College Football Predictions – Eastern Michigan Eagles 2017 NCAA Football Preview
2016 Recap
2016 Record – 7-6
2016 ATS – 10-3
The Eagles had a wonderful season. And we were very happy to watch it unfold.
The Eastern Michigan football program had been in a permanent state of S T R U G G L I N G and almost pulled off an unthinkable 8-win season. They DID make a bowl game and were really close to beating Old Dominion in the Bahamas Bowl. They finished up their campaign at 7-6 with quality wins over Wyoming, Ohio and Central Michigan. KAW KAW !! (Ed note: that may be the sound an eagle makes. Or a hawk. Or a seagull)
2017 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating
MAC – TBD
West Division – TBD
OFFENSE
The Eagles look to be in really good shape on offense as most of the key components return to an offense that averaged 29.8 points per game last year. Senior QB Brogan Roback is coming off an efficient campaign in which he only tossed 7 INT (18 TD) and will be fortunate to have his receiving corps return essentially intact. WR Sergio Bailey had 868 yards receiving and #2 man (in receiving yards) Dieuly Aristilde averaged almost 20 yards per reception. The running back group is deep and experienced and very underrated. Eastern Michigan ranked 4th in the MAC in rushing TDs (21) in 2016.
The offensive line did a fine job last year allowing only 13 (!) sacks (#2 MAC) while paving the way for 159 yards rushing per game. The Eagles only return two starters to the OL this season and that is our only concern about the offense. They should be fine against most of the defensive fronts that they are slated to face.
DEFENSE
The Eagles made a dramatic improvement last season cutting their points per game allowed from 42.1 (wut ?) to a respectable 29.8 (#6 MAC). Eastern Michigan looks well positioned to have another decent defense despite the loss of their sack leader Pat O’Connor (8.5). The Eagles return their top seven tacklers from the 2016 unit including excellent LB Jeremiah Harris and 3/4 of their starting secondary. We feel like the Eagles can make another step forward albeit a smaller one.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Eagles look to be in decent shape in the kicking game. PK Paul Fricano made 19/24 FGs last season but they will miss outstanding P Austin Barnes who would have been invited to the Heisman ceremony if he played for Michigan in 2016. They need more spice in the return units.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot
Oct 14 – at Army. This will be their 3rd straight road game AND a juicy MAC sandwich (Toledo, Western Michigan). Oh, and Army is NOT fun to play against. DANGER DANGER !
MEGAmazing Tidbits
The Eagles had a positive turnover margin (+1) for the first time since 2008. Their margin that season ? (+1). Amaze your fiery hot PAROLE OFFICER with that gem.
MEGALOCKS ATS Value Rating (10) 7.0
MEGALOCKS says:
Overall, we give the EAGLES a 7.0 ATS Value Rating (Good) this season.
MEGALOCKS PREMIUM ULTRA SMOKESHOW MEMBERS were astounded when we had Eastern Michigan nailed last season with an 8.0 ATS Value Rating……….“We do not normally like being the first one out of the foxhole but we feel that Eastern Michigan will be a money maker this season.”
What about 2017 ? We still think the Eagles can make us some paper. Now, one thing to note is that somehow, they really upset the schedule-making Gods. They have a stretch of SIX road games in EIGHT weeks finishing up with Central Michigan and Miami Ohio. The value may still be there from a point-spread perspective but you have to be extra careful with potentially weary road teams. In any event, we think the Eagles can get back to bowl season by the skin of their teeth and finish with a winning mark vs Vegas. KAW KAW !!
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