Michigan vs. Eastern Michigan Football 2009
Wolverines Aim to Carry 3-0 Record into Big Ten Conference Play
Sep 14, 2009
The Wolverines are even nationally ranked now, owning the No. 25 spot in The Associated Press Top 25 this week. And they also have a new star -- freshman quarterback Tate Forcier, whose heroics led to last week's 38-34 upset of then-No 18 Notre Dame at Ann Arbor, Mich.
If Michigan keeps this up, people might forget that Rich Rodriguez went 3-9 last year in his first season as Wolverines head coach.
But none of the above will matter much if the Wolverines falter Saturday, Sept. 19, when they face Eastern Michigan in a non-conference matchup at Ann Arbor.
A win would enable Michigan to carry a 3-0 record into its Big Ten Conference opener against Indiana on Sept. 26. But the triumph over Notre Dame certainly raised expectations in Ann Arbor. So the Wolverines will be counted on by many to do more than just win.
Eastern Michigan, a member of the Mid-American Conference, is 0-2 under first-year head coach Ron English and 0-for-26 in its last 26 games vs. Big Ten schools.
But the Eagles proved they can hang with at least some Big Ten competition last week. Eastern Michigan nearly upset Northwestern before dropping a 27-24 decision on the road.
Saturday's game is scheduled for Noon EST and will be telecast by the Big Ten Network.
Forcier Sparkles vs. Notre Dame
Forcier was electric in the victory over Notre Dame, completing 23 of 33 passes for 240 yards and running 13 times for 70 yards. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound San Diego native had two touchdown passes against a single interception, and also ran for a TD.
But what made the day memorable was the game-winning 55-yard drive during which Forcier completed six of seven passes. The last was a 5-yard, go-ahead TD to Greg Mathews with 11 seconds left.
For good measure, Forcier also showed off his foot, booting a 50-yard pooch punt that was downed on the Notre Dame 4-yard line.
On the season, Forcier is 36-of-53 passing for 419 yards and five touchdowns, with just the lone interception. His passing efficiency rating is 161.7, and he's rushed 24 times for a team-high 107 yards.
Two of Michigan's three leading rushers at this point are quarterbacks. Freshman Denard Robinson, who's also seen QB duty in Michigan's spread-option offense, has run 15 times for 95 yards with a touchdown.
Minor Returns to Lift Wolverines
Second on the team in rushing is running back Brandon Minor, who returned last weekend after missing Michigan's season-opening 31-7 victory over Western Michigan because of an ankle injury. The senior ran 16 times for 106 yards and a TD.
What's crucial is that the Wolverines offense has established balance. Michigan is averaging 434.5 yards per game -- 216 on the ground and 218.5 through the air.
The balancing act has been aided by the likes of receivers like Matthews (7 receptions, 86 yards, 1 TD), Kevin Koger (7 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD) and home-run threat Junior Hemingway (5 receptions, 103 yards, 2 TDs).
And there have been big special teams plays, too -- like Darryl Stonum 94-yard kickoff return for a TD vs. Notre Dame.
Michigan's defense is surrendering 395 yards per game -- an average inflated by the Wolverines' shootout with the explosive Fighting Irish. The Wolverines are giving up just 96 rushing yards per game.
Linebacker Obi Ezeh leads Michigan with 15 tackles, cornerback Donovan Warren has 13 tackles and four pass breakups, and linebacker Stevie Brown and safety Troy Woolfolk have 12 tackles apiece.
Eagles Fell Just Short Vs. Northwestern
Eastern Michigan fell behind Northwestern 21-0 last week, but rallied to force a 24-24 tie. The Wildcats needed a 49-yard field goal with six seconds remaining to break the tie.
The Eagles lost to Army 27-14 in their opener.
A bright spot for Eastern Michigan in the Northwestern game was Dwayne Priest, who ran 17 times for 127 yards and a touchdown. Priest also had two catches for 28 yards.
Over two games, Priest has 210 yards, two touchdowns and a 5.8 yards per carry average.
Quarterback Andy Schmitt has passed for 331 yards and two TDs. Jacory Stone is the leading receiver with 15 catches for 158 yards and a touchdown.
But turnovers have been a problem. The Eagles have six on the season, including four interceptions. And Eastern has managed 271.5 yards per game while giving up 325.5 -- including 242.5 on the ground.
Andre Hatchett leads the Eagles defense with 19 tackles. Marcus English has 17 and Brandon Downs has 16, including both of his team's sacks.
Eastern Michigan-Michigan Series History
Eastern Michigan and Michigan have played just eight times, with the latter going 8-0. But the last game, a 33-22 Wolverines' victory in 2007, was the second closest of the series.
The first matchup was in 1896, when the Wolverines defeated the Eagles 18-0. The first five games ended in shutout wins for Michigan, and the teams stopped playing in 1931.
After a 67-year break, the teams played again in 1998, with the Wolverines winning 59-20. Michigan then prevailed 55-0 in 2005. The Eagles have come within 10 points of their more celebrated neighbors just once -- a 7-0 loss in 1930.
