EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
OVERVIEW: It took Eastern Michigan University coach Ron English just three years to bring back this program, in its 121st year in 2012, back to respectability. After suffering through 15 straight losing seasons, English guided the Eagles to a 6-6 overall mark, 4-4 in the Mid-American Conference. That kind of record might not have some programs in the country excited, but consider that EMU beat in-state rivals Central Michigan and Western Michigan last year, and anybody can see that the excitement in Ypsilanti is back. Last year EMU finished in the top 50 in the nation in seven categories, both offensive and defensive, so there is talent on both sides of the ball. And this year, eight Eagles have been named to the preseason all-MAC team by some publications.
OFFENSE: This unit should be highly productive in 2012, as EMU returns nine starters, including senior quarterback Alex Gillett and junior running back Javonti Greene. Last year Gillett threw for 1,635 yards and 14 touchdowns and rushed for 766 yards and five touchdowns. Greene rushed for 677 yards and six touchdowns. Look for more rushing yards this season, as the Eagles return five starting offensive linemen. Don’t forget about senior tight end Garrett Hoskins, who excels in both the run and pass games for the Eagles.
DEFENSE: This unit has some solid senior leadership returning in 2012, as senior linebacker Justin Cudworth and senior defensive end Andy Mulumba are back to try and slow down opposing MAC offenses. Last year, Cudworth led the team in tackles with 83, 8.5 for loss, and Mulumba finished the year with 3.5 sacks. The defense did lose six starters off last year’s team but has six players returning who either started or saw significant action last year.
OUR TAKE: Many people thought Ron English was crazy to take the job at Eastern Michigan. After all, he was a successful assistant coach at Michigan and Louisville, and many thought he could have had his pick of schools with a more winning tradition. But he must have seen something in the Eagles program that he liked, and he is making believers of everyone in a very short time. He recruits well, so this team should not take a step back, especially with all the returning talent he has.
COACH’S COMMENT: “I think we are good enough – the pieces are there – but you have to play as a team,” English said at the MAC Media Day last month.
SCHEDULE
8/30 Ball State 7 p.m.
9/8 ILLINOIS STATE 1 p.m.
9/15 Purdue noon
9/22 Michigan State TBA
10/6 KENT STATE 1 p.m.
10/13 TOLEDO TBA
10/20 ARMY 1 p.m.
10/27 Bowling Green 3:30 p.m.
11/1 Ohio 6 p.m.
11/10 CENTRAL MICHIGAN TBA
11/17 Western Michigan 2 p.m.
11/23 NORTHERN ILLINOIS TBA