Eastern Mich/Ball St
- Thread starter ageecee
- Start date
i dont, but i very much look forward to your cussing and melt down threads on the horizon :toast:
This is what I wrote in my thread.
Ball St is 5-16 ATS in last 21 home games. Over is 10-1 in Ball St last 11 home games. I'm a trend guy and the last three years between these two the home team is 1-2 and the Over is 3-0.
BUT...
This is what Vegasinsider wrote up.
"EASTERN MICHIGAN at BALL STATE...Ball won and covered at Ypslianti last season after failing to cover three straight in series. Note Pete Lembo was 6-4 as a dog last season with better luck in role on road (5-2) than at home (1-2). Cards, however, are 20-12 as dog since 2007. Rare road chalk role for EMU, which is 1-5 as a favorite (all at home) since 2007 and hasn't been favored on road since final game of 2005 season at Buffalo!"
Ball St is 5-16 ATS in last 21 home games. Over is 10-1 in Ball St last 11 home games. I'm a trend guy and the last three years between these two the home team is 1-2 and the Over is 3-0.
BUT...
This is what Vegasinsider wrote up.
"EASTERN MICHIGAN at BALL STATE...Ball won and covered at Ypslianti last season after failing to cover three straight in series. Note Pete Lembo was 6-4 as a dog last season with better luck in role on road (5-2) than at home (1-2). Cards, however, are 20-12 as dog since 2007. Rare road chalk role for EMU, which is 1-5 as a favorite (all at home) since 2007 and hasn't been favored on road since final game of 2005 season at Buffalo!"
Ball State to host Eastern Michigan in season-opener
After months of preparation, team knows now is the time to 'Rise Up'
It began in March, a new team motto for the 2012 season.
?Rise Up.?
A simple two-word phrase that Ball State football players and coaches have been saying and tweeting in the months leading up to tonight?s season opener against Eastern Michigan. It?s even found as the avatar on the team?s Twitter page.
But the motto goes further than the football team, it reaches out to the Ball State and Muncie communities.
?We created it because we want everybody to rise up,? co-captain and linebacker Travis Freeman said. ?Not just the football team, but the staff, the people around us, the community and the professors. That?s where we got the idea from. It has to do with everything that?s Ball State University.?
The team has reached out to do its part in helping the community rise up. Over the summer, coach Pete Lembo created a Twitter account to help push promotion of the team and interact with Ball State students. Last week, the athletic department announced many new features to pregame festivities and a new ?rewards program? to give prizes to students who attend home games for four sports this season, including football.
And with the season kicking off tonight, the team knows now is the time to ?rise up.?
Unlike last season?s opener, the Cardinals get to play in front of a home crowd instead of a neutral field. While playing in front of 40,000 fans at Lucas Oil Stadium, Freeman said getting to play the first game at Scheumann Stadium is what he prefers.
?It helps the support and gets the ball moving for the season,? he said. ?It sets the tone for the season. It?s in your backyard and you have the home-field advantage, and you want to take advantage of that.?
Ball State returns virtually the same offense it had from a season ago. Quarterback Keith Wenning returns for a second full season as the starter, the running backs are deeper and the offensive line is the most experienced line in the country. Outside of losing wide receivers Torieal Gibson and Briggs Orsbon to graduation, the Cardinals return the same core of receivers led by Connor Ryan, Willie Snead and Jamill Smith.
Because of the familiar faces on offense, the coaching staff has had the luxury of being able to install new schemes instead of getting players to learn an entire new offense.
?We?re really capturing the whole offense and understanding it further,? Ryan said. ?Last year was an introduction. Now we?re starting to get it and move faster. It really it comes down to understanding it more.?
In the spring, Lembo talked about wanting to add a deep-threat dimension to his offense that was lacking in 2011. Having players familiar with the offense will allow him to add that and it showed in the Spring Game with several deep passes from Wenning to Smith and Snead.
But what could make the offense the most dangerous is it?s now doing what it did well last season but better.
It also seems like whenever Ball State and Eastern Michigan meet, the game is destined to come down to the final seconds.
The last three games between the two teams have been decided by a total of seven points. Those games include an overtime game in 2010 and a game-winning field goal with 13 seconds left in 2011.
?It?s somewhat become a rivalry by how close the games were at the end,? Freeman said. ?It creates a heated battle and I think that makes for better competition. With them being in our conference it?s a tremendous first game to see where we stand in the conference.?
Getting a win against Eastern Michigan and in the Mid-American Conference would be an ideal way for Lembo and his team to start the 2012 season. It?ll also be a measuring stick on how the team and the community has grown to the ?Rise Up? motto. But Lembo expects this year?s motto to stick with everyone involved.
?They really feel good about this,? Lembo said. ?It?s both internal and external. [It?s] internal because we need guys to step and address issues we had last year. But it?s external because we?re trying to put more fans in the seats and more season-ticket holders. ?Rise Up? is also an external challenge to all the constituents to our program.?
After months of preparation, team knows now is the time to 'Rise Up'
It began in March, a new team motto for the 2012 season.
?Rise Up.?
A simple two-word phrase that Ball State football players and coaches have been saying and tweeting in the months leading up to tonight?s season opener against Eastern Michigan. It?s even found as the avatar on the team?s Twitter page.
But the motto goes further than the football team, it reaches out to the Ball State and Muncie communities.
?We created it because we want everybody to rise up,? co-captain and linebacker Travis Freeman said. ?Not just the football team, but the staff, the people around us, the community and the professors. That?s where we got the idea from. It has to do with everything that?s Ball State University.?
The team has reached out to do its part in helping the community rise up. Over the summer, coach Pete Lembo created a Twitter account to help push promotion of the team and interact with Ball State students. Last week, the athletic department announced many new features to pregame festivities and a new ?rewards program? to give prizes to students who attend home games for four sports this season, including football.
And with the season kicking off tonight, the team knows now is the time to ?rise up.?
Unlike last season?s opener, the Cardinals get to play in front of a home crowd instead of a neutral field. While playing in front of 40,000 fans at Lucas Oil Stadium, Freeman said getting to play the first game at Scheumann Stadium is what he prefers.
?It helps the support and gets the ball moving for the season,? he said. ?It sets the tone for the season. It?s in your backyard and you have the home-field advantage, and you want to take advantage of that.?
Ball State returns virtually the same offense it had from a season ago. Quarterback Keith Wenning returns for a second full season as the starter, the running backs are deeper and the offensive line is the most experienced line in the country. Outside of losing wide receivers Torieal Gibson and Briggs Orsbon to graduation, the Cardinals return the same core of receivers led by Connor Ryan, Willie Snead and Jamill Smith.
Because of the familiar faces on offense, the coaching staff has had the luxury of being able to install new schemes instead of getting players to learn an entire new offense.
?We?re really capturing the whole offense and understanding it further,? Ryan said. ?Last year was an introduction. Now we?re starting to get it and move faster. It really it comes down to understanding it more.?
In the spring, Lembo talked about wanting to add a deep-threat dimension to his offense that was lacking in 2011. Having players familiar with the offense will allow him to add that and it showed in the Spring Game with several deep passes from Wenning to Smith and Snead.
But what could make the offense the most dangerous is it?s now doing what it did well last season but better.
It also seems like whenever Ball State and Eastern Michigan meet, the game is destined to come down to the final seconds.
The last three games between the two teams have been decided by a total of seven points. Those games include an overtime game in 2010 and a game-winning field goal with 13 seconds left in 2011.
?It?s somewhat become a rivalry by how close the games were at the end,? Freeman said. ?It creates a heated battle and I think that makes for better competition. With them being in our conference it?s a tremendous first game to see where we stand in the conference.?
Getting a win against Eastern Michigan and in the Mid-American Conference would be an ideal way for Lembo and his team to start the 2012 season. It?ll also be a measuring stick on how the team and the community has grown to the ?Rise Up? motto. But Lembo expects this year?s motto to stick with everyone involved.
?They really feel good about this,? Lembo said. ?It?s both internal and external. [It?s] internal because we need guys to step and address issues we had last year. But it?s external because we?re trying to put more fans in the seats and more season-ticket holders. ?Rise Up? is also an external challenge to all the constituents to our program.?
Ball State to rotate at least four running backs in opener
Lembo says having depth in backfield is a 'good problem to have'
Up until running back Barrington Scott broke his leg against Eastern Michigan on Nov. 5, Ball State had just three players to rotate at that position.
After the injury, coach Pete Lembo was limited to then-true freshmen Jahwan Edwards and Dwayne Donigan as his running backs.
In 2012, Scott is back from the injury and two more running backs have been added to the rotation. But Lembo isn?t complaining about having five backs to choose from. In fact, he?s wishing he still had more.
?It?s a position where no matter how many you have, they?re rarely all healthy,? Lembo said. ?Whether it?s bumps, bruises, ankle turns, whatever the case may be. Typically, different guys have different strengths and weaknesses. You may have a guy that?s a better fit for one thing or another.?
Last season, both Edwards and Scott were new to being feature backs to Ball State?s offense, which caused for growing pains as the season went on. But both players were complements to each other in terms of how they run the ball and pace.
Edwards calls himself a running back that likes to pound the ball; Lembo calls Scott a mix between Edwards and transfer Toney Williams.
With the additions of Williams and Horactio Banks, Lembo knows he will have healthy competition for playing time at running back.
?Right now, it?s a good problem to have,? he said.
During the Spring Game in April, Williams showed flashes of why he spent two seasons in the SEC at Tennessee. At 6-feet, 215 pounds, he?s the tallest running back for Ball State and could be the most powerful one. Lembo said Williams is like a traditional I-formation running back who runs with power.
As for Banks, Lembo used the words ?smooth? and ?loose? to describe his running style, but was quick to note he has good speed.
But it?ll be Edwards who will run on the field for the first series on Thursday against Eastern Michigan. Edwards emerged as the starting running back mid-season in 2011. In 2012, he hasn?t changed the way he?s prepared for Thursday. He really isn?t concerned about the possibility he could lose some touches with the new faces at running back.
?It?s the same thing, just listen to the coaches and get behind my offensive line and run hard,? Edwards said. ?A lot of people want to play and we?re out here competing. If I slip up, I could lose my starting job. Just because I start this game doesn?t mean I start all season.?
Lembo said it?s likely that at least four running backs will play in the season-opener. The only back who could miss the game is Donigan, who Lembo said is ?50-50? in his possibility of playing because of a sprained ankle. He also said Scott is still not at 100 percent after the leg injury he suffered, but will likely see playing time on Thursday.
From there, it?ll come down to who?s matching up well against Eastern Michigan?s defense as to who will get the most chances to run.
Edwards admits to putting high expectations on himself for this season, but said the main goal he wants is to win football games and get to a bowl game.
If Ball State is going to reach that goal, it may come down to the running backs and how healthy they can stay throughout the 2012 season.
Lembo says having depth in backfield is a 'good problem to have'
Up until running back Barrington Scott broke his leg against Eastern Michigan on Nov. 5, Ball State had just three players to rotate at that position.
After the injury, coach Pete Lembo was limited to then-true freshmen Jahwan Edwards and Dwayne Donigan as his running backs.
In 2012, Scott is back from the injury and two more running backs have been added to the rotation. But Lembo isn?t complaining about having five backs to choose from. In fact, he?s wishing he still had more.
?It?s a position where no matter how many you have, they?re rarely all healthy,? Lembo said. ?Whether it?s bumps, bruises, ankle turns, whatever the case may be. Typically, different guys have different strengths and weaknesses. You may have a guy that?s a better fit for one thing or another.?
Last season, both Edwards and Scott were new to being feature backs to Ball State?s offense, which caused for growing pains as the season went on. But both players were complements to each other in terms of how they run the ball and pace.
Edwards calls himself a running back that likes to pound the ball; Lembo calls Scott a mix between Edwards and transfer Toney Williams.
With the additions of Williams and Horactio Banks, Lembo knows he will have healthy competition for playing time at running back.
?Right now, it?s a good problem to have,? he said.
During the Spring Game in April, Williams showed flashes of why he spent two seasons in the SEC at Tennessee. At 6-feet, 215 pounds, he?s the tallest running back for Ball State and could be the most powerful one. Lembo said Williams is like a traditional I-formation running back who runs with power.
As for Banks, Lembo used the words ?smooth? and ?loose? to describe his running style, but was quick to note he has good speed.
But it?ll be Edwards who will run on the field for the first series on Thursday against Eastern Michigan. Edwards emerged as the starting running back mid-season in 2011. In 2012, he hasn?t changed the way he?s prepared for Thursday. He really isn?t concerned about the possibility he could lose some touches with the new faces at running back.
?It?s the same thing, just listen to the coaches and get behind my offensive line and run hard,? Edwards said. ?A lot of people want to play and we?re out here competing. If I slip up, I could lose my starting job. Just because I start this game doesn?t mean I start all season.?
Lembo said it?s likely that at least four running backs will play in the season-opener. The only back who could miss the game is Donigan, who Lembo said is ?50-50? in his possibility of playing because of a sprained ankle. He also said Scott is still not at 100 percent after the leg injury he suffered, but will likely see playing time on Thursday.
From there, it?ll come down to who?s matching up well against Eastern Michigan?s defense as to who will get the most chances to run.
Edwards admits to putting high expectations on himself for this season, but said the main goal he wants is to win football games and get to a bowl game.
If Ball State is going to reach that goal, it may come down to the running backs and how healthy they can stay throughout the 2012 season.
The only thing remember last year was..... MAC CONF.....MOST GAME OVER OVER OVER.... I LIKE OVER.....MAC ARE CRAZY (OVER)56 PTS IS NO PROBLEM FOR THEM TODAY... IMO :0074
Eastern Michigan looks to cash in on chances
Alex Gillett is still haunted by Eastern Michigan's 33-31 loss to Ball State last November, which came on a last-second field goal that cost the Eagles a chance of earning their first winning season since 1995.
Gillett knows it's all about finishing drives and making sure there are no points left on the field. Gillett ran for a first-and-goal at Ball State's 1 late in the game, but the Eagles had to settle for a field goal and a 31-30 lead. Ball State came back in the final minute with a field goal of its own to pull out the win.
Now, Gillett plans to make sure history doesn't repeat itself in his final year as Eastern's starting quarterback.
"We thought we missed some opportunities late in the season to win games," Gillett said. "I think it's (Ball State loss) in the back of everyone's head. We talk about how we didn't finish that game, and if we finished that game who knows what happens. I think that's a big emphasis for us this year."
Eastern faces Ball State in the season opener Thursday in Muncie, Ind.
"Every year since Coach E (Ron English) has been here we've gotten better and we want to continue to do that this year," Gillett said. "Our goal now is to win the conference championship, and in order to get that you have to have a winning season."
After 0-12 and 2-10 seasons in English's first two years as head coach, Eastern was playing meaningful games in November last season. But instead of 6-3 record and share of the MAC West division lead with a win over Ball State, Eastern slipped to 5-4, then lost two of its final three games.
The Eagles have a lot of experience back on offense ? nine returning starters ? and Gillett will direct the nation's No. 14 rushing attack. They have running backs Javonti Greene and Dominique Sherrer back, along with the bulk of their line.
"We have a lot of guys back who have been in this offense for a while," Gillett said. "Sherrer has been here now for four years. He's really smart and is our solid back who will get first downs. Javonti Greene's more of an explosive back who can make the 80-yard run.
"I'm trying to improve every year with my passing. I have to complete more passes, but I don't mind running the ball, either."
Gillett completed 55.1 percent of his passes, throwing for 1,504 yards and 14 TDs (seven interceptions). He was also Eastern's leading rusher (736 yards) with Greene (667) right behind. Sherrer ran for 572 yards in six games, averaging 95.3 per game.
Gillett will have a lot to work with in the passing game, led by the MAC's top tight end in Garrett Hoskins.
"We have a lot of players who can do some big things, not just one go-to guy," Gillett said. "We have guys like (Hoskins), people out of the backfield like Javonti Greene, and we have a lot of receivers who can rotate and do good things.
"(Receiver) Donald Scott was a national qualifier for the triple jump, so you know he has some speed, and Dustin Daniels catches the ball well."
Said English: "I think we have more talent there (receivers) now so I just expect us to throw the ball better when we have to do it. Alex Gillett definitely has the ability to get them the ball. He just needs to trust those guys and have them where they need to be."
Alex Gillett is still haunted by Eastern Michigan's 33-31 loss to Ball State last November, which came on a last-second field goal that cost the Eagles a chance of earning their first winning season since 1995.
Gillett knows it's all about finishing drives and making sure there are no points left on the field. Gillett ran for a first-and-goal at Ball State's 1 late in the game, but the Eagles had to settle for a field goal and a 31-30 lead. Ball State came back in the final minute with a field goal of its own to pull out the win.
Now, Gillett plans to make sure history doesn't repeat itself in his final year as Eastern's starting quarterback.
"We thought we missed some opportunities late in the season to win games," Gillett said. "I think it's (Ball State loss) in the back of everyone's head. We talk about how we didn't finish that game, and if we finished that game who knows what happens. I think that's a big emphasis for us this year."
Eastern faces Ball State in the season opener Thursday in Muncie, Ind.
"Every year since Coach E (Ron English) has been here we've gotten better and we want to continue to do that this year," Gillett said. "Our goal now is to win the conference championship, and in order to get that you have to have a winning season."
After 0-12 and 2-10 seasons in English's first two years as head coach, Eastern was playing meaningful games in November last season. But instead of 6-3 record and share of the MAC West division lead with a win over Ball State, Eastern slipped to 5-4, then lost two of its final three games.
The Eagles have a lot of experience back on offense ? nine returning starters ? and Gillett will direct the nation's No. 14 rushing attack. They have running backs Javonti Greene and Dominique Sherrer back, along with the bulk of their line.
"We have a lot of guys back who have been in this offense for a while," Gillett said. "Sherrer has been here now for four years. He's really smart and is our solid back who will get first downs. Javonti Greene's more of an explosive back who can make the 80-yard run.
"I'm trying to improve every year with my passing. I have to complete more passes, but I don't mind running the ball, either."
Gillett completed 55.1 percent of his passes, throwing for 1,504 yards and 14 TDs (seven interceptions). He was also Eastern's leading rusher (736 yards) with Greene (667) right behind. Sherrer ran for 572 yards in six games, averaging 95.3 per game.
Gillett will have a lot to work with in the passing game, led by the MAC's top tight end in Garrett Hoskins.
"We have a lot of players who can do some big things, not just one go-to guy," Gillett said. "We have guys like (Hoskins), people out of the backfield like Javonti Greene, and we have a lot of receivers who can rotate and do good things.
"(Receiver) Donald Scott was a national qualifier for the triple jump, so you know he has some speed, and Dustin Daniels catches the ball well."
Said English: "I think we have more talent there (receivers) now so I just expect us to throw the ball better when we have to do it. Alex Gillett definitely has the ability to get them the ball. He just needs to trust those guys and have them where they need to be."
The Eagles improved from 2-10 to a .500 team by playing smash-mouth football. The schedule gets tougher with just one FCS opponent and games at MAC East champ Ohio, Purdue, Michigan State and Western Michigan. The Eagles have the experience to take the next step and earn their first winning season since 1995 with quarterback Alex Gillett returning to run the nation?s No. 14 running attack, along with backs Dominique Sherrer and Javonti Greene.
The Cardinals' defense will have to improve (34.7 points, 510.3 yards) if they hope to have a winning season. It will be very important for them to start the season off with a win Aug. 30 at home against Eastern Michigan.
