Week 5: Northern Illinois at Eastern Michigan

The Eagles went to the East Coast last weekend, took a pretty good beating at the hands of Maryland, and then limped back home with a big check in hand. That money will help sustain the Eastern Michigan athletic programs for another year.

The business part of that formula makes sense, but you have to wonder about the residual effect of those one-sided losses, and the physical and psychological toll they take on a program. The Eagles, in a make-or-break season after four straight losing seasons under Jeff Genyk, will try and gather themselves and put the focus on the MAC.

Eastern Michigan will need a better defensive effort after allowing almost 500 yards to Maryland, and letting the Terps scored on nine of 13 possessions.

Northern Illinois got to try everything in last week’s rout of Indiana State, and just about everything worked. The Huskies got their first win with a resounding 48-3 domination, but they must be cautioned to not put too much stock in a victory over a program that has 17 straight and 41 of its last 42.

The Huskies were thrilled with the performance of redshirt freshman quarterback DeMarcus Grady, who threw a touchdown pass and ran for another score, helping Northern Illinois reel off 31 unanswered first-half points.

Notes:

Eastern Michigan quarterback Kyle McMahon completed 25 of 37 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns in the loss at Maryland.

The Huskies are hoping senior Montell Clanton and sophomore Chad Spann give them a solid one-two option at tailback. Spann had a 55-yard scoring run against Indiana State.

Northern Illinois has been smart about introducing freshman quarterback DeMarcus Grady to competition. Grady was 2-of-2 for 24 yards and also rushed for 53 yards on eight carries against Indiana State.

Eastern Michigan harmed itself in the loss to Maryland, throwing two interceptions and allowing a punt block that produced a 57-yard return.

Key Player (Huskies) — DeMarcus Grady, QB

On the first pass attempt of his career, Grady hit  senior Matt Simon for a 19-yard touchdown. If he emerges as the starter as the Huskies search the ranks, he has some confidence to build on.

Key Player (Eagles) — Jacory Stone, WR

The junior has been a solid contributor over the past two seasons, and leads the Eagles this year in that department.  He now has 82 receptions for an even 800 yards and five scores during his 28-game career, with 21 of those as a starter.

Northern Illinois by 7