Weekday #MACtion games were a success, but it's Saturday. And that means, more football!
This in-state rivalry between the Eastern Michigan Eagles and Western Michigan Broncos will be the start of the Michigan MAC championship festivities. The trophy was introduced in 2005, when Western Michigan became the first Michigan MAC champions, but Eastern Michigan has won the trophy four times, the most out of the three schools (EMU, WMU, Central Michigan Chippewas). Since the birth of this trophy, the Broncos hold the edge with a record of 5-3 with the Eagles winning the previous two. Overall, the Broncos have an overall record of 29-17-2 over Eastern Michigan. These two 1-8 teams are in the drags of the MAC West Division.
By The Numbers:
Like I just said, both of these teams hold rather unimpressive 1-8 records. Eastern Michigan started the year off with a win over FBS school Howard University and Western Michigan, coming off of a bye week, has a lone win over the UMass Minutemen in a 31-30 thriller. Having yet to win an in-conference game, the Eagles are at the bottom of the MAC West, with Western coming in second to last.
We've seen the Week 1 backup quarterbacks for each school get more playing time these last five weeks, but that hasn't made much of an impact on their offenses in comparison to the rest of the MAC. Eastern is 8th in the MAC in points per game with 19.3 while Western is 11th with 15.3 ppg. These two are relatively close in passing yards per game, too. WMU is 7th in the MAC with 208.2 passing ypg and EMU is 9th with 205.1.
Let's keep up with the neck-and-neck statistics. On defense, these two teams give up a lot of points. At the bottom of the MAC, the Eagles allow 45.6 ppg and the Broncos are 12th in the conference allowing 36.7 ppg.
Four Names To Know:
Zach Terrell: Tyler Van Tubbergen's replacement after suffering a shoulder injury last month. He helped lead this team to their first win of the year by throwing 23-for-36 for 275 yards and four touchdowns. Even if Van Tubbergen was healthy, there's no reason not to start Terrell. A redshirt freshman, Terrell has a high-ceiling potential that's worth seeing how he'll progress in these last three games on the Broncos' schedule.
Cy Maughmer: We haven't really talked about him on here so here's a quick little bio about him. He's a big defensive lineman for Eastern Michigan that wears number 93 and has a better beard than I'll ever grow. Missing the game against the Ohio Bobcats, Maughmer has racked up 25 total tackles (10 solo), including a 9-tackle performance against Howard. Recently, Maughmer was named to the 2013-14 Capital One Academic All-District team.
Corey Davis: Terrell's go-to receiver. A true freshman that dons the #84 quite nicely, is the Bronco's leading receiver and there is no close second to him. At 6'2, 205 pounds, Davis has caught 55 passes for 761 yards with five touchdowns.
Dustin Creel: Even though Tyreese Russell is having a great season at the tight end position, Creel is really starting to become a threat, and with good reason. Coming off of a career day in Toledo (6 catches, 115 yards, 1 TD), the sophomore out of Industry, Penn. is the only listed wide receiver on the team with multiple touchdowns this season (3).
How to Watch:
We've already had our fun with the ESPN networks, but have not fear, we have the technology. You can watch the game on ESPN3 and on your WatchESPN app on your really expensive yet super convenient electronic devices.
How to Listen:
If you're an Eastern fan, listen here. (89.1 WEMU)
If you're a Western fan, click here. (Z 96.1)
Required Reading:
Make sure you're caught up with our preview for this game. Don't forget to read up with all of the Week 11 fun we've had by clicking RIGHT HERE. Don't be shy, hangout with us on our open thread and feel free to write a Fanpost!
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