2010 Eastern Michigan Eagles Game Preview
written by: BB73, Buckeyeskickbuttocks, Bucklion, Bucky Katt, DaddyBigBucks, JCOSU86, and jwinslow
written by: BB73, Buckeyeskickbuttocks, Bucklion, Bucky Katt, DaddyBigBucks, JCOSU86, and jwinslow
Preface
Eastern Michigan is located in Ypsilanti, which is about 6 miles east/SE of Ann Arbor, and about 30 miles west of Detroit. A site near campus was the first Domino's pizza location in 1960; 50 years later that business produced an athletic director for the folks down the road in Ann Arbor.
The school was known as Michigan State Normal School from 1849 until 1899, when it became Michigan State Normal College. The name was changed to Eastern Michigan College in 1956, and then Eastern Michigan University in 1959. Before the adoption of the Huron logo in 1929, the school used a block M with the word "Normal" to signify Michigan State Normal College - it actually looked like this:
We're assuming that any implication that another nearby college with a block 'M' logo had abnormal students is unintentional. But any confusion about that was rendered moot in 1929 when its teams adopted 'Hurons' as their nicknames. The team has been known as the Eagles since 1991, when concern over the use of Native American images ended the role of Hurons as the team nickname.
They have won 10 conference titles in football, including 6 in-state conference crowns by 1930, and 3 Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles in the 1950s. They joined the Mid-American Conference in 1972, and won their only MAC title in 1987. That team went to the California Bowl and defeated San Jose State for the only bowl win in the team's history.
The Eagles are currently on a 15-game losing streak, which is the second longest active streak among FCS teams (Western Ky is at 23). They once had a 27-game winless streak in the early '80s, although that only included a single winless season in 1981.
On a brighter historical note, from 1925 to 1939 under head coach Elton Rynearson, they went 83-22-8, including 8-0 seasons in 1925 and 1927. They have had 5 undefeated seasons, but the last of those was in 1945. Their 1943 team had a 2-0 record, with both games being shutouts.
Their stadium opened in 1969 and is named after Rynearson. He was head coach for a total of 26 years from 1917-48 and went 114-58-15 (.650). He was also the head basketball coach for 18 seasons, holding both positions for most of that time.
Eastern Michigan does have one graduate in the NFL Hall of Fame. George Allen had 12 seasons as an NFL head coach, with a winning record for each of those years with the '60s Rams and '70s Redskins. He was twice the NFL Coach of the Year, and led the Redskins to an appearance in Super Bowl VII against the Dolphins. His NFL career got a start in 1957 when L.A. Rams Head Coach Sid Gillman (a Buckeye in the NFL Hall-of-Fame) hired him as an assistant.
There are a few Eastern Michigan players currently in the NFL, the best known probably being Steelers QB Charlie Batch, who was also a mentor to Terrelle Pryor during TP's college recruitment.
Looking at tOSU, the defense has been doing an excellent job in creating turnovers. Ohio State leads the nation in turnover margin, with a +3.33-margin per game. The Buckeyes have forced 12 opponent turnovers through three games, committing just two. In Buckeye annals, only seven previous squads have forced 40 or more turnovers for a season, and only 1 team in the Tressel era has forced more than 31:
Year Int Fum Tot
1986 .27 .21 .48
1950 .19 .25 .44
1969 .20 .22 .42
1980 .25 .17 .42
1952 .21 .20 .41
1968 .25 .16 .41
1957 .16 .24 .40
Under Tressel:
Year Int Fum Tot
2001 .20 .11 .31
2002 .18 .12 .30
2003 .15 .10 .25
2004 .15 .04 .19
2005 .06 .06 .12
2006 .21 .06 .27
2007 .11 .08 .19
2008 .15 .14 .29
2009 .24 .11 .35
2010 .07 .05 .12
Date and TimeThe school was known as Michigan State Normal School from 1849 until 1899, when it became Michigan State Normal College. The name was changed to Eastern Michigan College in 1956, and then Eastern Michigan University in 1959. Before the adoption of the Huron logo in 1929, the school used a block M with the word "Normal" to signify Michigan State Normal College - it actually looked like this:
We're assuming that any implication that another nearby college with a block 'M' logo had abnormal students is unintentional. But any confusion about that was rendered moot in 1929 when its teams adopted 'Hurons' as their nicknames. The team has been known as the Eagles since 1991, when concern over the use of Native American images ended the role of Hurons as the team nickname.
They have won 10 conference titles in football, including 6 in-state conference crowns by 1930, and 3 Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles in the 1950s. They joined the Mid-American Conference in 1972, and won their only MAC title in 1987. That team went to the California Bowl and defeated San Jose State for the only bowl win in the team's history.
The Eagles are currently on a 15-game losing streak, which is the second longest active streak among FCS teams (Western Ky is at 23). They once had a 27-game winless streak in the early '80s, although that only included a single winless season in 1981.
On a brighter historical note, from 1925 to 1939 under head coach Elton Rynearson, they went 83-22-8, including 8-0 seasons in 1925 and 1927. They have had 5 undefeated seasons, but the last of those was in 1945. Their 1943 team had a 2-0 record, with both games being shutouts.
Their stadium opened in 1969 and is named after Rynearson. He was head coach for a total of 26 years from 1917-48 and went 114-58-15 (.650). He was also the head basketball coach for 18 seasons, holding both positions for most of that time.
Eastern Michigan does have one graduate in the NFL Hall of Fame. George Allen had 12 seasons as an NFL head coach, with a winning record for each of those years with the '60s Rams and '70s Redskins. He was twice the NFL Coach of the Year, and led the Redskins to an appearance in Super Bowl VII against the Dolphins. His NFL career got a start in 1957 when L.A. Rams Head Coach Sid Gillman (a Buckeye in the NFL Hall-of-Fame) hired him as an assistant.
There are a few Eastern Michigan players currently in the NFL, the best known probably being Steelers QB Charlie Batch, who was also a mentor to Terrelle Pryor during TP's college recruitment.
Looking at tOSU, the defense has been doing an excellent job in creating turnovers. Ohio State leads the nation in turnover margin, with a +3.33-margin per game. The Buckeyes have forced 12 opponent turnovers through three games, committing just two. In Buckeye annals, only seven previous squads have forced 40 or more turnovers for a season, and only 1 team in the Tressel era has forced more than 31:
Year Int Fum Tot
1986 .27 .21 .48
1950 .19 .25 .44
1969 .20 .22 .42
1980 .25 .17 .42
1952 .21 .20 .41
1968 .25 .16 .41
1957 .16 .24 .40
Under Tressel:
Year Int Fum Tot
2001 .20 .11 .31
2002 .18 .12 .30
2003 .15 .10 .25
2004 .15 .04 .19
2005 .06 .06 .12
2006 .21 .06 .27
2007 .11 .08 .19
2008 .15 .14 .29
2009 .24 .11 .35
2010 .07 .05 .12
Date: Saturday, September 25th, 2010
Time: 3:30 PM ET Kick-off
Location: Ohio Stadium - "The Horseshoe" (Columbus, OH)
Constructed: 1922 (Renovated in 2001)
Seating Capacity: 102,329 (Originally 66,210)
Playing Surface: FieldTurf
Events: COACH TO CURE MD Celebrates Third Season With Coaches Wearing Sideline Patch For Sept. 25 Games
For the third year in a row, college football coaches nationwide will join together in support of the Coach to Cure MD program, which will be held during games of Saturday, September 25, 2010. The rapidly growing annual effort has raised more than half a million dollars to battle Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
On September 25th, American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) members will wear a Coach to Cure MD logo patch on the sidelines and college football fans will be asked to donate to research projects supported by Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, the largest nonprofit organization in the U.S. focused entirely on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Football fans can donate to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research by either going online to www.CoachtoCureMD.org or by texting the word CURE to 90999 (a $5 donation will automatically be added to your next phone bill).
?Our Buckeyes are supporting the Coach to Cure MD program again this year because of the unique parallels between this sport and Duchenne,? head coach Jim Tressel. ?It is a disease that robs young men of precious muscle strength while college football is a game where young men are at the peak of their muscle strength. We are proud of the recent $600,000 research grant awarded to the Nationwide Children?s Research Institute on our campus.?
Time: 3:30 PM ET Kick-off
Location: Ohio Stadium - "The Horseshoe" (Columbus, OH)
Constructed: 1922 (Renovated in 2001)
Seating Capacity: 102,329 (Originally 66,210)
Playing Surface: FieldTurf
Events: COACH TO CURE MD Celebrates Third Season With Coaches Wearing Sideline Patch For Sept. 25 Games
For the third year in a row, college football coaches nationwide will join together in support of the Coach to Cure MD program, which will be held during games of Saturday, September 25, 2010. The rapidly growing annual effort has raised more than half a million dollars to battle Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
On September 25th, American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) members will wear a Coach to Cure MD logo patch on the sidelines and college football fans will be asked to donate to research projects supported by Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, the largest nonprofit organization in the U.S. focused entirely on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Football fans can donate to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research by either going online to www.CoachtoCureMD.org or by texting the word CURE to 90999 (a $5 donation will automatically be added to your next phone bill).
?Our Buckeyes are supporting the Coach to Cure MD program again this year because of the unique parallels between this sport and Duchenne,? head coach Jim Tressel. ?It is a disease that robs young men of precious muscle strength while college football is a game where young men are at the peak of their muscle strength. We are proud of the recent $600,000 research grant awarded to the Nationwide Children?s Research Institute on our campus.?
Broadcast Information:
TV Broacast: ABC/ESPN reverse mirror: Carter Blackburn (Play-by-play), Mike Bellotti and Brock Huard (Analysis)
Radio Broadcast: Ohio State Radio Network (97.1 FM TheFan in Columbus): Paul Keels (Play-by-play), Jim Lachey (Analysis), and Marty Bannister (Sideline)
The game can also be heard live on Sirius satellite radio 127 and XM 102.
2010 Eastern Michigan Eagles Offensive PreviewThe game can also be heard live on Sirius satellite radio 127 and XM 102.
The Buckeyes come off their blowout of the Bobcats by welcoming the Eastern Michigan Eagles on Saturday, who are on an epic losing streak, having not won since November of 2008, which is overshadowed only by Western Kentucky's streak, which is worse. The Bobcats were easily one of the worst offenses to play against Ohio State in a long time, and the Eagles, while not quite as bad, have not been able to generate the offense necessary to generate victories for the past 2 seasons. Coach English and offensive coordinator Ken Karcher have some work to do in developing an identity and building some confidence that the Eagles can use to propel them to their first victory in 2 years.
The Eagles have been bad on offense, but certainly not historically bad, as they currently rank 87th in total offense at 332 YPG. They rank 90th in throwing the ball (194.3 YPG) and slightly better running the ball (142.3 YPG, 71st). They have only taken 3 sacks and thrown 4 INTs in 3 games, which are not horrible totals by any means. Their 20.7 points per game however ranks only T92 and really has cost them, as they have dropped a couple of close, winnable games early in the schedule (Army, Miami OH) before being blown out last week. They have been mediocre in generating sustained drives with first downs (56, T70th) whereas they have been respectable in moving the chains on third down (41.9%, T40th). This is not the worst offense the Buckeyes will see (in fact, Ohio's offense last week was much worse statistically) but they have not been able to score enough points to compete with lower division teams thus far ... however there's no way to sugarcoat this, it will be nearly impossible for them to compete with the Buckeyes on Saturday.
The Eagles have been bad on offense, but certainly not historically bad, as they currently rank 87th in total offense at 332 YPG. They rank 90th in throwing the ball (194.3 YPG) and slightly better running the ball (142.3 YPG, 71st). They have only taken 3 sacks and thrown 4 INTs in 3 games, which are not horrible totals by any means. Their 20.7 points per game however ranks only T92 and really has cost them, as they have dropped a couple of close, winnable games early in the schedule (Army, Miami OH) before being blown out last week. They have been mediocre in generating sustained drives with first downs (56, T70th) whereas they have been respectable in moving the chains on third down (41.9%, T40th). This is not the worst offense the Buckeyes will see (in fact, Ohio's offense last week was much worse statistically) but they have not been able to score enough points to compete with lower division teams thus far ... however there's no way to sugarcoat this, it will be nearly impossible for them to compete with the Buckeyes on Saturday.
Quarterbacks
QB #8 Alex Gillett (6-1, 205, SO, Clyde HS, Green Springs, OH)
Gillett returns after seeing significant action in 2009. The good: he led the team in completions and passing yards and was second on the team in rushing attempts, yards, and TDs last season after the Eagles lost starter Andy Schmitt. The bad: He completed less than 50% of his passes, he threw 7 INTs in just 137 attempts, and his QB rating was under 100, which is bad at the college level. In the final 3 games of the season, he did eclipse 185 yards passing twice and 100 yards rushing twice. This year, he opened the season just 4 of 9 passing, but with 126 yards rushing and a score against Army. From there, he threw for 171 and 2 scores against Miami and last week threw for 148 and a TD against Central Michigan, but gained just 9 yards on 7 carries. He is more of a threat with his legs than he is with his arm in general, and will probably look to run against a fierce Buckeye pass rush this weekend. It is important to contain him in the pocket and make him throw it, as he in prone to turnovers, throwing 3 INTs thus far in 2010.
Behind Gillett is Cleveland South product Devontae Payne (#4). The freshman threw a pick in 3 attempts against Miami in the second game, but was 13/24 for 134 yards and made better decisions in his time last week in the Central Michigan game. He has good size (6-6, 231) and a strong arm, and will probably look to throw the ball first, as he had just 1 attempt for 2 yards last week. He brings a contrasting style to the Eastern Michigan attack and could see the field for a significant spell if the Eagles start seeing the game getting away from them as it is expected to. He appears to have a potentially bright future.
QB Rating: C-
Head-to-Head: Eastern Michigan versus Ohio State QBs
Gillett: 34/59 (57.6%), 350 yards, 4 TDs, 3 INTs, 119.7 rating; 39/172, 1 TD
Pryor: 51/81 (63.0%), 715 yards, 6 TDs, 2 INTs, 156.6 rating; 36/165, 2 TDs
Gillett can make some plays with his feet, but his passing skills are suspect and the Buckeye pass rush should be able to harass him into some mistakes. Payne is an intriguing option throwing the football and may also see the field. Pryor completed 16 passes in a row last week to set a Buckeye record, and there is nothing in the Eastern Michigan defense that gave up 52 points last week to indicate he will have much more trouble with the Eagles.
Edge: Ohio State
Running Backs
TB #22 Dwayne Priest (5-8, 192, SR, William Fleming HS, Roanoke, VA)
The Eagle running game has been relatively bad for over a half a decade, bottoming out at only 1269 team yards in 2006. They have shown some signs of life recently though, gaining 1878 in 2007 and 1778 in 2008 before regressing a bit to 1515 last season. No matter how one sizes it up, Anthony Sherrell led the team in rushing in 2004 with 854 yards, and no one has reached that total since. Dwayne Priest has at least been a consistent, if unexceptional, performer over the past 2+ seasons. He was second on the team with 474 yards in 2008 and led the team last season with 633 yards and 7 TDs. Still, he has scored just 15 TDs in 2+ seasons as the featured back and his YPC average for his career is below 4.0. He is a short, shifty runner who can get lost behind the linemen but who also has some power between the tackles. He had one 100 yard game last season (Northwestern) and had a great game against Army in the opener, gaining 142 yards on 26 carries with 2 TDs. He then gained just 8 yards on 8 carries against Miami and had 16 carries for 49 yards and a score last week against Central Michigan. Like the Bobcat running backs last week, he can catch an occasional pass out of the backfield as well, but nothing in his skill set appears able to trouble a staunch Buckeye D.
Backing up Priest is junior Corey Welch (#26). He played sparingly the past 2 seasons, gaining 154 yards in 2008 and in 2009. He gained just 18 yards on 7 carries against Miami and 6 yards on 4 carries last week, so he does not appear to be on the cusp of supplanting Priest.
RB Rating: C-
Head-to-Head: Eastern Michigan versus Ohio State RBs
Priest: 50/199 yards, 3 TDs, 4.0 YPC; 2 rec/8 yards, 0 TDs, 4.0 YPR
Welch: 11/24 yards, 0 TDs, 2.2 YPC; 0 rec/0 yards, 0 TDs, 0.0 YPR
Saine: 33/158 yards, 2 TDs, 4.8 YPC; 5 rec/49 yards, 2 TDs, 9.8 YPR
Herron: 30/137 yards, 3 TDs, 4.6 YPC; 4 rec/79 yards, 0 TDs, 19.8 YPR
After a stellar opener, the Eagle running game has virtually disappeared. Neither back appears particularly dangerous to break one against the Buckeyes and neither looks to be an especially effective pass receiver either, as they each caught just 9 passes all of last season. If the Eagles were unable to run effectively against Miami (OH), they have virtually no chance of establishing much of anything against the Buckeyes.
Edge: Ohio State
Wide Receivers
WR-X #9 Tyrone Burke (5-11, 199, SR, Corcoran HS, Syracuse, NY)
WR-Z #1 Kinsman Thomas (6-2, 205, SO, Marlboro County HS, Bennettsville, SC)
WR-H #84 Trey Hunter (6-0, 196, JR, Eastwood HS, Pemberville, OH)
Jacory Stone led the Eagles in 2009 with just 32 receptions and 347 receiving yards, so major upgrades in production are needed. Thomas was second on the team with 275 yards and led the team with 3 scores last season. He has good size and the ability to make a big play, which has been on display this season so far. He has 197 receiving yards on just 6 receptions, including 4 for 133 and 2 TDs against Miami and 2 for 64 last week. The other receivers seem to be more possession types, as Burke and Hunter both have YPS under 10. Burke caught 6 balls for 253 yards and a score last season, and had 6 receptions for 47 yards last week. Hunter played sparingly last year, catching 12 passes.
Freshman Donald Scott (#17) appears to have some big play ability off the bench. He caught 2 passes for 64 yards and a score last week and has carried the ball 4 times, so they are looking for ways to get him the ball in space. One other player to keep an eye out for is senior TE/WR hybrid Josh LeDuc (#89). He caught 32 passes for 446 yards and 4 TDs in 2008, but missed all of last season. He has come on in the past 2 games, catching 9 passes for 55 yards and a score and even throwing a 71-yard TD pass against Miami (OH). Expect him to be involved in this weekend's gameplan. Sophomore Corey Manns (#24) is the only other player with a reception thus far this season.
WR Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Eastern Michigan versus Ohio State WRs
Burke: 7 catches, 56 yards, 0 TDs, 8.0 YPR
Thomas: 6 catches, 197 yards, 2 TDs, 32.8 YPR
Hunter: 6 catches, 43 yards, 0 TDs, 7.2 YPR
Posey: 13 catches, 208 yards, 2 TDs, 16.0 YPR
Sanzenbacher: 11 catches, 208 yards, 1 TD, 18.9 YPR
There isn't a ton of star power here, though there is some big play potential in Thomas and Scott. Scott appears to have a bright future. LeDuc adds experienced depth and may be extensively involved in the passing game. None of the other players appear to be significant threats downfield, an area where the Buckeyes excel.
Edge: Ohio State
Tight Ends
TE #81 Ben Thayer (6-4, 240, SR, Hackett Catholic Central HS, Kalamazoo, MI)
TE #44 Kyle DeMaster (6-1, 223, SO, Macomb Dakota HS, Macomb, MI)
This is a position where the Eagles actually get some production, as they often use 2 TE sets and are pretty deep at the spot. Thayer is a good blocker and pass catcher who provides leadership to the team. He was second on the team in receptions (29) and TDs (2) in 2009, and he continues that production this season, already amassing 10 receptions for 109 yards and a score. He has good hands and runs good routes. DeMaster can also block effectively and catches an occasional pass, with 3 receptions thus far this season.
TE Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Eastern Michigan versus Ohio State TEs
Thayer: 10 catches, 109 yards, 1 TD, 10.9 YPR
Stoneburner: 9 catches, 110 yards, 1 TD, 12.2 YPR
The Eagles have good players at this position, as Thayer is a high quality blocker and pass receiver. The team is also deep with DeMaster as a good second TE blocker. Stoneburner is the best player of the three, but the depth and expanded role of the TE in the EMU offense make this one more or less even.
Edge: Even
Offensive Line
LT #76 Bridger Buche (6-3, 312, JR, Portland HS, Portland, MI)
LG #72 Andrew Sorgatz (6-5, 266, SO, Wheaton North HS, Wheaton, IL)
C #78 Eric Davis (6-2, 300, SR, Anderson HS, Southgate, MI)
RG #70 Corey Watman (6-1, 290, SO, Huron Heights HS, Queensville, Ontario)
RT #65 Dan DeMaster (6-5, 304, SR, L?Anse Cruse Central HS, Macomb, MI)
The Eastern Michigan line hasn't done a bad job of protecting the passer, and they have opened up some holes in the running game as well. There is a decent mixture of youth and experience here, so they can compete and also build for the future. Davis is the anchor in the middle, having started 29 games at center for the Eagles. He is a smart player (several honorable mentions for All-MAC academic teams) with good size and plenty of experience and leadership. DeMaster is perhaps the team's most versatile lineman. He has started 26 games, including starts at LT last season, RG, and RT. He is valuable all along the line and has settled back into RT for this season. At the LT spot, Buche started out as a TE and moved to OL in 2008. He started all 12 games at RT in 2008 before missing the entire 2009 season with a hip injury. He has good size and is an important cog on the left side. Sorgatz started 11 games at LG last season and continues to man that spot this season. He is a bit undersized but has good movement. Watman split time between the line and blocking back last season, and mans the RG spot this year.
The reserves include senior Brian Moore (#71), who started 2 games at RT last year, and several underclassmen, sophomore Korey Neal (#68) and freshmen Scott MacLeod (#75) and Orlando McCord (#79).
OL Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Eastern Michigan versus Ohio State OL
This line has some experience and is slightly better than the line the Buckeyes saw last week, and a couple of the players are established starters over multiple seasons. The talent level between the two lines is really not comparable, and the Buckeyes also have plenty of experience along their line as well. Depth could be an issue for the Eagles.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Offensive Analysis
This offense isn't abysmal, but they don't really stand out and they don't really do any one thing particularly well. The QB is a versatile threat (as are many in the MAC) but the tailbacks and receivers are not especially explosive and the line is average. They have been able to move the chains some and put some points on the board against lesser teams, but they haven't been able to do enough to win. Depth could be an issue at most positions except TE. The running game is actually improving from pervious seasons, but it remains to be seen how well the passing game can hold up. The Eagles have not really been relevant since Charlie Batch was their QB ... they have a ways to go before they reach that point again.
Overall Offensive Rating: C-
2010 Eastern Michigan Eagles Defensive PreviewQB #8 Alex Gillett (6-1, 205, SO, Clyde HS, Green Springs, OH)
Gillett returns after seeing significant action in 2009. The good: he led the team in completions and passing yards and was second on the team in rushing attempts, yards, and TDs last season after the Eagles lost starter Andy Schmitt. The bad: He completed less than 50% of his passes, he threw 7 INTs in just 137 attempts, and his QB rating was under 100, which is bad at the college level. In the final 3 games of the season, he did eclipse 185 yards passing twice and 100 yards rushing twice. This year, he opened the season just 4 of 9 passing, but with 126 yards rushing and a score against Army. From there, he threw for 171 and 2 scores against Miami and last week threw for 148 and a TD against Central Michigan, but gained just 9 yards on 7 carries. He is more of a threat with his legs than he is with his arm in general, and will probably look to run against a fierce Buckeye pass rush this weekend. It is important to contain him in the pocket and make him throw it, as he in prone to turnovers, throwing 3 INTs thus far in 2010.
Behind Gillett is Cleveland South product Devontae Payne (#4). The freshman threw a pick in 3 attempts against Miami in the second game, but was 13/24 for 134 yards and made better decisions in his time last week in the Central Michigan game. He has good size (6-6, 231) and a strong arm, and will probably look to throw the ball first, as he had just 1 attempt for 2 yards last week. He brings a contrasting style to the Eastern Michigan attack and could see the field for a significant spell if the Eagles start seeing the game getting away from them as it is expected to. He appears to have a potentially bright future.
QB Rating: C-
Head-to-Head: Eastern Michigan versus Ohio State QBs
Gillett: 34/59 (57.6%), 350 yards, 4 TDs, 3 INTs, 119.7 rating; 39/172, 1 TD
Pryor: 51/81 (63.0%), 715 yards, 6 TDs, 2 INTs, 156.6 rating; 36/165, 2 TDs
Gillett can make some plays with his feet, but his passing skills are suspect and the Buckeye pass rush should be able to harass him into some mistakes. Payne is an intriguing option throwing the football and may also see the field. Pryor completed 16 passes in a row last week to set a Buckeye record, and there is nothing in the Eastern Michigan defense that gave up 52 points last week to indicate he will have much more trouble with the Eagles.
Edge: Ohio State
Running Backs
TB #22 Dwayne Priest (5-8, 192, SR, William Fleming HS, Roanoke, VA)
The Eagle running game has been relatively bad for over a half a decade, bottoming out at only 1269 team yards in 2006. They have shown some signs of life recently though, gaining 1878 in 2007 and 1778 in 2008 before regressing a bit to 1515 last season. No matter how one sizes it up, Anthony Sherrell led the team in rushing in 2004 with 854 yards, and no one has reached that total since. Dwayne Priest has at least been a consistent, if unexceptional, performer over the past 2+ seasons. He was second on the team with 474 yards in 2008 and led the team last season with 633 yards and 7 TDs. Still, he has scored just 15 TDs in 2+ seasons as the featured back and his YPC average for his career is below 4.0. He is a short, shifty runner who can get lost behind the linemen but who also has some power between the tackles. He had one 100 yard game last season (Northwestern) and had a great game against Army in the opener, gaining 142 yards on 26 carries with 2 TDs. He then gained just 8 yards on 8 carries against Miami and had 16 carries for 49 yards and a score last week against Central Michigan. Like the Bobcat running backs last week, he can catch an occasional pass out of the backfield as well, but nothing in his skill set appears able to trouble a staunch Buckeye D.
Backing up Priest is junior Corey Welch (#26). He played sparingly the past 2 seasons, gaining 154 yards in 2008 and in 2009. He gained just 18 yards on 7 carries against Miami and 6 yards on 4 carries last week, so he does not appear to be on the cusp of supplanting Priest.
RB Rating: C-
Head-to-Head: Eastern Michigan versus Ohio State RBs
Priest: 50/199 yards, 3 TDs, 4.0 YPC; 2 rec/8 yards, 0 TDs, 4.0 YPR
Welch: 11/24 yards, 0 TDs, 2.2 YPC; 0 rec/0 yards, 0 TDs, 0.0 YPR
Saine: 33/158 yards, 2 TDs, 4.8 YPC; 5 rec/49 yards, 2 TDs, 9.8 YPR
Herron: 30/137 yards, 3 TDs, 4.6 YPC; 4 rec/79 yards, 0 TDs, 19.8 YPR
After a stellar opener, the Eagle running game has virtually disappeared. Neither back appears particularly dangerous to break one against the Buckeyes and neither looks to be an especially effective pass receiver either, as they each caught just 9 passes all of last season. If the Eagles were unable to run effectively against Miami (OH), they have virtually no chance of establishing much of anything against the Buckeyes.
Edge: Ohio State
Wide Receivers
WR-X #9 Tyrone Burke (5-11, 199, SR, Corcoran HS, Syracuse, NY)
WR-Z #1 Kinsman Thomas (6-2, 205, SO, Marlboro County HS, Bennettsville, SC)
WR-H #84 Trey Hunter (6-0, 196, JR, Eastwood HS, Pemberville, OH)
Jacory Stone led the Eagles in 2009 with just 32 receptions and 347 receiving yards, so major upgrades in production are needed. Thomas was second on the team with 275 yards and led the team with 3 scores last season. He has good size and the ability to make a big play, which has been on display this season so far. He has 197 receiving yards on just 6 receptions, including 4 for 133 and 2 TDs against Miami and 2 for 64 last week. The other receivers seem to be more possession types, as Burke and Hunter both have YPS under 10. Burke caught 6 balls for 253 yards and a score last season, and had 6 receptions for 47 yards last week. Hunter played sparingly last year, catching 12 passes.
Freshman Donald Scott (#17) appears to have some big play ability off the bench. He caught 2 passes for 64 yards and a score last week and has carried the ball 4 times, so they are looking for ways to get him the ball in space. One other player to keep an eye out for is senior TE/WR hybrid Josh LeDuc (#89). He caught 32 passes for 446 yards and 4 TDs in 2008, but missed all of last season. He has come on in the past 2 games, catching 9 passes for 55 yards and a score and even throwing a 71-yard TD pass against Miami (OH). Expect him to be involved in this weekend's gameplan. Sophomore Corey Manns (#24) is the only other player with a reception thus far this season.
WR Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Eastern Michigan versus Ohio State WRs
Burke: 7 catches, 56 yards, 0 TDs, 8.0 YPR
Thomas: 6 catches, 197 yards, 2 TDs, 32.8 YPR
Hunter: 6 catches, 43 yards, 0 TDs, 7.2 YPR
Posey: 13 catches, 208 yards, 2 TDs, 16.0 YPR
Sanzenbacher: 11 catches, 208 yards, 1 TD, 18.9 YPR
There isn't a ton of star power here, though there is some big play potential in Thomas and Scott. Scott appears to have a bright future. LeDuc adds experienced depth and may be extensively involved in the passing game. None of the other players appear to be significant threats downfield, an area where the Buckeyes excel.
Edge: Ohio State
Tight Ends
TE #81 Ben Thayer (6-4, 240, SR, Hackett Catholic Central HS, Kalamazoo, MI)
TE #44 Kyle DeMaster (6-1, 223, SO, Macomb Dakota HS, Macomb, MI)
This is a position where the Eagles actually get some production, as they often use 2 TE sets and are pretty deep at the spot. Thayer is a good blocker and pass catcher who provides leadership to the team. He was second on the team in receptions (29) and TDs (2) in 2009, and he continues that production this season, already amassing 10 receptions for 109 yards and a score. He has good hands and runs good routes. DeMaster can also block effectively and catches an occasional pass, with 3 receptions thus far this season.
TE Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Eastern Michigan versus Ohio State TEs
Thayer: 10 catches, 109 yards, 1 TD, 10.9 YPR
Stoneburner: 9 catches, 110 yards, 1 TD, 12.2 YPR
The Eagles have good players at this position, as Thayer is a high quality blocker and pass receiver. The team is also deep with DeMaster as a good second TE blocker. Stoneburner is the best player of the three, but the depth and expanded role of the TE in the EMU offense make this one more or less even.
Edge: Even
Offensive Line
LT #76 Bridger Buche (6-3, 312, JR, Portland HS, Portland, MI)
LG #72 Andrew Sorgatz (6-5, 266, SO, Wheaton North HS, Wheaton, IL)
C #78 Eric Davis (6-2, 300, SR, Anderson HS, Southgate, MI)
RG #70 Corey Watman (6-1, 290, SO, Huron Heights HS, Queensville, Ontario)
RT #65 Dan DeMaster (6-5, 304, SR, L?Anse Cruse Central HS, Macomb, MI)
The Eastern Michigan line hasn't done a bad job of protecting the passer, and they have opened up some holes in the running game as well. There is a decent mixture of youth and experience here, so they can compete and also build for the future. Davis is the anchor in the middle, having started 29 games at center for the Eagles. He is a smart player (several honorable mentions for All-MAC academic teams) with good size and plenty of experience and leadership. DeMaster is perhaps the team's most versatile lineman. He has started 26 games, including starts at LT last season, RG, and RT. He is valuable all along the line and has settled back into RT for this season. At the LT spot, Buche started out as a TE and moved to OL in 2008. He started all 12 games at RT in 2008 before missing the entire 2009 season with a hip injury. He has good size and is an important cog on the left side. Sorgatz started 11 games at LG last season and continues to man that spot this season. He is a bit undersized but has good movement. Watman split time between the line and blocking back last season, and mans the RG spot this year.
The reserves include senior Brian Moore (#71), who started 2 games at RT last year, and several underclassmen, sophomore Korey Neal (#68) and freshmen Scott MacLeod (#75) and Orlando McCord (#79).
OL Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Eastern Michigan versus Ohio State OL
This line has some experience and is slightly better than the line the Buckeyes saw last week, and a couple of the players are established starters over multiple seasons. The talent level between the two lines is really not comparable, and the Buckeyes also have plenty of experience along their line as well. Depth could be an issue for the Eagles.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Offensive Analysis
This offense isn't abysmal, but they don't really stand out and they don't really do any one thing particularly well. The QB is a versatile threat (as are many in the MAC) but the tailbacks and receivers are not especially explosive and the line is average. They have been able to move the chains some and put some points on the board against lesser teams, but they haven't been able to do enough to win. Depth could be an issue at most positions except TE. The running game is actually improving from pervious seasons, but it remains to be seen how well the passing game can hold up. The Eagles have not really been relevant since Charlie Batch was their QB ... they have a ways to go before they reach that point again.
Overall Offensive Rating: C-
After a stint with the NFL's Detroit Lions (Linebackers), Phil Snow is now in his second year as EMU's defensive coordinator. He also coaches defensive backs. A 1978 graduate of Cal-State Hayward, Snow had his first coaching job two years prior at a Berkeley High School in California where he coached the DBs and was the JV head man. After one year there, he spent the next two at his High School Alma Mater, Winters High (California), as a DBs coach. His first college job was as defensive backs coach at Laney College. In 1980 he was promoted to defensive coordinator. However, in 1982, Snow left to become the DBs coach at Boise State, and within a year was the defensive coordinator for the Broncos. He let in 1987 to once more coach DBs, this time for Cal where he stayed until 1991. It was here that Snow first met English, who was a player for Cal at the time. In 1992 he took the Arizona State defensive coordinator job, a position he maintained until 2000 and which includes a thrilling 1997 Rose Bowl game against Ohio State. He left the Sun Devils to join UCLA as its defensive coordinator, prior to taking the same job for Washington in 2003. In 2005 he began his time with the Lions, where he stayed for 4 seasons.
Stats......|.Pts..|Tot Yds.|Rush.|Pass.|INT...|Fumbl|Sacks.|3rd D..|.pct.|
East. Mich.|.37.0.| 414.0..|253.0|161.0|.1-7..|.4-2.|.5-38.|19-35..|.54%.|
Ohio State.|.12.7.| 263.3 .|.80.0|156.3|.7-161|.9-5.|.3-24.|13.39..|.33%.|
...........|1st Ds|TDs R|TDs P|RedZone|.pct.|Tds...|.pct.|.TOF.|
East. Mich.|..71..|..11.|..3..|.22-26.|.85%.|22-26.|.85%.|31:08|
Ohio State.|..37..|..0..|..2..|.2-5...|.40%.|.2-5..|.40%.|25:21|
As with last week, it can be difficult to gain much insight into a school based on a scant data set upon which to go by. However, as discussed below, the above numbers are indicative of a defense which, frankly, is not very good. Teams have been able to run the ball at will, despite the fact that the D-Line is supposed to be EMU's chief defensive strength. While the passing numbers against look respectable, teams just don't need to air it out. To give some contrast, EMU opponents are 36-59 through the air, tossing one INT. Ohio State opponents, on the other hand, have a line of 49-91 with 7 INTs. Over three games, then, EMU faces 20 less passes and has nonetheless given up more yards and TDs through the air than have the Bucks. These early 2010 trends are what occurred last season as well, when the Eagles were a nation's worst rush defense while a nation's best pass defense. As DBB would be quick to point out, statistics don't always mean what they suggest. Teams have had success on third downs against the Eagles and are even more likely to punch the ball into the end zone once they reach the red zone. While the Eagles have yielded more than 5 TDs a game thus far, Ohio State's numbers are actually better than they appear; as the defense itself has only yielded 17 points in three contests, with the other points counting against the Special Teams. Ohio State will have little trouble against the Eagles and should go deep into the bench by the time this one is over. Tressel seldom embarrasses an opponent, but this one will get out of hand early.
Defensive Line
DE #93 Brad Ohrman, (6-4, 263, Jr.)
DT #96 Brandon Slater, (6-3, 291, Jr.)
DT #56 Ryan Leonard, (6-0, 287, Sr.)
DE #90 Javon Reese, (6-2, 247, Jr.)
Leonard is the lone senior on the line, but has just one start to his credit prior to the 2010 season. A former JUCO, Leonard made 27 tackles last season with a sack and 7.5 for loss. He possesses good size for an interior lineman, but is hardly an "anchor." He has 8 tackles thus far in 2010, 1.5 for loss with a sack. Joining Leonard in the middle is Slater, a 10 game starter from a year ago which saw him make 31 stops, 3.5 for loss. While he also brings legitimate size to the interior, as the rushing against numbers attest, he needs to be a bigger force out there. He has 10 tackles thus far in 2010. The ends are small and rely on quickness over power. Reese may be the best threat to get into opposing backfields with consistency and leads the team in TFLs with 4, and sacks with 3.5. Like Slater, he has 10 overall stops thus far. On the other end is Ohrman who brings some versatility to the front being able to line up inside and out. He has the raw talent to be the top lineman at EMU, but he has yet to reach that potential. In 2010 he has just 5 stops with .5 for loss.
Depth comes from ends: #49 Andy Mulumba, (6-1, 245, Soph.) and #94 Devon Davis, (6-2, 215, Soph.) and tackles: #99 Tyler Palsrok, (6-5, 279, Sr.) and #59 Matt Price, (6-2, 245, RFr.). Snow and English seek to emply more of a rotation on the D-Line to keep legs fresh and Davis has worked his way into two starts already this season. He has 7 stops and 1 TFL so far, but at 215 is over-matched if his first step is insufficient to beat the man in front of him. Pulsrock made 3 starts last season, but has yet to record a stop in 2010. Price also has yet to record any statistics, while Mulumba has played in each contest thus far and has recorded 5 tackles.
DL Rating: D
Head-to-Head: Eastern Michigan versus OSU DL
The Eastern Michigan front four have been dreadful against the run and early indications are that there has been little to no improvement in the area thus far. While there is a lot of depth to rotate in and lots of experience, this unit is quite inferior to what Buckeye fans are used to seeing from their own front. The EMU line has shown some ability to get into opposing backfields, but this has not necessarily translated into sacks. There is some quickness off the edge as well, but the front has been too easily handled by virtually any O-Line they've faced. There is not a player on Ohio State's roster at the line positions who would not start, and dominate, if at EMU. This one is not close.
Edge: Ohio State
Linebackers
WLB #40 Neal Howey, (6-1, 224, Sr.)
MLB #42 Marcus English, (6-1, 228, Jr.)
SLB #57 Tim Fort, (6-0, 225, Sr.)
While Howey and Fort are the seniors, English is the most likely candidate to be the corps' most constant performer. While English does not possess all the size in the world, he has good toughness and showed sound technique in making 41 tackles last season in just six games. He has had some health issues throughout his career and in 2010 has already had to miss a game. In his two games thus far, English has just 7 stops and this will need to improve if he is to sustain the "consistent" label favorably. Howey is the current team leader in tackles with 34, two of which have been behind the line. Howey replaces last season's leading tackler who began his college career at Upper Iowa as a DB. He is decent in coverage and is not afraid to stick his head in the mix to bring a man down. Fort worked his way into a starting role last season switching over to the middle from the strong side. While he has displayed a high energy and give all out effort each play, he has had trouble converting trips into opposing backfields into sacks or TFLs. He has a second best 29 stops in 2010 with 1 for loss.
Depth at LB comes from #11 Nate Paopao, (6-0, 213, Sr.), #45 Matt Boyd, (6-0, 232, Soph.), and #52 Steve Brown, (6-0, 228, Soph.). Like the line, Snow and English are attempting to rotate LBs in more frequently. Brown took a redshirt last season after being expected to provide depth at the position going into the year. A former safety (high school), he has not yet recorded a tackle. Boyd leads the reserves thus far with 7 stops, with an assisted TFL to his credit, while Paopao has 5 tackles in the 2 games he's seen action.
LB Rating: D
Head-to-Head: Eastern Michigan versus OSU LBs
As with the D-Line, the difference between Ohio State and Eastern Michigan is vast and hardly worth much of a breakdown here. While the EMU corps are willing to give all out effort, they do not shed blocks well and provide scant assistance when it comes to stopping opposing running games. While the group may have more depth, in terms of players who will see the field, the quality of that depth is more about bodies than talent. Generally an undersized unit, they should be better at getting to the QB on blitzes as they rely on speed over power. This, however, has not been the case and does not appear likely to change when the Eagles suit up against Terrelle Pryor and the Buckeyes this Saturday.
Edge: Ohio State
Secondary
CB #19 Arrington Hicks, (5-9, 170, Sr.)
FS #2 Latarrius Thomas, (6-2, 210, Sr.)
SS #10 Ryan Downard, (6-0, 198, Sr.)
CB #31 Marcell Rose, (5-9, 185, Jr.)
Thomas is a transfer from Louisville who was a regular starter for the Cardinals before his departure. While the most talented member of the secondary, it bears noting that Louisville was routinely gashed for big numbers, though that can't be laid entirely at Thomas' feet. Nonetheless, he has legitimate size and can cover a lot of area and will be an asset to the group. He has 18 tackles in 2010, tops among the secondary, with half a TFL. At strong safety, Downard has returned from a broken arm that limited his 2009 season. He had 6 picks in 2008 and was among the team's leading tacklers. He has 11 stops thus far in 2010. Hicks also has 11 stops this season, with one behind the LOS. A starter last season, Hicks is the team's top option at CB though he has not been that good at getting picks or breaking up passes. He is able in run support and has good speed, but is not likely to have much of an impact this Saturday. Rose is the lone junior and worked his way into the starting role last season. He was given some interest by South Carolina and Notre Dame as a wide receiver out of HS and possesses good athleticism but has not yet "put it all together" during a somewhat underachieving career. He is tied with Thomas with 18 stops thus far and may be showing some signs that the light has come on.
Corners: #5 Ja'Ron Gillespie, (5-11, 174, Soph.) and #14 Brandon Pratt, (6-2, 193, Sr.), and safeties: #6 Martavius Cardwell, (5-11, 202, Jr.), and #33 Alex Bellfy, (6-0, 200, Soph.) provide depth. Gillespie started four games last season as EMU's nickel back and has played in each contest this season. While he is a more sizable corner he isn't as fleet of foot. He has just one tackle this season. Both Pratt and Bellfry have starts under their belts this year and each has made 6 tackles, while Cardwell has not yet recorded a tackle.
DB Rating: D
Head-to-Head: Eastern Michigan versus OSU DBs
The numbers don't look bad for Eastern Michigan, but that is a function of how bad the front seven have been against the run as well as the fact that teams are able to pack in their passing attacks soon after kickoff as the scoreboard continues to light up for opponents. The Eagles have only one INT to their credit, while Ohio State has 7. Like the other areas on the defense, this evaluation is also not very close once we look behind the bare statistics. Making things a little closer is that the Buckeyes had a tough week on the injury front. Beginning with the loss of CJ Barnett against Miami, 3 other Ohio State DBs suffered various levels of injury, including starting corner Devon Torrence. Torrence returned to action against Ohio, but both Donnie Evege and Travis Howard suffered more serious injuries which will likely keep them out for several weeks if not longer. While Ohio State's Corey Brown would be be hard to keep off the field at EMU, Buckeye fans have to have some concern that the secondary is dropping like flies recently. It wont hurt this week against EMU, but against more competitive teams depth will be a concern. Ohio State will have little trouble moving the ball through the air early, but expect Tressel to rely primarily on the run as the game progresses.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
There's no way to sugarcoat this, Eastern Michigan's defense is among the worst that Ohio State will see in 2010. The Buckeyes should have little trouble doing what they want when they have the football and most of that will be on the ground in all likelihood. Eastern Michigan has not been able to limit opponents' ability to run which gives the illusion that the passing defense is stout, which it is not. If Pryor is to continue his streak of 200+ yard passing games, he'll have to get those numbers in the first quarter as there is little hope Eastern Michigan will keep this one close enough to warrant passing attempts.
Overall Defensive Rating: D
2010 Eastern Michigan Eagles Special Teams PreviewDE #93 Brad Ohrman, (6-4, 263, Jr.)
DT #96 Brandon Slater, (6-3, 291, Jr.)
DT #56 Ryan Leonard, (6-0, 287, Sr.)
DE #90 Javon Reese, (6-2, 247, Jr.)
Leonard is the lone senior on the line, but has just one start to his credit prior to the 2010 season. A former JUCO, Leonard made 27 tackles last season with a sack and 7.5 for loss. He possesses good size for an interior lineman, but is hardly an "anchor." He has 8 tackles thus far in 2010, 1.5 for loss with a sack. Joining Leonard in the middle is Slater, a 10 game starter from a year ago which saw him make 31 stops, 3.5 for loss. While he also brings legitimate size to the interior, as the rushing against numbers attest, he needs to be a bigger force out there. He has 10 tackles thus far in 2010. The ends are small and rely on quickness over power. Reese may be the best threat to get into opposing backfields with consistency and leads the team in TFLs with 4, and sacks with 3.5. Like Slater, he has 10 overall stops thus far. On the other end is Ohrman who brings some versatility to the front being able to line up inside and out. He has the raw talent to be the top lineman at EMU, but he has yet to reach that potential. In 2010 he has just 5 stops with .5 for loss.
Depth comes from ends: #49 Andy Mulumba, (6-1, 245, Soph.) and #94 Devon Davis, (6-2, 215, Soph.) and tackles: #99 Tyler Palsrok, (6-5, 279, Sr.) and #59 Matt Price, (6-2, 245, RFr.). Snow and English seek to emply more of a rotation on the D-Line to keep legs fresh and Davis has worked his way into two starts already this season. He has 7 stops and 1 TFL so far, but at 215 is over-matched if his first step is insufficient to beat the man in front of him. Pulsrock made 3 starts last season, but has yet to record a stop in 2010. Price also has yet to record any statistics, while Mulumba has played in each contest thus far and has recorded 5 tackles.
DL Rating: D
Head-to-Head: Eastern Michigan versus OSU DL
The Eastern Michigan front four have been dreadful against the run and early indications are that there has been little to no improvement in the area thus far. While there is a lot of depth to rotate in and lots of experience, this unit is quite inferior to what Buckeye fans are used to seeing from their own front. The EMU line has shown some ability to get into opposing backfields, but this has not necessarily translated into sacks. There is some quickness off the edge as well, but the front has been too easily handled by virtually any O-Line they've faced. There is not a player on Ohio State's roster at the line positions who would not start, and dominate, if at EMU. This one is not close.
Edge: Ohio State
Linebackers
WLB #40 Neal Howey, (6-1, 224, Sr.)
MLB #42 Marcus English, (6-1, 228, Jr.)
SLB #57 Tim Fort, (6-0, 225, Sr.)
While Howey and Fort are the seniors, English is the most likely candidate to be the corps' most constant performer. While English does not possess all the size in the world, he has good toughness and showed sound technique in making 41 tackles last season in just six games. He has had some health issues throughout his career and in 2010 has already had to miss a game. In his two games thus far, English has just 7 stops and this will need to improve if he is to sustain the "consistent" label favorably. Howey is the current team leader in tackles with 34, two of which have been behind the line. Howey replaces last season's leading tackler who began his college career at Upper Iowa as a DB. He is decent in coverage and is not afraid to stick his head in the mix to bring a man down. Fort worked his way into a starting role last season switching over to the middle from the strong side. While he has displayed a high energy and give all out effort each play, he has had trouble converting trips into opposing backfields into sacks or TFLs. He has a second best 29 stops in 2010 with 1 for loss.
Depth at LB comes from #11 Nate Paopao, (6-0, 213, Sr.), #45 Matt Boyd, (6-0, 232, Soph.), and #52 Steve Brown, (6-0, 228, Soph.). Like the line, Snow and English are attempting to rotate LBs in more frequently. Brown took a redshirt last season after being expected to provide depth at the position going into the year. A former safety (high school), he has not yet recorded a tackle. Boyd leads the reserves thus far with 7 stops, with an assisted TFL to his credit, while Paopao has 5 tackles in the 2 games he's seen action.
LB Rating: D
Head-to-Head: Eastern Michigan versus OSU LBs
As with the D-Line, the difference between Ohio State and Eastern Michigan is vast and hardly worth much of a breakdown here. While the EMU corps are willing to give all out effort, they do not shed blocks well and provide scant assistance when it comes to stopping opposing running games. While the group may have more depth, in terms of players who will see the field, the quality of that depth is more about bodies than talent. Generally an undersized unit, they should be better at getting to the QB on blitzes as they rely on speed over power. This, however, has not been the case and does not appear likely to change when the Eagles suit up against Terrelle Pryor and the Buckeyes this Saturday.
Edge: Ohio State
Secondary
CB #19 Arrington Hicks, (5-9, 170, Sr.)
FS #2 Latarrius Thomas, (6-2, 210, Sr.)
SS #10 Ryan Downard, (6-0, 198, Sr.)
CB #31 Marcell Rose, (5-9, 185, Jr.)
Thomas is a transfer from Louisville who was a regular starter for the Cardinals before his departure. While the most talented member of the secondary, it bears noting that Louisville was routinely gashed for big numbers, though that can't be laid entirely at Thomas' feet. Nonetheless, he has legitimate size and can cover a lot of area and will be an asset to the group. He has 18 tackles in 2010, tops among the secondary, with half a TFL. At strong safety, Downard has returned from a broken arm that limited his 2009 season. He had 6 picks in 2008 and was among the team's leading tacklers. He has 11 stops thus far in 2010. Hicks also has 11 stops this season, with one behind the LOS. A starter last season, Hicks is the team's top option at CB though he has not been that good at getting picks or breaking up passes. He is able in run support and has good speed, but is not likely to have much of an impact this Saturday. Rose is the lone junior and worked his way into the starting role last season. He was given some interest by South Carolina and Notre Dame as a wide receiver out of HS and possesses good athleticism but has not yet "put it all together" during a somewhat underachieving career. He is tied with Thomas with 18 stops thus far and may be showing some signs that the light has come on.
Corners: #5 Ja'Ron Gillespie, (5-11, 174, Soph.) and #14 Brandon Pratt, (6-2, 193, Sr.), and safeties: #6 Martavius Cardwell, (5-11, 202, Jr.), and #33 Alex Bellfy, (6-0, 200, Soph.) provide depth. Gillespie started four games last season as EMU's nickel back and has played in each contest this season. While he is a more sizable corner he isn't as fleet of foot. He has just one tackle this season. Both Pratt and Bellfry have starts under their belts this year and each has made 6 tackles, while Cardwell has not yet recorded a tackle.
DB Rating: D
Head-to-Head: Eastern Michigan versus OSU DBs
The numbers don't look bad for Eastern Michigan, but that is a function of how bad the front seven have been against the run as well as the fact that teams are able to pack in their passing attacks soon after kickoff as the scoreboard continues to light up for opponents. The Eagles have only one INT to their credit, while Ohio State has 7. Like the other areas on the defense, this evaluation is also not very close once we look behind the bare statistics. Making things a little closer is that the Buckeyes had a tough week on the injury front. Beginning with the loss of CJ Barnett against Miami, 3 other Ohio State DBs suffered various levels of injury, including starting corner Devon Torrence. Torrence returned to action against Ohio, but both Donnie Evege and Travis Howard suffered more serious injuries which will likely keep them out for several weeks if not longer. While Ohio State's Corey Brown would be be hard to keep off the field at EMU, Buckeye fans have to have some concern that the secondary is dropping like flies recently. It wont hurt this week against EMU, but against more competitive teams depth will be a concern. Ohio State will have little trouble moving the ball through the air early, but expect Tressel to rely primarily on the run as the game progresses.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
There's no way to sugarcoat this, Eastern Michigan's defense is among the worst that Ohio State will see in 2010. The Buckeyes should have little trouble doing what they want when they have the football and most of that will be on the ground in all likelihood. Eastern Michigan has not been able to limit opponents' ability to run which gives the illusion that the passing defense is stout, which it is not. If Pryor is to continue his streak of 200+ yard passing games, he'll have to get those numbers in the first quarter as there is little hope Eastern Michigan will keep this one close enough to warrant passing attempts.
Overall Defensive Rating: D
There is no way to sugarcoat this: Ohio State's Special Teams are bad. How bad? Very bad. They have allowed 1 TD via kickoff return (and one called back by penalty), 1 TD via punt return, 1 TD via a FG block, had a punt blocked and an extra point blocked. That resume would give a coach pause if it reflected an entire year of work. But this occurred over the course of their first 3 games, 2 of which were against vastly inferior teams. This is not the kind of results demanded by a man who thinks the punt is the most important play in football. Fortunately for the Buckeyes, this is the week to get things fixed because the Eastern Michigan Eagles may very well be the weakest team tOSU has played in the last 5 years.
Special Teams
Eastern Michigan
P #37 Jay Karutz (6-2, 200, So., North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia)
PK #97 Sean Graham (6-1, 185, So., St. Mary's HS, Orchard Lake MI)
PR #10 Ryan Downard (6-0, 198, Sr., Shawnee HS, Lima, OH)
PR #14 Brandon Pratt (6-2, 193, Sr., Westland John Glenn HS, Wayne, MI)
KR #29 Chaz Mitchell (5-8, 158, Fr., Bryan Station HS, Lexington, KY)
KR #26 Corey Welch (5-9, 179, Jr., Green HS, Akron, OH)
LS #53 Mike Zupancic (6-5, 253, So., Trabuco Hills HS, Trabuco Canyon, CA)
Hldr #37 Jay Karutz (6-2, 200, So., North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia)
Ohio State
P #17 Ben Buchanan (6-0, 195, Fr., Westerville Central HS, Westerville, OH)
PK #24 Devin Barclay (5-10, 204, Sr., McDonough HS, Annapolis, MD)
KO #24 Drew Basil (6-1, 206, Fr., Chillicothe HS, Chillicothe, OH)
PR #8 DeVier Posey (6-2, 200, Jr., LaSalle HS, Cincinnati, OH)
PR #10 Corey Brown (5-10, 170, Fr., Cardinal O'Hara HS, Upper Darby, PA)
PR #7 Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, So., Jeanette HS, Jeanette, PA)
KR #7 Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, So., Jeanette HS, Jeanette, PA)
KR #1 Dan Herron (5-10, 202, Jr., Harding HS, Warren, OH)
KR #3 Brandon Saine (6-1, 219, Sr., Piqua HS, Piqua, OH)
KR #4 Jaamal Berry (5-10, 200, Fr., Palmetto HS, Pinecrest, FL)
LS #96 Jake McQuaide (6-3, 234, Sr., Elder HS, Cincinnati, OH)
Hldr #14 Joe Bauserman (6-1, 233, Jr., Lincoln HS, Stasburg, VA)
With 3 games in the books, it is logical to take a look at statistics. Overall the EMU Eagles are pretty inconsistent on Special Teams, good in some areas, horrible in others. Jay Karutz is having a fine year punting the ball with a 44 yards per punt average. In punt returns, the Eagles are 116th out of 119 Division I teams, having returned only 1 punt for a -1 yard. Their kickoff return team is 82nd in the nation, averaging 19.89 yards per return. In punt return defense, EMU is among the leaders in the nation. They have only allowed 4 yards on 3 returns, good for 13th in the nation. The kickoff coverage team is also a point of pride, allowing only 17 yards per return to rank 10th in the nation.
EMU ST Rating: C
The Buckeyes are pretty much not impressive across the board. Ben Buchanan is averaging 39.75 yards per punt, good for only 64th out of 82 punters in Division I-A. On punt returns, tOSU is in the middle of the pack, ranking 56th with a 8.5 yard per return average. Their kickoff team, in stark contrast to the past couple of years, is the strength of an otherwise weak team. The kickoff returners are averaging 27 yards per return which ranks them 18th in the nation. The return defense is where the jaw drops. The Buckeyes punt return team is giving up an average of 26.25 yards per return to rank 113th in the nation. While on the surface that is deplorable, the fact is that they have only allowed 4 returns and the Miami Hurricane return for a TD skews the data. Nonetheless, punt return defense needs to improve. The kickoff return defense is having the roughest year of all. They rank 102nd in the nation allowing 24.47 on 19 returns. That statistic would be worse if the Ohio Bobcats had not been called for a block in the back on a kickoff return TD last week. Again, plenty of room for improvement.
tOSU ST Rating: D
Like last week's game against fellow MAC school Ohio, the Buckeyes should be favored on paper due to their superior athletes. There has been speculation that more starters will be involved on the return teams. It remains to be seen if that will help or not. Also, EMU is simply not good.
Edge: Ohio State
Predictions
Eastern Michigan
P #37 Jay Karutz (6-2, 200, So., North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia)
PK #97 Sean Graham (6-1, 185, So., St. Mary's HS, Orchard Lake MI)
PR #10 Ryan Downard (6-0, 198, Sr., Shawnee HS, Lima, OH)
PR #14 Brandon Pratt (6-2, 193, Sr., Westland John Glenn HS, Wayne, MI)
KR #29 Chaz Mitchell (5-8, 158, Fr., Bryan Station HS, Lexington, KY)
KR #26 Corey Welch (5-9, 179, Jr., Green HS, Akron, OH)
LS #53 Mike Zupancic (6-5, 253, So., Trabuco Hills HS, Trabuco Canyon, CA)
Hldr #37 Jay Karutz (6-2, 200, So., North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia)
Ohio State
P #17 Ben Buchanan (6-0, 195, Fr., Westerville Central HS, Westerville, OH)
PK #24 Devin Barclay (5-10, 204, Sr., McDonough HS, Annapolis, MD)
KO #24 Drew Basil (6-1, 206, Fr., Chillicothe HS, Chillicothe, OH)
PR #8 DeVier Posey (6-2, 200, Jr., LaSalle HS, Cincinnati, OH)
PR #10 Corey Brown (5-10, 170, Fr., Cardinal O'Hara HS, Upper Darby, PA)
PR #7 Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, So., Jeanette HS, Jeanette, PA)
KR #7 Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, So., Jeanette HS, Jeanette, PA)
KR #1 Dan Herron (5-10, 202, Jr., Harding HS, Warren, OH)
KR #3 Brandon Saine (6-1, 219, Sr., Piqua HS, Piqua, OH)
KR #4 Jaamal Berry (5-10, 200, Fr., Palmetto HS, Pinecrest, FL)
LS #96 Jake McQuaide (6-3, 234, Sr., Elder HS, Cincinnati, OH)
Hldr #14 Joe Bauserman (6-1, 233, Jr., Lincoln HS, Stasburg, VA)
With 3 games in the books, it is logical to take a look at statistics. Overall the EMU Eagles are pretty inconsistent on Special Teams, good in some areas, horrible in others. Jay Karutz is having a fine year punting the ball with a 44 yards per punt average. In punt returns, the Eagles are 116th out of 119 Division I teams, having returned only 1 punt for a -1 yard. Their kickoff return team is 82nd in the nation, averaging 19.89 yards per return. In punt return defense, EMU is among the leaders in the nation. They have only allowed 4 yards on 3 returns, good for 13th in the nation. The kickoff coverage team is also a point of pride, allowing only 17 yards per return to rank 10th in the nation.
EMU ST Rating: C
The Buckeyes are pretty much not impressive across the board. Ben Buchanan is averaging 39.75 yards per punt, good for only 64th out of 82 punters in Division I-A. On punt returns, tOSU is in the middle of the pack, ranking 56th with a 8.5 yard per return average. Their kickoff team, in stark contrast to the past couple of years, is the strength of an otherwise weak team. The kickoff returners are averaging 27 yards per return which ranks them 18th in the nation. The return defense is where the jaw drops. The Buckeyes punt return team is giving up an average of 26.25 yards per return to rank 113th in the nation. While on the surface that is deplorable, the fact is that they have only allowed 4 returns and the Miami Hurricane return for a TD skews the data. Nonetheless, punt return defense needs to improve. The kickoff return defense is having the roughest year of all. They rank 102nd in the nation allowing 24.47 on 19 returns. That statistic would be worse if the Ohio Bobcats had not been called for a block in the back on a kickoff return TD last week. Again, plenty of room for improvement.
tOSU ST Rating: D
Like last week's game against fellow MAC school Ohio, the Buckeyes should be favored on paper due to their superior athletes. There has been speculation that more starters will be involved on the return teams. It remains to be seen if that will help or not. Also, EMU is simply not good.
Edge: Ohio State
Predictions
BB73's prediction: 48-3, Ohio State
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 56-0, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 48-7, Ohio State
Bucky Katt's prediction: 51-3, Ohio State
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 59-0, Ohio State
jwinslow's prediction: 51-0, Ohio State
JCOSU86's Prediction: 56-0, Ohio State
Previous Game's Results (OSU 43 - Ohio 7)
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual score versus predicted score. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
(29) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 44-0, Ohio State (8 + 21 last week = 29)
(35) jwinslow's prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State (16 + 19 last week = 35)
(40) Bucklion's prediction: 31-7, Ohio State (12 + 28 last week = 40)
(40) Bucky Katt's prediction: 44-3, Ohio State (5 + 35 last week = 40)
(45) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 45-3, Ohio State (6 + 39 last week = 45)
(49) JCOSU86's prediction: 34-0, Ohio State (16 + 33 last week= 49)
(49) BB73's prediction: 38-10 Ohio State (8 + 41 last week = 49)
Adjusted scores for weeks missed. Participant must take the highest score from the week they missed.
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 56-0, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 48-7, Ohio State
Bucky Katt's prediction: 51-3, Ohio State
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 59-0, Ohio State
jwinslow's prediction: 51-0, Ohio State
JCOSU86's Prediction: 56-0, Ohio State
Previous Game's Results (OSU 43 - Ohio 7)
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual score versus predicted score. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
(29) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 44-0, Ohio State (8 + 21 last week = 29)
(35) jwinslow's prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State (16 + 19 last week = 35)
(40) Bucklion's prediction: 31-7, Ohio State (12 + 28 last week = 40)
(40) Bucky Katt's prediction: 44-3, Ohio State (5 + 35 last week = 40)
(45) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 45-3, Ohio State (6 + 39 last week = 45)
(49) JCOSU86's prediction: 34-0, Ohio State (16 + 33 last week= 49)
(49) BB73's prediction: 38-10 Ohio State (8 + 41 last week = 49)
Adjusted scores for weeks missed. Participant must take the highest score from the week they missed.
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