Here are some notes and links to a variety of MAC-related items . . . (CLICK READ MORE TO CONTINUE)
UB’s Johnson gets another year
Senior Raheem Johnson has been approved for a medical hardship waiver by the Mid-American Conference office and has been granted an extra year of eligibility for 2016-17.
The Detroit, MI native played in just one game in 2015-16 before suffering a season-ending foot injury. He saw 16 minutes of action and had four points and seven rebounds at Iowa State.
In Johnson's first year at UB, he was an important bench piece on Buffalo's first MAC Championship squad as he played in all 33 games, leading the team in blocked shots.
A medical redshirt is available to student-athletes who suffer a season-ending injury before the halfway point of the season and before the player competes in at least 30 percent of his team's games or three contests, whichever is greater.
Spring practice Monday, March 28, had a different feel for the Eastern Michigan University football team as it took place inside Ford Field, the home of the NFL's Detroit Lions. The two-hour practice marked the Eagles' ninth practice of the spring and featured the squad working on individual development along with segments of 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.
"As we're maturing and growing as a program, this was great for opportunity,” said third-year head coach Chris Creighton on the trip to Detroit.
"It's good for the players and something that motivates everyone – whether it's playing at that next level, in a bowl game or for the MAC Championship," added redshirt-junior quarterback Brogan Roback.
The helmets and shoulder pads-only practice was open to the general public with hundreds in the stands and on the field to take in the event, which was held at the site of the Mid-American Conference Championship as well as the Quick Lane Bowl.
Eastern Michigan has had a long-standing relationship with Ford Field as the Eagles previous hosted games in the venue from 2004 to 2007. The inaugural Collegiate Clash was held, Nov. 6, 2004, when the Eagles recorded a 61-58 four-overtime victory over Mid-American West Division rival Central Michigan.
Toledo to install new FieldTurf
TOLEDO, OH - The University of Toledo will begin installation of a new FieldTurf playing surface in the Glass Bowl following the conclusion of spring football practice.
The new FieldTurf surface is called Revolution 360, and features the latest in cutting-edge playing surface technology. The new surface will replace a FieldTurf surface that was installed in 2008. The Rockets will make their debut on the new field in their home opener vs. Maine on Sept. 10.
“We are very pleased that we will have an outstanding new FieldTurf surface ready for the 2016 season,” said O’Brien. “Our new field will help the Glass Bowl maintain its reputation as one of the truly outstanding college football stadiums in the country.”
The Glass Bowl was built in 1936 and had a grass playing field until Astroturf was installed in 1974. The Rockets stuck with Astroturf until 2001 when a new surface called Nexturf made its debut. That surface was replaced by Field Turf in 2008.