Eastern Michigan Athletics
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Season 8 - Episode 28: Battle of Washtenaw, Student-Athlete Day, and a Familiar Face Returns
Published on 4/6/2026
Published on 4/6/2026
Dr. Brendan Kelly opens his presidency at Eastern Michigan with a clear focus on students, energy, and connection, stressing that "if we don't get that right, then we might as well throw our hands up and walk off the field." Drawing on his own experience as a two-time EMU alum, he emphasizes closing gaps in the student experience, building pride, and moving quickly with "the best idea in the room." He challenges outdated traditions, calling for simpler systems and a campus "completely obsessed" with student success, while also addressing the need to grow fan and community energy. Kelly sees the hiring of men's basketball coach Billy Donlon as a reflection of that vision, praising his "standard of excellence" and grit, and signaling a broader push to raise expectations across the university.
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Greg Steiner sits down with head coach Chris Creighton for their weekly chat ahead of Eastern Michigan's home non-conference finale against Lindenwood. Creighton reflects on the loss at Wisconsin — crediting a strong start but pointing to an inability to sustain drives and costly turnovers as the game slipped away — before turning attention to Lindenwood's dual-threat quarterback and a standout receiver as the key defensive challenges this week. He also touches on Hall of Fame weekend and expresses genuine optimism about where the program is headed.
Published on 9/24/2026
Eastern Michigan heads to Wisconsin looking to build on a hard-fought game at Michigan State. After a mistake-filled first quarter, the Eagles settled in, ran the football well, protected Noah Kim better, and played strong defense before halftime. MSU's second-half rushing attack limited EMU's opportunities, but Coach Chris Creighton sees progress. Kim's touchdown in his return to MSU added an emotional moment, and now the Eagles face another challenge at Camp Randall against a Wisconsin team led by a powerful running game and dual-threat quarterback.
Published on 9/17/2026
Eastern Michigan head coach Chris Creighton reflected on the Eagles' physical loss to San Jose State, pointing to offensive inconsistency, missed opportunities and penalties as key factors in the defeat. Despite strong defensive stretches and improvement on special teams, Eastern Michigan struggled to sustain drives and convert third downs, while San Jose State capitalized on mistakes late in the game. Creighton praised running back Amareon Blue for his vision, explosiveness and 50-yard touchdown run, and said the Eagles feel well prepared after playing two games before most teams opened their seasons. Eastern Michigan now turns its attention to Michigan State in East Lansing, with Creighton emphasizing confidence, composure and the team's competitive identity as the Eagles prepare for another major test.
Published on 9/10/2026
The 'Friday Night Lights' will shine bright over 'The Factory' at Rynearson Stadium this week as the Eastern Michigan University football team will play host to the Spartans of San Jose State University Friday, Sept. 4, in Ypsilanti. The Eagles (1-0, 1-0 MAC) and Spartans (0-1) are set to meet in the regular season for the first time in the series after Eastern won the previous two meetings with both coming in bowl games (1987 California and 2022 Potato).
Published on 9/3/2026