Will Eastern Michigan football be a contender in the MAC in 2022?

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Dec 18, 2021; Mobile, Alabama, USA; Eastern Michigan Eagles defensive back Jeff Hubbard (12) scores a touchdown on an interception against the Liberty Flames in the fourth quarter during the 2021 LendingTree Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert McDuffie-USA TODAY Sports /

Can the Eagles replace Ben Bryant?

The offense played well last season, scoring 30 points per game. Quarterback Ben Bryant threw for over 3,000 yards and 14 touchdowns. Unfortunately, Bryant returned to Cincinnati during the offseason. Troy transfer Taylor Powell is the likeliest candidate to take the job this fall, with Austin Smith and Cincinnati transfer Cam’Ron McCoy pushing for snaps.

Whoever throws the football has some solid receivers. Hassan Beydoun is coming off a 97 reception 1,015-yard season, leading a receiver room that returns nearly everyone this season.

With an unproven quarterback behind center, the running game has to improve. The Eagles averaged just 118 rushing yards per game last season and 3.4 yards per rushing attempt. Last season’s leading rusher, Darius Boone, Jr., returns, but second-leading rusher Jawon Hamilton is done.

Keep an eye on incoming freshman running back Elijah Jackson-Anderson and Iowa transfer Samson Evans. There is a good chance he finds his way onto the field for an offense that should have a rock-solid offensive line, and Evans scored 13 touchdowns on 83 carries.

Speaking of the offensive line, four starters from last season return, including All-MAC first-team guard Sidy Sow and All-MAC second-team tackle Brian Dooley. The offensive line is too good not to be better in the running game.

If the run game rounds into form, expect the offense to be even better than last year.

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