Paul Johnson Fears 1-8 Eastern Michigan

I know what your thinking. Eastern Michigan, no big deal right? I mean geez, the perennial MAC bottom dwellers hardly even qualify as a Division I-A school, right? And it sure stands to reason that the nation's top rushing team (Navy, of course) would be able to have it's way with the nation's seventh worst rushing defense (191.6 ypg), doesn't it?

Well apparently not, at least according to Navy head coach Paul Johnson, who shows once again he is the master at talking struggling teams up to unimaginable heights. Here's what the fifth year head coach had to say Monday in regards to EMU:

I think they [Eastern Michigan] have had a tough year as far as wins and losses go, but when you turn the tape on they have been in almost every game and they have lost some real heartbreakers. Western Michigan, who is going to play Central Michigan for that half of the MAC Championship, beat them right at the end by three I think, they lost to Central Michigan by seven in overtime after leading most of the game, they just lost to Ohio, who it looks like is going to win the East side of the MAC, 16-10 on Saturday, so they have lost a lot of close games. They have played a lot of low scoring games. If you look they have some pretty good stats on defense. It's going to be a tough game for us.

I will of course admit that Johnson is right in regards to the fact Eastern Michigan has been competitive and could give Navy trouble on Saturday, but let's not mince words when talking about this EMU team. "Struggling" might be a bit of an understatement, as the Eagles have gone 1-8 and retained their position as a charter member of ESPN's Bottom Ten. Just from looking over their roster, it's obvious the Eagles have some talent, but they've been marred by inconsistent defensive play and almost nonexistent offensive play. What worries me about this EMU team is that it has nothing to lose, and that playing on a pro field in front of a larger then normal audience may awaken some hidden energy and/or ability in the Eagles. Considering Navy has just achieved Bowl eligibility, the Mids are going to have to show they've come prepared for this game and avoid a letdown. If Eastern Michigan seizes the momentum early, things could get way too close for comfort.