Eastern Michigan-Western Michigan Preview Capsule

The Associated Press

Eastern Michigan (5-2, 2-1 MAC West) at No. 20 Western Michigan (7-0, 3-0), 3:30 p.m. (American Sports Network)

Line: Western Michigan by 23.

Series record: Western Michigan leads, 31-18-2.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Western Michigan is trying to remain one of the nation's few unbeaten teams and extend the second-best winning streak in country. And with each win, the Broncos remain in the conversation for the Group of Five's guaranteed spot in a New Year's Day bowl game. Eastern Michigan, which has not won more than two games since 2011, is one win away from being bowl eligible for the first time since 1995.

KEY MATCHUP

Western Michigan's P.J. Fleck and Eastern Michigan's Chris Creighton both pointed to the trenches, and it doesn't seem to be coach-speak. WMU's offensive line is ranked the No. 4 unit in the nation by ProFootballFocus.com, led by 6-foot-5, 328-pound senior tackle Taylor Moton. Fleck noted EMU's "incredible defensive line" that rotates eight players, most notably senior Pat O'Connor, who has 5.5 sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Eastern Michigan: After missing the team's first two games because of suspension, QB Brogan Roback finally earned back his starting role two weeks ago. In last week's win at Ohio, he threw for a career-high 347 yards and three touchdowns.

Western Michigan: RB Jarvion Franklin is seventh in the NCAA with 795 rushing yards, a school-record 281 of which came in last week's route of Akron.

FACTS & FIGURES

Western Michigan QB Zach Terrell surpassed 10,000 career passing yards in last week's 41-0 win at Akron, the Broncos' first shutout victory in 10 years. . Terrell's favorite target, WR Corey Davis, is 568 yards shy of the all-time FBS receiving record and is tied for the longest reception streak in the nation at 43 games. . Eastern Michigan is 0-14 all-time against teams ranked in the top 25. . The Eagles have won three straight road games for the first time since 1967. . EMU's five wins equal its victory total for the last three seasons combined.

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