Following a 49-21 loss to Northern Illinois University, the Eastern Michigan University Eagles have a short layoff before their night game against Western Michigan University Thursday night in Ypsilanti, Mich.
Bell vs. Roback:
We enter another week of guessing who will start under center for the Eagles after Brogan Roback took every snap this past Saturday against Northern Illinois.
Redshirt sophomore Reggie Bell returned Oct. 17 against Toledo after missing five weeks with a fractured jaw but sustained a minor leg injury in that game.
“He could have continued in the Toledo game, he wasn't carried off the field, but he wasn't as effective in his rhythm and then as we went through the week it was taking a while,” said coach Chris Creighton. “We haven't really seen him other than warmups.”
Roback went 26-for-43 for 219 yards and threw one interception against NIU. Creighton confirmed that they have not made a decision on who will start Thursday against Western Michigan.
“We only have today and tomorrow so we’ll have to make that decision quickly,” said Creighton. “We’re hoping he’s healthy but as you know Brogan has been doing really well.”
Injury Updates:
The Eagles have faced a lot of injuries so far this season. Along with Bell still recovering, they also lost two of their starting offensive line on Saturday in Andrew Wylie and Darien Terrell.
“We’re hopeful with Wylie and with 'DT' we’re hopeful with that but with his [injury] it’s a little more difficult,” said Creighton.
Starting defensive back DeQuan Pace, who was injured in the Oct. 17 game against the University of Toledo and missed last week against NIU, is working his way back from an ankle injury.
“He practiced some last week but wasn't able to get to the point where he needed to be on Saturday,” said Creighton. “Ankle strains can be quick or they can be long. Each guy is different. We’re hopeful but do not know today.”
Creighton also confirmed defensive lineman Jeremiah Harris is still not medically cleared after an injury in the Sep. 19 game against Ball State.
WMU Offense:
Western Michigan heads to Ypsilanti this Thursday and the Broncos are looking for their first win in Ypsilanti since 2009. The Broncos are currently undefeated in the Mid-American Conference and have put up three straight 30+ point games.
The Broncos offense has multiple players putting up numbers at skilled positions including last years MAC Freshman of the Year winner, running back Jarvion Franklin and wide receiver Daniel Braverman, who is currently second in Division 1-A in receptions with 75.
“[Franklin’s] a physical running back, not just a talented athlete,” said defensive coordinator Brad McCaslin. “We definitely have our hands full.”
Up Next:
The Eagles return home for a special Thursday night game at Rynearson Stadium against the Western Michigan Broncos. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
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