EMU @ Ohio Game Postponed

     On Wednesday January 30th, The Eastern Michigan Eagles were set to take on the Ohio Bobcats in Athens Ohio. The game has been rescheduled for February 20th at 7PM.

      The Ohio campus was shut down for the day for a gunman on the loose in Athens Ohio. Everyone on campus was sent back to their residence halls, and employees were sent home.

       Be sure to watch EMU play Kent State, Saturday at 7PM.

Eagles Defense to Strong for Huskies, setting NCAA record's

      Setting a NCAA record is not something you see every day. But, Eastern Michigan set not one, but two NCAA records in this game vs. Northern Illinois. Holding NIU to only 4 points in the first half of play, and holding them to shoot 3% from the field. EMU ended up winning 42-25.

       Eastern came off a tough close loss to Western Michigan, and needed a win to stay in the MAC West race, and also get back to .500 overall. Eastern Michigan played solid defense the first half, forcing turnovers, getting rebounds, blocking break away shot's, and forcing NIU to take bad shots.

      It's hard to ask for a much better first half then this. Leading 18-4 at halftime seems like a unreal stat. Sure EMU could have scored more but the speed of the game made it a pretty low scoring game. The shot clock ran down on a lot of the possessions, just making the clock run a lot without shot's being taken.

     Defense was the main key in this game for EMU. Riley had 5 blocks, and Bryant had 3. Another positive is that, every player that came into the game for EMU had scored, Glenn Bryant led the team with 10 points, and Harrison close behind with 8.

      EMU did not have the greatest of games shooting but it was good enough to get the win. EMU shot 37% overall, and 28% from 3. Now compare that to NIU's 13% overall, and 3% from 3 point range. EMU held the Huskies 1-33 from 3 a new NCAA record. EMU also  had 41 total rebounds as a team, Balkema led the team with 8 of them.

     Eastern Michigan still only 1 game back from 1st place. EMU improves to 10-10 overall and 3-3 in the MAC. The Eagles are at Ohio next, on Wednesday at 7PM.

WMU Rallies to beat EMU

     Coming into this MAC West dual, EMU had a lot to play for. Bragging rights was one of them, but mostly playing for first place in the MAC West. Both teams were 2-2 in a three way tie for first. Eastern came up just short and couldn't get the much needed plays in this 63-59 loss to our in-state rival.

     Starting out the game the Eagles came out hot, making most of their shots, and being able to get rebounds against this WMU team, that is known for rebounding. Eastern got a huge lead, being up by as much as 10. But right before halftime Western made a run to tie the game at 24.

      Seconds half started pretty slow for EMU, having trouble shooting. From there the Eagles and Broncos just going back and forth at eachother. WMU was able to keep a steady lead as EMU tried to fight back into the game. A short run late in the game for WMU put the game just out of reach.

      Eastern did a nice job shooting the ball from 3 point range in this game, shooting about 40%, going 6 for 15. Ross, Thompson, and Harrison all had 2 three pointers. Harrison lead the team in points with 15, he also had a steal, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Glenn Bryant close behind with 12 points, Harris with 10, and Ross with 9.

       To win these close game Eastern is going to have to get mean when they play. Be more aggressive, bring some intensity to the court. Once again EMU struggled with turnovers, EMU had 13 turnovers which is less then usual but still had a hard to hanging onto the ball. A big surprise was EMU out-rebounded WMU 29-26. WMU is one of the best rebounding teams in the MAC. Bryant, Harrison, Riely, and Harris all had 6 rebounds.

        The Eagles will have another shot against WMU this season back at the Convocation Center. But Eagles turn their focus to Northern Illinois, who pulled off a upset over Central Michigan. It's still a close race, and still pretty early in conference play.

MAC Football Recruiting Rankings as of 1/20/13

NUMBER OF COMMITS RANKINGS

TEAMS:                            COMMITS:     TOP COMMIT(S) (Rating):

1. Bowling Green                      24               RB Fred Coppet (****), WR Mike Rogers (***)
2. Miami OH                             23            OT Grant Lingafelter (***), OT Randy Heideman (***)
3. Central Michigan                  20               WR Wesley Thomas (***), OG Derek Edwards (***)
4. Toledo                                   19            ATH Delando Johnson (***), OG Nate Jeppesen (***)
5. UMass                                   19               WR DJ Woods (***), MLB Shane Huber (***)
6. Ball State                               18               QB Jack Milas (***), TE Calvin Blank (***)
7. Eastern Michigan                  17               QB Brogan Roback (****), OT Dwayne Brown (***)
8. Ohio                                      14                WR Justin Wyatt (***), QB James Walsh (***)
9. Northern Illinois                   14                WR Corey Winfield (***), S Brandon Mayes (***)
10. Western Michigan              11                QB Cameron Thomas (***), OT Jackson Day (***)
11. Kent State                           9                  WR Mykel Traylor. (***),MLB Dustyn Moore (***)
12. Akron                                  8               OG Dominick Hamilton (***), ATH Jerome Lane (**)
13. Buffalo                                8                  WR Kyvaune Brammer (**), WR Jamarl Eiland (**)

RANKING BASED ON PLAYER RATINGS

TEAMS:                         COMMITS:             TOP COMMIT(S) (Rating):

1. Miami OH                       23                   OT Grant Lingafelter (***), OT Randy Heideman (***)
2. Bowling Green               24                          RB Fred Coppet (****), WR Mike Rogers (***)
3. Toledo                            19                  ATH Delando Johnson (***), OG Nate Jeppesen (***)
4. Central Michigan            20                      WR Wesley Thomas (***), OG Derek Edwards (***)
5. Ball State                        18                          QB Jack Milas (***), TE Calvin Blank (***)
6. Eastern Michigan           17                       QB Brogan Roback (****), OT Dwayne Brown (***)
7. Northern Illinois             14                         WR Corey Winfield (***), S Brandon Mayes (***)
8. Western Michigan          11                      QB Cameron Thomas (***), OT Jackson Day (***)
9. UMass                            19                         WR DJ Woods (***), MLB Shane Huber (***)
10. Ohio                              14                        WR Justin Wyatt (***), QB James Walsh (***)
11. Kent State                     9                       WR Mykel Traylor. (***),MLB Dustyn Moore (***)
12. Akron                            8                      OG Dominick Hamilton (***), ATH Jerome Lane (**)
13. Buffalo                          8                     WR Kyvaune Brammer (**), WR Jamarl Eiland (**)

Sources: ESPN.com, Scout.com used for rankings

Hot First Half Shooting Ends Streak vs. Miami OH

     For the first time in 16 meetings Eastern Michigan pulled off a win against Miami. Eastern Michigan came out to start the game with some hot shooting, and getting a lot of blocks on defense. The Eagles ended up winning in a 65-58 win, and now improve to 2-2 in the MAC, and 9-9 overall.

     Eastern got off the a hot start shooting, going on a 10-0 run after Miami scored the first 4 points of the game. The Eagles were 47% from 3 point range, one of the best games shooting EMU has had this season. Thompson, Sims, and Harrison all had 3 pointers. As a team they had a good shooting day, 51% shooting overall.

      Miami slowly started to work there way back into the game, coming as close as 3 points. Eastern had some very large leads. At half EMU lead by 13, and lead by as much as 15. Late in the game they were able to close it out, but had some problems with free throws.

       Overall a great game for EMU, having 34 rebounds as a team, 8 of them from Riely. Thompson lead the team with 16 points, Bryant had 13, Harrison with 10 points. Eastern turned the ball over 17 times in this game, they had a few possessions where the ball got lose, and couldn't hang onto it.

      Eastern Michigan pulled off a big win to potentially give the Eagles a tie for first in the MAC West. It was a all out great team performance and the Eagles look forward to rival Western Michigan next.

Eagles top Chips with Defense, and 3's

      Eastern Michigan knew that this game was a must win game to stay alive early in the MAC. Eastern came in to this game with a 0-2 record in the conference. With this win EMU goes to 8-9 overall and 1-2 in the MAC.

      The Eagles in this game had a outstanding defense, one of the best defensive games EMU has played in a while. EMU forced a 3 point shooting team to take a lot of bad shots, and were able to get 7 steals in this game. It was very surprising to see CMU only had 10 turnovers compared to EMU's 17.

      The first half for EMU got off to a pretty slow start shooting, but lit it up soon after. Jalen Ross went 3 for 3, from 3 in the first half. At halftime Eastern Michigan was shooting 83% from 3 point range. EMU finished  the game at 54% from 3. Ross, Sims, and Thompson made all of the 3's.

       Eastern lead by about 10 points for most of the game, and were able to keep a  steady lead until the end of the game. The Eagles definitely had a size advantage in this one, with 11 blocks, Bryant, Harris, Riley, and Thompson all with blocks.

        Harris and Ross lead the team in just about every category. Harris had 11 points, 3 blocks, 2 steals, and 6 rebounds. Ross lit it up from 3, with 4 3 pointers, 13 points, 1 steal, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds. Bryant had 10 points, Thompson with 9.

      A much needed win for the Eagles and what better team to do it against. It was a great performance by Eastern Michigan. Really happy with the way they played in this game. Still need to work on controlling rebounds, and turning the ball over on our own mistakes.

Oooh, ah, I'm Glad I'm Not a Chippewa!

Riely's Big Game not Enough to put EMU Past the Falcons

    Another close game for the Eagles, but they fall short on a late 3 pointer by Bowling Green. This game was very close for pretty much the entire game. Both teams taking shots at each other taking this game down to the wire. Eastern Michigan played some pretty good defense in this game, just had trouble hanging onto the ball when they were on offense. With the loss EMU goes to 0-2 in the MAC, and 7-9 overall.

     Eagles fans see some potential in Da'Shonte Riley after this game. He was a big part of this team in this game. Riley impressed with 10 rebounds, 2 steals and 7 points. 3 of those points were from the free-throw line where he has struggled. His best game by far this season. Thompson finished this game with 11 points, Harrison with 7, and Harris with 6 points.

      In this game Eastern forced more turnovers. Forcing Bowling Green to 19 turnovers, 13 steals for EMU. The Eagles still had problems holding onto the ball, as some possessions it seems like EMU just threw the ball away.

      Eastern Michigan has a hole they have to dig themselves out of now, being 0-2 in the MAC. The Eagles need to produce more on offense. EMU shot 28% in this game vs. Bowling Green, but improved a little from 3, shooting 50%. EMU is one of the worst teams in the country when it comes to scoring, averaging 58 points per game. Eagles must take better shots, and try and get to the rim more often, and also try to draw fouls.

     Eastern moves on to play MAC West rival Central Michigan at home.

EMU falls to Ball State in Heart Breaking Finish

    The Eagles came into the game looking to win the MAC conference opener. Eastern is trying to win another MAC West Championship, but to start the conference they can't pull off a close win. The final score was 60-58 on 2 late free throws from Ball State.

     Ball State came out in this game shooting very well. They would get offensive rebounds and be able to score. The Cardinals also had no problem shooting the 3 in the first half, taking shots from way beyond the 3 point line. Ball State shot 58% in this game, the highest percentage shooting Eastern Michigan has seen all year. Even higher then Kentucky and Michigan who were at 52-53% shooting.

     Eastern came out knowing that they couldn't turn the ball over as much as they usually do to win this game. Well EMU turned the ball over 11 times compared to their average which is usually around 19 or 20. The Eagles had many problems getting rebounds in this one, Ball State had so many chances with 27 rebounds and 6 of them on offense. The Eagles had 16 rebounds all game.

     Eastern had some chances to win the game, mostly from the free throw line. 12 for 19 from the free throw line is not a good percentage to have in a close game like this. Also EMU has to hang onto the ball, we can't throw the ball away. Late in the game Ball State was able to move the ball down the floor and get under the basket to attempt a shot, but was fouled with 0.6 seconds left to give the Cardinals 2 free throws, which they made both. EMU had one last attempt but weren't able to get a shot off.

      Derek Thompson led the team with 16 points, Sims had 12 and a good performance out of him, and Harrison with 9 points. Eastern struggled from behind the arc going 4-14 from 3. 2 of those three's were from Thompson.

     It was a very close game that EMU had to make a few small comebacks to get into the game. Ball State's hot shooting was hard to stop, but EMU didn't shoot all that bad either. Eastern shot a good 51% most of them 2 pointers.

    Eastern will head off to Bowling Green for their next game. EMU goes to 7-8 on the season, 0-1 in the MAC.

Football Schedule (Teams) Announced

The 2013 football season schedule has been released. When the game's are going to be played, is yet to be announced.

EMU:
Non-Conference: vs. Howard, @ Penn State, @ Rutgers, @Army
MAC Home Games: Ball State, Western Michigan, Bowling Green, Ohio
MAC Away Games: Central Michigan, Norhtern Illinois, Toledo, Buffalo


2013 MAC FOOTBALL SCHEDULESBALL STATE
Home: Central Michigan, Toledo, Kent State, Miami; Road: Eastern Michigan, Northern Illinois, Western Michigan, Akron;
CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Home: Eastern Michigan, Northern Illinois, Toledo, UMass; Road: Ball State, Western Michigan, Miami, Ohio;
EASTERN MICHIGAN
Home: Ball State, Western Michigan, Bowling Green, Ohio; Road: Central Michigan, Northern Illinois, Toledo, Buffalo;
NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Home: Ball State, Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan, Akron; Road: Central Michigan, Toledo, Kent State, UMass;
TOLEDO
Home: Eastern Michigan, Northern Illinois, Western Michigan, Buffalo; Road: Ball State, Central Michigan, Bowling Green, Akron;
WESTERN MICHIGAN
Home: Ball State, Central Michigan, Buffalo, Kent State; Road: Eastern Michigan, Northern Illinois, Toledo, UMass;

AKRON
Home: Ball State, Toledo, Kent State, Ohio; Road: Northern Illinois, BGSU, Miami, UMass;
BOWLING GREEN
Home: Toledo, Akron, Ohio, UMass; Road: Eastern Michigan, Buffalo, Kent State, Miami;
BUFFALO
Home: Eastern Michigan, Bowling Green, Ohio, UMass; Road: Toledo, Western Michigan, Kent State, Miami;
KENT STATE
Home: Northern Illinois, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Miami; Road: Ball State, Western Michigan, Akron, Ohio;
MIAMI
Home: Central Michigan, Bowling Green, Akron, Buffalo; Road: Ball State, Kent State, Ohio, UMass;
OHIO
Home: Central Michigan, Kent State, Miami, UMass; Road: Eastern Michigan, Bowling Green, Akron, Buffalo;
UMASS
Home: Northern Illinois, Western Michigan, Akron, Miami; Road: Central Michigan, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Ohio;

Source: http://emueagles.com/news/2013/1/9/FB_0109132128.aspx

UMass Shooting to Much for Eagles

     UMass came into this game known as a shooting team, and they did just that in this game. Lot's of 3 pointers from them. EMU has trouble getting basket's and playing defense around the 3 point range. Eastern Michigan falls 75-61, and goes to 7-7 in the non-conference schedule.

    Early on in the game it was the same old story for EMU. About 8 turnovers within the first 5 minutes of the game. At some times in the game EMU would pull within 6, but would let UMass get out of hand with their 3 pointers. Freddie Riley for UMass is one of the most impressive three point shooters the Eagles have faced all season, could almost be compared to Trey Burke at Michigan shooting wise.

    UMass played a full court defense all game making it hard for EMU to get it across half-court. When the Eagles were on offense they took some tough, off balance shots, or shots that weren't needed, making it harder to catch up.

     EMU had 19 turnovers in this game, which is about the average amount EMU has had this season. EMU shot 43% from the field and 69% from the free throw line. Sims lead the team with 12 points, followed by Bryant with 11, and Harris with 10.

     Eastern goes into conference play with some good experience against some good competition. Eastern opens up in MAC play against Ball State (6-6) on January 9th at home.

Erik Campbell leaves Iowa, possible candidate for OC job

    Erik Campbell was a WR coach at Iowa. Reports that Campbell has elected to leave Iowa to pursue a new job.

    Campbell as well as other OC canidate Stan Parish both has University of Michigan ties. Campbell coached some of the best wide recivers at Michigan like Braylon Edwards, David Terrell, Mario Manningham, Jason Avant, Adrian Arrington, and Steve Breaston. When Rich Rodriguez came into coach at Michigan, Campbell was let go as the position coach.

    Cambell has coached at Michigan, Navy, Ball State, Syrcause, and Iowa. Cambell is yet to announce where he will end up for his new coaching job but there is a strong possibility at Eastern Michigan.

    Ron English is a major affiliate of the University of Michigan and already has former RB Mike Hart on staff. Campbell coached at U of M when English was the defensive coordinator.

    ESPN reports "I've heard Eastern Michigan is the likely landing spot for Campbell, who could become Eagles."

    The announcement for the OC job is likely for Sunday or Monday.

*Not official news, but likely candidate*

Stan Parish candidate for OC at EMU

     Ron English's team had some problems on offense last year, so this year they really needed a offensive coordinator that would help this struggling offense. Ron English and the Athletic department have hired Stan Parish to try and fix the offense.

     Parish began his college coaching career at Wabash, and continued to other schools like Purdue, Marshall, Kansas State, Rutgers, Michigan, Tampa Bay Bucs, and later being hired by Brady Hoke at Ball State.

     The Eagles are hoping his play calling can help lead this team to a successful season. Parish has a 63-60-3 overall record as a coach, and has one bowl appearance in 2008.

       The 2013 season is Ron English's last year under contract and has a lot to prove if he wants to keep the job for years to come. Ron English and Stan Parish are both former University of Michigan coaches, another U of M tie is running back coach Mike Hart. Parish has experience working with some top QB's like Brian Griese, Tom Brady and Drew Henson.

     EMU welcomes Stan Parish to Eastern Michigan, and hoping for success for this 2013 season.

*Announcement is likly for Sunday or Monday on the job*

EMU Struggles in Huge Loss to Kentucky

    Eastern Michigan came into the game with high hopes, and trying to keep it a close game. But right from the start it was all Kentucky. Kentucky ended up winning 90-38 leaving their starters in until 2 minutes left in the game, but that's no excuse. EMU had a lot of problems in this game early it was turnovers, throughout the whole game EMU had problems shooting the ball.

     This loss was just like every loss EMU had this year, just the score was a little more drastic then the others. The Eagles had 19 turnovers in this game, which I feel like i'm a broken record i've said it so much this season. If you look at EMU's losses that average around 20 turnovers in that game. Kentucky had 11 steals all of them resulting in points. In this game EMU had way to many cheap little fouls. 20 personal fouls this game for EMU, compared to Kentucky's 9 personal fouls.

     Biggest problem of the game for Eastern Michigan was scoring. The Eagles would get a rebound, then take it down the floor and take a bad, off balance shot, and just rush every shot. Taking deep three pointers instead of going to the hoop, and not going after offensive rebounds at all. Eastern was 24% shooting in this game, and had trouble making the easy shots. A lot of shots looked very off balanced and just looked forced.

     EMU had one layer reach double digits points, Glenn Bryant had 10 points. There was not a whole lot of ball movement for EMU. The average possession lasted about 7 seconds.

     It's time for conference season as EMU goes in 7-6, and winless on the road.