Hard to believe that FB season is here. It's still summer afterall.

What are some of the important items you're looking for in the opener Thursday. Three keys I feel are important are:
1. Defensive performance. The key for EMU to go from 4 wins to the next level is improved defense.
2. Running game. I'd like to see EMU get 150+ yds on the ground against ISU. We know the passing game will be there but EMU needs to establish a ground game early in the season.
3. Special teams, especially punt returns and place kicking.

Agree on all points with some additional clarification:

The key to the defense is the line and whether Fort/Jenkins can be as solid at LB as Matthews. We need to improve our rush defense and now without Young and Jones put some pressure on the QB.
Staying healthy is important at all positions but lack of depth at LB could hurt us. The loss of Derrick Hunter hurts.

I"m less worried about the offense. The only weak spot is the TE, I think Blevins will come through and we have some depth at that position.

Hopefully kickoffs and FGs will improve this year.

i agree about the defensive needs. We lost two fantastic playmakers in Jones and Matthews. Hopefully Hunt can be our Jones this year.

However, running is going to be huge. It seems like the last two years had a pretty much non-existent running game. Hopefully that will change.

Also, i heard the Baltimore Ravens were checking out our practices a week or two ago. Can anyone confirm this? Who would they be scouting? I would assume holtzclaw, but is anyone else considered an NFL prospect?

The defensive line is going to be the key. The starting front four will have a combined zero games of starting experience. Hunt and Spenser have been beaten out for starting spots.

The starting D-Line will consist of Tyler Palsrock, Brandon Downs, Brad Ohrman and Brandon Slater.

Wow that's a shocker!

In terms of pros:

Holtzclaw

Lang

an interesting one to keep an eye on its Wyatt-four year starter like Holtzclaw and has played against some of the best.

Hunt and Smith aren't starting?!?!? that's a shocker.

I think our D-Line might make for some rough games this year.

In the end, I think Hunt will start - if not against ISU, then against MSU. It gives some indication, though, of how far some of the younger guys have come since last year. This bodes well for improved depth at both the DT and DE positions....

The three of the four new starters were from that hard working class of 2007 and I"ve heard good things about Reese, Serruto and Seilis both incoming freshmen. Too bad we lost Brockman, he would have fit in there somewhere.

Even though I'm in the band and can't wear my brand new Andy Schmitt jersey to the game, I am pumped that I got it. I've always wanted a non 1970's EMU football jersey. :-D Hopefully I'll be able to break it out on the road!!!

For what it's worth, i was told that Hunt was downgraded as a punishment for a poor scrimmage, but he will at least play the bulk of the ISU game, if not start.

EMUAARON Wrote:For what it's worth, i was told that Hunt was downgraded as a punishment for a poor scrimmage, but he will at least play the bulk of the ISU game, if not start.

You hit that right on the nose EMUAARON, I waited a bit to find out more before I responded to HD`s post. First of all, Hunt and Smith WERE NOT beat out for their positions. Genyk didnt like the way either played in the scrimmage and isnt starting them for this game, they both will sit out the first set of downs or two. Genyk has done this before to starters, most notibly a couple years ago he did it to Jason Jones, that didnt mean he got beat out at his position. Hunt is a 3 yr starter and they`ll need his experience in there, he`ll most likely be the one who gets double teamed. Palsrock and Orhman are good players and expect them both to see alot of time and at some point become starters...the coaches ideal plan is to red shirt both Serruto and Seilis but if needed they`ll play.

Here's EMU's weekly release to Mac-Sports.com. The depth chart toward the bottom is as of 8/25. Lots of info in this release. Thought you guys might be interested....

http://www.emueagles.com/Pdfs/football/2...EM_ID=9400

Game report from Terre Haute...
http://www.tribstar.com/collegesports/lo...20612.html

EagleWarrior Wrote:

EMUAARON Wrote:For what it's worth, i was told that Hunt was downgraded as a punishment for a poor scrimmage, but he will at least play the bulk of the ISU game, if not start.

You hit that right on the nose EMUAARON, I waited a bit to find out more before I responded to HD`s post. First of all, Hunt and Smith WERE NOT beat out for their positions. Genyk didnt like the way either played in the scrimmage and isnt starting them for this game, they both will sit out the first set of downs or two. Genyk has done this before to starters, most notibly a couple years ago he did it to Jason Jones, that didnt mean he got beat out at his position. Hunt is a 3 yr starter and they`ll need his experience in there, he`ll most likely be the one who gets double teamed. Palsrock and Orhman are good players and expect them both to see alot of time and at some point become starters...the coaches ideal plan is to red shirt both Serruto and Seilis but if needed they`ll play.

Hey Warrior -- You are probably right, but I can only report what I was told and the exact words from Genyk to me about Hunt and Spenser were they were "beaten out" by the players mentioned.

Now, that could all change by game night as we know these things are pretty fluild, especially early in the season. FWIW -- I actually expect Hunt and Spenser to log more playing time anyway tonight when all is said and done.

Either way --- let's hope for a nice opener for EMU tonight --- if anybody is so inclined, I will be at the EMU tailgate show on WAAM somewhere between 6-7 pm --- stop by say Hi --

Good luck tonight Eagles!

MAC should be 5-0 tonight.

Student numbers were around 1700. Not too bad for the freshmen not being on campus. :-)

Clyde,

I commend you and others for trying to get the students at the games to me college sports exists for the students and their families.
I saw an active and involved student section at Indiana State and why many are carping on the announced attendance, there were more people in the home stands that any game at Ypsi I saw last year. Hopefully we enjoy great weather for the home games and everyone has a great time!

I might add an update about the Eagle Nation street team. We will be doing a lot of campaigning starting Monday for the Toledo game on the next Saturday. There will be a table in the Student Center all week promoting the game and there will be fliers passed out all over campus.