Eastern Michigan University dynasty

[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

[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