU’s emotion. We are their #1 rival. This *might* be a “save Coach Best” game for their coach who is rumored to be on the hot seat. This is our first time back in Cheney since 2021 – and some may recall that game, EWU scored 24 points in the 4th quarter to erase a 21-10 deficit and win the game 34-28. If the Griz let EWU hit some big / early plays and/or commit some bad turnovers or mistakes that keep them firing they’ll let that momentum push them the whole game.
  5. The Grizzlies will need to start the game better than they did against WCU. As suggested to us on the GFP – if that WCU game were on the road, the final outcome might not have been the same. Montana cannot dig itself into a huge hole in this game early.
  6. I would love to see this Grizzly secondary serve Visperas up his first few interceptions this season. That’s going to require far better/smarter play from our safeties and corners. EWU will be salivating at the opportunities the WCU film showed them, and believe me, they’ll be taking shots at the secondary all night. What will help too is continuing the strong pass rush. The D-line and blitzing linebackers need to put #0 on his back a lot.
  7. Keep a lid on Efton Chism, this guy is their workhorse in the passing game and one of the very best in the FCS. He’s the only true WR that’s in the top 10 all purpose yards in the conference, he has the most catches of any conference WR, most yards, and most receiving TDs. This guy has to draw the attention of this defense because he’s going to be EWU’s target all night.

----------------------

I need to see this Grizzly team show improvement from their last road game. Yes the UND game started great, but then it totally fell apart. Can the Griz blend their learning experience of that road loss with their big come back win last week and put together a bit more of a complete game? I’m worried we’re still going to see too many errors and sloppy play that’s going to make this one a nail biter. I’m not totally convinced that this Montana team is quite ready to just start playing more complete football yet.

I have a feeling this game will be a faster moving one with Montana’s offense trying to really hold onto the ball, and EWU having some (but hopefully not continued) success with quicker scores. In a tense game the Griz ground game carries the day, but it ain’t a fun one. Montana wins 27 - 21.

Go Griz!
Click to expand...
Wow, thanks for the analysis, this should be a good game. But it is away, and that dammed red field! Ah Yat ready to go, hopefully not injured due to a hit last week. He is a threat run/pass, but he/we can't afford those big hits!
 
Here's some of their highlight reels. Up first is the Monmouth game. Chisholm is tough to tackle and super dangerous once out in space. Visperas is good on the run and EWU uses a lot of pre snap motion to try to confuse defenses.


Drake game - Wortham at QB will run zone read, hand it, or keep it.


Drake's perspective doesn't show the field too well, but EWU's tackling...yikes


Nevada game here:

 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Back
Top