Eastern Michigan Eagles 2010 Preview
July 17th, 2010 by Nick Gerogosian
The Eagles have dropped 15 of their past sixteen games and have not had a winning season since 1995 when QB Charlie Batch led them to a 6-5 record. Eastern has been a MAC member for nearly forty years and has just one MAC football championship to show. Needless to say, there isn’t much tradition to draw upon; somehow Coach Ron English continues to be optimistic. Considering this program is 27-89 over the past decade (three different head coaches) it’s good that some one is optimistic in Ypsilanti.
The Team
Alex Gillett & Devontae Payne are very good young QB prospects. As a true freshman last season, Gillett threw for 763 yards and rushed for 484. He is a true dual threat who can make things happen even though he is just 6-1 200-pounds. Payne is a Byron Leftwich clone at 6-6 240. Expect both to play this fall. Dwayne Priest, Ben Axon and Dominique Sherrer are surprisingly quick backs who can make plays. TE Ben Thayer is reliable but more playmakers need to be developed at wide out. Lack of size and depth is an issue on the offensive line but center Eric Davis is solid. English brought in four JUCOs to add some depth and size into the defensive line. Most noticeably is Lavon McCoy at 6-4 390. Yes, that’s 390-pounds. Tim Fort is a solid LB while Louisville transfer Latarrius Thomas should be an impact player at safety.
The Verdict
For some unknown reason, Eastern is playing Ohio State, Virginia, Vanderbilt and Army this season in non-conference games. Why? This is a program that should schedule a team like Indiana State early in the season, win a game and end their 12-game losing streak, and then build off of their confidence into the MAC season. For a team that seriously lacks true DI-A players, this year’s schedule is ridiculous. Sadly for Eagle fans, this will be another long season and any win at all has to be considered serious progress for this program. Only three of their twelve losses last year where by seven points or less.
2010 Schedule & Prediction
Sept 4 Army L
Sept 11 at Miami (O) L
Sept 18 Central Michigan L
Sept 25 at Ohio State L
Oct 2 Ohio L
Oct 9 at Vanderbilt L
Oct 16 at Ball State L
Oct 23 at Virginia L
Oct 30 Toledo L
Nov 13 at Western Michigan L
Nov 20 at Buffalo L
Nov 26 NIU L
0-12 Overall; 0-8 MAC
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