Eagles Dominate Rutgers: Still Lose

       VS.

        After coming off a week 2 loss to Penn State, Eastern Michigan tried getting back in the win column by trying to beat Rutgers. Unfortunately the outcome didn't go in Eastern Michigan's favor.

      The Eagles were right in this game and could have came out with a win, as the team fought very hard for the first three quarters, but were unable to contain the Scarlet Knights in the fourth.

      Rutgers was able to get on the board to start the game on the opening drive. Later in first EMU marches down the field but stopped on 3rd down and forced to kick a field goal.

      When getting to the second quarter Rutgers is up 14-3 and EMU is very much in this ball game. Then Eastern Michigan pulls off the best play they've had this year. Some trickery with Ryan Brumfield at QB, throwing a lateral pass to QB Tyler Benz lined up at WR. Benz throw back to Brumfield across field for a touchdown.

      As we get to the second half of the game Rutgers takes full advantage and pulls away on a couple of touchdowns.

       Even though Rutgers came out with the win, Eastern Michigan dominated almost the whole game. Looking at these stats, EMU had 373 total yards compared to Rutgers who had 274. But wait there's more EMU went 7/19 on 3rd down conversions, Rutgers was 1/8. EMU had 21 first down, Rutgers had 12. The Eagles went 24/40 passing completions, as Rutgers 8/13. Time of procession EMU had the ball for about 38 minutes, Rutgers had it for 22 minutes.

      How did we not win?!?! Eastern Michigan could not execute on field goals, they would get flagged for stupid penalties which kept us out of being in any good field position.

      The kicking game was not up to par in this game. Dylan Mulder went 1/3 in field goal today. Punter Austin Barnes, shanked a few of his punts out of bounds giving Rutgers the advantage in field position.

      The defense I thought played alright, and kept it a pretty close game. The offensive line is what is holding this team back from success. EMU hasn't been able to establish a running game, because Bronson Hill of Darius Jackson is just wrapped up in the back-field before the play can develop.

      The offensive line had the most penalties called against them, with holding calls and more. QB Tyler Benz did take a few sacks in this game. In order for EMU to be successful it has to start up front.

       By now we all can tell we can pass the ball, well that's because we can't run, unless we go backwards.

        As far as the defense goes, I do see improvements every week. DL Mike Steals made his presence felt in this game getting in the backfield often. The secondary was outstanding against some very big Rutgers wide receivers.

      I was pretty impressed EMU competed with Rutgers so well, but the keys for the teams success is.
-Play all four quarters.
-Establish at least some blocking up front.
-Stop running the ball on first and second down if you know we're going to have to go for a long pass on 3rd down.
-Make Field Goals.
-Get better field position.

       Eastern Michigan has a good chance at competing in the MAC this year, if we can get the small problems worked out we have a chance at being a good team.

        Now it's homecoming week, as the Eagles host a talented Ball State team. Game starts at 1PM at Rynearson Stadium.