The Eastern Michigan Eagles 1-10, are one of the worst football programs in the FCS. You would gave a hard time arguing that any program is worst. The Eagles have only finished .500 once since 1996, with their last winning season coming in 1995 during the Charlie Batch era.
Central Michigan comes in at a very solid 6-5. The Chippewas, has three loses to nationally ranked teams Oklahoma State, Michigan State and Toledo, to go along with close defeats to Syracuse and Western Michigan.
Central Michigan leads the Mid-American Conference in total defense, so don’t expect too many points from Eastern Michigan. On offense, Central Michigan will hope to air the ball out with a passing attack that ranks second in the conference.
The only chance I see that the Eagles keep this game close is due to rain in the forecast tomorrow, however the rain is expected to clear up around kick off time. If this turns into a ground game, one side will be asked to perform out of character. Central Michigan has the worst rushing attack in the MAC by far, averaging only 94 yards on the ground a game. Unfortunately for the Eagles, their defense may not be strong enough to capitalize on the Chippewas deficiencies running the ball. If the Chippewas are forced to run, they will be doing so against an Eastern Michigan defense that is allowing 324 rushing yards a game, which is dead last in the nation.
Eastern Michigan does rank number one in the conference for passing defense, however this shows where stats can be deceiving. When you combine the Eagles inability to stop the run with the fact that they usually lose big, there isn’t much need for opponents to put the ball in the air.
A big point spread and potential rain are the only things keeping this from being a lock. Despite the records, I expect Central Michigan to be motivated for their rival at home. I’m going in on Central Michigan -24.
(Central Michigan 35 Eastern Michigan 10)
Twitter @BetSportsstrong
E-mail: Betsportsstrong@gmail.com
Get Sports Strong 