Eastern Michigan vs. Washington: Can the Eagles Soar Higher?

Washington Huskies quarterback Will Rogers — © Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

The Washington Huskies (1-0), coming off a dominant win, face a more significant challenge as they host the Eastern Michigan Eagles (1-0), who also secured a victory in their opener. With both teams stepping up in competition, this matchup promises to be a test for both teams. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. EST on Sept. 7 in Seattle.

What's at Stake?

The Huskies are favored by 24.5 points over the Eagles. In Week 1, the Huskies dominated Weber State (0-1) by over 30 points. Despite back-to-back weeks with 20-point spreads, the Huskies still have room for improvement. Pass protection is an issue that needs to be addressed. This weakness could become a factor in tougher matchups down the road.

The Eagles, coming off a 28-14 win against UMass (0-1), face a similar challenge. They enter the game as heavy underdogs. However, they may not be as overmatched as the spread suggests. While the Huskies are expected to win, any slip-ups in Washington's pass protection could give the Eagles a chance to keep it close. Both teams have opportunities to build on their Week 1 performances. The Huskies look to clean up the details, while the Eagles hope to punch above their weight.

Eagles head football coach Chris Creighton | E. Mich. vs. Washington — © Mike DiNovo-Imagn Images

Key Players: Washington

Offense: Senior quarterback Will Rogers delivered a near-perfect performance in the first game, completing 20 of 26 passes for 250 yards and one touchdown. Rogers needs to continue this high level of play to ensure victory for the Huskies. Junior running back Jonah Coleman was also impressive in Week 1, rushing for 127 yards and 3 touchdowns averaging nearly 8 yards per carry. His continued contribution will be essential for the Huskies to meet their high expectations.

Defense: Alphonzo Tuputala led the Huskies in tackles last week, setting a solid foundation for the defense. Against the Eagles, Tuputala will need to elevate his performance slightly to counter a potentially more challenging offensive threat.

Key Players: Eagles

Offense: Senior QB Cole Snyder is a pivotal figure for the Eagles in this matchup against the Huskies. In the opening week, Snyder put together a solid performance, completing 17 of 28 passes for 241 yards and 1 touchdown. For the Eagles to stay competitive, Snyder must maintain that level of consistency while protecting the football against a tough Huskies defense. His ability to manage the game and avoid turnovers will be crucial.

Defense: Junior linebacker James Djonkam is coming off an impressive performance in Week 1, in which he registered 13 tackles, making key plays across the field. His ability to cover ground and disrupt the Huskies' offensive rhythm will be critical in this contest. Djonkam needs to replicate and likely surpass his opening week showing if the Eagles hope to contain Washington’s dynamic attack.

Trends to watch

Both the Huskies and Eagles are off to strong starts with 1-0 records. The Huskies dominated Weber State in their opener. Despite the impressive win, they still need to refine their pass protection. The Eagles also secured a win, defeating UMass convincingly. However, they now face a tougher test against the Huskies. The challenge will be significant, and how the Eagles adapt to this higher level of competition will be crucial. With both teams stepping up in competition, this game will reveal how well each squad adjusts. The Huskies aim to maintain their dominant form, while the Eagles need to elevate their level of performance to keep the game competitive.