Eastern Michigan University dynasty

[Abe Sargent]

I have decided, for simplicity's sake, to divide up the old dynasty into it's two parts. This dynasty will refer to the "First FOF4 Dynasty" in various ways, and they can be considered two halves of the same whole.

A link will be provided shortly.

As soon as I get back in an FOF mood, expect these to continue at a rampant pace.

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Well, to be honest, I really wanted the distinction of having the first posted FOF4 dynasty.

In my last dynasty I did a cross dynasty between TCY and FOF2k1. I want to continue that tradition. It should be interesting to see how TCY players morph to FOF4, and I want to be at the forefront of that research.

However, there are two major obstacles standing in my way. Firstly, I know that as soon as FOF4 arrives I will want to play it non-stop for a long time - and who wants to take timeouts with TCY along the way? Secondly, the impending release has really gotten me in an FOF state of mind, and I can stave off the terrible desires by playing a little TCY. This will also be my first chance to start a franchise off with the TCY patch.

So then, I get to choose my teams.

In my last TCY career I started as WVU because there was limited movement in the coaching ranks. This time, I want a bit harder of a challenge. Really, it's no contest. I want a hard tema that i can identify with:

Eastern Michigan University

Think about it for a bit. Here is a team that is way back in the back of the MAC standings. It will never be able to bust out of the MAC, and as such, will always be held back. Additionally, EMU is in an awful place to recruit.

Michigan is literally beside EMU and MSU is just a short drive up the interstate - that's two powerhouse schools next door. And nefore you think that leaves space for the smaller EMU to pick up grads, remember that Toledo is just south of EMU, and Central Michigan, Western Michigan, Bowling Green, Kent State and Akron are all under 150 miles away. As is Notre Dame, by the way. Notre Dame is about 2 hours away. And Ohio State is about 2 and a half hours away.

Not an easy recruiting area.

Really, the only population that EMU might be said to have an in for is the Detroit Metro area, but because of the close proximity of big schools, that will probably only give a mild push to lower ranked atheletes.

So, Eastern Michigan it is!

Here are my house rulez:

1). Place the SOL8 in Hawaii and never look at them again. Base them off the Ivy League as well.

2). Suspensions, firing, and the bowl system are turned on.

3). Reputations are not randomized - what fun would that be?

4). All-Star difficulty

5). Sim games only - never call them

6). 3.0 GPA is really good. I will take bottom feeding players when it comes to GPA. I will also take really high GPA athletes as well, but EMU cannot be above picking up the dumb hosses. If I change schools later then this may change.


I will coach EMU as myself - Abe Sargent.

As a reminder - this is not a quick sim designed to merely create some draft files. It will be a real franchise complete with all of the pudding.


When I get FOF4 and start there - only then will I figure out who I will play in the NFL, although I am leaning towards a team already.

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

For those who are wondering, my philosphy on recruiting is basically - "If you can bring 'em, then bring 'em." I am not going to deny my institution out of some sense of misplaced pride simply because I don't think that some guy would come to my program.

I want to build a winner here, my tent is very big for players.

Looks like I going to need it to because my best player is a punter who is a senior. And he is not that good.

EMU does have the occasional big player leave the school, like LJ Shelton or Charlie Batch, therefore I don't think it is too much of a stretch to recruit good players to come and play.

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

PRESS RELEASE – EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY


Today, Dr. David Diles, Athletic Director for Eastern Michigan University announced the termination of Football Head Coach Jeff Woodruff after a 3-8 season last year. In his place, Dr. Diles announced that he has already selected a replacement for Coach Woodruff. In a surprising move, Dr. Diles has hired Abe Sargent to be the head coach of the Eagles.

Abe Sargent currently works at Eastern Michigan University in their Housing department as the Area Complex Director of the Towers and Village complexes. Abe has worked at Eastern Housing for over a year and supervises around 1100 students, a staff of 80, and budgets of around 3.5 million dollars annually. He has worked closely with various players on the football team who have lived in his complex, including the star running back, second wide receiver, starting offensive guard, and other players.

With Eastern Michigan University being challenged by the new NCAA rules regarding eligibility, Abe was brought in to keep EMU in Division 1-A. “He’ll be around for a long while,” Dr. Diles said at a press conference.


PRESS CONFERENCE TRANSCRIPT:

David Diles: It is with great regret that I announce the termination of Jeff Woodruff as head coach of the Eastern Eagles. He was brought in to turn this program around. However, this year the rules are different, including new NCAA eligibility rules for Division 1-A. It is our highest priority to remain competitive and in Division 1-A. As such, we have decided to bring in a new face in Abe Sargent, who you will meet shortly. You have copies of the press release, I assume, so let’s open it up for questions.

Steve Sharkly, Ann Arbor News: Dr. Diles, what can you tell us about Abe Sargent’s football experience. It was not mentioned in the press release and I couldn’t find anything.

Diles: Simple. He has none. He is an effective administrator, and we believe that he will be able to lead us in the right way.

Steve: Wait, so what qualifies him to run a football program?

Diles: Well, let’s be frank here. In its entire history, Eastern has gone to exactly TWO bowl games. That’s it. It’s not like we have had a huge success with established football coaches here. In fact, we have done pretty awful in that category. Now, our priority has changed from winning to surviving. An administrator is more likely to succeed.

Ryan Foster, Eastern Echo: Dr. Diles, do you mean to tell us that you have abandoned the football program?

Diles: Of course not. Abe has effectively administered the new residence halls here at EMU, the Village, with a strong hand. He has disciplined and even kicked some of our football players out of his dorms. He is the disciplinarian that we need at this time. Plus, he’s a sharp guy. I have no doubt that he’ll pick up the football side of things quickly. Some of the best Supreme Court Justices of all time were never lawyers. Abe has all fo the makings of a great coach, he just needs more development time.

Brian Stevenson, Detroit Free Press: Does this have anything to do with the cutbacks the state has been administrating to public institutions around the state? What will Abe’s new salary be?

Diles: Of course not! I’m offended by the very idea.

Brian: And what will Abe’s salary be this year?

Diles: Due to his lack of experience, it will be less than previous football coaches, but that has nothing to do with the matter.

Brian: But what is the actual figure, and…

Diles: I am not taking any more questions on this matter. Other questions?

Heath McNamara, Detroit News: What exactly is the plan for keeping Division 1-A status?

Diles: I do not have an outline at this time. Anyways, let me bring out the next Head Coach of the Eastern Michigan Foot Ball Team – Abe Sargent!

Abe: Thanks Dr. Diles. Members of the press, I was asked to prepare a statement. This has all been really fast for me. I was approached by my boss, Assistant Director of Housing Marcus Jackson. Marcus used to work over at the Rec/IM building and was an Assistant Director for Athletics. He mentioned to me that they were looking for a quick, internal hire to take over the Head Coach job. After detailing what they were looking for, and telling me that he was recommending me for the job, I decides to call up Dr. Diles and talk with him at length over the position. We discussed where he wanted EMU to be going, and what I wanted to do with the program. We were perfectly in alignment. After a brief interview process, here I am! I think it’s amazing when you think that eight days ago I was a simple administrator, and now I am a head coach of a Division 1-A school! I intend for it to stay that way.

Steve: What are your credentials?

Abe: Well, I have my Bachelors in Political Science with minors in Philosophy and History from West Virginia University. I graduated Cum Laude and as an Honors Scholar. I have my Masters in Public Administration from WVU as well. I took the ACD job here at EMU straight out of grad school, and now I’m here. Oh yeah, I’ve also worked two sessions with the West Virginia State Legislature, spent some time with TV8 WCHS in Charleston, WV, and so forth. I think that I have the ancillary stuff down pat, and now I just need to work on my football knowledge.

Heath: What are your plans for this football team?

Abe: I have yet to go over the rosters, but I suspect that we’ll try our damnedest to win some football games. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a team to meet.

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Well, my first assignment is to go over the roster and see what we have. It’s going to be ugly, so take your pills:

EMU Starters for 2002:

The parentheses indicates how many years the player has left after this year.


QB Mitchell Swinford (1) – Best of the bad QBs, this guy would stink up a bench so badly he’d get cut from it, but on this team, he’s my starter.

RB Antonio Madison – A poor RB, but actually one of the better players on my team comparatively.
FB Kris McNeil – One of my best players, our FB will definitely start. He may get a lot of carries too.

TE Darryl Brock – Our best hope at the TE position is really a problem. Look for him to miss blocks and be absolutely anemic in the passing game.
WR Ian Koontz – Our most developed WR has an average of 25 or so points in the receiving skills.
WR Sean Horton (3) – True freshman who will get the start because everybody else is that bad. His potential average is probably in the 40’s

C Roger Kelly (2) – The only thing worse than a C with an average 12 in blocking stats is that he is the best one on my roster. And that he’ll be around to suck for two more years.
G Rod Snyder (3) – Walkon guard Snyder has the best potential of the lot, which is to say, practically none.
G Kevin Middleton (3) – True freshman Middleton is the most developed of the lot, with a mighty 27/14/9 in his stats. Fear him.
T Jay Downs (2) – Ladies and gentlemen, may I direct your attention to (*Gasp*) a GOOD player. Jay will be around for a while and his consistent stats in the 50’s make me believe that he will be our shining rock for a while.
T Freddie Romig (1) – A developing talent who is the best lineman at any position not named Downs.

P Mike Winslett – A well developed punter. Good. We’ll need one.
K Kim Coles (1) – Our Kicker is not even developed, despite his experience. Sad.

DE Lionel Carper (3) – Bad, and won’t get much better.
DE Gene Gomez (2) – Better potential than Carper. Barely.
DT Corwin Hawkins (1) – Bad DT, with a 1 run defense, 8 endurance, but 22 pass rush, which distinguishes him from the rest.

ILB Leland Maloney – News Flash – EMU has another good player. Compared to these guys, he’s a hall of famer, on most teams he’d ride the pine.
ILB Gilbert Blanchette – Barely beat out the competition – really good depth at ILB.
OLB Bulldozer Samuel (3) – How could I not play a guy named Bulldozer? He has the best potential of the group, with the lowest current rankings (all 0’s). But, it’s not like we are going to win this year or anything.
OLB Ralph Porter (3) – The bad players I am forced to play continually amaze me.

CB Bert Unverzagt (2) – Our best corner is a bad backup for most teams.
CB Herb Parrish (3) – I have warts that could play better defense than Herb.
S Grady Jamison – Another decent player – will wonders never cease!
S Kris Stansell (1) – Just to tweak my britches, EMU manages another marginally good player.


I was interested in going with a 4-3 defense this time (I played WVU in a 3-4 last dynasty). But I need to play my best players, and this roster is obviously set up for the 3-4, so we’ll play with that. I may eventually morph into 4-3.

We have no real players on offense, except for that fullback. I decide to go with the offense that I eventually want: Singleback. I really love Singleback, and even though I used it in the WVU campaign, I’m a huge fan of it. I like having a good TE, good RB, and no FB. What other formation offers that?

I convert FB Kris McNeil to RB and he is better than Antonio, so Kris will be my starter for this year at the RB position. He is actually a manageable player, with great breakaway speed and third down catching – something you really wouldn’t expect from a fullback.

That means I need another WR, though, which is a dangerous proposition. WR Kelly Rivera, a true Junior, is probably our next option, and he is truly stink-o-rific. Still, we will do how we are taken. We need recruits badly, let’s see what happens.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

EMU Staff:

Syndicate Coordinator Tyrell Lavender
57 yrs
Good, Fair, Terrible

Defensive Coordinator Brian Anderson
63 yrs
Very Good, Decent, Terrible, Pretty Good
Decent, Decent, Excellent

Offensive Coordinator Neal Finister
53 yrs, 5 yrs experience with Single back
Decent, Decent, Excellent, Excellent
Decent, Decent, Decent, Poor, Terrific

Head Scout, Great Lakes, Bill Barlow
38 yrs
Pretty Good, Fair, Good, Terrible, Terrible, Excellent, Good, Very Good

Off Coord Neal Finister does have five years experience with the offense that I want to run. That’s really good. It is the only thing that may keep him on my staff, however, as he is just decent (literally). My Head Scout is poor at a lot of areas, and I intend on jettisoning him. There may be a better Syndicate Coordinator out there as well. My Defensive Coordinator is pretty good, and he may end up sticking around for a while.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Eastern Michigan University Eagles Football Schedule:

Week 2 – at Michigan State
Week 3 – TOLEDO
Week 4 – CORNELL
Week 5 – at Maryland
Week 6 – at Columbia
Week 7 – AKRON
Week 8 – at Ohio
Week 9 – at Ball State
Week 11 – CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Week 12 – at Western Michigan
Week 13 – NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Week 14 – at Bowling Green


I’m not sure if that is a good schedule or not, but I love how we have to play eight weeks in a row. That’s good scheduling on somebody’s part.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

This is about the time of year when I look at what players and positions are leaving, where my starters are, and so forth, in an attempt to formulate a recruiting strategy. But, with the Eagles – ye gads! Every position is a need, so I go into recruiting just looking for ball players.


Oh yeah, forgot to mention one of my TCY rules:

7). No bribing. Ever.

So, with that in mind, let’s hit the recruiting trail!


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

“New NCAA Standards Effect Eastern Michigan University”

Steve Sharky, Ann Arbor News

New Div 1-A rules recently passed by the NCAA up the ante on requirements for teams to play in the division. Unfortunately, for Eagles fans, the new regulations will exclude Eastern Michigan University from Div 1-A status, assuming that things continue.

The problem is that losing Div 1-A status is akin to an athlete losing a scholarship. Schools with Div 1-AA status or lower usually lose money on their football program. Institutions that are used to using football to fund their other athletic teams will have to find some other means of funding them. All of which could lead some schools to cut football altogether.

Realizing the need to remain in Division 1-A, Eastern’s Athletic Director Dr. David Diles recently fired his head coach and hired somebody without any football experience, in the hopes that the new head coach, Abe Sargent, can keep EMU on the gravy train. It is just the most recent, and most visible, sign of changes coming to Division 1-A football.

The new rules for Div 1-A status are:

-Finance at least 56.5 scholarships annually.

-Sponsor 16 varsity sports, including eight for women and at least six for men

-Finance at least 200 scholarships throughout the athletic program

-Average 15,000 or higher per home game in attendance.

Eastern actually meets the first three categories. It is that fourth one which can cause a lot of trouble. These standards take effect August 1, 2004. That gives a school like Eastern a couple of years to catch up. And that is exactly what Abe intends to do, “We already have plans in place to increase alumni support and energize students.”

Eastern can only hope that it won’t be too late.

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Excerpts from “Abe Sargent’s Journal: The Early Years”
Copyright 2032


Week 1 – No Game


I hit the recruiting trail and try to find those players who want to come to EMU. Here are some facts:

We are ranked 108th in academics.

No player idolizes my school.

Our prestige is 66.

Anyway, I visit a bunch of guys around Michigan, and they pretty much all agree. They are amazed that I would have the audacity to visit them. This is going to be much more difficult than even I imagined.


Week 2 – Michigan State

How are we going to even stay in the game versus the Spartans? They are favored by 12, but I have a feeling that they will blow us out by at least 20.

I go back and try to find some recruits. There has to be a diamond in this haystack somewhere.

I found a nice QB prospect that I like and that might come to EMU.

And MSU does crush us – 38 to nothing. Shutout and ouch. Our only highlights are a couple of picks and sacks by our defense. That’s it. Wowzers.


Week 3 – Toledo

The Mac comes early as Toledo marches into Ypsilanti. Toledo may only be favored by one; again, I think they will crush us.

I am still having difficulty finding recruits. That will probably be the story of the year.

OLB Bulldozer wanted a scholarship, and I decided to oblige.

Toledo did, in fact, crush us – 31-19. At least we scored. QB Swinford went 18 of 40 for 203 yards, 2 TDs, and 2 Ints. Probably the best performance we’ll see all year….

Our defense got another pair of interceptions. Go team…

Week 4 – Cornell

Is this a game that we can win? We are favored by, gasp, a TD!

I find a nice WR who might come to Eastern.

We lose 21-17. *Sigh*

QB Swinford was injured but still played the entire game. He’ll be out for a few weeks with a sprained knee. He tossed up three picks, so it’s not like he was doing all that well anyway.

Chalk up another Int for my defense.

What will come next?

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

“Week 5 brings more trouble for Eastern Michigan

Ryan Foster
Eastern Echo

After starting the season 0-3, you might think that the Eagles have gone through the worst of their season. Maybe it hasn’t even begun.

Head Coach Abe Sargent today held his weekly press conference. Talking about the upcoming Maryland game, he said:

“I’m not sure what will come next. Maryland will probably spank us and send us home without our dinner. But after that, who knows? In the entire Western half of the MAC, there have only been four wins between all of the teams.”

And he is right. Central Michigan is 2-0, Toledo is 1-2 and Bowling Green is 1-1. Every other West team has yet to win a game. So, if Eastern were to win this week at Maryland, they would be in the bowl hunt as much as any other West team.

Even at 1-3.

Maryland is favored by 26 points. What will happen?

Guess you’ll have to tune in and find out.”


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

“Troubles in the Roost

Ryan Foster
Eastern Echo

After suffering a 51-7 loss at the hands of the Terrapins yesterday, Head Coach Abe Sargent was quoted as saying, “I’m not sure we can even beat the JV squad from the Boone County Vocational Center.”

Eastern fans may not know that Abe grew up in Boone County, West Virginia. Reporters know it, because he refers to it incessantly during interviews and press conferences. His theory is that the Eastern football team doesn’t play tough – not like the Boon County Vo Tech center where the players apparently maim each other playing hard corps football.

Maybe the players will know what hard corps football is after a stinging loss to Maryland.

Several players were knocked out of the game, including the starting tight end and a receiver. The Eagles only score came when QB Mitch Schwartz broke a 60 yard run during the fourth quarter.

Against Maryland’s “C” team.

QB Engle started the game, but was benched because of poor play in favor of Schwartz. Between them they passed for an anemic 69 yards.

Maryland RB Gifford Salvatori rushed for three scores on 109 yards as the passing game and backups added three more touchdowns as well. Three field goals allowed Maryland to break the half-century mark.

Meanwhile, Head Coach Abe Sargent looked like he aged a half century.”


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Excerpts from “Abe Sargent’s Journal: The Early Years”
Copyright 2032


Week 6 – Columbia

We travel to Columbia to try and rejuvenate our season with a victory over their 0-4 Ivy League selves. It’s all about the Un-Un-beaten teams. Or, rather, the Beaten teams.

How long will the madness last?

In the continuing struggle to find players to come to Eastern, I have stumbled across a great DE in New York that no one else is chasing. I went after him, and I hope that he’ll consider us.

I’m sure Columbia will remember us. We gave them their first win of the season.

We lost. 40-17.

We were winning 14-10 at the half, then our defense fell apart.

I blame our defense for this loss, not backup QB Engle, who went 17 of 30 for 251 yards, 1 TD and 1 Int. He didn’t lose the game for us. Our defense did, with its 0 turnovers and 0 sacks.

This team couldn’t find a win with a compass and a flashlight.


Week 7 – Akron

Akron is 0-5, we’re 0-5. What more is there to say, really? I mean, if we emerge with, say, a 1-11, 2-10, 0-12 season after THIS schedule, we really would be the lowest of the low.

Plus the game is in our backyard.

Akron 51
Eastern 36

The sighs continue.

QB Engle – 23 of 45 for 339 yards, 4 TDs, 1 Int, and a 2-pt conversion. He is getting better each week.

We scored our highest total this season. And we are 0-6.


Week 8 – Ohio

Do I start QB Swinford or stay with the hot hand of Engle? Swinford is now probable. I elect to go with Engle for this week, with Swinford as the primary backup.

Ohio is 1-6. And yet they are favored by 18. Damn.

We are busy hosting all of the players coming to EMU for a visit. Not a great mix of players, but I’ll take what huddled masses can get. EMU is the Statue of Liberty of the MAC.

Visiting are a QB, TE, 3x WR, 2x C, G, DE, DT, CB, 2x S

Will miracles never cease?

Eastern Michigan 30
Ohio 6

In Ohio!

Engle went 26 of 38 for 255 yards and a TD. Look at that, the kid is getting more efficient at running this offense.

RB McNeil had his first 100 yard game with 16 carries for 121 yards and a TD.

MVP of the Game: RB Kris McNeil!

Makes it all seem worthwhile, doesn’t it?

Engle starts next week.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

“Our guest this week on ‘Michigan Sports!’ is Head Coach of Eastern Michigan University’s football team, Abe Sargent. The Eagles had their first win of the week this week in Ohio, and they’ve been getting better with time – don’t let that 1-6 record fool you. This is a team which could turn it on down the stretch! And now, Abe Sargent!”

“Thanks Chuck, it’s great to be on your show, even for just a few minutes. Maybe you will want to bring me back sometime as the featured guest.”

“Maybe, Abe. You get the Eagles flying, and just maybe. Anyways, I wanted to talk to you a little about the Eagles, and you being a head coach. I understand that you have no football experience, is that right?”

“Right Chuck. Never played the game outside of a few informal games in a park on top of a landfill back in Wes Virginia.”

“And yet, you got your first win this week. What’s it been like?”

“In some ways, it’s been like a dream. Every football fan dreams of being able to make the calls. Now, as you probably know, my limited football knowledge leads me to not actually call the plays, so it’s just a figure of speech. But, so far, it’s been great. It’d be a lot better if we’d win more, of course.”

“Of course. Tell me what you have been doing so far as head coach.”

“Well, you probably know that I was brought in to meet the new NCAA standards for Div 1-A teams to keep their status.”

“Right.”

“And EMU needed 15,000 butts in the seats on the home games, we were averaging less than 11,000. So, I instituted a few programs with students, alumni, and the community. We also have a Faculty Partners program where faculty get in free, just like students. This has all helped increase our attendance, and this year, we are averaging around 16,000.”

“That’s great. I understand that you are going to start bringing in promotions?”

“Absolutely, that’s the next step. You get more people to attend a homecoming game by having activities and getting spirits up. I want to simulate that atmosphere every home game through various promotions and activities. This upcoming home game versus Central Michigan in a few weeks will be our first try. It will be Carnival Day at EMU. All children under 12 get in free, and parents who bring them get in half price. We’ll have clowns, a dunking booth with several players in it. I may even make an appearance at the dunking booth.”

“Sounds wonderful.”

“It should be. We have a hot air balloon coming in with free trips up in it, looking at the game the entire time it is being played. There will also be a climbing wall set up. You get the idea.”

“Well, I hope it all works out for you.”

“I’m sure it will”

“Thanks for coming on the show, and I’ll take you up on that offer of appearing later on, if you can get the Eagles to soar.”

“Thanks for letting me come on.”

“Alright, folks, coming up next is…”


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Excerpts from “Abe Sargent’s Journal: The Early Years”
Copyright 2032

Week 9 – Ball State

We had a center and tight end verbally commit to EMU last week. We have even more people coming in this week. Hopefully we can convince a few more recruits to play.

QB Engle will start this week, with Swinford riding the pine.

Ball State is 0-6. Will these Un-Undefeated teams never cease? And they are favored by one. How funny is that?

In hindsight, maybe that was a fair move.

Ball State: 31
EMU: 3

That’s an ass-handing defeat.

Engle tossed a couple of picks as we were unable to mount any sort of offense.

Our top two DTs were knocked out, so some random player will start there.


Week 10 – Bye Week

Last week we pulled in a RB. And we lost 10 candidates who, I am sure, were just knocked down by our sterling performance at Ball State. We need a bye week to lick some wounds.

Concentrating on recruits, we pull in a DT and a ILB. We are running out of time for our offensive recruits, though.


Week 11 – Central Michigan

CMU is on a five game losing skid at 2-5. Yet they are favored by 10 in our stadium. It’s Carnival Day here in Ypsilanti, and I expect to have screaming fans turn the tables on CMU and deliver a win for the Eagles.

Central 37
Eastern 24

Ah well, the fans got a real show – as opposed to a blowout.

We scored two TDs in the last three minutes of the game.

Engle passed a couple of Ints, and Swinford, in relief, tossed a TD. I smell another controversy brewing. Not much of one though, because our team sucks badly and most people don’t care.

Backup OLB Darryl Nixon returned a interception 44 yards for a TD.

We bring in a G, OLB, CB, and S

Week 12 – Western Michigan

We’ve lost a couple of recruits to WMU, and I’d like to stick it to them. Western is 4-4, so this may not be the best game ever, and they are favored by 18.

Worst spanking yet. 59-6. That’s painful. I winced after that game.

We brought in a QB – let’s hope he’s halfway decent.

My coach kicked a field goal with 3 secs left on the clock. I like his initiative. What I don’t like are the three picks Engle lobbed. Swinford is back in the saddle next week.

I release a TE who is causing me academic headaches. Staraight D-‘s and E’s is not good times.

Will this season ever end?


Week 13 – Northern Illinois

Hosting a 4-6 team would normally be a cause for celebration. Oh yeah, I forgot, were frickin’ 1-infinity.

How terribly droll.

I contact some receivers and see if they want to play at EMU. All of our potential recruits have committed by now, and we still need WRs.

37-7 and Northern Illinois is only one game away from a .500 season. We are 1-10 and one game away from oblivion.

Swinford joined his brethren with 3 picks and 8 sacks. No scores. And K Coles couldn’t even score, going 0-3 on the day for FG attempts.

Could we suck more?

I decide to try out QB Mitch Schwartz in the final game, just to see what happens. I’ll laugh if he comes out passing like Montana on LSD.


Week 14 – Bowling Green

We travel to Bowling Green to take on the…ah…who cares? They are a good team and we are not. They are 7-3. We are not.

And this season ends as it began. With another loss.

37-24. Respectable at least.

QB Schwartz threw 4 Ints, and 2 TDs to match them.

WR Horton went 6 catches for 155 yards. That’s good stuff. He had 53 YAC too, so it wasn’t all catching. And ILB Maloney returned a pick for a TD. Good stuff all around.

And no recruits came this week.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

MAC Report (On their Website)

West Division

The west was won this year, not by Toledo, but by Bowling Green. Their 8-4 record was good enough to secure them a spot in the MAC Championship. Good luck goes out to Bowling Green.

East Division

It’s no surprise when Marshall wins the east. Even less when they go 11-1. Marshall’s only loss this year was to Kansas State.


MAC Championship Game

In a battle of champions, Marshall proved they had too much for Bowling Green. Marshall won with a 59-0 victory, and never let up in cruising over West Champ Bowling Green.

Due to their victory, Marshall secured a spot in the Motor City Bowl versus Arizona. Bowling Green will be traveling to the Tangerine Bowl to battle Wisconsin. Miami of Ohio, with a 9-3 record, was the first at large selection this year, chosen by the Queen City Bowl because the Big East did not have enough eligible teams. Miami of Ohio plays Georgia.

MAC Champ on Top!!!

Marshall defeated Arizona in the Motor City with a 24-10 victory. Marshall finished the season with only one loss as they continue to rack up victories.


MAC At Large Bid Loses

Miami of Ohio was outclassed in their loss to #24 Georgia in the Queen City Bowl. Their 35-10 loss will prevent the MAC from possibly being undefeated in bowls this year.


MAC West Champion Loses

Bowling Green was simply outclassed and outgunned in their 52-7 loss to Wisconsin in the Tangerine Bowl. Their loss puts the MAC at 1-2 for the year in Bowl Games.


Marshall finishes Eleven in the Standings

MAC Champion Marshall finishes the season at #11 in the standing and 8th in the final poll. Marshall only had one loss for the season and won the Motor City Bowl versus Arizona.


From a forum posting at MAC website:

The Fiesta Bowl, pitting #1 Miami versus #4 Auburn, played today. Miami won 35-30. It was a good game.

-Steveins

Excerpts from “Abe Sargent’s Journal: The Early Years”
Copyright 2032

I chose to be loyal to Marshall and voted for QB Jeff Reese from Marshall for the Heisman. Daryl McIntyre, QB for Texas A&M won though. Jeff came in 5th in the voting.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

New Recruits:

QB Darrin Wall, Marquette, MI, 55++, 2.62, 611th Nationally
RB Cornelius Dyson, Cold Spring, MN, 61+, 3.22, 750th Nationally
TE Melvin Sanford, Pittsburgh, PA, 56+, 3.57
WR Casey Kovel, Galena Park, TX, 53-, 3.95
WR Rico Sarfaty, Burton, TX, 44-, 2.97
C Marlon Hutton, Burlington, MA, 65+, 3.32, 657th Nationally
G Terry Padilla, Janesville, MN, 67+, 3.27, 766th Nationally
DT Marshall Madison, Millersburg, PA, 61+, 3.13, 967th Nationally
OLB Roy Portillo, Lake Forest, IL, 67-, 3.41
CB Jared Harvey, Allentown, NJ, 59+, 2.83
S Wendell Hale, Monroe, MI, 48+, 3.97


Some stats for the year:

No QB did a good job at the helm

RB Kris McNeil, 105 rushes for 540 yards and 4 TDs, 36 grabs for 247 yards
WR Kelly Rivera, 36 snags for 491 yards and 2 TDs
WR Sean Horton, 35 catches for 580 yards and 4 TDs

ILB Gilbert Blanchette, 109 Tacks, 34 Assts, 1 Sacks, 12 TFL, 3 Ints, 3 FF
S Kris Stansell, 82 Tacks, 26 Assts, 8 TFL, 1 Int, 1 PasDef, 1 FF, 2 FumRec
S Grady Jamison, 80 Tacks, 42 Assts., 7 TFL, 6 Ints, 5 PasDef, 3 FF, 1 FumRec
DE Gene Gomez, 13 Tacks, 4 Assts, 6.5 Sacks, 7 TFL

T Jay Downs, 20 KRB out of 61 KRO, 6 SkA


Awards:

S Grady Jamison on national All-Academic Team.
WR Sean Horton - Top Offensive Freshman, MAC
ILB Gilbert Blanchette – 1st Team, MAC
S Grady Jamison – 2nd Team, MAC

Four players named to MAC All Academic Team.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

We finished the season ranked #122.

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Off-Season and Performance:

Average Attendance for the year at home games: Approx. 16,000

Alumni Donations: 1
Team Performance: 7
TV Revenue: 15
Academic Performance: 43
Recruiting: 100

Someone wanna tell me how my sad sorry recruiting class ranked 100?


S Roosevelt Dock failed a class and DT Corwin Hawkins was suspended for drug use.

My Defensive Coordinator was hired away.

Meet my new Defensive Coordinator:

Randy Shaw
32 Yrs
Decent, Excellent, Decent, Fair
Fair, Decent, Very Good


I fired my Syndicate Coordinator Tyrell Lavender and hired a new coordinator:

Dennis Denner
42 Yrs
Decent, Poor, Decent


I decide to keep Offensive Coordinator Neal Finister on staff due to his experience with the Singleback formation.

I hire a new SW Scout, MW Scout, DS Scout, and SE Scout.

I have a new Head Scout (Great Lakes):

Billy Joe Goodwin
63 Yrs
Fair, Terrific, Poor, Excellent, Lousy, Fair, Pretty Good, Decent


My philosophy behind scouts in other regions is to hire those with the most non-kicker categories rated red or yellow. But, for my head scout, I need to most non-kicker categories rated average or better. Hence Billy Joe.

When I go to schedule I find that Weeks 5-13 are booked. That’s a nasty series of games. I have Yale and Miami of Ohio in my schedule already. I need other schools, preferably bad ones.

I try to bring in Louisiana-Lafayette, but they refuse. Stanford makes me an offer to play there. I counter by offering a game at my place, but they refuse. Kansas also makes me an offer for an away game. My counter offer is again refused. Cornell rejects my overtures and Kansas offers an away game again. I again counter with a home game – they refuse. Southern Methodist wants me to go play at them. I’m not sure I can even find Southern Methodist on a map, but I tell them that if they want to come to Ypsilanti, they can have a game. They reject my offer. I offer a game o Princeton at EMU, they refuse. Kansas offers me yet another away game. I decide to try an Away this year, home next year offer. They reject me. North Texas comes ringing. I offer them a home game, and they accept. Louisiana-Monroe also rejects my offer, so the game automatically assigns me an away game at Washington State. I bet they’re pleased…

Schedule:

Week 1 – NORTH TEXAS
Week 2 – at Washington State
Week 3 – Bye
Week 4 – Bye
Week 5 – AKRON
Week 6 – at Yale
Week 7 – BALL STATE
Week 8 – MIAMI OF OHIO
Week 9 – at Northern Illinois
Week 10 – at Bowling Green
Week 11 – at Western Michigan
Week 12 – CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Week 13 – at Toledo


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Let’s take a look at those freshman I just brung in, eh?

QB Darrin Wall – My best QB, needs devo time but may end up playing in order for him to learn on the job

RB Cornelius Dyson – My best RB who also needs some devo, but may play anyways.

TE Melvin Sanford – An absolute hoss! I will redshirt him in order to keep him longer while I develop the rest of the team.

WR Casey Kovel – Barely adequate – good compared to the previous WRs

WR Rico Sarfaty – Just like Kovel, weak but better than his predecessors.

C Marlon Hutton – What do you say to a man with a 86/69/89 set of stats. I say, wowzers!

G Terry Padilla – No current blocking abilities, but potentials in the 70’s. Good future Guard.

DT Marshall Madison – I need at least one DT to play ball. Marshall has very low current stats, but average potentials in the 50’s. I’ll play him because all of my DTs have stats in the sub-20 area, so it’s not a big dropoff, and when he plays to his potential, it’ll be better.

ILB Jamal Garrett – Great future ILB who needs to develop. He has potentials in the 90’s and 70’s, except for his 29 in endurance.

OLB Roy Portillo – I’d be crazy not to start Roy out of the box, with current stats in the 20’s and maxes in the 60’s. 100 Endurance, too.

CB Jared Harvey – Good future CB has 0’s in most current stats. Needs redshirt time.

S Wendall Hale – Not that great. Just a stopgap player for now.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

“Eagles Start Hatchlings

Heath McNamara
Detroit News

Apparently, the Head Coach of Eastern Michigan University’s football team didn’t like his predecessor’s players. Abe Sargent, who has only been head coach for last year’s 1-11 forgettable campaign, has chosen to start an amazing nine of his recruits this year. Out of 22 starting spots on offense or defense, that number is incredible.

When asked for comment, Abe said, “We won’t get better by being pokey. Need to be aggressive and get some players out there who will learn. Who will get better.”

Starting true freshmen straight out of the gate in uncommon in college football. A team that starts two, three, or four true freshmen generates a lot of publicity. Starting nine is unheard of.

If, in fact, Abe Sargent is trying to turn over a new leaf for his team, starting nine new players is a great way of doing it. They will better.

They had better do so quickly.”


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

After a needed nap over the summer, I take a look at the depth charts and the coordinators and myself argue and haggle over the chart. We eventually decide on:

QB Mitchell Swinford – Freshman Darrin Wall is not ready yet and will be given crimson garb.

RB Cornelius Dyson (3) – True Freshman Cornelius is definitely our best option. He will grow on the job.

TE Melvin Sanford (3) – NOTHING keeps me from playing Melvin and his freshman self. He is the best offensive player not on the line.
WR Sean Horton (2) – True Sophomore played for us last year. Hopefully he can develop into a good option.
WR Kelly Rivera - Not a great player, but better than other options.
WR Casey Kovel (3) – True Freshman, but has poor stats in a few areas.

C Marlon Hutton (3) – True Freshman needs to play sooner as opposed to later.
G Terry Padilla (3) – Another True Freshman, his very low current stats do not hide the fact that most of my other Gs have low stats too. His high potential puts him in the front.
G Howard Gordon – Best of the worst.
T Jay Downs (1) – My scout rates his potential much lower than the previous one did.
T Freddie Romig – Same with Jay – the new scout is not impressed.

P Everett Borden (1) – Good power, poor at getting it under the 20.
K Matthew Maurer (2) – Placeholder until I find a better kicker out there.

DE Lionel Carper (2) – Definitely my best DE, Lionel would play a fiddle on most teams – here were need him to be dominant.
DE Darren Lowe (2) – Not great, but as a little development coming.
DT Marshall Madison (3) – True Freshman who, like the others, needs serious development but can still be better than the other options.

ILB Jerald Edwards – Good at pass rush and run stopping – bad coverage skills.
ILB Jamal Garrett (3) – Boy would I be stupid not to put this playmaker on the field.
OLB Roy Portillo (3) – One more True Freshman for the team, Roy is the best option.
OLB Ralph Porter (2) – Barely adequate OLB, but has some devo opportunities

CB Jared Harvey (3) – You saw this coming – another True Freshman getting the start.
CB Bert Unverzagt (1) – Bad corner, and needs to be replaced.
S Kris Stansell – Developed S who could start for a lot of teams, he’ll be a star this year; I can feel it.
S Kendrick Walters – One of the few areas where a veteran beat out a freshman, Kendrick is just better developed. My secondary cannot be a sieve.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Excerpts from “Abe Sargent’s Journal: The Early Years”
Copyright 2032


I look around to see what positions I need to focus upon during recruiting. I still need a good QB. I also need a good WR, maybe two. I need another G, T for my O-line, and I could use two Ts. A good P and K are essential. My current DEs are poor, and I would like an upgrade at the position. I need another ILB and OLB. I also need another CB and S. That leaves me with the following list:

QB, WR x2, G, T x2, P, K, DE x2, ILB, OLB, CB, S = 14 players

I have five RBs and two FBs. I decide to release RB Grady Bookwalter; He has a low GPA and needs to focus on his class work. I also release DT Levon Burton, a walk-on DT with the same low grades. These guys need to get their stuff straight. Neither were even on the depth chart. I figure that they need to get their priorities in order.

OLB Ralph Porter got a 4.0 last year. I gave him a ball autographed by everyone on the team last year.


Week 1 – North Texas

I honestly don’t know too much about NTx. Damn Sun Belt teams. We are favored by three when the North Texas Whatever come to Ypsilanti.

I need to hit the recruiting trail hard and early. Once again, no recruits idolize EMU. Can you blame them?

Both the Michigan and Ohio crop is weak this year. I’ll need to go elsewhere. That’s a bad sign. I begin to hit Indiana this week. There is a Punter nearby I really like, but he’s the second ranked punter in the nation, and I figure that someone else will get him. Still, I offer him a scholarship in case he wants to stay home.

My prestige fell to 61 overall this year.

I need to take a trip to Kentucky next week. There were a few candidates there I really need to see.

We lose to North Texas, 25-22. QB Swinford tossed a pick and 205 yards, but no TDs. RB Cornelius Dyson rushed 20 times for 113 yards and a TD. That’s a running game, folks! He gets my game ball.

S Stansell, what did I say? He would be a star this year? How about 2 Ints, one returned 95 yards for a TD? He is close to a game ball. My Kicker though missed an XP, but was 3 of 4 on FGs for the day. Still, one more FG and the XP and we woulda won. Of course, if my QB had coverted one of those FGs into a TD, we woulda won too, so I don’t place too much blame at Maurer’s feet.


Week 2 – Washington State

Boy do I not want to travel to W. State. #38 Washington State is favored by 18.

I hit Kentucky and find out that, wow, they have a lot of good ball players down there. I offer some scholarships and come away happy.

Since I’m in the area, I hit up North Carolina and Georgia. I never hit anything below Pittsburgh and Cincinnati last year, so this is a new thing for me. Maybe I should have come down here. I find a great OLB in Georgia that I offer a scholarship too.

My Punter project has received offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Kansas State, Colorado, Notre Dame and Texas. I don’t think he’ll consider me much. I make some phone calls to punters and kickers around the country to gauge their interest.

Well, Washington State won their first game. We lost our first game. 52-0. That’s an official thumping.

Here was QB Swinford’s stat line for the game. This is truly awful:

1 for 15, 40 yards, 0 TDs, 4 Ints

He was, needless to say, benched by Engle, who came in and went a blistering 11 of 17 for 104 yards. Well, on a scale of crappiness, Engle did better. If Swinford pulls another stinker like this one, don’t expect him to see much play for a while.


Week 3 – Bye Week

The first of our two week hiatus leads me into hard recruiting. I swing by Pennsylvania for a little trip. There are a nice guard and punter in the state, and I offered both scholarships, although I think both will go elsewhere.

While I’m in Pennsylvania, I ponder a map of the US and a list of scout reports to see where I want to go next. I decide to drive down to Maryland and check out a few recruits there. After a few visits, I like a guard there, and request a visit. I then come back home to hit training with my team.


Week 4 – Bye Week

As the byes continue, I again hit the road trying to sell my “EMU – Soon to be a dynasty” message.

I swing into Illinois in my attempts. There is a great guard out there that no one else has offered a scholarship to, yet. I hit him up for a trip to EMU as a new Eagle. Then, a few miles down the road I find a great tackle also sitting by himself waiting for calls. I try to sell him the same story, and I let him know that plays for my team are playing sooner rather than later.

I finally swing by that kicker here I had called earlier, and I find out that he is much better than my scout thought. I also offer him a scholarship.

Then I try a corner and find out that he is much better as well. Illinois is like a veritable gold mine of players that have been passed over thus far. It was a worthwhile trip, I think.

DE Kendrick Owens was caught violating team rules and I suspend him.


Week 5 – Akron

We are favored by two, which is sort of funny when you consider that my team is 1-13 since I’ve taken over. QB Swinford is on a short rope, but will start this week.

I drive over to New York for this week’s recruiting fest, but it wasn’t very fruitful.

We lose again. Can’t be surprised by that.

31-21.

RB Cornelius Dyson – 14 rushes for 92 yards and 2 TDs, 4 catches for 48 yards and a TD
WR Casey Kovel – 5 grabs for 100 yards
QB Mitchell Swinford – 19 of 37 for 314 yards, 1 TD, 1 Int

Not bad performances from my offense. Hey, they scored.


Week 6 – Yale

2-2 Yale is favored by 2. Let’s see what happens later this week when we travel to Yale and try to take them out.

I travel to Wisconsin and Minnesota this week in attempts to find more recruits. Didn’t find much though.

And would you believe that Yale hit their spread exactly? 46-44, in Overtime.

We scored 44 points. Wow. Unfortunately RB Dyson will be out for 8 weeks with knee surgery.

Anyways, here are a few stats that should wake people up:

QB Mitchell Swinford, 26 of 52, 404 yards, 4 TDs, 1 Int
WR Sean Horton, 5 catches for 135 yards, 2 TDs


Interesting game. Swinford is now entrenched as the starting QB.

RB Duane Osborne will start at the RB spot. This is a big dropoff in ability, so I can’t predict what will happen. Still, we have about all the momentum an 0-4 team can possibly have, heading into next week.

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Part of a conversation, “Michigan Sports: Live!” on Saturday evening at 11:30 pm.

Scott Harnwick, Host: “Let’s move on to a smaller school that doesn’t seem to get much attention: Eastern Michigan. What’s you take on the Eagles this year?”

Jeff Gobsted, Sportswriter: “Well Scott, this is a team that’s 0-4. But, it’s an improving 0-4 that’s starting what, 10 Freshmen? They are a more serious threat than you might think, and I believe that some MAC teams are going to overlook the Eagles, and get bitten by them. I think they’ll finish the season 3-8.”

Stacy Himes, Reports: “I think Jeff is a little optimistic. Here we have a team with their lead running back injured for a while. Yeah, they went into overtime at Yale, but it was at Yale, not a real school. My kid’s junior high team wouldn’t be scared by Yale, let alone a Division 1-A team. If they win 3 games this year, it will because they lucked into it, not because they deserve it.”

Scott: “Interesting. What is your take on Head Coach Abe Sargent so far?”

Stacy: “Unorthodox, which you would expect from a random guy. It is really like Eastern just picked a guy off the streets, and I think it shows.”

Jeff: “Come on Stacy. Abe has nothing to work with. The Eagles were a laughingstock of the MAC before Abe came around, and its not like the MAC is the best conference anyway. I think he is doing well, he just needs some time.”

Scott: “And speaking of time, we are out of it. See you next week when our guests will be….”

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Excerpts from “Abe Sargent’s Journal: The Early Years”
Copyright 2032


Week 7 – Ball State

0-4 Ball State is favored by two when they come to town. I am sick of these piss poor teams being favored in MY stadium. This has to end. I do the recruiting rounds with renewed vigor.

And will wonders never cease?

Eastern: 37
Ball State: 24

That sound you hear? Oh yeah, it’s me JUMPING UP AND DOWN. Heheheh.

WR Sean Horton was knocked around a bit, he’ll be questionable for the next game.

Player of the Game:

WR Casey Kovel, 9 catches for 172 yards and a TD, 55 YAC.

Some other stats:

QB Mitchell Swinford, 28 of 42 for 314 yards, 5 TDs, and 3 Ints
TE Melvin Sanford, 4 grabs for 421 yards and a TD
RB Duane Osborne, 19 carries for 102 yards


Nice day. I sleep comfortably for the first time in a while.


Week 8 – Miami of Ohio

The 3-2 Miami squad rolls in Ypsilanti carrying a 10 point advantage. Can we pull out another win? Can we?

There are a bunch of guys eating lunch across from me here at EMU. Recruits from all over have arrived to visit the campus, tour the facilities, and so forth. I hope our victory will not be lost on them.

I recruit a bunch with them, before making a trip to Montana. We have heard about a QB out there and I want to see him. And lo, he is as good as my scouts say, and only Colorado has offered him a scholarship. I spent a lot of time talking to him. If we could pull him in, this would be a great year indeed!

Some of the recruits stay to watch the Miami of Ohio game. We need to play well to impress them.

Our loss 42-27 is bad. I spin it though, and tell them that this is a sign that we need recruits, and I remind them that we need players badly – they get to start quicker. That is what we have to offer, a quicker route through college, and maybe on to the pros.

A guard and a tackle are convinced by my logic. Four other players are not and make commitments as soon as they get home.

Swinford had a nice day, tossing 4 TDs and no picks, and completing 50% of his passes. WR Rivera had a 100+ yard day, and RB Osborne rushed for 91 yards, so it wasn’t like we did nothing or anything.

Ah well, let’s see if we can convince some more recruits to join us.


Week 9 - Northern Illinois

We are ten point underdogs at Northern Illinois.

Apparently, we were not to only ones to knock on the door of my Montana QB last week. Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, and South Carolina all made offers, and he is visiting the five of us to make up his mind. He wants to stay close to home, and Oklahoma is closer to him than us. Plus he likes a good academic school – and that’s not us. But, I like to think that he’ll decide to come to us due to a similarity on climate – it’s not like Oklahoma or South Carolina. So, we’ll see what happen, and I have my fingers crossed so tight my knuckles hurt.

I hit up a few players around the area in order to fill in some gaps.

We lose 53-14. I hope that doesn’t send some recruits away.

RB Osborne racks up 83 yards and two scores.
QB Swinford tosses a couple of picks.

OLB Ralph Porter is questionable after a sprained knee.

I get e-mails that my K and P both rejected us. But, that’s it, not as bad a fallout as it could have been.


Week 10 – Bowling Green

Not much to say this week. Recruiting consisted of just hitting the same players up again.

And Bowling Green is 4-3 and favored by 10 points.

And they win 33-6. And they are now ranked nationally, at #50.

Whereas we are sucking the hind cow’s tit at #119.

Swinford threw another pair of picks. Our defense caused no turnover, no sacks. With that kind of pressure, my arthritic grandmother and her four dead siblings could field an offense that’s put up 33 points.

I pull in a TE, and nothing else as we get five rejections.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Excerpts from “Abe Sargent’s Journal: The Early Years”
Copyright 2032


Week 11 – Western Michigan

The horror continues as we march to WMU and try to overcome our 8 point underdog status, and ourselves, and rack another victory against the 3-5 Broncos.

We lose again. 26-16.

We didn’t really have any outstanding performances, just normal, boring stuff. My kicker committed elsewhere, so I need to find yet another one to bring it.

A boring week all around, really.

Week 12 – Central Michigan

Are we actually favored to win a game? Wowzers!. Central comes in at 2-7 and we are actually favored by 2. We need to win another game, just to improve on last season’s total.

Georgia and South Carolina have withdrawn offers from my Montanan QBs, leaving just three options – Oklahoma, us, and Alabama.

We should not be sitting at Week 12 with only three recruits, and I’m felling a little antsy.

Of course, our team couldn’t find the Eiffel Tower in the middle of Paris, let alone find another win.

Central: 34
Eastern: 24

RB Dyson is back in the lineup for next week!

It was 21-21 at the beginning of the third quarter. They just let it loose in the 4th.

S Kris Stansell, Int return 76 yards for a TD. He gets my game ball.

Week 13 – Toledo

We are 1-9. This is our last chance for a second win. And to do it, we have to beat our rival in Toledo, with the Rockets ranked #25 and bearing an 8-1 record. Good luck.

I go on the backup recruiting trail, trying to find depth at positions. I am looking for smart, developed players for backup spots.

I’d really love to stuff it to Toledo.

We lose 37-7. Another one win season, how sad.

We get a WR recruit.

The score was 7-7 at the half. Then they woke up. RB Dyson did rush for another TD. I figure he’s back from his injury. My game ball goes to DE Carper who had 2.5 sacks.

1-10. I laugh.

At least it’s better than last year’s 1-11.


Week 14 – Bye

Oklahoma withdrew from the Montanan QB, so it’s between me and Alabama.

My good punter has also had a bunch of teams withdraw offers. It’s between me and Oregon. Since he’s from Massachusetts, I figure he’ll come to Ypsilanti.

I’m just sitting wand waiting for players to come or go elsewhere.

Week 15 – Bye

The punter came. As I thought. My ILB project did not, so I go looking for another.

Marshall , at 8-3 and ranked #26 plays Toledo at 10-1 and ranked #23 in the MAC Championship game. Toledo wins, 38-31.

I get a bunch of my recruits this week. Including.

MY QB!!!!!

Heheheheheh


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

The MAC has three teams in bowl games:

Toledo vs Arizona State in the Motor City Bowl
Marshall vs Notre Dame in the Independence Bowl
Miami of Ohio vs Auburn in the Queen City Bowl

Notre Dame knocks off Marshall, 31-28
Auburn spanks Miami of Ohio – 35-7
Toledo apparently doesn’t even show up, losing 49-0

MAC goes 0-3 in their bowl games.

The Fiesta Bowl features Ohio State and Florida in a battle of unbeaten teams.

42-10 Ohio State. Not even close.

I vote for a WR in the voting for the Heisman. The winner is a QB from Georgia. And the WR I voted for came in 5th.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Let’s look at some stats from the year:

QB Mitchell Swinford, 180 of 357 for 2326 yards, 16 TDs and 19 Ints. Sacked 40 times.
WR Casey Kovel, 53 grabs for 668 yards, 6 TDs

ILB Jerald Edwards, 95 Tacks, 31 Assts, 1.5 Sacks, 10 TFL, 1 FF, 1 FumRec
ILB Jamal Garrett, 86 Tacks, 27Assts, 8 TFL, 1 Int, 6 PasDef, 3 FF
DE Lionel Carper, 25 Tacks, 11 Assts, 6.5 Sacks, 6 TFL, 2 FumRec
S Kris Stansell, 57 Tacks, 21 Assts, 1 Sack, 7 TFL, 6 Ints, 2 Def TDs, 2 PasDef, 1 FF

C Marlon Hutton, 26 KRB out of 70 KRO, 6 SkA
G Terry Padilla, 19 KRB out of 60 KRO, 7 SkA

Our recruiting class:

QB Justin Goodwin, Belgrade, Montana, 85+, 3.06, 108th Nationally
TE Duane Conway, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, 66+, 3.65
WR Wesley Larson, Chittenango, New York, 65+, 3.43, 888th Nationally
WR Derrick Burroughs, Cattaraugus, New York, 55+, 3.61, 698th Nationally
G Lamont Harding, Emmaus, Pennsylvania, 73+, 3.54, 414th Nationally
T Wade Floyd, Johnston City, Illinois, 72+, 3.9, 353rd Nationally
T Bubba Crase, Alliance, Ohio, 46+, 3.27
P Myron McGee, Quincy, Massachusetts, 85+, 3.64, 474th Nationally
K Edward Balent, Seattle, Washington, 40+, 3.65
DE Leonard Parrish, Calhan, Colorado, 50+, 3.53
DE Grant Fletcher, Rio Vista, Texas, 44+, 3.81
ILB Gilbert Clemons, Paradise, California, 42-, 4.0
OLB Lamont Hardy, Phoenix, Arizona, 48+, 3.16
CB Percy Gianotta, Greensboro, North Carolina, 34+, 3.89
S Winfred Sinclair, Pocatello, Idaho, 55-, 3.41

A lot of my backups are not on scholarships, and have high GPAs.

Awards:

ILB Jamal Garrett – National Academic Team
WR Casey Kovel – National Freshman Team
DT Marshall Madison – National Freshman Team
ILB Jerald Edwards – MAC 1st Team
S Kris Stansell – MAC 2nd Team

3 players on MAC Academic Team


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Off Season

I finish the season with another 100 in recruiting. That’s the good news. I got a 45 Team Performance. I’d hate to see what I would have gotten if I had won a second game. 19 Alumni donations and 37 TV revenue – yet I was never on TV. Hmm.. 54 Academic, too.


3 players left my team due to a lack of playing time – a QB, G, and DE.

DE Lionel Carper was suspended for the year for fighting.

A scout and my defensive coordinator were hired away.

I hire a new Mid-Atlantic Scout and Defensive Coordinator. Meet the Coordinator:

Blaine Lucas
52 Yrs
Pretty Good, Excellent, Poor, Terrible
Decent, Decent, Lousy


For scheduling this year I again have weeks 5- 13 full. I don’t know who thought that was a good idea, but they were wrong.

I offer Army a home game. They refuse and, guess what? Kansas offers me another chance for an away game. I dance the dance again, offering a home game.

They accept.

Oregon State offers me an away game. I tell them no thanks, for right now. I try to schedule North Texas again, but as expected, they say no, but they counter with an away game. I diced to offer an away this year, home next. They accept.

Eastern Michigan University, Schedule, 2004

Week 1 – at North Texas
Week 2 – KANSAS
Week 5 – BUFFALO
Week 6 – at Yale
Week 7 – at Ball State
Week 8 – KENT
Week 9 – at Northern Illinois
Week 10 – at Bowling Green
Week 11 – WESTERN MICHIGAN
Week 12 – at Central Michigan
Week 13 – TOLEDO

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

I take a look at our freshmen:

QB Justin Goodwin – Justin is. He just is. Dude has 90’s and 100’s in most stats for potential. Of course, he has very low current stats. I am going to redshirt him, and not for the obvious reasons either. The dude doesn’t have the people around him yet for an explosive offense. One more year of experience in the Singleback offense for my coach, hopefully at least one good receiver, a developed running back and Tight End – oh yeah, next year is going to be…fun.

TE Duane Conway – Looks to be a backup during his career here. May get red shirted for development

WR Derrick Burroughs – Has a great big play making abilities. Not so good in other areas, but may be just good enough there to earn a starting spot in the top three. If he doesn’t I’ll toss him a shirt.

WR Wesley Larson – Wesley is better than I thought. He has good potentials in a lot of areas – in the 60’s range mostly. Unfortunately, my kid sister of 3 years in age has more endurance than his sorry 2 out of 7 potential ass.

G Lamont Harding – A solid, if underwhelming guard. Might see play this year, might ride the pine. Will start sometime.

T Bubba Crase – Will be a backup only, most likely,

T Wade Floyd – Floyd needs a lot of development, but he has monstrous potentials everywhere except in endurance, where he is only 18 right now – 34 max.

P Myron McGee – A nice punter with great stats. He’ll probably start this year.

K Edward Balent – Probably an upgrade at the position, but not necessarily. May start this year.

DE Leonard Parrish – A run defense specialist, he may see some starting time in a couple of years.

DE Grant Fletcher – Poor current stats mixed with low potentials will see Grant never be more than a backup.

ILB Gilbert Clemons – Another player who will never be anything other than a career backup.

OLB Lamont Hardy – Could be a marginal starter after he grows into the OLB role. Will wear a shirt this year.

CB Percy Gianotta – Not a shutdown corner, and not a cakewalk either, Percy should be a halfway decent corner.

S Winford Sinclair – I went ahead and gave Sinclair a scholarship. The layer will start sooner or later, based on how he looks and has performed so far. No weaknesses and great in man-to-man coverage.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Our Starters:

QB Darrin Wall (3) – Just a placeholder until Justin gets on his feet.

RB Cornelius Dyson (2) – Hopefully won’t be hurt this year.

TE Melvin Sanford (2) – Didn’t develop much last year – this year the game plan will take him into account more.
WR Casey Kovel (2) – Not really that great, but he put up the stats
WR Sean Horton (1) – Needs to catch the ball better, too many dropped balls last year.
WR Derrick Burroughs (3) – I’m going to go ith the young playmaker in the third slot.

C Marlon Hutton (2) – Damn. Good. Center.
G Terry Padilla (2) – Working up to a good guard
G Lamont Harding (3) – I decide to start the True Freshman. He’s actually my 2nd best guard already. And that’s sad.
T Wade Floyd (3) – Oh yeah, he’ll start. I need him
T Jay Downs – Old man on the line.

P Myron McGee (3) – I’m going to start him as a True Freshman. I punt so much, he may be a grizzled veteran by the end of the season.
K Matthew Maurer (1) – Best current kicker. My freshman has been red shirted.

DE Leonard Parrish (3) – Yet another starting True Freshman. Here, I want my guy to slam into quarterbacks.
DE Gene Gomez – Most developed of my DEs.
DT Marshall Madison (2) – Didn’t really grow much last year. Probably was doubled teamed a lot.

ILB Jamal Garrett (2) – Learned a lot on the job last year, and will probably be the center of this defense.
ILB Mo Hevey – Decent if unassuming ILB. Good at zone and stopping the run – bad at other things.
OLB Roy Portillo (2) – Also learned a lot last year. I’ll play him on the opposite side as Jamal in order to balance my defense.
OLB Ralph Porter – Adequate. Barely.

CB Jared Harvey (2) – Will get burned occasionally, but is learning the game.
CB Bert Unverzagt – Still not that good, but will have to do.
S Winfred Sinclair (3) – Have a deficiency in quality at safety which forces me to play Winfred.
S Wendall Hale (3) – Sophomore that is just not that good. Ah well.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

“Eastern Freshman Again Starting

Heath McNamara
Detroit News

After starting a record nine freshmen last year, you’d probably think that Eastern Michigan University’s Head Coach Abe Sargent would have few spaces to start freshmen this year.

You’d be wrong.

This year, Eastern will feature six more true freshmen, straight from high school to the field. All told, this gives Eastern a total of seventeen starters who are sophomores or freshmen – a staggering amount.

In fact, he could have started more, and some thought that freshman kicker Edward Balent or freshman QB Justin Goodwin might get the starting job this year. Abe has brought in some youth to invigorate his team, and it seems like he has done so.

Has he gone overboard? Or is he cleaning house? Time will tell.

Apparently the Eagles have time now.”


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Excerpts from “Abe Sargent’s Journal: The Early Years”
Copyright 2032


Wendall Hale had a 4.0 last year. He got the customary autographed football.


Week 1 – North Texas

After some practices, I decide to go with P Everett Border, and I hand McGee a red shirt.

Poring over my roster, I realize that I need a:

RB, stud WR, C, T, stud K, DE, DT, 2x ILB, CB, S = 11 players. And, of course anything else that falls in my lap.

We are on TV this week. That’s funny. Can you imagine anybody sitting down to watch a great old football game, and deciding on Eastern and North Texas? I can’t.

North Texas is favored by six. I want to smash their southern mouths flat. Everybody I know from Texas is arrogant. I hate Texas.

Once again there are no players that idolize Eastern. Our prestige has plummeted to 58 overall. I vist players around Michigan and Ohio. I also make calls to a bunch of receivers to gauge their interest.

We lose 17-20. Close.

QB Darrin Wall was hit and miss in his debut. 15 of 25 for 191 yards, 2 TDs, and 2 Ints.

In Burroughs debut, he grabbed 7 balls for 86 yards and a TD. Nice.

Well, let’s hope we can stay in most of our games this year. That would be something.


Week 2 – Kansas

I have a friend who is so happy that Kansas is coming to town. Well, anyways, we are favored by one. That’s what I like to see.

I swing through Illinois on my recruiting trail and offer a scholarship to a great receiver. I also scout out a few players, then I start calling a bunch of safeties trying to find a good one who might be interested.

We lose to Kansas, 15-17.

We score three field goals, but miss the 2-pt conversion for a tie with 5:38 left in the game. We miss a field goal of 52 yards with 2:49 left on the clock. Again, a close one.

RB Dyson – 23 rushes for 111 yards and a TD

Darrin Wall tossed up a couple of picks. We really don’t have anybody on the bench who could do better, so we’ll have to ride Wall the whole season.


Week 3 – Bye

Again, bye weeks mean more concentration on recruiting. I head over to Missouri for a little scout. I found a couple of gems in a safety and receiver. I offer them scholarships. I then drive up to Iowa to check out a couple of recruits and a lot of cornfields. I head home after more farms than I can shake a stick at. How can people live in such a droll place?

Week 4 – Bye

I slept in today, haven’t done that in ages. I am going to start handing out an official game ball next week and announce the winner on a radio show.

I drive down to Indiana and look at a few folks. I’m not in Indiana very long before I head back north to Minnesota. I then drive back through Wisconsin and ht up a few more recruits before coming home.

One recruit told me that he was strongly considering interest from Western Michigan. I wanted to strangle the man.


Week 5 – Buffalo

The former Div 1-AA 0-2 Buffalo is a favorite by two in my house. My house. More like my parking lot, with all the respect it gets.

I swing through Pennsylvania trying to find players.

We win! 35-12. Muahaha. Let the beating commence! Our annual victory has taken place.

Game MVP and Game Ball:

RB Cornelius Dyson, 31 rushes for 233 yards, 3 TDs

Our boy has become a man today…

Other notables include Wall’s 2 TDs, 0 pick day, and C Hutton’s 8 Key Run Blocks!


Week 6 – Yale

Yes, that’s right – we have a chance at going, *gasp*, .500 if we win at Yale. Let’s not get our skirt blown up to high though, cause it’s not like we’re riding this huge string of victories.

I drive into New York for a little scouting and a little perusing. I even take a short jaunt up to Connecticut and offer a scholarship to a safety there. Not the best trip I’ve ever had, but it’ll do.

We scrub out at Yale, losing 38-21.

And yet we were winning 14-10 at the half and 21-17 at the end of the third. In fact, we were winning 21-17 with 4:00 minutes left, when Yale breaks out a huge offensive showing and scores three TDs. Would have helped if Wall hadn’t tossed a pick there and set them up beautifully.

There are a couple of directions I can go with the game ball. WR Burroughs had 6 grabs for 108 yards, for example. But, I have to stay true to my roots:

Game Ball - RB Cornelius Dyson – 27 carries for 126 yards and 2 TDs.

Our defense really sucked the pooch up on that game, with no sacks, and no turnovers. Oh yeah, and giving up three TD’s in four minutes.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Weekly Press Conference, Eastern Michigan

Abe Sargent, Head Coach: “I want to start off that RB Dyson has three consecutive 100 yard games. He received my game ball for today’s effort versus Yale. We lost, and I’m a little upset, because we were winning late. But, it’s important to note that we’ve been in every game this year. This is not necessarily a 1-3 team, and I don’t expect the losing to continue.”

Steve Sharkly, Ann Arbor News: “Abe, what do you say to critics who claim you have no ability to motivate a team.”

Abe: “Motivation is, I believe, overrated. You either succeed or fail. All motivation does is make you less upset when you lose. Look, football is a physical and intellectual sport. It is not an emotional one, and anybody who is trying to sell you otherwise might write a good script for Lifetime, but not ESPN.”

Brian Stevenson, Detroit Free Press: “But doesn’t the fact that the Eagles have won only three games in the past 26 mean something?”

Abe: “Yeah, it means we were a bad ball club when I took over. And it means we are a young ball club today. It does not mean that we are un-motivated. And before you ask, no, it does not mean that I am a bad coach, or that we will make changes in the depth charts, so don’t ask.”

Ryan Foster, Eastern Echo: “What’s next, coach?”

Abe: “Ball State is the next team on our schedule.”

Stacy Himes, WXYZ News: “Can Eastern win another game this year, and if so, which won?”

Abe: “We win a lot of games. In practice, our team always wins. Always loses too.”

Stacy: “I don’t think you should be so smug.”

Abe: “I don’t think it’s the job of a third rate reporter to criticize or judge, but just to report. But, that’s me. How about you, Jeff, did you have a question?”

Jeff Hobsted, Freelance Sportswriter: “Yeah, any tips about recruits?”

Abe: “My policy on recruits still stands, we don’t mention them until we have them in the fold. Alright folks, I’m going to go take a nap. Have a good one.”


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Excerpts from “Abe Sargent’s Journal: The Early Years”
Copyright 2032


Week 7 – Ball State

I really enjoy Pepsi Blue. It’s like the only Pepsi product I drink.

We travel to Ball State where we are five point ‘dogs. I’d like to repeat our win from last year.

I go to Kentucky again and talk to a few seniors. I really like an ILB there and offer a scholarship. From there it’s into the Carolinas and Georgia.

Oh yeah, we win at Ball State:

Eastern: 28
Ball State: 25

Insert a [WHOOT] here, please.

With this victory we have equaled our victories from both of our previous years combined. Can’t rank us #122 anymore, can ya?

Look at Darrin Wall with his 23 of 32 for 253 yards and 3 TDs, no picks.

Game MVP and Game Ball – WR Derrick Burroughs - 8 grabs for 132 yards and 3 TDs

We are not just 2-3, by the way. We are 2-3 and 2-0 in the MAC. Hmm.


Week 8 – Kent State

Kent State is coming and we have another chance to get up to .500. This time, we are playing in our own turf, and yet we are three point underdogs to 2-3 Kent.

We are hosting some recruits, and again, some stay for the game.

And boy, do we put on a show for them.

Eastern: 41
Kent: 24

And we are playing .500 ball!!! We pull in a FB, but lose a receiver to Western, plus a lb and s go elsewhere. Still, I’m happy.

G Terry Padilla is out for 5 weeks with an extended knee.

Player of the Game: RB Cornelius Dyson, 34 rushes for 147 yards and 2 TDs
Game Ball: ILB Jamal Garrett, 6 Tacks, 2 Assts, 2 Ints

Other notables include:

QB Darrin Wall, 32 of 48 for 397 yards, 3 TDs, no Ints
WR Derrick Burroughs, 6 catches for 64 yards, 2 TDs
TE Sanford, 7 snatches for 98 yards

3-0 in the MAC baby. We are the only team undefeated in the MAC in the West. That means, we are leading the West! Hoowah!


Week 9 – Northern Illinois

And yet we are four point ‘dogs when we head to Northern Illinois. We have a chance to do something new, something amazing.

Become a winning team.

We have learned how to win.

A bunch more recruits came by this week. I have a feeling that some will be watching the game this week on their dish packages.

I spend the week hitting up recruits who have already decided to visit EMU, and I also make a quick trip back to New York to check out a few more recruits.

Unfortunately, we lose. Fortunately, it was close, and we beat the spread.

Northern Illinois: 52
Eastern Michigan: 49

ILB Mo Hevey is out for 23 weeks with a torn knee ligament. So, he’s out for good.

7 recruits tell us they are going elsewhere. Nobody commits to us.

Game Ball: QB Darrin Wall, 22 of 40 for 361 yards, 6 TDs, 2 Ints, 2 pt conversion.

WR Derrick Burroughs was close with 6 grabs for 135 yards and 3 TDs

But our defense was like the junior varsity squad from Sunnydale Retirement Home out there.

Fun times.

That loss drops us back to 3rd in the MAC West.


Week 9 – Bowling Green

Bowling Green is favored by a point when they host us this week.

We lose 18-28.

Game Ball: RB Cornelius Dyson, 15 rushes for 138 yards, 1 TD

5 more rejection letters followed.

It was a pretty boring week, all things told.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

“In a battle of cross state rivals, Western Michigan travels to Eastern Michigan in a big MAC showdown. If Western wins, they have the inside track to be the West Champion. If Eastern wins, they have as good a claim as anybody to lead the MAC West. The Broncos stampede into Ypsilanti to take on the Eagles, next, on TV5.”


Excerpts from “Abe Sargent’s Journal: The Early Years”
Copyright 2032


Week 11 – Western Michigan

Our second game on TV. I am humbled. We are four point favorites, and I expect a big crowd. We are 2-1 at home, and I’d like for the winning to continue.

I am running out of recruits fast. This is going to be an ugly class. I have one commitment. From a fullback. I run a Singleback formation, so its not like the guy will play much, although I may use him I some sets as the featured back or tight end.

I see a couple of players over in Colorado I like, so I head out there and see what I can find. I offer scholarships to a QB and RB. I also fly to California and visit a safety I like. We get along, so I offer him a scholarship. We’ll see what happens.

I’d love to whip the Broncos and send them packing. Unfortunately, it is not to be, as we lose 20-30.

Game Ball: - 4 of 5 field goals. Missed a 43 yarder, but made 28, 44, 32, and 57!

Otherwise, it’d go to Cornelius Dyson who racked up 152 yards on the ground, but no scores.

And we are guaranteed another losing season. We are getting better, though.


“At 5-4, Central Michigan is questing for a bowl berth and possibly even a Western Division championship in the MAC. Eastern is just looking for respect. The Eagles fly to Central Michigan, today, on TV5”

Week 12 – Central Michigan

And yet another game on TV. Our season has changed. CMU is favored by 10. I want to shove that 10 down their throats.

I head back out to California to meet wit a few more recruits I noticed when I was out there before. Hopefully, I can bring in some players. I have, um, a fullback.

I bring in a QB from Colorado.

I release DE Jack Kelly. He is failing a couple of classes. He’s a walkon and freshman, and I decide he needs to focus on his studies.

We scrub. A 41-10 loss. A big “Owie.”

Game Ball: DT Marshall Madison – 8 Tacks, 4 Assts, 1.5 Sacks


Week 13 - Toledo

Our final game of the year is against hated rival Toledo. Most teams get a rival of about equal ability. We get Toledo, arguably the best team year in-year out in the MAC West. The Rockets are favored by a TD.

I am waiting for some of my recruits to say yes or no to me.

In the meantime, Toledo takes us out, 28-20.

Two more rejection letters come.

We are leading 13-7 at the end of the third quarter. Again blowing a late lead.

Game Ball: WR Sean Horton, 8 catches for 125 yards.

Burroughs also notched 116 yards and a score, and Dyson grabbed 93 yards on the ground to add to his season total. S Wendall Hale grabbed a pair of picks too.

We finish the season 3-8 and comfortably out of first, second, third, or anything else. Ball State ends up in last place, and us right above.


Week 14 – Bye

I get three more rejections and acceptances by backup prospects for DT and ILB. I now have a mighty four players committed to the EMU program.


Week 15 – Bye

The MAC Championship is between 8-3 Marshall and 7-4 Central Michigan. It’s an easy game for the Thundering Herd as they win 34-7.

I get five recruits this week.


Bowl Games:

Marshall versus Washington Sate in the Motor City Bowl
Central Michigan versus North Carolina in the Tangerine Bowl
Marshall overcomes a 10 point underdog status to crush Washington State 31-10.
CMU barely loses to North Carolina 14-10.

MAC goes 1-1 in bowls this year.


The Fiesta Bowl has undefeated Florida State versus undefeated Michigan. Florida State wins 44-13, despite being six point underdogs.

I vote for a hot receiver from Florida State for the Heisman. He came in tied for 5th, but the man caught 1903 yards and 21 TDs, I think he deserved to win.

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Some stats from the year:

QB Darrin Wall, 212 of 372 for 2541 yards, 19 TDs, 14 Ints, 35 sacks

RB Cornelius Dyson, 225 attempts for 1267 yards, 12 TDs, 50 catches for 229 yards

WR Derrick Burroughs, 57 catches for 823 yards, 10 TDs
WR Sean Horton, 44 catches for 631 yards, 3 TDs

ILB Jamal Garrett, 117 Tacks, 34 Assts, 1 Sack, 15 TFL, 2 Ints, 4 PasDef
OLB Roy Portillo, 65 Tacks, 27 Assts, 10 TFL, 1 Int
DE Leonard Parrish, 48 Tacks, 17 Assts, 8.5 Sacks, 13 TFL
DT Marshall Madison, 52 tacks, 23 Assts, 6.5 Sacks, 12 TFL, 1 FumRec

C Marlon Hutton, 33 KRB out of 70 KRO
G Lamont Harding, 19 KRB out of 46 KRO

Very few turnovers for my defense this year. And, like I said, Jamal Garrett in the rock in the center of my defense – no gelatin center in the middle of this tootsie pop. And how about Hutton with the blocks?


Awards:

WR Derrick Burroughs – All-Freshman Team, Nationally
DE Leonard Parrish – All-Freshamn Team, Nationally
ILB Jamal Garrett – MAC 1st Team

3 players on MAC Academic Team

I give out the Team Offensive MVP to RB Cornelius Dyson. The Defensive MVP goes to Jamal Garrett.

My recruits:

QB Russell Hanrahan, 59+, Fowler, Colorado
RB Toby Francis, 51-, Covington, Georgia
FB Ethan Chaudrey, 71+, West Columbia, South Carolina, 974th Nationally
WR Marlon Munoz, 44+, Florissant, Missouri
C Mike Stene, 39+, Raytown, Missouri
T Clyde Verdin, 54+, Boonsboro, Maryland
DT Reggie Anaya, 48+, Kansas City, Kansas
ILB Justin Rabach, 43+, Park City, Utah
OLB Ross Stoner, 55+, Russell Springs, Kentucky
CB Brenden Dortch, 55+, Wartrace, Tennessee
S Nicky Terrell, 63+, La Mesa, California

My worst class so far. And nobody from the Great Lakes region of the country. Zang!

I finished the season ranked #113, Moved up eight spots!!!


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Offseason

74 Team performance might mean that our team sucks, get over it.

Our new Syndicate Coordinator looks to be doing a good job with Alumni Donations: 79. TV Revenue is at 71, and out recruiting is a 93. 59 Academic rounds out our grades.

QB Justin Goodwin is suspended for failing a class. Argh!!!

A DE and K leave the team. Three of my scouts retire, including my Head Scout. All of the Great Lakes scouts are pretty poor, and I am having a hard time selecting one. I eventually decide on:

Head Scout (Great Lakes):
Dave Boyer
46 Yrs
Lousy, Good, Very Good, Pretty Good, Fair, Terrible, Pretty Good, Decent


We already have North Texas scheduled to visit us in week 2. We again have the horror stretch of games from Week 5 on. Hopefully that will eventually end.

I offer a game to Boise State at home, they refuse. SMU wants me to travel to them. Isn’t it in Texas somewhere? No thanks. I don’t want to have the Texas non-conference schedule. I try Michigan State in Ypsi for fun, but it doesn’t work. Damn Spartans. Stanford offered me an away game, but not yet, I need butts in the seats. I need a better or geographically closer team. I offer a home game to Notre Dame, I think they laughed at me. Southern Mississippi offered me an away game, but no thanks. I then call up Pitt on the phone, but they say no dice. I then offer Pitt an away game this year, and a home game next. Again, no dice. But Iowa State made me an offer. Hmm. They want to play in Ypsi this year, and in Iowa next year. I switch the order. I’d rather play Iowa here when I have my team ready. This way I guarantee myself a home game next year.

Eagles 2005 Schedule:

Week 1 – at Iowa State
Week 2 – NORTH TEXAS
Week 5 – BUFFALO
Week 6 – at Yale
Week 7 – at Central Michigan
Week 8 – KENT
Week 9 – BALL STATE
Week 10 – NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Week 11 – at Western Michigan
Week 12 – at Bowling Green
Week 13 – at Toledo

That’s a tough end of schedule, with three away games to end the season, and at more difficult teams. Still, we could be 5-3 entering that spate of games.

I hope.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

NCAA Div 1-A Certification Committee
341 State Street
Indianapolis, IN, 20814
June 11, 2005

Dr. David Diles, Athletic Coordinator:

As per Division 1-A certification rules, teams with Division 1-A status must maintain an average home attendance of at least 15,000 people in order to retain their status. Our annual audit of attendance last year shows that Eastern Michigan University averaged only 13,950 people in its home games.

While we are sensitive to the various needs of member schools, this situation cannot continue. This is an official notice that Eastern Michigan University has been placed on probationary Division 1-A status. Should home attendance this year remain below the 15,000 threshold, we will have no choice but to revoke your status and downgrade you to Division 1-AA.

We would regret any punitive measures, and look forward to increased attendance at football games in Ypsilanti.


Sincerely,

Steve Dyer, NCAA Div 1-A Certification Committee Chair

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Dr. David Diles: “Have a seat Abe. I finally got that letter from the Certification Committee. This is a problem. I brought you in to keep us from relegation, and here we are facing the grim specter of Division 1-AA.”

Abe Sargent: “Yeah, I know.”

David: “It’s odd. I brought you in here to avert this, and yet I am more pleased with your football performance and recruiting than I am with this.”

Abe: “Maybe we should run some more promotions.”

David: “It didn’t really work last time. Sure, it brings in a few hundred people, but not enough to count. No, you need to win.”

Abe: “Winning will put butts in the seats.”

David: “Even if it doesn’t, they won’t send us packing if we, say, win the west or something.”

Abe: “Alright, then that’s what I need to do.”

David: “One more thing. I think that I’ve been very patient with keeping you around. Eastern has won 5 games in the past three years. I think your recruiting and alumni support is good, and that’s why you are still here. But it’s hard to sell the President on keeping a coach with a 5-29 record. Win this year for us, yes. But, win this you for yourself as well, if you get what I mean.”

Abe: “Looks like we are going to win this year, eh?”


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

I take a gander at my freshman, now that they are in, and I have a new Head Scout:

QB Russell Hanrahan – Needs to be red-shirted, but has possibilities later. Not a bad QB.

RB Toby Francis – Looks like a career backup to me, but does have good third down catching and third down running.
FB Ethan Chaudrey – A good FB. I may look to convert him after a little development. He gets red shirted this year.

WR Marlon Munoz – Another red-shirt player. I don’t know if Munoz will ever start, but he may be my special teams man down the road.

C Mike Stene – Just a career backup, will never be a starting option.
T Clyde Verdin – Low endurance might keep him on the bench, but Clyde might be a solid starter someday. We’ll wear scarlet for now.

DT Reggie Anaya – Looks like another backup. Once he develops, he might be a marginal starter. Maybe. I toss him a shirt.

ILB Justin Rabach – A possible starter in the future. Decent at everything – no weaknesses and no strengths. He may wear crimson this year, I need to set my depth chart first, before I decide.
OLB Ross Stoner – A good potential OLB. He will ride the pine girded with a red shirt, but he may start in a couple of years.

CB Brenden Dortch – Another possible starter long in the future. For now, he’ll probably be adorned in red. Still, I may end up starting him with my lousy corners. We’ll see.
S Nicky Terrell – Good safety with promise. Weaknesses at the position will move him to a starting role immediately.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

After a bit of infighting, here are our starters for the year:

QB Darrin Wall (2) – Currently by best QB due to Justin’s suspension. Man that’s blows.

RB Cornelius Dyson (1) – My new scout thinks Dyson has a lot more promise than the previous one did. In fact, he believes that Dyson is a downright hoss.

TE Melvin Sanford (1) – Still hasn’t developed too much, yet has great potential.
WR Casey Kovel (1) – Casey is adequate, but developed completely.
WR Wesley Larson (3) – Advanced to a starting role, and knocked Sean Horton out.
WR Derrick Burroughs (2) – Our leading receiver last year.

C Marlon Hutton (1) – He’s a big ole’ center.
G Terry Padilla (1) – He is also a big ole’ guard.
G Lamont Harding (2) – Growing into the starting role quickly.
T Wade Floyd (2) – A good tackle and getting better everyday.
T Bubba Crase (3) – Not that good, and I’ll be looking for a better tackle this year.

P Myron McGee (3) – The man starts this year.
K Edward Balent (3) – An ok kicker, I’ll still be on the lookout for a player with a Herculean leg.

DE Leonard Parrish (2) – Don’t expect my ends to do much this year. Parrish is the best of a bad lot.
DE Darren Lowe – Next best, and that despite actually worsening in the eyes of my Head Scout.
DT Marshall Madison (1) – Almost fully developed. I hope he develops more pressure.

ILB Jamal Garrett (1) – The rock, the core, the man.
ILB Justin Rabach (3) – True freshman is better than anyone else. He can grow into a player eventually.
OLB Roy Portillo (1) – Growing, but not as fast as I would like. Still, he’s a good OLB, and I like him.
OLB Lamont Hardy (3) – Actually my third best OLB by current ability, he has more potential than Ralph Porter, who started last year.

CB Jared Harvey (1) – It all starts with your shutdown corner.
CB Brenden Dortch (3) – After reviewing the CB possibilities, and being disappointed in them, I decide to take Brenden’s shirt and throw him to the wolves.
S Winfred Sinclair (2) – Needs some more development, but a good safety.
S Wndell Hale (2) – Based on his performance last year, I am starting him and red shirting my freshman.

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

“Eastern Michigan may very well be on the cusp of respectability, but they’re also on the verge of relegation to Div 1-AA. They need wins, and they need them now. Iowa State is looking for a little respect themselves. The Eagles fly into Iowa led by star running back Cornelius Dyson. Iowa will be prepared with a tremendous defense led by outstanding linebacker Greg Clemons. Who will survive and who will fall? Find out next, on TV5”


Excerpts from “Abe Sargent’s Journal: The Early Years”
Copyright 2032


P Myron McGee, WR Derrick Burroughs, TE Duane Conway, and T Wade Floyd got 4.00’s last year. They get autographed balls.

This year, I need to win. And get butts in the seat. Probably in that order. The pressure is tightening, and I need space to breathe.


Week 1 – at Iowa State (-7)

I am going to start placing whether the game is away or at home and how much we are favored by at the top instead of writing it. Seems more organized.

Being underdogs by a TD means we may upset Iowa State. Or we may crush them. Who knows? If we can win on national TV, that’d make all the difference.

Would you believe that there are still no recruits that idolize EMU? I would. I need a RB, TE, WR, G x2, T, K, DE x 2 (or 3), ILB x2, OLB (x2), CB = 13 (or 15)

Our prestige actually climbed back up to 61. Interesting. Didn’t think a team would go 3-8 and yet gain prestige.

I drive through Michigan and Ohio trying to find recruits. It is a neverending struggle. I then call up some defensive ends to see if they would be interesting in flyin’ wit’ teh Eagles.

We lose badly, 3-27.

Iowa State was a bit too hard for us.

Note to self: In the future, if a Big XII school wants to schedule us, you say no.

At least we scored first. At least there were no injuries. I can find silver linings for anything.

Game Ball: S Wendell Hale – 7 Tacks, 4 Assts, 1 Int


Week 2 – NORTH TEXAS (+4)

I hit up Pennsylvania this week. On my way back home I drive through Indiana and talk to a couple of fellows. I also go on radio and practically plead with people to show up at the North Texas game.

Must. Beat. Sun. Belt. Conference.

Eastern: 41
North Texas: 14

So, sit down!

Game MVP: DT Marshall Madison, 7 Tacks, 1 Asst, 2 Sacks, 1 FF, 1 FumRec
I also like Sinclair and his pick returned for a TD, or Jamal Garrett and his 2 sacks. However, I choose to give my game ball to:

RB Cornelius Dyson, 21 carries for 111 yards and 3 TDs.

.500 ball baby!

WR Casey Kovel is out for a few weeks with an injured disk. WR Sean Horton will start in his place.

We also had an attendance of 15,400. Heh.


Week 3 – Bye

I go take an Illinois trip this week. There is a fantastic receiver out there, and I offer him a scholarship on the spot. I also find an outstanding defensive tackler as well, and offer him a free ride too. A very fruitful visit I hope.


Week 4 – Bye

Another bye week, another boring time, focusing on bringing in the recruits. I drive over to Wisconsin this week. I offer a scholarship to a nice defensive end. From there I head into Minnesota to review a few more seniors. And that’s my week. Boring and droll. I need a little football in my life.


Week 5 – BUFFALO (-10)

Wow, I am again not favored in my own house to piddling Buffalo.

I drive over to New York. I offer a scholarship to a nice runner from Long Island. A few other players disappoint me though, not the best trip I’ve ever had.

Eastern: 45
Buffalo: 24

Who’s House? Abe’s House. Who’s House? Abe’s House. Who’s House? Abe’s House.

C Marlon Hutton went down and will be out for 6 weeks with a broken Tibia. C Jesse Garrision will star in his stead. WR Casey Kovel will be back next week.

Oh yeah, stats:

Game MVP and Game Ball: QB Darrin Wall, 15 of 33 for 154 yards and 3 TDs, rush TD
Backup DE Fletcher had two sacks
WR Sean Horton caught a couple of TD passes

And, by the way, EMU is above .500 for the very first time in my tenure. Ever.

16,500 were in attendance.

All you have to do is win, eh?


Week 6 – at Yale (+1)

1-3 Yale is in the opposite direction as my team. Let’s go Eagles!

I fly down to Texas and try to relieve them of some players. Come north Texans.

Yale disappoints us. We lose 24-6.

Wall lobs a couple of ducks, and Dyson goes nowhere on the ground. Our defense really didn’t do much to stop them either.

Game Ball: ILB Jamal Garrett, 10 Tacks, 5 Assts

Let’s see if we can’t explode during the MAC schedule….

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Excerpts from “Abe Sargent’s Journal: The Early Years”
Copyright 2032

Week 7 – at Central Michigan (-10)

I head out west to lands of desert. We are preparing to host a bunch of interested seniors over the next couple of weeks, and I wanted to round out our plate.

CMU is 1-3, we are 2-2 and yet we are such underdogs. I hope we win, just so I can stick it to whoever chooses the lines.

Of course, we don’t win.

Central: 49
Eastern: 14

Ouch.

Game Ball: ILB Justin Rabach – 4 Tacks, 2 Assts, 1 Int returned for TD

We didn’t turn the ball over, but we couldn’t move the sticks, and that was the root of our problem.


Week 8 – KENT (-4)

In comes Kent State, and I want to win at home again – give something for the fans to come to games over. Of course, I want to win anytime. And this time, we’ll have some recruits watching.

Nine seniors travel to Ypsilanti to take a look at the school. We roll out the red carpet, and I talk about a new team with a new identity. I think they want to see that identity this week. I spend the week talking to them, and very little time recruiting away from the team.

We lose. 47-28. At least we didn’t get blown out too badly.

I brought in a RB and DE. Four other players went elsewhere.

We had an attendance of 15,900.

We have a couple of options with game balls. WR Burroughs and Horton each had 100+ yard games. But, I’m going with:

Game Ball: WR Wesley Larson – 4 catches for 89 yards, 3 TDs


Week 9 – BALL STATE (+2)

The past couple of years have seen us knock off Ball State. Hopefully they will be the cure for what ails us. We have weak Ball State in Ypsilanti – that is a recipe for a win.

A few more recruits come in this week. We treat them real nice. I also take a day and fly to New Jersey and talk to a few recruits. I like a couple of corner I find there and invite them to come look at EMU. I offer one a scholarship on the spot after I see his 4.0 report card on the fridge.

We lose though.

Eastern: 35
Ball State: 47

*Sigh*

We do bring in a WR, C, and T. So all is not grimy.

Attendance was only 13,800

Game Ball: QB Darrin Wall, 19 of 31 for 417 yards, 5 TDs, 2 Ints

Week 10 – NORTHERN ILLINOIS (-12)

Buy are we getting disrespect in our own place. My New Jersey CB came in to look at the campus, but he informed me that several other schools contacted him last week and offered him a scholarship, so it’ll touch and go whether he comes to EMU.

It’s was a pretty busy week recruiting players to fill the spots vacated by those who went elsewhere. Still, we have a nice core of recruits already.

We lose to Northern Illinois though, 31-24. The loss is not enough to dissuade a TE and DE from joining our school, though.

OLB Lamont Hardy is out for the rest of the season with torn knee cartilage.

Attendance – 14,200. We need to get that up.

Game Ball: ILB Jamal Garrett: 15 Tacks, 6 Assts, 2 FF, 1 FumRec

WR Burroughs also recorded another 100+ yard game, but Wall tossed 4 picks.

I’d like to start winning the close ones here folks.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

“Eastern Keeps Division 1-A Status

Ryan Foster
Eastern Echo

It’s a known fact that Eastern’s Football team is on the verge of plunging into the Division 1-AA Abyss. EMU has to have an average of above 15,000 in its home games this year in order to keep their head afloat. And, over its five home games, Eastern has averaged 15,160. It’s close, sure, but it counts.

Steve Dyer, the Chair of the Certification Committee for the NCAA was contacted regarding the closeness of the Eagles attendance. He said, “15,000 is not a slippery slope – it’s an absolute. Any school must stay above the 15k line. If a school falls below that, it doesn’t matter how far, they get relegated. Eastern was above the line, and they get to remain in the division.”

People will come if Eastern wins – it is a simple formula. The Eagles have to win in order to get people coming to their games. This year was close, sure, but now they can breathe easily.

Eastern was on probation this year because last year’s average was below 15,000. Last year was the first year of the requirement, and the NCAA enacted a rule that stated that teams not in compliance were to be placed on a probationary status pending the following year. Now that the second year is almost over, no more teams get a grace year, and it’s automatic relegation

For now, the Eagles have gotten a reprieve”


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Excerpts from “Abe Sargent’s Journal: The Early Years”
Copyright 2032


Week 11 – at Western Michigan (-24)

At 2-6 we are guaranteed of another losing season. WMU is sitting pretty at 4-3. We need to reach up a bit and knock off one of these road games.

Recruiting was boring as I wait some more and call players to coax them to come Ypsilanti-ward.

C Marlon Hutton is back for this week’s game. OLB Ralph Porter will start the remainder of the season.

And we almost win. Argh.

Eastern: 27
Western: 31

Game Ball: ILB Jamal Garrett – 17 Tacks, 6 Assts, 0.5 Sacks

We pulled in a linebacker recruit.


Week 12 – at Bowling Green (-12)

More boring weeks of recruiting. My eyes gloss over scouting reports.

Do I want to beat Bowling Green? Yes. Do I want to humiliate them? Yes. Do I want another win this season? Yes.

What do the players want?

Apparently, they wanted to lose. Bowling Green 40, Eastern 10.

I pull in a DE and ILB.

We were leading 7-6 at halftime. And then the heavens parted and Bowling Green poured forth their wrath upon us.

Wall tossed up an amazing SIX interceptions.

Game Ball: WR Sean Horton, 5 catches for 82 yards, 1 TD. Our only TD.


Week 13 – at Toledo (-19)

We lost at Western Michigan. We lost at Bowling Green. Any chance that Toledo will go down to the mighty Eagles? Especially since Toledo is 5-5 and fighting for a winning season?

I call up my few recruits still outstanding before heading to Toledo.

It’s raining.

So is Toledo. Raining down upon our hopes of winning a game.

Toledo: 42
Eastern: 35

I bring in four more recruits and finish off our class for the year.

Wall tossed another four interceptions. I can’t wait to bench his ass next year.

Both WR Burroughs and Kovel had over 130 yards receiving and a TD. My game ball will go to:

Game Ball: WR Casey Kovel, 6 catches for 139 yards, 1 TD, 63 YAC

2-9. You’d think the law of math would help us win, say, five games sometime.

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

It’s Bowling Green and Marshall in the MAC Championship. But Bowling Green is 5-6 overall, so I’m not sure if they’d go a bowl game or not if they won.

Course Marshall wins. 49-3. Marshall is 12-0 and probably BCS bound.

The MAC gets two bowl bids:

Marshall vs Georgia in the Sugar Bowl
Akron vs Southern California in the Motor City Bowl

Akron loses 28-3
Despite being favored by four, Marshall loses to Georgia, 49-10

MAC goes 0-2 in bowl games.

Florida State vs Michigan in the Fiesta Bowl – Michigan: 31, Florida State: 6

So, they celebrate a national championship five miles down the road.

I vote for the Michigan QB in a sign of solidarity for Heisman. He comes in 6th. The QB for Florida State won the trophy.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Some stats:

QB Darrin Wall, 190 of 395 for 2732 yards, 20 TDs, 23 Ints, 36 sacks

RB Cornelius Dyson, 160 for 709 yards and 6 TDs, 27 catches for 227 yards and 1 TD

WR Derrick Burroughs, 49 grabs for 830 yards and 4 TDs
WR Wesley Larson, 37 catches for 601 yards and 7 TDs

ILB Jamal Garrett, 134 Tacks, 46 Assts, 3.5 Sacks, 26 TFL, 3 FF, 1 FumRec
CB Jared Harvey, 35 Tacks, 16 Assts, 2 TFL, 5 Ints, 11 PasDef, 3 FF

Most other players had average or poor stats.


Awards:

ILB Jamal Garrett – 1st Team Nationally
ILB Jamal Garrett – Academic Team, Nationally
WR Derrick Burroughs – Academic team, Nationally
ILB Jamal Garrett – Top Defensive Player, MAC
ILB Jamal Garrett – 1st Team, MAC

3 players on MAC Academic team


The newbies:

RB Vernon Godfrey, 73+, Jamaica, New York, 258th Nationally, 3.73
TE Hardy Monroe, 64+, Fort Kent, Maine, 764th Nationally, 4.0
WR Adam Edwards, 79+, Flossmoor, Illinois, 384th Nationally, 2.97
C Kurt Whiting, 63+, Onaway, Michigan, 815th Nationally, 3.07
T Barry Bartrum, 77-, Oak Park, Illinois, 220th Nationally, 3.59
K Sean Peterson, 59++, Chicago, Illinois, 4.0
DE Rich Harper, 65+, Warren, Michigan, 700th Nationally, 3.62
DE Vince Arbuckle, 55+, Blue Springs, Missouri, 3.78
ILB Troy Dixon, 74-, Downers Grove Illinois, 991st Nationally, 3.09
OLB Brenden Goodwin, 69++, Lagrange, Indiana, 676th Nationally, 3.31
OLB Lamont Gatlin, 58+, Camden, New Jersey, 833rd Nationally, 3.04
CB Jake Mazur, 62+, Princeton Junction, New Jersey, 581st Nationally, 4.0

I wasn’t able to get a good guard, but look at my wideout! And the players are much closer to home this time. I am starting to get the closer players in competition, as opposed to the picked through and aside players from elsewhere. 10 nationally ranked players in the Top 1000. Nice. And three players with 4.0 GPAs. Also nice. I’m happy with this part of the year.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Offseason:

We finished the season ranked #118

We had a 100 recruiting performance, but a 0 Alumni Donations. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a 0 before. 2 TV revenue, 15 Attendance, 47 performance, and 63 academics.

My Head Scout retires. I can’t keep one of these guys to save my life, eh?

A guard leaves the team and a TE loses a girlfriend. San Jose State offers me a job.

Really?

In case you were wondering, no coach who has worked all four of these past four years has more loses than me, except for the coach of Louisiana State. That’s who I should schedule…. Anyways, why would I be getting an offer for a school? IS there even a high school so desperate that they would hire me?

Didn’t think so. Besides, I like EMU.

He is going to retire soon, but before he does, I want to hire:

Head Coach (Great Lakes)
Lamar Schwartz
69 Yrs
Lousy, Excellent, Decent, Good, Lousy, Good, Fair, Terrific


This year they broke up my MAC schedule. I also have Marshall this year. Boo. Iowa State is coming to EMU this year.

I offer Army a game but they refuse. Southern Cal offers me an away game this year, home game next year, but I refuse. I have Louisiana State in my eyes. But they refuse. Stanford offers me an away game, but no doing. I currently have 6 home games. If I have a 7th, and start winning them, then I will increase our record. Gotta play a bad team here.

I offer another game to North Texas. I beat them last year, might as well bring them back. But they refuse. Oregon State makes me an offer, but I decline. I offer a game to Cincinnati, but no dice. Arkansas State wants a game, but again, I decline. I then talk to Temple, but they say no. Alabama wants a game, and they get to hear what my laugh sounds like. I then call up Tulsa, but nothing doing. However, Louisiana Tech rings my phone for an away game. I counter with a home game, but they say no.

It’s stage 8 and I am getting closer to desperate. Louisiana-Monroe rejects my overtures, but Tulsa calls me back and offers an away game. I call back Louisiana-State and offer them a home game this year, away game next year, but no dice. With only ten teams left to schedule, and the last stage, Louisiana-Monroe calls me back and let’s me know that a home game would be fine. We set it up, and I have my schedule:

Eastern Michigan University, 2006

Week 1 – LOUISIANA-MONROE
Week 3 – IOWA STATE
Week 4 – OHIO
Week 6 – YALE
Week 7 – at Central Michigan
Week 8 – at Marshall
Week 9 – BALL STATE
Week 10 – NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Week 11 – WESTERN MICHIGAN
Week 13 – at Bowling Green
Week 14 – at Toledo

There are several winnable games on the schedule, including most of the home games, and for most teams it is a creampuff schedule. We will see what happens in real life, though.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

I take a looksee at the freshmen:

RB Vernon Godfrey – As I had hoped, our future running back star.

TE Hardy Monroe – Not that great, will probably serve as a backup or marginal starter.
WR Adam Edwards – I had such hopes for Adam. He comes to me with a low endurance, though. Needs to develop.

C Kurt Whiting – Could be starter someday, but will ride the pine for a year while Hutton starts.
G Norm Paswater – I brought him in late as a walkon, then gave him a scholarship after I saw him. He has backup or adequate starter written all over him.
T Barry Bartrum – Needs to grow into an offensive line position, but could start later.

K Sean Peterson – Probably will be a backup for the time. Might start a year late or something. Great kicking power but poor accuracy.

DE Rich Harper – Good, solid DE who might start sooner or later.
DE Vince Arbuckle – Another good DE who ya might see starting someday.
DE Curtis Page – Walkon with talent, given a scholarship. Needs development.

ILB Troy Dixon – Definite redshirter with no current stats at all, just green.
OLB Brenden Goodwin – Every so often you come across a diamond in the rough. That’s Branden, who has stats in the 70’s and 80’s for potential, but low 10’s for current.
OLB Lamont Gatlin – Another greenliner. Might see play late but not today.

CB Jake Mazur – Another shutdown corner, weak at stopping the run though.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Bitching and moaning, griping and complaining had brought the coaching staff to the following starters for the year:

QB Justin Goodwin (2) – It’s time to turn over the reigns.

RB Cornelius Dyson – He’ll play, and get a lot of snaps, but his production has to come back up.

TE Melvin Sanford – Never developed like we thought he should, but still is a fine TE.
WR Casey Kovel – Redlined player, will be the possession receiver on the team.
WR Wesley Larson (2) – Learning the system and getting better every game.
WR Derrick Burroughs (1) – Our best receiver the last two years, gets good matchups from the three spot

C Marlon Hutton – Gotta play our big man in the center. Could be a good NFL draft selection.
G Terry Padilla – Another bigger man. Will be a good rock on the line.
G Lamont Harding (1) – 6’5” and full of mean.
T Wade Floyd (1) – Needs to dominate defensive linemen.
T Bubba Crase (2) – Did not develop last year like he should have. Needs to do so this year.

P Myron McGee (2) – Already developed – got a lot of practice last year.
K Edward Balent (2) – I want to see balls kicked through Nebraska.

DE Leonard Parrish (1) – Still a run-stopping specialist.
DE Vince Arbuckle (3) – Vince wins the True Freshman contest to see which of the three starts. The others wear crimson.
DT Marshall Madison – Decent at plugging holes and keeping runners on the ground.

ILB Jamal Garrett – Team leader and all-around good guy.
ILB Justin Rabach (2) – Still needs to learn the game
OLB Roy Portillo – Experienced, fast, and ready to kick ass.
OLB Lamont Hardy (2) – Young, raw, undeveloped, and ready to learn.

CB Jared Harvey – The good corner
CB Jake Mazur (3) – Another True Freshman starting. The others have lowered stats according to my new scout.
S Wendell Hale (1) – Adequate safety, nothing special, like to pick the ball off.
S Winfred Sinclair (1) – My new scout judges him less than the previous one. Still an experienced safety.

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Dr. David Diles, Athletic Director: “Well, the good news is that we are still in Div 1-A. Of course, you didn’t do it by winning…”

Abe Sargent: “And yet, I’m still the head coach. Thought that wasn’t supposed to happen if we didn’t start winning?”

David: “The President was content with meeting our goal of staying in the division. Plus, we both feel that EMu may be about to turn a corner. But, be aware that you will not have much slack left. All of the old players are guard – the team is completely yours now. And it is on your shoulders that blame will fall should they continue to struggle.”

Abe: “Change doesn’t come overnight, but I am confident that this team will open a lot of eyes.”

David: “It better open a lot of pocketbooks as well.”


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

“Early Pre-season Projections has Marshall and Northern Illinois on top of MAC

Jeff Gosted
ESPN.Com

Projections by various ESPN analysts have been tabulated, and Marshall heads the MAC, which should be no surprise to anybody. Akron, also in the East, is picked to be close behind the Thundering Herd, with the Northern Illinois Huskies predicted to finish first in the MAC West, and third overall.

Toledo was fourth, with Buffalo surprisingly in fifth place. The Rockets lost several important starters, but are perennial contenders for the MAC West crown. Buffalo, however, really is a surprise, and may be a bit of a reach. Bowling Green was predicted to finish in the middle of the pack at ninth place. Eastern Michigan was selected to finish last, behind Ohio and Ball State.”


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Excerpts from “Abe Sargent’s Journal: The Early Years”
Copyright 2032

WR Derrick Burroughs and C Mike Stene received 4.0’s last year and got autographed balls.

Week 1 – LOUISIANA-MONROE (+10)

Honestly, I don’t know much about La-M. I know that we are favored by 10. That I know. I don’t know where the hell Monroe is – I assume it’s a town or city or something, and not a person’s name.

Before I hit the recruiting trail, I try to identify our needs. I decide upon a:

QB, RB, WR x2, G, T, DT (x2), ILB (x2), CB x2, S x2 = 12 (14) players.

Are there are any seniors who idolize EMU? Of course not. And our prestige stayed at 61.

I hit Michigan and Ohio trying to find players who’ll come to EMU and who I like. I then call up a few corners and tackles.

We beat La-M, by the way.

Eastern: 33
Louisiana-Monroe: 27

Gotta love these Sun Belt teams.

We had an attendance of 16,400

Game Ball: RB Cornelius Dyson – 32 carries for 143 yards and 1 TD

Please excuse my – WHOOO-HAAA.

Thanks you very much. And the Eagles are undefeated.

Defensive Player of the Week Nationally is DT Ethan Simmons with 7 Tacks, 1 Asst, 4 Sacks. From Louisiana-Monroe.


Week 2 – Bye

Yep, bye, I’m finished. Good season, let’s have another? If only I could finish the season now, I’d be happy.

Instead I have to do more recruiting. I finish up my excursions into Ohio and offer a couple of scholarships. From there it’s all Pennsylvania. There’s a really smart offensive tackler from there who is only 171 miles from EMU that I like. I end up offering him a scholarship.


“Iowa State has visions of fighting the big boys in Big XII. Eastern Michigan has dreams of getting out of the MAC cellar. Both are 1-0. Today, on TV5, someone will stand, and someone will fall.”

Week 3 – IOWA STATE (+2)

Whoa! We are favored versus a team not from the SCE8/MAC/Sun Beat? When Iowa State is 1-0 too? Well, alright!

I drive through Indiana and make a couple of stops before ramming into Illinois full speed.

And we are on TV too. Nice.

Well, the good news is that nobody got injured. The bad news is that we lost 21-14. We decent news is that we had 17,100 in the stands.

Game Ball: OLB Roy Portillo – 14 Tacks, 3 Assts

Still, 1-1 is .500 ball. And we have Ohio next week.


Week 4 – OHIO (+3)

Again, we are favored. That’s what I’m saying!

I take a quick drive over to Wisconsin to grab a few meetings with some recruits. From there it’s into Minnesota. A pretty typical week all things told, and not a lot happened.

And then we played Ohio.

Eastern: 31
Ohio: 9

I think we won.

T Wade Floyd was a little banged up in the game, but he’ll still play in the Yale game in a couple of week.

16,000 in attendance.

Game MVP and Game Ball: RB Cornelius Dyson, 30 rushes for 260 yards, 4 TDs

WR Derrick Burroughs also recorded another 100+ yard game. C Hutton had 7 KRB too.

2-1 Baby!


Week 5 – Bye

We were 2-1 once before, but we didn’t do so well that season. We need to keep up our momentum this time.

I fly into DC and work my way back. I offer a scholarship to a defensive tackle there. Then it’s Maryland, and New Jersey before flying back home. I offer several scholarships to players in Jersey, but the Maryland players disappointed me.


Week 6 – YALE (+12)

We are supposedly very safe with Yale this week. Supposedly. Here the problem though. Even if we win here, we go to Central and Marshall next. Both teams are doing very well. Central is 2-0 and Marshall is ranked #18 and 2-1. These will not be easy games. We need the victory at Yale to give us momentum.
I spend the week talking and visiting recruits I have already seen, in order to tryand sway them to Eastern.

Eastern: 37
Yale: 27

Three and One. Na-ha. G Lamont Harding is out for 8 weeks with torn cartilage. That will be most or all of the season.

Get this – we are up 23-17 when they return a kick for a TD. Then they score a Field Goal to go up 27-23. And with 2:06 on the clock, on our own 20, QB Justin Goodwin marches down the field and scores a TD with 1:21 left on the clock. We are up 30-27. Then as Yale drives, TRUE FRESHMAN CB Jake Mazur picks off the ball and runs it in for a TD. Heheh.

Game MVP and Game Ball: QB Justin Goodwin, 23 of 28, 265 yards, 3 TDs, 1 Int.

RB Dyson recorded another 100+ yard game.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

“In the MAC West , a surprising Eastern Michigan challenges for the crown. At 3-0, Central Michigan also is well positioned to defend their championship from last year. Central Michigan, led by Receiver Rickey Hansen try to bring down running back Cornelius Dyson and the Eagles, today, on TV5”

Excerpts from “Abe Sargent’s Journal: The Early Years”
Copyright 2032


Week 7 – at 3-0 Central Michigan (-12)

I head to New England this week to do a little scouting. I end up making a few offers to some players in Massachusetts and one from New York. We begin preparing for the annual recruitment weeks where players come in from all over the country to look at football programs everywhere. We have to put on a good show in order compete with the bigger programs just over the hill and upstate.

We have a critical battle with CMU this week. A win would really help to propel us towards respectability. A loss would cause snickers and murmurs of “I told you so” from pundits and critics.

I start backup center Jessie Garrison in the guard spot that injured Harding vacated.

Eastern: 17
Central: 7

Neee-haaa!

Game MVP: RB Cornelius Dyson, 27 rushes for 88 yards and a TD

Game Ball: WR Wesley Larson, 5 catches for 70 yards, 2 rushes for 8 yards and a TD

Now, the bad news:

QB Justin Goodwin and DT Marshall Madison are both out. Justin is out for 4 weeks with a knee injury, Marshall is out for four weeks as well, with a severe wrist sprain. Still.

We won.

QB Darrin Wall and DT Reggie Anaya will get the start until the respective players can come back.

At 4-1, we are on top of the MAC West, both by being the only MAC West team undefeated in the MAC, and also by virtue of our record.


“With their victory last week, Eastern Michigan is experiencing a new feeling – victory. With their second straight loss, Marshall is also experiencing a new feeling – defeat. Two MAC teams going in opposite directions meet, each trying to struggle against the fates. It’s a game neither team had circled at the beginning of the season – but which has become critical to each team’s success. The Eagles take on the Thundering Herd, this week, on TV5”


Week 8 – at 2-2 Marshall (+9)

I cannot believe that we are actually favorites in Huntington, WV. I mean, seriously folks – us? Favorites at Marshall?

Sixteen players visited EMU this week. I have a feeling that many will be watching the Marshall game on national TV. If we can only knock off the perennial MAC Superpower. Marshall is to the MAC as Miami is to the Big East. Gotta win this week.

Gotta win at Marshall with Darrin Wall at QB. Does not look good.

And we lose. But at least it’s close. Marshall 35, EMU, 28. Definitely a respectable score all things considered.

We were winning 21-17 at the half and 28-20 at the end of the third quarter.

S Winfred Sinclair returned a pick for a TD. And Darrin Wall threw 2 TDs vs only one pick. However, my game ball goes to:

Game Ball: RB Cornelius Dyson, 21 for 111 yards, 1 TD, 6 grabs for 57 yards, 1 TD

I’m relatively happy with the loss, because we played hard. A CB agrees and commits to EMU. 5 other players disagree and go elsewhere.


Week 9 – 3-2 BALL STATE (+4)

I spend the week talking to backup prospects at the positions where we received rejections.

And Ball State, eh? Would like this win to continue momentum. Who am I kidding? I just want a win!

To be a good team in the MAC, you have to knock off the small opponents – can’t let them beat you.

Eastern: 38
Ball State: 13

Attendance: 18,500

I pull in a guard and corner, but get four more “Dear John” letters.

Game MVP and Game Ball: RB Cornelius Dyson, 26 for 172 yards, 1 TD, 6 grabs for 116 yards, 2 TDs

That is, just astounding. We had three picks too. QB Wall tossed three picks and three TDs. He is hot and cold, as always. Some things do not change.

DT Marshall Madison will start next game.


“The MAC has produced several surprises this year. At the top of the list are Northern Illinois and Eastern Michigan battling for the top spot in the MAC West. Now this two would be champions are clashing in Michigan, and it promises to be a great battle as receiver Brandon Singleton and the Huskies come into town to take on running back sensation Cornelius Dyson and the Eagles, next, on TV3.”


Week 10 – 4-4 NORTHERN ILLINOIS (+8)

We scored a TV coup, and are featured on a major network this week! Northern Illinois, despite their record, is actually 4-1 in the MAC, where we are 3-1 in the MAC. We need to win this game to move to the top.

I hit a few holes in our recruiting this week from more rejections. Then I concentrate on slamming the Huskies hard this week. We are ranked #41 before the game.

Eastern: 49
Northern Illinois: 14

Attendance: 18,700 – People are coming out to see a good team.

We are ranked #33 after the game.

At 6-2 (4-1) we sit atop the MAC West alone.

Game MVP: RB Cornelius Dyson, 24 rushes for 214 yards, 1 TD, 6 catches for 68 yards, 1 TD

Game Ball: WR Derrick Burroughs, 10 grabs for 130 yards, 2 TDs

Heisman Watch: Cornelius Dyson, 194 rushes for 1149 yards, 11 TDs, 34 catches for 329 yards and 4 TDs.

QB Darrin Wall even looked good, going 20 of 25 for 180 yards, 5 TDs and a pick.

6-2 – our first winning season!


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

“Resurgent Eagles Take on MAC

Steve Sharkly
Ann Arbor News

Readers may have already heard of the Eastern Michigan Eagles and their strong team this year. They may know that the Eagles are 6-2 thus far and leading the MAC West. They may already know that this team came less than 200 people attending a ball game away from being relegated to the ranks of Division 1-AA last year. They may already know that star quarterback Justin Goodwin went down with injury earlier this year, only to have backup Darrin Wall step right in and continue the Eagles flight. Yes, the same Darrin Wall who started the past two season for the Eagles. You know, when they were 5-17?

And readers may already know that RB Cornelius Dyson is the fourth ranked rusher in the country, or that true freshman defensive end Vince Arbuckle is third in the MAC in sacks at 7. Readers may know about last season when linebacker Jamal Garrett was on the national first place team, and this year he has returned to lead a smothering defense.

And readers may already know that this is not your father’s Eagles.

What readers may not know is that this year’s team has been four years in the making. When unknown head coach Abe Sargent took over for the Eagles in 2002, he had a talent-poor squad. He started an amazing nine true freshman the following year.

Those freshmen are now seniors, with loads of experience.

He followed that with six more true freshmen starting the following year. Now they are juniors with loads of experience as well. In addition, other players have come in and started immediately, like DE Vince Arbuckle and CB Jake Mazur.

This is a team loaded with experience. And it is a team loaded with Abe Sargent’s players. You may not know them. But you will.

These are not your father’s Eagles.”


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

“As the MAC gets more riddled with questions and uncertainly – the one thing supposedly certain was that Eastern Michigan was the doormat of the conference. Until this year. At 6-2 and already assured of a winning season, the Eagles are playing for a bowl bid and the MAC West championship. Division Rival Western Michigan is playing for a desperate gasp at victory, currently sitting at 3-5, but 3-2 in the MAC West, WMU can still see the top. But, they have to play through a rough Eastern squad. It’s the Broncos stampeding into town to take on the eagles, next, on TV5”


Excerpts from “Abe Sargent’s Journal: The Early Years”
Copyright 2032


Week 11 – 3-5 WESTERN MICHIGAN (+11)

I expect the home attendance to go up with cross-state rival Western in town.

We pulled in a QB and a safety last week, but had three recruits turn us down. I go plug holes again.

Other than that – more ho-hum this week. More drab, droll, tedium. And preparing for WMU, which is the fun part. I’m not cut out for this recruiting stuff, but playing ball – that I enjoy!

Oh yeah, we win, too!

Eastern: 45
Western: 28

Attendance: 18,700

We had three defensive scores in the game, without which we would have lost 28-24.

Game MVP and Game Ball: OLB Lamont Hardy – 9 Tacks, 3 Sacks

CB Mazur had a Int return for 97 yards! S Winfred Sinclair also had a Int TD, for 51 yards. And TE Phillip Folsom, playing on special teams, picked up a fumble and returned it 42 yards for a TD. QB Wall lobbed 3 TDs and no Ints. Dyson racked up another 94 yards on the ground and 40 yards receiving.

QB Justin Goodwin will be back for the next game in two weeks.

We pull in a RB, WR, ILB, and S. Nobody rejected us this week.

Why would ya, we’re 7-2!


Week 12 – Bye

A chance for some R&R for everybody, including myself. I have little to do on the recruiting front. I declare Monday to be a holiday for everybody – coaches included!

We pull in an ILB this week. A DT declines our offer and goes to Western.


Week 13 – at 3-6 Bowling Green (+19)

We are a phenomenal favorite in Ohio. But we have a QB coming off an injury. He may be a little rusty out there. We need to win.

We are currently ranked #31. I don’t think we’ll crack the Top 25 unless we win at Bowling Green and Toledo. Even then, we may have to win the MAC championship before anybody will respect us. That route begins here, at Bowling Green.

And we stumble. Have to learn how to walk before you can fly.

Eastern: 17
Bowling Green: 28

Dyson is held to only 45 yards on the ground, although he has 81 yards receiving.

Game Ball: QB Justin Goodwin, 20 of 28, 267 yards, 2 TDs and no Ints.

We also had several picks and Jamal Garrett was again the rock for our defense. Still, we have to do better next week. We have to.

G Lamont Harding will start next week


“With a 5-2 division record, Eastern Michigan is leading the MAC West and just one game away from winning its first MAC West title since 1978. At 5-5, Toledo is fighting for a winning season and bowl eligibility. Each has a goal in mind. One will fail. Hated rivals square off in a game for a whole lot of marbles, next, on TV5”


Week 14 – at 5-5 Toledo (+3)

Winning this week is crucial. 8-3 and a 6-2 MAC record would guarantee that we’d keep playing. A loss may end our season. The West Champion plays Marshall. I’d love a rematch.

Eastern: 32
Toledo: 29

Overtime.

Get your game face on – Marshall is a’comin’ to Ypsilanti!!!!

Toledo hit a game tying FG with 11 seconds left in the game. After two TD battles, we scored a FG, and they didn’t.

Game MVP: RB Cornelius Dyson, 22 rushes for 202 yards, 2 TDs, 6 grabs for 68 yards.

Game Ball: ILB Jamal Garrett, 12 Tacks, 5 Assts, 1 FumRec

We are ranked #33 heading into the Championship game!

RB Dyson is 8th in the NCAA in rushing. We need to get that total up.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

“Our featured guest this week on ‘Michigan Sports!’ is Head Coach of Eastern Michigan University’s football team, Abe Sargent. Eastern Michigan is this year’s Cinderella team, with an 8-3 record, the Eagles captured only their second MAC title ever, and their first since 1978! And now, Abe Sargent!”

“Thanks. Glad to be back”

“When you were last on the program, you offered to come back as a featured guest. I said I would, when the Eagles succeeded. I’d say they did so this year. Whatever happens in the conference title game, you have to be proud.”

“Thanks for the compliments, but no, I don’t have to be proud. Our team has won some games, sure. But we aren’t out for a few wins and a nice banner to hang up in the stadium celebrating our MAC West victory. We’re here for it all. Win the MAC, go to the Motor City Bowl, and win it. We’re 8-3 now – I want to be 10-3.”

“You certainly are ambitious, but are you a little too much so? This team has had recorded of 1-11, 1-10, 3-8, and 2-9 in your first four years as a head coach. Aren’t you shooting a little high?”

“It’s not like we have barely won our games. Sure, we see teams every year come out and win a bunch of close games. People start staying they are really good, but in fact, they’re lucky. That’s the nature of the game. But we have not been lucky. We’ve been good.”

“How so?”

“We have a turnover margin of plus thirteen, for example. That’s tied for tenth in the country. RB Cornelius Dyson is eighth in the country in rushing. We are averaging ten more points a game than we give up. This is a team that’s winning because it’s good.”

“Impressive. A lot of coaches can’t site statistics like that. You know your team well.”

“I don’t come from a coaching background, remember. I have my Masters in Public Administration, not Sports.”

“True. To change gears a little, what is your plan against Miami of Ohio this Saturday?”

“It’s very simple. We have good receivers, we have a good quarterback, we have a good offensive line, and we have a good running back. We have to take the pressure off our defense by scoring quickly and often. After all, you win this game by scoring more then your opponent does.”

“One more question before you go. No wait, actually two. First of all, Cornelius Dyson for Heisman?”

“I think he could be in the “running,” so to speak, if we win the championship game and bowl game on the strength of his legs. The guy has 2000 yards rushing and receiving this year. We just need to keep pounding him.”

“Last question, will you come back on our show?”

“Only if you get me some of those donuts with the chocolate sauce on top with sprinkles.”

“Haha. Well, we’ll have some donuts in the dressing room for you. Alright Michigan sports fans, that does it for our show this week. Join us next week when our guests include….”


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

“The MAC Championship games has come down to two teams. Miami of Ohio has performed very well the past few years, but this year they’ve stepped out from behind Marshall’s shadow and taken the East crown with a 9-2 record. In the MAC West, Cinderella team Eastern Michigan has taken the division with an 8-3 record. Now, Miami of Ohio comes into Ypsilanti as the each teams seeks to move on. Running back Cornelius Dyson and the Eagles host linebacker Gerald Bergler and Miami of Ohio. The MAC Championship game, next on TV3”


Excerpts from “Abe Sargent’s Journal: The Early Years”
Copyright 2032

Week 15 – 9-2 MIAMI of OHIO (+3)

The first Week 15 where it hasn’t been a bye week. We host the East Champs – Miami of Ohio. Who will stand and who will fall?

I figure that the key to winning this game is to score a lot. Don’t sit on a small lead and milk out the clock – instead go for the jugular. If win lose, so what? We’ve lost nothing. Why not go for the win?

Miami of Ohio is ranked #21.

Eastern: 17
Maimi of Ohio: 13


Oh yeah, we won!

WR Wesley Larson was knocked out, and we’ll have to start someone else next week. I’ll worry about that then. For now, we dance!

And we look at stats:

Game MVP: RB Cornelius Dyson, 28 rushes for 125 yards, 1 TD, 10 grabs for 64 yards.

Game Ball: T Wade Floyd, 7 KRB, 0 SkA

ILB Jamal Garrett would have been a nice choice too, with his 8 tackles, 3 assists, 1 sack and 1 pick.

2006 MAC Champions - Eastern Michigan University


Bowl Stuff:

Three MAC Teams were offered bowl bids. The Queen City bowl had two at-large selections with its respective conferences not having a team eligible. They chose us. The Motor City Bowl had gone with Miami of Ohio over us, tossing us back into the pool. Which makes no sense because the Motor City Bowl should want a local team, in my opinion. Anyways, the Queen City Bowl, in a quirk or whatever, chose 9-2 Buffalo as its other team. So, the Queen City Bowl will actually be a MAC matchup, which is all sorts of weird.


Week 16 – Queen City Bowl vs 9-2 Buffalo (-1)

Buffalo is ranked #17, so we have our work cut out for us. Look for us back at #30. *Sigh* don’t get no respect.

I am moving WR Rico Sarfaty into the starting position for the injured Wesley Larson.

Our players relax in the sun, and I answer a bunch of media questions this week. It’s a new experience for all of us.

The Buffalo QB is number three in the nation, and Cornelius is number eight. We might get to see which one is truly dominant this week.

“For the past couple of years, the MAC schedule had Buffalo and Eastern Michigan battling it out. The first season they don’t play each other, they both secure nine wins. Eastern won the MAC West, then the Championship Game. Buffalo was kept out of that game by virtue of losing a tiebreaker to Miami of Ohio. It’s rare in sports that a team gets a “Do Over.” Now, we get to see if Buffalo should have been the team in the MAC Championship game, or if Eastern has the stuff to truly call itself MAC champions. Its running back Cornelius Dyson and the Eagles versus running back Edgar Rose and the Bulls in the Queen City Bowl. Next on TV2”


So, here is my question – who showed who?

RB Edgar Rose – 22 rushes for 103 yards, 1 TD, 2 catches for 4 yards
RB Cornelius Dyson – 25 carries for 73 yards, 10 catches for 106 yards, 1 TD

I think its Cornelius, personally.

We lost, 27-13. Goodwin tossed 3 picks – that’s basically the ball game. I gave the game ball to Dyson.

All told – a 9-4 season is really strong. I’m ultimately happy, even if we did lose to dumb Buffalo.

Miami of Ohio beat Arizona 28-17. So the MAC went 2-1 this year (but really, it went 1-0)


It’s Penn State and Florida in the Fiesta Bowl. Florida wins 27-3. What’s up with these so called “Championship” Games the BCS is throwing? They’re a bunch of stinkers. This year, Penn State was ranked #5 in the polls, yet they played in the big one.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

RB Cornelius Dyson IS in the Heisman race. There are four running backs in the competition, and the Buffalo back is no where to be seen. We also have three wideouts and three quarterbacks

I do not think that Dyson will win the race. But, I’m voting for him.

Cornelius comes in fourth, actually, in the voting with 100 votes. He won Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Arkansas, Iowa, Utah, Massachusetts, and New Mexico. The winner was QB for Texas Tech Isaac Fargnoli with a 42:9 TD:Int ratio. Second place was the running back from Florida State and third went to the running back from Notre Dame. Nice that a MAC player would finish so highly.


Here are some stats for the year (13 games)

QB Justin Goodwin (9 Games), 173 of 277 for 2036 yards and 11 TDs, 7 Ints, 34 sacks.

RB Cornelius Dyson, 303 for 1688 yards, 14 TDs, 74 grabs for 688 yards, 6 TDs

WR Derrick Burroughs, 57 grabs for 762 yards, 4 TDs
TE Melvin Sanford, 34 catches for 323 yards, 4 TDs
WR Wesley Larson (11 games), 34 snags for 498 yards, 8 TDs

ILB Jamal Garrett, 101 Tacks, 28 Assts, 2.5 Sacks, 29 TFL, 1 Int, 10 PasDef, 2 FF, 1 FumRec, 1 TD
OLB Roy Portillo, 73 Tacks, 18 Assts, 17 TFL, 1 Int, 8 PasDef, 3 FF, 1 FumRec
DE Vince Arbuckle, 16 Tacks, 8 Assts, 10 Sacks, 12 TFL, 1 FumRec
DE Leonard Parrish, 52 Tacks, 16 Assts, 7.5 Sacks, 23 TFL, 1 FF
OLB Lamont Hardy, 55 Tacks, 13 Assts, 6.5 Sacks, 13 TFL, 2 Ints, 6 PasDef
S Winfred Sinclair, 36 Tacks, 7 Assts, 3 TFL, 6 Ints, 2 TDs, 5 PasDef, 2 FF, 1 FumRec
CB Jake Mazur, 27 Tacks, 11 Assts, 5 TFL, 5 Ints, 2 TDs, 8 PasDef, 1 FF, 2 FumRec
CB Jared Harvey, 41 Tacks, 20 Assts, 5 TFL, 3 Ints, 10 PasDef, 1 FF, 1 FumRec

C Marlon Hutton, 39 KRB out of 92 KRO, 8 SkA
T Wade Floyd, 37 KRB of out 89 KRO, 6 SkA
G Terry Padilla, 29 KRB out of 74 KRO, 8 SkA


Some Awards:

ILB Jamal Garrett – 2nd Team Nationally
CB Jake Mazur – National Freshman Team
ILB Jamal Garrett – National Senior Team
RB Cornelius Dyson – MAC MVP
RB Cornelius Dyson – MAC Off Play of Year
CB Jake Mazur – MAC Top Def Freshman
RB Cornelius Dyson – MAC 1st Team
T Wade Floyd – MAC 1st Team
DE Leonard Parrish – MAC 1st Team
ILB Jamal Garrett – MAC 1st Team
OLB Roy Portillo – MAC 1st Team
CB Jared Harvey – MAC 1st Team
TE Melvin Sanford – MAC 2nd Team
P Myron McGee – MAC 2nd Team

6 Players on MAC Academic Team


With some of my recruits leaving for the first time, we now add….

Career Stats:

RB Cornelius Dyson (40 Starts) – 761 for 4031, 36 TDs, 169 grabs for 1397 yards, 8 TDs, 16 Fumbles

WR Casey Kovel (44 Starts) – 116 catches for 1618 yards, 10 TDs, 9 fumbles

TE Melvin Sanford (44 Starts) – 75 grabs for 782 yards, 5 TDs, 16 KRB out of 64 KRO, 0 SkAs

C Marlon Hutton (41 Starts) – 105 KRB out of 253 KRO, 20 SkA

G Terry Padilla (41 Starts) – 70 KRB out of 109 KRO, 25 SkA

DT Marshall Madison (44 Starts) – 182 Tacks, 82 Assts, 14 Sacks, 45 TFL, 1 FF, 3 FumRec

ILB Jamal Garrett (46 Starts) – 438 Tacks, 135 Assts, 7 Sacks, 78 TFL, 4 Ints, 28 PasDef, 8 FF, 2 FumRec, 1 TD

OLB Roy Portillo (46 Starts) – 228 Tacks, 84 Assts, 39 TFL, 3 Ints, 15 PasDef, 4 FF, 2 RumRec

CB Jared Harvey (46 Starts) – 141 Tacks, 61 Assts, 11 TFL, 9 Ints, 30 PasDef, 5 FF, 2 FumRec

And lastly – meet those who must replace them:

QB Jorge Strickland, 59+, Waterford, Michigan, 763rd Nationally, 2.87
RB Keith Mullis, 60+, Holton, Michigan, 3.06
WR Paul Estell, 60+, Wauseon, Ohio, 910th Nationally, 3.18
WR Leo Rupp, 65+, Warrenton, Virginia, 797th Nationally, 3.76
G William Singleton, 63+, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, 2.83
T Eddie Bartolini, 39+, Visalia, California, 3.81
DT Trevor Murray, 50+, Horsham, Pennsylvania, 3.48
DT J. B. Weber, 47+, Aurora, Illinois, 3.85
ILB Cole Rossi, 65+, Oscoda, Michigan, 2.85
ILB Frank Burns, 72+, Cincinnati, Ohion, 450th Nationally, 3.59
OLB Mitchell Ebbitt, 69++, Lawrence, Massachusetts, 737th Nationally, 3.66
CB Bart Reilly, 70+, Chicago, Illinois, 468th Nationally, 3.75
CB Matt Wick, 58+, Stanhope, New Jersey, 3.24
S Deion Thomas, 64+, Schyulkill Haven, Pennsylvania, 3.35
S Tom Welles, 50+, Dayton, Ohio, 3.68

Nice looking corner and inside linebacker. Everybody else will just depend.

We finished the season ranked #33.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Off-Season:

I scored a 100 recruiting, 81 TV revenue and 82 performance. Even got a 75 donations and 71 Academic, with a 38 attendance. 72 final grade.

One of my tight ends leaves. My New England scout retired. Oklahoma State offered me a job, but I like EMU.

I hire a scout and move on to scheduling.

I need wins more than I need quality – I’m not pandering to the BCS system yet. No need to. So, I need to schedule teams that I can beat. Not Iowa State. Like Louisiana-Monroe from last year.

My schedule is spread out again like a good little schedule. Now I need teams to play at EMU.

I begin by offering another game to Louisiana-Monroe. They decline. Arizona offers me a game, but I have no interest in traveling to a desert. Louisiana State rejects me and UCLA offers me an away game. I apply the desert rule to Los Angelos and look elsewhere. Maybe Army? Army says no thanks, but Harvard calls. I ask them for a home game, and they say no thanks. I hear about Rutgers being bad every year, so I try for a game, but they decline. I offer a game to Troy State, but I think I heard laughter on the phone. U. Pennsylvania offers a home game this year/away next. I counter with just a home game, and they decline. It’s stage 8 and I need games fast. I offer a game to Wake Forest – but no dice.

I now have two stages to schedule two games. Seventeen schools out there, let’s hope they exercise some desperation.

I offer a home this year/away next year to Cincinnati. And they decline. Ouch. I now get a random game. Last stage, and Auburn offers me an away game. No thanks, that’s what I might get stuck with randomly, no sense in actually scheduling it. 10 teams looking for dance partners. I just know that I’m going to get stuck playing Florida State. In the Swamp.

Harvard rejects my offer – so here is what I get:


Eastern Michigan University, 2007 Schedule

Week 2 – BROWN
Week 3 – at Hawaii
Week 4 – at Ohio
Week 5 – CENTRAL FLORIDA
Week 6 – YALE
Week 7 – at Northern Illinois
Week 9 - BOWLING GREEN
Week 10 – CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Week 11 – at Ball State
Week 12 – TOLEDO
Week 13 – at Western Michigan

I didn’t get stuck with Auburn, South Carolina or Florida State, so I should be happy.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"EMU Must Respond to Larger Expectations

Steve Sharkly
Ann Arbor News

How does a small MAC school follow up a surprising championship performance? Maybe not as much as you might think.

Who are the favorites to win the MAC this year? Marshall, Buffalo, and Akron. Where is EMU predicted to fall? Tenth out of fourteen.

When a defending champion is not even predicted to be in the top helf of the league, you know something may be wrong.

Of course, this is all because of Cornelius Dyson's graduation. When a team loses a Heisman candidate, everybody always wonders. But, were last year's Eagles truly one year wonders? Or have they come home to roost?

Who knows?

But football fans want to find out"


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Our starting roster for the year:

QB Justin Goodwin (1) - Justin will get the start over fifth year man Darrin Wall. Good luck.

RB Vernon Godfrey (3) - Redshirted last year and has four years now to play with.

TE Duane Conway (1) - Definately a hole we need to patch
WR Derrick Burroughs - Good big play man will hopefully lead our team.
WR Wesley Larson (1) - Another big play man.
WR Adam Edwards (3) - Despite a need for development, he edges out the competetion.

C Kurt Whiting (3) - Needs development but has the potential to start all four years.
G Lamont Harding - Hoss in his final year.
G Norm Paswater (3) - Not a good G, we need another option for next year.
T Wade Floyd - Big meaty tackle
T Bubba Crase (1) - Barely beats out sophomore for the spot.

P Myron McGee (1) - Very strong punter
K Edward Balent (1) - Not a strong kicker

DE Leonard Parrish - Senior with average ability
DE Vince Arbuckle (2) - Young and strong DE returns
DT Reggie Anaya (2) - A really bad DT. This is a problem.

ILB Justin Rabach (1) - Not the best ILB ever.
ILB Frank Burns (3) - The true freshman starts.
OLB Lamont Hardy (1) - Decent OLB
OLB Brenden Goodwin (3) - Young OLB with potential

CB Brenden Dortch (1) - The most developed of the group but less potential.
CB Jake Mazur (2) - Youth shall continue.
SS Winfred Sinclair - Man of experience in the secondary.
FS Wendell Hale - Along with Wendell.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Excerpts from “Abe Sargent’s Journal: The Early Years”
Copyright 2032


After handing out shirts of crimson to several players, I head over to my office and pore over our roster with care. What do we need to recruit?

Here are our greatest needs:

Defensive Tackle: We need a hoss DT and we just don't have one. Wo don't even have a servicable one.

Tight End: We need a Tight End that can do it all.

Guard: We don't even have good guards in the wings, although we have six on the roster, many are poor players. We need two guards.

Running Back: Although I have faith in Vernon, we need depth here with only four RBs on the roster.

Wide Receiver: We still need a star wideout. Or two.

Fullback: We have a couple on the roster for short situations. Both are almost ready to leave.

Center: I'd like to have a third center on the roster just in case.

Offensive Tackle: Another for depth would be nice. A star would be even better since I don't have any right now.

Inside Linebacker: We are fit at the OLB position with quality and depth. We need that inside as well.


Depth at other positions would be nice - like CB, S, and K.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Excerpts from “Abe Sargent’s Journal: The Early Years”
Copyright 2032

Five players had 4.0s last year. They get autographed footballs.

Week 1 - Bye

I get to start off the season on the recruiting trail. I visit some players in Michigan and Ohio before making phone calls across the country.

I call DTs. All the good ones seem to be in the NY/NJ metro area this year. I must take a trip out that way. I finish up calling some WRs, and the best seem to be in CA this year. Hmph.


Week 2 - BROWN (+6)

Brown lost last week to Middle Tennessee State. I'm not sure I could point to MTS on a map if it weren't for the highly descriptive geographic name.

Anyways, we are favored by six, since we host the Brown....Whatevers here this week. What is the Brown mascot?

I finish up my Michigan visits. I offer a few scholarships here and there. I swing through Wisconsin - there's only one recruit that I want to see. From there it's down to Illinois for a few visits which wraps up my week.

A few phone calls to wideouts and offensive tackles brings me to today.

A 36-7 victory gives us a chance to celebrate.

Unfortunately, QB Justin Goodwin is out for four weeks with a hyperextended knee. Darrin Wall heads in.

We had 18,200 people in the stands.

Wesley Larson and Derrick Burroughs each grabbed two TDS. Darrin Wall tossed three TDs on the day.

Game Ball: QB Darrin Wall, 12 of 14, 3 TDs on the day. That's from 2 and a half quarters of play. Ruthlessly efficient.




"Last week Hawaii crushed Air Force while Eastern Michigan also grounded their foes. Now, these two teams collide on National TV. Watch as the Eastern Eagles soar into the isles to take on the #25 ranked Warriors. Next, on TV4"


Week 3 - at Hawaii (-5)

We now travel to Hawaii. We are in the air as I type this up. This past week I decided to head back to Illinois for a few visits. I then swung by Indiana and finished up my trips.

I hit the phones trying to find good recruits abroad. I dial up some Tight Ends and a Fullback.

We lose in Hawaii 31-34. Close. It was a tight game. It was 7-7 at the end of the first quater, 17-10 HI going into the half, and 24-24 at the end of the third. We were neck and neck the entire way, and I can't be that upset at the loss.

Game Ball: QB Darrin Wall, 25 of 37 for 336 yards, 3 TDs and a INT. Was not sacked.

S Winfred Sinclair is out for 4 weeks with a severe wrist sprain. WR Wesley Larson is questionable with influenza. Damn islands gave my player influenza!!!



-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Excerpts from “Abe Sargent’s Journal: The Early Years”
Copyright 2032

Week 4 - at Ohio (-3)

Ohio is favored over us, which must be a sad statement of some kind or another.

Nicky Terrell will start for us at Safety. Darrin Wall will continue to lead us into battle. However, we'll leave Wesley Larson in for this week's game.

I swing over to New York for recruiting this week. The area is rife with talent. I have several scholarship offers out now, so I call some up and see how they are doing. I wrap up with some calls to guards.

Ohio is 0-2 and yet they are favorites. It has to be because they are at home. Especially since we just beat them 22-20.

There were no additional injuries. Oh yes, we also have the Offensive Player of the Week for Division 1-A Football:


Offensive Player of the Week: RB Vernon Godfrey, 35 carries for 252 yards, 9 catches for 93 yards, 1 receiving TD. That's a total of 339 yards of offense he accounted for. Amazing.


"This week, on TV4, undefeated Central Florida leaves the comfort of their home to battle 2-1 Eastern Michigan. It a MAC Bru-ha-ha, next."



Excerpts from “Abe Sargent’s Journal: The Early Years”
Copyright 2032

Week 5 - CENTRAL FLORIDA (-2)

I don't like not being favorites in my own home.

Anyway, for recruiting, I hit New England. My top ILB choice is from New Hampshire, so I start by visiting hime. I offer him a spot on the team with a scholarship in hand. Hopefully, we can pull him in.

A few phone calls later and it's time to focus on the game.

A game where we are absolutely dominated by CFU. 41-12. Ouch!

We scored 12 in the first quarter while CFU was held scoreless. Then 41 unanswered points went up on the board over the next three quarters.

And that's just not good when you're at home.

Game Ball: ILB Justin Rabach, 9 tacks, 6 assts, 1 sack, 1 Int, 1 FF

Ah well. Maybe next week.


Week 6 - YALE (Even)


Justin Goodwin is back in the QB seat.

I still need a few players. THis is the last week for invites. The only place in the nation that has the players I need is California. So I take a trip to the Left Coast to visit a G prospect. He is better then we thought, and I offer him a scholarship on the spot.

I use my time out here to visit some other players. I really hope that this guard comes to EMU though. I feel good about him.

I find a really good corner out here and offer him a scholarship. You can never have too many good defensive backs I think. I also find a pretty good center who is looking for academics. I'm the best school that's contacted him so far. I offer him a scholarship as well.

I hope that my CA field trip won't have been in vain.

2-1 Yale arrives in Ypsilanti. They leave 2-2. After losing. 45-0.

Woah, that's some offensive output there.

Goodwin laucnhed 17 calls, connected on 14, and scored on 5 of those. That's really efficient.

Game Ball: WR Adam Edwards, 7 catches, 156 yards, 2 TDs

The young guy does good.



Game 7 - at Northern Illinois (-2)

Only one player has come to visit this week - my FB prospect who has amazing grades but ppoor ability.

One of our scholarship offerees at the WR position accepted a berth at another school. Another is visiting Northwestern. So I hit the trail looking for more WRs.

I hit the south, starting with Arkansas where a nice wr recruit lays unspoiled. I like him and offer a scholarship. I find another recruit in Louisiana.

Anyways, game day comes. We score 42 points!!! Northern Illinois scores 54 :(

DE Vince Arbuckle is out for the rest of the season. DE Rich Harple will start the rest of the season.

S Nicky Terrell, 3 tacks, 1 Int, 1 INT Ret TD, 1 FF, 2 FumRec

It was a late rally by us as the score stood at 35-14 by N. Illinois at the end of the third.

Not quite good enough.


Week 8 - Bye

13 players come to visit EMU facilities this week. We host them as well as possible.

Other than that - not much happening this week in the Green Town.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"MAC Struggles

Simon Polonkey
Akron Journal

The MAC is having an interesting year so far. With most teams having played six games, we can get a sense of how the year is supposedly falling down.

Take the East, for example. Despite Central Florida leading the conference in overall record 6-1, Marshall, at 4-2 is ahead in the standings. Of course, Marshall hasn't lost a MAC game whereas CFU lost to Northern Illinois this past week.

Our own Akron is sitting pretty at 3-3. Hopefully, the Zips can turn it around for a late season push.

In the West, however, we have a different story. Defending champs Eastern Michigan are 3-3 and tied for 5th out of 8. Only Bowling Green has a losing record at this point in the season, and it looks to be a very competetive division. Western Michigan, at 5-1, has the inside track on winning the West.

So it's a year of surprises with the West's strength and depth being an interesting counterpoint to the East's bottom-heavy and top-heavy conference, where there is apparently no room in the middle."


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Excerpts from “Abe Sargent’s Journal: The Early Years”
Copyright 2032

Week 9 - BOWLING GREEN (+11)


We had two commitments this past week. A TE from Michigan and that WR from Louisiana have agreed to join us. Excellent.

I spend the week chasing down G recruits. We had offers rejected this week so I need new options.

Unfortunately, Bowling Green defeats us and that sours the tastes of recruits.

Bowling Green 35, EMU 14

No turnovers for our defense, only two TDs by air but no receiver with more than 60 yards, RB no more than 70 yards, QB with poor standings, no sacks, so, our game ball....

Game Ball: P Myron McGee, 8 punts, 329 yards, 41.8 avg

Several of our players emerge from the game banged and bruised, but I think it's either a consequence of the score or an excuse to divert blame.

Commitments: FB, OT, DE, ILB
Rejections: RB, TE, WR, C, OT,


Week 10 - CENTRAL MICHIGAN (+6)


With 6 recruits in the bag, I turn my head towards filling in the gaps of rejection. I'm able to find a nice replacement for my primary center recruit and offer a scholarship.

27-17 - 18,000 fans appreciate our victory.

We were down 17-10 going into the fourth when we scored 17 unanswered points. Whoot!

I have several options to go with here, but I choose:

Game Ball: WR Adam Edwards, 6 catches, 155 yards, 2 TDs

RB Godfrey dashed for 126 yards as well.


We pull in an OLB but lose out on a CB and a WR.


Week 11 - at Ball State (-8)

The interesting thing about last week is that we did not receive many rejections. I need to look for a WR though. Maybe another G prospect.

I have five players still visiting. Excellent.

I find an acceptable WR recruit down in Florida and offer a scholarship. Don't think that I'll be able to pull him in though, so I keep looking.

So I head into the Ball State game with hope - we have a decent recruit class, and I think we have a decent chance at wining the table and finishing with respect.

24-31 Ball State.

At least we still have no new injuries.

Game Ball: RB Vernon Godfrey, 16 rushes for 119 yards, 4 catches for 17 yards


Ah well. I get a commitment from that decent Center. No rejections this week.


"The year is starting to wind down as teams try to elevate their play. At 6-3, Toledo is trying to make a final push for a bowl berth. At 4-5, Eastern Michigan is just trying to become bowl eligible. It's rivalry renewed as the Rockets fly into town to take on the Eagles on TV4"



Week 12 - TOLEDO (-3)

With no rejections last week, and a full slate of scholarships offered, there wasn't much to do on the recruiting trail but call up the seven players and see how things are going. I figure we'll pull in three or four.

In other news, Toledo is trying to challenge Western Michigan for the West title in our stadium. I'm not sure which I'd rather win, but I know that I don't want anybody winning in our stadium.

Unfortunately, that has happened all too often this year. Toledo is victorious 21-3.

20,100 screaming fans were disappointed I must say. We were simply dominated from the coin flip.

Game Ball: S Nicky Terrell, 8 tackles, 1 assist, 2 Ints

Well, that's it. No winning season here.

Sigh.

We pulled in a WR and G.



Week 13 - at Western Michigan (-10)

Well, if we want to help out Toledo, we'll try and defeat WMU in their own stadium. Or maybe we'll just try to knock them around for our own self esteem.

I phone up our outstanding recruits. Hopefully we'll get a few more commitments this week.

HAHHAHAHAH

EMU 17, WMU 14

That's funny. Really funny.

Wanna know how we won? Justin Goodwin was injured and Darrin Wall came back in. Goodwin threw, literally, one pass in the game. Wall tossed up 42 balls.

Game Ball: QB Darrin Wall, 20 of 42 for 229 yards, 1 TD, 1 Int

And so the year ends as it begins. Ironic, eh?

We still have a year of Justin Goodwin left. I wonder how that will work out?


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Excerpts from “Abe Sargent’s Journal: The Early Years”
Copyright 2032


Week 14 and Subsequent Weeks


A RB and CB confirm, but our DT prospect elects to go elsewhere. There are few recruits left but I try to see what's there.

We still have one outstanding scholarship offer to a safety.



The MAC Championship


Late comer Northern Illinois wins the West and hosts Marshall.

There cannot be a doubt as to the winner. Right?

Of course not. Marshall 42, Northern Illinois 6

I get a DT walkon and the Safety agreed to come to my school. As such, we now have a full incoming class.



MAC Bowls:

Arizona State vs. Marshall in the Motor City Bowl

Texas Christian vs Northern Illinois in the Insight.com Bowl

East Carolina vs Central Florida in the Humanitarian Bowl

Tennessee vs Buffalo in the Queen City Bowl


Four Bowl Bids to MAC teams. Pretty good, even if they are all small bowls.



Buffalo crushes Tennessee 36-10 (MUAHAHAHA)

East Carolina squeaks past Central Florida 28-24

Marshall eeks out the small possible win over Arizona State 15-14

Texas Christian pummels Northern Illinois 43-17


So the MAC goes 2-2 in Bowls


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

The Fiesta Bowl this year is Michigan vs. Texas. That sounds like a good game.

Texas 24
Michigan 21


I vote for a Florida QB for the Heisman. He had a great year, and I think he deserves the win.

Instead, the greatest SHAM EVER OCCURS


Here is who won:

QB Jamal Gold, South Carolina, 218 of 333 for 3113 yards, 12 TDs, 11 Ints. 13 Starts

Here is who I voted for:

QB Buddy Shelton, Florida, 275 for 470 for 4082 yards, 42 TDs, 18 Ints, 12 starts


Who is the better QB? Why is a QB who can only manage to toss 12 TDs winning the Heisman? Was he a rushing QB? Let's take a look.....


Jamal: 594 yards rushing, 11 TDs
Buddy: negative yardage, 1 TD

So, I am willing to accede that Jamal has an added dimension on the field. But compare the aggregate TD numbers:

23:43

There is one obviously better than the other. I think so, at least. And it wasn't as if Jamal came from a major QB football factory either. So he didn't pull in the California voters, for example. Nope, South Carolina.

Anyways, I digress.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Here is our recruit class:

RB Jeremy Dixon, 48-, Portage, MI, Not Ranked, 4.0 GPA
FB Ernie Baxter, 24+, Austin, TX, Not Ranked, 4.0 GPA
TE Richie Junker, 70+, Holton, MI, Not Ranked, 2.71 GPA
WR Ellis Kantowski, 70+, Baton Rouge, LA, 562nd, 3.95 GPA
WR Wes Levine, 52+, Dover, DE, Not Ranked, 3.77 GPA
C Anthony Armenta, 79+, Granada Hills, CA, 574th, 3.85 GPA
G Jerald Dobler, 60+, Tiverton, RI, Not Ranked, 3.38 GPA
T Ralph Borders, 79-, Wauseon, OH, 370th, 3.32 GPA
DE Carlton Lankford, 65+, Sycamore, IL, 684th, 3.63 GPA
DT Phil Poston, 45+, Welch, WV, Not Ranked, 3.04 GPA (Walk-On)
DT Richard Thurgood, 40+, Evans, GA, Not Ranked, 3.79 GPA (Walk-On)
ILB Percy Finch, 80+, Hinsdale, NH, 537th, 3.87 GPA
OLB Ernie Emery, 69+, Lake Forest, IL, 975th, 3.66 GPA
CB Shawn Bowyer, 70+, Chicago, IL, 760th, 2.90 GPA
S Joseph Frederick, 65+, Danville, VT, Not Ranked, 3.18 GPA


My New England trip appeared to be fruitful. Not my best class ever, to be frank. A lot of players not on the Top 1000. Still, when a 70+ TE is not on the Top 1000, well, I have to question the rankings.

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Statistics:


QB: Neither Justin Goodwin nor Darrin Wall had a bad season. Due to injuries, neither had a good season either.

RB Vernon Godfrey, 184 rushes for 936 yards, 3 TDs, 41 catches, 351 yards, 3 TDs

WR Wesley Larson, 52 catches, 815 yards, 6 TDs
WR Derrick Burroughs, 35 grabs, 503 yards, 10 TDs
WR Adam Edwards, 34 snatches, 680 yards, 7 TDs

S Wendell Hale, 78 Tacks, 29 Assts, 7 TFL, 4 Ints, 6 PasDef, 4 FF
DE Leonard Parrish, 47 Tacks, 7 Assts, 6.5 sacks, 12 TFL, 2 PasDef
DE Vince Arbuckle, 13 Tacks, 2 Assts, 4 sacks, 4 TFL, 1 FumRec (In 6 games)
S Nicky Terrell, 66 Tacks, 16 Assts, 12 TFL, 4 Ints, 1 Int TD, 4 PasDef, 2 FF, 2 FumRec (In 9 games)
ILB Justin Rabach, 58 Tacks, 21 Assts, 1 sack, 9 TFL, 3 Ints, 4 PasDef, 1 FF, 1 FumRec

T Wade Floyd, 24 KRB out of 71 KRO, 9 SkA



While my RB had a subpar year, you have to like what my WR trio has done. While each could use more yards, that's a good amount of TDs between them. No real studs on the defense this year either.



Awards:

WR Wesley Larson: MAC 2nd Team
K Edward Balent: MAC 2nd Team
S Wendell Hale: MAC 2nd Team

Four players on MAC Academic Team



-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Career Stats (maximum of 46 possible starts):


S Wendell Hale, 46 Starts: 233 Tacks, 81 Assts, 32 TFL, 12 Ints, 23 PasDef, 7 FF, 1 FumRec

WR Derrick Burroughs, 41 Starts: 193 catches, 2918 yards, 28 TDs, Fumbled only one time

T Wade Floyd, 46 Starts: 89 KRB out of 246 KRO, 32 SkA

DE Leonard Parrish, 46 Starts: 176 Tacks, 50 Assts, 26.5 Sacks, 53 TFL, 2 PasDef, 3 FF, 1 FumRec



-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

I received the following scores:

65 for Team Performance

69 for Academic Performance

100 for Recruiting

14 for TV Revenue

9 for Alumni Donations

27 Attendance


Final Grade is a 47


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

One of my QBs jumps ship due to a lack of playing time. One of my RBs leaves because of bad grades.

My Great Lakes scout, and thus by default, my head scout, has retired. I am now in the market for a new scout.

Florida State, Virginia Tech, Toledo, and Auburn are all ofering me jobs. because, apparently, they are stupid. I elect not to take any of the jobs. What am I, the cool coach who doesn't do that weel but everybody always likes? Sad.

No, I'll stick with EMU, thank you very much.


I hire

Grady Cote, 68 Years Old

Excellent in LBs
Very or Pretty Good in QBs, O-Line, Ks, Second
Decent in D-Line
Poor in WRs
Terrible in RBs


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Scheduling:

I take a look at our schedule thus far: Five away games, four home games. Obviously, I need more home games.

I have some space at the beginning of the season for some games. Let's see if we can't find a team or two to play us in Ypsi.

I offer a game to mightly Tulsa. They decline. Stanford wants an away game, but I shrug them off. I decide to old standby Louisiana-Monroe. However, they must be all booked up already. Sad.

So I offer a home game to Louisiana-Lafeyette. They accept.

One more game needed.

I offer a game to Boise State but they decline. Again with the offers from Stanford. No! San Diego State also declines our generous offer. As does Air Force and Arkansas State. Colorado is now offering an away game. I would counter with a home game but I am looking for a school that can play in week 2.

Navy? Nope. Stanford, go away. Nevada? Again, no. Week 9 has arrived. Two more chances to schedule a home game before the randomization comes. I take a look at the teams left to see what the chances are of getting a nasty.


Total Number of Teams Left: 22
Nasties Left: Michigan State, Miami (Fl)

That's good odds. So I try another home game. Iowa State....

Nope.


One more chances.

Total number of teams remaining: 14
Nasties Left: 0
Bad Teams Left: Maryland, Washington State, Mississippi

Again, good odds. Let's shoot the dice. Mississippi State?

Rejected me.

So who did I end up with?

We are traveling to Stanford. Heh.


EMU 2008 Schedule


Week 1 - LOUISIANA-LAYFAYETTE
Week 2 - at Stanford
Week 3 - Bye
Week 4 - at Northern Illinois
Week 5 - AKRON
Week 6 - at Yale
Week 7 - at Bowling Green
Week 8 - MIAMI (OHIO)
Week 9 - Bye
Week 10 - CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Week 11 - at Ball State
Week 12 - TOLEDO
Week 13 - at Western Michigan


And there you have it. All ready for the next year!!!


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Let's take a look at the incoming freshmen after they have arrived:

RB Jeremy Dixon - Poor, very poor
FB Ernie Baxter - Even worse
TE Richie Junker - Excellent Pass Catching skills and blocking potential.
WR Ellis Kantowski - Future starter with good skills
WR Wes Levine - Adequate wr may end up starting in a talent-poor year
C Anthony Armeta - Four year starter potential if he can develop. Of course, he won't need to strat that much because we are set at the Center position.
G Jerald Dobler - Good potentials but very poor current stats. Future starter.
T Ralph Borders - Could be a starter if he develops. He'll need to do a lot of that.
DE Carlton Lankford - Don't know if he'll ever be more that a good backup or a poor starter.
DT Phil Poston - Not a good DT
DT Richard Thurgood - Not a bad DT
ILB Percy Finch - Practically all green but a lot of potential
OLB Ernie Emery - Crowded OLB corps may not give Emery enough time to ever develop intoa starter.
CB Shawn Bowyer - Decent enough future starter
S Joseph Frederick - Backup caliber player.


Most, if not all, will be wearing shirts of scarlet this year.

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Press Conference 7/1/08


Abe Sargent: Alright, let's take a few questions. Steve?


Steve Sharkly, Ann Arbor News: Coach, tell us a little about last season. Coming off the MAC Championship, it had to be a disappointment for you.


Abe: Anytime you don't win every game you can it's a disappointment. That's a simple fact of football.


Brian Stevenson, Detroit Free Press: Coach, youy've had a chance to review the tape from last year. What adjustments are you going to make for the upcoming season?


Abe: I am committed to our current formations. I think that the Singleback Offensive Formation meets our needs. As to running a 3-4 defensive front, well, you've seen the quality of our Defensive Tackles. We have great linebackers but suspect tackles. Why would we want to run anything other than a 3-4?


Brian: How about personnel changes? With Justin Goodwin start this year despite several well documented cases of severe disappointment.


Abe: Until you hear otherwise from me, Justin is our starter.


Ryan Foster, Eastern Echo: Coach, you've gotten a chance to see the new freshmen in action. Previously, you've had a policy of starting true freshmen if they deserve it. Are there any freshmen this year that you are looking to start?


Abe: We have some pretty good freshmen this yera, but I don't feel that any are developed enough at this time to make an impact on the field.


Alison Styles, Detroit News: Coach Sargent, how many wins this year would be considered a success?


Abe: You must be new. From the Detroit News, eh? How old are you, 24? They need to send in somebody with a bit more experience. First of all, it's never "Coach Sargent." "Coach Sargent" makes it sounds as if I have two titles, and no name. Just "Coach." Or maybe "Coach Abe." But not "Coach Sargent." Secondly, as I have alrady made clear, winning every game that you can - that's a success - anything else is a disappointment for me.


Steve: What are some of your recruiting priorities this year?


Abe: Well, we need to look at brining in a quarterback, but I think you already knew that. We only have three on the roster after one jumped ship a few months ago. We always need more receivers in our offense. We need a new kicker. Offensive tackle. Punter. Well, overall I'd say our most striving needs are at the kicking positions, offensive tackle, and quarterback.


Heath: If the team doesn't do well this year, do you think that you will be fired?


Abe: I always steer clear of prognostication. Alright, that will do it for today's press conference. You folks have fun. Somebody get the intern or whatever from the Detroit News a media guidebook so she'll know what questions to ask next time....



-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Our Starting Roster for 2008:


QB Justin Goodwin - The senior needs a good year to put doubts behind him

RB Vernon Godfrey (2) - I think we need to use Vernon more

TE Duane Conway - Just an average tight end. If that.
WR Wesley Larson - A three year starter will finish up his career at the one spot.
WR Adam Edwards (2) - Did pretty well last year at the three spot and moves up.
WR Ellis Kantowski (3) - The rookie wins competetion in camp due to a lack of talent elsewhere.

C Kurt Whiting (2) - A strong hoss of a center.
G Norm Paswater (2) - A fairly weak guard as far as guards go.
G Jerald Dobler (3) - Another true freshman starting, Jerald will have to develop on the field.
T Bubba Crase - Not a great tackle, but will hopefully suffice.
T Barry Bartrum (2) - Young tackle with a good future ahead of him.

P Myron McGee - Still our best player at any position.
K Edward Balent - Not a great kicker, but adequate.

DE Rich Harper (2) - Developed last year into a devastating defensive end while starting for Arbuckle.
DE Vince Arbuckle (1) - Will start another year.
DT Reggie Anaya (1) - Not a good DT.

ILB Justin Rabach - Final year for an overachieving ILB.
ILB Frank Burns (2) - Definately a strong ILB who is getting better after starting last year as a true freshman.
OLB Brenden Goodwin (2) - Young and versitle OLB
OLB Lamont Hardy - Age and experience give him the starting nod

CB Jake Mazur (1) - Developed into a solid corner.
CB Brenden Dortch - An acceptable corner
SS Nicky Terrell (1) - Did well last year after starting late. Not best stats though.
FS Deion Thomas (3) - Not a good safety, but could grow into one.



-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Areas of Recruiting Need:


Starter Potential:


QB
WR
G
OT
P
K


Backups, most likely:

TE
RB
QB
DE
ILB
OLB
CB


Total number of targets: 13


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"Eagles Under Questionable Management

Steve Sharkly
Ann Arbor News

With a poor 5-6 season under their belts, you have to wonder about head coach Abe Sargent.

Again.

Remember, this was the laughing stock of the coaching world up until two years ago. The man with no experience and such. And his teams did poorly as well.

Then that all supposedly changed when the MAC was won by EMU and all was forgotten. Or was it?

After last year's struggles at home against three teams, the questions have risen again. In fact, will Coach Sargent ever be free of them?

I guess it all depends on the final record at the end of the year."


-Anxiety

[Airhog]

No Wigfecta for you :D

[Abe Sargent]

"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033


Week One - LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE (+11)

We host another Louisiana team and are favored by 11 this week. Excellent.

We are expected to finish 10th in the MAC this year. I hope not.

Someday, while recruiting, I am going to hit a guy who idolizes EMU. And he'll probably be some scrub recruit.

There aren't that many prospects in Michigan this year, so I hit a few locally then drive down to Ohio.

I buzz a few punters and kickers in order to get my name out there. We really need to bring in a good pair this year.


Good Night Louisiana-Lafayette. 45-21 EMU


In front of an Eastern crowd of 20,000, we crushed the L-L team.

Game Ball: QB Justin Goodwin, 20 of 34 for 275 yards, 4 TDs, 2 Ints. Really spread the ball around, four different players with rec TDs.

OLB Brenden Goodwin is out for the year with a blown knee - he'll have to have reconstructive knee surgery. WR Adam Edwards will be out for a week or two with a pulled groin.

OLB Mitchell Ebbitt, a young sophomore will get the start for the rest of the season. He's green, but he'll have a chance to grow on the field.

WR Leo Rupp will spell Edwards foir the week or tow he is out.


"At the beginning of a new season, both Eastern Michigan University and Stanford have high hopes. Both one their first game convincingly. Now the Eagles travel to the West Coast to take on PAC10 Stanford. Today, on TV1"


"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033


Week Two - at Stanford (-4)

We are only four point underdogs playing at Stanford this week. I hope for an upset grande.

I finish up my Ohio visits before heading eastward to Indiana. There's a lot of good recruits in Indiana this year, so I spend almost an entire week here.

I hit the phones for a nice OT prospect. There are a bunch of good, solid prospects out there this year. Very deep, which is good for us. There are several good QB prospects in New England. I may have to hit out there a little later.

An upset at Stanford on TV1 would be a big boost, I think, to the EMU program.

Unfortunately, it just wasn't meant to be. 17-41 Stanford. Ick.

We were +1 in turnovers too. Goodwin tossed two Ints and we snagged an Int and forced and recovered two fumbles on defense. Yet, we were hammered. Guess that old adage about winning the turnover battle was proved false on the field today, eh?

Game Ball: RB Vernon Godfrey, 21 carries, 106 yards, 2 catches, 20 yards.

Just further proof that we cannot hang with the big boys.

In other MAC news. Marshall just hosted Miami of Florida and beat them 26-23



Week Three - Bye

Marshall goes to South Carolina this week. They have a big schedule this year.

I concentrate on recruiting. Typically, my next move is to finish up the great lakes region with visits to Illinois and Wisconsin. However, this week I'm heading to New England. A good QB prospect has had no visits yet from other schools, so I need to find out the book on him.

I head over to Massachusetts. Unfortunately, he is significantly worse than my scout reported. That's why no one was visiting him.

I visit an Offensive Tackle prospect who is similarly poor. A Kicker in Connecticut is also significantly worse. A guard? Significantly worse. A decent punter prospect who I offer a scholarship to. And finally, an ILB who is better than reported. And finally, an OT that's significantly worse, etc. That's was a pretty lousy week. I am going to have to look at jettisoning my New England Scout after that.

I phone up some QBS and I find a few prospects down tobacco road. Maybe another trip east will be scheduled for next week...

Marshall loses to South Carolina by three.

And we move on.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033


Week Four - at Northern Illinois (-4)

WR Adam Edwards is back in the saddle this week, despite being rated as questionable.

QB Justin Goodwin has a strained hamstring, but h is probable, so he'll play. Besides, when is Justin not injured??

I find a top QB prospect in Virginia when I visit. Nice. I offer a scholarship and everything. I follow that up with a visit to a great CB. An offer to the CB, a DE, and a OLB. Several scholarships came out of this visit, so it made up for the loss of time last week.

We manage a victory on the road 17-3 over Northern Illinois to start the MAC season. Nice.

Justin Goodwin ran a TD in.

Game Ball: DE Rich Harper, 2 Tacks, 5 Assist, 2.5 Sacks

ILB Justin Rabach tore up his knee ligament and will be out for the season. Junior Troy Dixon will be starting for us the rest of the way. Rabach was a senior presence of experience on the field and he will be missed.


Week Five - AKRON (+8)

I hit Illinois to find some recruits this week. I swing by a couple in Wisconsin before finishing the week in Pennsylvania.

21,100 fans on hand to witness EMU go up to 3-1 against the Zips by winning 35-28.

There can be only one game ball this week, however. Take a look at this sheer domination:

Game Ball: RB Vernon Godfrey, 23 rushes, 230 yards, 3 TDs, 3 catches, 14 yards.

There were several other contributions. Paswater had 5 Key Blocks, Terrell logged 12 tackles, but Godfrey was obviously the man from the beginning through the end.

Nice.

DE Vince Arbuckle will be out for a week or two with a pulled quad muscle. Starting in his stead will be Junior Curtis Page.


3-1. Hehheheh.


Week Six - at Yale (+11)

Heavily favored despite being on the road, we take off to fight regular Ivy League opponent Yale.

Week Six in recruiting is always - fill holes on your roster week. You take a look at hte positions you have outstanding need at and offer scholarships to people in order to have offers out for all of your priorities. I swing by Kentucky to look at a TE candidate. I leave after offering him a scholarship.

Quick stops in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee leave me with just a few holes on th list left. I offer a scholarship to a QB in Georgia that I visit with the last trip of the week.

And what a shootout we had!!! We manage to survive 50-44.

Going into the half it was 16-3 Yale. We managed to rally to tie the game at 37-37 at the end of regulation. Then we won on the second overtime.

Today was the day QB Justin Goodwin became a god.

Game Ball: QB Justin Goodwin, 20 of 38 for 354 yards, 5 TD, no Ints.

Two receiver posted over 100 yards - Edwards and Larson. All told, a good day.


4-1


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Transcript from 1080 AM, Detroit News, SportsTalk Live! 8:37 am 10/2/08

George Stevenson: We're back on 1080, Detroits Best News Station. As mentioned before the break, we are now moving ou discussion to the Eastern Michigan University football season thus far. My esteemed guests this morning are Dr. David Diles, Athletic Director for Eastern Michigan University, and Abe Sargent, coach of the Eagle football team. Dr. Diles, let's start with you. There's been a lot of controversy surrouding the Eagles head coach postion. You hired Coach Sargent here, a relative unknown, in order to keep EMU's Div 1-A eligibility. After being on suspension during the first year of the new NCAA Div 1-A standards, Eastern has done very well, hasn't it?

David Diles: It sure has George. Eastern has had the facilities, training grounds, and scholarships to meet the newest set of standards. But not the attendance. We felt we needed an adiministrator to keep us qualified. We've been very pleased withthe results that Coach Abe has brought us.

George: Alright then, let's bring you in Abe. For four years the Eagles were among the worst teams in the league, yet you kept your position. Then you wom the MAC and it seemed as if redemption had become yours. Last year's 5-6 season, however, raised the old doubts all over again. What was your goal going into this season?

Abe Sargent: My goal was to win every game we had. That's always my goal. Every season, no matter the external factors. Any loss is a disappointment.

George: But surely you can't believe that. Eastern is hardly is hardly in the same league as, say, Texas or Miami?

Abe: I do believe that. Miami of Florida lost this year to a MAC team. And we are in the same league as Texas. Both Div 1-A schools the last time I checked.

George: Haha. Fair enough. Dr. Diles, why did you retain Abe during those four years of trial?

David: We were bringing in better recruits. Our losses, although still happening, were decreasing in margin - we were getting mroe and more competetive. I figured that we were close to emerging as a threat in the MAC. However, had we not had the MAC Chamionship season, the first ever in school history, I might have taken a different course. If, in his fifth year as coach, Abe's team had gone, say 3-8, he probably would not have been sitting here.

Abe: And I think that would have been fair, by the way.

George: Well, it must make both of you feel pretty good that the Eagles are sitting secure at 4-1. The only was was at Stanford.

David: It makes me feel good to know that we are a force to be reckoned with in the MAC.

Abe: I wish we had beaten Stanford. Still, all things considered, I'll take 4-1. I want to go to another bowl game.

George: QB Justin Goodwin has had injuries the past two seasons that have kept him from reaching his potential. What can we expect from him this year?

Abe: We are currently 4-1 with Justin at the helm. Why not be 10-1 at the end of the regular season? 12-1 after winning another MAC Championsp and Bowl Game?

George: Well, thanks for coming by. Any last comments?

David: We are getting 20,000 people at our games now. We're 4-1. Eastern Michigan is on the rise. Let everybody know that.




-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"At 4-1, the Eastern Michigan Eagles are trying to regain their MAC title from two years ago. At 4-0, Bowling Green is trying to assert their own MAC superiority. The class of the MAC West clashes as Justin Goodwin and the Eagles fly into town to take on Drew Parrish and the Falcons, on TV4"

"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033

Week Seven - at Bowling Green (-11)

I'm confortable with being underdogs on the road. But I want to win there. It's not about being favorites, it's about being winners.

I find a nice OT in Missouri that I offer a scholarship to. I find a good WR in Minnestoa who I also offer a scholarship to. Other than that, this is the official Hold Your Serve Week in recruiting where you try to convince recruits that your school is the one for them.

Remember, we are supposed to be crushed by Bowling Green.

Vegas, get out your money, cause you're going to have to pay up.

Eastern Michigan U - 27
Bowling Green - 21

Vernon Godfrey notched another 100 yard rushing day. Goodwin had a fine passing day, and WR Edwards had 144 yards in the air. But our game ball?

Game Ball: ILB Frank Burns, 12 Tacks, 5 Assts, 1 Sack

Picking up the slack left by Justin Rabach after his injury, true sophomore Frank Burns justs dominates the middle of the field all game long.


Who's that team on top of the MAC West? Its me! Its me!



"With a victory over the Bowling Green Falcons last week, Eastern Michigan is now the only team in the MAC West undefeated in league play. In the East, Miami of Ohio is putting together an impressive season as well, currently in a three way race with Marshall and Central Florida. If Miami of Ohio has designs on the East title, they have to win where the Eagles roost. It's MAC Mash, this Saturday, on TV4"


"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033


Week Eight - MIAMI of OHIO (+22)

I can't ever remember being heavily favored by this much. I'm not sure if I'd rather be an underdog or a favorite.

We have twelve players visiting this week. I'd like to win in front of them. I want them to be impressed.

Recruiting this week is fairly easy. I simply visit and call of of the people who are still interested in Eastern Michigan of those we offered scholarships to.

This is the week that you try to sell yourself.

Anyways, losing at home despite a 22 point favored status on national TV weould be quite embarassing. Luckily for us, that doesn't happen.

We win 42-7

Justin Goodwin looked a little slow out there today. Godfrey only rushed for 77 yards. How did we win? Defense.

Game Ball: OLB Mitchell Ebbitt, 3 Tacks, 2 Assts, 1 sack, 1 Int, ret 71 yards, 1 Int TD

Starting in place of an injury, Mitchell has done a good job of handling his duties, as witnessed this week.

WR Wesley Larson sprained his knee. He is currently listed as doubetful, but we'll see if he can play in two weeks.



Our Kentucky TE was convinced enough to sign with us.


Week Nine - BYE


I spend this week trying to fill holes. Our K, DE, and ILB recruits went elsewhere, so I have to make offers to backups. I had a backup ILB candiate, but my backups in the other positions also made decisions, so I had to scramble to find them. offers were made and I can only hope that they wont hald anything against the late hour contact.



-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"With a 6-1 record, Eastern Michigan has been dismantling all comers. The newest challenger is cross-state rival Central Michigan. With a 4-3 record, Central has made their move and are now challenging for the top spot in the MAC West. The Eagles host the Chippewas, coming up next, on TV4"


"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033

Week Ten - CENTRAL MICHIGAN (+22)

I think that Vegas is trying to overcompensate for making us an 11 point underdog at Bowling Green by making us such huge favorites in the games since.

We brought in a QB and RB last week. I try to shore up holes again this week, in G, K, and CB.


WR Wesley larson is still doubtful, so I bench him and move up all of the receivers a spot on the roster. That makes Leo Rupp the third WR and gives him another chance to start for us.


At 6-1 we are aleady bowl eligible. If we can win more games, we may be more than that.

We beat Central 28-17. Which means we didn't cover the amazingly high spread.

23,600 people on hand to watch us win.

Goodwin had 295 in the air. With no individual receiver getting more than 75 yards either, which shows he can spread it around.

Game Ball: RB Vernon Godfrey, 21 rushes, 157 yards, 2 TDs, 6 catches, 62 yards, 1 TD

All three TDs scored by Godfrey. That's a pretty dominating game by him, if I do say so myself.

When there is an injury to a WR, by the way, he lines up as the fifth WR on the depth chart. That may have helped him a bit.

T Bubba Crase is doubtful for next week with a pulled groin. OT Clyde Verdin will be starting in his place.



Week Eleven - at Ball State (+27)

Because Ball State is a mighty 0-7 this week, I suspect the networks won't show the game.

We bring in that corner I chased last week. We still have nine recruits visiting our school and trying to make decisions.

WR Wesley Larson will sit out again this week as well.

A 31-17 victory later and we are sitting pretty at 8-1.

Game Ball: QB Justin Goodwin, 24 of 43, 293 yards, 3 TDs, 0 Ints.

Justin just continues to spread the ball out. This week, no receiver had more than 79 yards, and the three TD passes were to three different receivers. His completion percentage has always been low, but he's currently the best QB in the MAC.



Week Twelve - TOLEDO (+24)

Our greatest spread yet. And against our rivals too, eh?

This is our last home game of the year. I hope we have a good turnout. Last home game, rival, during an 8-1 season?

We pulled in a QB and a P.

EMU is ranked #11 in the power ratings, #17 by the coaches, #16 by the fans. Rankings baby!

Consider this - with three more wins, what happens to our power ratings? Could we go to a BCS Bowl?

WR Wesley Larson is back in the lineup. T Bubba Crase will sit out this week.


We have some really nice recruits still out there. I continue to try and hold our serve. Hopefully we'll get most to come to EMU.

Maybe our great season will convince them?

Maybe our 52-21 victory over Toledo will convince them?

On a day when we have a lot of great performances, it is hard to select a game ball.

Vernon Godfrey had 193 yards on 19 carries. 3 TDs and a receiving TD as well!

Justin Goodwin had another typically good day. DE Harper registered two sacks and recovered a fumble. But our Game Ball goes to Mr. Everywhere

Game Ball: CB Jake Mazur, 1 tackle, 2 Ints, 121 yards INT ret, 2 INT TDs, 1 ForFum

So Jake grabbed two Ints and ran them both back long yardage for TDs. Plus he forced a fumble. That's good corner work.

23,800 fans, by the way. I would have expected more...


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"BCS Possible Scenarios
Kirk Herbstreit, ESPN.com


Every year at this time we look around at the possible BCS scenarios and wonder. What will it take to get this, or for that team to make it?

Let's start by taking a look at the BCS conferences.


ACC. Maryland is currently on top of the ACC but Virginia and Clemson are right there with them. Each has an identical record, but Maryland is winning the tiebreakers. This is one of the best conference races in the country to watch. Maryland, at 8-2, is the team to beat. Since they just have Duke remaining on their schedules, you can bet that the Terrapins will be in the BCS picture. Clemson and Virginia each are 6-3 and have two games each remaining against good opponents. As such, it is unlikely that a second BCS representative will emerge from the ACC.

Big Ten. There is no doubt that Michigan will win the Big Ten. At 10-0, they only have a sifficult challenge remaining. Beat Ohio State in Ohio. Not an easy assignment, but even if Michigan loses, they win the Big Ten. Iowa, at 9-2, is a possible outside candidate for an at large bid.

Big Twelve. The class of the Big Twelve is Texas, as always. Currently 9-0, Texas has three games left. At Oklahoma, at Texas Tech, and the conference championship. Kansas, at 6-4, is the probable North championship. Maybe Texas Tech, at 7-2, can rally out a win, and they could be another outside contender for an at large bid. If Texas Tech defeats Texas, but loses out on the championship, look for them to play in a BCS bowl.

Big East. Syracuse rules the Big East at 9-1. However, their last game is against Miami. Despite Miami being out of the championship pictuire, they are still a team not to be trifled with. If Syracuse stumbles, Virginia Tech will need to win at WVU and at Virginia in order to arguably have a shot at the Big East Championship. However, with the Big East Marquee Team (Miami) out for the BCS picture, the Big East will almost certainly not have two bids. The only way they get two is if Syracuse and Tech both win out. Then they still might not get a bid.

PAC-10. Here is where the BCS trouble spot lays. Washington is on top with only one loss, and USC is right behind. USC has UCLA and Washington has to travel to a surprising Fresno State club. Both teams, if they win out, could be in a BCS picture.


SEC. Florida is the 10-0 champion. Alabama and South Carolina both have 8-1 records, however. Therefore both have legitmate shots at a BCS bid.


The SEC and PAC-10 each have several wild card contenders, and several other leagues have outside shots. That's why teams from non-BCS conferences just don't stand a chance this year. Here are two additional teams who will argue for a spot:

East Carolina. The Conference USA champion is sitting pretty at 9-1. If they defeat Cincinnati to go to 10-1, they feel that they have just as much of a shot as anybody of getting a BCS bid. They lost to little Wake Forest, though. That won't win them any allies.

Eastern Michigan University. The MAC West Champion can also make a claim. Assuming that they defeat Western Michigan next week, they will also be 10-1. EMU's only loss has been to Stanford, so they have a bit more respect there, but Standford was the only powerful team that they played. EMU has a benefit in that the MAC has a championship - one more stage to prove their worth and another quality team to play. EMU has to hope that Marshall can win the East, which is the best team in contention. If they can beat Marshall, and go t 11-1, then they can make an argument. Until then, no dice. "



-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"Eastern Michigan University has positioned itself well for a postseason run at a major bowl. But they have to defeat cross-state rival Western Michigan. The Broncos will be ready, as the Eagles fly into town and try to continue their dominace of the MAC West. Can the Eagles manage to keep aloft? Find out next, on TV5"

"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033


Week Thirteen - at Western Michigan (+14)

I received messages from five recruits last week. All five messages were acceptances of our scholarship offers! We brought in a WR, OT, K, ILB, and OLB. Excellent. Our plans are doing very well indeed.

OT Bubba Crase will be starting again this week.

We beat Western Michigan 45-30.

Game Ball: DE Rich Harper, 5 tackles, 1 Asst, 4 sacks.

Vernon Godfrey ran for another 227 yards. Page had three sacks. But Harper really dominated well.

DE Grant Fletcher is out for the rest of the season. He was just a backup anyway.

Unfortunately, Marshall lost their last game of the year, so Akron won the MAC East.


We brought in a DE candidate.



-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"EMU wins MAC West Second Time in Three Years

Ryan Stiles
Eastern Echo

For the second time in three years, the MAC West has been won by Eastern. This year, the legs of Vernon Godfrey teamed with the arm of Justin Goodwin to propel us to victory after victory.

There are many stories this year. Vernon Godfrey leads the MAC in rushing. Adam Edwards is fourth in receiving. Rich Harper is third in sacks. Nicky Terrell is fourth in interceptions.

And there are more storylines. A coach that has fought again and again. Fourth years of adversity. Then called a one year wonder.

And the Eagles win the MAC West again.

There are more games to be played. More stories to be written. What will happen next?

That's a question that Eagle fans are now looking forward to answering."


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033


Week Fourteen - Bye


The calm before the storm. Our recruiting class is in. Our opponent is known. All we do is prepare and watch.


"Welcome to Conference Championship Week. This year the MAC has been a tale of two divisions. In the West, the battle was won early and decisively by Eastern Michigan University. They were undefeated in conference play, and 10-1 on the year, led by MAC rushing champion Vernon Godfrey and QB Justin Goodwin. In the East, Akron fought through a hard schedule and a close three way battle with Marshall and Buffalo with Central Florida right behind. Akron is battle tested and ready for the matchup, led by RB J.J. Sandstrom. The Zips and the Eagles clash in a battle for the MAC Title, next, on TV2"


"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033

Week Fifteen - Conference Championship - Akron (+5)

It comes down to one game to decide the MAC title. We were here two years ago. We are now here again.

We're favorites, and I want to win. Let's get the game underway.

The conference championship is played in Illinois. It's really a game of early domination by EMU.

3-3 at the end of the first quarter.

Eastern scores 17 in the second on Goodwin passes to Godfrey. 20-3 at the half.

Then Eastern just rides it out, winning 20-13 overall.


MAC Championship MVP (and Game Ball):

RB Vernon Godfrey, 26 carries for 114 yards, 6 catches for 73 yards and 2 TDs.



Now, instead of saying EMU has won the MAC West two times in three years, they'll have to say two MAC *Titles* in three years. Sounds more impressive doesn't it?



-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

The Bowl Picture:


Motor City Bowl, Detroit Michigan: Eastern Michigan University versus UCLA.

Interesting matchup to sasy the least. 11-1 Hometown team travelling 25 miles to a bowl game versus 6-5 PAC-10 team. Who would you pick?

EMU is favored. By one.


Seattle Bowl: San Diego State vs Akron. Not a thriller, really.

So, which will you watch?


And yet, we are on TV4 while the Seattle Bowl gamne is on TV3. How does this makes sense? San Diego State and Akron are ranked 49 and 28. UCLA and EMU are ranked 31 and 14. WHich is a better matchup?

Mountain West team versus MAC runner-up or PAC-10 team versus MAC Champion?

San Diego area - a good number of viewers, vs Akron, not a lot of viewers. Or UCLA, second largest city in America vs EMU by Detroit, another of America's largest makets?


Bad choice TV3. We'll just have to give you a game you'll have wished you picked up.


38,900 people in the stadium.


It was a good game. Overtime. Unfortunately, we lost.

37-31.


Vernon Godfrey was stimied on the ground - 48 yards on 24 carries.

Goodwin had 301 yards in air. WR Edwards caught 8 balls for 130 yards.

We forced four fumbles and picked off two balls.

CB Jake Mazur returned a punt for a TD.

So we had a lot of good performances.


Game Ball: Eastern Michigan University Football Team. We played as a team. Four sacks, each by a different player. Four forced fumbles, each by a different player. Two picks, each by a differnet player. Two fumble recoveries, each by a different player. Of the 12 major defensive plays, ten players on defense made them.

We played as a team.

Eastern Michigan Eagles. 11-2.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Elsewhere in Football

Akron defeats San Diego State by 28 points. TV3 probably wishes they had broadcast our bowl now.

East Carolina defeats Boston College 42-7 proving that may have had an argument for BCS play going 11-1 on the season with their only loss coming in week 1.

Michigan was shut of the Fiesta Bowl, despite being undefeated. Also undefeated were Florida and Texas, who made it into the top spot. Michigan takes it out on Washington and beats them in the Orange Bowl.

Texas knocks off Florida 45-35 in the Fiesta Bowl.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

EMU has TWO players in he Heisman race.

QB Justin Goodwin - 255 for 445, 3376 yards, 27 TDs, 12 Ints
RB Vernon Godfrey - 289 carries for 1603 yards, 20 TDs

Of the remaining 8 candidates, there is another RB, a WR, and more QBs.

I decide to vote for Vernon.


Votes:

Vernon Godfrey: 3rd with 118 votes. 128 was the winning tally. Won Alaska, New Mexico, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, West Virginia.

Justin Goodwin: 8th with 87 votes. Probably took some votes away from Vernon when you think about it. Won Wisconsin, Arizona, Arkansas, New York.

New York would have won it for Vernon. The other three states would have won it for Vernon.

Ah well.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

2008 Awards

All American First Team:

RB Vernon Godfrey
P Myron McGee


National All Academic Team:

TE Duane Conway
CB Jake Mazur


National All Freshman Team:

WR Ellis Kantowski


National All Senior Team:

P Myron McGee


MAC MVP:

RB Vernon Godfrey


MAC Offensive MVP:

RB Vernon Godfrey


MAC Defensive MVP:

S Nicky Terrell


MAC Offensive Freshman of the Year:

WR Ellis Kantowski



MAC First Team:


QB Justin Goodwin
RB Justin Godfrey
TE Duane Conway
P Myron McGee
DE Rich Harper
S Nicky Terrell


MAC Second Team:

WR Adam Edwards
C Kurt Whiting
OT Barry Bartrum
ILB Frank Burns
CB Jake Mazur


MAC Academic Team:

TE Duane Conway
WR Ellis Kantowski
OT Barry Bartrum
DE Rich Harper
DT Reggie Anaya
CB Jake Mazur
S Deion Thomas



-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

2008 Stats:

QB Justin Goodwin, 255 of 445, 3376 yards, 27 TDs, 12 Ints, 2 rush TDs

RB Vernon Godfrey, 289 rushes, 1603 yards, 20 TDs, 61 catches, 592 yards, 7 TDs, 1 KR TD

WR Adam Edwards, 60 catches, 907 yards, 8 TDs

WR Ellis Kantowski, 37 catches, 499 yards, 5 TDs

WR Wesley Larson, 38 grabs, 651 yards, 3 TDs

TE Duane Conway, 30 catches, 291 yards, 2 TDs


P Myron McGee, 75 punts, 2767 yards, 36.8 average, 23 in 20.


S Nicky Terrell, 83 tackles, 31 assists, 15 TFL, 5 Ints, 9 PasDef

ILB Frank Burns, 77 Tacks, 24 Assts, 2 sacks, 14 TFL, 2 Ints, 2 PasDef, 1 FF

ILB Troy Dixon, 10 starts, 63 Tacks, 13 Assts, 18 TFL, 1 Int, 1 INT TD, 2 PasDef, 1 FF

CB Jake Mazur, 27 Tacks, 10 Assts, 3 TFL, 4 Ints, 2 Int TDs, 13 PasDef, 1 PR TD, 1 FF

CB Brenden Dortch, 41 Tacks, 8 Assts, 2 TFL, 4 Ints, 12 PasDef, 1 FF

DE Rich Harper, 40 Tacks, 13.5 Sacks, 17 TFL, 2 FumRec

DT Reggie Anaya, 34 Tacks, 9 Assts, 7 Sacks, 14 TFL, 1 FumRec

DE Curtis Page, 9 starts, 23 Tacks, 10 Assts, 7 Sacks, 10 TFL


C Kurt Whiting, 33 KRB out of 96 KRO, 7 SkA

G Norm Paswater, 29 KRB out of 71 KRO, 8 SkA



-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Career Stats:



QB Justin Goodwin, 30 starts, 543 of 935, 7099 yards, 56 TDs, 29 Ints, 2 Rush TDs

WR Wesley Larson, 45 starts (possible 47 starts), 161 catches, 2563 yards, 24 TDs, 1 rush TD, only fumbled once.

P Myron McGee, 47 "starts," 263 punts, 9564 yards, 36.4 average, 73 in the 20

K Edward Balent, 47 "starts," 51 of 69 FGs, long 55 yards, 160 of 165 XPs.



-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Final Grade:

Team Performance: 92

Academic Performance: 68

Recruiting: 100

TV Revenue: 87

Alumni Donations: 82

Attendance: 42


Overall: 78


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Our Recruiting Class:


QB Artie Brown, 71+, Greenville, SC, 138th, 2.98 GPA
QB Pat Pierce, 71-, Kennesaw, GA, 343rd, 3.68 GPA
RB Corwin Collier, 70-, Sterling, VA, 313th, 3.55 GPA
TE Bryant Gilmore, 80-, Owensboro, KY, 178th, 3.76 GPA
WR Rob Shanks, 86-, Blackduck, MN, 87th, 3.54 GPA
T Emmanuel Morris, 81+, Niangua, MO, 289th, 3.98 GPA
P Emmanuel Buckley, 66+, Barberton, OH, Not Ranked, 3.06 GPA
K Carlos Page, 73++, Jacksonville, FL, 663rd, 2.66 GPA
DE Andy Ross, 66+, Central Valley, CA, Not Ranked, 3.18 GPA
ILB Dixon Wingate, 64+, East Lansing, MI, Not Ranked, 3.03 GPA
OLB Pat Jenkins, 76+, Milwaukee, WI, 693rd, 3.07 GPA
CB Ed Boss, 72-, Burton, OH, 556th, 3.68 GPA


My best recruiting class ever? We'll see....



-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Utah, Idaho, and New Mexico State have offered me a new job. I say no to each.

The NCAA has suspended Virginia from TV revenue and bowl eligibility this year. That's a bit harsh I'd say.

QB Russell Hanrahan has left he tem due to a lack of playing time. All of these QB prima donnas, I swear.


OT Bruce Derricott and CB Shawn Bowyer have been suspended for a year for failing a class.

LB Frank Burns was suspended for a drug violation. That's a player I'll miss.

Derricott blames the loss of his girlfriend on me.

None of my staff leave.


I'm tired of answering mail. Let's create some.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

I fire my New England scout and hire:


Leslie Ritter, 48

Terrific - D-Line
Very or Pretty Good - RBs, WRs, O-Line, K
Poor - Sec
Lousy - QB, LB


After last year's debacle in New England, I can only hope that our new scout will do a better job.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

I also hire a new Syndicate Coordinator:

Mitch Sutton, 46

Academic Eligibility: Good
NCAA Investigations: Terrible
Solicit Donations: Very Good




-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Scheduling:


A quick look at the schedule tells me that we are doing fine. I don 't want CFU or Marshall, and we don't have them. Excellent. Now the time for the scheduling.


I start off by offering UCLA a home game. I figure that a bowl matchup would be good TV, plus we'd be at home. Good opposition would be nice. I think that we are at the place where we can start scheduling slightly better teams. Still no Miami or Florida or stuff.

Princeton offers us an away game. No thanks.

I offer WVU a home game but they refuse. UConn wants an away game. I offer a home game, but they reject my counteroffer.

Duke is interested in an away game. Not my caliber of team anymore though. I offer BYU a home game. They also refuse.

Purdue is offering a home this year and an away next. I offer just a home game. They accept.

I get ballsy and offer Michigan State a home game. They refuse, which is probably good for us. Arizona wants an away game. I have no real desire to travel to Arizona so I offer a home game. They accept.



2009 EATERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY SCHEDULE


Week 1 - PURDUE
Week 2 - ARIZONA
Week 3 - Bye
Week 4 - Bye
Week 5 - at Akron
Week 6 - YALE
Week 7 - at Ball State
Week 8 - at Miami of Ohio
Week 9 - NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Week 10 - BOWLING GREEN
Week 11 - WESTERN MICHIGAN
Week 12 - at Central Michigan
Week 13 - TOLEDO



Nice schedule. The first two games are landmines, but I think we can compete. At Akron is a nasty way to start the MAC Season, but the rest os a breeze. All of the harder games are at home, and the easier ones, like Ball State, are away. If we can survive through the first three games, it should be smooth sialing.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Once we get our freshmen on the field, we have a bettter idea of their abilities:


Because we've had two QB defections in teh past two years, plus two QBs graduate, we only have three on the roster, and two of those are freshmen:

QB Artie Brown - Very green, needs work. But has tons of potential. QB of the future.

QB Pat Pierce - Also green, much less potential but needs just as much work.

RB Corwin Collier - While Corwin will be wearing red, he has good abilities. Might start someday. Maybe not.

TE Bryant Gilmore - Has ability to start right away. Unfortunately, loses out on competetion. Will not be redshirted, however, as he is a valuable backup.

WR Rob Shanks - Definite starter potential. Will compete with the crowded field for the number three spot. If he loses out, will be redshirted to keep his eligibility.

T Emmanuel Morris - Future starter, current red-shirter

P Emmanuel Buckley - Comes in as starter. Needs to develop.

K Carlos Page - Comes in as starter. Amazing leg with amazing potential. Best kicker on our team ever. Best kicker potential I've ever seen in college ball.

DE Andy Ross - Will never be anything other than a backup.

ILB Dixon Wingate - Outside shot at starting in the future. But will definately wear a redshirt for now.

OLB Pat Jenkins - Great potential, probable future starter. Needs serious devo time, however, and will be adorned in crimson.

CB Ed Boss - May start well in the future. Will ride pine for now



-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Academics:


Eight players received team signed footballs from last year for having 4.00 GPAs.


T Bruce Derricott was released from the team. He was a walkon without much talent, was not liked by the other players, had poor grades and lost his girlfriend.

CB Brad Perkins was also released. He was another walkon with lousy popularity and poor grades.

G Richie Hammond was the last guy release. Although a scholarship player, he was a very poor player and had lousy grades and popularity.

These guys need to concentrate on their classes, not on football.



-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Excerpt from Pardon The Interruption, with your hosts Jim Wilbon and Jim Rome. July 6, 2009


Jim Wilbon: Next up is Eastern Michigan University coach Abe Sargent. Here is a guy who is looking pretty good right now. Several colleges have offered him the head coach position, yet he is choosing to remain at EMU, the MAC Champions two of the past three years.

Jim Rome: Eastern is looking smart for picking him up. THey have never had real football success until this guy showed up. But they had to go through four awful years of football to develop him. I don't think that it was worth it.

Wilbon: How can you say that? Eastern had never won a MAC title before. Now they have two. That's pretty good if you ask me.

Rome: What I fear is that every yokel will think that they can be a head coach now. When one inexperienced coach wins, everybody thinks they can do it.

Wilbon: They had two Heisman finalists this past year. QB Justin Goodwin, who graduated, and RB Vernon Godfrey, who still has two years of eligibility left. Can EMU stay on top?

Rome: Not with their QB situation. Goodwin and Ashraf have graduated - both starting caliber quarterbacks. Two more have transferred out of EMU - they wanted mor playing time. So now the Eagles are stuck with two true freshmen and a junior who has never started a game.

Wilbon: I don't care how bad the QB is, with their ground game, and in the MAC, they have time to develop.

*Ding*

Wilbon: Alright, after the now infamous Detroit Debacle, head coach Steve Mariucci has taken over the coaching duties in Arizona. Yesterday, the Cardinals announced a new position coach. Lot's of new head coaches turnover the old coaching staff - so in and of itself, this is no surprise. But, the new receivers coach for the Cardinals is Terrell Owens who retired this past year. Isn't this wrong on so many levels?

Rome: I'll tell you why I like this move.....


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"Heisman Watch

Mel Kiper, Jr.
ESPN.com


Going into the season this year we have, as always, several early contenders for the Heisman. Here are those who have an early shot at the coveted trophy.


RB Vernon Godfrey, Eastern Michigan - Vernon was #3 in teh voting last year and returns to Eastern. He has to be considered the favorite to win it all this year. Strikes against him are several, however. Eastern will have an unproven quaterback at the helm, thus allowing defenses to key in on Godfrey. And he plays in the MAC, which doesn't get the national press of other schools. Lastly, RB gets less play than QBs do, so he might lose out to a QB. Still, until his production slows or another players does an mazing job, the perception is that the Heisman is Godfrey's to lose.

RB Marcus Evans, Arizona State - Another RB who could make a lot of noise is Arizona State's Marcus Evans. Here we have a back who rushed for 2764 yards in his first two seasons. Now he has every possibility of having an explosive season.

WR Grady Erdrich, Florida - A great receiver who comes from a large school. The wide receiver from West Virginia needs to improve upon last season when he had 1146 yards receiving. He appears to have all of the tools necessary to take his game to the next level.

QB Tyrone Ameche, Florida State - Fifth year senior Ameche will lead a powerful and vaunted offense at Florida State. Expect only good things from a guy who finished in the Heisman Top 10 last year. Ameche is the ealry leader among Quarterback candidates for the Heisman, and could easily surpass Godfrey as the overall leader.

WR Clifton Williamson, Kansas State - The receiver from K State needs to improve his catching. The past two years, he has caught about half the balls tossed his way. Yet, he has turned those catches into two pretty good seasons. If Williamson can learn to hold onto more balls, then there is no limit to his potential.

QB Casey Benson, Louisiana State - Casey may be the best pure passer out there in college football today. His stats the past three years have reflected a conservative, run-first offense. However, LA State changed offensive coordinators this year, and Casey has all of the tools to shatter any single season NCAA record.

TE Norm Huntley, Nebraska - If a non-RB, WR, QB ever has a shot at the Heisman, it'll probably be Norm Huntley. The best TE in college has a lot of skill and a lot of potential. Last year he caught 40 balls for 632 yards. Great ability for a TE and good blocking too with 7 KRB out of 18 KRO and no sacks allowed when kept back to pass block. You never know what will happen.

QB Lionel McMillon, Notre Dame - Another QB who could make some noise in his final season is Notre Dame's Lionel McMillon. He is a very developed quarterback who has put together some pretty good passing seasons. Notre Dame will need more from him, however, if he is to rise to Heisman level.

WR Ralph Dennis, Ohio State - Possibly a Heisman Finalist snub last year. Ralph wasn't in the final te despite putting up 1620 yards receiving and 14 TDs. Great ball skills and has a biut of a reason to put a little extra step into his game. The best receiver candiate for Heisman this year.

QB Jeffrey Farr, Southern California - Another potential QB leader from a major institution. Put up 2950 yards last season but was not a Heisman finalist. Two years ago, however, he had 3623 yards receiving, 39 TDs, and didn't win the Heisman despite probably deserving it. Now it is his final year, how will he respond?

RB Lenny Clayton, Washington State - The last RB candidate will need to improve on his 1111 yard season last year, but he really turned it on in the last six games last year. If he keeps that form, he'll be one of the best RBs this year in the league."




-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

The 2009 Eastern Michigan Starting Roster:


QB Artie Brown (3) - True Freshmen and QB of the "future" will have to be QB of the present as Jorge Strickland has not advanced to a starting level yet. As such, the Artie Watch has officially begun and ended. The Artie Experiment is about to begin.

RB Vernon Godfrey (1) - A beast, a hoss, a massive mound of running back flesh. However, he also is quite streaky. He'll get 200 yards here, then 50 yards there. Needs to pick up his B game.

TE Hardy Monroe (1) - An adequate TE who is a stand-in for the better, younger, but greener TEs on the roster.

WR Adam Edwards (1) - Best WR bar none on the roster.
WR Ellis Kantowski (2) - Did not progress last season like we htough he should.
WR Paul Estell (2) - Will be looking to improive his game on the field.

C Kurt Whiting (1) - Great center and a rock in our O-Line.
G Norm Paswater (1) - Solid G with very strong starting skills.
G William Singleton (2) - Very young and green. DObler did not progress last year like we thought he should, so he is redshirted and Singleton will start for us.
T Barry Bartrum (1) - An amazingly strong offensive tackle.
T Clyde Verdin - A poor tackle. Luckily, just a stopgap until our younger players get better.

P Emmanuel Buckley (3) - Solid punter who will learn the game on the field.
K Carlos Page (3) - Kicker with amazing potential who will likewise learn on the field.

DE Rich Harper (1) - Big and beefy DE with great run stopping skills and solid pass rush ability.
DE Curtis Page (1) - Came on last year after subbing in for Vince Arbucle. Won starting job even after Vince healed, and now is starter.
DT Reggie Anaya - Overachieved past year. Not as good as his stats say but benefits from great ends.

ILB Percy Finch (3) - With ILB Frank Burns ineligible due to drug violations, Percy will be called upon to take up the slack in the middle.
ILB Troy Dixon (1) - Not that great or developed but played very well subbing in and starting 10 games last season. Has won the satrting job with his play on the field, not in the weightroom or in scrimmages.
OLB Brenden Goodwin (1) - Very developed OLB who started two years ago, but was injured last year early and knocked out for the season.
OLB Mitchell Ebbitt (2) - Another sub who did very well last year. Ebbitt subbed in for Goodwin and started 12 games. He performed very well and has wrested the starting position this year.

CB Jake Mazur - A true senior, Jake is the body of experience in our secondary having started every game the last three seasons.
CB Bart Reilly (2) - Amazingly good corner ready to take the starting role.

S Nicky Terrell - Nothing is that great about Nicky's physical acumen, but he just makes the big play game after game.
S Deion Thomas (2) - Not a great safety, but a solid contributer.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Recruiting Targets:

QB
RB
FB
WR
G
T
DT
ILB
OLB
CB
2x S


A total of eleven targets.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"Eastern Michigan is going to try and follow up an 11-2 year with another good season. Purdue is trying to compete in a crowded Big Ten picture. The Eagles host the Boilermakers in a regular season opener that should have consequences for two conferences, Purdue at Eastern, next, on TV1"


"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033


Week One - PURDUE (+2)

We have five percent better prestige this year than last year, but we need to keep winning to have it continue to rise.


I hit the Michigan recruits hard before heading into Ohio for a couple of stops. I'll have to go back to Ohio next week to talk with more recruits.

I figure that our biggest need is a starting caliber defensive tackle. So I hit the phones and talk with DTs all week long. There are several intriguing prospects out there, and I hope to land one.


On the field, Purdue smacks us around big time - 35-13. Maybe I shouldn't have scheduled halfway decent teams yet, eh?

We had a couple of starting rookies. Artie Brown didn't do too badly.

Game Ball: Artie Brown, 23 of 43, 338 yards, 1 TD, 1 Int

Vernon Godfrey only had 45 yards on the ground, and that will hurt his Heisman watch. On national TV he stunk it up. Not a good sign.



Week Two - ARIZONA (+1)

I finish up my recruiting in Ohio. I also wrap up my annual Indiana tour and head over to Pennsylvania. I find an amazingly good ILB candidate in Pennsylvania and I can only hope to pull him in.

I hit the phones again. This time, I want to talk to safeties. We have a real need for quality safeties. Ten phone calls with safeties later, I am ready for the game.

The game.

We allow Purdue to smack us around in our own home. Let;s not allow Arizona to do the same.

EMU - 49
Arizona - 47


It was a long overtime, by the way.


The regulation score on the day was 27-27.

Game Ball: RB Vernon Godfrey, 27 rushes for 160 yards, 2 TDs, 10 catches for 65 yards, 2 TDs


The man scored four TDs on the day. I guess he wanted to make up for last week.

Artie Brown lofted 4 TDs and just 1 Int.

Pretty good two game performances by the true freshman Artie Brown against good caliber competetion.

Maybe we are ready for the bigger teams after all. Arizona was the hardest team on our schedule this year, and we knocked them off - albeit in overtime and at home.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033


Week Three - Bye


These next two weeks are fairly boring here in Ypsilanti. We have two consecutive bye weeks so it's basically just Focus on Recruiting Weeks in my office.


I head back out to Pennsylvania, who have a nice crop of recruits this year.

I end up offering several scholarships to Pennsylvanian players. Total number of scholarships to players from PA - Five; WR, TE, ILB, OLB, and G. It's rare that I spend an entire week in one state, let alone a week and a half.

Phone calls this week go out to some studly RBs. I want to have another amazing RB in the wings should Godfrey get injured or leave early.

Again - a boring week.


Week Four - Bye


Yet another recruiting week. *Sigh* Me want football.

I head over to New York and gran a look at several recruits. Alas, it was not as fruitful a trip as my PA one last week.

More phone calls. This time to receivers. A lot of work is tied up in the recruiting gig.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033

Week Five - at Akron (-5)

A rematch of the powers of the MAC last year should prove interesting.

Backup DT Trevor Murray is out for the season. There's goes my depth at my weakest position.

Illinois beckons and I drive over to the state with hopes of uncovering great players. I found an amazing OT, and although I offered him a scholarship, I figure that we'll lose out to bigger schools.

I hit up Wisconsin to finish up our Great Lakes tour. Next week we go to where the needed recruits are.

Our local FB candidate is visiting this week. I figure that he'll commit soon.


I have no idea how the game will turn out. But, if we win and are 2-1 facing the rest of the season - I can accept that. I like that.

It turns out that I needn't have worried.

EMU over Akron, 29-17.

Godfrey had 140 yards on the ground, Carlos Page was 3-3 FGs, and 2-2 XPs, OLB Ebbitt notched a pair of sacks. But, I like to focus on:

Game Ball: S Deion Thomas, 3 Tacks, 4 Assts, 1 Int, 80 Int ret yds, 1 Int TD, 1 FF


That which is feared happened, however. DT Reggie Anaya went down and is out for 7 weeks with a Seperated Shoulder.

Sophomore DT Richard Thurgood will be starting for the next while.


Week Six - YALE (+1)

I head out to Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky and New Jersey to hit a few recruits in each. My secondary recuiting in the Great Lakes regions has been poor, so I am looking for safeties and corners. I offer two scholarships to corners and one to a safety.

I had expected that, from here on out, we would be doing very well against out opponents. I guess I didn't expect us to lose to Yale. At home. By 24.

34-10 Yale = not a good game.


Godfrey stopped for 52 yards on the ground. Artie Brown had 345 yards in the air, no picks. But no TDs either.

Game Ball: OLB Mitchell Ebbitt, 8 Tacks, 3 Assts, 3 Sacks


Not a good day to be an Eagle fan.



-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"Eagles Post Inconsistent Numbers

Greg Stills
Eastern Echo


Eastern Michigan has done a good job at keeping its fans guessing. They defeated Arizona in an overtime thriller. Arizona was supposed the toughest team on teh schedule.

However, both Yale and Purdue have hammered EMU at home. And then Eastern defeats the Zips in Akron. Inconsistency plagues the Eagles.

Take rushing phenom Godfrey, for example. Two amazing games, two games held to less than 55 yards rushing. Not exactly overwhelming statistics.

Take true freshman quarterback Artie Brown. What is Eastern to do? In four games, Artie has passed for 1143 yards, 5 TDs, and 3 Ints. Not bad numbers, but you expect more as an Eagle fan. Despite Artie being a freshman, he follows in the footsteps of good quarterback play.

We want good quarterback play. And we expect more consistent running back play. That's not too much to ask for, now is it?"


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033

Week Seven - at Ball State (-3)

Recruiting is just Hold Your Own Serve.

By the way, I always expect to be favorites when playing Ball State. It shouldn't matter where we are playing, what players we are starting, or even if we only play five man on the field. We should be favorites versus Ball State.

Unless Ball State beats us. Badly. 41-17.

Damn boys.

Game Ball: RB Vernon Godfrey, 18 rushes for 157 yards, 1 TD, 4 catches for 20 yards.

Artie Brown did not have a great game, but it wasn't el stinko or anything.


At least we pulled in a nice offensive guard. #79 player in the nation. Heh.


Week Eight - at Miami of Ohio (-15)

Yowzers. We haven't been underdogs by this much in a while. I am not worried too much, though. All we have to do is START WINNING GAMES ThAT WE ARE SUPPOSED TO WIN.

We can win this game.

But we don't. 24-14. Can't we not win a football game here folks?

Game Ball: WR Adam Edwards, 4 catches, 113 yards, 2 TDs.

Godfrey managed to notch a 102 yard game and Artie Brown had a decent day. Our defense has got to stop more people from scoring.

I hear that's how you win games.

A RB and TE join us.



Week Nine - NORTHERN ILLINOIS (-4)

Our sad 2-4 squad is no longer favored at home versus MAC opponents. Sad.

We have 11 recruits visiting this week. Let's see if we can win a game and convince them that we are actually worth playing for.


33-17 Northern Illinois. This is even funny anymore.


Game Ball: DE Curtis Page, 2 Tacks, 3 Assts, 2.5 sacks


Godfrey with only 61 yards on the ground, Artie Brown without a commanding presence. Need more offense,


Brought in a WR and OLB.


I'm not happy anymore.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033


Week Ten - BOWLING GREEN (-2)

My sorry ass 2-5 squad had better get their rear in shape this week.

We have five recruits still visiting. We lost out on several last week. I can't say that I blame them, really. We're straight in the middle of a collapse of cataclysmic proportions.

So I visit with ILB, OT, and QB recruits and make offers to three players. Hopefully we can still pull in impact players.

Apparently we need them.

OH MY GOD WE WON A GAME.

We SHUT OUT Bowling Green. Felt good, too.

27-0.

Godfrey just rushed for 45 yards. But...

Game Ball: QB Artie Brown, 27 of 43, 349 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int, never sacked.

We pulled in a FB, DT, and S.



Week Eleven - WESTERN MICHIGAN (-12)

WMU is 6-2. We are not.

DT Reggie Anaya is back from injury and I immediately push him into the starting lineup. We won when Anaya started....


We shut out Bowling Green. We were shut out by Western. 17-0.

Apparently, my Reggie Anaya luck charm wasn't working.

Game Ball: P Emmanuel Buckley, 7 punts, 215 yards, 3 in the 20.


I don't even want to talk or think about the game.


We brought in three recruits. A QB, OT, and CB.


Week Twelve - at Central Michigan (-3)


In recruiting, I go trolling for recruits, just seeing what players are still out there that we rate highly. I visit some recruits. End up offering a scholarship to an OLB.


We lose again. Don't want to dwell on it much. Not that much fun for me.

27-13.

Game Ball: DE Rich Harper, 8 Tacks, 3 Assts, 1 Sack.

Rich led the team in tackles and notched a sack. Good work from the DE position.

We brought in a safety.

Let's get this season over with already.


Week Thirteen - TOLEDO (-1)

We are both 3-7. I'd like to defeat our rivals at home.

We defeated Toledo. Yay!

31-24.

Kind of anticlimatic, though.

Godfrey notched 149 yards. But I like the work of

Game Ball: WR Ellis Kantowski, 6 catches, 89 yards, 2 TDs

Let's all wave goodbye to this season. Bye Season!


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033



Rest of Season News:


Miami of Ohio and Western Michigan won their respective MAC divisions.

Miami crushes WMU in the Championship Game 42-7.

We bring in a walkon ILB and that OLB recruit.


Four MAC teams are in Bowls.


Washington versus Miami of Ohio in the Motor City Bowl.


East Carolina versus Central Florida in the Humanitarian.com Bowl


Western Michigan versus Buffalo in the Tangerine Bowl



Miami of Ohio nails Washington 48-14 to go to 11-2 on the season.

East Carolina takes care of Central Florida 13-7

WMU defeats Buffalo 16-14.


Four Bowl teams is a nice year for the MAC. Too bad EMU couldn't have been one of them.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

The National Championship pits undefeated Michigan versus undefeated So. Cal.

Michigan wipes out USC 27-0.


I vote for a QB from BYU for Heisman.

Charles Coffey of Tennessee wins it, though.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Awards:

All-American Offensive Freshman of the Year:

QB Artie Brown


All-American Academic Team:

CB Jake Mazur


All-American Freshman Team:

QB Artie Brown



MAC Offensive Freshman of the Year:

QB Artie Brown


MAC First Team:

RB Vernon Godfrey



MAC Academic Team:

WR Ellis Kantowski
WR Leo Rupp
OT Barry Bartrum
DE Rich Harper
ILB Percy Finch
CB Jake Mazur



-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

2009 Stats:


QB Artie Brown, 228 of 408, 2836 yards, 14 TDs, 15 Ints, 3 rush TDs

RB Vernon Godfrey, 219 for 1048 yards, 8 TDs, 59 catches, 409 yards, 3 TDs

WR Adam Edwards, 44 catches, 699 yards, 2 TDs

WR Ellis Kantowski, 44 catches, 583 yards, 5 TDs


ILB Percy Finch, 86 Tacks, 31 Assts, 1 Sack, 8 TFL, 4 PasDef, 1FF

S Nicky Terrell, 74 Tacks, 25 Assts, 1 Sack, 14 TFL, 5 PasDef, 1 FF

OLB Mitchell Ebbitt, 54 Tacks, 14 Assts, 8 Sacks, 12 TFL, 7 PasDef

DE Curtis Page, 30 Tacks, 15 Assts, 8 Sacks, 10 TFL, 1 FF

CB Jake Mazur, 30 Tacks, 10 Assts, 3 Ints, 12 PasDef, 2 FF


G Norm Paswater, 23 KRB out of 69 KRO, 8 SkA


Everybody seemed to do worse this season. Take DE Rich Harper, for example. Only had 4.5 sacks this year. C Kurt Whiting only had 14 KRB. Vernon Godfrey had 600 less yards running. Nicky Terrell had no interceptions. And so forth.


Your team shouldn't get worse.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Career Stats:

Just one player graduating this year who's had major contributions for several years.

CB Jake Mazur, 48 starts (most possible), 101 Tacks, 41 Assts, 9 TFL, 12 Ints, 4 Int TDs, 36 PasDef, 5 FF, 3 FumRec, 1 PR TD


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

EMU 2009 Recruiting Class:


QB Gene Gleason, 78++, Saint Louis, MO, 275th, 3.11 GPA
RB Broderick Corbitt, 86-, Deming, NM, 107th, 3.25 GPA
FB Kelly Keister, 69-, Detroit, MI, Not Ranked, 3.65 GPA
TE Anthony Rosenberg, 75+, Chester PA, 653rd, 3.42 GPA
WR Dusty Kuntz, 92-, Smithfield, NC, 224th, 3.32 GPA
G Monty James, 76+, Norristown, PA, 79th, 3.49 GPA
T Charlie Maxwell, 95?, Soquel, CA, 207th, 2.65 GPA
DT Bo Willis, 90+, Sutton, MA, 213th, 3.57 GPA
ILB Herb Bauer, 39+, Chillicothe, OH, Not Ranked, 3.68 GPA, Walkon
OLB Perry May, 85+, Harrison City, PA, 402nd, 3.21 GPA
OLB Norbert Chandler, 73+, Oldtown, MD, 763rd, 2.91 GPA
CB Wade Hoke, 83++, Durham, NC, 241st, 3.49 GPA
S Tyrus Bernstein, 74-, Pittsburgh, PA, 970th, 3.06 GPA
S Mercury Bennett, 73-, Memphis, TN, 983rd, 4.00 GPA

My PA trip ended up being very worthwhile. 85+ OLB, 76+ G, 75+ TE, and 74- S. All of that booty from one week of work in PA.


Recruits look good. At least there was one highlight this season.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Score:

Team Performance: 9

Academic Performance: 67

Recruiting: 92

TV Revenue: 15

Alumni Donations: 14

Attendance: 43


Overall: 33


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Off-Season Moves:


K Norman Duncan and CB Shawn Bowyer leave the team. Duncans wanted more playing time and Bowyer needed to concentrate on his grades.

CB Mike Ehler has been academically suspended.

ILB Percy Finch has been suspended for fighting. Another of my starting ILBs bites the dust for a year.



Graham Grant, my Mid-Atlantic Scout has retired.


I hire:


Clyde Fisher, 32

Very or Pretty Good - RBs, WRs, LBs
Decent - QBs, O-Line, Sec
Poor - K
Lousy - D-Line


I also fire my Deep South scout, who is about to retire and not that good. My new scout:

Matthew Wansley, 50

Excellent or Terrific - WRs, O-Line
Pretty Good - LBs
Decent or Good - Sec, K
Fair - RBs, D-Line
Terrible - QBs


Lastly, I hire a new Great Lakes Scout, which will be my Head Scout as well. Of course, I had to fire the old guy.

Kenny Ash, 31

Excellent - WRs, O-Line, K
Very Good - D-Line
Decent or Good - Sec, QBs, RBs
Poor - LBs


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

SCHEDULING:


Once again, the schedule masters have stuck me with four bye weeks to open the season. That means we'll have a major stretch of games without a bye.

We have five home games, four away games. But our away games are dangerous - Western Michigan, Toledo, Buffalo and Kent State.

I decide to go back to my old idea of scheduling creampuff teams. I offer Louisiana-Lafayette a chance to come back, but they refuse.

So. Cal wants us to play at their place. I politely laugh profusely at them while their AD is still on the phone.

I try Louisiana-Monore but no Dice. Tulsa offers us a home this year, away next year. I counter with just a home game. They accept.


Oregon is offering us a home game straight up. Fair enough. A quick schedule this time - finished scheduling two teams in four stages.


2010 EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY SCHEDULE:


Week 1 - Bye
Week 2 - OREGON
Week 3 - TULSA
Week 4 - Bye
Week 5 - at Buffalo
Week 6 - YALE
Week 7 - BALL STATE
Week 8 - at Kent State
Week 9 - NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Week 10 - BOWLING GREEN
Week 11 - at Western Michigan
Week 12 - CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Week 13 - at Toledo


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

A Closer Look at Our Recruits:

QB Gene Gleason - Although he is the second best QB on my roster, I guess I expected him to be something more. He'll be redshirted this year for development.

RB Broderick Corbitt - A potential future star. Will redshirt to save his eligibility.

FB Kelly Keister - Not that great, but I use FBs so rarely that it's ok.

TE Anthony Rosenberg - Could be a starter some day, but who knows. Redshirted.

WR Dusty Kuntz - Everything that I wanted in a WR. Great potentials, amazing looking wideout. If he doesn't play immediately, he'll be redshirted to save a year.

G Monty James - A mammoth of a man in terms of skill. Expect to see him start sooner or later, depending on the quality of the other guards.

T Charlie Maxwell - Future starter after developing.

DT Bo Willis - THE MAN. You need a MAN to be your DT in a 3-4, right? How about a guy with 100% potential in playing against the rush and the pass? And a 94 Endurance?

ILB Herb Bauer - Backup but might start in an emergency after he develops.

OLB Norbert Chandler - I picked this guy up late, after we brought in OLB May, because he was out there. And I get a better player. Much better potential. May be redshirted this year, however.

OLB Perry May - Extremely green but could start for us far in the future.

CB Wade Hoke - My new scout rates his potential at 100 overall. Potentials in individual skills? 100s in Man-to-man, Zone, Interceptions, and Endurance. Also in 80's for run defense. Current stats are pretty good for a freshman...

S Mercury Bennett - Nothing special.

S Tyrus Bernstein - Nothing special, but has the ability to play now.



-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Notes from an Emergency Meeting of the Board of Trustees, Eastern Michigan University, May 17, 2010.



President Samuel Kirkpatrick: I call this meeting of the Board of Trustees to order. We have an urgent piece of business to attend to. I trust that you all received my memo? Very well, Dr. Diles?

Dr. David Diles, Athletic Director: Thank you Sam. I have been the Athletic Director here at EMU for eleven years, and during that time I have come to love this place. As such, it is with a heavy heart that I resign my post as Athletic Director of Eastern. I will be accepted the position of AD at the University of Connecticut.

Sam: Thank you Dr. Diles. All those in favor of accepting Dr. David Diles' Resignation say "Aye"

"Aye." "Aye." "Aye." "Aye." "Aye." "Aye."


Sam: Very well, we accept your resignation David. Best of luck in your new job.


-Anxiety

[Buccaneer]

Just got done reading this whole thing. It has been exactly two years since I have played TCY and wanted to know what it felt like. I think you did a great job in detailing the gameplay. One thing I am curious about. I have not kept up with the game changes but you mentioned going into a state to recruit. Was that literary license or does the game makes you recruit in a sensible manner now?

[Abe Sargent]

Thanks! I pick it up every so often and play with it.

Nope. That was literary license about the recruiting. You can still go everywhere, but it's financially pudent to stick to one region and one state. So I generally do that to make the recruiting more realistic, although I'm not above blitzing the country later in teh recruiting season to hit a few recruits ofor one position when rejections have created a severe need. I suspect RL coaches do the same.

I'd like to see the game implement the following:

1). If you play a game in a state that week, you can recruit there for very little money, just as if it is your home state. If I am already traveling to Colorado for a game, then it seems like I should be able to recruit as well.

2). I should have double the number of contacts available during BYE weeks.

Both of these make scheduling more important and add an extra dimension to recruiting.

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

As promised in other threads, any dynasty of mine listed as one of the Golden Scribe Finalists will be revitalized. As such, you can expect another few seasons of EMU. Can Eastern Michigan ever make it to a BCS Bowl? Will we have a Heisman? Can we even keep a team consistently at the top of the MAC?

I can't wait to find out, and honestly, I've been wanting to reopen this for a while, and this is a good excuse.

Thanks to those who voted EMU as a finalist for the Best TCY Dynasty.


-Anxiety

[fantastic flying froggies]

About time, too !

[Abe Sargent]

First Meeting Between Ralph Mustang and Coach Abe Sargent:

Ralph: Coach, thanks for meeting with me. As you know, I am the new athletic director for the Eagles. Let me tell you about my expectations.

Abe: Please do.

Ralph: In the years that you've been here, EMU has had exactly two winning seasons, a 9-4 season in 2006 and the 11-2 season in 2008. The other six seasons you've ben the head coach have been losing seasons.

Abe: Yes...

Ralph: And of those seasons, it took you four losing seasons before your first winning season.

Abe: And?

Ralph: And that changes. In eight seasons you are 36-57. I don't care how bad the first few EMU teams were, that's still an abyssmal record. You need to start stepping up now.

Abe: So you are saying?

Ralph: I am saying something simple. Let's start small - you will need a winning season this year to guarantee your job.

Abe: I always try to win, I don't need any additional incentive from a Johnny-come-lately.

Ralph: Maybe not, but I like to be upfront about these things. Good luck.

Abe: Of course.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

A look at our starters:

QB Artie Brown (2) - Last year's freshman sensation will start again for us. He's still pretty green, though.

RB Vernon Godfrey - Vernon will get a chance to finally get that Heisman that he wawnts. He definitely needs a better year than last year to do it.

TE Hardy Monroe - A decent and average tight end who shouldn't be a hole for us, but probably won't excel fur us either.

WR Adam Edwards - Adam has a bit of turf toe, although he'll start. I expect good things from Adam, and I think that he has underperformed these past three years. Time for Adam to step forward.

WR Ellis Kantowski (1) - Ellis also needs to step up his game and continue to improve. Otherwise, he'll get passed by other receivers.

WR Rob Shanks (3) - Sophomore who was red shirted last year, Rob will starts despite needing a lot of development. He has a lot of potential.


C Kurt Whiting - A strong, solid center.

G Norm Paswater - Another strong offensive lineman.

G William Singleton (1) - William is a decent enough guard who will try and hold the line for us. We have several better players who are less experienced in the wings, in case Singleton falters.

T Barry Bartrum - A great tackle who I really love.

T Ralph Borders (2) - Young, underdeveloped tackle who will need to learn the position quickly.

P Emmanuel Buckley (2) - Decent enough punter that I don't feel the need to replace him right now.

K Carlos Page (2) - An amazingly good kicker with a lot of room for growth.

DE Curtis Page - Curtis is an amazingly good end who we really project well into the professional level. Let's hope that he makes his senior season one to remember.

DE Rich Harper - Another abnormally strong end, we have maybe our best end tandem ever since I've been here.

DT Trevor Murray (1) - Just a stand in this year until our freshman develops a bit more. Trevor is great as pass rushing, and can really collapse the pocket. However, he's pretty poor against the run - not a 3-4 sort of tackle at all, but we'll have to live with him

ILB Frank Burns (1) - Our best ILB is Frank Burns, which is good because he has two years left in him. Last season he was inelligble due to drug violations, so he wore his red shirt since he came and played immediately as a freshman. Hopefully, Frank can keep his head above water. I expect great things from him.

ILB Cole Rossi (1) - Cole is a strong enough backer to not be a concern, but he is not our strongest by any means.

OLB Brenden Goodwin - A two year starter, Brendon is our best OLB this year, although some have a higher potential. Brenden is very developed and I look forward to seeing him in action this season.

OLB Mitchell Ebbitt (1) - Mitchell won the starting nod two years ago due to injury to Lamont Gatlin and Lamont has never started since. Mitchell had an amazing 8 sacks last year.

CB Bart Reilly - My shut down corner this year.

CB Ed Boss (3) - Ed redshirted last year, and now starts, but is nothing great. In fact, he may be our greatest weakness on the defense.

S Deion Thomas (1) - A fully developed and experienced man who can lead the team from the secondary.

S Joseph Frederick (2) - An adequate starter but nothing great.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

A few bits and bobs:

I release a walk on CB on academic probation.

We begin the season ranked #80.

Of our opponents, only Buffalo begins the season ranked at #23.

We are in the top 15 in four position groups - RB, DE, ILB, and OLB.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Recruiting Info:

I need the following players:

WR
C
G
T x2
K?
DE x2
ILB
OLB
CB
S

Additionally, we could use another DE, WR, G and ILB.


-Anxiety

[Peregrine]

Great, Anxiety, I'm so glad you're restarting the EMU dynasty. Win a bunch of games and kick that backtalking AD to the curb for the loyal fans! :)

[Abe Sargent]

"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033


Week 1 - Bye

This week marks the official beginning of the recruiting season. I start here at home in Michigan visiting recruits.

Another year of there being no recruits that idolize EMU. Sigh.

After visiting a few Michigan recruits, I head over to good ol' Ohio and hit up a few players. I am sort of disappointed by the results however - very few players truly interested in EMU.

I hit the phones and call up some DEs. No big deal this week.


Week 2 - OREGON (we are favored by 3)

Last week, Central Florida played Florida on TV1 and lost despite scoring 27 points. Because they allowed Florida to score 87!

I head over to Wisconsin this week on the recruiting trail. I uncover a really nice looking Center and I offer him a scholarship. While there, I also visit several other players before heading south to Illinois to finish this week's excursion. In Ilinois, I find a very nice guard, and I offer him a scholarship as well. So I guess that this week ended up being interior lineman week.

I spend the rest of the week contacting linebackers, both inside and outside. There seem to be a lot more qualified candidates of the latter.

We defeated Oregon 28-21. Shanks and Godfrey caught TDs, Godfrey rushed for another TD and a two point conversion. The Game MVP was DE Rich Harper who also got a game ball.

Adam Edwards caught 118 yards. But our bookend DEs both notched a pair of sacks.


"Join us this week on TV4 as Tulsa comes into town to take on the Eastern Michigan Eagles. Vernon Godfrey and Artie Brown will host a offensive party, but will Tulsa bring their defense? Find out, on TV4"


Week 3 - TULSA (we are favored by 6)

This week I head back to Illinois. I visit a few more players before returning to campus via Indiana.

I finish the week by calling some receivers around the nation. I then use a few more calls to OLBs.

We defeat Tulsa 42-23, a pretty decisive victory. Vernon Godfrey was our MVP and got the game ball. Here are five of our TD scores:

Godfrey, 38 yard reception
Godfrey, 19 yard run
Godfrey, 29 yard run
Godfrey, 3 yard reception
Godfrey, 5 yard reception

He just took over the game. Had 136 yards rushing and 65 catching on the day. The other TD was a catch by Adam Edward with his 121 yard receiving day. Shanks had 115 yards as well.

QB Artie Brown was 28 of 39 for 420 yards, 4 TDs, 1 pick on the day. Our offense simply took over the game from the first moment through the last.

Two injuries of note. Both WR Ellis Kantowski and ILB Cole Rossi are out due to injury. Both could be out for a couple of months or at least 6 weeks.

WR Leo Rupp and ILB Troy Dixon will start until they return.


Week 4 - BYE

I hit the recruiting trail again, this time in Pennsylvania. After Pennsylvania, I visit a few key recruits from Missouri. I then offer a few scholarships and call up a few corners.

All in all a boring week.


"This week, on TV5, witness the suddenly resurgent Eastern Michigan Eagles try to reclaim their place atop the MAC against Buffalo. Buffalo has had a dissappointing opening season loss to South Carolina despite opening the season on the Preseason Top 25. They bounced back to defeat Arizona, and now host an Eagles team full of visions of grandeur. It's a battle of modern MAC powers as EMU takes on Buffalo, only on TV5"



Week 5 - at Buffalo (Buffalo favored by 2)

I swing over to New York while we're here visiting Buffalo to do some recruiting. I find a nice pair of ILB and OLB candidates and offer them each scholarships. I have a WR contact in Massassachusetts, so I head north while I'm here. I like him enough to offer a scholarship. I also unearth a G candidate while I am here and I offer him a scholarship as well.

We emerge victorius 36-20. Despite Artie Brown tossing three picks, we won. Godfrey rushed for a TD and caught another. Leo Rupp caught a TD as well. Carlos Page added 15 points in field goals.

DE Curtis Page had 2.5 sacks and received my Game Ball. Godfrey was our Game MVP. C Kurt Whiting had 5 KRB.

We held the Buffalo QB to 3 of 15 for 90 yards, 75 of it in one completion.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"Resurgent Eagles lead MAC Attack

Jack McQueen
ESPN INsider


Buffalo takes out Arizona. Western Michigan decimates Iowa. Central Florida takes out Georgia. Kent State edges West Virginia. Marshall blasts Clemson. Miami of Ohio blows out Cincinnati. Northern Illinois loses to UCLA in overtime and defeats Virginia.

Watch out for the MAC Attack, before it bites. But leading this resurgence is the Eastern Michigan Eagles - left for dead last year after getting 11 wins the previous year.

EMU is 3-0 and #24 in the latest AP Poll. The BCS Computers have EMU at #10, and that has got to scare a lot of people. Sure its early, but already a lot of pundits are asking - what if?

What if EMU goes unbeaten on the season? Can they get into the BCS? Their schedule, prior to this year, doesn't look like it, with only one team in the preseason top 50 - Buffalo, whom they defeated this past week in Buffalo.

And that leaves the Eagles on the outside in most scenarios. But this is college football. Nobody knows what is going to happen. That's the fun of it all."


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Originally posted by Peregrine
Great, Anxiety, I'm so glad you're restarting the EMU dynasty. Win a bunch of games and kick that backtalking AD to the curb for the loyal fans! :)

No problem. Just keep reading, the story is starting to look good.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033


Week 6 - YALE (we are favored by 18)

My goal in recruiting for the next couple of weeks is to get offers of scholarships out there. So I may be hitting recruits in a more happenstance pattern.

I head over to Minnestoa to check out a few safety recruits. I end up visiting a lot of other players in Minnesota and giving out several scholarship offers totaling four offers altogether.

From Minnesota it's down to Iowa to visit a cornerback. I like what I find and offer him a scholarship.

Although we do not come close to the spread, we win 19-10. The Game MVP was Vernon Godfrey. He rushes for a TD and 131 yards on the day. Joseph Frederick registers 8 solo tackles and 2 forced fumbles, both recovered by himself for my Game Ball.

There are several injuries of note:

ILB Troy Dixon is out for a month with a hyperextended knee.
TE Bryant Gilmore is doubtful with a pulled groin
DT J.B. Wber is questionable with a pulled groin as well


Sophomore ILB Dixon Wingate will start for the injured Troy Dixon who is starting for the injured Cole Rossi who was starting for the suspended Percy Finch.

I'm glad that I'm deep at the ILB position.

We rose to #23 in the AP Poll, 6 in the BCS Computer. The polls plus the computers put us at 15 overall.


Week 7 - BALL STATE (we are favored by an amazing 34 points) (Dang) (It is the largest favored margin of the week)

A few recruits inform us that they have chosen other venues. I head to New York and Connecticut to check out a few recruits. From there, I sweep through New England, even offering a scholarship to a safety in Vermont.

We win, although not nearly as much as predicted, 21-14.

Curtis Page was our Game MVP. Despite Godfrey rushing for 169 yards, despite Edwards and Shanks getting 100 and 99 yards receiving respectively, because Page lodged 3 sacks.

Godfrey rushed for two scores and Edwards caught another ball.

We have fallen to #18 overall, hold at #23 on the AP Poll, but we snapped back to #12 on the computer polls.


Week 8 - at Kent State (we are favored by 15)

Welcome to offical hold your serve week, where we try to impress recruits visiting from abroad.

Last week, TE Lenny Jameson has decided to come to EMU - our first recruit.

12 recruits are visiting EMU this week, and a fine looking bunch of boys they are too.

We have a QB, WR, C, G, T, DE, DE, DT, ILB, OLB, CB and S visiting. I am aiming this year for half of our first group of recruits - that would be nice.

I head out west, taking that California trip and visit a few recruits that our scout thinks have fallen through the cracks. We end up offering a scholarship to one player.

We defeat Kent State 42-35. The Game MVP and Game Ball go to Vernon Godfrey. 218 yards rushing, 3 TDs, 9 receptions for 75 yards.

We have one injury of significance:

QB Artie Brown is doubtful with a pulled groin. Pat Pierce will start for him until he is able to play.


G Brock Woody and QB Horace Bailey agree to join us nexst year and accept our scholarship offers.

We have risen to #21 in the AP Poll, and the Coach's Poll now lists us at #23. #11 in the BCS computers, 16 overall.

There are eight teams that are unbeaten as of this week.


"The Eastern Michigan Eagles continue their quest for a third MAC title in five years and try to extend their unbeaten streak as Northern Illinois arrives into town to shake things up. A clash of MAC West giants, next, on TV5"


Week 9 - NORTHERN ILLINOIS (we are favored by 23)

Continuing the Hold Your Serve, we continue to sweet talk our recruits.

We still have eleven players considering EMU.

I hit the road looking for an OT prospect. Instead, I find a CB prospect down in Florida.

We almost finally beat the spread. 38-16 - 22 points. Our Game MVP is Pat Pierce. Vernon only had 49 yards and a rushing score. Oh, and a receing score as well. Adam Edwards exploded for 159 yards and a TD. TDs were also caught by Leo Rupp and Estell. Pierce, in his first start for us, lit up Northern Illinois for 351 yards, 25 of 40, 4 TDs and 1 Int.

Carlos Page added a pair of sacks, Murray, not to be outdone, also took the QB down twice.

As for recruits, WR Gonzalez, OT Jeffries, and OLB Watson have agreed to come to EMU.

Not a bad week overall.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"The BCS Picture Clears

Kirk Herbstreet
ESPN.com

Six undefeated teams remain as the BCS picture begins to clear. The SEC, Big 10, ACC, and Big East each have an undefeated team, and there are two dark horses from other conferences. Let's take alook at each:

Florida - Standing #1 in the BCS computers and #1 in the polls, the BCS Championship is Florida's to lose. The Gators feature the best passing offense in the country, with more passing yards than any other team. QB Qinfred Foreman has the third most passing TDs in the country and the second best QB Rating.

Ohio State - Nipping behind Florida is Ohio State. #2 in the voter polls and #3 in the BCS, Ohio State is on another course for the Fiesta Bowl. As of right now, OSU and Florida are the diminant favorites for the Championship.

Maryland - At 8-0, Maryland also is making a claim for BCS consideration. #6 in the polls and #5 in the BCS, Maryland might be able to surge towards greatness.

Boston College - #5 in the polls but ninth in the BCS features the Boston College Eagles. BC still has Notre Dame, Miami and WVU on their schedule, but if they sweep them away, they are definitely a dark horse for the championship game.

Fresno State - This year's non-BCS darling is Fresno State. Number three in the human polls and number two in the BCS, Fresno State is having a remarkable year. All of Fresno State's remaining opponents are mild - Louisiana Tech, Tulsa and Boise State. As such, Fresno State is en route to possibly being the first team not from a BCS conference to play in the Championship Game. No other team has ever been as well positioned for the final push as Fresno State.

Eastern Michigan - However, before we vote Fresno State the "Best of the Lesser Conferences," EMU wants a little nod. With their remianing schedule consisting of teams with Western Michigan and Toledo, EMU is #12 in the computers, 18 in the AP Poll, and 19 in the Coach's Poll. And while EMU may not end up in the championship game, they may make a run for an at large bid. "



-Anxiety

[mattwakeman]

Really good read this mate. Thoroughly enjoying it and good to see that you have returned to lead EMU to exactly where they deserve to be...

[Abe Sargent]

"This week, Eastern Michigan's dreams of an undefeated are put to the test by a fiesty Bowling Green. Join us as Vernon Godfrey and the Eagles host Bolwing Green in a classic MAC matchup. Today, on TV5"


"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033

Week 10 - BOWLING GREEN (we are favored by 26)

We lost several recruits last week. We have six still visiting.

I head out and visit a few more recruits. I make an offer to a DE from Pennsylvania and an OT from Florida, but few other moves made.

We defeat Bowling Green 31-7. TE Hardy Monroe and WR Adam Edwards caught Pat Pierce TDs. Vernon Godfrey and Keith Mullis added ground scores.

Game MVP was Vernon Godfrey with 159 yards rushing and 72 yards receiving.

Adam Edwards had 133 yard receiving.

Bartrum and Singleton each had 5 KRB.

We picked off Bowling Green four times.

There are no additional injuries.

C Gary Foley and DE Clyde Segal agree to come to EMU.

We rise to 11 in the AP Poll, 14 in the Coach's Poll, but fall to 13 in the BCS standings. When everything is factored in, we are #10 overall.


"The battle for the MAC has come down to this. Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan. In the MAC West, no other team is close. Eastern is 8-0, Western is 7-1. Despite the apparent advantages EMU has, they are traveling to Western with a season on the line. We bring you the clash of a conference, next, on TV2"




Week 11 - at Western Michigan (they are favored by 2)

Time to beat the spread folks. Coming back from injury is everybody but Artie Brown.

We still have 6 people visiting and mulling over their decisions. I offer a scholarship to a G.

I need luck for WMU, but I'd like a good game more than that.

EMU 33
WMU 27

Yip!

Game MVP was Vernon Godfrey with his 118 yards rushing and two rushing scores. Not to mention 84 yards receiving.

WR Ellis Kantowski, in his first game back from injury, is with 117 yards and a receiving score.

K Carlos Page hit every one of his four FG attempts.

We held WMU's RB to 23 yards on the day and a 1.7 rushing average. No WMU receiver had more than 34 yards.

As for injuries:

OLB Brenden Goodwin is out with a torn achilles tendon.

TE Bryant Gilmore will be out with a pulled groin.

QB Artie Brown will remain out next week, especially since Pierce has done very well.

ILB Roosevelt Forbes will join us next year, but I missed a safety candidate that I really coveted.

#9 AP, #11 Coach's, #8 overall.

Boston College lost and there are now only five undefeated teams left.


"6-3 Central Michigan is next in line as a team to take a shot at the MAC's big boys Eastern Michigan. The Chippewas take on the Eagles next, on TV5"


Week 12 - CENTRAL MICHIGAN (we are favored by 14)

We can't have a letdown this week after defeated WMU on the road.

We still have four players considering EMU. I find an acceptable safety in Texas and offer him a scholarship.

And now we have a game to play. EMU-CMU.

We win, 45-10. Take that mean old computers and pollsters.

Pat Pierce was the Game MVP. Godfrey rushed for 99 yards, 1 TD, caught 67 yards and 2 TDs.

Rob Shanks with 128 yards and a TD.

A large number of defensive players registered sacks, forced fumbles, and the like.

Injury wise, however.

QB Pat Pierce is out with a broken wrist

ILB Cole Rossi is out again, this time with a broken arm

QB Artie Brown will regain the starting position with Jorge Strickland backing him up.


#9 AP, #11 Coach's, #7 Computer, #8 overall


Week 13 - at Toledo (we are favored by 25)


In recruiting, we have five players considering EMU, and I call them all up and remind them about us.

My recruits are considering Florida State, Notre Dame, Michigan State, Northwestern, and so forth, so I need to keep them reminded that EMU is 10-0 and looking at a possible BCS Game berth. Two games left, Toledo and the MAC Championship.

So we have Toledo left. Our rival game. Hmmm.

We win 27-6.

Vernon Godfrey is with 156 rushing yards, 45 receiving yards for Game MVP honors.

Adam Edwards only catches 45 yards worth of balls and a TD, but he recovers a fumble and advances it 75 yards for another score.

Rich Harper, 2 sacks, Curtis Page, 1.5 sacks, a good day.

11-0. A very good day.

OT Wunder and DE Tanner are coming to EMU although or CB prospect is going to Michigan State. Need I remind him that we are 11-0? Eleven and FREAKIN' Oh, man. Whoot!

QB Artie Brown is out with an exarcerbated pulled groin. Jorge Strickland will have to start for us.

#8 AP, #10 Coach's, #5 computer, #6 rankings.

Ohio State lost, leaving four 11-0 teams, two from BCS conferences. However, Fresno State is a strong number two in the rankings, which may be an interesting result. Let's see what happens with the conference champions.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Originally posted by mattwakeman
Really good read this mate. Thoroughly enjoying it and good to see that you have returned to lead EMU to exactly where they deserve to be...

Thanks a bunch! Feels reall good to finally have a great, sterling season.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033


Week 13 - BYE

We have a little recruiting, I unearth a smart Oklahoma boy who's a CB prospect. And I call a bunch of people.

This week we observe. Who will we play in the MAC Championship?

None of our recruits make a decision this week.

We are now at #10 in both polls. #6 in the computer, #9 in the rankings. We'll need this championship game for the computers and polls. This is another shot on the national stage.


"Today, on TV3, the MAC Championshiup as #13 9-2 Marshall comes into town to take on the Cinderella story of #9 Eastern Michigan University. Can EMU win and position themselves for a BCS Bowl Bid? The MAC Championship, here at Ypsilanti Michigan, could determine so much. Next, on TV3"


Week 14 - MARSHALL (we are favored by 8)

With two QBs on the sidelines, its time to see if we have what it takes to defeat Marshall. If we can convincingly defeat Marshall, then we can make a statement that will hopefully carry to the polls and the computers.

No recruiting news, its pure football this week.

You can bet that we are geared up. We change our game plans to run a bit more, but we are a Singleback, pass first run second team, and I don't expect that we can change it that much. Besides, Jorge is a good QB, like many of our QBs. I like to have a lot of depth at the position for emergencies just like this.

EMU 34
Marshall 17

We are the MAC Champions once again, the third time in five years!

It comes at a cost.

QB Jorge Strickland is out with a broken fibula.

Vernon Godfrey was the MAC Championship MVP. 166 yards rushing, 1 TD.

Adam Edwards caught 119 yards and a pair of TDs.

Jorge Strickland went 8 of 15 but then broke his fibula and emergency backup walkon freshman Jim Small went 11 of 21 for 122 yards and a TD.

Our defense registered several sacks and picks.

G Meadows, CB Malone and S Cyrus are joining EMU.


So what will happen with the bowl picture? We will just have to wait and see.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033



We are ranked #10 in both human polls.


#10 by the computers.

#9 overall. Although our victory over Marshall did improve our standings a bit, it did not help us out overall.


Fiesta Bowl - Florida vs Fresno State.

Orange Bowl - Maryland vs Michigan

Sugar Bowl - Ohio State vs Syracuse

Rose Bowl - Texas vs USC


So, EMU is denied a BCS Bowl despite being 12-0. In fact, we will play in the Motor City Bowl as a 12-0 team against pitiful 6-5 Stanford.

We will be receving a $520,000 payout while Marshall gets a 660,000 payout from the Tangerine Bowl. Stupid Motor CIty Bowl. Only advantage is that it's our backyard, and Standford can expect the Most Hostile Crowd Ever (tm).


With that in mind:


Week 15 - STANFORD - MOTOR CITY BOWL

We are favored by 6, but I want to win by 45. Of course, for that, I'll need a QB.

Artie Brown is questionable, but considering the status of the other QBs, he'll start. Pat is doubtful and will be the backup, while bench warmer walkon freshman Small will be our emergency option. Very emergency.


We are on TV3. I would have thought that a 12-0 team would command TV1, at least TV2. No respect.

17-9 over Stanford.

Rob Shanks caught a pass fom Artie Brown. Verno nGodfrey rushed for a score.

The Motor City Bowl MVP was DE Curtis Page. 5 solo tackles, 2 assts, 2 sacks, 1 fumrec


Interesting year.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Other MAC News:

Western Michigan bitch-smacked Tennessee 34-10. Akron edged Vandy 24-17. Marshall defeated North Carolina State 24-20.

MAC was 4-0 in bowls.

Rose Bowl - Texas over USC 45-35
Orange Bowl - Michigan over Maryland 35-7
Sugar Bowl - Ohio State over Syracuse 20-13



You are going to absolutely love this:

Fiesta Bowl - FRESNO STATE over Florida, 28-26.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Vernon Godfrey is up for the Heisman this year. I vote for him, of course.

Vernon ended tied for sixth with 95 votes, less than his sophomore year. He won the following states: Michigan, Montana, Hawaii, Utah, Oklahoma, Alabama, and Arkansas. Asa reminder, Vernon was from New York.

We finished the season ranked #5, #7 in the AP Poll, #9 in teh Coach's Poll, #4 in the computer rankings.



Awards:

All-American Second Team:

Vernon Godfrey

All-American Senior Team:

Vernon Godfrey


MAC MVP:

Vernon Godfrey

MAC First Team:

RB Vernon Godfrey
WR Adam Edwards
K Carlos Page
DE Curtis Page
ILB Frank Burns
CB Bart Reilly


MAC Second Team:

G Norm Paswater
OLB Brenden Goodwin

MAC Academic Team:

WR Leo Rupp
OT Barry Bartrum
DE Rich Harper
DT Richard Thurgood
S Mercury Bennett



-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Some Stats:

QB Artie Brown, 8 starts, 1985 yards, 15:11, 134.1 Rating
Pat Pierce, 4 starts, 1252 yards, 13:3, 161.1 Rating
Jorge Strickland, 1 start, 83 yards, 1:0, 122.8 Rating
Jim Small, no starts, 122 yards, 1:0, 116.8 Rating

Obviously, Artie was our regular starter, but Pat was really pouring it on in place of Artie until he was also injured. It'll be interesting to see what happens in Spring Camps.


RB Vernon Godfrey, 327 carries for 1658 yards, 17 TDs, 71 catches, 603 yards, 8 TDs

Vernon was obviously a man. The man. An amazing man. I'll miss him.


WR Adam Edwards, 77 grabs for 1150 yards, 7 TDs
Rob Shanks, 47 grabs for 604 yards, 5 TDs
Leo Rupp, 6 starts, 18 catches, 208 yards, 2 TDs
Ellis Kantowski, 6 starts, 13 catches, 257 yards, 1 TD

In 6 starts, Ellis had a mighty 13 catches? Leo had 18? That's not good numbers. Maybe Vernon was such a good pass outlet, that he took a lot of catches away from the other players, but it's obvious that the Leo/Kantowski starting position was very poor.

And Adam Edwards had our best receiving year ever.


K Carlos Page, 21 of 24 FGs (long of 57), 48 of 48 PATs.

You just don't find kickers like this very often.


ILB Frank Burns, 81 tacks, 31 assts, 5 sacks, 21 TFL, 1 Int, 6 PasDef, 1 FF
OLB Mitchell Ebbitt, 48 tacks, 13 assts, 3 sacks, 13 TFL, 3 PasDef, 2 FF
OLB Brenden Goodwin, 9 starts, 46 tacks, 8 assts, 5 TFL, 1 Int, 5 PasDef, 1 FF


Since we had a rotating door at the other ILB position due to injury, these were our regular starters above. Frank had a great year, the kind I had hoped for.


DE Curtis Page, 53 tacks, 21 assts, 20.5 sacks, 31 TFL, 1 FumRec
Rich Harper, 39 tacks, 17 assts, 7 sacks, 13 TFL, 1 Int, 1 PasDef
DT Trevor Murray, 14 tacks, 5 assts, 3.5 sacks, 4 TFL, 1 FF, 1 FumRec

Did we even have a defensive tackle on the field last year? We might as well have played another LB or something. Note Curtis Page's huge year. He did not get any All American honors despite having the third most sacks and third most TFL of any defensive player in the nation. Our best DE performance ever.


CB Bart Reilly, 43 tacks, 19 assts, 1 sack, 7 TFL, 6 Ints, 16 PasDef
Ed Boss, 21 tacks, 9 assts, 2 TFL, 1 Int, 5 PasDef, 2 FF, 1 FumRec
S Deion Thomas, 42 tacks, 17 assts, 7 TFL, 2 Ints, 8 PasDef
Joseph Frederick, 41 tacks, 15 assts, 7 TFL, 3 Ints, 1 Int Ret TD, 9 PasDef, 2 FF, 2 FumRec


Likewise, did we have a second corner on the field? Bart had a nice year, proving that he truly was a shutdown corner like he was billed to be.


G William Singleton, 35 KRB, 13 SkA
Norm Paswater, 32 KRB, 7 SkA
C Kurt Whiting, 33 KRB, 1 SkA
T Barry Bartrum, 24 KRB, 9 SkA
Ralph Borders, 21 KRB, 10 SkA


Kurt Whiting had a tremendous year when you look at the stats. Good blocking by the interior people all year long.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

A few career stats of graduating players:

RB Vernon Godfrey, 48 starts (started every game), 5245 yards rushing, 48 TDs, 232 catches, 1955 receiving yards, 21 TDs, 1 KR TD.

A true stud. Vernon took us to two MAC Championships. He was a lot of fun, and he'll be missed. He was twice a Heisman runner-up, MAC MVP twice, MAC first team RB three times, and so forth.


C Kurt Whiting, 48 starts, 90 KRB, 27 SkA

Kurt started for us every game, every year. Every time Vernon ran, Kurt was there. It's important to connect the success of one to the other. Both were in the same recruit class, which is a bit interesting.


WR Adam Edwards, 46 starts (missed 2 due to injury), 215 catches, 3436 yards, 24 TDs.

Another member of the same recruiting class yielded Adam Edwards. Adam is the career receiving leader here at EMU with those 3436 yards.


DE Rich Harper, 42 starts, 147 tacks, 71 assts, 27 sacks, 49 TFL, 1 Int, 1 PasDef, 1 FF, 3 FumRec

Rich was a solid enough starter, but never excelled except for two years ago when he had 13.5 sacks.


DE Curtis Page, 33 starts, 109 tacks, 49 assts, 37 sacks, 53 TFL, 1 PasDef, 1 FF, 2 FumRec

Curtis is our career sack leader, despite only starting for two and a half seasons. His tackles, starts, and such are much worse than Rich, but yet Curtis had more sacks and more TFL.


G Norm Paswater, 48 starts, 92 KRB, 28 SkA

Along with Kurt, Norm started every game and blocked for Vernon. Amazingly good blocker who should be remembered with Vernon and Kurt.


What is interesting to point out, I think, is that all of these players were in the same recruiting class. Our all time rushing yards leader, receiving yards leader, KRB leader, and sack leader - all in the same class.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"All-American High School Quarterback Chose Eastern Michigan

Steve Atwater
Phoenix Sun

Earlier this week, the All-American High School Football Team was selected. Headlining the team was quarterback Horace Bailey, from Melrose High in Melrose Minnesota.

Looking at the various high school players on the list produces a who's who of colleges they have committed to. Virginia Tech, South Carolina, UCLA, Texas, Ohio State, Florida, USC, Stanford, Penn State, Arizona and so forth.

Every year, a few players end up going to schools other then your typical football powerhouse, and this year is no exception. Texas Tech, Louisville, Baylor and Buffalo are pulled in recruits on the All-America High School Team. Pulling in a DE, DT, K, and OT respectively, in nothing unusual.

However, when the overall best Quarterback in the nation chooses to go somewhere other than the major football schools, you wonder.

Can we wonder anymore? Horace chose Eastern Michigan University, the Cinderella story of 2009 with a perfect 13-0 season. A few years ago, EMU recruited Justin Goodwin, a highly touted QB from Montana. Now, it seems that they have again struck QB gold, this time from another northern state - Minnesota.

Horace completed 127 of 221 passes in 9 games for 2125 yards and 12 TDs with only 2 Ints. Will he follow in the footsteps of recent great EMU quarterbacks like Justin Goodwin and Darrin Wall?

I guess we shall see shortly."


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Our Recruiting Class:

QB Horace Bailey, MN, 71st Nationally, 9th Position, 4th State, 3.39 GPA, 77+
TE Lenny Jameson, PA, 248th N, 11th Pos, 10th State, 3.75 GPA, 76+
WR Gino Gonzalez, MA, 433rd N, 28th Pos, 13th State, 3.64 GPA, 78+
C Gary Foley, WI, 174th N, 15th Pos, 4th State, 3.86 GPA, 89+
G Brock Woody, MA, 336th N, 20th Pos, 11th State, 3.36 GPA, 76+
G Fred Meadows, TN, -----, -----, 58th State, 3.75 GPA, 58+
T Keith Jeffries, MN, 256th N, 40th Pos, 7th State, 2.90 GPA, 78+
T Kris Wunder, FL, 197th N, 27th Pos, 13th State, 4.00 GPA, 68+
DE Clyde Segal, MO, 266th N, 31st Pos, 5th State, 3.34 GPA, 70+
DE Blake Tanner, PA, 781st N, 75th Pos, 41st State, 3.71 GPA, 64+
ILB Roosevelt Forbes, NY, 541st N, 29th Pos, 34th State, 3.60 GPA, 80+
OLB Alan Watson, PA, 362nd N, 26th Pos, 16th State, 3.12 GPA, 85+
CB Tracy Malone, OK, -----, -----, 35th State, 3.49 GPA, 42+
S Scottie Cyrus, TX, -----, 67th Pos, 80th State, 3.83 GPA, 75+



Scottie, from what I can tell, seems better than a lot of recruits and to not be on the Top 1000 is sad. We pulled in one in the Top 100, and several high profile players.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

End of Season Stuff:

Team Performance: 96
Academic: 66
Recruiting: 100
TV Revenue: 83
Alumni Donations: 83
Attendance: 67


Overall: 82


Nebraska, Oregon State and Alabama have been suspended for a year due to rules infractions.

Walkon Jim Small has been academically suspended.

Five Universities offer me a job - Marshall, Central Michigan, Arizona State, Iowa and Arkansas State. No thanks.

What is really funny is that there were several higher profile coaching openings - Syracuse, Illinois, Georgia Tech, and Washington - that didn't want me. I just finished a 13-0 season but I am not the hot commodity I would have thought.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

I take a look at some coaches and staff. For the first time ever, I have the ability to cherry pick a few coordinators who are currently hired by other universities.

I fire our current defensive coordinator and hire:

Tito Trombley
61 yrs old
Play Calling: Pretty Good
Inj. Av: Very Good
Rehab: Fair
Congenial: Decent
D Line: Pretty Good
LBs: Fair
DBs: Good


I also hire a new Deep South Scout:

Rex Mason
49 yrs old
Good with QBs, WRs
Excellent with RBs, D Line, DBs
Very Good with Ks
Poor with LBs
Lousy with O Line


And a New England Scout:

Corwin Powell
47 yrs old
Excellent with LBs and D Line
Very Good with RBs, Ks, and DBs
Good with WRs, O Line
Poor with QBs


And a new Mid Atlantic Scout:

Larry Huffman
72 years old
Excellent with WRs, O Line, DBs
Very Good with RBs, Ks, and LBs
Decent with D Line
Poor with QBs


He's old, but he is light years better than our current scout.



-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

I head over to scheduling and take a look at what we've already got.

We currently have weeks 1, 2, 3 and 8 open.

Five of our currently seceduled nine games are away - Toledo, Central Florida, Yale, Bolwing Green and CMU. At least we have WMU here.

I make an offer to, of all teams, Fresno State to come to Ypsi. I fgure that the two undefeated teams from last year will be a big draw. They reject my offer.

Arizona has offered us an away game, and I laugh. Heartedly.

I then offer Syracuse a home game - the Big East champion last year. They refuse.

Standford, of all people, offers us an away game, following by a home game next year. Interesting. I counter with a game here at Ypsilanti. They accept.

Southern Methodist offers us an away game. Ick. I decide to stay in the state of Texas and offer Texas A&M a home game with us. They refuse. Not so politely, either.

UTEP offers us a home game, continuing the Texas theme. But I am not sure that I want to play a scrub team. We need a bit better schedule and this is our only opportunity to do better.

I offer a home game to Florida, they sort of laught me off, but Oregon State calls and would accept a home game. Again, I try to find a better team, but it is nice to know that I have options.

There are not too many big name schools left. I offer Maryland a home game, and they refuse. Middle Tennessee State offers us a home game. Heh.

I offer Boston College a home game, no dice, but Boise State wants a home game. We are getting close to the end of the scheduling period, and I am ruinning out of options. I decide to try one last big name school.

I offer a home game to Texas. They reject my offer.

With two weeks left, and only 10 or 12 schools still looking for a dance partner, I try Minnesota, but no dice. We have one chance.

Nevada calls us up and asks for a home game in week 2, and I agree.


The EMU 2011 Schedule:


Week 1 - STANFORD
Week 2 - NEVADA
Week 3 - Bye
Week 4 - OHIO
Week 5 - at Central Florida
Week 6 - at Yale
Week 7 - NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Week 8 - Bye
Week 9 - at Bowling Green
Week 10 - at Central Michigan
Week 11 - BALL STATE
Week 12 - at Toledo
Week 13 - WESTERN MICHIGAN


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

I take a look at my rookies:

QB Horace Bailey - Seems good enough. We'll redshirt him because I have a good number of quality QBs already.

TE Lenny Jameson - He's green but has the higest potential of any TE on my roster. I'll redshirt him this year.

WR Gino Gonzalez - He is raw, but he has Adam Edwards potential. If I don't wind up starting him this year, I will redshirt him.

C Gary Foley - Another of my very fresh freshmen.

G Brock Woody - May end up starting and has good potential.

G Fred Meadows - The most raw freshman I have ever seen, but he has starting potential.

T Kris Wunder - Decent enough.

T Keith Jeffries - Very high potential. We think he could go pro very easily.

DE Clyde Segal - A bit underdeveloped, but he has decent enough potential.

DE Blake Tanner - Like Clyde, underdeveloped but with much better upside.

ILB Roosevelt Forbes - Not as much potential as I would have liked, but still a solid LB.

OLB Alan Watson - Another LB with not as much as I would have liked, but I can't be too disappointed.

CB Tracy Malone - A backup at best.

S Scottie Cyrus - Another mega player. Someday. But today, he's highly green.



-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Ralph Mustang: I'd like to think that I should get a little credit for motivating you last season.

Abe: Think whatever you want to think. I strive for perfection every year. it just so happened that last year, in the wins and losses tally at least, we achieved it.

Ralph: I like your recruiting class and your on the field performance. You earned yourself an extra year - congratulations!

Abe: What does that mean?

Ralph: It means, that if you have a substandard year, previously, I would have fired you immediately. Now, you've earned yourself a grace period of one year, because you have proven that you can bounce back from a bad year with a great one.

Abe: I am touched.

Ralph: Now, this year, I want to bring in two of the top 100 recruits nationally.

Abe: Are you going to tell me which positions as well?

Ralph: I'll leave that up to you. I should think that landing top flight recruits after a 13-0 season should be easy.

Abe: Not so easy, see we can't guarantee a BCS Bowl berth even with an undefeated season. Our players are more developed, so I can't sell recruits on playing time, and our academics, although much better than when I arrived, is not great enough to compete with the U of Ms and the Ohio States.

Ralph: Nevertheless, I want two top 100 recruits. Now go out there and recruit.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

A few factoids -

EMU's football squad had the second highest average cumulative GPA in the country last year - 3.08.

We are ranked as the 6th best school in the country in Algebra, a fact I intend to use during recruiting.

We have three teams on our schedule that begin in the Top 50 - Stanford at 33, CMU at 49 and WMU at 35.

We begin unranked at number 57. We are probably ranked so low because we lost Vernon Godfrey, and that seems fair and all, but Vernon did not get us to 13-0 by himself.

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

I have handed out shirts of crimson to 10 rookies. With that said, here then, are our starters for the 2011 year:

QB Pat Pierce (2) - With a battle raging between Pat and Artie, I decie to go with Pat. Since Artie has better potential, and was never redshirted, Artie will wear scarlet this year. Jorge and Gene Gleason will backup Pat. Unless he fails miserably, then I would bring back Artie if Jorge slipped.

RB Broderick Corbitt (3) - Much like Cornelius and Vernon before him, Broderick is ecent enough now, but is only the second bestRB on our squad. However, the better player is a fifth year senior who is almost fully developed, while Broderick could be a star for years. Although I am going with current ability at the QB position, I'll go with potential here.

TE Richie Junker (1) - I have two virtually identical TEs to choose from. Do I want the better pass catcher or the better blocker? I decide to go with the better blocker and start Junker.

WR Rob Shanks (2) - Our best receiver
WR Dusty Kuntz (3) - A man with a load of potential. We'll start him in the three spot.
WR Leo Rupp - A senior who will play the short ball. We have a lot of good receivers battling with Rupp, and he barely gets the start.

C Anthony Armenta (1) - A strong looking C.
G William Singleton - A decent guard, although never anything too special.
G Monty James (3) - Young buck of a guard who might be our best yet if he develops.
T Ralph Borders (1) - Adequate tackle and certainly acceptable.
T Charlie Maxwell (3) - Another young, underdeveloped lineman who will have to learn on the job.

P Emmanuel Buckley (1) - A solid enough punter.
K Carlos Page (1) - A brokenly great kicker.

DE Carlton Lankford (1) - The players here are all either underdeveloped or low potential.
DE Andy Ross (2) - See above.

DT Bo Willis (3) - The Bo watch has officially begun. This mammoth DT is a possible future NFL star, and we want to develop him. He is very talented and looks to have mammoth potential.

ILB Frank Burns - Senior presence and all around player
ILB Cole Rossi - I generally do not like starting two graduating seniors at the same time for the same position group, but Cole has developed into our second best linebacker and has therefore earned the ILB spot.
OLB Mitchell Ebbitt - Another experienced and developed presence.
OLB Perry May (3) - Perry beat out several other underdeveloped candidates who all have huge potential. I may move one over to ILB soon.

CB Bart Reilly - Senior man who is a true shutdown corner.
CB Wade Hoke (3) - Hopefully will develop into our next shutdown corner
S Joseph Frederick (1) - Developed and decent
S Deion Thomas - Aged and average

Let's see what our squad can do!

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"This week, on TV4, Stanford travels to Eastern Michigan University in a rematch of last year's Motor City Bowl Game, when the Eagles defeated the Cardinal to go undefeated on the year. Now Stanford seeks to even the score with an opening day victory that will start the tone for the season. Standford at Easter Michigan, next, on TV4"

"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033

Week one - STANFORD (We are underdogs by 6)

Here are my recruiting targets for this year:

RB
FB
WR
G
T
P
K
DE
DT
ILB
CB
S

That's only 12 players, and as always, I'll take more.

Our prestige only increased %5, I suspect the increase was only due to the record, and the fact that we were kept out of the BCS bowls was a strong message.

I spend this week visiting the seven recruits from Michigan and Ohio that are on the National Top 100 list and also who are interested in majors we offer. There are several great players, and I request visits from all of them.

I hit the phones and start dialing up ILBs. There are scads of qualified blue chip recruits with good grades and positive attitudes. It's very difficult for me to narrow down the search.

We now have to worry about Stanford, because you can expect that they are prepared. How prepared are we? Is the team still high from last year's success?

Questions that need answers. Answer will come soon enough. They'll come this week. They'll come today. They'll come right now.

They have arrived.

EMU 38
Stanford 24

Pat Pierce was our MVP. 62 yard TD pass to Dusty Kuntz, 10 yard TD pass to Rob Shanks, 4 yard TD pass to Richie Junker. No picks tossed, only sacked once.

Bart Reilly with a 60 yard punt return for a TD. Broderick with a 57 yard scamper for a score.

Dusty had 122 yards receiving in his debut with us. We did not fumble, we did not throw picks. We played virtually error-free offense. And we won.

A very positive way to begin the season for us. Even more positive is that our only injury is Pat Pierce who has a bit of flu and is probable for this week's game. I'll start him nonetheless.


Week 2 - NEVADA (we are favored by 4)

This week I decide to go against my normal recruiting schedule and head to Missouri. There are several candidates that I want to track down before other schools do, and I noticed that no one was interested besides us in the first week.

I find my top ILB prospect and offer him a scholarship. While in Missouri, I take a look at a few other locals. I don't find anybody of interest, however.

I drive back through Iowa and interview a young running back recruit - a very high profile, however. I like him and offer him a scholarship. I have a little time left, and decide to divert the car to the Dakotas. There are two recruits that our scout ranks highly here - one each in North and Sotuh Dakota. Neither winds up being as sterling as I would have liked, but I keep them in mind for later and request that both the CB and WR prospects here visit. You never know ehn you turn up a gem in a desolate place like this. After all, Justin Goodwin was from Montana.

I finish up the week by phoning a few punters.

Now we have more important things to worry about - Nevada.

EMU 31, Nevada 16

Broderick Corbitt was our Game MVP. 186 yards on 29 carries with 2 TDs? That's good running.

WR Shanks had 118 yards and a TD. Pat Pierce tossed a pair of icky picks. Thomas and Hoke each caught their own interception while Lankford registered two sacks. My game ball, however, goes to William Singleton for his 7 Key Run Blocks. Kepp plugging the line Will!

We have won 16 games in a row. It's nothing compared to Fresno State's 29 game streak, but it's still the second longest such streak currently in the NCAA Div 1-A.


Week 3 - Bye

I head to Ohio to check out some recruits. I start with a pair of solid punters. I like them both. I offer a scholarship to one.

Whiel there, I visit a lot of other recruits. I find a receiver and inside linebacker that I like so I offer them both scholarships. After that, I decide to visit one last recruit, a Guard, and I like him to and offer a scholarship. I now have scholarship offers to seven Ohio players.

I call up a few kickers to get my name out there and then I wrap up the week.


Week 4 - OHIO (we are favored by 12)

I take a trip to Illinois to do a bit more recruiting. I find a nice kicker and offer a scholarship. I unearth a nice DT while I am here.

After that, it's over to Pennsylvania for a bit of a romp through some local recruits. I make an offer to a decent receiver who is also being courted by Notre Dame. I understand that I will likely lose out, but I have to at least try to bring him in. He wants a place close to home, which I have, and academics, which both Notre Dame and I have. I also have a high school teammate on my roster. Maybe that will help, who knows.


The game was relatively stress free - 38-10 victory for us. Broderick Corbitt rushed for 3 TDs on 88 yards and 20 carries. Pierce tossed two TDs but 3 picks as well. He's gotta calm down back there. Lankford notched another pair of QB sacks, Deion Thomas forced a pair of fumbles and Bart Reilly got his first pick of the year.

Again, we have no major injuries. 3-0 and heading into the meat of our schedule. Excellent.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"Believe that the Eagles Can

Ryan Stinnett
Eastern Echo

Many Eagles fans lost hope in the system last year when an undefeated Eastern Michigan was snubbed by the BCS Bowls and was relegated to the Motor City Bowl. Fans who had cheered the Eagles on all year long, who had purchased tickets and attended games one a cold November Michigan Saturday.

Fans who spammed BCS message boards, sent out mass e-mails. We held our collective breath. Can EMU actually go undefeated in the regular season? Can EMU win the MAC Championship or will we falter? Can EMU stand up to Stanford?

13-0 says yes.

And we wonder why we didn't get the chance to show ourselves on a larger stage. We rail against the system. Editorials and talk show call ins - "Get us a playoff system, get us something that will be fair to the Eagles."

When the only two undefeated programs from last year were from non-BCS conferences, you have to wonder. You have to wonder.

And yet, EMU is 3-0 this season, having defeated Stanford again, proving the first time was no fluke. Our schedule is developing some surprises that may help us this year. Yale is 3-0, WMU is 3-0, Toledo is 2-0. We may just end up with a better schedule of strength than we normally do. The question becomes whether we can take advantage of it or not.

And if we do, what then? What then?

We must have hope. Believe that the system works, in the end, it worked for Fresno State, and in the end, it will work for us."


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"The 3-0 Eagles are fresh off an undefeated season and posied for another great year. They take the show on the road down south to MAC rival Central Florida where the Knights await. Does an ambush lurk for the Eagles? Find out, next, on TV4"


"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033


Week 5 - at Central Florida (we are favored by 10)

I head over to New York for a bit of a scout. I visit a few more New England prospects while I am here. I then make follow up calls to some of my recruits.

We only mage to score a measly, pitiful, anemic 55 points while CFU puts up an amazing 13 points on us.

QB Pat Pierce ran for two scores. He connected with Shanks, Rupp, Kantowski and Mullis for TDs. Broderick added another ground score. And Tyrus Bernstein returned a pick for a TD.

Broderick Corbitt, 106 yards rushing on 23 carries.
Pat Pierce, 24 of 33 for 271 yards, 4 TDs, plus the two rushing TDs
Bernstein and Reilly, each with two picks


That game sure was a lot of fun.

We are #17 in the AP Poll, #21 in the Coach's Poll and ready to launch ourselves to the top of the charts.


Week 6 - at Yale (4-0) (We are underdogs by 8)

Yale is our first major test since Stanford. Yale has a good record this year, so this game should vault us in the computer ratings if we can win. If, we can win.

I need to gather a few late recruits, and I fly out to Florida. There I visit a really nice CB recruit and offer him a scholarship. Perfect. I decide to swing by a few other Floridians while I am in the area. Of my targets, I still need a S. There is a nice safety recruit here, so I visit him, only to find that Wisconsin is courting him hard. I like him and offer him a scholarship. I'll not back down from any school. But I fear that I may be a bit of a Johnny Come Lately in the game.

I call some of my recruits and remind them that EMU wants them. I at least want a visit before they make a decision.

But, more than recruiting, Yale is on my mind.

Yale is currently the best rushing team in the nation, having rushed for 976 yards in their first four games. Amazing.

EMU 30, Yale 25. Whew.

Broderick Corbitt had 90 yards rushing and a score. Pat Pierce had 343 yards, 3 TDs and 2 Ints. Lankford had another pair of sacks. Thomas had another pick. Our C Armenta had 6 key run blocks.

Again, no major injuries. We've had a lot of our players get banged up a bit, but never miss any playing time the whole season. We've been blessed.

We are ranked #2 in the computer ratings, #15 in the AP Poll, #18 in the Coach's Poll, and #10 overall.


Week 7 - NORTHERN ILLINOIS (we are favored by 35)

Once again we are heavy heavy favorites against another MAC foe. I hope that we can beat the spread. We need to impress the pollsters.

This week is, as always, official hold your serve week, we try to keep the guys we have made offers to from leaving. Next week, of course, they'll actually visit. Once last chance to grab players and make offers.

I find an amazing RB while cleaning up in Virginia. I covet him tremendously. My scout rated him a 78 but I found that our scout was sorely misrepresenting his abilities.

With that recruit uncovered, I head to today's game. If we want to be a championship caliber team, then we can't beat these dinky 1-3 MAC teams 23-17. We have to simply annihilate them. We have to prove that we are simply a higher caliber of team than they are, and they have no chance of ever defeating us.

Especially here at home.

We beat the spread by three - 38-0. Now that's what I am talking about. A shutout!

Here are our five TD scores. Enjoy:

Broderick Corbitt, 2 yd run
Rob Shanks, 15 yard catch
Bryant Gilmore, 4 yard catch
Keith Mullis, 6 yard run
Broderick Corbitt, 3 yard run

Pierce only had 113 yards passing, 13 of 20. Jorge came in for a while and went 13 of 18 for 123 yards. Ed Hoke with a pick, Boss with a forced fumble.

We brought in a Center recruit this week.

WE ARE RANKED NUMBER ONE IN THE COMPUTERS!!!!!! Wowzers. #14 in the AP Poll, #15 Coach's, #7 overall.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033


Week 8 - BYE

I try to keep my recruits coming. At the end of the week, I find out that we brought in a receiver and that RB I uncovered in Virginia that I wanted so much. I also got four rejections.

Number one in the computer this week is....Baylor at 7-0. We are number 2 in the computers, sorta. See, we are actually tied with Baylor at 1.75. We are 2, 1, 1, 7, 3 and they are 1, 2, 2, 11, 2. Toss out the 11 and the 7 and we are 1123 and they are 1222.

#12 AP, #13 Coach's. #7 overall.


Week 9 - at Bowling Green (we are favored by 22 to defeat the 2-4 Bowling Green)

I try to find new recruits to replace those lost while also trying to get the current batch visiting EMU to come to our school. Maybe our 20 game winning streak will help. Maybe.

Now we have another of those games we need to just slam our outmatched opponent.

Well, we win, but not by a major margin - 26-21.

Leo Rupp returned a kickoff 97 yards for a score. That'll really hurt us in the polls, because it will indicate that we would've lost without a lucky special teams play. He also caught a TD for a score.

Broderick Corbitt rushed for a score.

A few picks, a few sacks. But a few fumbles and a pick that was returned for a TD by the Bowling Green defense. Ick.

WR Rob Shanks is questionable with a stretched knee ligament.

We bring in a CB and DT, but lose a S and a DE.

In the computers, we remain number 2, with Baylor remaining tied with us. We hold stead in the Voter Polls and yet raise to #5 in the overall rankings. Three of our last four opponents are ranked in the Top 50.

Incidentally, Yale has continued to win (7-1), Toledo, coming up soon, is 6-1, and Stanford is 5-2. So our schedule looks better than it might have otherwise.

"This week, on TV5, the undefeated Eastern Michigan Eagles seek to continue one of the longest current winning streaks in NCAA against crosstate rival Central Michigan. The Chippewas have ideas of their own, hoping for another MAC West run at the title. Can the Eagles continue to destroy their opponents, or will they fall in the face of Chippewa fury? Find out tomorrow, only on TV5"


Week 9 - at Central Michigan (we are favored by 12)

I continue to try and find a suitable safety. Somewhere in the country there has to be one? We have nine recruits visiting us.

I am lucky to find a decent S and a good DE in New England. I offer them both scholarships.

This week, I'd love to defeat Central Michigan by an impressive margin. Only winning big seems to impress the poll voters.

34-14 victory on the road. I'll take it.

Broderick Corbitt rushed 24 times for 104 yards, caught 8 catches for 93 yards.

Pierce tossed three scores and a pick. Hoke registered two interceptions, Boss another, Reilly a fourth and Frederick picked off CMU and ran it 80 yards for a score.

In recruiting, we bagged an OT, that DE from Maine, and a S from Mississippi who I didn't think that I was going to get. I was rejected by an ILB and a kicker.

In the computer rankings, Baylor hasa secured the number one spot and we are comfortably in second. #11 in the AP Poll, #12 in the Coach's Poll and #7 overall. There are seven teams undefeated right now - all 8-0. Ohio State, Fresno State, EMU, Baylor, Boston College, Georgia Tech, and Tulane. Only Tulane has an overall ranking lower than our own.


"This week, on TV4, MAC megapower Eastern Michigan continues to attempt a repeat of last year's undefeated team. Can the Eagles do what no other MAC team has ever done? Ball State wants to end the Eagles' dreams of grandeur. Can Ball State play spolier to Eastern Michigan's hopes of a BCS Bowl berth? Tune in this week, on TV4"


"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033

Week 11 - BALL STATE (we are favored by an amazing 30)

Recruiting is quiet. I have seven recruits visiting EMU and I would like to bring all of them into our fold. I already have 8 recruits in, so that would bring my total number up to 15 out of a possible maximum of 16. All I do this week is visit and phone them to assure them that I am still interested. And I subtly remind them that we have yet to lose a game in two years.

Ball State is the last chump team on our schedule. We need to bitch smack them. For us, every game is a statement game, every week is vital.

Unfortunately, our team doesn't know that. They lay off a bit this week and only manage a two point victory - 27 to 25.

Carlton Lankford is our Game MVP with an amazing FIVE sacks.

Pat Pierce, on the other hand, had an amazing FIVE picks. And no TDs. We held the Ball State leading rusher to -46 yards, we held their QB to 174 yards, and yet two picks by Pierce were returned 91 and 87 yards for TDs. Two redzone picks returned for scores. That is simply not acceptable.

We fall to number 3 in the computer ratings, but rise to #9 in the AP Poll and #11 in the Coach's Our overall ranking is steady at 7. Two undefeated teams lost, hence our rise in the polls. Tulane and Boston College lost.

On the recruiting front, we brought in a TE and ILB. Excellent. Excellent.


"The battle for the MAC West begins this week as the 8-1 Toledo Rockets host the 9-0 Eastern Michigan Eagles. These two teams are bitter rivals and now the two major powers in the MAC West. Broderick Corbitt and the Eagles fly into town to take on the Rockets in a battle for the ages. A battle, for respect. Today, on TV2"

"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033

Week 12 - at Toledo (8-1) (we are favorites by 4)

In recruiting, all I do is call the 5 guys left. It's football time.

This is arguably our biggest game of the season before the MAC Championship. THe Yale game was intense, but I expect this to be five times as intense. Our two teams are very, immensely, similar. Time for the big guns.

Can Pat Pierce battle through his propensity for tossing interceptions? ANother game like last week and he's hooked for Jorge.

EMU 17
Toledo 10

The Game MVP was again Carlton Lankford, who is really turning it on now with another pair of sacks.

Pat Pierce rushed 72 yards for our first score. Dusty Kuntz caught a 52 yarder from Pat for the other TD.

However, Pat only threw 10 of 20 for 145 yards, 1 TD and 3 Ints. We won, but he is getting benched for Jorge for next week's game against WMU.

ILB Frank Burns got our only pick of the day.

We were turned down by a WR but I alraedy have our targeted one, so I am not worried. Four recruits left.

With a win against another quality opponent, we jump to #1 in the computers, #9 in each human poll, and #3 overall. Losing this week was previously undefeated Baylor to leave just 4 teams with perfect records as the season winds down.

DT Trevor Murray is doubtful for the next few weeks with a hyperextended knee.


Week 13 - WESTERN MICHIGAN (we are favored by 21)

Recruiting is easy, yadda yadda, head into the game that I care so much about.

24-21 over WMU. Again, a closer game than I would have liked. This year, these little dinky wins don't seem to be hurting us, as you'll see in a bit.

Broderick Corbitt with 130 yards rushing, 2 TDs. Jorge Strickland put up three picks and no TDs. That's worse than Pat Pierce almost. Leo Rupp returned a 91 yard kickoff for another TD. Pat will start again next week, maybe he'll be better after a week on the pine.

WR Dusty Kuntz is out for at least a month with arthroscopic knee surgery.

We brought in a K and a FB in recruiting. After all, how many 11-0 teams can be recruiting these players?

And then there were three. Ohio State fell in their regular season finale. Three 11-0 teams - us, Fresno State, and Georgia Tech which is only 10-0.

We are ranked #1 in the computers, #6 AP, #7 coach's, and #3 overall. One more obstacle (the MAC Championship) and we are going to a BCS bowl. A major victory or climb in the polls and we may hit #2 overall and head for a championship.

We have, for once, a great schedule of strength - 1.84 overall - competitive with other major programs coming out of major divisions.


Week 14 - BYE

No major recruiting this week. 10-1 Miami of Ohio wins the MAC East, thereby setting up a major conflict in the MAC Championship next week.

No recruits make decisions this week.

Georgia Tech loses their regular season finale as well, leaving just us and Fresno State as the only unbeaten teams yet again.

We are #1 in the computers, #6 in each poll, #3 overall. We are just a bit behind Fresno State in the #2 spot. If we can overtake them with our Championship Game, then we may end up ranked second. Ranked number one is 10-1 Michigan. How much fun would it be for Ann Arbor Michigan against Ypsilanti Michigan, literally a mile apart in real life.

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"It all comes down to this. Miami of Ohio, 10-1 and the MAC East Champion has designs on the glory of a MAC Championship. 11-0 Eastern Michigan has dreams of a BCS Bowl berth. Whichever way it goes, unstoppable force meets the unmovable object as the Eagles host the MAC Championship. Next, on TV1"

"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033


Week 15 - MIAMI of OHIO (we are favored by 8)

No recruits made decisions last week, leaving a few lingering recruits running around. Specifically, a G and a P.

Since we are sooooo close to the Fiesta Bowl, we need to take out Miami of Ohio. We are already #1 in the computers, so we are playing to impress the voters. Move up in the polls, and we do well. Michigan, OSU, Florida and Texas, and Fresno State are ahead of us in the polls.

What is annoying is that Texas is not in the Big XII Championship Game and Florida is not in the SEC Championship Game. We can not realy on our opponents' losing to help us in the polls. We are .66 behind Fresno State. Jumping up one spot in each poll to #5 will give us a one point jump, enough to knock out Fresno State.

Good luck gentlemen. Pat Pierce gets the start.


EMU 31
Miami of Ohio 13

Our TDs:

Rob Shanks, 17 yard catch TD from Pierce
Broderick Corbitt, 51 yard scamper for TD
Borderick Corbitt, 5 yards for another score.
Pat Pierce, 1 yard plunge for TD

Broderick Corbitt, 28 carries, 178 yards, 2 TDs Pierce continues to toss picks.

So, we are headed to a BCS bowl. The question is, which one? We'll have to wait for the announcements later.

-Anxiety







We also brought in that G and P.

[Abe Sargent]

"BCS Snub

Andy McCallister
ESPN.com

It's time that those of us who vote for either the AP Poll or the Coaches Poll are held accountable to ourselves. For the second straight year, Eastern Michigan University has been held out of the BCS Championship game despite having a perfect 12-0 record.

Last year, there were four undefeated teams heading into the bowl season, so you can understand why EMU was held back, but they also didn't even get a BCS berth. Shameful, maybe. WHile two other undefeated teams lost, Eastern Michigan defeated Stanford and finished 13-0.

So, what have they done this year? Only continued at 12-0 currently. In the past, when a team like EMU has done weel, we've been able to say "But you haven't played a tought schedule." If you play a tough schedule, then you will be rewarded in both the computer and the polls.

Really?

EMU, at 12-0 this year, has defeated 9-2 Yale, 10-2 Miami of Ohio and 8-3 Stanford. The only other unbeaten team this year was Fresno State.

Fresno State has beaten 9-2 Hawaii and 8-3 Tulsa and that's it.

So, by the very standard that we supposedly hold teams from major conferences accoutable, EMU has played more top teams than Fresno State. Indeed, the computer agrees, placing EMU's strength of schedule at 0.92 while finding Fresno State's schedule a paltry 4.6!

So then, by our own standards, EMU should be ranked higher. And in the computers, they are.

Yet we vote them #6 in the polls. EMU defeated 10-1 Miami of Ohio in the MAC Championship game by 20 points, and they didn't move in either poll. They are behind TWO 9-2 teams. Eastern Michigan has won a full three games more, yet they are ranked behind them? EMU has played a tough schedule, yet are voted lower?

If either poll had moved EMU up one spot to #5, then they would be in the BCS Championship. The difference between EMU and Fresno State? 0.07 points. Can anybody honestly say that a 12-0 team with a tough schedule is actually 0.07 points WORSE than an 11-0 team with a weak schedule?

Why Fresno State? Because they have ben voted number one in the nation in both polls. The polls have meaning, and when they have meaning, then we have to vote responsibly. And this was not responsible voting.

The best thing to happen is for EMU to lose to Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl. If Eastern loses, then some people will sigh, breathe easily, and exclaim, "See the system works," all while having crossed fingers for next season.

The worst thing is obviously if Fresno State loses and Eastern Michigan wins. Then, the whole system will shake and shudder. What will happen then, I imagine? The system needs EMU to fail.

That's why I want them to win."


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Four MAC teams are in bowls:

Motor City Bowl - Arizona State vs Miami of Ohio
Peach Bowl - Arkansas vs Akron
Humanitarian.com Bowl - Texas Christian vs. Toledo
Orange Bowl - Eastern Michigan vs Georgia Tech


The MAC goes 3 for 3 in the other bowls, and now they are relying on us to show the world what the MAC attack is about.



"One team was nearly undefeated before losing in the last game of the regular season. The other team is undefeated for the second straight year but snubbed by the voters. Each team has something to prove. It's the Eastern Michigan Eagles versus the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets, coming up next, on TV1"



THE ORANGE BOWL - vs Georgia Tech (we are favored by 4)

How could we expect to win this game, in all honesty? We allowed their back a 100 yard day, we let their QB throw for 395 yards, 4 TDs and no picks.

On the other hand, Broderick Corbitt only rushed for 44 yards. Sure, he got a TD, but how can we expect to win against a landmark defense - a 10-1 team from a major conference.

Unless we aired it out.....Pat Pierce, 31 of 45, 429 yards, 4 TDs. Two receivers with over 100 yards - Shanks and that Corbitt fellow. Corbitt had 2 TDs receiving.

Bryant Gilmore caught a pair of TDs as well. Lankford and Murray, both with a pair of sacks. We won 38-28.

We won!

Orange Bowl MVP was Pat Pierce.



Oh, Fresno State beat Michigan 31-24. For the Heisman, I vote for the Florida QB. Instead, the USC QB won.


An interesting sidenote. Despite defeating a major team from a major conference, our bump in the polls was minor - #4 AP and #6 Coach. We are only one of two undefeated teams in the nation with a 27 game winning streak and a blistering hot schedule, and yet we can't get above #6 in the Coach's Poll?

And yet, in the overall ranking, we are #1. Despite the fact that Fresno State defeated Michigan, our victory over Georgia Tech and subsequent minor bump in the polls helped us cross Fresno State and end the year ranked number one. How odd is that? Fresno State won the Championship, yet we are ranked #1.



Oh, by the way, this is my 2000th overall post. Again.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Awards:

We have no national awards.


MAC First Team:

RB Broderick Corbitt
G William Singleton
ILB Frank Burns
CB Bart Reilly


MAC Second Team:

QB Pat Pierce
WR Rob Shanks
P Emmanuel Buckley
K Carlos Page
DE Carlton Lankford
OLB Mitchell Ebbitt

MAC Academic Team:

WR Leo Rupp
DE Carlton Lankford
DT Richard Thurgood


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

The Year in Review (Stats):


QB Pat Pierce, 2840 yards, 60.6% completetion rate, 25:19 ratio, 134.3 rating

Pat was adequate, but he had a tendancy to occasionally toss a dozen picks.


RB Broderick Corbitt, 283 carries for 1322 yards, 16 TDs, 56 catches, 564 yards, 3 TDs

Broderick has a great year and looks every bit the replacement for Vernon Godfrey.


WR Rob Shanks, 57 grabs, 714 yards, 7 TDs
WR Dusty Kuntz, 11 starts, 40 grabs, 600 yards, 4 TDs
WR Leo Rupp, 30 grabs for 369 yards and 2 TDs, 2 KR TDs

Except for the two return TDs, Leo Rupp was a sheer disappointment. Rob did well and Dusty, considering his age, did very well.


K Carlos Page, 15 of 19, 45 of 52 PAT
P Emmanuel Buckley, 16 of 67 punts inside the 20, average of 34.4 yards


Carlos really decided that he couldn't make the XPs this year. Emmanuel is nothing special, but I expect better.


DE Carlton Lankford, 39 tacks, 11 assts, 19.5 sacks, 26 TFL
DE Andy Ross, 22 Tacks, 13 assts, 7.5 sacks, 8 TFL, 1 FF, 2 FumRec
DT Bo Willis, 24 tacks, 14 assts, 2.5 sacks, 10 TFL

Want to see more from Bo next year, but Carlton really overachieved this year. Too bad he's a graduating senior.


ILB Frank Burns, 68 tacks, 29 assts, 12 TFL, 2 Ints, 6 PasDef, 2 FF
ILB Cole Rossi, 48 tacks, 17 assts, 11 TFL. 3 PasDef
OLB Mitchell Ebbitt, 58 tacks, 21 assts, 11 TFL, 1 Int, 3 PasDef
OLB Perry May, 42 tacks, 11 assts, 3 sacks, 10 TFL, 1 Int, 3 PasDef, 1 FF

Frank Burns had a decent enough year but I would have liked more from him. Still, he led my team in tackles. Perry May was the only LB to put pressure on the QB, but he was the worst tackler. Interesting.


CB Bart Reilly, 48 tacks, 10 assts, 6 TFL, 4 Ints, 12 PasDef, 1 PR TD
CB Wade Hoke, 29 tacks, 15 assts, 1 TFL, 6 Ints, 10 PasDef
S Deion Thomas, 48 Tacks, 19 assts, 8 TFL, 4 Ints, 14 PasDef, 2 FF
S Joseph Frederick, 59 tacks, 19 assts, 9 TFL, 1 Int, 3 PasDef, 2 FF

Wade Hoke looks to have developped quickly on the job, leading our team in picks. It looks like Deion is the coverage safety and Joseph the hard hitting safety. Funny.


G William Singleton, 34 KRB, 3 SkA
G Monty James, 26 KRB, 8 SkA
T Charlie Maxwell, 28 KRB, 4 SkA
T Ralph Borders, 20 KRB, 6 SkA
C Anthony Armenta, 27 KRB, 3 SkA


Monty has really developed and will be ready to be a rock for us next year. You can't tell from the stats but Anthony and Charlie did not grow and develop as I would have liked.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Our Recruiting Class:

RB Ernie Lohner, Virginia, 78++, 620th Nationally, 10th State, 46th Position, 3.14 GPA
FB Dixon Jacobs, Wisconsin, 62+, -----, 15th State, 39th Position, 4.0 GPA
TE Steven Yaw, Pennsylvania, 75+, 771st Nat, 33rd State, 22nd Position, 3.1 GPA
WR Dwayne Humphrey, Ohio, 78+, 226th Nat, 17th State, 16 Pos, 3.16 GPA
C Earnest Snedeker, Michigan, 87+, 99th Nat, 4th State, 7th Pos, 3.06 GPA
G Tyrone Bollinger, California, 66+, 604th Nat, 72nd State, 44th Pos, 3.51 GPA
T Will Joseph, Pennsylvania, 73+, 176th Nat, 12th State, 19th Pos, 4.0 GPA
P Tony Hanson, Ohio, 97+, 124th Nat, 10th State, 3rd Pos, 3.39 GPA
K Trevor Capshaw, New York, 81+, 284th Nat, 15th State, 8th Pos, 2.98 GPA
DE Tyrone Stone, Maine, 76+, 263rd Nat, 3rd State, 38th Pos, 3.53 GPA
DT Derrick Taylor, Illinois, 76+, 195th Nat, 6th State, 18th Pos, 3.6 GPA
ILB Charlie Cooley, Ohio, 77++, 213th Nat, 14th State, 13th Pos, 3.8 GPA
CB J.B. Sullivan, Florida, 83+, 316th Nat, 21st State, 21st Pos, 3.41 GPA
S Brandon Roberson, Mississippi, 80+, 429th Nat, 8th State, 22nd Pos, 3.57 GPA


That's a real nice punter there. 3rd best punter, 8th best kicker, 7th best center, there are a lot of quality recruits in there. Maybe my best recruiting class yet.

T Will Joseph is on the All-America High School Team, by the way.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

A few career stats to leave the season with:

CB Bart Reilly, 37 starts (every game for three years), 139 tacks, 49 assts, 2 sacks, 14 Ints, 20 TFL, 34 PasDef, 5 FF, 3 FumRec, 1 PR TD

Bart was a true shutdown corner and a major asset during these past two years. So many college teams have just one good receiver that you have to have a great corner to stick with them. Bart was a great corner.


ILB Frank Burns, 50 starts (every one), 266 tacks, 98 assts, 7 sacks, 51 TFL, 5 Ints, 19 PasDef, 4 FF

Frank was a solid inside presence for us for five years. Since he was suspended for the 2009 year, he was in the unique position of having started his freshman, sophomore, senior and fifth year senior years with a redshirt in his junior year.


S Deion Thomas (50) - 189 tacks, 70 assts, 28 TFL, 8 Ints, 1 Int TD, 40 PasDef, 4 FF< 1 FumRec


Another four year starter and solid. 40 Passed defensed? Pretty good.


OLB Mitchell Ebbitt, 49 starts (missed one), 200 tackles, 67 assts, 14 sacks, 41 TFL, 3 Ints, 1 Int TD, 15 PasDef, 3 FF, 1 FumRec

More of a pass rusher and run stopper than a coverage man. Still, Mitchell's contribution cannot be overestimated.


G William Singleton, 37 starts (three years), 81 KRB, 28 SkA

Not a bad career for a guard who was constantly overachieving beyond his abilities.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Our Score:

Team Performance: 100
Academics: 61
Recruiting: 96
TV Revenue: 96
Alumni Donations: 91
Attendance: 69

Overall: 84

QB Gene Gleason is academically suspended for failing a class.

I can't believe that the U of M head coach always wins the Coach of the year award.

My head scout, scout for the Great Lakes region retired and I need to find a new one. Alabama, San Diego State and Idaho offer me coaching positions. That's it? Three programs? Sad.

I increase ticket prices for the first time since taking over as head coach.

I hire 72 year old Danny Sharper as my GL scout, but I don't expect much from him - he's old. I'll just use him until he retires in a few years.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

We hit the scheduling phase. There is only one team that I want, no, NEED, to schedule.

Let's end this battle now. Fresno State, I want to play you. They reject my offer. However, Stanford wants another game this year. I make them an offer. They accept my offer and we will open with Stanford again this year.

San Diego State wants a game, but I'd rather not. I offer to Boston College, but they refuse. Arkansas wants a home/away deal, but I hate to tie up my schedule for two years.

I offer a game to Syracuse. They refuse but Nebraksa comes calling. They want an away/home deal, and I counter with just a home game. They refuse, but Tulane is on the phone.

They offer me a home game, and I accept.


2012 Eastern Michgain Schedule

Week 1 - STANFORD
Week 2 - TULANE
Week 3 - Bye
Week 4 - Bye
Week 5 - at Buffalo
Week 6 - YALE
Week 7 - CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Week 8 - at Kent State
Week 9 - at Ball State
Week 10 - at Northern Illinois
Week 11 - WESTERN MICHIGAN
Week 12 - BOWLING GREEN
Week 13 - TOLEDO


We have a nasty three game away stretch, but then we conclude with a three week homestand. We have 7 home games, which is nice. Our away games are easier, Ball State, Nothern Illinois, Buffalo and Kent State might not have a winner among them.

Definitely a good schedule.

Now, if Yale and Tulane can have good years again, then our schedule will be even better.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

A closer look at my freshmen:

RB Ernie Lohrer - Looks decent and solid but nothing special. Could start.

FB Dixon Jacobs - Only on my roster for goal line situations, but is solid at that.

TE Steven Yaw - Wow. Much better than I had anticipated, I didn;t even need a TE this year, I just picked him up for depth, and he may end up starting after he develops. A future stud if he develops quickly.

WR Dwayne Humphrey - A solid recever. As of right, I don't know if he'll start this year or not, but he is in the running.

C Earnest Snedeker - I have no idea how I keep getting these studly centers, but I guess I can't complain too much.

G Tyrone Bollinger - Enh. Very green.

T WIll Joseph - Could start down the road for us.

P Tony Hanson - Please welcome my MAXED OUT PUNTER. In potential, at least. And he has great current stats.

K Trevor Capshaw - A bit inconsistent with his kicking power.

DE Tyrone Stone - May start someday, but for now, is a backup, redshirt sort of guy.

DT Derrick Taylor - See above, but more green.

ILB Charlie Clooney - Amazing looking backer who may be able to use a year of development in a shirt of crimson. Maybe not, because we are thin at inside quality.

CB J.B. Sullivan - Not a bad looking prospect, but he'll ride the pine wearing red.

S Brandon Roberson - A decent enough fellow. When will I get my studly safety?


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Our Starting Lineup:

QB Pat Pierce (1) - Our new scout thinks more highly of Pat than Artie Brown. So Pat it is.

RB Broderick Corbitt (2) - Not the best short yardage back ever, but good to great at everything else.

TE Richie Junker - Hopefully won't embarass us too much, because he's nothing special.

WR Rob Shanks (1) - Our best receiver. Go Rob!
WR Dusty Kuntz (2) - And yet Dusty might have better stats due to a better big play ability
WR Gino Gonzalez (3) - Let's see what the sophomore can do

C Anthony Armenta - Good, but being pushed because of the sheer talent behind him on the roster.
G Monty James (2) - Average and yet developed.
G Brock Woody (3) - Not like the other guards are doing much better, so let's let the kid grow a little.
T Charlie Maxwell (2) - Someday I'll have good tackles. That'll be a good day.
T Ralph Borders - Never grew like he should have. Talent wasted.

P Emmanuel Buckley - Nothing great.
K Carlos Page - Something great but needs to settle down.

DE Carlton Lankford - Had a great season last year, came out of nowhere. Can he repeat?
DE Andy Ross - He's just blah but our future DEs are not as developed.
DT Bo Willis (2) - Bo's gotta get game. Bo knows collapsing the pocket?

ILB Percy Finch - Just doesn't do it for me.
ILB Dixon Wingate (1) - Definately doesn't do it for me.
OLB Perry May (2) - Good against the run, a bit of a pass rusher
OLB Alan Watson (3) - By potential, maybe the best linebacker we've ever had. Will that translate on the field?

CB Ed Boss (1) - Adequate CB but nothing special.
CB Wade Hoke (2) - Something special.
S Joseph Frederick - He was the tackling safety last year.
S Tyrus Bernstein (1) - Has really come on as of late and will hopefully be a good safety for us for a couple of years.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Ralph Mustang: I asked for 2 top 100 recruits. Was that too hard?

Abe: I landed one.

Ralph: A center. We didn't even need a center.

Abe: I also grabbed the thrid rated punter. Have you seen him in practice? He may be our best player.

Ralph: A punter? That's what you have to show for your recruiting efforts last year?

Abe: If punter werea higher profile position, then you know that he'd have been ranked in the top 100. Our center was the 7th center and he was in the top 100.

Ralph: I still can't believe that you point to a punter as the crowning achievement of a recruit class. Why are you still here?

Abe: You summoned me to your office

Ralph: Here at Eastern Michigan you idiot. You've won an Orange Bowl, you could go anywhere.

Abe: I like it here. It's a challenge. Think I want to leave behind 13-0 seasons for a 7-4 season at some random institution in the south or the West Coast? Or even worse, Texas?

Ralph: I want another undefeated season.

Abe: Ralph, there is something about me that you still don't get.

Ralph: Yeah, what's that?

Abe: You'll never drive me harder or faster than I drive myself.



-Anxiety

[Peregrine]

Keep it up Anxiety. Though I'm not sure with your current squad you'll be able to get another undefeated season, looks like there's a lot of shakiness in that defense from your player summaries.

[Abe Sargent]

"Is Stanford-Eastern Michigan the newest rivalry? EMU went to Stanford four years ago, then they met in the Motor City Bowl two years ago. Last year, Stanford again fell before the Eastern Michigan juggernaut. And now they face off again. Witnessing the birth of a new rivalry is always something compelling. Broderick Corbitt and the Eagles host the Cardinal, ranked #14 in the preseason polls, today, on TV4"

"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033


Week 1 - STANFORD (we are favored by 1)


In the three previous seasons that we've played Stanford, we've gone 10-2, 13-0 and 13-0. Maybe they're our good luck charm?

I hit the recruiting circuit. I need:

QB
RB
WR x2
G
DT
ILB
OLB
CB
S

And, as always, depth. The most recent kicker I pulled in looks a bit poor, I might try to find a better option.

Number of recruits who idolize us? Zero.

Despite winning the freakin' Orange Bowl, our prestige increased only 4 points. Jeez.

This year, I start recruiting in Ohio, not Michigan. I then head over to Indiana to scout a couple of recruits. I make crazy offers to two very high flight recruits that I do not expect to land, but you never know.

I spend the rest of the week calling up various receivers around the nation. SOme close, some far away, just to get our name out there.

And then we are back to the game. Stanford isn't easy. And it was a great game for TV.

71-65. FIVE overtimes for us to defeat Stanford. Whew!

Pat Pierce dropped NINE TD PASSES in the game. And three picks, but that's still a 3:1 ratio. 32 of 50 for 415 yards, 9 TDs, 3 Ints, sacked once.

Dang.

WR Kuntz had 145 yards and three TDs. WR Gonzalez had 119 yards in his debut for us. And a TD too. Shanks had 2 TDs, Corbitt caught another, Levine caught a TD, and TE Gilmore caught one. But the funny part?

Pat Pierce ran for our other TD on the day. HA!

DT Bo Willis notched a pair of sacks. Hoke and May picked off the opposition. DEs Lankford and Ross each had a sack and a half.

Today was EPIC. Instant Classic. ESPN Classic is airing it later this week. Great game.

The miracle was that we survived with no major injuries. Wars of attrition like that often end up in accidents.

Pat Pierce was named the NCAA Offensive Player of the Week!!!!



"Preseason #20 Tulane arrives in town to try and detrail the Eastern Michigan trainride. Eastern Michigan puts their undefeated streak on the line in one of their harest matchups of the season. Pat Pierce leads a high flying Eagle attack against the Green Wave, next, on TV4"


Week 2 - TULANE (we are favored by 6)

After last week, I'm tired. Let's recruit here in Michigan this week.

I make a few offers and then call up inside linebackers before hitting the Top 100 list and calling players who want to major in our best repuation subjects. Geology, this year, is our best subject.

I need to go to Pennsylvania next week, there look to be some very impressive recruits there.

And now Tulane. Another chance for another statement. We make more statements than a hooker caught massaging the balls of a local priest. And yet no one seems to care - certainly not the pollsters.

We knock out Tulane 45-20. Not such a chore after all.

Broderick Corbitt, who may have felt a little left out in the last game, asserted his personal space 25 times for 167 yards and 2 TDs. Pat Pierce added 2 TDs and another 3 picks. Stop tossing picks Pierce.

DE Ross had a trio of sacks. Nice. Frederick picked off Tulane.

Pat Pierce is doubtful for a month with a pulled groin. Welcome Artie Brown.


Week 3 - Bye

Recruiting in good ol' PA. Pennsylvania is a veritable cornucopia of talent this year. I'd love to harvest it.


Week 4 - Bye

Back to PA for a bit more shopping...er...scouting. After that a quick sweep through Illinois and on to Wisconsin. Then I hop over to New York and finish up. I'm done scouting the Great Lakes.

I call up safeties this week. No big movement on the recruiting front.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Keep it up Anxiety. Though I'm not sure with your current squad you'll be able to get another undefeated season, looks like there's a lot of shakiness in that defense from your player summaries.


Thanks, I just hope so. My defense is a bit untrustworthy, but as always, my offense is my strength, and we'll lean on them hard. Never know what will happen.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033

Week 5 - at Buffalo (we are favored by 8)

We are #16 in the AP Poll, #17 in the Coach's Poll, which is good considering that we've been idle for two weeks, teams often drop early in the season by being idle. Probably due to the higher profile of the opponents we defeated as opposed to the typical MAC folks.

I still need to make offers to a RB, G and OLB. I head over to Missouri. From there it's through the Mid-West hitting various recruits that attract mny eye. I find a Guard in Kansas that I like, but he is currently visiting Kansas's campus, so I suspect he'll go there despite my offer of a scholarship.

Now the game against Buffalo. 28-14 Us.

Broderick Corbitt, 22 rushes, 148 yards, 1 TD, 5 catches,37 yards, 1 TD

Artie Brown, starting for hte injured Pat Pierce, launched 3 TDs and no picks on a good passing day. Nice to know I have other options.

DE Andy Ross has ACL damage to his knee and will be out for over half a year. Pat Pierce will be back next week.

Sophomore DE Blake Tanner will start for the remainder of the season.


Week 6 - YALE (3-1) (we are favored by 9)

I head into the recruiting this week with gusto. Let's find some Eagles!

This week I head over to the Mid-Atlantic region, beginning in Virginia, but I have a recruit in Delaware that I really want to look at.

I offer a few scholarships this week, and hopefully we now have a full slate of targets to try and swoon over the next couple of weeks.

And as for the game this week....

EMU 30
Yale 10

We won.

DE Carlton Lankford registered another Game MVP.

Broderick Corbitt rushed for a pair of scores although Pat Pierce, back from his injury and two bye weeks, tossed a pair of picks and an anemic 177 yards. Tracy Malone returned a pick for a TD, which meant that he received for more TDs on the day than our entire offense.

WR Rob Shanks, our best player receiver, is out for 7 weeks with a sprained back, and QB Artie Brown will return to the lineup as Pat Pierce reaggravated his previous injury.



-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033


Week 7 - CENTRAL MICHIGAN (we are favored by 32)

I head to the south - Alabama, Missippi, and such, looking for good receivers. I find one in Alabama that I offer a scholarship to and another in Missippi that I request a visit from.

After I finish my visit to the south and I make some phone calls, I begin to focus on the game this week. Central Michigan is not our toughest foe, but we can't ignore them either.

We win 31-6. DE Carlton Lankford was again our Game MVP with 3 sacks.

DT Bo Willis picked up another pair of sacks himself.

Backup DT Richard Thurgood picked up a fumble and returned it 51 yards for a score. Broderick Corbitt returned a punt 96 yards for a score. Our offense was stymied.

Broderick with 71 yards rushing and a TD. Artie Brown with 1 TD, no picks, but only 164 yards passing. Sure, we won, but we certianly didn't give a good effort out there today. Hard to believe that this could be a 5-0 team when you saw them in action.

There are no major injuries, but nobody is healed either.


Week 8 - at Kent State (we are favored by 29. Assuming that our offense shows up)


This week I spend all of my recruiting time calling and visiting recruits that we've already made offers to. We have 10 recruits visiting and five more with offers.

But, hey, do we care about the recruiting or the game?

42-21 us (and we are 6-0)

Game MVP - Broderick Corbitt, 30 rushes, 190 yards, 3 TDs

WR Dusty Kuntz caught 8 balls for 114 yards and 2 scores. DT Bo Willis had another pair of sacks. Smooth and steady....

OLB Alan Watson is doubtful for three weeks with a pulled groin. I pull him from the starting lineup until he is healed. OLB Pat Jenkins will start in his place until he is ready to play again.

We brought in our star RB recruit - number 43 overall in the nation. We have 11 recruits visitng this week between the acceptance from last week and a few refusals.


"Can the Eastern Michigan Eagles continue their MAC dominance against a surprisinbg Ball State club playing for a bowl berth and respect? Find out next as the Eagles fly into town to take on Ball State, this week, on TV4"


"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033

Week 9 - at Ball State (we are favored by 14)


I have to chase down some new DT candidates since all of our options either made commitments or narrowed their lists to 5, thereby excluding us. I travel to Colorado and Arizona and make offers to a pair of DTs there.

Other than that - phone calls and visits and more phone calls to our current peops.

And some game against Ball State. I hear that's important as well.

30-17 we emerge victorious.

Artie Brown tossed two TDs, no picks, and 277 yards. Gonzalez caught both TDs. Broderick Corbitt added a score on the ground to go with his 94 rushing yards.

Bo Willis? A pair of sacks. How steady is this man with his stats? Lankford had a sack and a half. Three picks by our defense to Pat Jenkins, Hoke and Boss.

Pat Pierce has been upgraded to probable, but I'll keep him out for now. Artie is starting to play well, and there's no rush since he aggravated his injury the last time he played.



"After defeating 4-3 Ball State on the road, the Eagles now have to travel to an equally 4-3 Northern Illinois. On the road. Can Eastern Michigan survive another road test? Will the unbeaten streak continue? Find out, next, on TV4"


"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033

Week 10 - at Northern Illinois (we are favored by 14. Again)

Last week, we brought in a very nice safety candidate. We lose out on the most studly of ILBs, however. Ah well. I scramble to find another ILB recruit in the states. I also call up all of my current recruits to see what's going down. Hopefully, we can bring in some more of the hosses that are still making decisions.

31-3 - EMU.

Broderick returned another punt 80 yards for a score. He had a 63 yard run for a score. And he recovered a fumble and advanced it 54 yards for a score. Add on Wade Hokes 40 yards interception return, and we scored every which way except by passing the ball.

Artie Brown went an amazing 9 of 20 for 76 yards.

Wade Hoke picked off the ball twice and Carlton Lankford registered 2.5 more sacks.

We have got to get Artie off the field, he's stinking up the joint!

Dusty Kuntz is out for a few weeks with a pulled quad muscle. Broderick is questionable for a week or so with a sprained knee. No other major injuries.

Pat Pierce, despite being probable, will start next week. We need him to.

We are currently ranked #9 overall, #9 in both polls, and #7 in the computer.

This week, we pulled in a QB, CB and K, but lost an attractive receiver candidate.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"Eagles Suffer Injuries

Dedrich Otto
Detroit Free Press
Sports Editorial


With several major injuries to their offense, MAC powerhouse Eastern Michigan University is forced to rely on backups and injured players to get the job done.

At the beginning of the season, much talk was made of the Eagles defense. They were maligned as the weak link in the previously invulnerable EMU win-loss column. The offense would need to step up.

With their number one quarterback out for several weeks and the backup playing poorly, you'd probably think that it's time to lean heavily on your running game. Your backup is benched for bad play and your injured starter is rushed back to play under center.

And that running back to lean on? Broderick Corbitt is listed as questionable for next week. Even if he plays, he will likely not be himself. Not exactly the person you want to rely upon in times of crisis.

So what about the receivers? Both Rob Shanks and Dusty Kuntz, the top two receivers on the depth chart, are injured and not playing. In a year when Eastern's receiver corps is at its weakest, two injuries have pushed backups into starting roles.

All of the talk about the defense being weak in proving about as reliable and broadcasts of doom at the turn of the century. Defensive Lineman Bo Willis and Carlton Lankford combine for 19 sacks in 8 games. Bo Willis is also two off the current MAC leader in Tackles For a Loss. CB Wade Hoke is third in the MAC with five interceptions.

And in 8 games, Eastern has returned three kickoffs and punts for TDs.

Much like a blind man's senses get better in the absence of sight, so to does the absence of an offense appear to improve their other units. The Eagles, despite their problems, are 8-0, and it's always hard to find a chink in that armor."


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"The battle of MAC powers begins now, on TV2, as 8-0 Eastern Michigan hosts 7-0 Western Michigan. It's a battle of crosstate rivals and undefeated teams with Eastern quarterback Pat Pierce back from injury. Pat the Eagles hope to dehoof the Broncos, next, on TV2"

"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033

Week 11 - WESTERN MICHIGAN (we are favored by 9)

Also playing this week is 8-0 Fresno State at 7-0 Hawaii on TV1. That's another game we are watching with high interest.

Recruiting is simple, we call up our recruits, find a few more, and keep on plugging.


This week's game is arguably our hardest of the season. If we win, despite injuries a plenty to key members of our offense, then we can make a statement. If we lose, then we might not even get to play in the MAC Championship with WMU currently being undefeated.

We have to win, that's all there is to it.

All that remains are two questions - do we have the talent, and do we have the execution?

34-3.

Yes, we do.

TE Richie Junker caught two TDs. Gino Gonzalez caught a third score, Broderick a fourth.

Yet, DE Carlton Lankford stole the show with 5.5 sacks!!!!! Game MVP. Boss had 3 forced fumbles, another good stat.

We jump to #7 AP Poll, #8 Coach's. #6 in the computer and #6 overall.

Fresno State beat Hawaii.

Unfortunately, we missed out on two recruits. Our recruiting is going just awfully.


Week 12 - BOWLING GREEN (we are favored by 27)

We hit a few recruits this week, and I find adequate receivers and an adequate guard. Even if we bring in every last recruit we currently have offers to, this has bee a dismal year in this department overall.

But we defeat Bowling Green 48-10, so that's a nice note.

Pat Pierce was our MVP with 6 TDs. Two to Junker, one each to Gonzalez (who had 103 yards on the day), Levine, Collier and walkon Nogas.

Hoke registered THREE picks. Lankford a sack and a half. Tanner a sack and a half.

RB Broderick Corbitt reinjured his knee, but he's still quesiontable so I'll start him for the season finale.

We are ranked #6 overall still. #5 AP, #6 Coach's, #6 in the computers. Another BCS bowl bid?

In recruiting, we bring in an ILB and DT, neither of which is that good.


"The hottest rivalry of one of the hottest teams in the country is the Eastern Michigan University - Toledo rivalry. The Eagles host the Rockets in the country's final regular season look at a dynasty in action. EMU and Toledo, today, on TV5"

"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033

Week 13 - TOLEDO (we are favored by 29)

Recruiting this week is simple. Let's go to the setup. Ohio State and Michigan are both 9-1 and ranked higher than us. They play each other on rivalry weekend. Also ranked higher is Penn State who is travelling to Michigan State.

We beat Toledo 45-14. Our Game MVP? CB Wade Hoke. One pick returned 58 yards for a score. 6 tackles. And a sack.

WR Wes "Career Backup" Levine caught 118 yards and 2 scores. Gino caught another score. Carlton Lankford recovered a fumble and rushed it in for a score.

We brought in a G, OLB and WR but another WR snubbed us and went elsewhere. Geez, I can't even pull in all of the bottom of the barrel prospects.

Michigan beat Ohio State and Penn State won, but South Carolina jumped past us in the rankings. We are still #6 overall, #4 in both polls (our highest polling ever!) and #5 in the computer. Yet, despite being #4 or 5 in every component, we are #6 overall. I suspect schedule of strength?

Ah yes, nasty schedule of strength. Maybe that will get better once we win the MAC Championship.


Week 14 - BYE

We just call a recruit or two.

All of the teams that we were watching this week won. Despite being idle and having all of the teams ahead of us win (except for idle Fresno State), we climb to #5 in the overall rankings as South Carlolina's schedule of strength falls

-Anxiety

[Peregrine]

Heh Anxiety looks like you may have moved into the part of the game when I usually start a new dynasty - when your team is basically unbeatable, you have a swarm of top recruits every year, etc. Only difference is it's happened to you quicker than it usually does to me.

[Abe Sargent]

THE MAC CHAMPIONSHIP:


10-1 Miami of Ohio comes into Ypsilanti ranked #11 in the Coach's Poll and #13 in the AP Poll. Miami will be pulling out all of the stops to try and avange a tough loss in the Championship game last year.


11-0 Eastern Michigan University is undefeated and #4 in both the AP and Coach's Poll. Eastern Michigan puts a 38 game winning streak on the line tonight, and they desperately needed Miami of Ohio to do well this season for their own needs. Defeating the best of the best is the only way to catapult yourself to the BCS Championship game known as the Fiesta Bowl!

Welcome to today's game, here on TV2!!!!!


MAC Championship MVP - WR Wes Levine. 7 catches for 136 yards and 2 TDs.

23-10 Eastern over Miami

OLB Perry May went down with an MCL injury. He's out long term.

Undefeated Kansas State lost to Oklahoma.

With our victory we jump to #3 in the AP Poll, #4 in the computer and....


Overall?????


Number.....




.....




.....




.....




.....




three. Once again, a 10-1 Michigan and a 11-0 Fresno State will meet in the Championship. Once again we fail to make the cut.

For us, it's 11-0 Virginia and the Orange Bowl.


(we brought in a receiver too)


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Heh Anxiety looks like you may have moved into the part of the game when I usually start a new dynasty - when your team is basically unbeatable, you have a swarm of top recruits every year, etc. Only difference is it's happened to you quicker than it usually does to me.


Except my recruits suck this year.

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

The only other MAC team in the Bowls is Miami of Ohio who is going to the Motor City Bowl to face Arizona State.

Which they win 31-7.

Oh yeah,


THE ORANGE BOWL


Welcome our two undefeated teams Virginia and Eastern Michigan. It'll prove to be a fun match on TV2 tonight!

Virginia comes in #4 in the rankings with an 11-0 record. Unfortunately for Virginia, the ACC had a down year this year, and their biggest victory was against 7-5 Georgia Tech.

Eastern Michigan, at #3 in the rankings for the second straight year despite three back-to-back-to-back undefeated regular seasons, finds itself in the Orange Bowl yet again, which they won last year. The Eagles have defeated both of the other Top 25 MAC teams this year - Western Michigan and Miami of Ohio.

Both teams crave respect. The winner can claim that they belonged in the Fiesta Bowl with Fresno State. The loser will go home with a disappoint defeat instead of a rosy undefeated season.

Who will win and who will lose? The Eagles have been favored by four by the house, but that's why they play the game. Today, on TV1


WR Rob Shanks and Dusty Kuntz are both back for this game. Rob is healthy, Dusty is playing injured.

EMU 30
Virginia 45

Ick.

Here is the scoring summary:

Virginia TD. Virginia TD. Virgnia returns a pick for a TD. Virginia FG. 24-0 in the middle of the second quarter.

EMU - Dusty Kuntz catches a TD.

EMU Broderick Corbitt rushes for a score.

24-14 at the half.

Virginia TD, Virginia TD and its 38-14 in the third.

Dusty Kuntz catches a 58 yarder TD. Pat hits Gino for the 2 point conversion. 38-22 at the end of the third quarter.

Rob Shanks catches TD. Pat hits Broderick for a conversion. 38-30 with 8:25 left in the game. Just down by one touchdown!

5:16, Virginia pounds it in, TD.

45-30. Final score.

Rob Shanks, 171 yards receiving. Dusty, 101 yards receiving. Pat Pierce, 16 of 37 (wowsers), 290 yards, 3:3 ratio.

LB Perry Finch with a pick. Calrton Lankford with our only sack on the day.



Not the way I would have wanted to end the season, but a good season nonetheless.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Fresno State beat Michigan 45-7. Dang. For the Heisman, I vote for RB B.J. Koch of Baylor, who rushed for 2022 yards and 22 TDs, caught 409 yards and 3 TDs. But some QB won instead, and BJ tied for third.

Season Awards:

All-American First Team:

P Emmanuel Buckley
CB Wade Hoke

All-American Second Team:

DE Carlton Lankford


All-American Academic Team:

ILB Percy Finch


All-American Senior Team:

P Emmanuel Buckley


MAC MVP:

RB Broderick Corbitt


MAC First Team:

RB Broderick Corbitt
P Emmanuel Buckley
K Carlos Page
DE Carlton Lankford
DT Bo Willis
ILB Percy Finch
CB Wade Hoke
S Joseph Frederick


MAC Second Team:

TE Richie Junker
WR Dusty Kuntz
G Monty James
T Charlie Maxwell
CB Ed Boss


MAC Academic Team:

FB Ernie Baxter
DE Carlton Lankford
DE Blake Tanner
DT Richard Thurgood
ILB Percy Finch
OLB Ernie Emery
S Scottie Cyrus


Interestinger and interestinger.

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

A few stats:

QB Artie Brown, 5 starts, 1033 yards, 9:0 ratio, 59.2% rate, 143.2 rating
QB Pat Pierce, 8 starts, 2098 yards, 28:17 ratio, 56.9% rate, 138.3


It seems, form the stats, like both had decent years. Both also had tendancies to really stink up the occasional game. Pat had two games where he threw 15 TDs, in the other 6 starts, just 13 TDs. Artie would have similarly anemic games, and neither really stood out. They appear interchangeable. Next year, maybe one will start, maybe the other, or maybe we'll hand the reins to Horace or Gino if they develop well.


RB Broderick Corbitt, 260 rushes for 1186 yards, 14 TDs, 53 catches for 415 yards, 3 TDs, 2 PR TDs, 1 FR TD.

Does Broderick do everything? He led my team in receptions, returned two punts for TDs, recovered a fumble and ran it in for score all while leading the MAC in rushing. And he has two years of eligibility left. Definitely a quality sucessor to Vernon and Cornelius.

WR Dusty Kuntz, 8 starts, 51 catches, 792 yards, 9 TDs
WR Gino Gonzalez, 36 catches, 566 yards, 6 TDs
WR Rob Shanks, 7 starts, 31 grabs, 433 yards, 4 TDs
WR Wes Levine, 10 starts, 29 catches, 462 yards, 7 TDs
TE Richie Junker, 21 snatches, 264 yards, 4 TDs

Dusty was on his way to having a great season before he was injured. Wes Levine, despite coming on late, really disappointed as a starter. Gino had a decent enough year.


K Carlos Page, 14 of 18, 57 of 58 PAT
P Emmanuel Buckley, 81 punts, 3038 yards (avg of 37.5 yards/punt), 30 in 20

Carlos had a better year this year. As can be seen, he never had much of a need to kick the field goals. Despite starting all four years - 50 games, he only kicked 79 FGs. And this season was the best for us, worst for our kicker. 18 FG tries in 13 games? Pretty good for us. Bad for Carlos. Emmanuel led the NCAA in percentage of kicks inside the 20. He kicked the fifth most times for the second most distance. We punted a lot, that's interesting to me.


ILB Percy Finch, 83 tacks, 32 assts, 1.5 sacks, 19 TFL, 4 Ints, 9 PasDef, 1 FF, 1 FumRec
ILB Dixon Wingate, 57 tacks, 25 assts, 9 TFL, 1 Int, 3 PasDef
OLB Perry May, 48 tacks, 16 assts, 6 TFL, 1 Int, 3 PasDef
OLB Alan Watson, 9 starts, 28 tacks, 14 assts, 2 sacks, 6 TFL, 1 Int, 4 PasDef, 1 FF

Percy had a good, solid year, getting better at coverage than he normally is. Alan Watson seemed a little lost out there at times. It's okay, he's a sophomore. Bo Willis looked lost last year as a sophomore and this year he really turned it on. Perry May dissapointed a bit, I expected more of a pass rush.


DE Carlton Lankford, 50 tacks, 19 assts, 18.5 sacks, 25 TFL, 2 FF, 1 FR TD
DE Blake Tanner, 10 starts (backup originally), 22 tacks, 8 assts, 6.5 sacks, 8 TFL
DT Bo Willis, 51 tacks, 11 assts, 10.5 sacks, 21 TFL, 1 FF, 1 FumRec


Getting over 10 sacks as the nose tackle in a3-4 defense is simply extraordinary. I'd voted him in over those fancy 4-3 DTs and their padded stats for the All-American Team. Sixth best sack total for a DT in the nation and the top one behind a 3-4 defense. However, the All-AmericanTeam only selects one DT on each team, so all of the defenses that start two DTs really push the competition up. And Lankford had another great year, second in the nation in sacks, 4th DE in TFL. Really great two year career for Lankford.


CB Wade Hoke, 51 tacks, 11 assts, 1 sack, 5 TFL, 10 Ints, 2 Int TDs, 15 PasDef
CB Ed Boss, 39 tacks, 13 assts, 1 sack, 1 TFL, 3 Ints, 7 PasDef, 4 FF, 1 FumRec
S Joseph Frederick, 82 tacks, 28 assts, 1 sack, 14 TFL, 3 Ints, 5 PasDef, 2 FF, 1 FumRec
S Tyrus Bernstein, 65 tacks, 17 assts, 1 sack, 7 TFL, 6 PasDef, 2 FF, 1 FumRec

Our safeties were #2 and 3 on the team in tackles, respectively. But Wade Hoke just turned up the notch. When I was wanting him to be a shutdown corner, I had no idea that in two seasons, he would have 16 picks, have led the nation in interceptions in his second year starting, and would a consensus All-American corner. Dang.


C Anthony Armenta, 27 KRB, 3 SkA
T Charlie Maxwell, 27 KRB, 10 SkA
T Ralph Borders, 9 KRB, 4 SkA
G Monty James, 24 KRB, 6 SkA
G Brock Woody, 17 KRB, 5 SkA
TE Richie Junker, 6 KRB, 0 SkA

Did Ralph simply disappear in our blocking this year? Although he did have less blocking opportunities (32 KRO), he also had the lowest percentage of KRBs per KRO (28.1%). In fact, despite being on the field for less running plays and having many less KRO, TE Richie Junker had a higher percentage of KRB to KROs than did Ralph Junker.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

A few career stats for the EMU Wall of Fame:


DE Carlton Lankford, 91 tacks, 30 assts, 38 sacks, 51 TFL, 2 FumRec, 1 FR TD

Despite only starting two years, Carlton won All-American honors, was one of the nation's sack leaders for two years, and is the all time sack leader at Eastern with his 38 sacks. That's a pretty impressive career for the 684th ranked high school recruit. He really played outside himself, because he did not have this ability.


P Emmanuel Buckley, 275 punts for 9715 yards, 35.3 average, 76 inside the 20

We've only had a few All-Americans in my tenure here, and Emmanuel was one of them. He was pedestrian for a lot of his career, really turning it on in his senior season.


K Carlos Page, 63 of 79, 180 of 183 PAT, longest FG 57 yards

Our career FG leader. Also a really nice kicker. Definitely one of our better recruits over the years.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

In recruiting, we brought in two very high profile recruits, and the rest is quite iffy:

QB Dexter Jefferson, Rhode Island, 70++, 67th Nationally, 13th Position, 1st State, 4.00 GPA
RB Terrell Waugh, Virginia, 90+, 43rd Nationally, 3rd Position, 3rd State, 3.06 GPA
WR Jon Grudich, Pennsylvania,45++, -----, -----, 73rd State, 3.55 GPA
WR Ryan Malone, North Carolina, 45+, -----, -----, 43rd State, 3.72 GPA
G Mitchell Nielson, Oregon, 47?, -----, -----, 14th State, 4.00 GPA
K Walt McGough, Connecticut, 87++, 151st Nationally, 8th Position, 2nd State, 3.80 GPA
DT Nathan Clayton, Connecticut, 56+, -----, 70th Position, 14th State, 3.80 GPA
ILB Willie Daniels, New York, 66+, -----, 65th Position, 65th State, 3.21 GPA
OLB Stanley Carnation, Virginia, 74++, 363rd Nationally, 14th Pos, 17th State, 3.34 GPA
CB Bob Dillon, Maryland, 85+, 234th Nat, 19th Pos, 10th State, 3.62 GPA
S Jared Varto, Ohio, 81++, 440th Nat, 22nd Pos, 18th State, 3.51 GPA


Apparently I had the New England connection going on this year. There do appear to be a few gems in there, S Jared Varto, CB Bob Dillon and OLB Stanley Carnation look pretty good right now. And, of course, we brought in another high profile quarterback, something we seem to do regularly around here. We may have brought in Broderick's replacement as well.

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

The off-season:

I score:

Team Perform: 94
Academics: 62
Recruiting: 60
TV Revenue: 88
Alumni Donations: 61
Attendance: 83

Overall Score: 76

My recruiting blew, and yet I got a good score. Dang.


QB Gene Gleason left the team due to his bad grades and academic suspension last year. Also leaving was OLB Perry May due to his serious injury.

ILB Dixon Wingate is suspended for fighting.

I get a ton of job offers. I get offers from:


Florida State
Texas A&M
Georgia
New Mexico
San Diego State
Texas Christian
Tulsa
Hawaii
Bowling Green
Miami of Ohio
Idaho
Louisiana-Monroe
New Mexico State

Now I just need to ask myself a serious question - is it time to leave EMU? Have I outgrown the MAC? Have I not taken the Eagles as far as I possibly can? What else is there for me here? I must ruminate.

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Abe: Is it time for me to move on?

Ralph Mustang, Athletic Coordinator: I don't like you. But you've given us three great years of ball and you brought in two Top 100 recruits this year.

Abe: What else is there here?

Ralph: A championship.

Abe: I don't believe that I can get a championship at a MAC team.

Ralph: We've been ranked #3 twice now. How hard is it to crack into the top 2?

Abe: Hard. We'd have to try and schedule only the best of the best teams running around. We'd need respect in the polls, and our recent loss in the Orange Bowl may hurt us there. We'd need Western Michigan to continue to have great seasons, we'd need Yale to have a great year, we'd need the MAC East champion to have a great year. We'd need some other teams to lose a bit, especially Fresno State.

Ralph: Well then, you have a map to victory.

Abe: But schools like Texas A&M and Florida State are calling.

Ralph: Of course they are. Texas A&M and Florida State suck. They have history, they recruit in the middle of a paradise, and yet they suck. They want you to restore glory.

Abe: Georgia...

Ralph: Is probably the best of the lot. Good prestige, a tougher conference, low academic values, however. It's your decision, but seriously, if Georgia is the best that you can do....

Abe: Yeah, I know. But still.

Ralph: I think that you'll always have opportunities to jump ship. Why not wait untiil next year. One more BCS run?

Abe: Fair enough, one more run.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

I have no new staff needs so I head to scheduling.

We need the best of the best. Fresno State? No dice. Stanford makes an offer. I agree to host Stanford this year and travel to Stanford next year. They've played here long enough.

Rice offers to come to EMU. Heh, no. How about Michigan? They reject my offer. Colorado offers me another game, and I refuse.

How about I change my strategy? I offer to travel TO Fresno State. Week 1.

They accept.


Eastern Michigan 2013 Schedule

Week 1 - at Fresno State
Week 2 - Bye
Week 3 - STANFORD
Week 4 - at Ohio
Week 5 - Bye
Week 6 - at Yale
Week 7 - CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Week 8 - MARSHALL
Week 9 - at Ball State
Week 10 - at Northern Illinois
Week 11 - at Western Michigan
Week 12 - Bye
Week 13 - BOWLING GREEN
Week 14 - TOLEDO
Week 15 - MAC Conference Championship


Circle the following weeks now boys and girls. Week 1 at Fresno State. Week 3 hosting Stanford. Week 6 at Yale. Week 8 hosting Marshall. And Week 11 at Western Michigan. Those are our tough games. All we need to do is clean up the trash in the other weeks, hold our serve against WMU, Marshall, Stanford and Yale, and upset Fresno State. We do that....

Well, who knows?


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

A look at our starters:


RB Broderick Corbitt (1) - Pretty strong. I am happy that he's here.

TE Anthony Rosenberg (1) - Not much to look at but you never know.

WR Rob Shanks - Strong and solid receiver
WR Dusty Kuntz (1) - Very developed
WR Gino Gonzalez (2) - Not too bad, but not too good.

C Gary Foley (2) - Amazingly strong center who I have to hope is ready for action.
G Monty James (1) - Is Monty my best guard ever? Maybe
G Brock Woody (2) - Decent enough player who'll need to develop into a star.
T Charlie Maxwell (1) - Another great lineman.
T Keith Jeffries (2) - A decent enough tackle who, like Woody, needs to develop

P Tony Hanson (3) - I want to have his children.
K Trevor Capshaw (3) - Okay, but we'll see how the competition develops


DE Andy Ross - Developed senior presence on the line and my pass rushing specialist
DE Clyde Segal (2) - More of a run stopper, and a tad on the green side. He'll be replaced by Blake Tanner on passing downs.
DT Bo Willis (1) - My defense has started calling him the nigga in the midda.


ILB Charlie Cooley (3) - With graduating players and Dixon's suspension, Charlie is our one good LB left. And he'll be heavily relied upon despite his lack of experience.
ILB Roosevelt Forbes (2) - Not even adequate and definitely a weak spot.
OLB Alan Watson (2) - Looks great. Poised for greatness?
OLB Pat Jenkins - Nothing special, and in fact is a bit underdeveloped for his age and playing experience, so not the senior presence that I need. Alan will be relied upon as the old man of the bunch.


CB Wade Hoke (1) - Is he my best player? More chances for the man who already leads the Eagles all time in interceptions to make more of an impression.
CB Ed Boss - Returning the same corner tandem from last year.
S Tyrus Bernstein - Well developed and could have a breakout year in his final season with us.
S Scottie Cyrus (2) - Younger player will step into the starting role. He's already average but he could be much better.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

And quarterback? Who will lead our team? Tough choice.

QB Artie Brown, 5th year senior, Scout rates him at 70 overall. Started 24 games. 38:26 TD:Int ratio. 127.5 rating lifetime. 5854 yards.

QB Pat Pierce, 5th year senior, Scout rates as 66 overall. Started 24 games. 65:39 ratio. 140.5 rating lifetime. 6190 yards.

QB Horace Bailey, Junior, Scout rates as 41 overall. Never started, quarterback of the future when Pat and Artie graduate. We could turn the keys over a year early.

Pat or Artie or Horace?

Hmmm


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"In Pat We Trust

Ryan Stinnett
Eastern Echo

Today Eagles Head Coach Abe Sargent announced that Pat Pierce would start at quarterback, despite a heavy competition. In case you've been living in a time warp, for the past four years, Pat and Artie have practically split the strating role, each having 24 starts.

Pat threw a lot more touchdowns, a lot more interceptions, and just 300 more yards in those 24 games. Artie, however, started 11 of those games as a true freshman, and thus the stats are a bit skewed.

Scouts and observers all felt that the two were very close, with Artie being just a bit ahead of Pat. Nevertheless, coach Sargent felt more comfortable with Pat as his starter than Artie.

Both have tendancies to throw bad games, and yet, Pat has a better chance of recovering. Last year, Pat threw for 9 Touchdowns in the season opener against Standofrd and 6 touchdowns later in the season in a single game.

In fact, Pat Pierce is the only Eastern Michigan Eagle to get the NCAA National Offensive Player of the Week Award since running back and Eastern's All-Time Leading Rusher Vernon Godfrey claimed it in his sophomore year.

Let us hope that Pat will lead us to greatness. He opens against Fresno State, and if he can open like he did last year, well, In Pat We Trust."


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Our recruiting targets this year are:

QB
RB
TE
WR
C
G
T
DE
ILB x2
OLB x2
CB
S

I'll need to bring in a larger class this year because last year's class was both light and weak.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"The Battle of the Century is about to begin. For the past three years, Fresno State and Eastern Michigan have had undefeated regular seasons. The only loss in the six seasons between them was Eastern's loss in the Orange Bowl last season. Now, the class of the NCAA is about the clash in a major way as the Eagles fly into town and try to pull off the upset of the season. The Eagles are ranked #11in the preseason polls, Fresno State #2. Who will survive the Game of the Year? Find out, on TV2"


"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033


Week One - at Fresno State (they are favored by two)

Our prestige has increased five points to an 82 overall. Nice I suppose, but you'd figure that a team as good as ours would have a much better prestige. Stupid MAC always bringing us down.

There are six Michiganders on the National Top 100 this year. I visit three that match up well with us.

And oh yes, for the first time in my life, there are recruits that IDOLIZE ME. I check them out a RB and a TE. A power running back and a receiving TE, neither with great grades. I don't even drive to visit them.

I do head into Ohio to visit a few more Top 100 recruits. Nice corner there. No recruits in Pennsylvania, Indiana or Illinois that I want to check out, so its Wisconsin for a tour of the last Top 100 recruits in the Great lakes region that I like. Nice pair of linemen there.

I decide to finish up the week recruiting in Wisconsin and I uncover a really nice TE ranked pretty lowly - number 727 in the nation. There's a better T here at 405th in the nation than one of the Top 100 guys I visited, so the trip to Wisconsin was worth it, if only for the nice additional recruits here.

I decide, after careful consideration, to offer a scholarship to the TE. He looks great, has amazing grades, and there's no need to dick him around trying to find better.

I make an offer to a Guard, one of the Top 100, from just 37 miles away in a suburb of Detroit. He is looking for academic and distance. He's nice looking so I offer him a scholarship. He does idolize Michigan, but if they don't come a calling, he can play five miles down the road.... Again, no sense dawdling.

I also offer a scholarship to that outstanding corner in Ohio. There's a lot of schools in Ohio, and you never know who will be interested in him, but I want to lay claim.

In the meantime, I call up some linebackers from around the nation to get my name out there and find out what their priorities are.

Next up, a major game.

Look, I won't mind in we lose, heck, I have expect to. But if we have dreams of a greater game, a higher destiny, this is the road lain before us. We need to travel it.

I tweak our game plan just a bit. We match up very well to Fresno State, I think. We just haver to bitch smack their QB around a bit and we'll be fine.

Well, that was the PLAN.

The good news is that no player was seriously injured, so at least we can prepare for the rest of the season.

The Defensve Player of the Week for the NCAA was Fresno State Defensive Tackle Todd Preston with 9 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 assists and a forced fumble. Instead of us going after their QB, it appears they went after ours.

At least it was an overtime game. The second straight season opener that went into OT. Broderick Corbitt plunged it in from the one early in the first and we went up 7-0. Fresno State marched right down the fild and reciprocated. A bit of field position battles were fought in thr rest of the half. In the early fourth quarter, the defensive battle ended as Broderick put us up by 7 with a 64 yard scamper for a TD. Fresno State returned the kickoff well but was helf to a FG. They then held us, and we punt. They march down the field and score 17-14 Fresno State with 1:08 left on the clock.

And then it begins. Five plays, 70 yards. Capped by a FG as time expires for OT.

We start with the ball and Dwayne Humphrey catches the first TD in overtime.

The only TD in overtime as Fresno State FAILS TO SCORE IN OVERTIME.

24-17 Eastern. Rock On!!!!!

Game MVP? Broderick Corbitt, 30 rushes for 194 yards, 2 TDs. This is, arguably, the best win in franchise history. Knocking off the #2 ranked team in the nation on the road? A team with 48 straight wins, looking for number 50 in just two weeks?

This was momentous.

Momentous. K Capshaw missed a FG or else we would never have been in OT.

I feel spent.


Week 2 - Bye

Last week's victory over Fresno State catapulted us in the polls, but that always happens at the beginning of the season when teams win. Let's see how things shape up after a few weeks.

I hit the Michigan trail. I'll look for a few players and take the usual route - Ohio, Illinois by way of Indiana, Pennsylvania.

I find a very talented ILB just 59 miles away and looking good in the playing field. I decide to offer him a scholarship hoping that he is far enough down on the radar (#609 overall) that he'll come to me quickly.

I find another ILB candidate in Columbus, Ohio that I really like. I offer him a scholarship as well. Currently, my competetion is Bowling Green and Air Force. I think that I can fight them off, although he does idolize OSU, so if they come around....

Another find is a nice runner just 41 miles away but across the border. He idolizes U of M. Still, he's pretty good, the competition is currently light, so maybe I can persuade him to come Ypsilanti way. I offer a scholarship.

I start dialing receivers. Maybe we can find some nice ones.

I decide, after making some calls, to make my New York/New England trip next week to take a look at several receivers and a tackle.


-Anxiety

[Peregrine]

Wow, way to go! Huge clutch win against Fresno State on the road! Maybe this is the kick-start EMU needs to finally start getting some respect.

[Abe Sargent]

"In a continuing rivalry of growing proportions, Stanford travels to Eastern Michigan to battle once again for supremacy. Last year, it took five overtimes to decide a victor. Who will win this time? The number 5 and number 6 teams in the overall rankings battle this week, on TV4"


"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033


Week 3 - STANFORD (we are favored by 2)

I head out to New York for some old time recruiting. I then travel to Connecticut and Rhode Island,m but we may need to return inthe future for more recruiting. In the meantime, I find several attractive receivers. I make scholarship offers to two of them.

I also make an offer to a tackle, but he's visitng Penn State already, so I don't think that I have much of a chance with him.

I find a decent enough DE waiting around for someone to make him an offer. I do so.

Using my extra calls, I contact some outside linebackers.

And then it's on to the game. Another major fight, but we need these. Some of our fellow MAC teams - Marshall and Western Michigan, have already lost. We need to win and have Stanford do well. At least Fresno State won last week.

We win 47-34.

Again, no injuries more serious than probable.

Game MVP - Broderick Corbitt. 133 yards on 23 carries, 2 TDs, 76 yards receiving on 6 catches.

Pat Pierce launched a pair of TDs riding on 360 yards. Rob Shanks caught 102 of those yards and the two scores, Dusty Kuntz 101 yards.

A recent publication said that Eastern had the best starting receivers in the country. They proved it today.

LB Roosevelt Forbes picked off Stanford and ran it 6 yards for a TD. Bo Willis had our only sack of the day.


Week 4 - at Ohio (we are favored by 6)

We are only favored by 6? We beat Stanford by 13, but they think we'll only win here by 6. Ohio is 0-2. There's no threat here. We need to make a statement and put away this prissy MAC team.


Three of our recruits are visiting this week, the TE and two ILBs. Good, good.

I phone each of them just to remind them that we are interested.

And then back to New England. I unearth an OLB TREASURE and offer him a scholarship. He's brokenly good looking.

From there it's on to Illinois where I unearth another great OLB. I offer him a scholarship as well.

A very productive week as I found several good candidates, made a few offer, sand found some backup plans at other positions. Of my goals, I still need to make offers to a QB, C and S. I found good S and QB options, but I want to try to find somethin more next week.

The game this week shouldn't be too stressful after our last pair of games, but our boys have to guard themselves against sloppy play. On the raod, sloppy play will get you killed.

So luckily we won. 35-14.

Broderick Corbitt simply let loose. 26 carries, 272 yards, 3 TDs, 7 catches, 86 more yards, another TD. Broken.

Dusty Kuntz with another 101 yard day. Rob Shanks caught the other TD. Bo Willis had 10 tackles.

The NCAA announced their Offensive Player of the Week - Broderick Corbitt!!! Alright.

We are third in the overall rankings, third in the computers, but 11 in the AP Poll and 8 in the Coach's Poll. First time we have ever been ranked higher in the Coach's Poll than the AP Poll.


Week 5 - Bye

Fresno State is 2-1 and ranked #5 in the Coach's Poll. The better Fresno State does, within reason, the better that we'll do.

The three major teams left on our schedule all won, helping our strength of schedule. It'll diminish as we wade our way through the MAC part of our schedule, so we need the islands of mercy that Marshall and Western Michigan can provide.

This week, Western Michigan and Miami of Ohio face off. Not a good thing, because both have one loss. I am rooting for WMU and another MAC East team to emerge for the Championship Game, but that is less likely to happen. Miami of Ohio is favored by 15 and they are hosting the game. I don't want a damaged WMU, but I may to get it.

Four recruits are visitng us this week. One of our OLBs has added us to his list. I call each of them up.

I head to Kentucky and Tennessee to review a pair of safety recruits. I even take a quick jaunt down to Florida. On my way back, I stop in Georgia for a few trips and I find a really nice center, who I make an offer to.

I call up a QB recruit in North Carolina that I am interested in. He says that he's availale and no major institution has made him an offer. I spend my last time and money to swing by his place and hcek chim out. He is tremendously better than my scout said, and I make him an offer right on the spot.

I decide to make an offer to the Kentucky safety when I get home and review my notes. I now have an offer out to every one of our goals - 15 players.

Miami of Ohio crushed WMU and Marshall stands victorious.


Week 6 - at Yale (we are favored by 14)

We have six visitors - a RB and WR join our group. Our beautiful corner recruit chose Ohio State and we need to find a replacement.

I call up some of my recruits and remind them of why I am such a good catch. Then it's off to find a corner.

This is my only major task on the road this week, so I can go anywhere I please. I find my corner at my first stop, in Pennsylvania.

I decide just to do some general scouting. I head to Minnesota, Iowa, and then to Missouri where I find a Top 100 recruit, a tackle, not having a single offer. I change that as soon as I verify that he looks really good. It's perfect because the New York Tackle is visiting three schools, but not us. It's likely he won't even come, and here is this great Tackle that falls in front of us. Amazing.

Marshall plays Miami of Ohio at Miami of Ohio. I'm obviously rooting for Marshall.

Ohio State lost last week to Minnesota. That's good because Ohio State was number one in the polls and the rankings. We fall because we were idle to#4 overall, but hopefully a victory over our Ivy League Rival Yale will help us.

28-13 over Yale. We beat the spread by one at least.

Some bum named Broderick Corbitt rushed for 134 yards on 21 carries for a TD. SOme bum named Corbitt caught 6 balls for 91 yards.

Pierce tossed 3 TDs. Yay! And 4 Picks. Boo! and 331 yards. Yay! But no 100 yard receivers. Boo!

Hoke and Boss each got a pick, no sacks.

Miami of Ohio edged Marshall, 41-34. WMU lost to Notre Dame.

Now, with six weeks under the season, we can look at ranings seriously:

#10 AP Poll, #7 Coach's Poll, #3 Computer, #5 rankings.

Not too bad, but we don't have many big games left in our schedule, we need other teams to falter.

And we bring in our first recruit - a RB.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Wow, way to go! Huge clutch win against Fresno State on the road! Maybe this is the kick-start EMU needs to finally start getting some respect.


One can only hope!

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"This week a battered Central Michigan travels to Ypsilani to take on their cross state competetion in Eastern Michigan. Broderick Corbitt and the Eastern Eagles fight for another BCS berth, today, on TV5"

"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033


Week 7 - CENTRAL MICHIGAN (we are only favored by 24)

We have eight recruits visiting this week. I just call them up and visit and try to swoon them. No major problems.

Then the game. We beat the spread and pitch a shutout 34-0. Looks nice.

Broderick has his first pedestrian game of the season - 19 carries, 64 yards. Pat Pierce was surgical with 3 TDs, no picks.

Bo Willis had a sack and a half, Watson and Malone had picks.

We bring in a receiver and guard, but that TE gem goes to Wisconsin.

Big jump in the polls this week - AP #6, Coach's #5. #2 in the computers, #3 in the overall rankings. Excellent.

As you can tell, there were a few losers last week. Ohio State lost to Wisconsin. Two losses esentially removes them from the Championship Contention.

Boston College beat previously undefeted Syracuse. South Carolina beat previously unbeaten Georgia. Arizona beat previously unbeaten USC. The chips are starting to fall. Can you feel it?


"Former MAC power Marshall relinquished all rights to the title when Eastern Michigan put on a football clinic. At 5-0, Eastern seeks its third consecutive BCS Bowl berth and fourth straight undefeated regular season. 3-2 Marshall seeks respect and redemption. The only place to start is with the Eagles. The Thundering Herd storm into town to take on the Eagles, next, on TV3"


"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033

Week 8 - MARSHALL (we are favored by 7)

There are 11 recruits visiting us this week and I need to go find a TE. I find a pair of Tight End candidates - one from Illinois, the other from California.

After that, I call up my recruits. Make them feel wanted.

The big game is next. Although, it's not so big now. We beat MArshall and they are 3-3 on the season. Sure, they would have lost to Arizona and Miami of Ohio, both highly touted teams, but they'd still not help us unless they could rally against the rest of the MAC East schedule, which is not too far from reality.

Still, we circled Marshall at the beginning of the year, and now we have them. Time to remind them why they are no longer the class of the MAC. I grew up in Southern West Virginia. Oh, I want Marshall.

49-20 says I have them

Broderick Corbitt had 178 yards rushing on 21 carries, 4 TDs, 10 catches, 95 yards.

Pierce launched 358 yards of distance. 122 of those yards anda TD went to Kuntz. Shanks caught the other passing score.

S Scottie Cyrus picked off Marshall and 75 yards later was in the endzone. Backup safety Mercury Bennett added a pick. Taylor with a pair of sacks. Good day!

We pulled in a C and an OLB.

We do have two major injuries.

WR Rob Shanks is doubtful with a sprained knee. He could be out for several weeks.

OLB Pat Jenkins is out for a few weeks with a severe wrist sprain.

Starting in their places are senior OLB Norbert Chandler and sophomore WR Dwayne Humphrey.

We rose to number 2 in the overall rankings, #2 in the computer, but fell one spot in each poll. Number 3 in the rankings? Fresno State.


"Eastern Michigan travels to a surprising Ball State. At 4-2, Ball State has begun to rise out of the MAC basement and towards respect. Is this a temporary anomaly, or is Ball State the next MAC power? If they can defeat Eastern Michigan, they can lay claim to being on the cusp of greatness. Eastern Michigan, meanwhile, is trying to solidfy its hold on the Number Two BCS spot. Find out who will survive, tonight, on TV3"


"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033


Week 9 - at Ball State (4-2) (we are favored by 19)

This is our first unsuspectedly difficult game. With WMU sort of faltering, you hoped that another team would rise from the ashes. But Ball State?

In recruiting, I simply call up our recruits. No big deal. I also make an offer to a second receiver.

Another shutout, this time on the road. 31-0. The Eagle-naut is rolling!

Broderick Corbitt, 100 yards rushing, 31 carries, 1 TD, 10 receptions, 98 yards, 1 TD.

Pat Pierce threw three strikes - Corbitt, Humphrey and Gonzalez. Humphrey had 156 yards receiving. Good idea to start him, eh?

Seevral sacks, but we never forced a turnover. Usually you do when you shutout a team, but nope.

Another injury - T Charlie Maxwell is doubtful for a few weeks with a pulled groin. Starting for him is Emmanuel Morris.

We are now number one in the computers!

We bring in that safety from Kentucky but miss out on our QB and an ILB.


"As Eastern Michigan's trek across the MAC resembles Sherman's march through the south, each team knows that, if they can defeat the vaunted Eagles, accolades shall be theirs. Each win makes that task more and more daunting. Northern Illinois is next on the menu as the Eagles take their show on the road, this Saturday, only on TV4"


"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033


Week 10 - at Northern Illinois (we are favored by 25)

I make offers to a QB and ILB pretty quickly. It's always easy to find QBs who fall through the cracks, difficult to find busy positions like linebacker. Pretty quick week.

Ideally, I'd like to defeat Northern Illinois like I have the with the other MAC competetion, but I wouldn't be surprised if NI plays us the best that any MAC school has this year so far.

And I was right. We won, 27-11. Not a great win, but a win.

OLB Alan Watson returned a pick 33 yards for a TD.

Broderick had 118 yards on the ground, 75 in the air, and 2 TDs one each in teh air and on the ground.

Capshaw missed two FGs. Ick.

Blake Tanner had another pair of sacks.

DE Any Ross is out for a month or so with an abdominal strain. Blake Tanner will get the start while Clyde Segal will play on passing downs.

We brought in five recruits this week. WR, OT, ILB, OLB, and CB. Excellent.

Number one in the computers. We are number one in four of the polls, so we are number one overall by a lot.

#5 in each poll.

Texas lost this week, so we are number 1 in the rankings!!!!!

U of M is right behind us. We are just .13 behind Michigan but we are both ahead of Texas by four points - a solid lead.

Only us and Georgia Tech remain unbeaten. Everything is coming together nicely.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

"Number one in the BCS and computers is Eastern Michigan, a new position for them as the favorite to go to the Fiesta Bowl. With three games left, and two against teams with just win each, Eastern has two obstacles to overcome. Traveling to cross state rival, fellow MAC West power and 5-3 Western Michigan, and then the MAC Championship game later this year against likely MAC East victor Miami of Ohio. Can the Eagles make in 9-0 on the road in their toughest road game since Fresno State? Find out, next, only on TV2"


"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033


Week 11 - at Western Michigan (we are favored by 21)

Nothing in recruiting. Some phone calls and that's it.

So the real stuff is the game. We defeat WMU 34-24. Not the outstanding game I was hoping for, but a victory nonetheless.

Broderick Corbitt had 113 yards on 29 carries and a TD. Add 91 yards receiving.

Kuntz caught a TD.

Both Tyrus Bernstein and Wade Hoke picked off WMU and returned them long distance for scores. We would have lost otherwise. Tyrus ran his back 81 yards and Wade his back 79 yards. Bennett and Boss had picks as well as WMU just sprayed balls everywhere.

Blake Tanner responded to his first start with 2.5 sacks. Tyrus Bernstein fored and recovered a fumble. Also pretty good.

DE Clyde Segal is also injured, out for several weeks with a pulled quad.

However, Charlie Maxwell has been upgraded to probable and will start in two weeks. We'll see who else is ready then. I may have to start another DE if Andy Ross isn't ready to go by then.

We brought in a QB, TE, and ILB.

This week moved us to #2 in the rankings, but Michigan and us etched even closer to the top.


Week 12 - Bye

We have a bye week to rest a few injured players. Hopefully some will be ready post-Bye.

All we have left is a DE and QB, but we have just one spot remaining. So I rescind our offer to the QB.

We bring in our DE this week. Florida lost again, their second one. Marshall couldn't win, and Miami of Ohio is the East Champion early.

We move ahead of Michigan again for the top overall ranking. We move to #4 in each poll with Florida's second loss. With our DE recruit, all recruiting is complete.


Week 13 - BOWLING GREEN (we are favored by 36. That's funny)

Yale is 7-3, and I'd like to see them 8-3 on the season. Fresno State is above us in the polls. Stanford is 8-2 and I'd like them to be 9-2 on the season. Just in case something odd happens, I want the best Strength of Schedule possible. You never know when Texas might try a last second surge with a championship game.

Boht of our receivers have been upgraded to probable and will start. So has OLB Pat Jenkins. DE Tyrone Stone will start for us, a pretty decent backup.

We win 34-7. No beating the spread for us. Still a good game nevertheless.

Broderick Corbitt with 21 carries for 148 yards, 1 TD.

Pat Pierce with 2 TDs, one each to Kuntz and Shanks. Pretty standard game all told.

Injuries:

Rob Shanks aggravated his injury and is doubtful for a while.


I root hard for Oklahoma to knock off Texas, but they barely lose 28-25. Yale wins to go to 8-3, Stanford wins to go to 9-2.


MICHIGAN LOST. Texas is now in number two and we are far past them in the rankings, especially since we are now #3 in both Polls. Above us? #1 Fresno State and #2 Texas.

Georgia Tech lost and we are the only undefeated team in the country. Miami of Ohio lost, but it probably doesn't matter now.


"Favored by an amazing 40 points this week, the nation's last undefeated team hosts their rival. Eastern Michigan looks to sweep the MAC and Toledo looks for respect, today, on TV5"

"Excerpts from Abe Sargent's Journal: The Middle Years"
Copyright 2033

Week 14 - TOLEDO (we are favored by 40!)

Our largest favor yet.

However, Toledo makes a serious game of it - 38-41. We had to score two TDs in the last 7 minutes of regulation to win. Here is why we won:

Broderick Corbitt, 27 carries, 239 yards, 2 TDs, 57 yards receiving, 1 TD

Gino Gonzalez had 156 yards receiving on 7 catches. And two TDs. Bo Willis with a sack and a half. Wade Hoke with a pick.

Texas really caught up to us in the rankings. Although we are still number one, they are 0.16 ahead of us. Still, as long as we are number 2, who cares?


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

The MAC CHAMPIONSHIP

Miami of Ohio is 9-2 on the season. Upsetting loses to Gerogia and Buffalo could be redeemed by an upset victory here tonight. Miami of Ohio is currently #14 in the AP Poll, #12 in the Coach's Poll.

But they'll run into the "Eagle-naut" tonight. For the past few years, both of these teams have met in the MAC Championship. Eastern has won every time. In fact, Eastern Michigan, witha win tonight, will likely be the first MAC team ever to play for a National Championship.

Each teams has something to play for as the Eastern Eagles host Miami of Ohio, today, on TV3


Week 15 - MIAMI OF OHIO (We are favored by 8)

This is our last obstacle. Defeat M of O and achieve a dream. Lose, and live with regret for the rest of a lifetime. We are the better team, we are the home team, we should emerge victorious. Should. Emerge. Victorious.

EMU only 21 points

Miami of Ohio only 10 points.

Broderick Corbitt, 28 carries, 247 yards, 2 TDs. Is he stoppable? Prior to this week he led the NCAA Div 1-A.........in receptions! Number two in rushing yards, number one in rushing TDs.

Pierce tossed a TD to Kuntz but three picks stymied our team all day long.

Texas surpassed us in the overall standings, but who cares. WE ARE GOING TO THE FIESTA BOWL!!!! And Ypsilanti erupts and their hatred of Ann Arbor burns and people torch stuff and throw it in downtown Ann Arbor. Silly freakin' liberals with all of your anti-smoking laws and your hyper-environmentalism and your sheer elitism. Take that!


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Other MAC teams in Bowls:

Motor City Bowl: Washington State vs Miami of Ohio
Peach Bowl: Georgia vs Marshall


Incidentally, Stanford is playing Michigan in the Sugar Bowl and Fresno State is up against Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl. Scheduling two power teams really helped!

Miami of Ohio loses. Marshall wins.

Fresno State wins, Stanford loses.

-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

Hello Everybody and welcome to today's game. We have a great matchup for you today on TV1 as the Eastern Michigan University Eagles will play the Texas Longhorns.

It's been a long road to this game for the eagles. They had three previous undefeated regular seasons before getting to polay this game. Twice, they ended the regular season ranked #3 in the overall rankings. This day has been a long day coming for the Eagles. And their leader Broderick Corbitt.

This running back leads the NCAA in rushing yards, rushing TDs and receptions. Broderick is the sort of X Factor back that you might see rarely in the NFL, like Marshall Faulk. Hailing from Deming, New Mexico, the Eagles took a flyer on him. Yet Broderick took the trip all the way from New Mexico to Michigan, and now to the Fiesta Bowl. Ranked #107 by Rivals.com, ranked the 11th best back in the country, Broderick watched as other running backs were picked up by more prestigious schools.

In came Eastern Michigan, and the rest is history. EMU quarterback Pat Pierce know sa bit about adversity. Over the past four years, Pat Pierce and Artie Brown split the QB duties, each having 24 starts. This year, Pat has been behind the helm completely, and has thrown the fourth most yards this year in Div 1-A. This team truly loves to beat opponents both ways. No one, not even Fresno State at home, has beaten these Eagles.

In fact, the Eagles are 2 point FAVORITES, yes I said favorites, to win this game, and all of America has started to root for them. They are the classic underdog story,m the classic underdog team, and yet, here is a regional school from Detroit, playing on college football's biggest stage. The Eagles are the only remaining undefeated team. And all of their injured players are rested and starting today.

But, let's not forget about Texas. Texas has won this Fiesta Bowl twice, and they've played in a lot more bigger games than the Eagles have. This is Texas's fourth appearance on TV1 this year, this is Eastern Michigan's first.

Texas has a pretty good quarterback in Gene Newton, the junior from Houston. He'll have to play well to avoid the Eagles corner tandem of Wade Hoke and Ed Boss. Wade was All-Amercain Second Team last year and led the league in picks a year ago. Ed Boss was on the MAC team. And Defensive Tackle Bo Willis is an expert at collapsign the pocket and stopping the run.

The Texas is normally led by DE Kelvin Lincoln, who has 14.5 sacks on the season. Tragically, he was injured in the Big 12 Championship Game and will not play tonight.

Texas's whole year has been wraught with problems. One of the best DTs in the nation, Robert Keys, on academic suspension. One of the best receivers in the nation, Scottie Keys, suspended for the season for shoplifting. OT Terry Ingram, again, one of the best in the country, out with a pulled hamstring. In fact, aside from the kickers, the only other top player is DE Victor England, with 19 sacks on the year so far. He'll need to be at his best to get through this Eastern Offensive Line, however.

The Eagles have what is general considered to be the best starting wide receiver duo in the country in Rob Shanks, Dusty Kuntz and Gino Gonzalez. They'll do everything they can to try and stymie this secondayr, led by Texas corner Tom Zarate from closer to Eastern than Texas in Pennsylvania. In fact, the Texas secondary is their weakest spot, so expect to see Eastern push it.

And Eastern's weakest spot is their linebacker corps. Expect to see Texas pass over the middle and run up the gut with blockser to try and overpower the linebackers.

This one promises to get a classic. A game for the ages. Can David really beat Goliath? Find out after these messages, on TV1!


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

THE FIESTA BOWL:

Score Summary:

Texas starts out with a reception for a TD.

Broderick Corbitt catches one of Pierce's TD passes for a TD to tie it at 7-7.

Broderick Corbitt plunges it in from the 2 for another score to end the first quarter. 14-7.

Anthony Patterson, the Texas RB, breaks free and scrambles 32 yards for a TD in the second. 14-14.

Texas kicks a FG. 17-14.

Dusty Kuntz catches a 46 yard pass for a TD near the end of teh first half. Score is 21-17 us.

Texas begins the third with a 4 yard plunge, then follws on the ensuing drive, capping it off with a 2 yard plunge as well. 31-21 in the middle of the third.

EMU kicks a FG. 31-24. End of third quarter.

To start the fourth quarter, Ernie Lohrer, our backup RB, runs it in three yards to tie the game at 31-31.

Texas QB Gene Newton hits a receiver for two yards and a TD.

Gene then hits his RB for 12 yards and another TD. 45-31 with 4:16 to go.

EMU drives, Dwayne Humphrey catches a 46 yard pass from Pat Pierce to get within seven with 3:31 on the clock.

Eastern kicks off. Texas gets the ball. Eastern's defense holds, Texas is forced to punt. With the ball on our own 21 and with 2:11 on the clock, we go to work.

Unfortunatley, work meant one down gone. Two downs gone. Third down, sack. Fourth and 15. No good. Turnover on downs.

Texas wins the game 45-38 and a great game it was too!!!!!

Stat Highlights:

RB Broderick Corbitt, 44 yards, 1 TD on 15 carries, 7 receptions for 78 yards and another TD.

Pat Pierce, 21 of 35 for 373 yards, 3 TDs, 1 Int

WR Rob Shanks, 6 catches for 118 yards

DT Bo Willis was knocked out of the game.

We lost, but we gave it a good run. And we proved that we can play with the big boys. Instant classic.


-Anxiety

[Abe Sargent]

The Heisman Vote:

As expected, Broderick Corbitt is up for the Heisman. Also up is Pat Pierce. I keep track of what states voted for who -

I vote for Broderick.

Here are the states Broderick carried:

New Mexico, his home state
Michigan
Wisconsin
Illinois
Oklahoma
Maine
Rhode Island
Delaware
Oregon
Alabama
Louisiana
California

(There were no finalists from California)

He won with 134 votes!

Coming in third:

Pat Pierce had 111 votes and won:

Ohio
Indiana
Pennsylvania
Arkansas
Alaska
Georgia


Amazing!



-Anxiety