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| | Monday, September 6 | |||||
| 1998 Record: 3-8 (3-5) | 1998 statistics | 1999 schedule Head coach: Rick Rasnick Returning starters: 15 (offense 7, defense 7) Outlook Eastern Michigan has a majority of its players returning, but those who are gone will be tough to replace. First and foremost on the list is L.J. Shelton, the mammoth 6-6, 320-pound tackle taken in the first round of the NFL draft. This isn't new territory for the Eagles, who had to find a replacement for QB Charlie Batch heading into last season. But losing seasons can't continue to mount up for head coach Rick Rasnick or he'll be looking for a new job soon. A schedule which features just four home games won't make achieving a winning season any easier. Offense Walt Church stepped in for Batch and looked good last season. The 6-4, 220-pound junior thew fro 2,650 yards and 13 touchdowns before missing the final two games due to injury. His replacement, Joe Cosgrove, also looked good in leading the team to a victory over West Division champ Toledo. Depth can also be found at running back, but none of the returning rushers hold much star power. Eric Powell led the team with 473 yards but failed to break any run longer than 14 yards. The middle of the line returns, but it doesn't have much size. Center Tom Michel (6-1, 274) is the best of the bunch, and the new tackles boast plenty of size. The receiving unit is solid with Jermaine Sheffield (62 catches, 953 yards) and Brandon Campbell (35-563) returning. It's a good sign if: Church's continued development allows for a more effective running game.It's a bad sign if: Any and all ability to run the ball left with Shelton and fellow tackle Clay Mihaere. Defense The blitz-heavy package the team used last year resulted in 30 sacks but also left it vulnerable. The Eagles allowed nearly 400 total yards per game, much of that coming on the ground. There's skill in the defensive backfield -- last year's top tackler, Donovan McCall (128 tackles) and cornerback Lincoln Dupree (five INTs) return. Where the Eagles really need help is in the front seven. Five starters return, but they all need to improve their performances. The return of Jeremaine Kyles, who missed last season due to a foot injury, could help on the line if he can come back from his year layoff. The inside duo of Scott Russell and Jason Short combined for 154 tackles but bring more speed than size to the position. It's a good sign if: Kyles can use his 6-foot-2, 287-pound frame to plug the middle.It's a bad sign if: The team loses its pass-rushing punch because of concern for the rest of the defense. Special Teams All-time placekicker Justin Ventura was lost to graduation. Sophomore Toller Starnes is expected to fill the vacancy. Nick Avondet, a fixture at punter for two years, returns to add to his 22 straight starts. Avondet averaged 42.8 yards per punt, second best in school history. -- Greg Collins |
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