The Eastern Michigan Eagles will be out to end their four-game losing streak when they host in-state rivals the Western Michigan Broncos on Saturday. The game is scheduled to begin on Saturday, October 21st at 2:00 p.m. EST and can be seen on ESPN3.com for your viewing pleasure. Las Vegas has set the Broncos as -3 point road favorites for this MAC Conference battle. The contest’s total sits at 49.5 which is down from 51 when it came out on Monday.
The Western Michigan Broncos are heading into this game after being upset at home 13-14 to the Akron Zips. In that contest, the Broncos dominated the line of scrimmage by holding Akron to only 214 yards of total offense. They also held the ball for eight more minutes but failed to maximize their opportunities and fell short on the scoreboard.
Eastern Michigan is looking to end a four-game losing skid after their 27-28 loss to Army. In those four games, the Eagles have lost by a combined 17 points. They must find a way to win the close ones if they hope to turn things around and make it to their second straight bowl game.
In 2016, the Western Michigan Broncos bested the Eagles 45-31. The victory made it three in a row against Eastern Michigan.
Western Michigan Broncos (4-3)
The Broncos suffered a big letdown last week in their loss to the Zips. Before that, they had won their first two conference games and seemed to be rolling. Two of their three losses have come to Power Five schools, USC and Michigan State. Now, they must regroup and face a gritty Eagles squad on the road.
Quarterback Jon Wassink has dulled some of the pain from the loss of all-time leading passer Zach Terrell. Although his numbers aren’t exactly spectacular, he has been consistent under center. This year, Wassink has completed 108 of his 169 passes for just over 1,200 yards. More importantly, he has 13 touchdown tosses and only four interceptions.
The Broncos like to use their talented backfield to wear down opposing defensive lines and control the time of possession. Experienced tailbacks Jarvion Franklin and Jamauri Bogan have done just that. Together, they have toted the rock 221 times for 1,000 yards and eight scores. Three other runners have pitched in for another 600 yards and eight trips to the end zone.
When called upon, the Western Michigan wide receivers have done pretty well in 2017. D’Wayne Eskridge and Keishawn Watson have teamed up for 52 catches, almost 700 yards and eight trips to pay-dirt. Tight end Donnie Ernsberger also helps move the chains through the air. He has reeled in 16 balls for 179 yards and three more scores. the numbers from this unit may not be flashy but they do help balance out the offense.
Defensively, the Broncos have done pretty well through their first seven games. Their stats are a little skewed due to some wild games but overall they’re doing their part. One example of this is that they are currently ranked 84th in the nation, allowing 29 points a game. That looks bad but one has to consider their seven overtimes game at Buffalo and the 49 points USC laid on them to open their season.
Eastern Michigan Eagles (2-4)
The Eagles have been mired in close contests all season long. Unfortunately, they have been coming out on the losing end of the deal most of the time. Now, they sit with a 2-4 record and every game from here out is crucial if they want to keep their bowl hopes alive.
Quarterback Brogan Roback has definitely done his part to keep his team in games. In fact, his offense is ranked 36th in the nation, throwing for 268 yards a game. In his first six contests, Roback has completed 137 balls for over 1,500 yards with nine touchdowns and seven picks. The seven interceptions have been costly, as the Eagles are always going tit for tat against their opponents.
What surprises me is the lack of production from the Eagles’ running game. Whether it is due to shotty offensive line play or because of the tailbacks is beyond me. Either way, Eastern Michigan has not produced the numbers they need to keep defenses honest. Running backs Ian Erickson and Shaq Vann have combined for only 459 yards rushing and four scores. They both need to step up their game against Western Michigan. Offenses that don’t keep them guessing pay the price and this is a must-win game at home this weekend.
Sergio Bailey is clearly the Eagles’ most productive wideout. He continues to find open spaces and makes Brogan Robacks’ life a whole lot easier. This season, Bailey has caught a team-high 37 balls for 518 yards and four touchdowns. Teammate Antoine Porter has also done well, catching another 23 passes for over 300 yards and three more scores. Three other pass-catchers have over 12 receptions and two have them have found the end zone.
Like Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan sports a stout defense. Their secondary has performed especially well, ranking 5th in the country. As of now, they are only surrendering 162 yards a match. The big concern ahead of this game is their front seven. The Broncos like to pound the rock and they have been allowing 177 yards on the ground (89th). Nevertheless, the unit stiffens in the red zone. The Eagles are only giving way to 19.8 points a game (29th).
Prediction
Line setters have the Broncos as a field goal favorite on the road for this match-up. I get it, they are more of a complete team because they can run the ball effectively. That always bodes well when you’re a favorite on the road in a conference game. Still, the Eagles are a scrappy club and I have no doubt that this contest will be tight throughout. Because of that, I’m not going to lay a pick down on a line that could be virtually a coin toss.
Instead, I’m suggesting that my readers go with what we know. We know that both defenses are solid and both offenses won’t find a lot of big-play opportunities. Also, the inability for the Eagles to move the ball via the ground will allow the Broncos secondary to sit back in pass-protection for all four quarters. Therefore, play the under 49.5 in this MAC Conference showdown and root for the defenses to continue to do what they have done through the first half of the year. #moneytreesgrow @EriktheHun
Trends
The Broncos are 17-7 ATS in their last 24 road games.
The Broncos are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
The Over is 4-1 in the Broncos last 5 games overall.
The Eagles are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games overall.
The Eagles are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 conference games.
The Under is 14-3 in the Eagles last 17 games overall.
The Underdog is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 meetings.
