2019 MAC Football Week 2 Game Preview: Eastern Michigan Eagles at Kentucky Wildcats

Kenneth Bailey

In what was supposed to be the home opener for the Eagles, they instead decide to take the money and head down to Lexington to face the Kentucky Wildcats.

When Eastern Michigan faced off against the Wildcats two years ago, it was supposed to be the away game of a home and home series for the Wildcats and Eagles. Eastern Michigan opted for the guaranteed revenue of traveling to Kentucky rather than the potential revenue of hosting an SEC team at Rynearson. While I don’t like the business decision of this, I can understand why it happened.

Eastern Michigan is coming off a 30-23 win over Coastal Carolina. They are facing a team that beat the Toledo Rockets by a score of 38-24.

The Rockets were able to hang with the Wildcats for a while but then the Wildcats fired up. When Eastern Michigan faced the Wildcats two years ago, they came within four points of beating their first SEC team.

In their defeat of the Chanticleers, Mike Glass III was able to go 20 for 22 with 188 yards. He threw no interceptions. He is facing a defense that gave up 166 passing yards to the Rockets with one pick. Hopefully his luck will continue. Running back Shaq Vann was able to run for 84 yards against Coastal Carolina. He is facing a defense that gave up 181 yards to the Rockets. I’m not sure we can draw any conclusions from either teams’ first game.

The likely starter for the Wildcats will be Terry Wilson who was 19 for 26 with 246 yards. The Wildcat rushing attack will be led by Kaivosey Smoke (perfect name for a running back) and Asim Rose. Eastern Michigan was able to hold Coastal Carolina to 74 rushing yards but I suspect they will face a more potent running attack. Eastern Michigan also gave up 304 yards in the air.

I’d like to say that I smell an upset here but I don’t think that is going to happen. If Eastern Michigan can hold is close and they don’t let their defense get worn down, they might be able to fly the Jolly Roger over Lexington. But I expect them to be 1-1 after this weekend.

Kenneth Bailey