Is it too early for season previews? No according to ESPN. Here is the paywalled article about the MAC West:
https://www.espn.com/college-football/in...e-players.
theyve got us with a bowl odds of 40%
Here's what else they have to say:
Has Chris Creighton topped out at EMU? First things first: Making .500 feel slightly disappointing at EMU is a miracle. The Eagles hadn't enjoyed a winning record since 1995 before Creighton, the former Drake head coach, took over in 2014, and they hadn't been to a bowl since 1987. They won a total of 15 games in the seven seasons before 2016's breakthrough, when they went 7-6 and went to the Bahamas Bowl. They've managed three more bowl appearances since then, not to mention three wins over Big Ten opponents.
Since peaking in 2018 with the 7-6 team that finished 86th in SP+ and nearly won the West, though, the Eagles have regressed. They've ranked between 101st and 107th all three seasons, and last year's 7-6 season was stained by blowout losses to CMU and Liberty to end the season. Quarterback Ben Bryant transferred back to Cincinnati after throwing for 3,121 yards in a one-year cameo, and while veteran Troy transfer Taylor Powell arrives to take his place and most of the receiving corps returns, Bryant set the efficiency bar high.
The bigger concern is on a defense that has averaged a No. 122 ranking in defensive SP+ for three seasons. Fourteen of 22 players with 200-plus snaps return, but outside of edge rusher Jose Ramirez there are almost no proven playmakers. The offense will give the Eagles a shot at a bowl, but defense should again weigh them down, and 2018 is beginning to feel pretty far away in the rearview mirror.
Favorite Players:
Slot Hassan Beydoun, EMU. Another slot worth mentioning, Beydoun had 12 catches for 197 yards in the win over Toledo. In his last 19 collegiate games, he's averaging 7.7 catches and 86.1 yards per game.
(03-22-2022 08:16 AM)dansplaining Wrote: [ -> ]Is it too early for season previews? No according to ESPN. Here is the paywalled article about the MAC West:
https://www.espn.com/college-football/in...e-players.
theyve got us with a bowl odds of 40%
Here's what else they have to say:
Has Chris Creighton topped out at EMU? First things first: Making .500 feel slightly disappointing at EMU is a miracle. The Eagles hadn't enjoyed a winning record since 1995 before Creighton, the former Drake head coach, took over in 2014, and they hadn't been to a bowl since 1987. They won a total of 15 games in the seven seasons before 2016's breakthrough, when they went 7-6 and went to the Bahamas Bowl. They've managed three more bowl appearances since then, not to mention three wins over Big Ten opponents.
Since peaking in 2018 with the 7-6 team that finished 86th in SP+ and nearly won the West, though, the Eagles have regressed. They've ranked between 101st and 107th all three seasons, and last year's 7-6 season was stained by blowout losses to CMU and Liberty to end the season. Quarterback Ben Bryant transferred back to Cincinnati after throwing for 3,121 yards in a one-year cameo, and while veteran Troy transfer Taylor Powell arrives to take his place and most of the receiving corps returns, Bryant set the efficiency bar high.
The bigger concern is on a defense that has averaged a No. 122 ranking in defensive SP+ for three seasons. Fourteen of 22 players with 200-plus snaps return, but outside of edge rusher Jose Ramirez there are almost no proven playmakers. The offense will give the Eagles a shot at a bowl, but defense should again weigh them down, and 2018 is beginning to feel pretty far away in the rearview mirror.
Favorite Players:
Slot Hassan Beydoun, EMU. Another slot worth mentioning, Beydoun had 12 catches for 197 yards in the win over Toledo. In his last 19 collegiate games, he's averaging 7.7 catches and 86.1 yards per game.
Two thoughts...this article completely ignores the transfer in from Michigan State of Chase Kline, who I believe will be an impact player in the MAC at Linebacker. And I'm hearing that Jordan Crawford has dropped some weight (I saw him in one of the team's twitter hype videos and immediately noticed the weight loss) and improved his strength and endurance, so could be a difference-maker on the D-Line this year, something this writer would not know. Both of these are making me feel some optimism for expected defensive improvements in the coming year.
Creighton hasn't had consecutive seasons over .500 at EMU.
Not a benchmark that I'd like to be discussing at this point in his tenure, but I think being over .500 for the second straight year is the most realistic baseline to establish.
I would expect some players to hit the portal after the current semester ends. I also expect us to add a few more pieces maybe with May JUCO grads or transfers.
(03-22-2022 02:13 PM)emu79 Wrote: [ -> ]I would expect some players to hit the portal after the current semester ends. I also expect us to add a few more pieces maybe with May JUCO grads or transfers.
Agree.
Writing an article before spring ball (ends) is almost folly.
There is SO MUCH we don't know and so much which has not happened yet but will.
(03-22-2022 11:04 AM)cidbearit Wrote: [ -> ] (03-22-2022 08:16 AM)dansplaining Wrote: [ -> ]Is it too early for season previews? No according to ESPN. Here is the paywalled article about the MAC West:
https://www.espn.com/college-football/in...e-players.
theyve got us with a bowl odds of 40%
Here's what else they have to say:
Has Chris Creighton topped out at EMU? First things first: Making .500 feel slightly disappointing at EMU is a miracle. The Eagles hadn't enjoyed a winning record since 1995 before Creighton, the former Drake head coach, took over in 2014, and they hadn't been to a bowl since 1987. They won a total of 15 games in the seven seasons before 2016's breakthrough, when they went 7-6 and went to the Bahamas Bowl. They've managed three more bowl appearances since then, not to mention three wins over Big Ten opponents.
Since peaking in 2018 with the 7-6 team that finished 86th in SP+ and nearly won the West, though, the Eagles have regressed. They've ranked between 101st and 107th all three seasons, and last year's 7-6 season was stained by blowout losses to CMU and Liberty to end the season. Quarterback Ben Bryant transferred back to Cincinnati after throwing for 3,121 yards in a one-year cameo, and while veteran Troy transfer Taylor Powell arrives to take his place and most of the receiving corps returns, Bryant set the efficiency bar high.
The bigger concern is on a defense that has averaged a No. 122 ranking in defensive SP+ for three seasons. Fourteen of 22 players with 200-plus snaps return, but outside of edge rusher Jose Ramirez there are almost no proven playmakers. The offense will give the Eagles a shot at a bowl, but defense should again weigh them down, and 2018 is beginning to feel pretty far away in the rearview mirror.
Favorite Players:
Slot Hassan Beydoun, EMU. Another slot worth mentioning, Beydoun had 12 catches for 197 yards in the win over Toledo. In his last 19 collegiate games, he's averaging 7.7 catches and 86.1 yards per game.
Two thoughts...this article completely ignores the transfer in from Michigan State of Chase Kline, who I believe will be an impact player in the MAC at Linebacker. And I'm hearing that Jordan Crawford has dropped some weight (I saw him in one of the team's twitter hype videos and immediately noticed the weight loss) and improved his strength and endurance, so could be a difference-maker on the D-Line this year, something this writer would not know. Both of these are making me feel some optimism for expected defensive improvements in the coming year.
Like most preseason reports this is just a hack job. They look at the record, they look at the returning players, they throw in a few stats, and call it a report.
(03-22-2022 11:04 AM)cidbearit Wrote: [ -> ] (03-22-2022 08:16 AM)dansplaining Wrote: [ -> ]Is it too early for season previews? No according to ESPN. Here is the paywalled article about the MAC West:
https://www.espn.com/college-football/in...e-players.
theyve got us with a bowl odds of 40%
Here's what else they have to say:
Has Chris Creighton topped out at EMU? First things first: Making .500 feel slightly disappointing at EMU is a miracle. The Eagles hadn't enjoyed a winning record since 1995 before Creighton, the former Drake head coach, took over in 2014, and they hadn't been to a bowl since 1987. They won a total of 15 games in the seven seasons before 2016's breakthrough, when they went 7-6 and went to the Bahamas Bowl. They've managed three more bowl appearances since then, not to mention three wins over Big Ten opponents.
Since peaking in 2018 with the 7-6 team that finished 86th in SP+ and nearly won the West, though, the Eagles have regressed. They've ranked between 101st and 107th all three seasons, and last year's 7-6 season was stained by blowout losses to CMU and Liberty to end the season. Quarterback Ben Bryant transferred back to Cincinnati after throwing for 3,121 yards in a one-year cameo, and while veteran Troy transfer Taylor Powell arrives to take his place and most of the receiving corps returns, Bryant set the efficiency bar high.
The bigger concern is on a defense that has averaged a No. 122 ranking in defensive SP+ for three seasons. Fourteen of 22 players with 200-plus snaps return, but outside of edge rusher Jose Ramirez there are almost no proven playmakers. The offense will give the Eagles a shot at a bowl, but defense should again weigh them down, and 2018 is beginning to feel pretty far away in the rearview mirror.
Favorite Players:
Slot Hassan Beydoun, EMU. Another slot worth mentioning, Beydoun had 12 catches for 197 yards in the win over Toledo. In his last 19 collegiate games, he's averaging 7.7 catches and 86.1 yards per game.
Two thoughts...this article completely ignores the transfer in from Michigan State of Chase Kline, who I believe will be an impact player in the MAC at Linebacker. And I'm hearing that Jordan Crawford has dropped some weight (I saw him in one of the team's twitter hype videos and immediately noticed the weight loss) and improved his strength and endurance, so could be a difference-maker on the D-Line this year, something this writer would not know. Both of these are making me feel some optimism for expected defensive improvements in the coming year.
Agreed. We will be better on defense this year. Last year was exceptionally bad on that side and while I dont think we will be a top tier defense, we will be better and hover in the middle. Here is why......
Secondary.......We were young in the secondary and we will have more experience this year. Keep an eye on David Carter and we also get a Brandon Benson back from injury. He was a grad trasfer last year and was a 1st teal all-league selection at previous school. Peavy, Daniel and Vaden all return who were effective last year. Jarrett Paul is gone and thats a good thing. He wasnt good.
LB's. You hit it on the head with Kline. He is a difference maker with size who doesnt play on his heels like last year's LB's. Sparacio from Boston College makes us better and Steven Scheidt is back from injury. This is easily the most improved, albeit from a weak 2021 group.
Line/Ends. Hoping we see Haney show improvement and continued success from Ramirez. The only other hope I see with this group is the young guys, Melvin, Carter Evans, Hamilton and Gaines stepping up and making plays. This position lacks upper classmen depth and I am hoping we add some plug and play JUCO here.
Like I said, this isnt a top tier defense by any stretch but the experience we have coming back along with a couple transfers easily makes this an improved defense.
To me, this is a 6-6 group next year and they will make a bowl. 7-5 would be good. 8-4 would be showing the breakthrough we need.
(03-22-2022 09:06 PM)steve4840 Wrote: [ -> ] (03-22-2022 11:04 AM)cidbearit Wrote: [ -> ] (03-22-2022 08:16 AM)dansplaining Wrote: [ -> ]Is it too early for season previews? No according to ESPN. Here is the paywalled article about the MAC West:
https://www.espn.com/college-football/in...e-players.
theyve got us with a bowl odds of 40%
Here's what else they have to say:
Has Chris Creighton topped out at EMU? First things first: Making .500 feel slightly disappointing at EMU is a miracle. The Eagles hadn't enjoyed a winning record since 1995 before Creighton, the former Drake head coach, took over in 2014, and they hadn't been to a bowl since 1987. They won a total of 15 games in the seven seasons before 2016's breakthrough, when they went 7-6 and went to the Bahamas Bowl. They've managed three more bowl appearances since then, not to mention three wins over Big Ten opponents.
Since peaking in 2018 with the 7-6 team that finished 86th in SP+ and nearly won the West, though, the Eagles have regressed. They've ranked between 101st and 107th all three seasons, and last year's 7-6 season was stained by blowout losses to CMU and Liberty to end the season. Quarterback Ben Bryant transferred back to Cincinnati after throwing for 3,121 yards in a one-year cameo, and while veteran Troy transfer Taylor Powell arrives to take his place and most of the receiving corps returns, Bryant set the efficiency bar high.
The bigger concern is on a defense that has averaged a No. 122 ranking in defensive SP+ for three seasons. Fourteen of 22 players with 200-plus snaps return, but outside of edge rusher Jose Ramirez there are almost no proven playmakers. The offense will give the Eagles a shot at a bowl, but defense should again weigh them down, and 2018 is beginning to feel pretty far away in the rearview mirror.
Favorite Players:
Slot Hassan Beydoun, EMU. Another slot worth mentioning, Beydoun had 12 catches for 197 yards in the win over Toledo. In his last 19 collegiate games, he's averaging 7.7 catches and 86.1 yards per game.
Two thoughts...this article completely ignores the transfer in from Michigan State of Chase Kline, who I believe will be an impact player in the MAC at Linebacker. And I'm hearing that Jordan Crawford has dropped some weight (I saw him in one of the team's twitter hype videos and immediately noticed the weight loss) and improved his strength and endurance, so could be a difference-maker on the D-Line this year, something this writer would not know. Both of these are making me feel some optimism for expected defensive improvements in the coming year.
Agreed. We will be better on defense this year. Last year was exceptionally bad on that side and while I dont think we will be a top tier defense, we will be better and hover in the middle. Here is why......
Secondary.......We were young in the secondary and we will have more experience this year. Keep an eye on David Carter and we also get a Brandon Benson back from injury. He was a grad trasfer last year and was a 1st teal all-league selection at previous school. Peavy, Daniel and Vaden all return who were effective last year. Jarrett Paul is gone and thats a good thing. He wasnt good.
LB's. You hit it on the head with Kline. He is a difference maker with size who doesnt play on his heels like last year's LB's. Sparacio from Boston College makes us better and Steven Scheidt is back from injury. This is easily the most improved, albeit from a weak 2021 group.
Line/Ends. Hoping we see Haney show improvement and continued success from Ramirez. The only other hope I see with this group is the young guys, Melvin, Carter Evans, Hamilton and Gaines stepping up and making plays. This position lacks upper classmen depth and I am hoping we add some plug and play JUCO here.
Like I said, this isnt a top tier defense by any stretch but the experience we have coming back along with a couple transfers easily makes this an improved defense.
To me, this is a 6-6 group next year and they will make a bowl. 7-5 would be good. 8-4 would be showing the breakthrough we need.
I hope you are correct. I know a Maxx isn't walking through the EMU locker room right now. But what about a Jerry Harris and an O'Connor? That kind of constant pressure and containment will do wonders for the LBs and DBs.
(03-24-2022 03:03 PM)Luckeyone Wrote: [ -> ] (03-24-2022 12:22 PM)masttg Wrote: [ -> ] (03-22-2022 09:06 PM)steve4840 Wrote: [ -> ] (03-22-2022 11:04 AM)cidbearit Wrote: [ -> ] (03-22-2022 08:16 AM)dansplaining Wrote: [ -> ]Is it too early for season previews? No according to ESPN. Here is the paywalled article about the MAC West:
https://www.espn.com/college-football/in...e-players.
theyve got us with a bowl odds of 40%
Here's what else they have to say:
Has Chris Creighton topped out at EMU? First things first: Making .500 feel slightly disappointing at EMU is a miracle. The Eagles hadn't enjoyed a winning record since 1995 before Creighton, the former Drake head coach, took over in 2014, and they hadn't been to a bowl since 1987. They won a total of 15 games in the seven seasons before 2016's breakthrough, when they went 7-6 and went to the Bahamas Bowl. They've managed three more bowl appearances since then, not to mention three wins over Big Ten opponents.
Since peaking in 2018 with the 7-6 team that finished 86th in SP+ and nearly won the West, though, the Eagles have regressed. They've ranked between 101st and 107th all three seasons, and last year's 7-6 season was stained by blowout losses to CMU and Liberty to end the season. Quarterback Ben Bryant transferred back to Cincinnati after throwing for 3,121 yards in a one-year cameo, and while veteran Troy transfer Taylor Powell arrives to take his place and most of the receiving corps returns, Bryant set the efficiency bar high.
The bigger concern is on a defense that has averaged a No. 122 ranking in defensive SP+ for three seasons. Fourteen of 22 players with 200-plus snaps return, but outside of edge rusher Jose Ramirez there are almost no proven playmakers. The offense will give the Eagles a shot at a bowl, but defense should again weigh them down, and 2018 is beginning to feel pretty far away in the rearview mirror.
Favorite Players:
Slot Hassan Beydoun, EMU. Another slot worth mentioning, Beydoun had 12 catches for 197 yards in the win over Toledo. In his last 19 collegiate games, he's averaging 7.7 catches and 86.1 yards per game.
Two thoughts...this article completely ignores the transfer in from Michigan State of Chase Kline, who I believe will be an impact player in the MAC at Linebacker. And I'm hearing that Jordan Crawford has dropped some weight (I saw him in one of the team's twitter hype videos and immediately noticed the weight loss) and improved his strength and endurance, so could be a difference-maker on the D-Line this year, something this writer would not know. Both of these are making me feel some optimism for expected defensive improvements in the coming year.
Agreed. We will be better on defense this year. Last year was exceptionally bad on that side and while I dont think we will be a top tier defense, we will be better and hover in the middle. Here is why......
Secondary.......We were young in the secondary and we will have more experience this year. Keep an eye on David Carter and we also get a Brandon Benson back from injury. He was a grad trasfer last year and was a 1st teal all-league selection at previous school. Peavy, Daniel and Vaden all return who were effective last year. Jarrett Paul is gone and thats a good thing. He wasnt good.
LB's. You hit it on the head with Kline. He is a difference maker with size who doesnt play on his heels like last year's LB's. Sparacio from Boston College makes us better and Steven Scheidt is back from injury. This is easily the most improved, albeit from a weak 2021 group.
Line/Ends. Hoping we see Haney show improvement and continued success from Ramirez. The only other hope I see with this group is the young guys, Melvin, Carter Evans, Hamilton and Gaines stepping up and making plays. This position lacks upper classmen depth and I am hoping we add some plug and play JUCO here.
Like I said, this isnt a top tier defense by any stretch but the experience we have coming back along with a couple transfers easily makes this an improved defense.
To me, this is a 6-6 group next year and they will make a bowl. 7-5 would be good. 8-4 would be showing the breakthrough we need.
I hope you are correct. I know a Maxx isn't walking through the EMU locker room right now. But what about a Jerry Harris and an O'Connor? That kind of constant pressure and containment will do wonders for the LBs and DBs.
You’re on the money!
Flag me for piling on! Harris and POC did a wonderful job in 2016, we have not had that kind of defense in the last four years.
(03-24-2022 04:59 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote: [ -> ] (03-24-2022 03:03 PM)Luckeyone Wrote: [ -> ] (03-24-2022 12:22 PM)masttg Wrote: [ -> ] (03-22-2022 09:06 PM)steve4840 Wrote: [ -> ] (03-22-2022 11:04 AM)cidbearit Wrote: [ -> ]Two thoughts...this article completely ignores the transfer in from Michigan State of Chase Kline, who I believe will be an impact player in the MAC at Linebacker. And I'm hearing that Jordan Crawford has dropped some weight (I saw him in one of the team's twitter hype videos and immediately noticed the weight loss) and improved his strength and endurance, so could be a difference-maker on the D-Line this year, something this writer would not know. Both of these are making me feel some optimism for expected defensive improvements in the coming year.
Agreed. We will be better on defense this year. Last year was exceptionally bad on that side and while I dont think we will be a top tier defense, we will be better and hover in the middle. Here is why......
Secondary.......We were young in the secondary and we will have more experience this year. Keep an eye on David Carter and we also get a Brandon Benson back from injury. He was a grad trasfer last year and was a 1st teal all-league selection at previous school. Peavy, Daniel and Vaden all return who were effective last year. Jarrett Paul is gone and thats a good thing. He wasnt good.
LB's. You hit it on the head with Kline. He is a difference maker with size who doesnt play on his heels like last year's LB's. Sparacio from Boston College makes us better and Steven Scheidt is back from injury. This is easily the most improved, albeit from a weak 2021 group.
Line/Ends. Hoping we see Haney show improvement and continued success from Ramirez. The only other hope I see with this group is the young guys, Melvin, Carter Evans, Hamilton and Gaines stepping up and making plays. This position lacks upper classmen depth and I am hoping we add some plug and play JUCO here.
Like I said, this isnt a top tier defense by any stretch but the experience we have coming back along with a couple transfers easily makes this an improved defense.
To me, this is a 6-6 group next year and they will make a bowl. 7-5 would be good. 8-4 would be showing the breakthrough we need.
I hope you are correct. I know a Maxx isn't walking through the EMU locker room right now. But what about a Jerry Harris and an O'Connor? That kind of constant pressure and containment will do wonders for the LBs and DBs.
You’re on the money!
Flag me for piling on! Harris and POC did a wonderful job in 2016, we have not had that kind of defense in the last four years.
Hoping Ramirez can step up and be that guy this yr. Our defense was bad last yr but will be better this yr.
sidenote.....any guesses on who will be the following???
1. captains?
2. #2
3. qb
my guesses are...
1. Hassan, speights, donnelon
2. Hassan
3. May
(03-26-2022 08:35 PM)steve4840 Wrote: [ -> ]sidenote.....any guesses on who will be the following???
1. captains?
2. #2
3. qb
my guesses are...
1. Hassan, speights, donnelon
2. Hassan
3. May
Beydoun is the most obvious choice for the deuce in program history
(03-26-2022 08:35 PM)steve4840 Wrote: [ -> ]sidenote.....any guesses on who will be the following???
1. captains?
2. #2
3. qb
my guesses are...
1. Hassan, speights, donnelon
2. Hassan
3. May
Agree with #1 and #2. #3...not so sure. Like you, I'd like to see one of the younger guys get the starting spot, or at least get significant PT. The commitment of Viotto is a signal that Powell will be the starter this year with possibly a true freshman starting in 2024.
Looking at our roster, I believe our DL will have depth and be improved. I still feel our LBs will be the weak link and we need to pray there’s no injuries there due to little depth. When is the last time we had a couple LBs that were leading our defense?
We may be looking to add a WR via the portal
(03-27-2022 09:14 AM)Luckeyone Wrote: [ -> ]Looking at our roster, I believe our DL will have depth and be improved. I still feel our LBs will be the weak link and we need to pray there’s no injuries there due to little depth. When is the last time we had a couple LBs that were leading our defense?
Luckey, I think our LB's got a lot better with Kline from MSU, Sparacio from Boston College and we will get Scheidt back. given that we play only 2 LB's with Neatherys awful scheme, we should be ok. We also get Steven Scheidt back who was injured last year and I really think he will be a playmaker.
Your doubts about LB are my doubts about DL. I like our young guys but we don't have upperclassmen depth