Ron English is gone as HC and now the Eastern Michigan Eagles will turn to Chris Creighton who is 137-46 in his coaching career, but this will be his first venture at the FBS level. Still he has won at every level and inherits a team with 54 lettermen back, including 15 starters. This should be an improved team for sure. Preview & schedule are below
The Offense sputtered to just 18.8 pg last year, but have 9 starters back this year. Sophomore Rogan Roback will replace the departed Tyler Benz at QB. Roback actually started 4 of the last 5 games for the Eagles last year, so he does have experienced, but behind him there is no experience at all. The Eagles do return their top two receivers from last year in TE Tyreese Russell and WR Dustin Creel, who combined for 1187 yards and 8 TDs last year. The RB corps is very solid and actually rates as one of the better in the league with Bronson Hill, who had 1101 yards and 5 TDs last year and Ryan Brumfield, who ran for 509 yards and 5 TDs a year ago. They both could have even bigger years running behind an OL that is experienced with 4 starters back. The defense was atrocious last year, after allowing 45.2 ppg and 511 ypg. This year they should be a better group overall, with 26 lettermen back, including 6 starters. The DL looks to be the strength of this defense, with 2 starters back, including Pat O’Connor who had 4 sacks, 1 other TFL and 3 PBUs last year. Ike Spearman leads the LB corps that rates 12th in the league, while the secondary is improved and experienced, with 3 starters back and all 4 starters being seniors.
EMU has a ton of ground to make up in the conference, after going 2-14 in the MAC the last 2 years, while being outgained by a combined 179.5 ypg in the 2 years. Chris Creighton is a nice hire and has won wherever he has coached, but Eagle fans will have to be patient. This team should be better on both sides of the ball this year, but that will not translate into a whole lot more wins in his first year. I give them a shot at 3 wins this year and for this team that is a step in the right direction. KEY TREND: 8-1 ATS in their last road game of the year.
2014 Eastern Michigan Football Schedule
Aug. 30 Morgan State
Sep. 6 at Florida
Sep. 13 at Old Dominion
Sep. 20 at Michigan State
Sep. 27 OPEN DATE
Oct. 4 at Akron
Oct. 11 Buffalo
Oct. 18 at UMass
Oct. 25 Northern Illinois
Nov. 1 Central Michigan
Nov. 8 OPEN DATE
Nov. 15 at Western Michigan
Nov. 22 at Ball State
Nov. 28 Toledo
Info gathered From Phil Steele's CFB Preview and Athlon Sports
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