RUTGERS (0-1) vs. EASTERN MICHIGAN (1-0)
September 9, 2017 • 3:30 p.m. ET • Big Ten Network
High Point Solutions Stadium • Piscataway, N.J.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers football, in the midst of a three-game homestand to start the season, will welcome Eastern Michigan of the Mid-American Conference to High Point Solutions Stadium for a Saturday matchup scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. The Scarlet Knights retired Eric LeGrand's No. 52 the last time the teams met in 2013.
 
The contest will broadcast on Big Ten Network with Jason Horowitz and Chuck Long calling the action. With BTN carrying multiple games in the time slot, click here for the out-of-market channel finder. Viewers in New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia will see the game on their primary BTN station.

On the radio, Chris Carlin, Ray Lucas, LeGrand and Anthony Fucilli have the call on the Rutgers IMG Sports Network (WCTC 1450-AM, ESPN NY 98.7-FM, WENJ 97.3-FM, WNJE 920-AM, Sirius 83, XM 83). The Scarlet Knights' first four home games, including this Saturday, will broadcast on ESPN NY 98.7-FM due to conflicts with the WOR 710-AM New York Mets broadcast schedule.
 

SCOUTING RUTGERS
The Scarlet Knights challenged No. 8/7 Washington in a 30-14 loss to open the season last Friday at High Point Solutions Stadium. Taking the early lead, RU manufactured an 11-play, 59-yard touchdown drive that took 5:59 on its first offensive series that resulted in a three-yard scoring throw from fifth-year senior Kyle Bolin to fifth-year senior Janarion Grant on third-and-goal. The defense held the Huskies' offense out of the end zone in the first half and to only 84 rushing yards overall compared to 131 for RU. In addition, Rutgers held the advantage in first downs (19 to 17), total plays (77 to 54), third downs (9-of-19 to 3-of-11) and time of possession (38:09 to 21:51). Washington was the fifth top-10 opponent to visit Piscataway since the start of the 2015 season.
 
Rutgers debuted 22 new players in the opener, with 16 players making their first collegiate appearance and six transfers seeing action for the Scarlet Knights for the first time. Transfers Gus Edwards (79 rushing yards), Jerome Washington (six receptions), Damon Mitchell (46 receiving yards) and Bolin (24-for-34 passing) highlighted the offensive production. Also, nine true freshmen appeared, the most for RU in a season opener since 10 saw the field to start the 2007 campaign.
 
On the defensive side of the ball, junior Deonte Roberts led the team with eight tackles, while fifth-year senior Kemoko Turay had a career-high five stops. Fifth-year senior Darnell Davis had the play of the game with a forced fumble on a sack of Jake Browning in the first quarter.
 
Grant returned to the field after missing the last eight games of the 2016 season, totaling 91 all-purpose yards. He is tied for the NCAA record for combined kick return touchdowns with five kickoffs and three punts finishing in the end zone.
SCOUTING EASTERN MICHIGAN
The Eagles opened their 2017 season with a 24-7 win on Friday night over Charlotte. Quarterback Brogan Roback, who was named to the Manning Award watch list, went 22-for-31 passing with 267 yards in his 35^th career game. Shaq Vann led the team with 90 rushing yards on 23 attempts, while Ian Eriksen scored two touchdowns on the ground and the offense compiled 393 yards of total offense. In addition, Brody Hoying had a 35-yard interception return for a score, as the defense recorded three picks overall. Eastern Michigan is coming off a 7-6 season that included an appearance in the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl. The team returns 17 starters, including eight on both the offense and defense and one specialist.
 
Head coach Chris Creighton is his fourth year at the helm of the program and won his 150^th career game last week. He previously spent six seasons as the head coach at Drake, which is the alma mater of RU head coach Chris Ash.
 
THE SERIES
In a game remembered for the retirement of Eric LeGrand's No. 52, Rutgers beat Eastern Michigan, 28-10, in the first meeting between the teams on Sept. 14, 2013. Paul James led the offensive attack with 192 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while Quron Pratt had a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Rutgers held EMU to 38 rushing yards and registered six sacks. Grant is the only current Scarlet Knight to have appeared in the 2013 game, as the true freshman fielded four punts (three fair catches).
 
LeGrand's number was the first and still the only number retired in the history of Rutgers football. The former defensive lineman has continued to inspire many since suffering a spinal cord injury in a 2010 game against Army. He has raised over $875,000 towards Team LeGrand and Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, with the goal of reaching $1,000,000. Visit TeamLeGrand.org for more information.
 
UP NEXT
Rutgers will stay at home to play Morgan State on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 3:30 p.m. on Big Ten Network. It will be the fourth all-time meeting between the teams and first since 2008.
 
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