The Eagles have long been an after thought in the MAC, a perennial bottom feeder with no more than four wins since 2000. They have long been an after thought to the people of Ypsilanti as well, averaging 7,448 fans last season an NCAA worst. But the Eagles may win some more games and fans in 2008.
Only one o-lineman from a unit that greatly improved the rushing attack and yielded just 17 sacks all year has departed. QB Andy Schmitt finally enters a season as the clear cut starter and the rest of the offense will certainly be better in this the second year of a new system implemented in 2007. In a little twist it turns out Schmitt wasn’t fully healthy last year with a lingering shoulder injury from his high school days that greatly affected his arm strength. He reports offseason surgery has him stronger than ever and looking to air it out. He also added some muscle in the offseason to help him take hits as he plans to add a ground attack of his own, looking to emulate, perhaps, the MAC’s Dan LeFevour. The loss of Piere Walker may prove less of a loss as the season wears on. Coaches are high on Terrance Blevins who has speed (clocked under 4.5) and strength (bench press over 400 lbs.). He should be spelled by Dwayne Priest who is a bit smaller, shiftier and also a weapon as a receiver out of the backfield. I think this team will surprise some with a much more potent attack.
Their defense is on par with any in the mediocre MAC and returns eight starters including Lombardi Trophy hopeful Daniel Holtzclaw. While the numbers weren’t pretty they just missed a spread cover at Vanderbilt. They easily cashed in losing by only 11 the next week at Michigan. They rallied late at OU, fought tough and had chances to beat Northwestern, did beat WMU and closed with strong performances against BG and CMU. Two huge losses have some people down on this unit though. Tackle Jason Jones was a second round draft choice of the Tennessee Titans and d-end Eric Young was named the team’s defensive MVP, not easily replaced. They are undersized and have a few spots to fill, big deal, so do a lot of teams in this conference! This team won’t be a defensive force but they will be competitive which is enough on most weeks.
They have a chance to pick up victories against Indiana State, at home against Northern Illinois and at Army in the first half of the schedule. That should help build some confidence, but their second half is a positively brutal finish. The Eagles travel to Ball State and Western in back to back weeks, have a couple of weeks to prepare for, but again travel to, Temple and close out with Central Michigan who will likely have to battle until the end to wrap up any chance of a MAC West title unlike last year. Look for the value in the first eight games and if needed be ready to fade late.
