Last week, Eastern Michigan University failed to keep pace with Texas State University. The green and white fell by 25 in San Marcos to begin the new season with a loss.
This week, the Eagles return to Ypsilanti, playing in front of their home fans for the first time in 2025 at Rynearson Stadium, aiming to get their campaign back on track against the Long Island University Sharks.
LIU are coming off an equally disappointing opening game, falling to the No. 15 ranked team in the country, Florida, in “The Swamp” by a score of 55-0.
When asked if his team would overlook an “easier” opponent compared to Texas State last week, Eagles head coach Chris Creighton vehemently shut that suggestion down.
“That’s not going to be an issue,” Creighton said. “We don’t have arrogance, and even if we did, we certainly wouldn’t have it right now."
The game will mark the first for Noah Kim as the starting quarterback for the Eagles in front of his new home’s fans, with the Michigan State transfer relishing the opportunity to debut on the grey turf.
“I’m looking forward to it. I’ve heard we have a great environment here — and we’re gonna show that we can improve from Week 1 to Week 2 and give the fans a lot to look forward to,” Kim said.
In his first start for the Eagles last week, Kim completed 23 of his 34 pass attempts for 248 yards and a touchdown, establishing an early rapport with his new top pass catcher Terry Lockett Jr. along the way.
Lockett caught five of his eight targets for 62 yards in his first game donning the “Deuce," and figures to be one of the top focal points for the offense all season long.
Defensively, Eastern Michigan will have their hands full with Long Island University’s unique offensive weapon Ethan Greenwood.
Greenwood is one of the most unique players in college football. Listed as a quarterback 5 feet and 11 inches tall and 188 pounds, the redshirt junior posted over 1,000 yards passing, over 1,000 yards rushing, and over 150 receiving yards last year.
Florida was able to shut down the dynamic New York native, but Eagles head coach Creighton recognized the challenge that Eastern Michigan will have to do the same.
“We’ve been talking about discipline, specifically defensively, since back in January – and [we know] we have our work cut out for us,” Creighton said.
When asked what his message for the Ypsilanti faithful would be prior to Saturday’s home opener, Creighton offered a buoyant response.
“It’s a great environment here, and I can’t wait for the students, the community, to come see our team this year," Creighton said. "And we can’t wait to see them."
