FACTS & STATS: Site: Rynearson Stadium (30,200) -- Ypsilanti, Michigan. Television: None. Home Record: CMU 4-1, EMU 1-3. Away Record: CMU 4-2, EMU 1-6. Neutral Record: CMU 0-0, EMU 0-0. Conference Record: CMU 6-1, EMU 1-6. Series Record: Central Michigan leads, 53-26-6.

GAME NOTES: Jeff Genyk will coach his final game at Eastern Michigan when the Eagles host the Central Michigan Chippewas this Friday afternoon in a Mid- American Conference tilt at Rynearson Stadium. The Chippewas return to action for the first time since falling to Ball State, 31-24 on November 19th. The loss snapped a six-game winning streak for CMU, and also left the team behind Ball State in the West Division of the MAC. However, with a win this Friday it would be the first time since 1994 that the Chippewas collected nine victories in a season. As for the Eagles, it has been a rough season, which was capped off with the firing of coach Genyk. Genyk, who will be on the sideline this Friday, recorded a terrible 15-42 ledger in five seasons at EMU, and that includes an equally poor 12-26 mark against MAC foes. This year the team has lost nine of its 11 matchups, and heads into this contest with a five-game losing skid. The last time EMU was on the field the team suffered a rough, 55-52 loss to Temple. With respect to the all-time series, the Chippewas have a commanding 53-26-6 edge over EMU. However, the Eagles have won three of the last four matchups.

The Chippewas possess one of the more potent offensive units in the MAC, and come into this contest averaging 415.5 total ypg, and that has led to a solid 28.3 ppg. The real success for this unit however, has been the passing attack, as the team is producing 285.1 ypg through the air. Quarterback Dan LeFevour has struggled with some injuries this year, but the signal caller has still thrown for 2,153 yards and 15 touchdowns against just four interceptions. On top of his passing efforts, LeFevour is also pacing the team with 525 rushing yards and has five rushing TDs as well. In the loss to Ball State the Chippewas exploded for 466 total yards, but it still was not enough to push CMU past the Cardinals. LeFevour threw for 345 yards and two touchdowns in the contest, while also pacing the ground game with 75 yards on 24 attempts.

Unfortunately the Chippewas have not enjoyed much success on the defensive side of the football, as the squad is surrendering 406.8 total ypg, and that has led to 28.5 ppg. CMU has allowed 20 rushing TDs on the year, but the real area of concern has come against the pass, as opponents are torching the Chippewas for 264.7 ypg through the air. Central Michigan has only forced 14 turnovers on the year, but has been able to pressure the quarterback, racking up 29 sacks on the season. In the setback to Ball State, the Chippewas were blasted by the Cardinals' ground game, allowing 232 yards on 5.9 ypc. However, all four scores by BSU came through the air. Nick Bellore led the way for CMU with 12 tackles, while Bobby Seay added 10 stops in the loss.

Although the Eagles only have two victories on the season the team has been surprisingly consistent on offense. Eastern Michigan is currently production 399.5 total ypg, but that has led to a mediocre 23.0 ppg. The Eagles main source of success has come from the ground game, which is churning out 152.5 ypg, and out of the 32 touchdowns scored by this unit, 20 have come via the run. Terrence Blevins and Dwayne Priest have been a solid combination out of the backfield for EMU, as Blevins has rushed for 570 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Priest has contributed 475 yards and five scores. Surprisingly, in the team's recent contest against Temple, the Eagles tallied 552 total yards, however, only 68 came on the ground. Andy Schmitt had an outstanding performance in the loss, as the signal caller threw for 484 yards and three scores, while also rushing for two more touchdowns.

The downfall to the season can be pinned on the performance of the defensive unit, which has been atrocious. Eastern Michigan has been unable to stop the run or pass, as teams are pounding the Eagles for 198.1 ypg on the ground, while torching the defense for another 197.2 ypg through the air. The defense has allowed 48 touchdowns on the season, and that has led to 34.1 ppg surrendered. Eastern Michigan has also been unable to force big plays, collecting just 17 turnovers, while recording only 14 sacks. In the recent loss to Temple, the Eagles were unable to stop the pass, as EMU was torched for 370 yards and six touchdowns through the air. Jacob Wyatt led the way with 10 tackles in the loss, while Daniel Holtzclaw added nine stops.

The Eagles have been dreadful defensively since day one of the season, and the team's woes on that side of the football should translate into a big game for LeFevour and company.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Central Michigan 38, Eastern Michigan 21

Friday, November 28th, 12:00 p.m. (et)