Eastern Michigan Athletics
Saturday, October 5
Mount Pleasant, Mich.
3 p.m.
Eastern Michigan University
at
Central Michigan
EMU Set to Open the MAC Slate Versus CMU Saturday, Oct. 5
9/30/2019 8:20:00 PM | Football
Game 5 • Oct. 5, 2019 • 3 p.m. • Mount Pleasant, Mich. • Kelly/Shorts Stadium (30,255)
| Football at Central Michigan | |
| Date | Saturday, Oct. 5 | 3 p.m. ET |
| Venue | Mount Pleasant, Mich. | Kelly/Shorts Stadium (30,255) |
| Preview Info | EMU Notes | Press Conference Video | Teleconference Audio |
| Live Stats | Fan Stats | Media Stats |
| Watch | ESPN+ |
| Listen | WEMU (89.1 WEMU-FM) | TuneIn Radio | Podcast |
| @EMUFB | @EMUAthletics | |
| Tickets | Order Tickets Online or call 734.487.3669 |
MT. PLEASANT, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – After a four week non-conference slate, the Eastern Michigan University football team kicks off Mid-American Conference play Saturday, Oct. 5, with a trip north to Central Michigan University. The game is set to begin at 3 p.m. inside Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
EMU is 3-1 (0-0 MAC) on the year after its thrilling 34-29 defeat of Central Connecticut State University, Sept. 21, while CMU is 2-3 (1-1 MAC) following a 31-15 road setback to Western Michigan University, Sept. 28. EMU will be playing for the first time in 14 days after enjoying a bye.
The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ with Chris Vosters providing the play-by-play and Marcus Ray serving as the analyst. WEMU (89.1 FM) will also air the game with Matt Shepard and Rob Rubick on the call from the booth, and Tom Helmer providing insight from the sideline.
WITH AN EMU WIN…: An EMU win would give the program its first 4-1 start since 2016 and mark the fourth occurrence since 1989. Furthermore, it would mark EMU's third MAC-opening victory since 2006 and first in Mount Pleasant since 2011.
RETURN OF THE MAC: Saturday's contest kicks off the 44th year that the Eagles have been a part of the Mid-American Conference football championship race. EMU was admitted into the league in 1971, but a complete league schedule was not available until the 1976 season.
The Eagles will be looking for their 13th overall victory in a conference-play opener as they hold a 12-31 record in MAC season openers. Additionally, it marks EMU's first league opener against CMU since 2005 when the Green and White notched a 23-20 overtime victory in Mount Pleasant, Sept, 24.
CONTINUING TO FLUSH IT: For the past four seasons, Eastern Michigan's motto has been to go 1-0 each week while "flushing" the previous outcome. The short memory has proven beneficial for the program, with 26 of the last 41 contests decided by seven points-or-less.
Of those contests, six have been decided in overtime with 13 coming down to the final play.
CLOSE CALLS UNDER CREIGHTON: In its 128-year history, the Eastern Michigan football team has played in 326 one-possession games. In just five-plus years at the helm of the program, Chris Creighton has coached in nearly 10 percent of those games, as his squads have played in 30 one possession affairs. Creighton's groups have been much improved as of late, as the Eagles have won four of its last five one-possession games. Most recently, the Eagles knocked off Central Connecticut State, 34-29, Sept. 21.
WHO SAID TELEVISION DRAMA IS DEAD?: All three of EMU's wins this season have been decided on the final drive of the game – interception (Coastal Carolina), walk-off field goal (Illinois) and blocked punt (Central Connecticut).
GROUND BREAKING GLASS: Senior quarterback Mike Glass III threw for a career-high four touchdowns against Central Connecticut State, Sept. 21. He became the first EMU quarterback to throw for four-or-more touchdown passes since Brogan Roback recorded that number at Army West Point, Oct. 14, 2017.
Through four games played, Glass has already set career bests in completions (103), attempts (150), touchdown passes (12), and passing yardage (1,120).
TALLYING TOUCHDOWNS: With his four touchdown performance against CCSU, Sept. 21, senior quarterback Mike Glass III has thrown two-or-more touchdown passes in five consecutive games, dating back to the 2018 Camellia Bowl, Dec. 15. The streak is the longest since 2005, when Matt Bohnet also accomplished the feat in five consecutive contests between Sept. 18 and Oct. 16, 2004. Charlie Batch also had a five-game streak during the 1995 season, Oct. 21-Nov. 11.
It is currently believed that no Eastern Michigan quarterback has ever recorded six consecutive games with multiple touchdown passes.
CHIP DIP: EMU and CMU will meet on the gridiron for the 97th time in history between the two programs, with the Chippewas holding the series lead, 60-30-6. Last year, Eastern Michigan stout defense had a season-best showing, holding the CMU offense to just 138 total yards in a 17-7 victory at Rynearson Stadium, Nov. 3, 2018.
The last time the Green and White were victorious in Mount Pleasant was Oct. 15, 2011. EMU invaded its rivals from the north and left with a 35-28 victory in the first leg of claiming the Michigan MAC Trophy.
RECAPPING LAST YEAR'S MEETING: Tyler Wiegers threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Blake Banham midway through the fourth quarter and the defense forced a fumble that led to a clinching field goal three plays later and Eastern Michigan beat Central Michigan 17-7, Nov. 3, 2018.
Wiegers directed a nine-play, 70-yard drive, completing all six passes on the drive for 66 yards. On the ensuing second down, Jeremiah Harris and Ty Eddington sacked Tony Poljan for a loss of 10 yards. On third-and-16, Maxx Crosby sacked Poljan and forced a fumble that Harris returned seven yards to the seven. Chad Ryland then booted a 26-yard field goal and Vince Calhoun picked off Austin Hergott with 2:08 to go to wrap it up.
Wiegers was 17 of 25 for 150 yards with a pick and Banham had seven catches for 99 yards. Shaq Vann, who put the Eagles (5-5, 3-3 MAC) up 7-0 with a 26-yard run on their first possession, had 117 yards on 13 carries.
Central Michigan (1-9, 0-6 MAC), which lost its sixth straight, was held to 138 yards with four turnovers. The touchdown was a 68-yard fumble return by Mike Danna.
EMU'S LAST WIN IN MOUNT PLEASANT: A dramatic 30-yard touchdown run by quarterback Alex Gillett with just 37 seconds left in the game broke a 28-28 tie to give Eastern Michigan a 35-28 win over Central Michigan inside Kelly/Shorts Stadium, Oct. 15, 2011.
Then-Head Coach Ron English's Eagles held what looked like a safe 28-13 lead with 5:39 left in the game, but Central came back to score 15 unanswered points to tie the game at 28-all with 1:09 left.
Facing what looked like a certain overtime finish, the Eagles then took the ensuing kickoff and marched all the way to the CMU 30-yard line setting up the exciting run by Gillett. Kody Fulkerson added the PAT kick for the 35-28 EMU lead with 37 seconds left.
Central would not go quietly, however, advancing all the way to the EMU 28-yard line before cornerback Marcell Rose picked off a Ryan Radcliff pass on the last play of the game at the EMU four-yard-line and returned it to the eight before sliding down to end the contest.
SEXTON EARNS MAC PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Senior Mathew Sexton was named the Mid-American Conference Special Teams Player of the Week, the league office announced, Sept. 23. The award comes following Sexton's block punt touchdown with 18 seconds left against Central Connecticut State, Sept. 21.
The play was the longest punt return by any EMU player this season. Sexton was also responsible for EMU's last blocked punt, which occurred during the 2018 Camellia Bowl against Georgia Southern, Dec. 15.
BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU KICK IT: After its game-winning punt block and touchdown return against Central Connecticut State, Sept. 21, EMU has now blocked six punts in the Chris Creighton era. Three of the blocked punts have been returned for touchdowns.
This year, the Eagles rank first in the MAC, and fifth-nationally, in blocked punts.
STRONG IN THE THIRD: EMU is tied for 16th nationally in the fewest third quarter points allowed at just 2.3 points per game. The EMU defense has held opponents scoreless in the third quarter in 10 of its last 17 games. Last year, the team was second nationally in that category at 2.1 ppg.
CAREER DAY FOR QUIAN: Sophomore wide receiver Quian Williams set career-highs in receptions (8), receiving yards (115) and touchdowns (2), against Central Connecticut State, Sept. 21. Prior to the game against the Blue Devils, Williams had eight career receptions for 96 yards and one touchdown.
Williams was the first EMU wide out with 100-or-more yards in a game since Blake Banham went for 104 yards against Army West Point, Oct. 27, 2018.
BEYDOUN THINGS RIGHT: A walk-on from Dearborn, Mich., sophomore wide receiver Hassan Beydoun broke four tackles en route to scoring his first-career touchdown, against Central Connecticut State, Sept. 21. The score came via a career-long 21-yard reception in the second quarter of EMU's victory, 34-29.
PROTECTING THE POCKET: The EMU offensive line has allowed just four total sacks during the 2019 campaign. The unit's 1.0 allowed sacks-per-game ranks first among Mid-American Conference teams and 14th-nationally. Additionally, James Patton's group has played two of its four games without allowing a sack, as Coastal Carolina, Aug. 31, and Central Connecticut State, Sept. 21, both failed to reach the quarterback.
KEEP IT COMING, KOBIE: Senior linebacker Kobie Beltram matched a career-high with 12 tackles against Central Connecticut State, Sept. 21. Additionally, the California native forced and recovered a fumble in the game, both career-firsts. Beltram is second on the team with 34 total tackles in 2019. Beltram currently ranks ninth in the MAC in total tackles.
CLUTCH CALHOUN: Senior defensive back Vince Calhoun was impressive against Central Connecticut, Sept. 21, racking up 10 total tackles, including one for loss, and a sack. Calhoun leads the team with 41 total tackles, good for fourth in the MAC.
PLAYING DISCIPLINED: Eastern ranks among the nation's best in both fewest total penalty yards and fewest penalty yards per game. EMU's 158 total penalty yards ranks 30th-nationally, while its 39.5 penalty yards per game is 16th-best in the country. Eastern tops the MAC in both categories.
ON THE HORIZON: After its conference-opening bout with the Chippewas, Eastern will return home to Rynearson Stadium for a MAC West game against the Ball State Cardinals. Homecoming in Ypsilanti, the game is scheduled to kick off at 2 p.m.
The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ with Chris Vosters providing the play-by-play and Marcus Ray serving as the analyst. WEMU (89.1 FM) will also air the game with Matt Shepard and Rob Rubick on the call from the booth, and Tom Helmer providing insight from the sideline.
WITH AN EMU WIN…: An EMU win would give the program its first 4-1 start since 2016 and mark the fourth occurrence since 1989. Furthermore, it would mark EMU's third MAC-opening victory since 2006 and first in Mount Pleasant since 2011.
RETURN OF THE MAC: Saturday's contest kicks off the 44th year that the Eagles have been a part of the Mid-American Conference football championship race. EMU was admitted into the league in 1971, but a complete league schedule was not available until the 1976 season.
The Eagles will be looking for their 13th overall victory in a conference-play opener as they hold a 12-31 record in MAC season openers. Additionally, it marks EMU's first league opener against CMU since 2005 when the Green and White notched a 23-20 overtime victory in Mount Pleasant, Sept, 24.
CONTINUING TO FLUSH IT: For the past four seasons, Eastern Michigan's motto has been to go 1-0 each week while "flushing" the previous outcome. The short memory has proven beneficial for the program, with 26 of the last 41 contests decided by seven points-or-less.
Of those contests, six have been decided in overtime with 13 coming down to the final play.
CLOSE CALLS UNDER CREIGHTON: In its 128-year history, the Eastern Michigan football team has played in 326 one-possession games. In just five-plus years at the helm of the program, Chris Creighton has coached in nearly 10 percent of those games, as his squads have played in 30 one possession affairs. Creighton's groups have been much improved as of late, as the Eagles have won four of its last five one-possession games. Most recently, the Eagles knocked off Central Connecticut State, 34-29, Sept. 21.
WHO SAID TELEVISION DRAMA IS DEAD?: All three of EMU's wins this season have been decided on the final drive of the game – interception (Coastal Carolina), walk-off field goal (Illinois) and blocked punt (Central Connecticut).
GROUND BREAKING GLASS: Senior quarterback Mike Glass III threw for a career-high four touchdowns against Central Connecticut State, Sept. 21. He became the first EMU quarterback to throw for four-or-more touchdown passes since Brogan Roback recorded that number at Army West Point, Oct. 14, 2017.
Through four games played, Glass has already set career bests in completions (103), attempts (150), touchdown passes (12), and passing yardage (1,120).
TALLYING TOUCHDOWNS: With his four touchdown performance against CCSU, Sept. 21, senior quarterback Mike Glass III has thrown two-or-more touchdown passes in five consecutive games, dating back to the 2018 Camellia Bowl, Dec. 15. The streak is the longest since 2005, when Matt Bohnet also accomplished the feat in five consecutive contests between Sept. 18 and Oct. 16, 2004. Charlie Batch also had a five-game streak during the 1995 season, Oct. 21-Nov. 11.
It is currently believed that no Eastern Michigan quarterback has ever recorded six consecutive games with multiple touchdown passes.
CHIP DIP: EMU and CMU will meet on the gridiron for the 97th time in history between the two programs, with the Chippewas holding the series lead, 60-30-6. Last year, Eastern Michigan stout defense had a season-best showing, holding the CMU offense to just 138 total yards in a 17-7 victory at Rynearson Stadium, Nov. 3, 2018.
The last time the Green and White were victorious in Mount Pleasant was Oct. 15, 2011. EMU invaded its rivals from the north and left with a 35-28 victory in the first leg of claiming the Michigan MAC Trophy.
RECAPPING LAST YEAR'S MEETING: Tyler Wiegers threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Blake Banham midway through the fourth quarter and the defense forced a fumble that led to a clinching field goal three plays later and Eastern Michigan beat Central Michigan 17-7, Nov. 3, 2018.
Wiegers directed a nine-play, 70-yard drive, completing all six passes on the drive for 66 yards. On the ensuing second down, Jeremiah Harris and Ty Eddington sacked Tony Poljan for a loss of 10 yards. On third-and-16, Maxx Crosby sacked Poljan and forced a fumble that Harris returned seven yards to the seven. Chad Ryland then booted a 26-yard field goal and Vince Calhoun picked off Austin Hergott with 2:08 to go to wrap it up.
Wiegers was 17 of 25 for 150 yards with a pick and Banham had seven catches for 99 yards. Shaq Vann, who put the Eagles (5-5, 3-3 MAC) up 7-0 with a 26-yard run on their first possession, had 117 yards on 13 carries.
Central Michigan (1-9, 0-6 MAC), which lost its sixth straight, was held to 138 yards with four turnovers. The touchdown was a 68-yard fumble return by Mike Danna.
EMU'S LAST WIN IN MOUNT PLEASANT: A dramatic 30-yard touchdown run by quarterback Alex Gillett with just 37 seconds left in the game broke a 28-28 tie to give Eastern Michigan a 35-28 win over Central Michigan inside Kelly/Shorts Stadium, Oct. 15, 2011.
Then-Head Coach Ron English's Eagles held what looked like a safe 28-13 lead with 5:39 left in the game, but Central came back to score 15 unanswered points to tie the game at 28-all with 1:09 left.
Facing what looked like a certain overtime finish, the Eagles then took the ensuing kickoff and marched all the way to the CMU 30-yard line setting up the exciting run by Gillett. Kody Fulkerson added the PAT kick for the 35-28 EMU lead with 37 seconds left.
Central would not go quietly, however, advancing all the way to the EMU 28-yard line before cornerback Marcell Rose picked off a Ryan Radcliff pass on the last play of the game at the EMU four-yard-line and returned it to the eight before sliding down to end the contest.
SEXTON EARNS MAC PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Senior Mathew Sexton was named the Mid-American Conference Special Teams Player of the Week, the league office announced, Sept. 23. The award comes following Sexton's block punt touchdown with 18 seconds left against Central Connecticut State, Sept. 21.
The play was the longest punt return by any EMU player this season. Sexton was also responsible for EMU's last blocked punt, which occurred during the 2018 Camellia Bowl against Georgia Southern, Dec. 15.
BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU KICK IT: After its game-winning punt block and touchdown return against Central Connecticut State, Sept. 21, EMU has now blocked six punts in the Chris Creighton era. Three of the blocked punts have been returned for touchdowns.
This year, the Eagles rank first in the MAC, and fifth-nationally, in blocked punts.
STRONG IN THE THIRD: EMU is tied for 16th nationally in the fewest third quarter points allowed at just 2.3 points per game. The EMU defense has held opponents scoreless in the third quarter in 10 of its last 17 games. Last year, the team was second nationally in that category at 2.1 ppg.
CAREER DAY FOR QUIAN: Sophomore wide receiver Quian Williams set career-highs in receptions (8), receiving yards (115) and touchdowns (2), against Central Connecticut State, Sept. 21. Prior to the game against the Blue Devils, Williams had eight career receptions for 96 yards and one touchdown.
Williams was the first EMU wide out with 100-or-more yards in a game since Blake Banham went for 104 yards against Army West Point, Oct. 27, 2018.
BEYDOUN THINGS RIGHT: A walk-on from Dearborn, Mich., sophomore wide receiver Hassan Beydoun broke four tackles en route to scoring his first-career touchdown, against Central Connecticut State, Sept. 21. The score came via a career-long 21-yard reception in the second quarter of EMU's victory, 34-29.
PROTECTING THE POCKET: The EMU offensive line has allowed just four total sacks during the 2019 campaign. The unit's 1.0 allowed sacks-per-game ranks first among Mid-American Conference teams and 14th-nationally. Additionally, James Patton's group has played two of its four games without allowing a sack, as Coastal Carolina, Aug. 31, and Central Connecticut State, Sept. 21, both failed to reach the quarterback.
KEEP IT COMING, KOBIE: Senior linebacker Kobie Beltram matched a career-high with 12 tackles against Central Connecticut State, Sept. 21. Additionally, the California native forced and recovered a fumble in the game, both career-firsts. Beltram is second on the team with 34 total tackles in 2019. Beltram currently ranks ninth in the MAC in total tackles.
CLUTCH CALHOUN: Senior defensive back Vince Calhoun was impressive against Central Connecticut, Sept. 21, racking up 10 total tackles, including one for loss, and a sack. Calhoun leads the team with 41 total tackles, good for fourth in the MAC.
PLAYING DISCIPLINED: Eastern ranks among the nation's best in both fewest total penalty yards and fewest penalty yards per game. EMU's 158 total penalty yards ranks 30th-nationally, while its 39.5 penalty yards per game is 16th-best in the country. Eastern tops the MAC in both categories.
ON THE HORIZON: After its conference-opening bout with the Chippewas, Eastern will return home to Rynearson Stadium for a MAC West game against the Ball State Cardinals. Homecoming in Ypsilanti, the game is scheduled to kick off at 2 p.m.
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