The Howard Bison and the Eastern Michigan Eagles meet Friday in college football action from Rynearson Stadium. Howard managed to go just 5-6 last season but managed to snag a MEAC co-championship thanks to a solid conference record. As for Eastern Michigan, they’re coming off a 9-4 overall run that ended in a bowl game victory. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

Howard Bison 

The Bison stumbled out of the gate last season with five losses in six games, but a nice 4-1 run to finish off the schedule helped immensely. Howard ended up at 5-6 overall with a 4-1 MEAC record, tied with North Carolina Central (who went 10-2 overall). The Bison lost big 50-21 in their November 5 meeting at NC Central, but they’ll get the opportunity for revenge at home later this year. 

Looking ahead to 2023, the Bison get head coach Larry Scott back for his fourth season at the helm. He’ll have Lee Hull at offensive coordinator and Troy Douglas at DC, both in their fourth years as well. There are some winnable games on the schedule this season, and if all goes well Howard could finish near the top of the standings again. 

Eastern Michigan Eagles

Over on the Eagles’ side, they began the year at a sketchy 5-4 but would finish off with four straight wins to land in second place in the West Division of the MAC. Eastern Michigan earned an invite to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, where they recorded a 41-27 win over San Jose State. 

Hopes of a MAC Championship berth are high for Eastern Michigan this season, and they’ve probably still got the talent to get there. There will be some new faces along the way however, as QB Taylor Powell and most of the key receivers are gone. RB Samson Evans is back after 1,166 yards and five scores last year, as is All-MAC Tanner Knue. Regardless, the Eagles will need some of the youngsters and new names to step up and contribute immediately. 

Eastern Michigan Eagles Team Facts

• Eastern Michigan has won nine of its last 10 games against non-conference opponents at Rynearson Stadium.
• Eastern Michigan has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four home openers.
• Eastern Michigan has won the first half in four of its last five games against non-conference opponents.
• Each of Eastern Michigan’s last three September home games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Eastern Michigan ranked T16th among FBS teams for H1 win percentage last season (.692).
• Eastern Michigan was one of only 17 FBS teams with a better road winning percentage (.833) than home winning percentage (.500) last season (min. 8 games).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’m probably staying with Eastern Michigan. Sure, there are plenty of question marks on offense due to the gutted roster, but things should flow smoothly in Chris Creighton’s ninth season at the helm. On defense the Eagles seem better suited following 377 yards and 28.5 points per game last year. EMU will need a pass rush, but the secondary looks pretty darn solid on paper. The Eagles need to get more comfortable with playing at home as well; the team went 6-1 in away games last year. All things considered however, this opener should be well within Eastern Michigan’s wheelhouse.