Week 4: Eastern Michigan University Eagles Preview

It wouldn't be right to suggest that the outcome of any game on the schedule is a foregone conclusion. After all, as Appalachian State and James Madison have shown, anything can happen. However, if ever there was a time to count those proverbial chickens (or eagles in this case) before they hatch, it just might be this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. when the #2-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes welcome Eastern Michigan to Columbus for a week-four showdown.

The Eagles are coming off of a perfectly imperfect 2009 season in which the team managed to lose all 12 of its games. It was an impressive feat, especially considering that the Eagles had to lose to the Michigan Wolverines to keep the streak alive-not an easy task in 2009. This season hasn't been much better for EMU which has dropped its first three games. The team managed to keep its first two games against Army and Miami (OH) close, losing by four and seven points respectively. However, last week the wheels fell off as fellow directional Michigan squad Central Michigan dropped just over half a hundred on the Eagles in a 52-14 blowout.

Names To Know

Buckeye fans might recognize the name Ron English. The second-year head coach of the Eagles cut his teeth as the defensive coordinator at the University of Michigan under Lloyd Carr. After Jim Tressel sent Carr into retirement in late 2007, English left for Louisville where he filled the same position for a season before leaving for EMU.

Another name to keep an eye on from a staff perspective is Stephen Nordwall. Nordwall, the school's head athletic trainer, should have a busy Saturday afternoon cleaning up the scraps that Tyler Moeller and company leave on the field.

The Numbers

On the offensive side of the ball, the two numbers that you should keep in mind are 87 and 71. No, I'm not talking about an elite wide receiver and left tackle. I'm talking about EMU's 87th ranked passing offense (189.7 ypg) and its 71st ranked (142.3ypg) rushing attack. So hat happens when you add up 87 and 71? You get 91, as in the 91st ranked scoring offense in the country, averaging only 20.7 points per game. Things will likely get worse this weekend as EMU faces an Ohio State defense that has given up exactly two touchdowns in 12 quarters of play.

When you flip to the defensive side of the ball, the numbers get even worse. While facing three sub-par opponents in its first three contests, EMU has still given up a dismal 37.0 points per game. This week, that number could go even higher. Ohio State is averaging more than 41ppg to go along with 250-plus passing yards and 200 yards on the ground. That's a recipe for disaster.

What to Expect

After a year and a half of hibernating, EMU is ready for a wake-up. The Eagles enter the game sharper than ever before. The early signs point to an upset the likes of which haven't been seen since Lake Placid, NY, when it was USA 4 Russia 3. Expect Sophomore Quarterback Alex Gillet to lead a fourth quarter comeback giving Ron English his first career win as a head coach by a score of 25-23.

Then, expect the alarm clock to buzz as English shakes off the cobwebs, climbs out of bed and heads to the Horseshoe where an unbelievably focused Ohio State team will be waiting. In years past, the Buckeyes might have overlooked a game like this one, but after last week's impressive performance against the equally inept Ohio Bobcats, that's not likely. The Buckeyes will score early and often, covering the 44-point spread while making a serious statement in a 48-3 victory.

Next up: Illinois Fighting Illini