Army Eastern Michigan Gameday

Just spent the last 3 days with minimal internet access and I just finished purchasing a stream to the Eastern Michigan game.

Your online media options are listed under the radio tab above, check that site for radio and online viewing options.

As for the game, Sal lists the players to watch and notes that Army is a rare away favorite.

I had one eye on the Hawai'i game vs. USC and they looked sharp. I've added Hawai'i to the list of teams to watch in regard to the top-25. Sal looks ahead regarding the availability of Hawai'i's QB.

If you haven't seen GoArmySports.com's Gameday Central pretty good site design. Over there they have a proper Army/EMU preview - which is worth looking at, especially since I don't have one.


Sort of lost in the mix is the report that West Point Athletic Director Kevin Anderson will be headed to the Maryland Terrapins.

I'm going to try to get some things in order for this video stream. Again, check the radio tab for a link to the broadcast. 

Dealing with the Known Quantities

I got the news first from Danny Wild... Whip LB Andrew Rodriguez will miss the season opener and is out indefinitely.

Army head coach Rich Ellerson said Tuesday that the team’s reigning tackling leader, linebacker Andrew Rodriguez, will miss the season opener this Saturday at Eastern Michigan, and perhaps more.

“Andrew is not going to be available for a while,” Ellerson said, “which is a heartbreak for us and for him, obviously.”

Another great piece from Danny's Wild Life blog- read it and bookmark the site.


Sal says Rodriguez's replacement will be Nate Combs.

Rodriguez has dressed for practice but has not participated in drills. He’s still a big part of the team, mentoring sophomore Nate Combs, who will start at whip linebacker for Rodriguez.

“A-Rod’s been my right-hand man through this whole process,” Combs said. “He’s a technician. He’s making me perfect. Everything I do, he’s making me that player.”

Losing a top linebacker is tough, but I have no doubts about Combs ability to step in and make an impact as whip. If you have to lose a guy, I believe it's better to lose them in the offseason so you can deal with the adversity from day one. When you start the season - particularly with a record like Army's in season openers - your team and personnel is a known quantity. A team may not have all the nuances of their system down pat, but the two-deep is set and having the roster as a known quantity is better than losing a guy mid-stream.

Here's to a speedy recovery for Rodriguez - his abilities will be missed early and he will be needed as the season goes forward.

So Rodriguez is coaching up Combs, and now Pat Mealey is guiding James Holland.

As Year 2 of the Ellerson era starts Saturday at Eastern Michigan, the coaching staff trusts players enough to hand over ownership of the team.

Players have more of a voice in team meetings. Seniors are making sure freshmen remain in the loop.

"We are all focused on what we want to accomplish as seniors," said Jason Johnson, Army's starting right tackle.

That's exactly the reason why I wanted guys like A.J. McGovern to attend West Point this year. Especially along the O-line, there are a lot of guys that have the experience and ability to guide the younger players. I know Ellerson brought a lot of good linemen up from USMAPS, but why save a guy like McGovern when there are so many learning tools available this year?

That is really my only gripe on how the team has been handled heading into 2010... and it's not like the young guys have been neglected. I just want to see more McGovern.

Sal also posted a video interview with Nate Combs, Trent Steelman and Coach Ellerson, another good look at the team's preparedness in case you aren't pumped up for the season yet.

Army/Eastern Michigan Preview

Eastern Michigan game notes are up. link - also available in (pdf)

The Eagles posted their notes as well (pdf)

It's a rare night game for the Black Knights slated for a 7:00PM kickoff.

The game won't have television coverage, which will limit my ability to post a stream of the event. There are pay per view options, however. EMUEagles.com will have a pay per view live stream available for $5.95.
Alternatively, GoArmySports.com will have the audio of the game available on ITT KnightVision which goes for $9.95/month or $69.95/year. 

EMU has a live stats page, and there is also ESPN's gametracker for statistical coverage. As always you will find all information for game day media coverage in the Radio tab above, I don't know whether I'll be able to post a stream of the game, but I should have no problem getting a radio broadcast for this one. All that stuff I will find out at about game time, so if you're still searching for a way to catch the game around kickoff, check back here for some options.

As mentioned on VisitYpsiNow.com this game is EMU's second annual salute to the Armed Forces (pdf)

SPECIAL TICKET DISCOUNT: For the special price of just $3, current and
former members of the military can enjoy the excitement and pageantry of Division I
football as well as purchase additional tickets at the same price for their family and
friends.

...

FOOD AND CAMARADERIE: Before the game, veterans are encouraged to stop
by an exclusive veterans tailgate located on the west lawn of Rynearson Stadium for
food and beverages. Admission to the tailgate is free and begins at 4 p.m. Food is
available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Family and friends are encouraged to
attend as well.

That's a great promotion with what could be the lowest ticket price this year for a Division 1A college football game. I hope some veterans and their families can make the trip and attend and maybe give Army a bit of a boost on the road. With a promotion like that you can see why Army has built such a good relationship with Eastern Michigan in recent years. Class move by the Eagles.

Sal writes that sentiment is growing for the new uniforms. The jerseys may be lighter, they may have a new look, but they just look skin tight. I don't know how comfortable they are to wear, but if it gives our guys an edge... I'll take it.  To be honest the more I see of the new kit, the more I like it.

The new Nike enforcer uniforms, which were tried out by players in the 2008 Army-Navy game, are tighter than Army's previous jerseys. That's perfect for nose guard Mike Gann.

"That's less fabric for the offensive linemen to grab," Gann said. "They may not be as flattering on the D-line, but they look sharp."

Also, Sal's practice blog from yesterday is up, it's a nice peek into a physical practice, but it's mum on the condition of Andrew Rodriguez.

Not much longer until kickoff...