The Eastern Michigan Eagles face a formidable challenge this Saturday as they head to Seattle to take on the University of Washington Huskies, last year's national runner-up. With the spotlight on their trip out west, Head Coach Chris Creighton is acutely aware of the task at hand, especially following a solid win against UMass.
Reflecting on the UMass game, Coach Creighton expressed satisfaction with his team’s overall performance, particularly in handling unexpected challenges.
“UMass trip was a good trip, you know, with some new faces,” he noted. “It seems like we're talking about that a lot, even though it didn't feel that way for us, just constantly reminding myself that for a lot of guys, they haven't ever done it before with us.”
Creighton was especially pleased with how his team maintained focus throughout the trip and avoided critical errors, particularly in the red zone and on special teams.
“We moved the ball, didn't score as many touchdowns as we would have liked on our red zone trips, but didn’t turn it over, didn’t even come close to turning the ball over,” he said.
As the team turns its attention to Washington, Creighton is realistic about the challenge that lies ahead. Washington is a team filled with experience and talent, including a transfer quarterback from Mississippi State who has proven to be a capable leader.
“They’ve got great experience, a very good quarterback who played his career at Mississippi State and has transferred over, and a very productive, really good arm,” Creighton acknowledged. “They’ve got their guy in that way, and then they've got a backup that is really, really athletic.”
Washington’s offense, which features a standout running back and a solid offensive line, will test Eastern Michigan’s defense. Creighton is optimistic about his team's defensive front, which has shown promise in both run defense and pass pressure.
“We feel as though we're playing well on the interior of our defensive line, and that's where everything starts, both in the run defense and in the pass defense,” Creighton explained.
Adding to the team’s preparation is the strong performance of Eastern Michigan linebacker James Djonkam, who received the MAC Defensive Player of the Week award on Monday, Sept. 2. The Arizona State transfer made an impactful debut with the Eagles, leading the team with 13.0 tackles, including a team-best 3.0 solo stops while chipping in 1.0 sacks and 1.5 tackles for loss. His tackle total ranks as the fifth-most in the nation this year and the most by a player in the MAC.
The offensive leadership is anchored by quarterback Cole Snyder, who embraces his role as a leader both on and off the field as he prepares for his final year of college football.
Snyder emphasized the camaraderie within the team, stating, "It's like we've been playing together since high school," highlighting the strong bond among the players, both veterans and new transfers. "It just feels like we're a family in here. I haven't really felt that since high school, and it just feels like we're out there having fun. So it's a really good vibe we got going around here."
Snyder's journey to Eastern Michigan has been anything but straightforward. He reflected on his path, "I never expected my college journey to go this route. God has a plan for everybody, and everybody's plan is different."
His preparation for this season has been a long time in the making, with a focus on the mental aspects of the game.
"My preparation and everything that I do off the field to get ready for a game is kind of like my secret sauce," Snyder explained, acknowledging the importance of mental toughness in his success. "Eastern Michigan does have a really good track record with quarterbacks and good quarterback play in the past years. So just passing that down and kind of changing the way I attack the game mentally has been a huge impact for me."
On a personal level, the game carries extra significance for Coach Creighton, as it marks a return to his home state.
“Personally, I've got really good friends that are still in the area. That's where I played my high school football, and it’s where I grew up. I went to Husky games as a kid,” he shared, adding a sentimental touch to the upcoming contest.
The Eagles (1-0) will kick off against the Huskies (1-0) at 12:30 p.m. PT (3:30 p.m. ET) inside Husky Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 7. The game will be broadcast live to a national television audience on the Big Ten Network. Additionally, fans can listen to the game locally on WEMU (89.1 FM) and The Varsity Network app, with Tom Helmer, Rob Rubick, and Greg Steiner calling all the action from Husky Stadium.
Despite the challenges, Coach Creighton remains confident in his team's preparation and looks forward to the unique experience of playing in “The greatest setting in college football.” As the Eagles gear up to face the Huskies, fans can expect a game filled with intensity, determination, and perhaps a few surprises from this resilient Eastern Michigan squad.
EMU Vs. Wash Odds
Spread: Wash -27.5
Over/Under: 47.5 points
Moneyline: Wash -5000
ESPN Analytics: Wash has a 92.2% chance to win
