| 2008 overall record: 3-9 2008 conference record: 2-6  Returning starters Offense: 8, defense: 8, punter/kicker: 2 Top returners QB Andy Schmitt, RB Terrence Blevins, WR Jacory Stone, TE Josh LeDuc, C Eric Davis, S Ryan Downard, S Chris May, DL Brad Ohrman, LB Jermaine Jenkins, LB Andre Hatchett Key losses DB Lyle Garrison, DB Dwayne Harrison, LB Daniel Holtzclaw, WR Tyler Jones, OL T.J. Lang, S Jacob Wyatt 2008 statistical leaders (* returners) Rushing: Terrence Blevins* (575 yards)
Passing: Andy Schmitt* (2,644 yards)
Receiving: Jacory Stone* (943 yards)
Tackles: Daniel Hotzclaw (107)
Sacks: Brad Ohrman* (11.0)
Interceptions: Jermaine Jenkins* (2) Spring answers | 2009 Schedule | | Sept. 5 Army
Sept. 12 at Northwestern
Sept. 19 at Michigan
Oct. 3 Temple
Oct. 10 at Central Michigan
Oct. 17 Kent State
Oct. 24 Ball State
Oct. 31 at Arkansas
Nov. 5 at Northern Illinois
Nov. 14 Western Michigan
Nov. 20 at Toledo
Nov. 27 at Akron | | | 1. EMU ended on an offensive high note: The Eagles went into the spring riding a high after defeating Central Michigan in the final game of the season. The offense was strong all season and with all of the key cogs returning, should be among the best in the conference this year. 2. Offensive line holds it down: The offensive line lost star T.J. Lang, but should still be the anchor of the offense this season. It helped Eastern Michigan average almost 418 yards of total offense last year. 3. Running wild: The running game should be solid as the Eagles four top rushers from 2008 return, led by starter Terrence Blevins. The running game also should be more involved under new head coach Ron English. Fall questions 1. Defense still a problem: Although several members from last year's defense return, it's still lacking in size and experience to keep up with some of the offenses in the MAC. That will put even more pressure on the Eagles' offense. 2. Getting tough: English tried to instill a tougher mentality in his defense in an effort to compensate for its lack of size. Not sure how that will transfer on the field come September. 3. A punt problem: Eastern Michigan had the worst punting game in the nation last year, averaging just over 29 yards per punt. Starter Zach Johnson was a Ray Guy nominee his first two seasons, but was plagued by injuries last year, which contributed to the Eagles punting problems. | 
Watson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Missouri Tigers and the Big 12 Conference for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. She also covered college football recruiting for the Dallas Morning News.
