The Eastern Michigan Eagles and the Old Dominion Monarchs head south to Nassau, Bahamas to settle their differences in the 3rd addition of the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl. The contest is scheduled for Friday, December 23rd and the game between the two programs is set to get started at 1 p.m. ET. The match-up will be telecast on the ESPN Network. Las Vegas insiders now have the Monarchs as a -4 point favorite and game’s total rests at 64.
Believe it or not, this is the third year in a row that these two programs will be matched-up. In 2014, Eastern Michigan fell on the road to Old dominion 17-3. Last year, for the Eagles home opener, the Monarchs again came away triumphant 38-34.
Eastern Michigan (7-5):
The Eastern Michigan Eagles will be playing in their first bowl game since 1987. The last time the Eagles competed in a bowl game, the club was known as the Huron’s. That season, they defeated the San Jose State Spartans 30-27, in the California Bowl. That victory was the only time the program has ever won a bowl game.
The Eagles finished the regular season on a positive note, with a come-from-behind 26-21 victory over Central Michigan. Third-year head coach Chris Creighton, is overseeing a program that hadn’t won more than two contests since 2011. Last year, Eastern Michigan went 1-11 so this year has been an amazing turnaround.
Quarterback Ben Roback will need to be at his best if he hopes to guide his team to a victory over a salty and experienced Monarchs team. Since taking over for starter Todd Porter, Roback has completed 193 passes for almost 2,400 yards with 16 touchdowns and six picks.
Tail back Ian Eriksen has been the offense out of the back field for the Eagles in 2016. The stout running back has rumbled for 741 yards on 175 carries and has nine touchdowns to show for his efforts. Unfortunately, Eriksen did not play in their last victory over Central Michigan and he is listed as questionable for this island contest.
Three wide outs handle the pass catching duties for the Eastern Michigan Eagles. Together, the trio has reeled in 133 passes for over 1,800 yards and 14 scores. Tight end Nigel Kilby has pitched in as well. The 6’7, 240 pound back has 34 catches for 437 yards and four scores.
On the other side of the ball, Eastern Michigan continues to struggle to shut-down opposing offenses this season. They are 84th in the nation, allowing 435 yards a contest. The Eagles are especially bad against the pass, surrendering 270.8 yards a game, which is 113th in the country.
Old Dominion (9-3):
Meanwhile, Old dominion completed their stellar season on a five-game win streak, tying Western Kentucky in the Conference USA’s East division. However, Western Kentucky beat the Monarchs and laid claim to the conference title. This will be Old Dominions first bowl game since moving up to the FBS.
Following their last victory win over Florida International, head coach Bobby Wilder called quarterback David Washington Old Dominion’s MVP. The senior signal-caller is a major reason why the Monarchs won nine games and posted its best record since moving to the big leagues.
Coming into this match-up, David Washington paced head coach Bobby Wilder’s offense by throwing for 2,649 yards with 28 touchdown tosses with just four interceptions.
The Monarchs are a balanced ball club and running back Ray Lawry takes the lions share of the hand-offs from David Washington. This season, the productive tail back has gained 1,143 yards and 11 trips to the back of the end zone. Teammate Jeremy Cox cannot be overlooked, rushing for another 685 yards and a team-high 13 scores.
Like Eastern Michigan, three productive receivers catch the majority of balls for Old Dominion. Together, they have racked-up 136 grabs for almost 2,000 yards with 25 touchdown catches. Zach Pascal leads this trio with 63 catches for almost 900 yards and eight scores.
Defensively, the Monarchs have been a nice surprise in 2016. They focused on their front seven during the spring and it’s paid off throughout the year. Old Dominion is 50th in the nation allowing 155.2 yards per game. Linebacker T.J. Ricks, had 93 tackles, two forced fumbles and two recovered fumbles, to lead this unit.
Trends and Notes:
The Eagles are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
The Monarchs are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
The Under is 8-2 in the Eagles last 10 games overall.
The Over is 13-5-1 in the Monarchs last 19 games overall.
173 points have been put up in the two Popeyes Bahama Bowl games.
The Western Michigan Broncos rowed the boat to victory here in last years Popeyes Bahama Bowl, 45-31 over Middle Tennessee State.
Game Prediction:
Eastern Michigan’s dream season culminates in sunny Nassau against a foe they will be playing for the third time in three years. Last years game against each other will be more indicative of how these teams will play each other this time around.
The Monarchs are a senior laden team that has competed fiercely throughout the 2016 season. That will not change in the Popeyes Bahama Bowl. The Monarchs will find plenty of ways to score against an Eagle defense that has been shaky down the stretch.
I believe that Ian Eriksen will find a way to play with the extended time that he has been given to heal. When he is in the line-up, the Eagles are balanced and create a lot of offense. That is enough to score points on the Monarchs.
Both Popeyes Bahama Bowl games have been high scoring affairs and this one won’t be any different. Take the over 64 and if your a spread bettor, think dog and take the Eagles to cover the +4.
Either way you chose to play, go HERE to place your wager.
