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The Eastern Michigan Eagles have enjoyed the comforts of home their last two games, but now they must head out on the road. EMU and the Central Michigan Chippewas will face off in a Mid-American battle at noon ET on Friday at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. These two teams come into the game bolstered by wins in their previous games.
The Eagles can thank their lucky stars for their victory over the Western Michigan Broncos last week. The final score was a hard-fought 22-21. Among those leading the charge for EMU was RB Jawon Hamilton, who picked up 181 yards on the ground on 21 carries. Hamilton's performance made up for a slower contest against the Ohio Bobcats two weeks ago.
Most of the squad's points came courtesy of special teams, which contributed 16. K Chad Ryland delivered a perfect 5-for-5 game.
Meanwhile, CMU strolled past the Ball State Cardinals with points to spare last Wednesday, taking the matchup 37-17. The team accrued 28 points in the first half and coasted on those for the win. RB Lew Nichols III went supernova for CMU as he rushed for three TDs and 219 yards on 32 carries. Nichols III put himself on the highlight reel with a 66-yard TD scramble in the second quarter.
EMU is expected to lose this next one by 8.5. However, those who like betting on the underdog should be happy to hear that they are 2-0 against the spread when expected to lose.
The wins brought the Eagles up to 7-4 and the Chippewas to 7-4. Two defensive stats to keep an eye on: EMU is stumbling into the contest with the 222nd most rushing touchdowns allowed in the nation, having given up 23 on the season. CMU has experienced some struggles of their own as they are 206th worst in the nation in passing touchdowns allowed, with 20 on the season. It's possible one of these Achilles' heels will wind up tripping the losing team up.
