A look at the schools that are overlooked by the ESPNs of the world.


Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Eastern Michigan Univesity


Type of Offense: Spread.  Zone read running plays and nearly all passing plays from the shotgun formation.  There is rare to no use of a fullback.  Tight End is used primarily as a blocking back (extra OL).  Nearly all runs are made by the RB and QB save the occasional end around with the WR.

Type of Defense: 4-3.  Fast OLBs with the WLB being stronger in pass coverage and the SLB being stouter versus the run.  MLB is balanced and expected to make most of the tackles, especially versus the run game.  A lot of Cover 2 with the MLB expected to get deep (15 yards) on a pass play.  Corners on an island playing the edges with help over top.  Gap responsibilities on the run game with DL and LB filling gaps and DE normally containing on the edge.

• Run/Pass %: 64-36
• Run/Pass Attempts: 511/282
• Points Per Game: 19.0
• Points Allowed Per Game: 43.9

Key Returning Players:

• Alex Gillett, QB: Returning starting QB had over 700 yards rushing and over 1600 yards passing in 2010 for EMU. Leader of the offense must step up and throw the ball better to take the pressure off the running game in 2011.
• Martavius Cardwell, SS: Cardwell made 46 tackles out of the strong safety position in 2010 to go along with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Needs to make more plays in the passing game and get a couple INTs to take pressure off the rest of the defense in 2011.

Key Incoming Freshmen:

• Sean Cotton, DB: This 3 star DB should be either on top or near the top of the depth chart when fall comes around as the previous players in the defensive backfield struggled in 2010. Has the chance to be a 4 year starter at EMU.
• Blake Poole, LB: The JC transfer was brought in to play immediately and raise the talent level of the front seven in 2011. Should be on the field in some capacity and has the ability to be in the top 3 in tackles for the Eagles.

Overall Assessment:

• Ron English is running out of chances to prove his worth at EMU winning 2 games in 2 seasons. The defense was dreadful to say the least giving up over 40 points 7 times in 2010. Things honestly don’t seem to be looking any more positive in 2011 unless some players can really take several steps up in play and become forces on offense and especially on defense. Without being too negative, this is most likely the last chance English has to prove his worth at EMU and will probably be canned if another dreadful season along the lines of 2009 and 2010 is recorded. Best case scenario is probably 4 wins as EMU is one of the few teams in the country to schedule 2 I-AA schools in a season. The most realistic is 3 wins and English on the chopping block or close to it after the 2011 season.

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