Oct. 18—Eastern Washington's 56-20 loss to Montana State on Saturday at Roos Field in Cheney produced at least one positive for the Eagles: an encouraging ground game.
Eastern (2-6, 1-4 Big Sky) finished with 157 rushing yards, its second-most this season, on a season-high 52 attempts. But perhaps the best indicator for the Eagles was the performance of redshirt sophomore Kevin Allen III, who set new season-highs in carries (17) and rushing yards (78) not just for himself but for any of Eastern's running backs.
"It was definitely functioning well," Allen said of the running game. "I think we took advantage of the looks they were giving us. It makes it a lot easier when you're playing next to such a threat like No. 2. I think he takes a lot of the attention away from the typical run game."
Allen, who also credited the Eagles' offensive line, was referring to redshirt junior quarterback Nate Bell, who leads the team in rushing this season (371 yards) and has their only 100-yard rushing game, a 107-yard effort against UC Davis.
The Eagles have been looking all season to establish a running game that doesn't require Bell to lead it. He ran 23 times against the Bobcats (6-1, 3-1) and finished with 36 yards, a figure that includes 37 yards lost on sacks or negative plays. Freshman Jaxon Bell also had 37 yards on nine carries.
"I thought we developed a little movement at the line of scrimmage. That was evident," EWU head coach Aaron Best said. "I think our backs felt comfortable."
Best said the Eagles "protected fairly well at times."
"We got a little leaky at times, but the run game was probably the best it's been through eight games," he said. "It's still not where it needs to be, but I thought we took strides."
Before Saturday's game, Montana State's rushing defense averaged 3.7 yards allowed per carry; against the Bobcats, the Eagles averaged 3 yards per carry.
McKee continues strong form
Redshirt senior Soren McKee added two more field goals to his program career record total, which is now at 43 after he made from 24 and 42 yards against the Bobcats.
McKee has made 13 of 15 attempts this season, tying him with Idaho State's Mason Lindberg (13 of 19) for the most made field goals in the Big Sky Conference.
Best acknowledged McKee's success this season but also said too often the Eagles have settled for field goals this season.
"I'd like to start using him for extra points and not field goals," Best said.
This season the Eagles have entered an opponent's red zone 31 times, tied for the third-most occurrences in the Big Sky. Those drives have ended in 20 touchdowns, nine field goals and two turnovers on downs.
Best reiterates role of bye
Eastern Washington will not play next Saturday; nor will its next opponent, Montana (5-3, 3-2), which visits Cheney on Oct. 31.
Best said the team will operate much like it would in a game week.
"It's not 'off,' " Best said. "Never been 'off,' win or lose, no matter what your record is. That's what I guard against the most."
Best said the team will practice Tuesday and Wednesday and then lift on Thursday before players will get 48 to 72 hours without those activities.
"I don't think the best thing for us is time away," he said. "I don't think that eliminates the things we're short in. It needs to be tended to and looked at, and (we need to) start prep for the next game and not wait until Tuesday the following week to get that done. I think we're mature enough, we're experienced enough, to be able to handle those moments."