In the Mid-American Conference, it's nearly a must to have a quarterback who has the ability to run the ball. It's no secret that Eastern Michigan quarterback Alex Gillett has the ability.
Against Ball State last season, he showed off that running ability.
Gillett ran 18 times against the Cardinals in Ypsilanti, Mich., and gained 126 yards in the process, which led the Eagles for the game. He's also a threat with his arm, as he threw for 196 yards on 12-of-17 and four touchdowns.
His abilities gave Ball State fits and coach Pete Lembo knows the focus on Thursday is to limit Gillett.
"We have to do a great job hitting the gaps to defend the run," Lembo said. "We have to make sure we have to get extra guys in the run game if they're going to have an extra blocker since he's the ball carrier."
When it comes to the passing game, Lembo said his defense will have to contain Gillett inside the pocket but also maintaining integrity in the rush lanes because of his run ability.
It makes sense that Eastern Michigan's offense is focused around Gillett, not just because he's the team's quarterback.
Lembo noted the Eagles have several plays designed specifically for Gillett to run. With the team returning all five of their players on the offensive line, Eastern Michigan coach Ron English will be expecting similar results to his run game that will also include running backs Javonti Greene, Dominique White and Dominique Sherrer.
To counter the run game, Lembo is hoping his defensive line and linebackers do a better job at getting pressure in the backfield.
"I feel like we're a little bit bigger up front than we were at this time last year," Lembo said. "Hopefully that will help us hold up against the run. But there's no question one of our issues last year was generating a pass rush."
The key to limiting Gillett will be tucking the ball, especially when he has the ability to pick up third-and-long situations as he did several times last season against Ball State. With that, Lembo is calling for a full focus from his defense.
"He can put the ball away and easily pick up the first down," he said. "It's important those defensive linemen maintain some integrity in their pass rush so that they aren't creating seams for him to tuck the ball and go."
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