Defensive Line

Stopping the run has not been Eastern Michigan’s strong spot, as opponents are averaging 194.3 yards per game on the ground.

But, who can blame the Eagles for having the No. 100 rushing defense in the nation? So far this season, EMU has faced Toledo, Maryland and Michigan State. These three programs rank as the No. 25, No. 26 and No. 29 rushing offenses in the nation.

Beyond that, MSU has the No. 2 rusher in the nation with Javon Ringer. The Terrapins are not far behind with running back Da’Rel Scott, who ranks No. 5 in the nation. And the Rockets have the No. 10 rusher with Da Juane Collins.

Because of these rushers, EMU’s front four of Brandon Downs, Josh Hunt, Brandon Slater and Spenser Smith have only recorded one sack as a group this season.

Grade: C-

Linebackers

Senior Daniel Holtzclaw hasn’t missed a start since his true freshman season.

In total, that gives the middle linebacker 39 starts, along with 361 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for a loss and seven interceptions. In 2007, the 6-foot-1, 246-pound linebacker wrapped up 125 total tackles, tieing him as the No. 21 tackler in the country.

Coming into 2007, Holtzclaw was put on three separate awards watch lists – the Bronco Nagurski Award (best defensive player in college football), the Rotary Lombardi Award (outstanding defensive down lineman or player five yards off the ball) and the Butkus Award (best linebacker in college football).

However, the Eagles’ other linebackers are not named Holtzclaw. Junior Andrew Hatchett holds down the strong side, while senior Jermaine Jenkins takes care of the weak side. Jenkins has picked off quarterbacks twice so far this season, while Hatchett has provided 16 total tackles.

Grade: B

Secondary

As bad as EMU’s rushing defense is, its passing defense shines.

The Eagles bring in the No. 14 passing defense in the nation this weekend. However, they have yet to face a team with a passing offense higher than No. 79 in the country.

NIU may look to exploit this, as it has the No. 48 passing offense in the nation. Huskie quarterback Dan Nicholson also reported his shoulder was feeling better than last week. Against Indiana State, Nicholson only attempted 10 passes.

EMU’s secondary is a young group. Cornerbacks Arrington Hicks and Kevin Long were both true freshmen last year. Long had five starts in 2007, while Hicks has already doubled the previous numbers of starts with four in 2008.

Free safety Ryan Downard is proving that age isn’t a reason to discriminate. As a redshirt freshman, Downard had six picks, ranking him No. 12 in the nation for the stat. The free safety already has two picks and a broken-up pass in his 2008 redshirt sophomore campaign.

One spot of experience in the secondary for EMU is Jacob Wyatt. The strong safety has 27 starts to date and is second on the team with 28 tackles in 2008.

Grade: B+

Special Teams

Punter Zach Johnson has been out with a pulled quadriceps muscle since the Eagles’ first game of the season.

Johnson has only kicked twice, but was averaging 47 yards per kick, with one of those landing inside the 20. Without the punter, EMU has relied on placekicker Joe Carithers and back up punter Patrick Treppa. The pair has not been able to fill the void though, as both players are averaging 37.1 and 31.3 yards per kick.

However, USA Today is reporting the Eagles might have Johnson back this weekend, which would be a huge gain.

As a place kicker, Carithers has made four-of-5 kicks. The longest field goal the sophomore has made is a 33-yarder. One attempt ended up coming past 40 yards but was unable to get through the uprights.

EMU has averaged 21.9 yards per returns on punts this season and 24.2 yards per kick off return in 2008.

Grade: C+