After last Saturday’s rainout, it’s safe to say both the Gator players and fans are ready for this weekend’s matchup against Eastern Michigan. The Eagles enter the game 1-0 after a close three-point win over Morgan State.
Aside from the viral video of the team attempting to knock down cinder blocks before running onto their field, Eastern Michigan is relatively unknown to Florida fans. Because of that, SDS brought in Michael Niziolek to talk about the Eagles and what fans can expect from them in The Swamp on Saturday.
Here’s what he had to say.
Drew Laing: First off, tell us about smashing the cinder blocks team entrance from last weekend. Where did the idea come from?
Michael Niziolek: Not sure who exactly had the idea specifically, but it stems from the blue collar image first-year coach Chris Creighton is trying to instill. It also is sort of a thematic link to the debut of its new gray field turf, which Creighton admits is supposed to look like concrete, and the new nickname for Rynearson Stadium “The Factory.”
I wrote a column about the entrance video getting picked up by other outlets.
Laing: EMU’s offensive coordinator Kalen DeBoer is in his first year with the Eagles. He made quite a splash last weekend in his debut by running 86 plays. Could you describe their offensive system and if it’s comparable to any system in the Power 5 conference?
Niziolek: Eastern Michigan wants to run a lot of plays, that’s the vocal point of DeBeor’s offense. He is also intent on using a lot of different formations, and personnel packages. I’m not sure you will see 86 run plays every week, I think they want to be able to take some shots down field in the passing game, but they will continue to use the no-huddle to push the tempo on teams.
Laing: All three of Morgan State’s touchdowns against EMU last weekend came on big passing plays. Is the secondary a primary area of concern for the Eagles this season?
Niziolek: Yes, yes and yes. The Eagles secondary struggled all last season, and while they have switched to a 3-4 defense there are still some issues. Coach Creighton called them alignment problems in his post-game press conference, but there were some missed assignments as well. I don’t think the secondary issues are going to disappear anytime soon.
Laing: I noticed in EMU’s box score from last week that Brogran Roback and true freshman Reginald Bell Jr. saw time at quarterback. Is there still no official starter named or does EMU prefer to play with two quarterbacks?
Niziolek: Reginald Bell was named the official starter for week one. Creightson said he was shaken up with a leg injury in the second half against Morgan State, so they went to Roback. It’s a little bit up in the air, but Monday Bell was still listed as No. 1 on the depth chart. Roback seemed like the favorite to win the job going into the season, but Bell’s athleticism helped him win the coaching staff over. It’s definitely possible Florida will see two quarterbacks Saturday.
Laing: Who are the impact guys for EMU that Florida fans should keep an eye on?
Niziolek: Defensive lineman Pat O’Connor had an impressive opening game with 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks. The junior co-captain is one of the most talented players on the defensive side of the ball. All three of EMU’s running backs are talented with Bronson Hill leading that group.
Laing: Florida has always placed an emphasis on special teams, especially since Urban Meyer. Special teams played a big part in EMU’s win over Morgan State with a blocked punt and a blocked field goal. Was that something new head coach Chris Creighton stressed when he took the job? Impacting the game via special teams?
Niziolek: Yes, he said before the season that the special teams group was probably the most ready to start the season. Outside of a missed field goal, and one mistake fielding a punt, it was a really good day for the unit. It might be a small phase of the game, but when a team is installing a new offense and defense, making impact plays on special teams is a good way to overcome mistakes in other phases of the game.
Laing: What’s your prediction for Saturday? Does EMU have the ability to give Florida a close game?
Niziolek: This is a tough challenge for Creighton and his team, especially in week two. If they can keep within two touchdowns in the first half, and prevent it from being a blowout, I think EMU can hold its head up high.
A huge thank you to Michael for participating!
The Gators and Eagles square off in The Swamp this Saturday at 4 p.m. EST. The game will be televised on the SEC Network.
