Fourth Quarter Run lifts Eagles to win Opener

     VS.

 

EASTERN MICHIGAN PULLS OFF WIN AGAINST HOWARD

  The 2013 season starts out with an EMU victory. It might not have been the prettiest win we could have asked for, but a win we will take it.

      With everyone excited for the season to start Eastern had a great crowd on hand. Most of the home side of the stadium was filled. The energy of the stadium was great, and the Eagles could use a crowd like this every game. Players can pump up the crowd and get them loud and make noise which I do think made a difference on a few plays in this game.

        The first quarter nobody scored but both teams were close to getting there. An interception in the first quarter cost the Eagles a very good drive, while they were marching down field pretty easily.

       Howard definitely came to play, as they did lead Eastern Michigan at a few points in the game. Howard wasn't the most impressive team but a team that proved they could contend.

       As we go to the second quarter that's when both teams started to warm up a little more. EMU got on the board first with an 18 yard touchdown reception to TE Tyreese Russell. Howard did have a quick answer on a huge touchdown run going for 65 yards and later in the quarter scoring a field goal. Then a late run by EMU got the Eagles the lead going into halftime with a 33 yard touchdown pass to D. Reed. The extra-point was later blocked by Howard (13-10 EMU).

      Tyler Benz did come to play in this game. He was outstanding throwing the ball for 210 yards and 2 touchdowns both being in the second quarter. Benz did play the entire game and took every single snap.

      With only a three point lead going into the second half Eastern knew they needed to separate themselves to get a bigger lead. Well that didn't quite happen right out of the gate. Howard's Jonathan Booker caught a 32 yard touchdown reception to put the Bison back on top 17-13.

      Howard wouldn't go away, later in the quarter Eastern Michigan's defense holds Howard on fourth down from the 1 yard line. But a penalty against the Eagles made it first down from the 1 for Howard. They would score the very next play making it 24-13 Howard.

      The penalty turned out to be a key penalty in the game. EMU's Donald Coleman was called for a targeting penalty. A new rule put in place this season by the NCAA. With that penalty Coleman was ejected from the game and must sit out four quarters as part as punishment. The quarters do carry over so he will likely be out the first two quarters of the Penn State game as well. The only way for that to change is if the review team at EMU and NCAA overturn it and allow him to play.

      So in the third quarter things weren't looking to good for the Eagles, being down 11. Late in the third quarter RB Bronson Hill takes a 2 yard run in for a big touchdown. This would pull Eastern Michigan to within 4 of Howard.

      As the fourth quarter went on it was all EMU. Bronson Hill had another touchdown this time for 3 yards to give the Eagles a 27-24 lead. With time running down in the game RB Darius Jackson breaks tackles for 19 yards and a touchdown to seal the win for Eastern Michigan 34-24.

      It was a big learning game for Eastern Michigan. There is still much to be improved on before the start of conference play. The passing game and running game looked outstanding on the offensive side of the ball. On defense the coverage was good but stopping the run or short passes tended to be a problem.

      QB Tyler Benz distributed the ball very well during this game, not having one specific receiver he would pass to. J. Jones and D. Reed both led the team with 4 receptions for more then 50 yards. WR Dustin Creel had a few nice catches right before going to halftime, as he had 4 receptions for 43 yards.

       Bronson Hill led the running backs as expected with 101 yards on the ground and 2 touchdown rushes. Darius Jackson also helped out the running game with 7 carries for 64 yards.

       I was expecting the offense to put more points up on the board then they did. Maybe it was just the first game jitters but EMU started pretty slow and played at the same level as the competition. It wasn't until the fourth quarter until I saw sense of urgency and EMU playing like a good football team.

      The defense has to stop the run. Giving up big plays is what kept Howard in the game and gave them a little momentum.

      Eastern Michigan has a tough road of games coming up. The Eagles travel to Penn State to play the 1-0 Nittany Lions in their home opener. Then following week EMU will head to Rutgers to play the Scarlet Knights after they took a tough loss in week 1.

       Be sure to watch your Eastern Michigan Eagles on the Big Ten Network at noon next Saturday when taking on Penn State.