Eastern Michigan is bowl eligible for the fourth time in the previous five (full) seasons, and just the sixth time in program history. EMU has now claimed bowl eligibility in three consecutive seasons for the first time in program history (excluding COVID-shortened 2020 season). EMU has forced 13 turnovers in 2021, and has scored points off of 12 (9 touchdowns, 3 field goals). EMU has scored 72 points off those turnovers, twice as a direct result of the play, and 11 times in its subsequent offensive possession.
Neathery’s arrival in 2016 coincided with a significant defensive improvement for EMU. Since his hiring, he helped shave 20.0 points, 113.0 rushing yards allowed and 165.4 total yards per game off the team’s averages. A coaching veteran of more than two decades, Neathery reunited in 2016 with Creighton after working together for 13 seasons compiling six conference championships and a 109-21 (.838) record between stops at Drake University, Wabash (Ind.) College and Ottawa (Kan.) University.