It wasn’t the typical outcome you would want to see in week two for both squads as the Eagles suffered a tough defeat in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to the Minnesota Gophers, 25-6, while UMass battled another MAC opponent in the University of Miami (OH), falling 41-28.
This is the third straight season that the Minutemen visit Ypsilanti, Michigan, and Rynearson Stadium for a date with the Eastern Michigan University football team led by head coach, Chris Creighton. In those last two meetings, the Eagles have walked away victorious, but this Don Brown-led UMass team is back in Depot Town for vengeance.
Here is your full game preview, as well as how to watch and what to watch for:
How to watch
When: Sat., Sept. 16
Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN+
EMU vs. UMass odds
Spread: EMU -6.5
Total: 50.5 points
Moneyline: EMU -295
ESPN Analytics: EMU 62.7% chance to win
What to watch for and keys to success
EMU: One of the major keys that stands out for this Eastern Michigan team entering Saturday is to get the ball rolling through the air. Although the Eagles are currently averaging more yards passing per game (123.0) than yards rushing per game (95.5), the passing game hasn’t been overly efficient in their last two games, considering struggles from junior quarterback Austin Smith. Coach Creighton certainly isn’t worried about Smith, as he discussed in a press conference on Monday held by EMUAthletics, and with a Minutemen defense that has given up an average of 251.0 passing yards per game through three contests, this should be a game where the Eagles find their passing attack identity with Smith getting back on track.
Another key to success that should be executed on Saturday is limiting the number of turnovers and mistakes, specifically penalties. In UMass’ only win this season over New Mexico State, they forced three turnovers, two of which resulted in touchdowns for the Minutemen, while last week against Minnesota, the Eagles would gain some momentum after an interception of their own, but took over on offense just to throw an interception right back to the Gophers which ultimately put the game out of reach. As for penalties, the Eagles have totaled 14 penalties so far this season, eight of those being against Minnesota. You limit the mistakes, you take the cake.
UMass: For the Minutemen, it’s pretty simple and similar to the kryptonite that Minnesota displayed to knock off the Eagles a week ago; run the ball with success. UMass carries a pretty balanced offense, averaging 199.0 passing yards and 133.0 rushing yards per game, with five rushing touchdowns and four passing touchdowns, but through the air isn’t going to get it done against EMU’s very experienced secondary, running the ball just might.
Samson Evans on the brink of history: With EMU running back Samson Evans sitting at 30 career rushing touchdowns, just two behind EMU football's all-time leader Gary Patton with 32, Evans has the chance to make history on Saturday becoming the Eagles' all-time rushing touchdown leader if he finds the endzone twice.
Check out the full story on Evans' potential achievement: Evans eyes Eagles' rushing touchdown record
