Football Preview - Eastern Michigan at San Diego State

Eastern Michigan will travel to San Diego, California where they will face the Aztecs of San Diego State for the first time. The Eagles are coming off a disappointing loss to Buffalo which puts their record at 2 and 1. The Aztecs are coming off an upset of Arizona State but also have a 2 and 1 record. This is the third time that the Eagles have played in California with their first visit being their victory against San Jose State in the California Bowl in 1987. They lost against Fresno State when they went there in 1990.

Based on his performance last week, I expect Eastern Michigan to start with Mike Glass III. He was 17 for 27 for 284 yards against Buffalo. He also rushed for 69 yards in that game. However, we can’t rule out Tyler Wiegers who is 46 for 61 for 614 yards for the season. Blake Banham is coming off two 100 plus yards receiving games. I don’t expect the Eastern Michigan running game to get any traction against San Diego State as they have only allowed 46 yards per game this season.

San Diego State is coached by Rocky Long who is in his 8th Season there and has a 66 and 30 record. It is expected that Ryan Agnew will start the game. He has been playing since the second quarter of the Sacramento State game and is 23 for 41 with 144 yards per game. The San Diego State rushing attack is led by Juwan Washington who has averaged 151 yards per game.

This game is going to come down to how well the Eastern Michigan passing attack stacks up against the San Diego State passing defense. Eastern Michigan has averaged 332 yards in the air while San Diego State has given up 284 yards per game in the air. Eastern Michigan has been porous against the run and I don’t see any reason why that will change in this game as San Diego State has a back that can average 150 yards per game.

I think if Eastern Michigan can continue their success in the air and can get at the San Diego State quarterback, they have a chance. My instincts tell me that the home team still has the advantage in this one though.

Kenneth Bailey