|
|
Post by FUBeAR on Sept 12, 2016 20:27:36 GMT -5
For investors...
Tennessee Tech at Mercer - Saturday, September 17, 2016 4:00 PM
Tennessee Tech +14½
Over/Under 50½
So - projected score is around Mercer 32 - TTU 18
I think that's a REALLY BIG number. I'm seeing another extremely close game with the team that executes the best, makes the fewest mistakes, and which 'wants it more' being the winner of this game.
TTU destroyed Austin Peay (41-7 / led 28-0 at Half), who hung around (for a while - about a quarter & a half) much better with Troy, who really 'hung around' with #2 (FBS) Clemson, losing 30-24.
Yes, Wofford beat TTU 21-7, but the score was 7-7 at half and only a 1-score game until late in the 4th quarter. I think the Bears have a BIG challenge 'changing gears' to play against an offense that is more balanced, but (IMO) prefers to pass and live or die by the arm of 6-5 245 QB, Michael Birdsong, who started at QB in 20 games for FCS power, James Madison as well as starting several games for FBS MAC member, Marshall; which included leading Marshall to a win over P5/BIG10, Purdue in 2015, before being injured the following week.
So, another BIG test for the Bears, who now also BEAR the burden of maintaining the SoCon's unblemished record (6-0) vs out-of-conference FCS Teams so far in 2016. This could matter come play-off selection time and, of course, matters for Mercer, in the unlikely event that they do not win the SoCon.
|
|
|
|
Post by BearDownMU on Sept 12, 2016 21:01:15 GMT -5
I haven't gotten to far into some "scouting", but while they have the Sr. QB in Birdsong, the lion's share of their carries have gone to 3 Freshmen RB's who are averaging a pretty darn stout 5.8 yards a carry. They have put it on the carpet twice, however. So, can we get a pass rush? Perhaps take advantage of youth at the RB position with some timely blitzing? Because they will throw. Birdsong averaging 30 attempts per game. And, on a personal note, it's much less fun when teams don't have a message board that I can find.  |
|
ursus
Spires Bear
Posts: 222
|
Post by ursus on Sept 13, 2016 9:40:33 GMT -5
Really hope we get Marchman back this week. Big difference with him in there.
Some things I'd like to see this week:
1. Running game back on track: I know we've lost some players at RB, but it has been part of the strength of our offense. Without it we look a little lost.
2. TE involvement: Robert Brown and Chris Ellington have zero receptions. Walker has 6, but for a total of less than 50 yards. These guys create match up problems and we need to exploit it.
3. QB pressure: As BearDownMU said they are going to throw. We've never been the best at coverage and a few of our guys got banged up last week. Gotta force the QB off his spot and get a few sacks to minimize their passing game.
Some things I never want to see again:
1. Our tackles split out with the WRs: It worked once against Campbell. Stop trying to make "toby" happen. It isn't going to happen.
2. 3 Timeouts on one drive in the third quarter: This can't happen.
|
|
|
|
Post by wcugrad95 on Sept 13, 2016 9:56:37 GMT -5
I would hope the entire SoCon is pulling for Mercer in this game. As FUBeAR said, OOC games against FCS competition ***could*** really matter in the conference getting more than 2 teams in come playoff time. So you have my backing this week for sure.
|
|
|
|
Post by FUBeAR on Sept 13, 2016 11:49:11 GMT -5
Really hope we get Marchman back this week. Big difference with him in there. Some things I'd like to see this week: 1. Running game back on track: I know we've lost some players at RB, but it has been part of the strength of our offense. Without it we look a little lost. 2. TE involvement: Robert Brown and Chris Ellington have zero receptions. Walker has 6, but for a total of less than 50 yards. These guys create match up problems and we need to exploit it. 3. QB pressure: As BearDownMU said they are going to throw. We've never been the best at coverage and a few of our guys got banged up last week. Gotta force the QB off his spot and get a few sacks to minimize their passing game. Some things I never want to see again: 1. Our tackles split out with the WRs: It worked once against Campbell. Stop trying to make "toby" happen. It isn't going to happen. 2. 3 Timeouts on one drive in the third quarter: This can't happen. Good post Ursus - Agree with you on Marchman. Looks like to me that having to move #73 to the left side causes a significant drop-off in performance across the entire OL...almost. Hope #78 will be back in his spot on Sat.!! If he's not, I wonder if leaving #73 on the right side and just subbing in at the LT spot could work better. I know that's the proverbial 'blind side,' but as much as #7 is getting hit now, does it really matter? He got hit WAY TOO MUCH vs. GT and, to a lesser extent, vs. El Cid. Running game - yep...love to see some of that good old Power/PowerRead...and if #78 is back, Outside Zone/Stretch might be nice again - worked well against El Cid and FU last year...not so much against GT. With his 'stick his foot in the ground and get upfield FAST" style, #25 can sure run it well. TE Involvement - good call out - Brown has proven for 2 seasons that he can get separation, make catches in traffic, and get YAC in the SoCon. I think the REAL value of the TE game is exploited when you have multiple options there. Walker has now proven himself also and I want to see what Ellington can do if/when he's targeted. I know he's young, but he had SEC offers for a reason. Can we stretch the field with #13 (please be well!), #84, and #8; then find #38/#87/#88 underneath. I know all 6 can't play at the same time, but 4 or 5 of them can be in the routes IF the OL can give #7 time to throw. There has been no real need nor expectation for QB pressure from our D for the past 2 weeks. I'm sure #41, #11, #16, #33, et al. are excited to finally have an oppty, this week, to do that. At 6-5, 245, this one falls into the Big Game-Hunting category. Woffy put him down 5 times and APSU only once. Wofford won (0 TD passes & 1 INT) / APSU was picked apart and destroyed (4 TD passes & 0 INT's). That ought to tell us something about the importance of getting to their Passer this week. |
|
|
|
Post by mercerfan on Sept 13, 2016 18:47:36 GMT -5
Really hope we get Marchman back this week. Big difference with him in there. Some things I'd like to see this week: 1. Running game back on track: I know we've lost some players at RB, but it has been part of the strength of our offense. Without it we look a little lost. 2. TE involvement: Robert Brown and Chris Ellington have zero receptions. Walker has 6, but for a total of less than 50 yards. These guys create match up problems and we need to exploit it. 3. QB pressure: As BearDownMU said they are going to throw. We've never been the best at coverage and a few of our guys got banged up last week. Gotta force the QB off his spot and get a few sacks to minimize their passing game. Some things I never want to see again: 1. Our tackles split out with the WRs: It worked once against Campbell. Stop trying to make "toby" happen. It isn't going to happen. 2. 3 Timeouts on one drive in the third quarter: This can't happen. Good post Ursus - Agree with you on Marchman. Looks like to me that having to move #73 to the left side causes a significant drop-off in performance across the entire OL...almost. Hope #78 will be back in his spot on Sat.!! If he's not, I wonder if leaving #73 on the right side and just subbing in at the LT spot could work better. I know that's the proverbial 'blind side,' but as much as #7 is getting hit now, does it really matter? He got hit WAY TOO MUCH vs. GT and, to a lesser extent, vs. El Cid. Running game - yep...love to see some of that good old Power/PowerRead...and if #78 is back, Outside Zone/Stretch might be nice again - worked well against El Cid and FU last year...not so much against GT. With his 'stick his foot in the ground and get upfield FAST" style, #25 can sure run it well. TE Involvement - good call out - Brown has proven for 2 seasons that he can get separation, make catches in traffic, and get YAC in the SoCon. I think the REAL value of the TE game is exploited when you have multiple options there. Walker has now proven himself also and I want to see what Ellington can do if/when he's targeted. I know he's young, but he had SEC offers for a reason. Can we stretch the field with #13 (please be well!), #84, and #8; then find #38/#87/#88 underneath. I know all 6 can't play at the same time, but 4 or 5 of them can be in the routes IF the OL can give #7 time to throw. There has been no real need nor expectation for QB pressure from our D for the past 2 weeks. I'm sure #41, #11, #16, #33, et al. are excited to finally have an oppty, this week, to do that. At 6-5, 245, this one falls into the Big Game-Hunting category. Woffy put him down 5 times and APSU only once. Wofford won (0 TD passes & 1 INT) / APSU was picked apart and destroyed (4 TD passes & 0 INT's). That ought to tell us something about the importance of getting to their Passer this week. I'm assuming we don't have OVC refs? I would usually think this would be worth about 5-7 points, but after watching the horrible one-sided Citadel game, the SoCon refs suck just as bad. So no advantage this week. |
|
|
|
Post by mercerfan on Sept 13, 2016 18:54:41 GMT -5
Really hope we get Marchman back this week. Big difference with him in there. Some things I'd like to see this week: 1. Running game back on track: I know we've lost some players at RB, but it has been part of the strength of our offense. Without it we look a little lost. 2. TE involvement: Robert Brown and Chris Ellington have zero receptions. Walker has 6, but for a total of less than 50 yards. These guys create match up problems and we need to exploit it. 3. QB pressure: As BearDownMU said they are going to throw. We've never been the best at coverage and a few of our guys got banged up last week. Gotta force the QB off his spot and get a few sacks to minimize their passing game. Some things I never want to see again: 1. Our tackles split out with the WRs: It worked once against Campbell. Stop trying to make "toby" happen. It isn't going to happen. 2. 3 Timeouts on one drive in the third quarter: This can't happen. Good post Ursus - Agree with you on Marchman. Looks like to me that having to move #73 to the left side causes a significant drop-off in performance across the entire OL...almost. Hope #78 will be back in his spot on Sat.!! If he's not, I wonder if leaving #73 on the right side and just subbing in at the LT spot could work better. I know that's the proverbial 'blind side,' but as much as #7 is getting hit now, does it really matter? He got hit WAY TOO MUCH vs. GT and, to a lesser extent, vs. El Cid. Running game - yep...love to see some of that good old Power/PowerRead...and if #78 is back, Outside Zone/Stretch might be nice again - worked well against El Cid and FU last year...not so much against GT. With his 'stick his foot in the ground and get upfield FAST" style, #25 can sure run it well. TE Involvement - good call out - Brown has proven for 2 seasons that he can get separation, make catches in traffic, and get YAC in the SoCon. I think the REAL value of the TE game is exploited when you have multiple options there. Walker has now proven himself also and I want to see what Ellington can do if/when he's targeted. I know he's young, but he had SEC offers for a reason. Can we stretch the field with #13 (please be well!), #84, and #8; then find #38/#87/#88 underneath. I know all 6 can't play at the same time, but 4 or 5 of them can be in the routes IF the OL can give #7 time to throw. There has been no real need nor expectation for QB pressure from our D for the past 2 weeks. I'm sure #41, #11, #16, #33, et al. are excited to finally have an oppty, this week, to do that. At 6-5, 245, this one falls into the Big Game-Hunting category. Woffy put him down 5 times and APSU only once. Wofford won (0 TD passes & 1 INT) / APSU was picked apart and destroyed (4 TD passes & 0 INT's). That ought to tell us something about the importance of getting to their Passer this week. Also I'm surprised about the TE situation. Brown is the current career leader for the Bears in reception yards and in yards per catch ( which is unusual to see at a TE). They seem to only use him this year as a blocking TE in place of Radocovich (sp?). I would have thought a solid combined TE threat with both Brown and Walker would be lethal. We need more short TE passes over the middle to open things up for #8 - And #84. Would be great to have #13 back as well. Protection is the key. |
|
|
|
Post by mercerfan on Sept 13, 2016 19:03:45 GMT -5
I would also like to see Mercer use the TE or RB as a release option on passing plays if everyone is covered. This can be very effective. WCU used this against us last year and it was a killer. A defense has all the receivers covered, but the TE slips out late and is wide open for 8-10 yard gain.
Again, you got to have protection to make this work.
|
|
|
|
Post by FUBeAR on Sept 13, 2016 19:10:39 GMT -5
I would also like to see Mercer use the TE or RB as a release option on passing plays if everyone is covered. This can be very effective. WCU used this against us last year and it was a killer. A defense has all the receivers covered, but the TE slips out late and is wide open for 8-10 yard gain. Again, you got to have protection to make this work. Yep - that's a good one...and, unless I'm mistaken, the Bears have been using multiple versions of this type of scheme this season quite a bit. No? For example...I agree that the Russ to Ward TD pass has to be Play of the Game vs. GT...but Honorable Mention has to go to Payton Usher's 1-handed Ozzie Smith-like snag and then breaking 2 'volley's' of tackles to pick up about 10 yards. That was GEM! I guess that's what you can expect from a 6'2" 230 LB Sr. Running Back...right? #MeasurablesMatterNOT |
|
|
|
Post by mercerfan on Sept 13, 2016 19:21:05 GMT -5
I would also like to see Mercer use the TE or RB as a release option on passing plays if everyone is covered. This can be very effective. WCU used this against us last year and it was a killer. A defense has all the receivers covered, but the TE slips out late and is wide open for 8-10 yard gain. Again, you got to have protection to make this work. Yep - that's a good one...and, unless I'm mistaken, the Bears have been using multiple versions of this type of scheme this season quite a bit. No? For example...I agree that the Russ to Ward TD pass has to be Play of the Game vs. GT...but Honorable Mention has to go to Payton Usher's 1-handed Ozzie Smith-like snag and then breaking 2 'volley's' of tackles to pick up about 10 yards. That was GEM! I guess that's what you can expect from a 6'2" 230 LB Sr. Running Back...right? #MeasurablesMatterNOT Yes great catch by Usher!!! Love me some #25. But thought this was a screen type pass. At least the ACC broadcasters kept calling it a screen. |
|
|
|
Post by FUBeAR on Sept 13, 2016 19:57:21 GMT -5
Yep - that's a good one...and, unless I'm mistaken, the Bears have been using multiple versions of this type of scheme this season quite a bit. No? For example...I agree that the Russ to Ward TD pass has to be Play of the Game vs. GT...but Honorable Mention has to go to Payton Usher's 1-handed Ozzie Smith-like snag and then breaking 2 'volley's' of tackles to pick up about 10 yards. That was GEM! I guess that's what you can expect from a 6'2" 230 LB Sr. Running Back...right? #MeasurablesMatterNOT Yes great catch by Usher!!! Love me some #25. But thought this was a screen type pass. At least the ACC broadcasters kept calling it a screen. So, I guess you're making a distinction between a screen pass and a 'hot route' or 'safety valve' type of pass. The former is designed to be a short throw to a RB or a TE...or a WR these days (bubble, tunnel, hitch, etc.) with the latter being a 'place' for the QB to dump the ball off if no deep Receivers are open and/or if protection breaks down or the D brings more rushers than the O can block. I'm sure Mercer has hot reads for the RB's, but I really don't think we've seen many jailbreak blitzes so far, so we wouldn't see a lot of that. I imagine you're also referring to a quick swing pass to the RB's. We saw some of that last year to #28. Not sure the Bears have the healthy/available personnel to run that play very effectively right now. The TE delays we've seen aren't really screens and they are usually run in route combo's (usually a triangle type of configuration) and the TE's have been the ones open. This is different than the throwback to the TE we saw against GT or the Quick Slip off bootleg action we have seen. Even in that one, I suspect we also have a Backside Post or Skinny and an In or Out route by the p/s WR. Anyway - Mercer has been spreading the ball around - no question about that - just like to see #13 back in there and #38 used as the effective weapon he has been for the previous 2 SoCon seasons...and what #88 can do. Wonder how a 4-3 base D would try to match up vs. Empty "Tight, Tight Bunch" (with 38, 87, 88 about 6-8 yards from the OT with 2 of them off the line) with #13 & #84 or #8 split out on the other side - Almost gotta play 3 over 2 on the Fast WR's split out. You have to honor 7's ability to Run QB Power, so you gotta leave 2 LB's in the box. That only leaves 1 DB and 1 LB to cover those 3 TE's...so you drop a DE...I give those TE's the advantage with those matchups....and I love QB Power vs. 5 in the box....just 'schemin' - I'm sure the D would come up with something - they always do, dangit...but I'd LOVE to see some creative usage of those 3 TE Weapons... |
|
|
|
Post by FUBeAR on Sept 14, 2016 23:16:20 GMT -5
Tennessee Tech Coach's Show - Video (Highlights of win over Austin Peay, Player Profile, Coach Profile, Coach's Wife Profile, TTU All-Sports 'Round-up,' and a SHORT preview of the Bears with TTU's highlights from last year's game (mostly)).
|
|
|
|
Post by FUBeAR on Sept 14, 2016 23:50:00 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by mercerfan on Sept 15, 2016 15:49:03 GMT -5
First observation: Mercer had more fans at Austin Peay last year than TTU had last week. |
|
|
|
Post by FUBeAR on Sept 15, 2016 16:44:35 GMT -5
First observation: Mercer had more fans at Austin Peay last year than TTU had last week. Yeah - we had a good crowd and the Football Families had a GREAT tailgate. So, you watched at least some of the game video. What did you think of TTU's Team? |
|
