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This should be a good one.

The number 14th ranked offense in the nation faces the 8th ranked defense. NAU is giving up only 84 rushing yards per game and 270 total yards, while EWU's defense is better than it's statistics show having faced 3 very good offenses. From what I've heard, this a very experienced and disciplined NAU defense and perhaps the best unit in the conference.

On offense, Taiwan Jones should be back which will help EWU, the question mark is whether Mitchell continues forward or reverts back to inconsistency and dangerous throws. For NAU, Herrick is experienced and every week should be improving the timing with his new skill position players. Also, Austin Shanks is leading the Big Sky in receptions.

Both teams have a respectable turnover margin, and each have a punt return for a touchdown. EWU's kicker is 4-8 and struggling - which could be important in a low scoring game.

Weather forecast is 60 degrees and a 70% chance of rain. Ever heard of a wet inferno?

NAU by 3

EWU has the premier running back in the Big Sky in Taiwan Jones and NAU's QB Michael Herrick is still the best QB in the conference. NAU's defense might be a little better than the Eagles' defense and NAU's special teams might also have the edge. If Jones is totally healthy, the Eagles could jump on his back to a victory. He changes the field position on almost every possession. On the other hand, Michael Herrick has proven over three years in the league that he's better when there's more pressure to win. If his receivers can make plays, he'll get them the ball. If not, the Jacks could be in trouble. It's a toss up, give the Eagles a little advantage at home, and the fans should buckle in for what appears to be the best game in the FCS on Saturday. Prediction: EWU 28 NAU 25 IN OT

Ive been looking forward to this one, I believe our season starts this week. This is the first big test for the Jacks in what is a hard three week stretch.

For NAU I think the key is to take a few pages out of MSU’s game plan. First and foremost you have to put all hands on deck to stop TJ. That then forces BLM to beat the Jacks through the air, which from the Eastern post ive read this season is inconsistent at best. If that 70% chance of rain holds true, the passing games of both teams will be affected which could play into the hands of NAU’s (balanced/conservative) offensive play calling so far this season. Ive been frustrated by the play calling this season but I guess the coaches were looking at establishing the short passing and running games for the possibility of playing bad weather games in Cheney and Missoula. Last season the Jack relied too heavily on the vertical passing game and it killed us in that blizzard game against Weber. This season I believe our guys are better rounded and better prepared to win games away from the controlled elements of the Sky Dome. I hope that our Defense shows up ready, because if they come in unprepared we all know what TJ can do. This should be a great game.

Red turf 42 - Jacks 28

TV: Televised in the Spokane area by SWX TV
Webcast: http://b2tv.com/upcoming_events.asp?q=v&value=bigsky" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Series Record: EWU leads 17-10
Last Meeting: EWU won 49-45 in Flagstaff in Nov. 2009

Eastern enters the game 3-2 overall and 2-1 in the Big Sky Conference, with losses to Nevada (49-24) and Montana State (30-7). The Eagles are ranked 13th in this week's Sports Network/Fathead.com top 25 NCAA Football Championship Subdivision poll, up three spots from last week.

The Lumberjacks are 3-1 overall and 1-0 in the league, with their lone loss coming to Arizona State (41-20). Northern Arizona received enough votes in The Sports Network poll to rank 26th nationally, and is ranked 24th in the FCS coaches poll (EWU is 14th).

Both teams are coming off victories last week -- Eastern defeated Weber State 35-24 while NAU edged Southern Utah 26-23. This week's game features an Eastern offense ranked 14th in FCS in total offense (418.6 yards per game and a NAU defense ranked eighth (270.8). The Eagles have the nation's sixth-best rusher in Taiwan Jones (129.5 per game), but NAU's rush defense is sixth nationally (84.0).

In last year's 49-45 shootout won by the Eagles, Eastern was out-gained in total yards 747-487, but won the important turnover battle 4-0. Jones finished with 274 all-purpose yards, including 115 rushing. He scored Eastern's first touchdown on an 80-yard catch-and-run, then scored on a 71-yard run in the third quarter to give EWU a 42-27 lead.

This always seems to be one of those games that you can throw the records and stats right out the window. Who will be the first one to break 1K yards in a single game?

Bump. A little over an hour until kickoff.

End of first, EWU up 7-0

Halftime, EWU leads 14-0

Eagles secondary doing a really good job at containing the NAU receivers, Herricks been picked off three times already, and we're throwing almost every single down. We've at least been able to contain TJ, but that's opened up our backfield for several bombs. If the offense can't make some adjustments, this game's over.

TD NAU, 10:07 left in the third

14-7 EWU at this point........

TD Eastern, 21-7 in the 3d. Come on defense.

1st and goal NAU.

Wow, NAU goes for it on 4th and goal and turns the ball over on downs. Still 11 minutes left in the game, I would have taken the FG.

Still 21-7

TJ tackled in the endzone.......refs call a td, should have been a safety. TJ injured again.

21-14 EWU

TD NAU

Woops

No, you're right, it's a TD. Fumble, NAU recovered and it's EWU's 5th TO of the game

TJ out of the game

EWU 21-14, 11:18 to go

DukeJack wrote:No, you're right, it's a TD. Fumble, NAU recovered and it's EWU's 5th TO of the game

TJ out of the game

Eastern fans. Should have known.

DukeJack wrote:No, you're right, it's a TD. Fumble, NAU recovered and it's EWU's 5th TO of the game

TJ out of the game

His knee was down, should have been a safety.

Awesome catch.

Followed by two sacks in a row

EWU misses a field goal attempt

Followed by a FG that hits the upright. 5 turnovers so far for EWU.