MAC 2010-Eastern Michigan Eagles

2009 Record: 0-12 (0-8)
Head Coach: Ron English (2nd season, 0-12)
Offensive Coordinator: Ken Karcher (2nd season)
Defensive Coordinator: Phil Snow (1st season)
2009 Bowl Game: No appearances since they were called the Hurons

Offense: There is a little bit of depth at the QB spot, as Alex Gillett fills that athletic needs of the position in the spread offense. He will be backed up by Devontae Payne, who is more of a pockett passer. Dwayne Priest is a physical back, and he looks to share the load at RB with Corey Welch, who changes pace when in the game. Nick Olds and Kinsman Thomas both return at WR, and will be joined by Tyrone Burke. TE Ben Thayer may be the best receiver in the group. The interior line is intact, but both tackles must be replaced.

Defense: The line is experienced with DEs Brad Ohrman and Javon Reese, as well as DTs Brandon SLater and Ryan Leonard all being either juniors or seniors. Senior Neal Howey will be the lone new starter in the LB group, as Marcus English and Tim Fort return. Arrington Hicks and Marcell Rose both return at CB, and SS Ryan Downard returns as well. This is fantastic news, as EMU ranked 1st in the nation last season. Of course all teams had to do was run, as teams averaged 276.8 yards per game on the ground last season.

Special Teams: Thomas Baertschi will be the man at both P and PK in 2010, but he started at neither position before now, so there is no telling how this will play out.

2010 Schedule

Wins: None

Toss Up Games: 9/11 @ Miami (Ohio), 10/9 @ Vanderbilt, 10/16 @ Ball State, 11/20 @ Buffalo

Losses: 9/4 Army, 9/18 Central Michigan, 9/25 @ Ohio State, 10/2 Ohio, 10/23 @ Virginia, 10/30 Toledo, 11/113 @ Western Michigan, 11/26 Northern Illinois

The losses should continue to mount up in 2010, as it is hard to pick any game as an outright victory. All of the toss up games would be considered upset wins. EMU is basically at the bottom, and they have a long climb to get out of the hole, especially when you play this kind of schedule.

Outlook: More of the same basically. EMU has not been to a bowl since 1987, and there won't be a bid anytime soon. There is basically about 4 to 5 years worth of work just to be average.