Eastern Michigan fires Jeff Genyk as head coach

Friday vs Central Michigan will be Genyk's last game as coach said EMU athletic Director Dr. Derrick Gragg. According to the Detroit Free Press Gragg put out a press release saying:

"Earlier this morning, after consulting President Susan Martin, I informed coach Jeff Genyk of my decision to move our football program in another direction, at the conclusion of the season"

YCD can't say as we're surprised, this year was supposed to be different, a much better team was expected. The EMU football program never really progressed under Genyk, it kinda stayed mired in that same crappy place it was in when he got here. One thing we WILL say in Mr. Genyk's favor, he cleaned out the nere-do-wells from the EMU football program. Football players at EMU now attend classes and aren't the drunken brawlers of yore. For that he deserves credit, making citizenship while at EMU important.

The Free Press also reports former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr will advise EMU in their search for a new head football coach. This should be OK as long as Eastern never schedules Ohio State.

Genyk had a 15-42 record at Eastern in five years with the Central tilt yet to come....

Eastern Michigan football GAMEDAY

Eastern is in the City of Brotherly Love this afternoon for a 1pm kickoff with the Temple Owls. Eastern rolls into Philly with an awful 1-5 record in MAC play and just 2-8 overall. Temple, while playing in the god-awful MAC East Division sports a 2-4 record and 3-7 overall. These are not good teams.

That being said, EMU hopes to slow down Temple QB Adam DiMichele who has thrown for 12 TD's against only 4 INT's this season. His favorite receiver is senior Bruce Francis who EMU will have to account for. He has 9 touchdowns this season, very good numbers for a very poor team. Temple is a Jeckyll and Hyde team scoring points and looking great one week while scoring only 7 vs Army and 3 vs Western Michigan.

This is a winnable game for EMU.

IF Andy Schmitt plays well, and keeps the Temple offense off the field, and this will take some doing, Eastern can win. If head coach Jeff Genyk is serious about handing the ball off to Terrence Blevins over 20 times today and playing the short passing game matching up receivers on Temple's suspect linebacking corps, Eastern can win this game. If EMU can execute a ball control offense for 60 minutes and not panic if they get behind early, they can win this game.

Eastern has been close a few times this year with teams we feel are equal to them in talent. They've lost every one of those games. It HAS to change today. HAS to.

Our call?
Eastern Michigan 30
Temple 20

Eastern Michigan football GAMEDAY!!

Well the slip sliding down the standings EMU gridiron club travels down I-94 to Kalamazoo for a 2 pm kickoff with the Sissy Broncos of Western Michigan. Now, as grim as things look this season for Eastern, they have had success against Western and Central lately. In fact last year EMU clubbed Western 19-2 at Rynearson. That being said, Western is in the MAC West title race and are undefeated at home. One must also figure a revenge factor weighs on the Bronco's minds. The points per game vs points allowed per game are almost flip flopped between the teams with Western having the side of the ledger you'd WANT to have.

If EMU can keep this game close, and history says they can, the Broncos may just seize up and think back to last year and watch their MAC title hopes die inside the confines of Waldo Stadium.

Our call?

WMU Sissy Broncos 31
Eastern Michigan 20

Come on EMU, win your last three games and you can salvage something from this season. Over, did you say over??

Johnny's big ass dinner of braised crow; Eastern Michigan 24-Bowling Green 21

Mmmmmmm, nom nom nom, soooo nourishing. Mmmm, crow.

Well kids, lets set the scene. Eastern is down 21-17 with less than two minutes to play with a first down on their own 22. Anyone following EMU football for any amount of time knows this is normally a fatal affliction. Enter Andy Schmitt. Schmitt led Eastern on one of the best drives in school history.

3 yard pass to Jacory Stone
15 yard pass to Jacory Stone
16 yard pass to Marvon Sanders
Andy Schmitt ran for 5 yards
22 yard pass to Josh LeDuc
16 yard pass to Tyler Jones---YAHTZEE

36 seconds left but BG could only get to Eastern's 35 and it was OVER.

Game ball Andy Schmitt who went 21 for 29 for 253 and the winning score. Schmitt also ran for 22. Eastern ran well behind a huge effort from the offensive line and 60 yards by Tyler Jones and 45 by Dwayne Priest. Jacory Stone had 6 grabs for 81 yards.

The 9 game Bowling Green winning streak vs EMU just died alongside I-75 outside of the Bowling Green exit

Go Green, EMU is 2-4 overall and 1-2 in the MAC West. They're at Army next weekend.

Eastern Michigan Football GAMEDAY Homecoming 2008 Edition

That's right EMU fans, today is Homecoming and judging from the rowdiness displayed in Johnny's neighborhood last night, you're pumped! Eastern's opponent is Northern Illinois who comes into the game at 1-2 and like EMU is 0-1 in conference play. Oddly, both have their lone victory over hapless Indiana State's Suckamores. Let's take a look at the game shall we?

Eastern's offense proved it could and will move the ball despite Andy Schmitt being unable to play with Kyle McMahon having an off the charts good 132.14 QB rating. We all know Terrence Blevins can pound the rock and if he goes for 100 yards today we think EMU can dominate. Yes, Northern Illinois has a fairly decent defense but they will go against Eastern's strength which is offense.

Eastern's defense has been a tremendous disappointment thus far. After the opening night shutout of ISU, they have allowed 42, 41 and 51 points in consecutive weeks, that's just not going to win many games. Coach Jeff Genyk will have to do something to sort this mess out. May we suggest the George Costanza OPPOSITE defense--whatever you were doing that wasn't working, do the exact opposite. Weren't blitzing much? Blitz every play. Sitting back in a zone defense on third down? Send everyone.

Something on defense has to change and fast.

Perfect weather is expected over Rynearson Stadium this afternoon with temperature in the low 70's and we can smell charcoal being lit around town right now. This game will hopefully live up to what everyone wants a Homecoming game to be.

Northern Illinois plays QB by committee, runs the ball by committee and today they LOSE by committee. Our call?

Eastern Michigan 28
Northern Illinois 20

Coming this week--An EMU football season preview

Since the season starts Thursday night in Rynearson, it's time to take a look at the 2008 Eastern Michigan football team. We'll have analysis and predictions for you, the EMU fan. We just can't tell you when.

2 weeks from tonight, EMU football home opener!

Get your tickets now, they're going fast......quick.....medium speed.......OK just buy your tickets! If EMU can get off to a fast start with wins over Indiana State and Toledo, who knows what'll happen. The fun, or as the sign says, 'the hunt' begins two weeks from tonight at the house excitement built, Rynearson Stadium.

Hard to believe, in just over a month it's EMU football

That August 28 home date with the Suckamores of Indiana State can't get here soon enough. Soon as Art Fair is over it's time to start thinking football.

The Ypsi City Desk Traffic Copter may be asked to do the flyover at Rynearson that night.

You never know what you'll find online--The 1961 EMU football helmet

How is this for a historical find? Almost like football archaeology. Like Indiana Jones and the Curse of the Missing Mascot.

Enjoy, the 1961 Eastern Michigan Huron helmet...

Do you love EMU football? Do you also love golf? Then read on...

EMU will be holding their fifth annual golf outing Monday June 16, at teh Eagle Crest Golf Course in Cool City. The event will help support EMU football (Who is gonna win the MAC this year believe it or not) and is put on by the E-Gridiron Group. During the last two years alone the E-Gridiron Group has helped raise over $600K to help build facitilites to help Eastern Michigan level the financial playing field so to speak.

The particulars, from emueagles.com

The cost for this year’s EGG Football Golf Outing is $150 for an individual golfer and $600 per foursome. In addition, there are several sponsorship opportunities, and the dinner will feature a silent auction with numerous autographed pieces of memorabilia. For more information on the event or to register for the outing, please contact EMU Director of Football Operations Matt Patterson at 734.487.3420.

EMU's Jason Jones expected to be selected in Saturday's NFL Draft

Eastern Michigan's standout defensive end, Jason Jones, is projected to be drafted in the 3rd or 4th round of this year's NFL Draft starting Saturday.

Jones is listed at 6-5 and 273 and projects as a power pass rushing end in the eyes of NFL scouts. Jones had 50 tackles for loss the last three seasons.

Best of luck and we hope you go to a team you love Jason.

Some EMU football recruiting news and one player in particular we're interested in

Jeff Genyk's EMU football squad has added a few players from yesterday's big recruiting haul. YCD would like to welcome local standout Marvon Sanders from Ypsilanti High School (Marvon, the crowds were bigger at Shadford, see what you can't do to change this) who will play wide receiver. YCD would like to send out a special HEY-YO to linebacker in training Josh Williams, from the storied (ha) Ortonville Brandon High School program.

Welcome to Ypsilanti Josh, from a fellow Blackhawk.

How about THAT?! EMU 48, CMU 45

Well well well, so MANY things to discuss about the HUGE EMU victory over Central Michigan last night in Mt. Boring. This really changes things. YCD was fairly certain it was time for EMU Head Coach Jeff Genyk to move along but WAIT. Let's step back, take a moment and look things over.

First off the game itself. Pierre Walker rushed for a HUGE night, 149 yards on 31 carries and the winning score with just over 3 minutes to play. Walker had 3 TD's on the night. Here's a stat we've NEVER ever ever in the history of any football seen, EMU was 6 for 6 on 4th down conversion attempts. Talk about smashmouth. EMU QB Andy Schmitt was a steady 25-34 and 212 with 1 TD and 1 interception. Schmitt also ran for 3 scores. It was CENTRAL who blew this game themselves at the end with a terrible unsportsmanlike penalty on CMU offensive lineman Jeff Maddux (Hi Jeff and if you're reading this THANK YOU) with the Chumpewas on EMU's 14 yard line late. The Maddux brain cramp then led to CMU kicker Andrew Aguila having to try a 52 yards field goal to tie it at the end but Andrew was not man enough to kick it 52 yards so EMU wins. Nyah Nyah Nyah.

OK, so EMU wins and finishes the season at 4-8. MUCH improved LOOKING record from 1-10 last year no doubt but one of those wins was against Howard a Division 1-AA team who plays in the MEAC against such powers as Delaware State and Hampton. Yeah, it's a win BUT. EMU won 2 games on the road, Good job. Two conference wins on the road. One against a rival. Speaking of which, EMU turned the trick and beat BOTH Western AND Central this year. THAT right there is worth keeping Mr. Genyk around ONE more year. I mean is there some other coach EMU will find that's miles better right now? Sure, take a look see but if your top candidate isn't interested, chill. YCD would feel better about this endorsement of Genyk IF EMU had managed just ONE more win say against Ohio or BG in one of those high scoring shootouts. Also, they DID represent themselves very well against Michigan, though a 5-6 record with a 1-AA win would have made us feel better.

Next year, a NO EXCUSES .500 season is necessary.

EMU football gameday

Wow, on a FRIDAY no less.

Well, it's Senior night at EMU and everyone will want to go out a winner on their last time at Rynearson. BG offers a stretch offense with much passing which works against EMU's defensive scheme, stopping the run. BG is good but not overwhelming and Johnny would love to pick EMU here but after last weeks blowout loss to Toldeo who is on par with BG, YCD has to say (regretfully):

BGSU 31
EMU 20


Next week we'll begin the Jeff Genyk needs a new job meme.....

EMU football gameday

So this evening finds the EMU football team in the Glass City, in the Glass Bowl against the Rockets of Toldeo. This breakdown is really very simple. Eastern has a winnable game, they need to stop Jalen Parmele to win it. At the end of the evening look at the stats for Parmele, if he runs for a lot of yards, EMU will lose, keep him somewhat under control and ya know, EMU might just be moving up in the standings.

Upset special

EMU 22
UT 21

2007 MAC Standings
EAST CONF OVERALL
Buffalo 4-1 4-5
Miami (OH) 3-1 4-5
Bowling Green 3-2 5-4
Ohio 3-3 5-5
Temple 3-3 3-6
Akron 2-3 3-6
Kent State 1-4 3-6

WEST CONF OVERALL
Central Michigan 4-0 5-4
Ball State 3-2 5-4
Eastern Michigan 2-2 3-6
Toledo 2-3 4-5
Western Michigan 2-3 3-6
Northern Illinois 0-5 1-8

EMU knocks Western down, takes their lunch money

The EMU defense was utterly superb in forcing SIX Bronco turnovers. Real smashmouth effort. The offense simply decided to show up and run the ball down Western's throat, and as the game wore on, succeeded. 255 yards on the ground, 151 on 33 carries for Pierre Walker. Pierre Walker ran tough all day, he packed and lunch and brought a flashlight and did it the old fashioned way. Credit the offensive line for helping, alongside the turnovers, for holding the ball over 40 minutes. On a wet, nasty, and cold late October afternoon that offensive line never let up.

Speaking of the weather, uh, EMU fans was there a REASON you all started leaving at halftime? At least 50% of you left at halftime. C'mon Ypsi, we've gotta be tougher than that. Shame on anyone who left at halftime because of weather. Yeah it was only 3-2 EMU and chilly and wet but geez, a little tough love here. Like Stacey Keach used to advise Christopher Titus on his TV show:

Don't be a wussy

Well played EMU, good hard work results in a Homecoming win. For one day anyway, all is well in Ypsilanti

EMU 19
WMU 2

2 points, how lame. When you think of it that's only 2 points more than Johnny had.

EMU football Gameday

Homecoming edition.

EMU will look to pull off a mild upset over their worthy adversaries from Western Michigan. Western comes into the game at 3-5 while EMU Is 2-6. The Broncos are certainly more adept at moving the ball both on the ground as well as through the air. Eastern does have a very tough and capable front 7 on defense and the wet wet weather today in the Huron Valley is always a great equalizer. A close game would favor the home team today to be sure. EMU looks to also have better big play threats on special teams.

EMU has shown they can score this season but they need to consistently move the ball in doing so. A key stat today will be time of possession. If EMU can keep that close and keep their defense fresh they could pull the upset.

Homecoming in Ypsilanti, we'll say EMU 26 WMU 21

EMU Homecoming 2007

Ah the smell of a moribund football program, hot dogs, beer, and snausages on the grill, it MUST BE EMU Homecoming week. Johnny will be there with his best friend, a WMU grad so it'll be the diametrically opposed bowl on Saturday at Rynearson.

Kickoff is at 3:30pm and literally DOZENS of fans are expected to attend.

Here is a list of Homecoming activities:
1:30 Johnny arrives with friends and begins the grill
1:45 Time for another beer
2:10 Coals are ready, where's the beef?
2:15 Burgers looking good
2:20 Time for another beer
2:30 Eatin time is here
2:45 Football tossin time
3:00 Time for another beer
3:15 Head into Rynearson and fight crowds for seats.
3:35 Western leads 7-0.

But seriously folks, the real Flashback Homecoming info from the EMU website (their picture too):
Flashback Homecoming 2007: Oct. 21-27

EMU goes retro
Dust off those platform shoes and Members Only jackets. The 1970s and 1980s are back this year for Flashback Homecoming! That means plenty of great retro music and warm EMU memories – old and new. The weeklong celebration begins Sunday, Oct. 21, and builds up to the big football game Saturday, Oct. 27, when the Eagles kick off against the Western Michigan Broncos, 3:30 p.m. at Rynearson Stadium.

EMU/UM Gameday thread

A matchup for the ages. It's a tossup and word in to the Ypsi City Desk is even at this early hour EMU fans are bumper to bumper on Washtenaw Avenue heading towards Stadium. It's 2:43 am and Packard is backing up as well.

It doesn't get any better than this one. For EMU the opportunity of a lifetime, for Michigan a chance to work out the kinks from last weeks tussle with Northwestern. Yes Michigan will mostly likely win and win handily HOWEVER, should God in Heaven point his finger at the EMU side of the field today, the party's at Sidetrack and Johnny's drinking shots.

EMU travel plans released for trip to Michigan Stadium

Friday the Eastern Michigan football team will shuttle to Willow Run Airport around 3pm and their flight will take off from Willow Run and land at Ann Arbor Municipal Airport shortly thereafter. The team will take a bus to a swanky downtown Ann Arbor hotel for the night and then bus to the stadium on Satuday for the football game.