How will Eastern Michigan football fare in 2020?
The Eagles have talent. Chris Creighton and his staff have done a good job recruiting to a mid-tier Group of Five program. They lost so much leadership last year that it is going to be difficult to get to that third consecutive bowl. If anyone can do it, it is Creighton, however.
Here’s a preview of their schedule:
- Game 1: at Kentucky (L) — The Wildcats are a dark horse in the SEC East. They are too much for the Eagles.
- Game 2: vs. Coastal Carolina (L) — This is a 50/50 game, but the Chanticleers return their two best offensive players and their best defensive player.
- Game 3: vs. Northern Illinois (W) — Despite playing two freshmen at tackle, the Huskies don’t have the pass rush to take advantage.
- Game 4: at Missouri (L) — This could be a spot for an Illinois like upset since they have a new coach and quarterback. The Eagles keep this one close but fall short.
- Game 5: vs. Central Michigan (L) — First, there needs to be a Commander-in-Chief type trophy for Michigan’s directional schools. Second, they were drubbed by the Chippewas last season. Central Michigan loses two-thirds of its backfield from last season so this could be a 50/50 game.
- Game 6: at Ohio (W) — Had to give them one 50/50 game. The Bobcats are usually good for one head-scratcher a season.
- Game 7: at Army (W) — The Black Knights are starting a new quarterback this season and will likely start six underclassmen on defense.
- Game 8: vs. Toledo (L) — Lost a close one in the Glass Bowl last season. Can they stop Toledo’s running game? They gave up over 360 yards to the Rockets last season. Another 50/50 game.
- Game 9: at Western Michigan (W) — They beat the Broncos last season. This year, Western is without their starting quarterback and running back from 2019.
- Game 10: at Ball State (L) — The Eagles lost a close one at home to the Cardinals. Ball State brings back their quarterback and running back from last season.
- Game 11: Bowling Green (W) — The Falcons threw nine touchdown passes last year. They aren’t good.
- Game 12: at Miami (OH) (W) — Another toss-up game here. The Redhawks bring back their starting backfield, but their defense is pretty bad.
Prediction: 6-6 (5-3 MAC)
The Mid-American Conference is the most volatile Group of Five leagues in the country. The Eagles are going to play close to the hip again this season. It seems like every matchup except Bowling Green, Kentucky, Missouri and Northern Illinois is a toss-up.
The offensive line has to be adequate and someone needs to take the QB1 spot. If that comes together, Creighton and the Eagles will be eligible for the postseason for a third consecutive season.