The July 24 prognostication of Eastern Michigan University’s football team this year was quite surprising, as members of the league’s media chose EMU to finish 5th of the six Mid-American Conference West Division teams. EMU is said to fall to four teams that include Toledo, Northern Illinois, Western Michigan and Ball State, while surpassing Central Michigan.
The Eagles have come a long way with their program, since head coach Ron English took over the team in December 2008. Finishing last year with a record of 6-6, the team set out to training camp August 2, to prepare for war against their MAC foe Ball State University in the season opener on August 30th, which will be the 12th MAC season-opening game in school history.
English, who takes pride in recruiting his players, is willing to do what is necessary to have an even more successful season this year, because for him a record of “6-6 isn’t good enough.”
With a plethora of weapons on both sides of the ball, EMU will be a threat in the MAC division this upcoming season. Placing 3rd in the MAC last year in total yards allowed and 5th in total points allowed, the Eagles’ defense is certainly getting better.
When asked about any realistic goals that could be obtained this year, Eagles linebacker Justin Cudworth said, “We just need to be more consistent.”
On the other side of the ball, offensive lineman Korey Neal said he has big plans for this year’s offense.
“We pride ourselves on toughness and toughness comes from running the ball,” Neal said.
Toughness and consistency seem to be two things that drive these players, and because of that attitude and dedication finishing 5th doesn’t seem to be an option the team is willing to accept
