Long Island vs Eastern Michigan prediction and analysis
Matchup Overview
On September 6, 2025, the Long Island University Sharks will face off against the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Rynearson Stadium. Both teams enter this contest off tough opening losses, but this game offers a chance for either squad to bounce back early in the college football season.
Team Performance & Recent Form
- Long Island University Sharks: The Sharks struggled last season under coach Ron Cooper, finishing 4-8 overall with a 3-3 conference record, hindered by a challenging six-game losing streak to start the campaign. They’re still finding their footing, evident in their season opener, a 55-0 defeat to Florida where the offensive production was minimal (86 total yards). Quarterback Ethan Greenwood was limited in the passing game and the run game lacked consistency.
- Eastern Michigan Eagles: The Eagles ended last season with a 5-7 record and a disappointing 2-6 finish in Mid-American Conference play. Their season also started with promise, winning five of their first seven games before faltering in the final stretch. The 52-27 loss to Texas State in their opener exposed defensive vulnerabilities, as Texas State racked up over 600 yards, with an especially dominant rushing attack.
Key Player Insights
- Eastern Michigan quarterback Noah Kim was active in the opener with 248 passing yards and a touchdown despite the team’s loss.
- Running back Dontae McMillan showed promise with 78 rushing yards on nine carries.
- Receiver Terry Lockett led Eastern Michigan’s passing attack with five catches for 62 yards.
- For Long Island, Ethan Greenwood struggled to generate much offense, with limited passing yards and minimal rushing impact.
- Eastern Michigan’s Tanner Lemaster boasts a 100% catch rate, highlighting efficiency in the passing game early in the season.
Statistical and Tactical Considerations
- Eastern Michigan ranks first in FBS for red zone efficiency this season (100%), demonstrating their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
- Defensively, the Eagles rank near the bottom (135th) in yards allowed per game (606), which points to significant vulnerabilities, especially against potent offensive attacks.
- Long Island’s offense struggled significantly against Florida, managing just 86 total yards, signaling ongoing offensive difficulties that could persist against Eastern Michigan’s defense.
Prediction Summary
Both teams have opened their seasons with rough losses, making this an intriguing battle between squads looking to reset momentum. Eastern Michigan has shown flashes of offensive competence but remains hampered by defensive lapses that allowed Texas State to dominate on the ground. Long Island’s offense still appears underdeveloped, unlikely to pose a large threat against the Eagles.
While the previous game results and defensive statistics for both teams signal potential high scoring and messy gameplay, Eastern Michigan’s advantages in talent depth, red zone efficiency, and return to a home setting should give them the edge. Although the Eagles’ defense is porous, Long Island has not demonstrated the offensive capability to exploit those weaknesses effectively.
Consequently, Eastern Michigan is favored to win and likely cover the spread, but this game could still be relatively close given both teams’ early struggles. Bettors should consider cautious engagement or look to prop bets on individual player performances.
Final Prediction
Eastern Michigan Eagles to win, covering the spread with a modest margin.
