Eastern Michigan football returns to non-conference play this week when it plays Maryland 1 p.m. tomorrow at Byrd Stadium in College Park, Md.
Maryland (2-1, 0-0 ACC) is hoping to build off a big win over No. 23 California, while EMU (1-2, 0-1 MAC) tries to avoid its third straight loss. This will be the fourth meeting since 2001 between the schools, but the Eagles are 0-3, losing by a combined score of 132-19.
Eastern may benefit from the almost Jekyll-and-Hyde offense the Terrapins have showcased this season. Maryland scored 35 points last week, which was seven more than it scored combined against Delaware and Middle Tennessee State.
The difference in Maryland's offense from the first two weeks and the third was the change from the spread offense, which the Terrapins struggled with, to an offense that EMU coach Jeff Genyk likened to that of Michigan State. The type of offense Maryland runs will be affected by how Eastern?s defense responds.
?We missed a lot of tackles last week and we have to address that,? Genyk said. ?Our corners also have to play with more confidence, when the ball is in the air, we have to take advantage of our opportunities and make a play.?
Much like EMU, the Terrapins have been plagued by the injury bug. Quarterback Chris Turner replaced the injured Jordan Steffy, while Davin Meggett filled in for Da?Rel Scott at running back last week. The Eagles will also have to deal with big play receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey.
As for Eastern, its injuries start at quarterback. Kyle McMahon will make the start in place of the injured Andy Schmitt. No matter who is behind center, the Eagles will continue to play.
?We have to be ready to execute,? EMU offensive lineman Korey Neal said. ?Andy will be missed out there, but Kyle can do the same things. We just have to do everything we can to step up and fill the gap.?
Dwanye Priest looks to have his playing time increased this week. Priest led all Eagle rushers with 80 yards last weekend. Priest and Terrence Blevins have helped EMU become the best rushing attack in the MAC.
?We have to throw the ball and open up lanes for Terrence, in order for us to do play action,? Genyk said.
Eastern has scored nine times on the ground. For the Eagles, the biggest concern is the development of a passing attack that is ninth overall in the MAC.
The receiving corps is led by Jacory Stone who only averages 54.3 yards, the Eagles have only found the end zone once this year via the pass -- courtesy of receiver Tyler Jones.
?We showed our abilities against Indiana State, but we haven?t been able to show it since,? Schmitt said.
One other interesting matchup will be between two linebackers who are off to impressive starts. EMU Senior Daniel Holtzclaw continues to lead the team in tackles with 20. Maryland offers its own defensive star in Dave Philistin, who has 28 tackles, 13 of which came against Cal.
Maryland (2-1, 0-0 ACC) is hoping to build off a big win over No. 23 California, while EMU (1-2, 0-1 MAC) tries to avoid its third straight loss. This will be the fourth meeting since 2001 between the schools, but the Eagles are 0-3, losing by a combined score of 132-19.
Eastern may benefit from the almost Jekyll-and-Hyde offense the Terrapins have showcased this season. Maryland scored 35 points last week, which was seven more than it scored combined against Delaware and Middle Tennessee State.
The difference in Maryland's offense from the first two weeks and the third was the change from the spread offense, which the Terrapins struggled with, to an offense that EMU coach Jeff Genyk likened to that of Michigan State. The type of offense Maryland runs will be affected by how Eastern?s defense responds.
?We missed a lot of tackles last week and we have to address that,? Genyk said. ?Our corners also have to play with more confidence, when the ball is in the air, we have to take advantage of our opportunities and make a play.?
Much like EMU, the Terrapins have been plagued by the injury bug. Quarterback Chris Turner replaced the injured Jordan Steffy, while Davin Meggett filled in for Da?Rel Scott at running back last week. The Eagles will also have to deal with big play receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey.
As for Eastern, its injuries start at quarterback. Kyle McMahon will make the start in place of the injured Andy Schmitt. No matter who is behind center, the Eagles will continue to play.
?We have to be ready to execute,? EMU offensive lineman Korey Neal said. ?Andy will be missed out there, but Kyle can do the same things. We just have to do everything we can to step up and fill the gap.?
Dwanye Priest looks to have his playing time increased this week. Priest led all Eagle rushers with 80 yards last weekend. Priest and Terrence Blevins have helped EMU become the best rushing attack in the MAC.
?We have to throw the ball and open up lanes for Terrence, in order for us to do play action,? Genyk said.
Eastern has scored nine times on the ground. For the Eagles, the biggest concern is the development of a passing attack that is ninth overall in the MAC.
The receiving corps is led by Jacory Stone who only averages 54.3 yards, the Eagles have only found the end zone once this year via the pass -- courtesy of receiver Tyler Jones.
?We showed our abilities against Indiana State, but we haven?t been able to show it since,? Schmitt said.
One other interesting matchup will be between two linebackers who are off to impressive starts. EMU Senior Daniel Holtzclaw continues to lead the team in tackles with 20. Maryland offers its own defensive star in Dave Philistin, who has 28 tackles, 13 of which came against Cal.
