Tag: Eastern Michigan

Eastern Michigan’s Jalin Billingsley drops Akron with a stealthy game-sealing putback dunk

“SLAM DUNK! BILLINGSLEY! EASTERN MICHIGAN!”

Oh, baby. March Madness hasn’t arrived yet, but the madness — pun absolutely intended — is already starting. Eastern Michigan men’s basketball team put away Akron with a filthy putback dunk that you have to see to believe.

Listen, we’re big fans of wild ways to end games. The more chaotic, the better. That’s why Jalin Billingsley of Eastern Michigan deserves a ton of praise for the guts it took to pull off a game-winning putback dunk for the win — see what we did there? — over Akron with 1.9 seconds left in regulation.

The matchup was down to the wire. With the clock moving lightning fast, Billingsley’s teammate Arne Osojnik tried to sink Akron with a clutch 3-point basket. But, it rimmed out. The crowd was already celebrating what they likely thought was a victory when Jalin came flying in, seemingly out of nowhere, with a timely left-handed bucket. The Eastern Michigan bench immediately exploded, and Akron fans, with hands on their heads in disbelief, went noticeably quiet.

Feature image courtesy of ESPN.

College golf facilities: Eastern Michigan Eagles and GameAbove Golf Performance Center

Check out Eastern Michigan’s GameAbove Golf Performance Center.

Eastern Michigan held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the GameAbove Golf Performance Center at Eagle Crest Golf Course on Jan. 16, 2024.

The two-story facility, perched elegantly overlooking the 18th green and Ford Lake, was made possible through an $8 million gift from GameAbove, a dedicated group of Eastern Michigan alumni. The facility stands as a testament to EMU’s commitment to excellence in collegiate golf. This state-of-the-art training complex, spanning 13,000 square feet, is designed to propel the Eastern men’s and women’s golf teams to new heights of success. With locker rooms, meeting spaces, indoor putting and chipping areas, and cutting-edge simulators, the facility provides an unparalleled training environment for all elements of the game.

The building features a dedicated practice range, spanning 6,619 square feet, which offers student-athletes the opportunity to hone their skills with targeted training sessions. A specialized area covering 5,383 square feet has been designated for chipping and putting, ensuring that every aspect of the game is meticulously addressed in the training regimen. Additionally, the inclusion of two TrackMan 4 Simulators, totaling 1,974 square feet, adds a cutting-edge dimension to the training experience. These simulators bring the outdoor game indoors, allowing for precision training regardless of external conditions.

Here’s a look at more college golf practice facilities.

Photos: GameAbove Golf Performance Center

Kalen DeBoer, Josh Heupel’s 2016 head-to-head matchup totaled 1,075 yards

A look back at Kalen DeBoer and Josh Heupel’s head-to-head matchup in 2016 that totaled 1,075 yards.

Kalen DeBoer was introduced as Alabama’s head coach on Saturday.

He replaces Nick Saban who retired as the Crimson Tide’s head coach.

“Following coach Saban is an honor,” DeBoer said. “He has been the standard for college football, and his success is unprecedented. I would not have left Washington for just any school. The chance to lead the football program at the University of Alabama is the opportunity of a lifetime. My family and I feel truly blessed and look forward to becoming a part of the Tuscaloosa community.”

DeBoer served as head coach at Washington (2022-23), Fresno State (2020-21) and Sioux Falls (2005-09), compiling a 104-12 record and winning three NAIA national championships.

DeBoer also served as an offensive coordinator at Southern Illinois (2010-13), Eastern Michigan (2014-16), Fresno State (2017-18) and Indiana (2019).

While at Eastern Michigan, DeBoer and the Eagles played at Missouri in 2016. Josh Heupel was in his first season as Missouri’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach during the 2016 campaign.

The Tigers hosted Eastern Michigan on Sept. 10, winning 61-21. The 2016 matchup is the only one with the two offensive coaches from South Dakota facing each other.

Below are DeBoer and Heupel’s offenses by the numbers in the 2016 Eastern Michigan-Missouri matchup. The two offensive coaches combined to total 1,075 yards.

Eastern Michigan coach Stephanie Jennings takes on historic role at Michigan PGA

Jennings is the 10th woman to serve as a president of one of the 41 sections of the PGA of America.

Stephanie Jennings recently became the first female president in the 100-year history of the Michigan PGA. The Eastern Michigan University coach is only the 10th woman to serve as president of one of the 41 sections of the PGA of America.

“I feel it’s an honor that my fellow PGA members look to me to be their leader,” said Jennings, a mother of two who has been a member of the PGA of America since 2007.

Some of Jennings’ goals for the 800-member organization include growing the Michigan PGA’s foundation by creating a foundation board. She’d also like to eliminate the current waiting list of veterans across the state who wish to get involved in the PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) program, which introduces golf to those who have served as well as active-duty military. The Michigan PGA currently works with about 1,200 military members across the state. There are around 350 military members on the waiting list.

“To me, one person on the waiting list is too many,” said Jennings.

Another longer-term goal is to find a way to re-introduce golf into P.E. classes at schools across the state.

Jennings was part of the inaugural recruiting class for the Eastern Michigan women’s golf program and was the 1998 Mid-American Conference Golfer of the Year. After graduation, she worked as an assistant professional at several courses, including Meadowbrook Country Club.

During that time, she invited LPGA founder Shirley Spork to the club for a luncheon. It was Meadowbrook that offered Spork an honorary membership in the 1940s so that she could participate in high-level events across the country that required a club affiliation.

When Jennings became head coach at Eastern Michigan in 2018, she carried on that relationship with Spork, who won the first National Collegiate Championship in 1947 while attending Eastern Michigan. A teacher at heart, Spork helped found the LPGA’s teaching division in 1959.

After Jennings got the Eastern job, she took the team out to Palm Desert, California, to meet Spork and benefit from lifelong lessons. Now Jennings is blazing her own trail at the Michigan PGA with the memory of Spork’s impact as fuel.

Eastern Michigan women’s golf team with late LPGA Founder Shirley Spork. (courtesy photo)

When Spork died last April, Jennings was invited to the pioneer’s California home, where she was given Eastern Michigan memorabilia that will be on display at the school’s new indoor golf facility, set to open in early December.

To combat the winter months, an inventive Spork used to go into the wrestling room when she was a student at Eastern and put mats on the wall so she could hit balls.

Spork’s commitment to growing the game extended into her latter years when she began an endowment at Eastern Michigan to help the golf program. Part of that fund enabled Jennings to hire an assistant coach.

Those on the current team who never had the chance to meet Spork compete in a tournament that bears her name each fall.

“My team understands that as a female back in the 1940s and 50s, it just wasn’t given to you,” said Jennings.

“Keeping her legacy going is what’s really important to me.”

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Emoni Bates confirms future pre-draft visit with the Thunder

Emoni Bates will meet with the Thunder for a pre-draft visit, per @BasketballGuruD

The 2023 NBA draft lottery is officially over, as it confirmed the Oklahoma City Thunder will pick No. 12 in the first round of the draft.

It’s also draft combine week, which means all of the top prospects are gathered in Chicago, Ill. This means that most players will likely be asked who they’ve worked out and met with so far.

According to BSO’s Daniel Bell, the Thunder plan on meeting with Eastern Michigan forward Emoni Bates in the near future for a pre-draft visit and workout.

Most know Bates’ story by now. After being one of the most highly-touted high school prospects ever, the 19-year-old struggled in his first season at Memphis in 2021-22, which forced him to transfer to Eastern Michigan.

In 30 games last season, Bates averaged 19.2 points on 40.5% shooting, 5.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists. He also shot 33% from 3 on 7.7 attempts.

While he never developed into the blue-chip prospect most thought he would, Bates could be a nice second-round gamble. For the Thunder, they’ll likely get a shot to draft him at No. 37.

The 2023 NBA draft is scheduled to happen on Thursday, June 22. A full list of prospects who’ve met with the Thunder can be read here.

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Eastern Michigan vs San Jose State Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Prediction Game Preview

Eastern Michigan vs San Jose State game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on Tuesday, December 20

Eastern Michigan vs San Jose State prediction, game preview, odds, how to watch. Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, Tuesday, December 20

Eastern Michigan vs San Jose State Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Prediction Game Preview

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Eastern Michigan vs San Jose State How To Watch

Date: Tuesday, December 20
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Venue: Albertsons Stadium, Boise, ID
How To Watch: ESPN
Record: Eastern Michigan (8-4), San Jose State (7-4)
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Eastern Michigan vs San Jose State Famous Idaho Potato Bowl 5 Things To Know

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Prediction, What’s Going To Happen, History

– There was a moment when it seemed like San Jose State would be the star of the Mountain West, and possibly be in the run for a New Year’s Six spot. It started 4-1 with a close loss at Auburn, and was 6-2 with the conference there for the taking. Even with a tough 1-2 finish, this is still a fun team with QB Chevan Cordeiro leading a strong offense to go along with one of the nation’s most aggressive defenses.

– Eastern Michigan couldn’t find the slightest bit of consistency over the first two months, but the team found ways to get the job done in a phenomenal finishing kick. Just when it seemed like the wheels might come off, it went 4-1 to close. All of a sudden, the inconsistent team was able to consistently win.

– This is just the seventh bowl game in the history of Eastern Michigan football – it hasn’t exactly been a lot of fun. The program is 1-5, losing the last four under head coach Chris Creighton including last year’s LendingTree to Liberty 56-20. However, the lone win came in the 1987 California Bowl against …

– San Jose State. It might have lost to the Eagles in 1987, but it’s 7-4 overall in bowls and 4-1 since the loss. Bowl games are hardly a regular thing, though, with a 34-13 loss to Ball State in the 2020 Arizona Bowl – the Spartans were missing a ton of players with COVID – the last appearance since wining the 2015 Cure.

– The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl has been rolling since 1997 when it was called the Humanitarian Bowl. The game is way overdue for something interesting with the last six decided by nine points or more. To be fair, though, there were some insane shootouts – like the Idaho 61-50 win over Colorado State in 2016. For the most part, though, this has been one of the most lopsided bowls over the last decade.

CFN Bowl Expert Picks: Dec 16-19 | Dec 20-27

Why Eastern Michigan Will Win The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

The Eagle offense is relatively steady on the ground, has a good passing attack at times, and it’s not turning the ball over enough lately to matter with just two turnovers in the last five games.

Against San Jose State’s defense, just keep things moving. It’ll hold up well and force more field goals than allow touchdowns on long drives, but it’s not great on third downs. Eastern Michigan was the best in the MAC at converting its third down chances hitting 45% of its tries.

On the other side, the Eagle pass defense is in the spotlight. It finished second in the MAC, and the team was 6-1 when allowing fewer than 240 passing yards.

There’s a decent pass rush that shouldn’t have a problem getting into the backfield – San Jose State doesn’t have a ground game and the line allows too many sacks.

However …

Why San Jose State Will Win The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

The San Jose State defensive front lives behind the line.

It’s among the best in the nation in both sacks and tackles for loss, and it should be able to get to the Eastern Michigan backfield enough to be a problem.

On the flip side, the Eagles don’t do much on the offensive front. San Jose State doesn’t do much with the ground game, but it should be able to grind a wee bit – it’s more about yards per carry than bulk yards.

Again, Eastern Michigan has been solid at keeping the turnovers to a minimum lately, but it’s dead even in turnover margin on the season and San Jose State is +12, has yet to turn the ball over more than once, and it doesn’t have the penalty issues the other side has.

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Prediction, What’s Going To Happen, History

NEXT: What’s Going To Happen, Eastern Michigan vs San Jose State Prediction, Famous Idaho Potato Bowl History

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Central Michigan vs Eastern Michigan Prediction Game Preview

Central Michigan vs Eastern Michigan game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 13 game on Friday, November 25

Central Michigan vs Eastern Michigan prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 13, Friday, November 25

Central Michigan vs Eastern Michigan Prediction Game Preview

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Central Michigan vs Eastern Michigan How To Watch

Date: Friday, November 25
Game Time: 12:00 ET
Venue: Rynearson Stadium, Ypsilanti, MI
How To Watch: CBS Sports Network
Record: Central Michigan (4-7), Eastern Michigan (7-4)
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Why Central Michigan Will Win

It’s a cliché, but it fits.

This is Central Michigan’s bowl game.

It was a wildly weird and disappointing season, but the team was on a nice roll of three wins in four games before the power outage 12-10 loss to Western Michigan with just 253 yards and no luck whatsoever.

Eastern Michigan has gotten by week after week even after having a slew of problems with penalties, third down stops, and generating pressure in the backfield.

It’s all about the ground game. Central Michigan is 4-0 when it gets past 160 rushing yards and 0-7 when it doesn’t.

Eastern Michigan allowed more than 160 yards five times, but …

– Bowl Projections | Bowl Bubble: Who’s Bowl Eligible?

Why Eastern Michigan Will Win

Again, Eastern Michigan has bene able to get over its issues to find ways to win.

The turnovers chilled out over the second half of the year, the penalties haven’t been a killer, and the offense ends up coming through when it has to. On the flip side, Central Michigan has a way to screwing up when it can’t afford to.

The 11 penalties and three fumbles against Western Michigan were a killer, there were three or more turnovers in four games, and the offensive punch hasn’t been there on a consistent basis.

However …

– Week 13 College Football Schedule, Game Previews

What’s Going To Happen

Eastern Michigan is amazing offensively on third downs – it’s No. 1 in the MAC in conversion percentage – and Central Michigan leads the league in third down D.

The Chippewas are playing with their backfield to find the right combination of young parts to build around for next year, and they’ll find success early on.

Eastern Michigan will get back into it, but the Central Michigan running game will be too much.

– Expert Picks College Week 12 | NFL Week 11

Central Michigan vs Eastern Michigan Prediction, Line

Central Michigan 30, Eastern Michigan 26
Line: Central Michigan -1.5, o/u: 54.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 1.5
Central Michigan vs Eastern Michigan Must See Rating (out of 5): 2

CFN 1-131 Rankings | Rankings by Conference
Path to the Playoff: 7 teams still in the race 

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– Bowl Projections | Rankings

Eastern Michigan vs Kent State Prediction Game Preview

Eastern Michigan vs Kent State game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 12 game on Wednesday, November 16

Eastern Michigan vs Kent State prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 12, Wednesday, November 16

Eastern Michigan vs Kent State Prediction, Game Preview

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CFN 1-131 Rankings | Rankings by Conference
Bowl Projections | Expert Picks Week 12
Week 12 Schedule, Predictions | Bowl Bubble
Path to the Playoff: 9 teams still in the race
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Eastern Michigan vs Kent State How To Watch

Date: Wednesday, November 16
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Venue: Dix Stadium, Kent, OH
How To Watch: ESPN2
Record: Eastern Michigan (6-4), Kent State (4-6)
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Why Eastern Michigan Will Win

Eastern Michigan is bowl eligible, and now it’s time to have some fun and secure a spot. Six wins made the program eligible. Seven wins would all but cement a bowl.

It’s not like the team is doing anything amazing, but it’s phenomenally consistent lately. It’s going to throw for just under 200 yards, it’ll run for around 120 yards, and it’ll be great to keep things moving and control the clock.

As always, Kent State doesn’t care about possession time – it’s called the FlashFast style for a reason – but in this, EMU grinding it out a bit against a D that can’t stop teams from moving the chains will matter.

However …

– Bowl Projections

Why Kent State Will Win

Kent State needs this win and it’s about to pull out all the offensive stops.

It needs to win this and beat Buffalo to get bowl eligible, and there’s still a path to winning the East if everyone else melts down.

Basically, in terms of desperation, Kent State is there.

It’s this simple. Kent State wins when it runs wild – it’s 3-0 when running for 230 yards or more and 1-6 when it doesn’t – and Eastern Michigan is 0-3 against FBS teams when it allows 230 yards or more.

– Schedules, Predictions College | NFL

What’s Going To Happen

Kent State will run for over 230 yards as it plays well at home and keeps the mistakes to a minimum.

Eastern Michigan will be balanced and it won’t screw up enough to give away a slew of easy points off of field position, but it won’t matter.

Being at home will matter for the Golden Flashes – the O will be a wee bit sharper – even though Eastern Michigan is terrific on the road.

– Expert Picks College Week 12 | NFL Week 11

Eastern Michigan vs Kent State Prediction, Line

Kent State 34, Eastern Michigan 30
Line: Kent State -7.5, o/u: 61.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2
Eastern Michigan vs Kent State Must See Rating (out of 5): 2.5
– All the game previews & predictions

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– Bowl Projections | Rankings
– Schedules, Scores For All 131 Teams

What Juwan Howard said after Michigan basketball beat Eastern Michigan

#Michigan is 2-0 and Washtenaw County champs! #GoBlue

DETROIT — For the second game of the season, and a nonconference one against a Power Five team at that, there was drama for Michigan basketball.

Yes, Eastern Michigan is in the Mid-American Conference, and the Wolverines were expected to be big winners, but the Eagles had a force to be reckoned with, former five-star Emoni Bates, who scored 30 against the maize and blue. However, Hunter Dickinson came alive for Michigan in the second half, while Terrance Williams II had his first career double-double, to help lift the maize and blue, 88-83, at Little Caesar’s Arena.

After the game, head coach Juwan Howard spoke about the team’s adjustments, Bates, and what he liked about the win to elevate the Wolverines to 2-0. Here is everything he had to say.

Five takeaways: Michigan basketball vs. Eastern Michigan

What an entertaining game! #GoBlue

The 1-0 Michigan Wolverines went to Little Caesars Arena in Detroit to take on Eastern Michigan and Emoni Bates.

The Wolverines defeated Eastern Michigan 88-83 in a very entertaining game that went back and forth during all 40-minutes of play.

The Wolverines leaned on their big man Hunter Dickinson who scored 31 points and was able to do whatever he wanted in the paint. But Michigan struggled on the defensive end of the court and the Wolverines’ free throw shooting hindered them on Friday.

But the maize and blue were able to get some crucial stops at the end of the game and were able to hit a few free throws to seal the deal. Michigan now moves to 2-0 on the season and its next game will come next Wednesday against Pittsburgh.

Here are our five takeaways from the win.