Eastern Michigan University is having its best season in five years, (5-3) outperforming every opponent, driving more consistently and having quarterback Alex Gillett perform his best season to date.
While the quarterback might receive praise for his ability to bring EMU wins, this season Gillett’s offensive line has performed almost every down at a high level, allowing the Eagles to pull through wins on such a consistent basis.
EMU has improved on virtually every point an offensive line could improve on. The Eagles are anchored by center, Andrew Sorgatz, leading the rushing attack, protects Gillett and allows more time for plays to develop. This Eagle offensive line is legitimately the best offensive line the Eagles have possessed in the past five years.
Experience plays a major factor, having all but right guard Lincoln Hansen as returning starters. The Eagles cut down on much of what caused losses before. EMU’s offensive line
is working like a team built from scratch, and every game it is jelling.
While potential is only beginning to peak, their rise in play has been a consistent
message to hard work paying off. The front line cuts down on Gillett’s pressure and he has been able to complete more passes (68), allowing a domino effect of forcing opposing defenses to fear a passing attack.
The highlight of EMU’s offensive line’s success comes from the potent rushing game, as running backs Javonti Greene, Dominique White and Dominique Sherrer have pounded a rushing attack that is ranked 15th in the nation by the NCAA.
So far this season, the Eagles have gained a total of 1,809 yards on the ground, with a 226.1 per game average. And with out an O-line, that can create seams for the running backs, none of this would be possible.
With the addition of another year, it’s impossible to predict the future with this growing team. Stats show impressive results having the running back duo tie its last touchdown mark the team set in the 2010 season, and will look to pass the mark in the next game against Ball State (5-4, 3-2 MAC) at noon Saturday at Rynearson Stadium.
With the Eagles currently performing better than they have in more than five years
offensively, the offensive line is producing at the highest level the school has seen in recent memory. With the Eagles’ O-Line producing success on game-day, the Eagles are sure to grow yearly as a team, and it all begins with the unsung heroes of the offense.
