Eastern Michigan Athletics
Remembering Tales from the Gridiron: Week 9
10/29/2020 5:15:00 PM | Football
EMU’s Greg Steiner is taking a weekly lookback at top games from the past 20 seasons
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – The long wait is nearly over – football is almost back in Ypsilanti!
It feels like an eternity since we’ve seen an Eastern Michigan University football game. Actually, it will have been just 314 days since we saw EMU push the University of Pittsburgh to the limits in front of droves of Eastern supporters at Ford Field for the 2019 Quick Lane Bowl.
When Head Coach Chris Creighton was hired in December of 2013, the vision was to try to make the football program a source of pride for the athletic department, for the university, for Ypsilanti and even the region.
That night in downtown Detroit, the heavily-partisan crowd clad in Green and White proved that vision was closer to reality than just a dream. A QLB record of 34,765 fans proudly sported the Block E with ever-growing optimism about the football program and the University.
Little did anyone have any indication that just 77 days later, pregame tailgates and high-fives would be replaced with social distancing and face coverings due to a world-wide pandemic. Football will technically be back when the Eagles return to the field Nov. 4 at Kent State – but sadly it won’t be the same. Due to local, state, and conference regulations, the stadiums will sit largely empty, and we’ll miss you the fans especially this season.
Originally, my plan was to write this 12-week series to fill the void in the absence of the games – hopefully I’ve succeeded in refreshing your memory of games that you attended or have heard about for the last 20 years. Thankfully, with the games coming back, it is time to stop looking back and instead refocus the efforts to telling the stories and successes of our current student-athletes and coaches.
For my final trip to the vault for this series, rather than the usual game recaps, I wanted to close with some ever-lasting memories surrounding EMU football that are deeply personal to me. The range of emotions is vast and for that I’m extremely blessed and thankful for the role I’ve been able to play for this University and the Athletic Department these last 20 years.
I look forward to continuing to share many more memories and celebrations with Eastern Michigan fans in the days, weeks, and years to follow.
Favorite Games:
I often get asked what my favorite game is, but how can I pick just one? That’s cruel to do when you’ve been a part of 250 games over 20 years. Author and fellow EMU alum T.C. Cameron and I worked on a Top 20 list earlier this year as a part of the web series titled “A Walk through History: Greatest Football Victories.”
However, my short list includes the following games…
Nov. 6, 2004: EMU 61, Central Michigan 58 (4 OT)
Andrew Wellock's 24-yard field goal in the fourth overtime gave EMU the first sweep of rivals Central and Western Michigan since 1986. Wellock also booted a 50-yarder in the second overtime to keep Eastern's hopes afloat. EMU quarterback Matt Bohnet was 31-of-54 for 367 yards and four touchdowns. Wideout Eric Deslauriers hauled in 14 catches for 207 yards, including all four touchdowns. It was a huge homecoming victory for 51 players on the EMU roster from Detroit at Ford Field.
Nov. 8, 2016: EMU 48, Ball State 41
In one of the largest comebacks in program history, Eastern overcame a 21-0 deficit to hand the Cardinals a devastating loss and become bowl-eligible for the first time since 1995. After a Ball State touchdown put the Cardinals up with 1:35 to play, EMU marched 86 yards, culminating with Ian Eriksen's touchdown and Brogan Roback's pass to Sergio Bailey II for a two-point conversion. DaQuan Pace's interception clinched the win. EMU's defense forced five turnovers, four during the second half comeback. Roback threw for 468 yards as EMU racked up 622 yards.
Nov. 16, 2016: EMU 26, Central Michigan 21
Trailing with 2:34 to play, quarterback Brogan Roback moved the Eagles 72 yards downfield, including converting on a 4th and 6 to keep the drive alive with 37 seconds remaining. With 19 seconds left, Roback found Sergio Bailey II at the front pylon of the end zone for the game-winning score. Jeremiah Harris' first career interception in the end zone on the final play of the game clinched the victory. A handful of days later, EMU accepted an invitation to play in the Bahamas Bowl, their first bowl bid in 29 seasons.
Nov. 26, 2008: EMU 56, Central Michigan 52
It is a game any university dreads: a “dead man walking” game. The season had gone poorly and the head coach wasn't returning. Coach Jeff Genyk's final game was a firecracker of a farewell. A pregame shoving incident lit a smoldering fuse. The two rivals raced up and down the field, Eastern holding a 42-35 halftime lead. Ultimately, a defensive stand clinched the win for EMU. Andy Schmitt's 58-of-80 effort broke the Division I record for completions in a game; Tyler Jones tied an NCAA record for single game completions with 23.
Favorite Non-Game Moments
In 20 years, I’ve been lucky to go some very interesting places thanks to our non-conference schedule. From the boat trips down the Hudson River at Army to fish tacos on Mission Beach in San Diego, we’ve gotten to witness EMU football from coast to coast across North America.
Here are just a few of the top moments from my trips…
1) An afternoon adventure to Monticello, the primary plantation of Thomas Jefferson, while on campus at Virginia
2) Tour of Naval Amphibious Base Coronado while at San Diego State
3) Tour of West Point and the Friday Night Hudson River Cruise Access while at Army
4) The Bahamas Bowl Week – the excitement of being in a bowl for the first time along with the multiple events throughout the stay in Nassau
5) The Camellia Bowl Week in Montgomery, Ala. – from the Rosa Parks Museum to the Montgomery Biscuits, the town heavily embraces the bowl with numerous events around town
6) Quick Lane Bowl Week in Detroit – from the Henry Ford Museum to Fowling in Hamtramck, you can’t beat staying home for a bowl
Thank You!
Fans just get to see the 60 minutes of game action that is played each week, but behind the scenes football is a 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, seven days a week operation. It can at times be all encompassing during the grind of a season – thankfully E-Club Athletic Hall of Famer and Emeritus SID Jim Streeter taught me early on to keep a level head and not to get too high (or too low) with the outcome of a game and to enjoy every moment because championships are not given.
Beyond the game, nothing creates memories like team dinners, hanging out in hotel lobbies, or road trips. There have been plenty of each over the years – from chicken chunks at Fricker’s to the newest tradition of a support staff bowl game dinner.
Last season against Buffalo, I was lucky enough to be honored by Coach Creighton with the opportunity to carry the wrench out pregame. The 51-pound pipe wrench represents the team's mission to "close the gap" (the vices illustrate the gap) between its current status and its potential, all while embracing the challenges that stand between opportunity and success. When the team comes out for the final time, they are led by someone -- a coach, administrator, or former player, for example -- carrying the wrench.
It is not light by any means, nor will I be entering any 40-yard dash times at any point in the near future. That said, I greatly enjoyed my chance to charge into “The Factory” side-by-side with them to represent the Media Relations Office and all the hurdles we take on.
I could not have done this job this long without the support, dedication and support from many individuals that do not get the spotlight or recognition they should for their work behind the scenes. It is cliché to say that it takes a village, but it is true as one singular person could not do everything that is expected to cover a Division I football team.
Alex Jewell, Mary Gasior, Alexis Chevalier, Jessica Crusan, John Bilello, and Ricky Logan are current stars that do the “real work” each and every day. The “famous tree” of people who got their start in the office before moving on to other opportunities is also extremely long – Katie Gonzales, Sean Hostetter, Kyler Ludlow, Jeremy Allen, Phil Burwell, Michael Craig, Amanda Decker, Melina Fuentes, Trent Hanselmann, Tim Hepler, Kyle Keyes, Ryan Koslen, Adam Kuffner, Frank Kurtz, Andrew Mascharka, Brett McWethy, Dan Murphy, Paul Pancoe, Mark Panhorst, Luke Pattarozzi, Nyamekye Phelps, Chris Puzzuoli, Tom Roth, Megan Samassa, Chloe Smith, Ashley Strauss, Sarah VanMetre, Dan Whitaker, and Dan Wyar.
I’ve also been lucky to work with some of the best broadcasters not only in the MAC but in the country. Matt Shepard, Rob Rubick, Tom Helmer, Ryan Wooley, and Chad Bush are not only fantastic at their craft but even better people. The same can also be said for the equipment room (Ben Herman, Dominic Velotta, and Wayne Smith) and athletic facilities crews (Andrew Hensley, Nate Miller, Adam Martin, and Mike Malach) for all their heroics to make the department better each day.
Of course, I couldn’t forget the person that puts up with me the most – my wife, Cathy. In season, the hours are long and my time at home is sparse from August until May, but she is ever supportive and can usually be found somewhere in the stadium either helping engineer the radio board or doing her actual job on football game day of overseeing press box catering and event operations.
Steiner’s Week 9 Slate of Games
Nov. 2, 2019 – L, 14-43 vs. Buffalo
Oct. 27, 2018 – L, 22-37 vs. Army
Nov. 2, 2017 – W, 56-14 vs. Ball State
Oct. 29, 2016 – L, 15-28 vs. Miami
Oct. 29, 2015 – L, 28-58 vs. Western Michigan
Nov. 1, 2014 – L, 7-38 vs. Central Michigan
Nov. 2, 2013 – L, 16-55 at Toledo
Nov. 1, 2012 – L, 14-45 at Ohio
Nov. 5, 2011 – L, 31-33 vs. Ball State
Oct. 30, 2010 – L, 7-42 vs. Toledo
Nov. 5, 2009 – L, 6-50 at Northern Illinois
Oct. 25, 2008 – L, 16-38 at Ball State
Oct. 27, 2007 – W, 19-2 vs. Western Michigan
Nov. 4, 2006 – L, 10-16 vs. Ohio
Nov. 5, 2005 – L, 36-44 vs. Western Michigan (at Ford Field)
Nov. 6, 2004 – W4OT, 61-58 vs. Central Michigan (at Ford Field)
Nov. 1, 2003 – L, 10-38 at Central Michigan
Nov. 2, 2002 – L, 21-47 vs. Central Michigan
Nov. 10, 2001 – L, 30-35 at Central Michigan
Nov. 4, 2000 – W, 31-15 vs. Central Michigan
Nov. 6, 1999 – W, 31-21 vs. Ball State
Steiner’s Week 10 Slate of Games
Nov. 12, 2019 – W, 42-12 at Akron
Nov. 3, 2018 – W, 17-7 vs. Central Michigan
Nov. 8, 2017 – L, 30-42 at Central Michigan
Nov. 8, 2016 – W, 48-41 at Ball State
Nov. 7, 2015 – L, 13-28 at Miami
Nov. 15, 2014 – L, 7-51 at Western Michigan
Nov. 9, 2013 – W, 35-32 vs. Western Michigan
Nov. 10, 2012 – L, 31-34 vs. Central Michigan
Nov. 12, 2011 – W, 30-17 vs. Buffalo
Nov. 13, 2010 – L, 30-45 at Western Michigan
Nov. 14, 2009 – L, 14-45 vs. Western Michigan
Nov. 1, 2008, - L, 10-31 at Western Michigan
Nov. 3, 2007 – L, 28-52 at Toledo
Nov. 11, 2006 – L, 21-49 vs. Navy (at Ford Field)
Nov. 12, 2005 – L, 25-26 vs. Ball State
Nov. 13, 2004 – L, 17-69 at Kent State
Nov. 8, 2003 – W, 19-13 vs. UCF
Nov. 9, 2002 – L, 31-33 at Western Michigan
Nov. 17, 2001 – L, 7-28 at Toledo
Nov. 11, 2000 – W, 39-32 vs. Northern Illinois
Nov. 13, 1999 – L, 26-29 at Central Michigan
Steiner’s Week 11 Slate of Games
Nov. 19, 2019 – W, 45-17 at Northern Illinois
Nov. 10, 2018 – W, 27-7 vs. Akron
Nov. 15, 2017 – W, 27-24 at Miami
Nov. 16, 2016 – LOT, 24-31 vs. Northern Illinois
Nov. 14, 2015 – L, 17-28 vs. UMASS
Nov. 22, 2014 – L, 30-45 at Ball State
Nov. 23, 2013 – L, 7-58 vs Bowling Green
Nov. 17, 2012 – W, 29-23 at Western Michigan
Nov. 19. 2011 – L, 22-28 at Kent State
Nov. 20, 2010 – W, 21-17 at Buffalo
Nov. 20, 2009 – L, 21-47 at Toledo
Nov. 22, 2008 – L, 52-55 at Temple
Nov. 9, 2007 – L, 32-39 vs. Bowling Green
Nov. 17, 2006 – L, 6-14 at Kent State
Nov. 19, 2005 – W, 38-14 at Buffalo
Nov. 20, 2004 – L, 16-34 vs. Northern Illinois
Nov. 15, 2003 – W, 38-14 vs. Ball State
Nov. 16, 2002 – L, 21-49 vs. Northern Illinois
Nov. 24, 2001 – L3OT, 55-65 at Akron
Nov. 18, 2000 – L, 0-28 at Western Michigan
Nov. 20, 1999 – L, 23-3- at Northern Illinois
Steiner’s Week 12 Slate of Games
Nov. 29, 2019 – L, 26-34 vs. Kent State
Nov. 23, 2018 – W, 28-20 at Kent State
Nov. 21, 2017 – W, 34-31 vs. Bowling Green
Nov. 22, 2016 – W, 26-21 vs. Central Michigan
Nov. 27, 2015 – L, 28-35 at Central Michigan
Nov. 28, 2014 – L, 16-52 vs Toledo
Nov. 20, 2013 – L, 10-42 at Central Michigan
Nov. 23, 2012 – L, 7-49 vs. Northern Illinois
Nov. 25, 2011 – L, 12-18 at Northern Illinois
Nov. 26, 2010 – L, 3-71 vs. Northern Illinois
Nov. 27, 2009 – L, 21-28 at Akron
Nov. 28, 2008 – W, 56-52 vs. Central Michigan
Nov. 16, 2008 – W, 48-45 at Central Michigan
Nov. 24, 2006 – L, 0-27 vs. Northern Illinois
Nov. 22, 2003 – L, 24-38 at Northern Illinois
Nov. 23, 2002 – L, 21-63 at Bowling Green
Steiner’s Week 13 Slate of Games
Dec. 26, 2019 – L, 30-34 vs. Pittsburgh
Dec. 15, 2018 – L, 21-23 vs. Georgia Southern
Dec. 23, 2016 – L, 20-24 vs. Old Dominion
Greg Steiner is in his 19th year with the Eastern Michigan University Athletic Media Relations Office and his fifth as the Associate Athletic Director for Media Relations. From Dec. 2004 until Oct. 2012, he was the office’s assistant director before serving as the assistant athletic director from 2012-16. He serves as the primary contact for the football and golf teams, while aiding in game-day help with nearly all 19 sports.
Steiner also oversees the EMU-ESPN initiative and production unit, in which EMU students receive valuable hands-on experience working with professional equipment and producing content for a national audience on ESPN3/ESPN+. Since its launch in 2015, EMU has produced 185 games for ESPN to go along with dozens more in-house productions.
Favorite Eastern Memories
This will be the 129th year for the EMU football team when it attempts to play in the spring following the fall postponement due to COVID-19. The first year of intercollegiate football in Ypsilanti was 1891, when the team, then known as the Michigan Normal College Normalites, posted an 0-2 record. EMU has fielded a team every year since 1891 with one exception, when the 1944 season was canceled because of World War II.
