2009 Eastern Michigan Eagles Predictions
2008 Record: (3-9, 2-6)
Coach: Ron English, 1st year (0-0 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Ken Karcher (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Eric Lewis (1st year)
Returning Starters: 18 (8 offense, 8 defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Andy Schmitt)

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Offense: The Eagles face some major challenges under new coach Ron English. But they do return senior QB Andy Schmitt (6-4, 238), who threw for 2,644 yards with 15 TDs and five rushing TDs. He is joined by senior RB Terrence Blevins (6-1, 238), a bruiser, who rushed for 575 yards and 12 TDs. He got support from Dwayne Priest, who added 474 yards and five TDs. The top returning receiver is also back in Jacory Stone (6-0, 201), who caught 88 passes for 943 yards and two TDs. Junior TE Josh LeDuc (6-3, 230) showed promise last season after catching 32 passes for 446 yards and four touchdowns. The offensive line loses All-MAC tackle T.J. Lang, but returns four other starters including Eric Davis (6-2, 280), a junior who has started since his freshman season.

Defense: The defense returns eight starters from a unit that allowed 35.6ppg and 408.6 yards per game (95th in the nation). This will be English’s biggest concern his first season. Sophomore DE Brad Ohrman (6-4, 244) came up big as a freshman with 42 tackles, 11 for loss and six sacks. They also have a strong though undersized tackle in senior Brandon Downs (6-1, 246), who had 30 tackles and 2.5 TFLs last year. At linebacker, they return all but one starter including senior Jermaine Jenkins (6-2, 207), who had 64 tackles, seven for loss and two sacks as well as two interceptions. Junior SS Ryan Downard (6-1, 201) adds 28 tackles and two picks in 2007.

Outlook: The Eagles start off by facing Army, a good home opponent for any new coach. After that, it becomes difficult with back-to-back roadies against Northwestern and Michigan. They also face Ball State and Western Michigan at home, with Central Michigan on the road. Later in the season, they take on Arkansas on the road. This will be a tough opening season for English, but look for some improvements in the running game and on defense.

This MAC conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com

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