Eastern Kentucky Colonels
Ohio Valley Conference
Eastern Kentucky snuck into the field of 20 following a close win over Tennessee-Martin and ended with a 7-4 overall record and a 6-2 mark in the Ohio Valley Conference, tied with Jacksonville State and fellow playoff contender Tennessee Tech. The Colonels close 10-7 loss to Kansas State may have been what pushed Eastern Kentucky over a handful of other 7-4 teams. But they are here now and their stifling defense and solid ground game has kept EKU in most games and Coach Dean Hood hopes that continues into the playoffs.
2011 Record: 7-4, 6-2
Last Playoff Appearance: 2008
Coach: Dean Hood (26-19 at Eastern Kentucky, 26-19 overall)
Big Wins: 10/29 at Murray State (34-33), 11/5 at Jacksonville State (52-48)
Bad Losses: 9/24 at Austin Peay (17-23), 11/12 Tennessee Tech (21-28)
Strengths:
The Eastern Kentucky offense starts with running back Matt Denham. The former transfer from Kentucky emerged as the Colonels top back this year and rushed for 1,445 yards and nine touchdowns. If it seems like Denham should have more touchdowns, do not worry. Those scores go to backup Jeremiah Williams and touchdown vulture H.B. Banjoman, who reached the end zone on six of his 31 carries. Overall, the defense has been pretty good. They will give up some yards, but they really buckle down when they need to do so. Despite ranking 85th in the nation in total defense, Coach Hood’s squad ranks 41st in scoring defense. That is a huge difference and means this unit will bend, but they will not break. It also means turnovers are often in the Colonels favor and this is a ball hawking defense that has Brooklyn Fox and Kevin Hamlin who can pick off passes and a handful of big hitters who will force plenty of fumbles.
Weaknesses:
But to win the turnover battle, the EKU offense has to do their part. Quarterback T.J. Pryor may not be the most explosive passer around, but he does keep the offense under control and will not force too many passes. But it is in the passing game where Eastern Kentucky struggles. Pryor completed just 54.8 percent of his passes during the regular season. He only threw for 1,511 yards, although 18 attempts ended in touchdowns. The other problem Coach Hood has with his passing attack is the lack of options at wide receiver. Tyrone Goard caught 11 of the team’s 18 passing touchdowns. His 38 receptions and 604 receiving yards are easily the best on the team. Cameron Bailey is a decent complimentary receiver, but Eastern Kentucky has no other proven options. If Eastern Kentucky if forced to throw, they might be in trouble. And if Eastern Kentucky has to throw and the opposition has the luxury of putting a shutdown corner on Goard, the Colonels probably will not make it too far down the field.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Matt Denham, RB, 1,445 yards
Passing: T.J. Pryor, QB, 1,511 yards
Receiving: Tyrone Goard, WR, 604 yards
Tackles: Ichiro Vance, LB, 78
Sacks: Anthony Brown, DE, 3.5; Shawn Shupperd, DE, 3.5
Interceptions: Kevin Hamlin, LB, 4
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 203 (22nd in nation, 4th in conference)
Passing Offense: 149.91 (106, 8)
Total Offense: 352.91 (65, 7)
Scoring Offense: 28.91 (38, 6)
Rushing Defense: 162.45 (73, 3)
Pass Defense: 227.36 (94, 8)
Total Defense: 389.82 (85, 3)
Scoring Defense: 23.64 (41, 1)
Turnover Margin: 1.45 (4, 1)
Sacks: 1.45 (97, 5)
Sacks Allowed: 2.45 (78, 8)
