Emporia State was a deflected pass away from losing last season to Western State.
After racking up 412 yards of offense in the season opener of 2007, the Hornets held on for a 7-3 victory, a game that went down to the final play and a score that didn’t reflect ESU’s control of the game. The reason: The red zone.
“For some unknown reason we didn’t do a very good job inside the 10-yard line, inside the 15-yard line,” Higgins said. “I think we missed a field goal. Our kicking game was a little shaky at the time.”
Higgins has not let his players forget the red zone struggles. This preseason the Hornets have worked on their red zone offense every day. The coaches have even created red zone competitions against the defense to make sure 400 yards of offense results in more than seven points on Saturday.
“When we have the opportunity to make plays and we get a long run or a long pass, we’ve got to make sure we shut the door, and by that I mean getting it in the end zone,” Higgins said.
The Hornets will see an unorthodox Mountaineers defense. The Mountaineers use a three-man defensive front and move around their linebackers and defensive backs every play, never giving the same look.
Western State also blitzes on almost every play and tries to confuse the offense.
“I don’t think this is like anything else that we ever play against,” ESU fullback Justin Wieser said.
The different looks didn’t seem to bother Wieser last season. Wieser ran for 156 of the 288 rushing yards the Hornets racked up against Western State.
The only thing slowing Wieser was the altitude.
“I was gassed,” Wieser said. “I was on the sideline every other play holding oxygen tank so it’ll be nice this year not having to do that.”
The Hornets are hoping the Kansas humidity gets to the Mountaineers.
“I hope so,” Wieser said. “Maybe we’ll get a little environmental advantage.”
On defense, Emporia State will be going against a new-look offense from the Mountaineers. C.J. Teply is the team’s new offensive coordinator.
Teply has been on the coaching staff the past two years, so Higgins said he doesn’t expect too many changes. The key will be stopping receiver Dusten Copeland, who was sixth in the nation in 2007 with 86 catches for 1,156 yards. Copeland had seven catches for 125 yards last year against Emporia State.
Emporia State also hopes to have a home-field advantage. Last season Higgins said he was happy to start the season on the road. He said it was good for his players to get away and bond in their first season under the new coaching staff.
With a slew of freshmen expected to be on the field Saturday, Higgins is pleased to open the season in the first two games at Welch Stadium.
“I’m just excited to see some of these kids go out there and perform in a game,” Higgins said. “As preseason camp goes, even for coaches, by the end of it, it’s really not that fun anymore. You’re ready to get into game week.”