Eagles Nest Blog Looking to Expand

The Eagles Nest Blog is undergoing many changes and possible merger with other sites. The blog was written by volunteer writers that support Eastern Michigan Athletics in all sports. The blog all started here on BlogSpot (blogger) but we are looking to expand to enhance the blog to make it bigger and better. We have looked into merging with rivals.com, scout.com, and top247 to help expand the Eagles Nest. Although we have tried doing this we still want the blog to stay. BlogSpot has become an outdated blog, that really isn't the best for sports. We are looking to separate from BlogSpot and start a new site. We are looking into Wix.com and sportsblog.com

The blog is currently looking for anyone that is willing to write voluntarily. It can be about any sport at EMU. (Football, Soccer, Baseball, Basketball, Track and Field, ANYTHING).

We will keep everyone informed on the changes.

Eastern Michigan Football Coaching Candidates

With Ron English now out as Head Coach, we look at some possible coaches that we could see at EMU. Feel free to chime in with your onions by commenting, or tweeting at the Eagles Nest Blog.

Possible Candidates:

Bill Cubit (Illinois OC):

Cubit is a coach that is very familiar with the MAC. He coached at WMU, and is now currently at Illinois.



Jim Collins (Saginaw Valley St. HC):

A fairly young coach currently at SVSU with a 9-1 record. 



Mike Tressel (Michigan State LB Coach):

AD Heather Lyke has a connection with Tressel as he coached at Ohio State. The son of former HC Jim Tressel could get recruits because he knows the area (Michigan/Ohio), and because of his name.



Dave Brock (Delaware HC):

Brock is a coach familiar with the D1 level as he has coached at Rutgers, Boston College, Kansas St., and North Carolina. It's his first year at Delaware and the Blue hens are 7-3.



Scott Isphording (Toledo QB Coach):

Another coach that knows the MAC very well and can get recruits to come to EMU.



Eric Wolford (Youngstown State HC):

Possible coach looking to make it to the D1 level. He is 8-2 this season with the Penguins.



Matt Mitchell (Grand Valley State HC/DC):

GVSU has been know for producing outstanding head coaches. Mitchell took over at GVSU and has a 19-5 record. Mitchell is also the DC at GVSU, which will he would help out the EMU defense a lot.



Tim Beck (Pittsburg State HC):

Beck has built a division 2 team into a top 25 team. They have a 8-1 record.



Dino Babers (Eastern Illinois HC):

EIU is a FCS powerhouse. Ranked #2 in the FCS, with a 9-1 overall record.

Coaches On The Hot Seat:

Kirk Ferentz (Iowa HC): If Ferentz is let go by the Hawkeyes he could be looking for another job or just call it a career. Ferentz turned around Iowa in just one season when he first started. Iowa is 6-4.

Tim Beckman (Illinois HC): Beckman succeeded in the MAC when he coached at Toledo. Illinois has been far from impressive as they have has a 5-16 record under Beckman. If let go he could be looking the MAC again.

Darrell Hazell (Purdue HC): Like Beckman, Coach Hazell hasn't had a lot of time with his new team. Hazell also coached in the MAC for Kent State and led them to a MAC championship.

Don't Even Think About It:

Luke Fickell (Ohio State DC): People seem to believe that Luke Fickell the defensive coordinator at Ohio State would be nice fit at EMU. Fickell has only been around major programs that have already been developed programs. It would be a huge challenge for him to take over at EMU.

Lane Kiffin (Former USC HC): 1. EMU wouldn't have enough money to afford Kiffin. 2. He's failed at programs like Tennessee and USC. How would he do any better at EMU?

Pat Narduzzi (Michigan State DC): Narduzzi will not leave the #1 defense in the nation to be the HC at EMU for less pay.

ENB Will Reamin Active

Recently the Eagles Nest Blog has been inactive with blog posts and information. The blog will remain running with new writers.

Follow the Eagles Nest Blog on twitter @EMUEaglesNest

Is English To Blame: Eagles Embarassed on Homecoming

       

vs.

          There was a lot of hype coming into this game, as well as a lot of questions. It was a game that would've really helped the Eagles if they pulled out a win, but it wasn't meant to be. But the big question after this game was, is English to blame for this loss?

         On homecoming, Eastern came in with high hopes and left in disappointment with a 51-20 loss to Ball State. The only time Eastern Michigan lead the entire game was the opening possession which went for a touchdown, and a blacked PAT. After that it was all Ball State.

       
 Just in the first quarter the Cardinals put up 27 points, and went into halftime with a 34-13 lead.

         The second half just got uglier. Ball State's QB Keith Wenning was putting the ball right in the bread basket. Eastern's man coverage wasn't that bad, it's just Wenning's throws were better. The Eagles defense did have a ton of trouble contain Ball State's run, which isn't really what they are known for doing, but BSU RB Jahwan Edwards ran for 3 touchdowns in this game.

         So the defense wasn't very impressive in this one, as they forced 1 turnover all game, that was too late to do anything. EMU's defense gave up about 350 yards passing and 200 yards rushing in one game.

        When the offense took the field there was one bright spot. RB Bronson Hill, looked to be better in this game then previous games. He came off the field shortly with an injury but made a quick return, and had some impressive runs. Now I wouldn't call Hill EMU's running back because EMU also tends to rely on Darius Jackson and Ryan Brumfield a lot as well.

        What kept Eastern Michigan out of this game in the first half was turnovers. The running backs had 2 fumbles lost, and Benz had thrown 2 interceptions in this game, both were never meant to be thrown. The Eagles also had 9 penalties resulting in 81 yards total. Some of the calls were very questionable though.

         So this brings up my question of, Is Ron English to blame for this loss? Eastern Michigan fumbled the ball in the first quarter, as a result Ball State scores a touchdown. Again in the 2nd quarter, EMU fumbles and recovered by Ball State which allowed them to run the clock and punt for better field position for the Cardinals defense. In the 3rd quarter Tyler Benz throws a interception, as a result Ball State scores.

          Can you blame English for these types of mistakes. I do give a lot of credit to Ball State's offense because they played outstanding. Keith Wenning couldn't have thrown better footballs then he did in this game.

          Eastern Michigan will take a week off before traveling to Buffalo.

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.

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.

Eastern Michigan Football Preview

       Well it's that time again. Football season is right around the corner, the fall weather is approaching, the stadium lights are warming up, and players are excited to get back on the field. Eastern Michigan fans should be excited for the upcoming season for all the new changes this team has made to try and get EMU to the top of the Mid-American Conference.

       This offseason Eastern Michigan had a lot of news with the athletic program and the football team. This summer it was announced Athletic Director Derek Gragg had taken the Athletic Director job at Tulsa. With that Eastern Michigan hired Heather Lyke as the new AD at EMU. Head coach Ron English made some changes to the football team by hiring Stan Parrish as the new offensive coordinator. Parrish brings a much simpler offense to EMU, but still an affective offense that will be able to put points on the board often.  Ron English has taken over as the Defensive Coordinator now which English has been know for having strong defenses.

       This season the Eagles face one of the toughest schedules in all of college football. Eastern will open up against Howard, but then travel to Penn State, and Rutgers, and start a tough MAC schedule. The MAC is as good as it has ever been with so many teams going to bowls, being ranked in the top 25, and even making BCS games.

        Starting with the offense, EMU has to go back to basics. Who will step up and be leaders of the offense? QB Tyler Benz, and OL Lincoln Hansen seem like they would be able to step up and make an impact on the offense.

        With this new offense we could expect just about anything. RB Bronson Hill will be huge this year for the Eagles. He will rely on the offensive line to create holes for him to run through. There are many questions about this years O-Line and with the experience they now have, will they be able to step up this year? Will they protect Benz and the running backs? There is nowhere to go but up for this years O-Line.

        A good thing coming this season is the Eagles have so much depth in the offense this year. We haven't seen a whole lot of depth in past years rosters. EMU has many quarterbacks, that could all potentially play. Tyler Benz will return another season to start, and this offense should fit his style a whole lot better. Other contributors to the position are Mark Ianotti, and the freshman Brogan Roback, Brandon Bossard, and Reggie Bell. The QB position is very deep and we have every type of QB you can think of. Ones that can scramble and make broken plays go for big plays. QB's that can make throws on the run, or your classic pocket passer. It will be interesting to see how Stan Parrish uses each QB this season.

        The first thing that comes to mind when you think of EMU running backs, is Bronson Hill. He had an outstanding year last year, and you can expect more of the same this year. He has the ability to break free, and use his speed to get away. He does have help behind him with Brumfield, Jackson, and Greene. All we could see with playing time this season.

        What's nice about this years wide receiving core is there is experience. Scott, Creel, J. Jones, Q. Jones, Reed and Allen all have playing time experience. But what's even better is the depth of redshirt players and true freshman. This is another very deep position with talented receivers.

          The defense is a huge concern coming into this year. Last season EMU had trouble stopping the run. Teams on average would be picked up 7-8 yards a carry. With Ron English taking over as defensive coordinator you can expect improvements.

          The linebacker position will have lots of battles for starting spots as this is yet another position EMU has a lot of depth at. Spearman, Kurtz, and H. Matt all return this season but are going to have to beat out some talented players such as Ibe, Zappone, Glick, Robinson, and Borland who all have a good chance of replacing them and possibly start.

         EMU's D-line needs to be much more intense this year. After only having 7 sacks as a team last year is pretty ridiculous. Cy Maughmer will return and brings some intensity as well as Brown, Pipkins, and Price. It will be interesting to see how the D-Line will be. Can they get to the QB? Will they be able to stop the run? So many questions to be answered. I do think there will be improvements compared to a year ago, and EMU will be truly put to the test when heading to Happy Valley and play Penn State.

        English is known for his DB's. The DB's will be strong this year, with many returning players and many newcomers. Darius Scott will bring a intense attitude and playing style to this defense as he enters his 3rd year as a starter. Pudge Cotton, Coleman, Gillespie, Strange, and Johnson are all returning as leaders. EMU could also see freshman Jaleel Canty as a possible threat to maybe start this year.

      Special teams is also important to any team. Place kickers Dylan Mulder and Kody Fulkerson we may have to rely on quite a bit this season. Both pretty talented as well. With Jay Karutz graduated the punter spot opens up and could possibly be freshman Austin Barnes. Competing for the spot is Owen Dubiel.

       I can tell EMU will be fun team to watch this year and it will be interesting to see how the Eagles compete in the MAC. With the toughness of the schedule it will be a difficult road for EMU to get to a bowl this year. A 6-6 season would give EMU there first bowl bid since 1987. Predictions have Eastern Michigan finishing last in the MAC West. It's just time to prove everyone wrong. EMU will have to win the games they're suppose to win, and pull off a few so called "upsets".


     Looking at the schedule, EMU will open up the season with Howard. It is a must win game for EMU to get momentum going to start the year. In week 2 and 3 EMU goes to Penn State and Rutgers which could be a trap games for both the Nittany Lions and Scarlet Knights. Meaning they could overlook Eastern Michigan. Conference play will begin right after that with a really tough Ball State team at home. Another 2 weeks in a row EMU travels to Buffalo, and Army, both are very winnable games and going 2-0 on the road here would be huge momentum for the rest of the season. Coming back home to play a tough Ohio squad won't be easy but home field advantage might come in handy. A tough stretch to end the season on the road going to the defending MAC champions Northern Illinois, and at Toledo. EMU had a good chance last season at beating the Rockets in a high scoring shootout where Bronson Hill made a big name for himself. Then closing the season with WMU, Bowling Green, and CMU. The Eagles will need to beat both CMU, and WMU. Bowling Green returns almost there entire team this season and will be a tough game to win at home.

      Depending on how the cards fall this season EMU could possibly go 7-5 this year. I am very optimistic and think this team can pull off some games even if it is by just a field goal or extra point.

       Be sure to support the Eagles as they kickoff the 2013 season on August 31st at Rynearson Stadium at 6PM.