4 Players That'll Define Eastern Michigan at Akron
Let's not forget how Jere Getzinger caught his first career touchdown pass last season.
EMU TE Jere Getzinger
If his game-winning catch against Akron last year taught me anything, it’s that you’ve got to still find ways to get Jere Getzinger open.
Senior tight end Getzinger came into the year (tied) with the most starting experience for this offense, and he’s still used in the offense, primarily as an additional blocker for the O-line. Getzinger has been targeted just 8 times this year (caught all 8, 65 yards) and, per Pro Football Focus, has been a run blocker on 117 of his 221 snaps played this year.
So there’s a mental game that comes with Getzinger in this game against Akron. If #83 is on the field, for Akron: is EMU really trying to hand the ball off, or is the defense being baited by the personnel?
TE SNAPS PLAYED THIS SEASON (per PFF)
MAX REESE — 348 snaps (175 pass, 26 pass block, 1 run, 146 run block)
JERE GETZINGER — 221 snaps (85 pass, 19 pass block, 117 run block)
EMU DB Dramarian McNulty
Since Joe Moorhead was hired to be Akron’s head coach in 2022, the Zips’ offense has thrown the ball more than anybody other team in the MAC. In that time, the Zips are 733 for 1,172 passing (62.54% - 2nd in MAC) for 7,345 yards (3rd) with 32 TD (fewest) and 35 INT (most).
When the pass is predictable, that’s when the opportunities will come for guys like Dramarian McNulty, who has already made five starts with his new team (Mississippi Gulf Coast C.C. / Western Carolina transfer). McNulty so far has had a modest 16 tackles this year with one pass breakup and a forced fumble. As a team, the defense has two interceptions, but they were both made by linebackers (Luke McMurphy, Ali Abdul-Barr). We’re halfway through the season, and the defensive backs are probably wanting to get their first turnover through the air on the year.
EMU’s coming off of a game where Central Michigan had to replace QB Joey Labas with a redshirt freshman, who rolled away from pressure for some deep throws downfield. No CMU receiver had more than 1 catch last week. Some of that had to do with the QB shuffling, but the coverage units still gets to wear that as a win for them, and now they’re matched up against against the team that wants to throw it more than anybody else.
Some word of advice: Don’t get caught up in the logos. This is the kind of game where guys like McNulty can come through and really stamp themselves as dudes in this league.
Akron QB/WR Tahj Bullock
Let’s think outside the box here a little bit. With Ben Finley in as the new quarterback for Akron, Tahj Bullock’s been sliding around on the field. Finley, the better arm, will put the ball in the air as much as Moorhead asks of him, but Bullock’s better suited to run the ball in option settings, especially near the goal line. If he’s not behind center, Bullock’s been tasked to use his speed as a slot receiver this year (I mean, he is 6’4”).
His stats for the year: 17/22 for 113 yards as a passer (77.3%, no scores), 62 rush yards on 26 attempts (2.4 avg., 3 touchdowns), and 8 receptions for 56 yards.
Moorhead’s a creative coach who wants to throw the ball a lot (since 2022, no MAC team has thrown the ball more than his Zips) and isn’t afraid of leaning on the RPO game. His receivers are getting some big numbers off of defensive missteps, and running back Jordon Simmons is a solid receiver and runner out of the backfield. Bullock, though, is a good changeup to throw for this offense, but I think Akron, coming off of a bye week, should have something special planned for Bullock this week.
Akron DE Bennett Adler
Akron knows that EMU has allowed a lot of pressure up front, and I expect Akron to try and win the game with as much pressure as possible with its D-line. However Akron wants to create pressure, Bennett Adler’s going to have to be force that Cole Snyder can’t scramble away from.
This year, Adler, with 16 tackle made, is currently tied for second on the team at 4.5 tackles for loss and tied for the Akron lead at 3 sacks and 3 QB hurries. Akron’s defense is probably well-rested after the bye week, and Adler’s the type of senior captain that ought to be circled to be difference makers in these types of home games. It’s win-out or no bowl game for Akron, and Adler won’t have the chance to transfer out after the season. It’s late October, but hopefully these Akron seniors wind up fighting for their entire season every week the rest of the way.
