College Football Predictions – Eastern Michigan Eagles 2019 College Football Preview
2018 Recap
Record – 7-6
ATS – 8-5
Not again.
The Eagles lost a pile of close games, just like they did in 2017. There was a four-game losing streak starting in week three in which they lost by a combined sixteen points. And they were facing good teams. Buffalo, San Diego St, Northern Illinois and Western Michigan. In keeping with the theme of the regular season they fell in a heartbreaker to Georgia Southern in the Camellia Bowl (L 23-21).
Buckle in and read about the Eagles’ prospects for 2019.
2019 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating
West Division – #4
MAC – #5
Eastern Michigan Eagles 2019 Outlook
OFFENSE
The Eagles were very effective MATRICULATING the ball down the field in the THROW GAME a season ago (#2 MAC pass efficiency, 21-4 TD to INT), and while Tyler Wiegers has moved on, we are really excited to watch Mike Glass perform this year. Glass is very accurate and provides a lot of mobility at the position. The Eagles return nine of their top ten receivers and are stocked at WR and TE. It’s unclear whether or not the Eagles have a true #1 RB on the depth chart but they do return a lot of experience including last season’s leading rusher Shaq Vann (590, 5 TD, 4.4). The offensive line took a step backwards last season and allowed 39 (!) sacks (#10 MAC). To put things in perspective, the Eagles allowed a combined 30 sacks in 2017 and 2016. Two starters return to the OL and while they have nice size, it remains to be seen how effective they will be in 2019.
We are drinking the Mike Glass KOOL-AID and think that the Eagles can approach 30 PPG this season (27.0 LY).
DEFENSE
The Eagles were at the top of the MAC in total defense last year (354 YPG) and were #2 in 2017 (364 YPG). They seem destined to suffer a decline this season with only three returning starters back for duty. Eastern Michigan must learn to live without two excellent LBs from the 2018 stop unit as well as star DE Maxx Crosby who is off to the NFL (Raiders). Crosby was an ANIMAL last year booking 19 TFL and 11 QBH and we believe the Eagles will have a hard time replacing his ability to PENETRATE and cause havoc. The front seven only brings back a pair of starters but at least one of those is their fine LB Brody Hoying, and keep in mind that they still have a good-looking secondary with veteran safeties, and CB Kevin McGill (2nd Team MAC LY).
We project the defense as a mid-pack MAC unit, with upside if they can cobble together a pass rush <grabs popcorn>.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The return units look sketchy. The good news is that they have a great punter in Jake Julien. PK Chad Ryland was a meager 12/20 on three-pointers in 2018.
Schedule Analysis
Overall – The Eagles start off in style with THREE road games. Coastal Carolina, Kentucky and Illinois. They have pulled off Big Ten upsets in each of the past two seasons (Rutgers, Purdue) so maybe all hope is not lost? A bonus is missing Ohio and Miami from the MAC East.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – at Illinois (September 14)
We aren’t fans of backing teams making their 3rd consecutive road appearance.
Season Win Total
Over 6.5 +110
Under 6.5 -130
MEGALOCKS says:
Lean to the under. These guys have talent but they may get off to a slow start.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
These dudes were known as the Michigan State Normal College Normalites from 1899 to 1928.
Not many folks are PINING for former HC Ron English to return as he posted a horrific 11-46 record with the Eagles whilst looking buff and tuff on the sidelines.
MEGALOCKS ATS Outlook: Neutral
We can’t help but cheer for Eastern Michigan. They have made MASSIVE strides under HC Chris Creighton and could (should?) have easily banked a lot more wins over the past two years. This is a prime example that ANY program can become competitive if they get the right leadership in place. As far as this season is concerned, if they can cobble together a decent defense, there’s no reason why they can’t contend for the division crown.
Shh. Don’t tell anyone. The Eagles have booked a remarkable 26-11-1 (70%) ATS record over the past three years. They have risen like a PHOENIX from the ashes. We’ll take a hint from REGRESSION TO THE MEAN GUY and keep the Eagles on the back burner for now. It’s not like they CAN’T have another winning year vs the point spread, but the reload on defense has us a bit concerned.
In any event, GO EAGLES!!
Want more Eastern Michigan football ?
WEBSITE
http://www.emueagles.com/index.aspx?path=football
FORUM
http://csnbbs.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=478
NEWS
http://www.espn.com/college-football/team/_/id/2199/eastern-michigan-eagles
http://bleacherreport.com/eastern-michigan-football
http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/eastern-michigan-eagles
Hashtags – #FocusFightFinish, #ETOUGH
Accounts to follow