Okay this is the thread for the game...

Who is going? Who will be updating us?

Unfortunately I will not be able to attend this year to conflicts.

I will be there. It's my understanding now that this will be less a scrimmage and more a "showcase" of the team and various squads. Apparently some of the guys are "dinged and dented" after working hard through Spring practice so will be getting a break from full contact activities. So it is unlikely that we will see all the starters on the field at the same time (and some likely not at all). There will also be a new-parents' tailgate prior to the game with some well-tenured players in attendance to share their experience as an Eagle. Word is players will also be getting their Potato Bowl rings prior to the game.

Dear Friends,
I plan on attending.

(04-13-2023 09:31 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  I will be there. It's my understanding now that this will be less a scrimmage and more a "showcase" of the team and various squads. Apparently some of the guys are "dinged and dented" after working hard through Spring practice so will be getting a break from full contact activities. So it is unlikely that we will see all the starters on the field at the same time (and some likely not at all). There will also be a new-parents' tailgate prior to the game with some well-tenured players in attendance to share their experience as an Eagle. Word is players will also be getting their Potato Bowl rings prior to the game.

That's a smart way to approach the game.

I just hope we see the best development from our QB's

It is game day. Beautiful day in 48197. Right?

I'll be tailgating near the Northwest corner of the Gervin Center lot. I'm in a black Explorer and will have a gray tailgating shelter set up behind it. I'd love to see some Eagle's Nest members swing by if you are going to the game and have the time. I'll buy you a cold beer and maybe a shot of Makers. At 6'-4" and 320+ I'm a hard guy to miss. It would be nice to meet some of you all in real life. I met dansplaining last year and that was cool!

Looking forward to reports from those of you able to attend.

Guys, how was the game? anything stick out?

Tweeter is where it is at...

https://twitter.com/SSN_EMU/status/1647041661799657472

https://twitter.com/SSN_EMU/status/16470...49033?s=20

And don't forget Vannzee

https://twitter.com/thevannzee/status/16...40295?s=20

Reading all the positive comments from recruits who attended yesterday and feeling proud about what a first class people program we have here at EMU from the coaches, the games logistics, the players. Its been a lot of sweat and tears to get where we have gotten so far. It will take more to keep it that way.

For subscribers, Alex A. has a complete report. Very well done. He did mention players who sat out injured. A handful.

https://www.ypsi11.com/p/eastern-michiga...otes?sd=pf

I'm not going to spend much time reiterating the info in the links above except to say that Blake Daniels was very impressive and looks like a player to watch this season.

As far as QB's, Austin is ready to go. He looked real sharp. I'll disagree with one of the above links and say that Cam'Ron is the clear #2. Ike has a good arm, but from what I saw yesterday needs to work on his accuracy and timing. That's something that should come with more reps.

The one word I'd use to describe what I saw yesterday would be "Speed". Granted it was a series of non-contact plays out there, not real game action and no one worried about getting nailed. But my impression was that I was seeing a team with more general speed, quickness, and agility than I can recall seeing on an EMU team. And it was on both sides of the ball. I saw running backs and receivers making some incredible moves to get to the open field where they turned on the burners. And I saw the defensive backs getting into coverage and holding it well; linebackers (3 at many times!) not playing on their heels and zooming to the ball; and d-linemen getting good pushes and keeping the o-line fully occupied. It all just looked noticeably quicker to me. I mentioned this to Alex after the game and he said the Defense has been playing quicker this Spring and is forcing the Offense to step up its game.

Tomasek's punting: his length was as good as ever, but noticeable to me was improved hangtime. guys were getting down in coverage well before the receiver even touched the ball. He could have a breakout season. In fact, someone seated near me commented that if he keeps that up, Julien's records could be in jeopardy.

Gomez's 50-yarder would have easily been good from 55, and probably 60. And straight down the middle. It seemed all the fans wanted to see him keep backing up until he missed one.

Even from the stands, you could feel the excitement and enthusiasm on the field. This team is fired up for this season. The starters who didn't play yesterday will all be ready well in time for the regular season. For those going into their final year wearing the Block-E, there is a sense of mission driving them toward Ford Field, and that is filtering down through the program. At the ring ceremony earlier in the day, Coach Creighton mentioned that there are 13 guys remaining on the team now who have been to four bowl games (the Covid year being the only one missed). Going to a bowl game is now an expectation of this program. But those thirteen know the ultimate goal is a MAC championship, then a fifth bowl trip, and they are committed to making that happen. To a man, each of them would like to be wearing two more rings after the '23 season.

Dear Friends,
It's hard to elaborate on what has already been said by the previous statements. I was impressed by the speed that was evident, and the running ability of the quarterbacks.
I sat next to Kempton Shine's mother, and she was very happy how her son had played in previous seasons, and was excited about Eastern's coming season.
I would guess that there were 500 to maybe 600 fans in the stands, and the weather could not have been better.

I'm trying to take my blinders off, but seeing all the tweets, social media positives, etc. this is TOTALLY different from.years past.


We haven't had this level of support and engagement surrounding Spring game. CC has combined the Spring game with recruitment, ring ceremony, alumni visits, etc
and it is BRILLIANT. I am so happy with the direction of this team. For the 1st time since I've followed this team, we have a LEGIT chance of winning the MAC