...but first a disclaimer: if CMU plays like it has on the road lately, everything below becomes pointless... :rolleyes:

...I understand that Lewis and Tyus are available for Saturday, although they're listed at #2 on the two-deep. Of course, there's an error somewhere, unless we have two Omari Colens on the team! Hopefully, we can take an early lead and let these guys rest those ankles. Jay Davidson is also on the list, hope that shoulder is OK...


...EMU's OL, while not tiny, may be the lightest we'll see this season, averaging 283lb per man. This unit is also young, with a pair of juniors as the "elders." Our experienced DL should be able to stop bull RB Ime Akpan from getting much forward momentum. I also look for us to put pressure on Edwards, but then, EMU has given up only nine sacks. If I remember the MSU-EMU game correctly, EMU passes quickly to help protect the QB, so our DBs need to play up this week...

...EMU's DL is also young -- three starting underclassmen! -- which helps to explain why Eastern's defense has been so generous. Our massive front should be able to knock these guys around. :saber: If we don't dominate these guys at the LOS, see my disclaimer, because there's no GOOD reason we shouldn't. EMU reportedly has decent LBs, but they'll wear down with a steady diet of Supianoski and Jackson, as long as the OL plays to potential...

...the pattern continues, with youth in EMU's secondary (three sophomores). Time for CMU's receivers to step up after some rough stretches against Marshall...

...EMU is 10th in the MAC in pass efficiency defense and has only six sacks (!) on the season, so look for Vickers to do a better job this week. With the lack of a pass rush, I wouldn't be surprised if we go mid-range to deep more often this weekend...

...a little more about EMU's pass offense: great receivers in Roberson and Walter, so our DBs better eat their freakin' Wheaties! Still, we slowed Marshall's offense last Saturday, so the improvement continues. To me, this is the key battle our defense needs to win (or at least tie)...


Overall, I expect we'll move the ball quite well against EMU's league-worst defense (dead last in scoring, rushing, and total defense). EMU's offense is not bad, but we held Marshall to 23 points, and I can't see EMU getting many more than that. We were favored by 10 1/2 earlier today, and I'd say a win of 10-14 points would be acceptable. Hey, given our road performance this season, a win by ANY margin will be good! If we come out strong and mentally ready, I see us moving the ball at will by the second half.

Prediction: <span style='color:red'>CMU 38, EMU 24</span>