The Eastern Michigan University football team is gearing up for its final home game of the 2024 season on Nov. 2 as they host the University of Toledo at Rynearson Stadium.
The matchup, set to kick off at 12:07 p.m., is vital for both teams, eager to bounce back from losses on Oct. 26. With both teams standing at 5-3 overall and 2-2 in the Mid-American Conference, this game is crucial for their bowl eligibility. Fans will have the opportunity to win $25,000 by successfully making a field goal during the game.
The game will be aired live on ESPNU, with Matt Schumacker and Dustin Fox on the call. Local listeners can tune in to WEMU (89.1 FM) or the Varsity Network app, where Tom Helmer, Rob Rubick, and Greg Steiner will provide coverage.
As November approaches, the Eagles have shown a strong performance this month, boasting a 17-11 record since 2016—a notable improvement over previous seasons. A win against Toledo would make EMU bowl eligible for the fourth consecutive year and mark the sixth time in seven seasons, excluding the COVID-affected 2020 campaign. Achieving bowl eligibility against Toledo would set a new program record, as the Eagles would accomplish this in fewer than ten games for the first time.
Eastern Michigan has established itself as a competitive team in the MAC, leading in bowl appearances since 2016 alongside Ohio and Toledo. Since that year, EMU has ranked fourth in overall victories among MAC teams. Head coach Chris Creighton recently celebrated his 33rd MAC victory, surpassing the legendary Jim Harkema for the most in the program's history.
"Yeah, obviously, very, very, very disappointed [with last week], but there are definitely things to learn from." Creighton said. "Good film to watch and expect our guys to get a head start academically this week and rest up to be ready... Our staff is hard at work preparing for another really good Toledo team.”
Creighton praised the Toledo offense, highlighting the impressive capabilities of their quarterback, who he believes possesses one of the strongest arms in the conference. He noted the wealth of talent at each receiver position and the tight end's versatility in running, catching, and blocking. Creighton emphasized Toledo's commitment to the running game, supported by a skilled offensive line.
He acknowledged their balanced front on defense, featuring strong and robust players with good reach, which adds to their overall strength.
“It’s going to be a typical Toledo team, and when I say that, I say it with the highest amount of respect,” Creighton said.
The Eagles enjoy a solid home-field advantage, having won nine of their last 11 games at Rynearson Stadium. This will be their fourth game this season against a team with a .500-or-better record, highlighting the significance of this matchup. Eastern’s defense is imposing. They rank first in the nation for fourth-down conversion percentage, allowing only 21.4% of attempts. They also maintain a substantial turnover margin, sitting 23rd nationally.
“It's the closest school in the MAC to us, and I think that we feel that, you know, I think definitely feel that.”
Quarterback Cole Snyder is coming off a standout performance with 354 passing yards and two touchdowns in the last game against Akron, making him a key player as the Eagles aim for victory.
The Rockets lead the all-time series against Toledo 38-13. Last season, Toledo narrowly defeated EMU with a 49-43 win in Toledo. The Eagles will look to improve their record against the Rockets and secure a much-needed home victory in their quest for postseason play.
