Week 2 of the 2025 college football season presents a night game at Rynearson Stadium in Ypsilanti, MI, as the Eastern Michigan Eagles host the LIU Sharks. Both teams are eager to bounce back after opening the season with losses. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+, kicking off at 7:00 PM.
The LIU Sharks, an independent team with no conference affiliation, suffered a tough 55-0 defeat against the Florida Gators in Week 1. They recorded only 49 passing yards and 38 rushing yards in that game, highlighting areas in need of improvement. Their lone game so far in the season underscores the challenges they face on the road.
Eastern Michigan, from the Mid-American Conference, also started their season with a loss, falling 52-27 to the Texas State Bobcats. Despite the loss, the Eagles managed 248 passing yards and 143 rushing yards, showing offensive potential. As they return home, they aim to leverage the familiar surroundings of Rynearson Stadium to secure their first win.
Eastern Michigan vs LIU At a Glance
- Game Location: Rynearson Stadium in Ypsilanti, MI
- Game Timing: Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 7:00 PM
- Broadcast Channel: ESPN+
- LIU Sharks Record: 0-1 this season
- Eastern Michigan Eagles Record: 0-1 this season
- Betting Odds: Eastern Michigan is favored with a moneyline of -1800
Eastern Michigan Eagles Look to Soar Against Upcoming Opponent
Offensive Overview
The Eastern Michigan Eagles have averaged 27 points per game so far, placing them 30th in scoring this season. Their passing game has been relatively productive, with an average of 248 yards per game, ranked 50th nationally. However, their rushing attack is less effective, averaging 143 yards per game, ranked 69th.
Despite a loss in their opening game, the Eagles showed some promise on offense. They managed 23 first downs against Texas State, indicating an ability to move the chains effectively. This aspect of their game might serve them well as they prepare for upcoming challenges.
Defensive Insights
Defensively, Eastern Michigan has allowed 52 points in their first outing, ranking 36th in the nation. They recorded only one sack, which ranks them 7th in that category, and have yet to force an interception or recover a fumble.
Their lack of turnovers is a concern, as they failed to capitalize on defensive opportunities. Improving their defensive pressure and ability to create turnovers could be key factors in future games.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Noah Kim led the passing game with 248 yards and a touchdown, while avoiding interceptions. This performance positions him as a crucial player for the Eagles’ offensive strategies moving forward.
On the ground, Dontae McMillan was a standout, rushing for 78 yards in the season opener. His performance will be instrumental as the Eagles aim to balance their offensive attack.
Upcoming Schedule
Eastern Michigan’s next game is against the LIU Sharks at Rynearson Stadium. This home game offers an opportunity for the Eagles to bounce back from their recent loss.
Following the Sharks, the Eagles will face the Kentucky Wildcats away at Kroger Field. This matchup will present a different set of challenges for Eastern Michigan, especially in an away setting.
Betting Trends
- SU All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU in Away Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS in Away Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U in Away Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
LIU Sharks Set for a Challenging Game
Team Overview
The LIU Sharks opened their 2025 season against a tough opponent in the Florida Gators, resulting in a 55-0 loss. Their offensive struggles were evident, with the team managing just 49 passing yards and 38 rushing yards.
Their defense faced a similar fate, allowing 251 passing yards and 200 rushing yards against Florida. With no interceptions or fumble recoveries recorded, the Sharks need to tighten up their defensive play.
Offensive Struggles
The Sharks’ offensive unit ranks low nationally, with their passing and rushing yards placing them at 135th and 134th respectively. Quarterbacks Luca Stanzani and Ethan Greenwood combined for 49 passing yards, highlighting the need for improvement.
Running back Kam Ingram contributed 14 rushing yards, a performance that places him 575th in the league. Overall, the Sharks must develop their offensive schemes to generate more effective plays.
Defensive Challenges
Defensively, the Sharks allowed 55 points in their first game, ranking them 37th in points against. The team recorded one sack but failed to capture any interceptions or fumbles, missing key opportunities to turn the game around.
The defense’s inability to disrupt Florida’s offense was a major setback. The Sharks need to focus on increasing their defensive pressure to provide their offense with better field position.
Key Players
Wide receiver Deion Richardson stood out with 37 receiving yards on two receptions. However, his efforts alone couldn’t spark the Sharks’ offense.
Quarterback Luca Stanzani, with 28 passing yards, has room to grow as he leads the Sharks’ offensive efforts. His development will be crucial for the team moving forward.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U in Away Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
Eastern Michigan vs LIU Prediction: Over 54.5
Eastern Michigan’s offense showed potential in their first game, scoring 27 points and accumulating a solid number of passing and rushing yards. Despite their loss, the team demonstrated the ability to move the ball effectively, ranking 50th in passing yards and 69th in rushing yards for the season. Given their offensive output, the potential for scoring is evident against a LIU defense that allowed 55 points in their opener.
LIU struggled defensively in their first outing, conceding 55 points, indicating vulnerabilities that Eastern Michigan could exploit. The Sharks’ inability to generate turnovers or stops suggests that Eastern Michigan may find success in both the running and passing game. This defensive frailty raises the likelihood of a high-scoring game.
The total over/under is set at 54.5, which seems attainable considering both teams’ defensive performances in their first games. Eastern Michigan’s previous game hit the over, and with LIU’s defensive struggles, another high-scoring outcome seems likely. The betting trends suggest that Eastern Michigan has a 100% rate for hitting the over in games with totals ≥ 50 this season.
Given Eastern Michigan’s offensive potential and LIU’s defensive struggles, I project the final score to exceed the set total. Therefore, the recommendation is to take the over on 54.5 points.
- Eastern Michigan vs LIU Prediction: Over 54.5
- Eastern Michigan vs LIU Score: Eastern Michigan 42 – LIU 17
