The 2010 Eastern Michigan Eagles football team represented Eastern Michigan University during the 2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Eastern Michigan competed as a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) West Division, was coached by Ron English, and played their homes game at Rynearson Stadium. They finished the season 2–10, 2–6 in MAC play.

Schedule

Coaching staff

Following the disastrous 0-12 2009 season, head coach Ron English made major changes to the coaching staff, bringing in five new assistant coaches, most notably, defensive coordinator Phil Snow.

Game summaries

Army

The Army Black Knights defeated the Eastern Michigan Eagles for the third consecutive year, this being the second of the three decided by less than a touchdown. The game was tied twice and there were three lead changes. The teams combined for 594 yards rushing and only 96 yards passing. The game was delayed for about 12 minutes early in the second quarter when the public address system, the scoreboard, and the lights on the west (pressbox) side of the stadium went out. The lights eventually regained power, but the scoreboard and public address system remained inoperable for the remainder of the game. Notable performances included Army running back Jared Hassin's three touchdowns, 142 yards rushing by EMU's Dwayne Priest, and 126 yards rushing by EMU quarterback Alex Gillett. For his performance in the game, Dwayne Priest was named the Mid-American Conference West Division Offensive Player of the Week. Scoring summary 1st quarter 2nd quarter 3rd quarter 4th quarter

Miami

The RedHawks largely stifled the Eagles' running game, allowing only 66 yards on 32 carries. For Miami, Thomas Merriweather ran for 105 yards and three touchdowns on 15 carries. EMU managed to keep the game close, with the teams trading touchdowns, despite Alex Gillett throwing two interceptions and Devontae Payne throwing another. In the final minute, EMU drove to the Miami 21-yard line, but for the second straight week, was unable to reach the end zone as time expired. EMU sophomore punter Jay Karutz's kicks averaged 49.5 yards, breaking a 54-year-old school record. For their performances in the game, Miami's Thomas Merriweather was named the Mid-American Conference West Division Offensive Player of the Week, and EMU's Jay Karutz was named the MAC West Division Special Teams Player of the Week. Karutz was also named an honorable mention choice for national Division I punter of the week. Scoring summary 1st quarter 2nd quarter 3rd quarter 4th quarter

Central Michigan

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Ohio State

For the first-ever meeting between the two schools, Ohio State paid Eastern Michigan $850,000. This is the first time Eastern Michigan has played a team ranked higher than #10 in a national poll. Ohio State coach Jim Tressel came into the game with a 1-4 record against Eastern Michigan; when he was the head coach at Division I-AA Youngstown State the teams played annually from 1986-1990. For his performance in the game, Terrelle Pryor was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week. Pryor completed 20 of 26 passes for 224 yards and four touchdowns. Ohio State's win was subsequently vacated as part of the penalties for major NCAA violations, including the use of ineligible players. Scoring summary 1st quarter 2nd quarter 3rd quarter 4th quarter

Ohio

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Vanderbilt

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Ball State

Alex Gillett was named the MAC West Division Offensive Player of the Week. Ben Thayer was named the John Mackey tight end of the week by the Nassau County Sports Commission. Scoring summary 1st quarter 2nd quarter 3rd quarter 4th quarter

Virginia

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Toledo

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Western Michigan

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Buffalo

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Northern Illinois

Northern Illinois had 654 yards on 46 plays, rushing for 552 yards, with most of the starters on the sideline for the second half. The Huskies (10-2, 8-0 MAC) swept MAC play for the first time in school history and went on to represent the West Division against Miami (8-4, 7-1) in the MAC Championship. It was the 5th most points scored by the Huskies in school history. For his performance in the game, Northern Illinois defensive end Jake Coffman was named MAC West Division Defensive Player of the Week. Coffman finished with five solo tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss and a forced fumble. Scoring summary 1st quarter 2nd quarter 3rd quarter 4th quarter