Philadelphia, PA -- (Sports Network) - 2007 SEASON IN REVIEW: The Eagles have not posted a winning season since 1995, and unfortunately the team was unable to end that streak last year. EMU has been an embarrassment on the defensive side of the ball for quite some time, and that trend continued in 2007 as the Eagles opened with two straight losses to Pittsburgh and Ball State, and were outscored by a combined margin of 65-19 in those games. Mired in a seven-game skid dating back to the '06 campaign, the Eagles finally found the win column with a thrilling 21-19 victory over Northern Illinois. After a convincing 38-15 win over Howard, the Eagles had their wings clipped in a 30-7 setback on the road against SEC foe Vanderbilt.

The losing continued for EMU, as coach Jeff Genyk's squad fell to Michigan (33-22), Ohio University (48-42) and Northwestern (26-14), dropping the team to 2-6. Horrendous defensive play was the main cause for the four-game slide, as the Eagles were pounded for an average of 34.2 ppg. However, the EMU defense put forth a shocking effort the next time out, forcing six turnovers and limiting Western Michigan to just two points in a 17-point win. That, however, was clearly an anomaly as the Eagles proceeded to loss their next two games against Toledo and Bowling Green, allowing a whopping 97 combined points in the two setbacks.

With another embarrassing season nearing the end, the Eagles took flight against Central Michigan in the finale. Shockingly, EMU was able to defeat the eventual MAC champions in a 48-45 final.

2008 ANALYSIS:

OFFENSE: The Eagles will only fly as high as Andy Schmitt takes them this fall. The junior quarterback is a dual threat and is the team's top returning rusher, gaining 279 yards last year. Obviously a true running back is needed to pace the EMU ground attack, and coach Genyk will likely turn to Terrence Blevins, who has tremendous speed to go along with a tough, thick body. Blevins has the ability to beat an opponent with his quickness, but can also pound the ball in between the tackles.

If Blevins can handle the bulk of the carries that will give Schmitt more time to work down the field and improve upon the 181 passing ypg the Eagles managed in 2007. Schmitt is accurate, having completed better than 60 percent of his passes last year, and with his top three targets back in the fold, expect the young signal caller to have a solid junior campaign. Jacory Stone is clearly the team's main receiving threat, as the junior led the team last year in receptions and yards. Along with Tyler Jones, the two wideouts should give Schmitt plenty of opportunities to succeed.

DEFENSE: The defense has been a sore spot for the Eagles time and time again, and in the last five seasons the squad has not allowed less than 26 ppg, and twice the unit surrendered more than 40 ppg. This year the unit will once again be led by linebacker Daniel Holtzclaw. The senior led the team in 2007 with 125 tackles and is clearly one of the top defensive players in the MAC. The front line has been a mess for EMU in recent years, and the squad surrendered 191 rushing ypg in '07. The Eagles do return seniors Spenser Smith and Josh Hunt, but the line will also have some inexperience with sophomores Tyler Palsrok and Adam Brockman likely starting in the season opener.

The most improved part of the Eastern Michigan defense should be the secondary, which returns all four starters. Ryan Downard made a huge splash in his rookie season last year, as the free safety collected a team-best six interceptions. Downard should continue to blossom and along with Jacob Wyatt, the Eagles could possess two of the better safeties in the MAC.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Zach Johnson began last year as the team's punter, but late in the season he also took over the kicking duties. Johnson nailed 5-of-7 FGs in his brief time in that role, including a 50-yarder. While Johnson was impressive as the team's kicker, he was even better as the punter, netting 39.2 yards per attempt. Dontayo Gage was clearly the team's top return man, as the junior averaged 23.1 ypr while finding the end zone once. Nate Beard only averaged 5.0 ypr as the team's punt returner, and considering how ineffective he was, expect to see Gage possibly take over on punt returns as well.

OUTLOOK: The Eagles fly into the new year with a much-improved offense. Schmitt is clearly a leader on the field, and is consistently making positive strides. If EMU can show a solid ground game, it could be one of the more balanced attacks in the MAC. However, the jury is out on the team's defense. This has been a problem for the Eagles over the years and although eight starters are back in the fold, this unit will likely struggle throughout the season.

The Eagles open the 2008 slate at home against Indiana State, but the defense will get its first real test the following week when the club hits the road for a clash with Michigan State. That is not the only tough matchup for Eastern Michigan, however, as the team will also face Maryland, Bowling Green, Army, Ball State, Western Michigan and Temple all away from Rynearson Stadium. Although the team should be much more potent offensively, the defense will likely be the downfall once again for EMU.