Dix Stadium, Kent, OH
Tuesday, Nov. 4 -- 6 p.m. ET
ESPN+
Seeking their own successful start are the . . .
Eastern Michigan Eagles
2019 Records: 6-7 overall; 3-5 MAC
2020 Preseason Coaches Poll: Fifth in MAC West
2020 Preseason Media Poll: Fifth in MAC West
>> EMU’s biggest task may be replacing quarterback Mike Glass III. He led MAC passers last season, completing 66.3 percent of his passes, good for 3,169 yards and 24 touchdowns.
>> Preston Hutchinson played in eight contests last year and will have some quality targets available for the 2019 campaign.
>> Three starters return along the offensive line.
>> Eastern’s top two rushers -- Glass and Shaq Van combined for 267 carries and 1,143 yards on the ground. Establishing a viable ground game to balance the passing attack would help the offense stay productive.
>> Eastern ranked seventh among MAC teams in scoring defense and ninth in total defense. Three of the five returning defensive starters are up front. SeniorTerry Myrick anchors the linebackers and Blake Bogan returns at safety.
>> Punter Jake Julien and kicker Chad Ryland, who made five-of-six FG attempts longer than 40 yards, give EMU a solid special teams unit.
KENT STATE GOLDEN FLASHES
2019 Records: 7-6 overall; 5-3 MAC
2020 Preseason Coaches Poll: Third in MAC East
2020 Preseason Media Poll: Third in MAC East
>> Senior Dustin Crum was a catalyst as KSU took a giant step forward last year. As a passer, he completed 69.2 percent of his attempts. That led to 2,622 yards through their, as well as 20 TDs. Remarkably, the Flashes totaled just two interceptions on the season.
>> Top receiver Isaiah McKoy is back after catching 57 passes for 870 yards. He scored a team-high eight touchdowns.
>> The versatile Crum led KSU rushing in attempts (168), yards (707) and rushing scores (6). Xavier Williams was third on the team with 86 carries for 393 yards and four TDs.
>> Three seniors, including tight end Adam Dulka, are among four returnees along the O-line.
>> Kent State struggled at times on defense, finishing ninth among MAC teams in scoring (31.8 ppg) and last in rushing defense (244.7 ypg). Some of the problems may have involved size issues along the defensive line. However, there has been some work on beefing up that group.
>> Senior linebackers Cepeda Phillips (93 tackles) and Mandela Lawrence-Burke (104 tackles) are back.
>> Seniors Keith Sherald and Elvis Hines are the top secondary returnees. They will be joined by Nebraska grad transfer Tony Butler.
>> The dynamic Flashes offense provided kicker Matthew Trickett with plenty of opportunities. He responded with 29 made field goals (on 34 attempts).
>> All three MAC losses were by seven points or less. The came during a three-game slide in late October and early November.