Analysis of the Enemy: Eastern Michigan Eagles

Analysis of the Enemy: EMU

What: Eastern Michigan Eagles @ the Ohio State University Buckeyes

When: Saturday, September 25th; 3:30 p.m. EST.

Where: Along the Olentangy

Television: ABC in market; ESPN out of market

Weather Forecast: High- 75 degrees; Low- 57 degrees; 20% chance of precipitation

Yes, they're a real team; and yes, they do play football. But barely. To say the Eastern Michigan Eagles football program has struggled recently is to say that the Pope is Catholic. Sure, it's truthful, but it does not accurately describe the situation.

This is a program that has had such trouble attracting people to their home games that they periodically bus local high school students to and from the games, just to avoid dipping below the NCAA attendance threshold. In other words, they are the antithesis to the Ohio State program.

For an explanation of the statistics used, see here.

2009's EMU team was depressingly bad. Near last in every category measurable, their adjusted output actually has them worse than their raw data.

Second year head coach Ron English has a project on his hands. The former Michigan defensive coordinator is an able coach, but it will take more than that to turn around this moribund program. With little financial support from the administration, a limited recruiting base, and tough competition in the MAC, he's going to need a miracle. So let's take a look at what Ron English is working with.

The following charts all use 2010 statistics.

Quarterback(s)

Wisely, English has decided to go with the youth movement at quarterback for the long-term benefit of the program. Gillet, a sophomore, gained experience by taking over as the starter midway through last season, and has opened up this year as top dog. It was difficult ascertaining exactly how many starts he's had, but it fits somewhere in that range.

Statistically, there's not much to speak of because of the smaller sample size, but what is there fits with last year's numbers. His accuracy is not atrocious but also not great, and his yards per attempt is very low. Part of this is no doubt a function of the lack of talent on the offense.

Filling out the position, redshirt freshman Devontae Payne is gaining experience in a limited role. He's not a runner at all, so the EMU staff is not using a combination between the passer and athlete- they are just hoping that one of the quarterbacks takes over permanently. Payne is a local guy, playing his high school football at Cleveland South. It should be a thrill for him to play in the Horseshoe.

Offensive Line + Heavy Personnel

All things considered, it could be a lot worse. There is definite improvement over last season, and the line did power EMU to an impressive 285 yards rushing against Army in week one. With four senior starters, this is probably EMU's best offensive position. Sophomore left guard Andrew Sorgatz is the sole underclassmen starter on the line.

Tight ends are a prominent feature of their offense, with three tight ends notching multiple catches in the first three weeks. Seniors Ben Thayer and Josh LeDuc round out the unit with sophomore Kyle DeMaster.

Skill Positions

Eastern Michigan had success running the ball in its first game, but not so much in its second and third. That has dragged down the statistics for both primary backs. Priest, clearly, is the Eagles go to guy here, though.

Some hope! Kinsman Thomas, the 6''2, 205 lb. sophomore wide receiver, is a legitimate MAC athlete.  He is their big play guy, even though they have trouble involving him games. Three of his career touchdown passes have been for more than 40 yards, so look for them to try to get the ball to him early and often.

Front Seven

Averaging 273 lbs., the Eagles' defensive line is undersized but improving. English's strength and conditioning program has the team gaining mass, but as it is with the team in general, it's a long-term effort. Ohio State's offensive line will be able to push these guys around for much of the day. Look for a big rushing game from Brandon Saine, Boom Herron, Jordan Hall, and Jaamal Berry.

Linebackers Neal Howey, Marcus English, and Nate Paopao are all seniors. If not anything else, they've been through a lot at EMU, and it's unlikely they'll fold under pressure. It's also unlikely that they'll make a meaningful impact on Saturday.

Defensive Backs

Three seniors man the defensive back spots, with junior cornerback Marcell Rose being a junior. Rose, along with corner Arrington Harris, are both sub 5''10 corners. Expect them to struggle with Ohio State's receivers, especially DeVier Posey.

Ryan Downard and Latarrius Thomas are the starting safeties. Eastern Michigan likes work an extra safety into the box for run support often, so expect strong safety Downard to fill that role.

Special Teams

I almost considered skipping the special teams section, but what kind of message would that have sent?

If the Bucks struggle in special teams coverage this week, they really, really need to reevaluate what they're doing. This EMU team is as bad a return unit as I've seen in a long time. Also, let it sink in for a minute that they've only forced one punt the entire year. 3 games, 1 punt. Bad.

On the bright side, freshman Jay Karutz has averaged 44.8 yards per punt. He's a true diamond in the rough.

Overview

Let's call this what it is: a mauling in the making. Last time I looked, Vegas has the line at 42.5, and even that may not be high enough. Last week Ohio State faced, at least, an average MAC team. This week, they are facing the MAC team that other MAC teams look forward to playing. The best thing for Ohio State to do is to jump out to an early, insurmountable lead (3 points will probably suffice), and then use the rest of the game to work on things and get young players some game experience.

And this may not be a popular opinion, but if I'm Jim Tressel, I deliberately give my special teams units a chance to work on improving in a game environment. A live hitting situation, as opposed to most special teams practices, may just be what the doctor ordered. Punting on 4th downs when you know you could get the needed yards may be the better long-term strategy.

Note

There will be no scheme breakdown this week. Eastern Michigan is on television so infrequently that video of their football program is harder to come by than class in a Bobcat costume.

On Friday, I will post some fun trivia in a FanShot, but if you must know more about EMU's scheme, know this:

Ron English is a Cover 3 disciple. He loves, loves running it, but he lacks the personnel to run anything effectively right now. As such, I expect one of two things: A.) He recognizes that he cannot win against Ohio State, so he runs Cover 3 and works on his base defense the entire game. Even if it will lead to more points for OSU, it will  provide practice for his team. B.) He vainly tries competing with Ohio State by running a 2 deep shell (both safeties in back half of field), which limits the damage but not the outcome. Ron English has shown a dedication to building long-term at EMU, and I expect option A because of it. Take Ohio State laying the points, and Go Bucks!