EMU Football Opens 2024 Campaign Saturday at UMass - Eastern Michigan University Athletics (2024)

AMHERST, Mass. (EMUEagles.com) –The Eastern Michigan University football team is set to open its 133rd varsity season this week as the Eagles lift the lid on the 2024 campaign by facing the Minutemen of the University of Massachusetts Saturday, Aug. 31, on the road. Eastern, coming of a 6-7 season in which it advanced to its third consecutive bowl game, will meet UMass (3-9 in 2023) inside McGuirk Alumni Stadium in Amherst, Mass., for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff. The game will stream live on ESPN+ and on radio with Tom Helmer, the Voice of the Eagles, and Rob Rubick calling the action live on WEMU (89.1 FM) and The Varsity Network app.

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» Since 2016, Eastern Michigan has posted the fifth most victories of any team in the Mid-American Conference.
» In total, the EMU has brought in 53 new student-athletes with 28 of them coming via the transfer portal.
» In his 11th season in Ypsilanti, Chris Creighton is the 11th-longest-tenured FBS head coach. While they are both in their 11th season, respectively, Creighton is technically the second-longest tenured head coach in the conference by hiring date, falling just three days short of Miami's Chuck Martin.
» Chris Creighton has 52 wins during his time in Ypsilanti, which makes him the 20th coach in the history of the MAC to record 50+ wins at a MAC school.
» A total of 15 EMU football student-athletes were named Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports. The total is tied for third-most in the MAC, and it is the most honorees for EMU since the magazine began releasing the list in 2014.
» Since the 2016 season, Chris Creighton has led Eastern to a 15-13 record in the month of September. From 2013-15, EMU posted a cumulative September record of 0-9.
» After a generous $1 million donation from former Eagle standout and current Las Vegas Raider/NFL All-Pro, Maxx Crosby and his wife Rachel Crosby to the EMU Athletics Department, Eastern's new gray turf was dubbed "Crosby Field" and was unveiled to the public with Maxx and Rachel back in Ypsilanti, June 21.
» The game against UMass, Aug. 31, marks just the second time in Creighton's tenure that the team will open the season away from Ypsilanti.

This year marks the 133rd year for the EMU football team. The first year of intercollegiate football in Ypsilanti was 1891, when the team, then known as the Michigan Normal College Normalites, posted a 0-2 record. EMU has fielded a team every year since 1891 with one exception, when the 1944 season was canceled because of World War II.

Eastern Michigan begins ins 49th season in the Mid-American Conference in 2024. The school joined the league in 1973, but did not start playing football in the league until 1976.

Eastern holds an all-time record of 63-61-8 in its first game of the season and has won three in a row, including its 33-23 triumph over visiting Howard (Sept. 1, 2023) in last year's lid-lifter. The last time the Eagles dropped its first game of the season was also the last time it opened a campaign on the road as Eastern fell at Kent State, 27-23, in the COVID season of 2020 (Nov. 4, 2020). In the Chris Creighton era, the game at UMass this week marks only the second time his Eagles have opened a season away from the friendly confines of Rynearson Stadium.

The game at UMass Saturday will mark the 68th time Eastern has opened a football season on the road with the Eagles holding a 16-44-7 all-time record in those contests. The last time EMU opened on the road was Nov. 4, 2020, in the COVID season at Kent State, a 27-23 setback. Eastern has lost eight in a row when its season-opening game coming on the road with the last victory coming Sept. 2, 1995, in a 49-29 win at Akron.

The game at UMass Saturday marks only the 11th time in program history Eastern will play a game in the month of August and the seventh time it has played on August 31. Overall, the Eagles are 5-5-0 in August games, but have won the last three, including the most recent instance, a 51-17 victory over visiting Monmouth, Aug. 31, 2018. A win at UMass this week would mark the first August road win in program history (0-4-0). The last time EMU played an August road game was Aug. 30, 2012, a 37-26 loss at Ball State.

The Minutemen are coming off a 3-9 season and are heading into their final campaign as an FBS Independent before rejoining the MAC next year. Head Coach Don Brown's team will look to returning quarterback Taisun Phommachanh to lead the offense once again after playing in nine games in 2023 where he connected on 61.2 percent of his passing attempts for 1,507 yards and six scores. Anthony Simpson also will be relied upon as the team's top returning rusher (93 yards and 1 TD) and receiver (792 yards and 3 TDs). Defensively, the top returning tackler is Te'Rai Powell, who posted 59 stops in 2023, the second-highest total on the squad.

The Eagles and Minutemen have met five times previously with Eastern holding a 3-2-0 edge in the series thanks to victories in the past three contests, including last year's 19-17 win Ypsilanti (Sept. 16). UMass opened the series with back-to-back wins in MAC play, including a 36-14 win in Amherst (Oct. 18, 2024) in the first meeting before scoring a 28-17 win in Ypsilanti (Nov. 14, 2015). Since then, Eastern posted wins of 42-28 (Sept. 18, 2022) and 20-13 (Oct. 1, 2022) before winning last year to make it three consecutive victories.

Eastern put together a five-play, 77-yard drive, culminating in a 50-yard touchdown reception from Austin Smith to Hamze El-Zayat with 1:20 left in the ballgame to give the Eagles a 19-17 win over UMass Saturday, Sept. 16, at 'The Factory' inside Rynearson Stadium. The triumph marked the Eagles' seventh-consecutive at home against non-conference opponents. UMass took its lone lead of the game, 17-13, with a touchdown with 2:42 remaining in regulation before the Eagles took the victory with a late of their own.

The two-point win over UMass last season was the first of four contests that were decided by one score with the Eagles adding a three-point win at home over Akron (23-20) in overtime after falling on the road to by Central Michigan (26-23) and Northern Illinois (20-13). Since the start of the 2016 season, Eastern ranks third nationally with 52, one-score games played, sitting behind only Northern Illinois (55) and Texas (54).
Additionally, only three teams in the top 10 of the national list are at .500 or better in such games, including both EMU (26-26) and Navy (23-23) at .500 and Oklahoma State at .652 (30-16)

1. Northern Illinois - 55 (27-28)
2. Texas - 54 (24-30)
3. Eastern Michigan - 52 (26-26)
4. Iowa State - 48 (18-30)
T5. Nebraska - 47 (13-34)
T5. North Carolina - 47 (13-34)
T7. Navy - 46 (23-23)
T7. Oklahoma State - 46 (30-16)
T9. Kansas State - 45 (21-24)
T9. Tulsa - 45 (20-25)

With the double overtime win against Akron, the EMU moved to 176-172 all-time in one score games and snapped a two-game skid in such contests. Additionally, when playing in a game decided by three or fewer points, Eastern is 68-69 all-time. Under Chris Creighton, EMU is 26-26 and 14-11, respectively, in those contests.

• Tim Grant-Randall, a three-year member of the EMU program, transferred to UMass following the 2023 season and could line up against his former teammates this week. Grant-Randall played in 24 games for Eastern, collecting 48 tackles, 8.0 TFLs, and 2.5 sacks.
• EMU gymnastics Head Coach Katie Minasola spent three years as a member of the University of Massachusetts' gymnastics team. During her time in Amherst, Mass., Minasola became the 2002 Atlantic 10 Conference Champion on bars with a score of 9.950 and took fourth place on bars (9.800) at the 2002 NCAA Northeast Regional. A championship coach at EMU, Minasola led the Eagles to the 2020 MAC crown.

For the fourth year in a row, Eastern and UMass, who is set to join the MAC next year, will meet in a non-conference game. The Eagles have not played the same out-of-league opponent in four consecutive games since playing Youngstown State in six consecutive games between 1985 and 1990 (5-1). A win for Eastern this year would make it four in a row over UMass, which would be the second-longest winning streak in consecutive years since EMU took the first five meetings in a row against the Penguins in 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1989 before falling in 1990.

Most jersey numbers hold special meanings to the players who wear them. At EMU, there is one number that holds a special meaning. It is 'The Deuce'. Make no mistake: this jersey is special. It cannot be selected by a player through conventional means, such as requesting it through the equipment staff. Rather, the selection is made by a player through his actions on the field and off. He earns 'The Deuce' by demonstrating he possesses the integrity, character, and selflessness of EMU's football student-athletes and representatives strive to build within themselves. For Eastern football, 'The Deuce', must be earned in remembrance of wide receiver Demarius Reed, who passed away on Oct. 18, 2013. Put back into circulation in 2017 with the blessing of Reed's family and former teammates, his number once again graces the field at Rynearson Stadium on the back of the squad's best senior pass catcher.
In a team meeting, held Aug. 22, Head Coach Chris Creighton announced Oran Singleton, better known as 'Man Man' to his teammates, had earned the honor to wear the jersey emblazoned with the No. 2. Singleton, who entered camp wearing No. 24, is following the same path as last year's top receiver, Tanner Knue, who also previously wore No. 24 before earning 'The Deuce'. Knue is currently battling for a roster spot with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The 2024 roster looks quite different than the one that finished the 2023 campaign at the 68 Ventures Bowl. In total, the EMU coaching staff has brought in 53 new student-athletes, 28 of them via the transfer portal.

Total Newcomers (Minimum 50 as of Aug. 25)
1. North Texas (77)
2. Army (74)
3. Charlotte (71)
4. Navy (69)
5. Arkansas State (64)
25. Eastern Michigan (53)

Total Transfers (Minimum 28 as of Aug. 25)
1. Colorado (44) & Charlotte (44)
3. New Mexico (42)
4. Utah State (38)
5. New Mexico State (36) & North Texas (36)
T19. Eastern Michigan (28)

Similar to all teams, Eastern will look to find players to replace lost production from 2023. Two of those areas will involve the quarterback and the punt return as none of the Eagles that recorded stats in either area return this year. Additionally, just 3.3 percent of all carries on the ground in 2023 return (14-of-428 attempts), including just 35-of-1,457 yards (2.4 percent) and 1-of-18 touchdowns scored (5.6 percent).

Since electronic stats began in 1999, the 2024 season will mark the first time Eastern heads into a campaign with no quarterbacks on the roster that attempted at least one pass in a previous season or seasons for the Eagles. While there are no returning players with a passing attempt while playing for Eastern, the Eagles will have the services of Cole Snyder, who has taken snaps under center for both Buffalo (2022-23) and Rutgers (2019-21) since 2019.

For the second time in his career, Mitchell Tomasek, a two-time All-MAC First Team honoree, has been named to the Ray Guy Award watch list. The award honors the nation's top collegiate punter in the FBS. One of three MAC players on the 33-man list, Tomasek had another standout season in 2023 when he averaged 45.7 yards per boot, which ranks second in EMU single-season history. The 2023 EMU Special Teams MVP, Tomasek punted 67 times (3,060 yards) with nearly one-third of his punts exceeding 50 yards and 24 landing inside the 20. A three-time MAC Special Teams Player of the Week, he was one of just three players nationally to record two punts of 70+ yards last season.

JT Killen was named to the 100th East-West Shrine Bowl 1000, its season-opening list. The longest-running college all-star football game in the nation, the game allows for collegiate players to showcase their talents to NFL scouts, along with a national television audience with the game being aired on the NFL Network, Jan. 30, 2025, live from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Killen, who transfered into the program this past winter, played in 55 games at Coastal Carolina where he tallied 198 career tackles, 11 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, three fumbles recovered, two fumbles forced, and one INT.

Senior defensive back David Carter Jr. is one of 178 players that have been nominated for the 2024 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, an organization that recognizes college football student-athletes for their unwavering commitment to community service and their "good works" off the field. Carter is deeply committed to community service, recording 20.5 hours this year alone. He has actively participated in EMU's Annual Victory Day, engaging with cognitively and physically impaired community members, and has been involved in several initiatives, such as visiting local elementary schools to read to students and assisting at the VA Hospital. His volunteer efforts extend to numerous organizations and events, including the Foundation Preschool, Huron Valley PACE, and the Christian Love Fellowship Church Day of Reading. During bowl week in Mobile, he contributed to assembling food boxes at Prodisee Pantry. The final roster of 23 award recipients for the AFCA Good Works Team will be announced later in September with 11 players representing the FBS level, 11 student-athletes from the combined division of FCS, Divisions II and III and NAIA as well as one honorary head coach.

David Carter Jr., has been named to the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List. Carter is one of a record 111 nominees for what is considered College Football's Premier Award for Community Service and one of the most meaningful awards in collegiate sports. Named for 1996 Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel (Florida), the award is presented annually to a student-athlete who is inspired to serve others and make positive impacts on society.

A total of six Eagles were tabbed Preseason All-MAC by Phil Steele. Defensive lineman Peyton Price and punter Mitchell Tomasek garnered second team selections while kicker Jesús Gómez, Coastal Carolina transfer linebacker JT Killen, offensive lineman Mickey Rewolinski, and defensive back Daiquan White added third team accolades.

EMU had 15 players earn Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports. The total is tied for third-most in the MAC, and it is the most honorees for EMU since the magazine began releasing the list in 2014. Defensive lineman Peyton Price, punter Mitchell Tomasek, and defensive back Quentavius Scandrett garnered the Eagles' first team selections, while defensive lineman Justin Jefferson, linebacker JT Killen, and wide receiver/return specialist Oran Singleton added second team accolades. Kicker Jesús Gómez, wide receiver JB Mitchell III, offensive lineman Mickey Rewolinski, and defensive back Daiquan White added third team accolades, as running back Delbert Mimms III, offensive lineman Broderick Roman, defensive back Joshua Scott, quarterback Cole Snyder, and defensive lineman Joey Zelinsky picked up fourth team honors.

Ahead of the 2024 season, 30 FBS schools have reported their football team has at least two pairs of brothers on the squad, including Eastern. The Eagles have two sets of brothers, including Terry Lockett Jr. and Tyree Lockett and Jaivian Norman and Jayvin Norman. Both Colorado and Utah State have six pairs of siblings to the lead the way and are followed by BYU with five. The Eagles are one of 15 teams with two pairs of brothers on its roster ahead of the 2024 season.

Since 2016, all 12 MAC teams have played in at least one bowl game, with the Eagles appearing in a league-best six, joining Ohio and Toledo for the top spot.
6 • Eastern Michigan, Ohio, Toledo
5 • Miami
4 • Buffalo, Central Michigan, NIU, Western Michigan
2 • Ball State, Bowling Green, Kent State
1 • Akron

Since 2016, Eastern Michigan has posted the fifth most victories of any team in the Mid-American Conference.
64 • Toledo
58 • Ohio
54 • Western Michigan
51 • Miami
49 • Eastern Michigan
46 • Buffalo
45 • Northern Illinois
44 • Central Michigan
37 • Ball State
30 • Kent State
29 • Bowling Green
23 • Akron

Since the 2016 season, Head Coach Chris Creighton has led Eastern to a 15-13 record in the month of September. From 2013-15, EMU posted a cumulative September record of 0-9.

After a generous $1 million donation from former Eagle standout and current Las Vegas Raider/NFL All-Pro, Maxx Crosby and his wife Rachel Crosby to the EMU Athletics Department, Eastern's new gray turf was dubbed "Crosby Field" and was unveiled to the public with Maxx and Rachel back in Ypsilanti, June 21.
In four years at Eastern (2015-18), Crosby was named All-MAC First Team twice. He still holds the program's career record in QB hurries (33) and fumbles forced (eight). Crosby also possesses the third-highest sack total in program history with 20 in his career, as well as the third-best TFL count, dropping the ball carrier for a loss 41 times as an Eagle. It is believed to be the first FBS field named after an active player.

The NFL announced its annual NFL Top 100 Players list for 2024 with Eastern great Maxx Crosby moving into the top 10 at No. 10 this year. A seven-position improvement from 2023, Crosby is a three-time Pro Bowl honoree and is coming off a season in which notched 14.5 sacks, 31 QB hits, 23 TFLs and 90 total tackles. He is the third-highest ranked defensive end in the league behind Cleveland's Myles Garrett (No. 5) and Kansas City's Chris Jones (No. 6).

If you were able to fly from the 50 yard line of Rynearson Stadium to the 50 yard line of Michigan Stadium, you would log just 5.2 miles. If you do the same, but change the destination to Husky Stadium in Seattle, you would log 1,905.8 miles, which would be the fourth-farthest flight for Eastern when facing a Big Ten school. The three further flights would are Autzen Stadium (Oregon) at 1,972.3 miles, LA Memorial Colisuem (USC) at 1,948.4 miles, and the Rose Bowl (UCLA) at 1,940.9 miles.

Sticking with the flight pattern between the 50-yard lines in Ypsilanti and Seattle, a round trip stands at 3,811.6 miles and, If you drove, it would be 4,644.0 miles. Combined, hopping in a car and taking a lap around the MAC to hit all 12 stadiums totals 1,784.9 miles, 120.9 miles less than the one-way flight to Seattle. Additionally, you could make two laps (2.1) around the MAC in a shorter distance than a round trip flight to Husky Stadium.

According to rosters across the nation, Eastern is one of eight schools that feature players from at least four different countries. Along with the United States, the EMU roster also features student-athletes from Canada, Mali, and Mexico. Both New Mexico and Temple lead the way with seven countries represented.

The four non-conference games the Eagles will play this year feature three teams with very short series histories. While Eastern and UMass will meet for the sixth time, including the fourth consecutive year, the combined record against the remaining three opponents has EMU at 1-1. The game with Washington will be the first in series history while Eastern will play its second game against both Jacksonville State and St. Francis (Pa.). The Eagles and Gameco*cks played last year in Jacksonville, Ala. (JSU won, 21-0) while Eastern last met the Red Flashes in 2021 for a 35-15 home win.

The second week of the season will see the Eagles take flight to Seattle, Wash., to face one of the newest members of the Big Ten Conference, the Washington Huskies (Sept. 7, 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT) on the Big Ten Network. Playing members of the Big Ten is nothing new for Eastern under Chris Creighton as the game will mark the seventh against a Big Ten foe and the second in as many years after playing at Minnesota last year. With Creighton at the helm, the Eagles are 3-3 with wins at Rutgers (16-13) in 2017, at Purdue in 2018 (20-19), and at Illinois in 2019 (34-31).

Eastern heads to the Pacific Northwest next week where the Eagles will take on the University of Washington inside Husky Stadium in Seattle, Wash., Saturday, Sept. 7. The game against last year's CFP National Runner-Up and one of the newest members of the Big Ten Conference, will kick at 12:30 p.m. PT (3:30 p.m. ET) and air live on the Big Ten Network.