2011 Eastern Michigan Football Predictions
Written by Patrick Webb
Eastern Michigan is still trying to improve their talent level in Ron English’s third season. Last season they went 2-10 and struggled on both sides of the ball, being outscored by an average of 24.9 points per game.
The Eagles had a negative turnover margin of -11, scored 30 or more only twice and gave up 40+ points in seven of the twelve games they played. English has overhauled the roster and the depth chart reflects this as only four seniors are slated to start following the spring practices. Eastern Michigan will try to improve on both sides of the ball, and are looking for a big improvement from quarterback Alex Gillett and more impact from the defensive line this fall.
Offensively the Eagles rely on the legs of Gillett, as he was the leading rusher last season and should be improved as a passer in his third season. He had a 13/13 TD/INT ratio last season and lost three of his top four receiving targets.
The Eagles are hoping for him to improve his accuracy and down-field passing to ease the burden on the running game. Dwayne Priest is gone and takes with him a solid 4.3 yards per carry average and 8 rushing TDs. Javonte Green will attempt to fill the void and looked promising in limited carries last season. Dom Sherrer could split carries with Green or back him up. Depth beyond these two is a bit of a question mark. Kinsman Thomas has excellent size and ability and should improve his consistency this season. Donald Scott has speed, but has limited experience.
The offensive line has three returning starters and as a unit they return 63 starts. This unit is still very young and two red shirt freshmen are expected to fill starting roles. They averaged 4.1 yards per carry on offense last season and gave up only 22 sacks and should improve in both categories with the experience of Gillett.
The defensive line returns several players from last season, including both tackles as well as two ends that started the majority of the season. This unit must step up its play as they were gashed for 230 yards per game last season. The good news is that Eastern Michigan lost only two sacks from last season’s total, but the bad news is they totaled only ten as a team.
The linebackers are expected to be made up from a group of junior college transfers, as the two most reliable players from this unit graduated. All three of the newcomers were in for spring and are expected to start from day one.
The secondary will return only one primary starter, and this unit is made up of a lot newcomers as well. Bryan Pali and Latarrius Thomas are expected to start at safety and are new to the program. Marcell Rose is the only returner from last season and was the 4th leading tackler last season. He was also the only player to record an interception last season. Marlon Pollard is looking to seize the other corner spot and possess good size for the position. Willie Williams can provide depth at both safety spots and Ja’Ron Gillespie may see time at corner. There is really nowhere but up to go for this group.
Sean Graham looks to retain his placekicking role. He was 5-8 last season with only one make beyond 29 yards. Punter Jay Karutz was busy and solid last season with a 38.7 yard per punt average and a net of 35.9 yards. Corey Welch and Dom Sherrer return for kick returns. EMU ranked 118th in punt returns and 105th in kick returns, but with the infusion of youth, and three recruiting classes under English, I expect improvement from every phase of special teams.
Schedule Analysis: EMU opens with two winnable games versus Howard and Alabama State. They then face back-to-back Big Ten road tests versus Michigan and Penn State. EMU hosts Akron to open conference play and then travels to Toledo and Central Michigan. Three straight home games are sandwiched around a bye as they face Western Michigan, Ball State, and Buffalo at home before closing the season with road trips to Kent State and Northern Illinois. Eastern Michigan is probably going to struggle on the road given the competition, but they could be favored over two conference foes at home.
Season Record Predictions: 3-9 Overall (1-7 MAC)
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