The Blue Devils have won all three outings, putting them halfway to matching their win total for all of 2018 when they finished 6-5.
That squad was led by . . .
at
Eastern Michigan (2-1)
Saturday, Sept. 21 -- 3 p.m. ET
Rynearson Stadium -- Ypsilanti, Mi
ESPN3
Series: First Meeting
ABOUT CENTRAL CONNECTICUT
➤➤ Central Connecticut’s fast start is particularly impressive because not only is it undefeated after losing Dolegla, the Blue Devils have a new head coach in Ryan McCarthy. He was, however, offensive coordinator for CCSU in 2018.
➤➤ Winchester completed 11 of 15 passes for 147 yards and a TD in last week’s 42-13 win over Valparaiso. He also scored on an 18-yard run.
➤➤ The Blue Devils have a formidable ground attack and out-rushed Valparaiso 315-67. Keonte Lucas was a big play specialist, rushing 10 times for 190 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Two of the carries totaled 160 yards.
➤➤ Kendall Cole’s pick six was one five forced turnovers (all interceptions) for CCSU, which has scored a defensive touchdown in each of its first three contests.
ABOUT EASTERN MICHIGAN
➤➤ The Eagles moved to 2-1 Saturday with a dramatic 34-31 win at Illinois. EMU now has three road wins against BigTen Conference teams in three years. That is more wins that six actual Big Ten teams: Nebraska (2), Indiana (2), Rutgers (1), Maryland (1), Minnesota (1) and Illinois (1). Previous to 2017, Eastern Michigan was 0-38 against the Big Ten.
➤➤ EMU has helped itself by protecting the ball. TheEagles have won or tied the turnover battle in 19 of their last 21 victories under head coach Chris Creighton.
➤➤ Eastern Michigan’s defensive front paved the way against IU with six sacks for 51 yards. EMU registered eight TFL and forced two fumbles. The team’s seven turnovers gained ranks ninth nationally and first in the MAC.
➤➤ It took a while, but the Eagles are finally playing on home turf this weekend. EMU is the last team in the Football Bowl Subdivision to host its home opener. Eastern is 76-45-5 in home openers and is 4-1 during Creighton’s time as head coach.
➤➤ Eastern Michigan is one of only four FBS teams to have two victories over programs with winning marks thus far. Ohio State, Mississippi State and Auburn are the others.
➤➤ The Eagles fourth among MAC teams in total offense (385.7 ypg) and are third in pass offense (280.3 ypg).
➤➤ Quarterback Mike Glass ranks second (MAC) in total offense (308.0 ypg) and is third in passing (280.3 ypg). He is fourth in pass efficiency.
➤➤ Sophomore kicker Chad Ryland has converted all four field goal tries , including a conference-best 52-yarder. His kick as time expired last Saturday provided the winning margin for the 34-31 victory at Illinois.
➤➤ Eastern Michigan rushed 40 times for 164 yards (4.1ypc) against Illinois.
➤➤ Three Eagles touchdowns against Illinois came via the passing game.