Wagner at Eastern Washington FCS Playoffs 2nd Round Breakdown
#2 Eastern Washington vs. Wagner
By the numbers, Eastern Washington is not a dominating team. Their record and results say otherwise though. This is a team that finished the regular season with a 9-2 record and a 7-1 mark in Big Sky play. The Eagles beat Idaho in their season opener and nearly knocked off Washington State. But eight of their 11 games were decided by seven points or fewer. It is nice that they have a good record while competing in close games, but Wagner may be able to stick around and come close to pulling off a huge upset. Wagner’s defense did a wonderful job against a dynamic Colgate offense in the first round. They will be tested much more in Cheney and the Wagner offense will have to play their best too. Running back Dominique Williams is a big time back who can find the end zone. If the EWU defense keys in on him, quarterback Nick Doscher will have to make plays. Doscher does not make mistakes, but the Seahawks will need him to do more than simply not throw interceptions. Eastern Washington is too talented to drop out of the playoffs in the second round. Wide receivers Brandon Kaufman and Greg Herd are two of the best at this level and quarterbacks Kyle Padron and Vernon Adams can get them the ball. Eastern Washington should be able to establish a ground game with Quincy Forte and Demitrius Bronson. EWU does not generally do much damage on the ground, but the EWU offensive line should be able to create enough space for the Eagles. And it is on both lines where Eastern Washington will make a difference in this game. This could be a blowout, but knowing EWU, that probably will not happen. Wagner also has not lost a game since September 15th and Coach Walt Hameline has his team playing very good right now.
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