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2009 Eastern Michigan College Football Predictions

Following a 3-9 campaign in 2008, which included just a 2-6 conference record, the Eastern Michigan Eagles decided to turn to a new head man to start the rebuilding process all over again. The departed Jeff Genyk was just 15-42 in his five seasons with the Eagles. While their wasn’t much to write home about during his reign, at least he won three of four games against in-state rival and MAC powerhouse Central Michigan, including a 56-52 win last November to end his career with the school. Now the program turns to Ron English in hopes that he’s the right man for the job. Bet on college football at Bookmaker!

Offense – The offensive side of the ball is not the issue for the Eagles. They averaged 25.8 points per game last season, which was good for 56th in the nation, and they finished the season with back-to-back 50-plus-point efforts. Eastern Michigan’s passing game was particularly impressive, ranking 20th in the country with a 269.3 yards per game average. The offense should still be in pretty good shape in terms of personnel as seven starters return, but they will have to learn a new system. Coach English doesn’t plan on spreading the field as often. Instead, he would like to implement a pro-style attack. English feels he has the line and the running backs the run the ball to set up the pass. The line returns four starters, including two-year starting center Eric Davis as its anchor. The Eagles throw a thunder and lightning attack at the opposition from the running back position, much like the one many NFL teams are going to. 6′1”, 238-pound bruiser Terrence Blevins provides the thunder. He averaged 4.3 yards per carry last season and scored 12 touchdowns. 5′9”, 186-pound Dwayne Priest provides the lightning. Joining them in the backfield is efficient quarterback Andy Schmitt, who threw for over 2,600 yards and 15 touchdowns. His top receiving target is Jacory Stone, who came away with 88 grabs and 943 yards in 2008. If this offense has a weakness, it is its lack of a deep threat to stretch the defense. The Eagles are hoping freshman speedster Kinsman Thomas can be that guy.

Defense – It’s no surprise that the Eastern Michigan hired a defensive minded coach because the program really needs help on this side of the ball. The defense allowed 35.6 points per game last season (109th in the nation). Its biggest downfall was against the run, allowing 196.3 rushing yards per game (103rd in the nation). The defensive line is a big concern as it allowed opposing rushers to gain a whopping 5.2 yards per carry last fall. This unit wasn’t able to put any heat on opposing passing games either as it managed only 19 sacks. Sophomore defensive end Brad Ohrman has shown potential. He had 6 of the teams 19 sacks last season. And the team is hoping to get a big boost from junior college newcomer Ryan Leonard in the middle of the line. But all in all, there still figures to be major issues with quality depth. Losing 2008 leading tackler and middle linebacker Daniel Holtzclaw will not help either. That puts a lot of pressure on returning starters Andre Hatchett and Jermaine Jenkins to step up. And unfortunately, the secondary will struggle until the defensive line can manage a stronger push. But getting safety Ryan Downard back from a broken arm injury is at least something positive to report.

Prediction: 6th MAC West – New coach, new system, weak defense. Looks like bottom of the pack in the MAC.

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