Football Concludes Season Friday Against Toledo on Senior Day

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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUGameDay.com) -- The Eastern Michigan University football team will close out the 2014 season with one final game at The Factory, hosting the University of Toledo Friday, Nov. 28, at 1 p.m. The Mid-American Conference West Division matchup will be the final game for 18 senior Eagles, who will be recognized in a pregame ceremony on the EMU Gray Turf.
   The Eagles are 2-9 (1-6 MAC) on the 2014 campaign following a 45-30 road setback to Ball State, Nov. 22. Meanwhile, the Rockets improved to 7-4 on the season, including a 6-1 record in MAC play, after defeating rival Bowling Green, 27-20, Nov. 19.
   The contest will be televised on ESPN3 with Dan Gutowsky providing the play-by-play and Mark Hermann serving as the analyst. WEMU (89.1 FM) will provide audio coverage of the game with Matt Shepard and Rob Rubick calling the action on the field.

RENEWING A RIVALRY WITH THE ROCKETS: Separated by just 50 miles down US-23, the Eagles and Rockets will be meeting for the 42nd time in the all-time history between the two squads. UT holds a 30-11 edge in the series, which began in 1923 when the Rockets claimed a 13-0 victory in Toledo, Oct. 6. EMU is looking to break the trend in the series as UT has won the last seven meetings, including 13 of the last 14 contests. The last victory for the Green and White in the series was a narrow 17-13 decision at home, Oct. 21, 2006.
   In the previous matchup between the two MAC West foes, Nov. 2, 2013, the Rockets soared past EMU, 55-16, at the Glass Bowl. Returning to his hometown, Brogan Roback threw for 209 yards and two touchdowns on 11-of-22 passing. Roback's favorite receiver was sophomore Dustin Creel, who had six catches for 115 yards. For Toledo, starting quarterback Terrance Owens completed 18-of-24 passes for 375 yards and three touchdowns. Out of the 729 total yards of offense for the Rockets, 334 came on the ground, led by 168 rushing yards and two touchdowns from tailback Kareem Rush.

SENIOR SNAPSHOTS: Friday's game is the final Rynearson Stadium appearance for 18 Eastern Michigan University seniors. Below is a quick snapshot of each of those seniors.

#1 - Rob Bolden: Quarterback Rob Bolden has played in six games in his only season as an Eagle. A transfer from LSU, Bolden has thrown for 399 yards this season to go along with four touchdown passes and an additional 84 yards on the ground.

#1 - Gary White Jr.: Defensive back Gary White Jr. has appeared in nine games in his two-year career at EMU after transferring from Grossmont College. White has recorded 16 tackles, including two for loss, while also blocking a field goal earlier this season.

#4- Willie Creear: Defensive back Willie Creear has started every game since arriving on campus in 2013. Following his transfer from Butte Junior College, Creear has recorded 109 tackles in his two-year career as an Eagle, while also breaking up 13 passes. The Seattle, Wash. native also has a knack for making game-changing plays with two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a blocked field goal to his credit.

#7 - Pudge Cotton: One of three team captains, defensive back Pudge Cotton has started every game this season for the Green and White, totaling 40 appearances throughout his EMU career. Cotton has been on the field in every Eastern game since his sophomore season as well as five as a freshman, recording 150 career tackles. The Maywood, Ill. native has three career interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown against Purdue (Sept. 15, 2012) during his sophomore campaign. Cotton also has four fumble recoveries, two of which came in his final season as an Eagle.

#11 - Tyler Allen: Tyler Allen will have his name in the EMU record books as one of the best kick returners in school history. The Lansing, Mich. native has an Eastern record 2,623 kick return yards for his career, and is second in total kickoff returns with 128, just two away from the best in EMU laurels as well as MAC history. Out of those returns, Allen took one to the house, breaking free for a touchdown on the opening kickoff against Ohio last season (Oct. 19, 2013). Having been the primary return man for most of his career, Allen has emerged in the EMU receiving corps this year. He has caught 16 passes for 170 yards in 2014, including two for touchdowns.

#22 - Ryan Brumfield: Running back Ryan Brumfield has played in 42 games over his four-year career, starting in the backfield nine times. The Chester Springs, Pa. native has rushed for over 1,000 yards in his career, breaking the mark earlier this year when he ran for 112 yards versus Northern Illinois (Oct. 25). Along with gaining yards on the ground, Brumfield has caught the ball 20 times for 178 yards in addition to 199 kickoff return yards. As an Eagle, he has found the end zone on 14 occasions, including the game-winning touchdown against Western Michigan last season (Nov. 9, 2013).

#30 - Bronson Hill: Bronson Hill's career will go down as one of the best in history for EMU running backs. The Grand Rapids, Mich. native has 2,294 yards on the ground for his career, becoming the first Eagle to rush for over 2,000 yards in a career since Anthony Sherrell in 2003. Hill has played in 40 games in the past four years, making 19 starts in the backfield. He boasts 15 career touchdowns (11 rushing, 4 receiving) and 526 receiving yards. Hill's biggest season was as a junior in 2013, when he rushed for 1,101 yards to average just over the century mark in yards per game, earning All-MAC Third Team honors. Hill has rushed for over 250 yards in a single game twice, including 283 versus Toledo as a sophomore, the second-highest single-game rushing total in EMU history (Oct. 13, 2012). As a sophomore, Hill was the James M. "Bingo" Brown Most Valuable Offensive Player Award for the Green and White.

#32 - Oliver Kathalay: Defensive back Oliver Kathalay has been on the Eagles' practice squad for the majority of his career. However, in his last season at EMU, the Mississauga, Ontario native has made four appearances in games.

#42 - Kevin Johnson: Safety Kevin Johnson has appeared in 37 games over his EMU career, starting in the secondary 11 times. The McKeesport, Pa. native has 148 career tackles to go along with 5.5 tackles-for-loss, seven pass deflections, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. In his senior season, Johnson has hauled in two interceptions to pace the EMU defense.

#61 - Jordan Erbes: Offensive lineman Jordan Erbes has seen action in 24 games over his career in Ypsilanti. In his last season as an Eagle, the Kettering, Ohio native has appeared in every game primarily, on special teams.

#66 - Owen Dubiel: After appearing in just three games in 2013, Owen Dubiel was the Eagles' primary punter in his final season at Eastern, becoming a Ray Guy Award candidate. The East Jackson, Mich. native has done a fantastic job when it comes to punting the football in 2014. Out of 52 Dubiel punts, 17 have been downed inside the 20-yard line, and only four have gone into the end zone for a touchback. Moreover, 13 punts inside the 20 have actually been placed inside the 12, including six inside the five-yard line.

#67 - Campbell Allison: Offensive lineman Campbell Allison has played in 42 games over his career at Eastern, making 25 starts. The Kagawong, Ontario native has proven he can play anywhere on the line, starting at least one game at guard, tackle and center in 2014.

#73 - Garrett Parker: Offensive lineman Garrett Parker has been a member of the EMU football team for four seasons. After redshirting in 2011, the Tinley Park, Ill. native practiced with the team for two seasons until being declared medically ineligible to play at the start of the 2014 campaign.

#76 - Travis Linser: Defensive lineman Travis Linser has played in 29 games throughout his three-year career as an Eagle, including 12 starts between defensive tackle and defensive end. The Glendale Ariz. native transferred to EMU in 2012 after one year at Phoenix College. Linser has 30 career tackles with 5.5 of them being behind the line of scrimmage. To go along with one forced fumble, Linser also has four quarterback hurries and one sack to his credit.

#77 - Lincoln Hansen: Offensive lineman and team co-captain Lincoln Hansen has played 44 games throughout his career, becoming a focal point at tackle with 38 starts over the last four years. Along with leading the Eagles on and off the field, the Omaha, Neb. native was an All-MAC Third Team honoree and the team's Harold E. Sponberg Lineman Scholar-Athlete Award winner as a junior before being recognized to the Rimington Award Watch List as a senior. Hansen also excels in the classroom as an Academic All-MAC honoree and National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete.

#78 - Robert McFadden: Offensive lineman Robert McFadden has played in 35 games over his Eastern career, making 21 starts. The Flint, Mich. native has had a strong senior season, starting at either left tackle or left guard in all 11 games.

#83 - David Gibson: Wide receiver David Gibson played in three contests in 2013, but the senior Eagle has seen game action in all 11 contests throughout his final collegiate campaign. This season, Gibson has caught nine passes for 140 yards, including his only career touchdown reception in EMU's victory over Buffalo, Oct. 11.

#88 - Tyreese Russell: Tight end Tyreese Russell has played in 45 games in his EMU career, starting 28 contests. Russell has 99 catches totaling 1,400 yards and 11 touchdowns as an Eagle, including team bests in catches (44) and yards (594) during his junior campaign. The stellar year earned him All-MAC Second Team accolades as well as a share of the James M. "Bingo" Brown Most Valuable Offensive Player Award. As a senior, he has proven why he was named to the John Mackey Award Midseason Watch List, especially over the last five games. The Chicago, Ill. native leads the team in receiving with 37 catches for 506 yards, more than double the amount of yardage of his nearest teammate.

BELL'S RINGING IN THE AIR: Redshirt-freshman quarterback Reginald Bell did his part in the Eagles' final road contest of the season at Ball State, Nov. 22, piling up 510 yards of total offense for the second-most yardage by one individual Eagle in program history. The record of 554 total yards by Andy Schmitt, Nov. 28, 2008, still stands but it was a career day for Bell.
   He threw for 409 yards on 36-of-49 passing, all personal bests, while rushing for an additional 101 yards on 18 carries. The 36 completions and 49 attempts are the most by an EMU quarterback since Schmitt's big day during the 2008 campaign. Despite facing a significant deficit at the half, Bell showed no quit by leading the offense to 27 second half points as the Green and White scored on five of its final six drives of the MAC matchup.

DYNAMIC RECEIVING DUO: Junior Dustin Creel and senior Tyreese Russell had career days against Ball State, Nov. 22. Creel finished with career bests in catches (14) and receiving yards (152), while Russell broke his personal high with 113 receiving yards. Entering the game with just nine catches for 75 yards all year long, Creel nearly tripled his season reception and yardage totals with his performance against the Cardinals. The 14 catches for Creel was the fifth-most ever in a single game by an Eagle, and his receiving yards for the game rank 26th all-time in EMU history. For Russell, he increased his offensive output in receiving yards for the fifth-straight game. The duo became the first teammates to tally over 100 yards receiving in a game since Tyler Jones and Jacory Stone accomplished the feat against Temple, Nov. 22, 2008. The pair also became the first Eagles to catch at least 10 passes in a game since Jones hauled in 23 receptions versus Central Michigan, Nov. 28, 2008.

RUSSELL'S ONE-HANDED CATCH MAKES SPORTSCENTER: On Nov. 22, senior tight end Tyreese Russell was No. 3 on the ESPN SportsCenter's "Top 10 Plays" segment after making an amazing one-handed catch against Ball State. SportsCenter anchor Steve Levy provided the explanation of the No. 3 play of the night with, "Here's Tyreese Russell jumping out of the stadium to make a one-handed grab!" Russell made the highlight play to start the Eagles' second drive of the third quarter, hauling in the 23-yard pass from Reginald Bell. After starting off the scoring drive, Russell completed it as well with a 10-yard touchdown reception in the back of the end zone. The incredible snag out of the air seemed to spark the Eastern offense as the Green and White scored on five of its final six drives of the contest, chalking up 27 second half points.

THIRD QUARTER DEFENSE: Coming out for the start of the second half, the Eagles have made adjustments to the defensive scheme that have worked as of late. The third quarter is the best for the Eagles' defense, holding teams to under a touchdown average (6.1 points) during that 15-minute span. Allowing a field goal against Western Michigan is the only time the EMU defense has surrendered any third quarter points in the last four games. Over the past six contests, Eastern's defense has only given up a combined 12 points in the third quarter of play.

RUSSELL RECEIVING: Senior tight end Tyreese Russell has proven why he was named to the John Mackey Award Midseason Watch List, especially over the last five games. The Chicago, Ill. native leads the team in receiving with 37 catches for 506 yards, more than double the amount of yardage of his nearest teammate. The next closest Eagle in the receiving category is Dustin Creel, who has 227 yards on 23 receptions. Russell has been the Green and White's leading receiver in the four of the last five games, and his productivity has increased each contest. He has hauled in 22 catches for 355 yards during the five-game stretch, including a career-best 113-yard game against Ball State, Nov. 22.

POC-MAN: Much like Pac-Man in the 1980s arcade game that became a pop culture phenomenon, Pat O'Connor has been gobbling up the opposition behind the line of scrimmage this season. The team co-captain currently leads the Mid-American Conference in sacks as well as ranking second in tackles-for-loss, pushing opponents back a combined 67 yards on 13.5 tackles-for-loss. The Windy City native is among the top-50 sack leaders throughout the country, sitting at No. 43 with 7.0 sacks.

BLOCK PARTY: Eastern Michigan's special teams has been putting up big numbers when it comes to blocking kicks. During the 2014 campaign, the Eagles have blocked six kicks in 11 contests, which are the most since the 2009 season when the Green and White rejected six kicks as well. Mike Steals leads the way with two blocked field goals, while Gary White Jr. and Willie Creear each rejected one field goal attempt apiece. The fifth blocked kick goes to Nathan Adams, who blocked a punt in the season opening victory against Morgan State, Aug. 30, Amos Houston also added a punt block versus Central Michigan, Nov. 1.
   Nationally, EMU is tied with Northwestern and Oklahoma State for most blocked kicks this season.

RED ZONE DEFENSE: When opposing teams have entered the red zone, the EMU defense has buckled down to become one of the best inside the 20-yard line. The Eagles hold a red zone defense percentage of 75, allowing just 42 scores in 56 attempts. That mark ranks third in the MAC as well as 20th in the nation. Out of 56 opportunities, opponents have been limited to field goals 12 times, while leaving the area without any points on 14 occasions.

GREAT TACKLING GREAT IBE: Right in the middle of the Eastern defense, redshirt-junior Great Ibe has shown his versatility between rushing the quarterback and dropping back into coverage. Finding the ball carrier from all over the field, Ibe's 121 tackles lead EMU by a substantial margin as the next closest Eagle has recorded 94 tackles this season. The 121 tackles by the Eastern linebacker is the third-most by an individual MAC defender as well as ninth in the nation. Ibe is on pace to record the most tackles in a season by an Eagle since 2004.

DEFENSE MAKING PROGRESS: The statistics might not fully show the Eagles' defensive improvements from last season, but a closer look proves the Green and White has made strides. The defense has recorded more tackles-for-loss (60), pass breakups (35), fumbles forced (8), fumbles recovered (6) and kicks blocked (6) than it did in all of 2013. EMU is also nearing last year's total in quarterback hurries (31).

Eastern Michigan Athletics

Football Concludes Season Friday Against Toledo on Senior Day

Related News

Players Mentioned

Nathan Adams

Tyler Allen

Campbell Allison

Reginald Bell

Rob Bolden

Ryan Brumfield

Pudge Cotton

Willie Creear

Dustin Creel

Owen Dubiel

Jordan Erbes

David Gibson

Lincoln Hansen

Bronson Hill

Amos Houston

Great Ibe

Kevin Johnson

Oliver Kathalay

Travis Linser

Robert McFadden

Pat O'Connor

Garrett Parker

Brogan Roback

Tyreese Russell

Mike Steals

Gary White Jr.

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