FACTS & STATS: Site: Rynearson Stadium (30,200) -- Ypsilanti, Michigan. Television: None. Home Record: Toledo 0-0, EMU 1-0. Away Record: Toledo 0-1, EMU 0-1. Neutral Record: Toledo 0-0, EMU 0-0. Conference Record: Toledo 0-0, EMU 0-0. Series Record: Toledo leads, 24-11.
GAME NOTES: The Toledo Rockets will try to crack into the win column when they travel to Ypsilanti to take on the Eastern Michigan Eagles in a Mid-American Conference showdown at Rynearson Stadium. The Rockets' season got off to a horrible start, as the squad was pounded by Arizona, 41-16. Toledo is coming off two consecutive losing seasons, including back-to-back 3-5 marks inside league play. Next Saturday the Rockets will open their home schedule when they host nationally-ranked Fresno State. As for the Eagles, they took a step backwards last week, falling to Michigan State, 42-10. It was a tough loss for EMU, especially after opening the year with a convincing, 52-0 victory over Indiana State. Over the past three seasons the Eagles have struggled in MAC play, posting a mere 7-16 ledger against conference foes. This will be the 36th meeting between the Rockets and Eastern Michigan on the gridiron. Toledo holds a 24-11 edge over the Eagles and that includes victories in seven of the last eight matchups.
It was not a pretty season-opening matchup for Toledo, as the offensive unit was shut down for the majority of the contest. The Rockets finished with just 244 total yards, including only 74 yards on 3.1 ypc. DaJuane Collins was the only effective back for Toledo, as the junior rumbled for 54 yards on 5.4 ypc. Collins racked up over 600 yards this past season in a reserve role, but he should be in line to have much more touches now that he is the main option. Aaron Opelt also had a solid showing under center against Arizona, as the signal caller threw for 170 yards and one TD on 21-of-31 passing. Stephen Williams was Opelt's main threat downfield, as the wide out grabbed 12 passes for 67 yards and one score. Together Opelt and Williams should be a dangerous connection, and will definitely cause opposing MAC teams to worry.
Compounding the problem for Toledo was the play of its defense, which was abused by Arizona. The Rockets did very little against the Wildcats, as the defensive unit surrendered 153 yards on the ground, and another 299 yards through the air. The team's struggles against the run should not be surprising, considering last season Toledo was pounded for 215.0 rushing ypg. Toledo surrendered 28 first downs in the loss, and also allowed Arizona to convert on 6-of-6 red zone chances. Barry Church, who collected 92 tackles a year ago, continued his tremendous play in the opener this past weekend, leading the Rockets with 6.5 tackles.
After pounding Indiana State in their opener, the Eagles offense showed its true colors in the setback to Michigan State this past weekend. EMU collected just 11 first downs in the contest, and converted just 6-of-16 third down attempts. Overall, the Eagles posted 342 total yards, including 215 yards through the air. Andy Schmitt struggled under center in the contest, completing just 11-of-23 passes for 111 yards. Schmitt was able to have some success with his legs, however, as the signal-caller rushed for 46 yards and the team's lone touchdown. The main option out of the backfield though was Terrence Blevins, who rumbled for 54 yards on 6.0 ypc. Unfortunately Blevins was much more effective in the opener, as the back destroyed Indiana State for 176 yards and two scores. After two games it is apparent the Eagles plan on using the ground attack to punish opponents, as the team is currently averaging a whopping 27.0 rushing ypg.
The Eagles collected their first shutout since 1997 with their 52-0 win over Indiana State in the opener. However, the defense could not put forth a similar effort this past weekend against Michigan State. In fact, the defense was pounded by the Spartans to the tune of 238 rushing yards. The struggles against the run should not be surprising, considering EMU's defense has surrendered over 190 ypg on the ground each of the last six years. Overall, the unit surrendered 418 total yards and 21 first downs against Michigan State. EMU also struggled to make the stops when it mattered, allowing Michigan State to convert on 7-of-12 third down attempts and 6-of-7 red zone chances. Jacob Wyatt was superb in the loss, posting 13 tackles, while Daniel Holtzclaw added 12 stops to go along with one sack.
Neither team can rely on defense, which should make this a high-scoring affair. Last year these two teams combined for over 1,000 yards in their meeting. The Rockets were victorious in that matchup, but may not have the same success this time around.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Eastern Michigan 35, Toledo 27
Game Date and Time
Saturday, September 13th, 12:00 p.m. (et)
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