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FACTS & STATS: Site: Rynearson Stadium (30,200) -- Ypsilanti, Michigan. Television: None. Home Record: Army 0-0, EMU 0-0. Away Record: Army 0-0, EMU 0-0. Neutral Record: Army 0-0, EMU 0-0. Conference Record: Army 0-0, EMU 0-0. Series Record: Army leads, 2-0.

GAME NOTES: The Ron English Era in Ypsilanti will begin this Saturday when the Eastern Michigan Eagles open their 2009 campaign at home against the Army Black Knights.

Rich Ellerson also begins his career on the sideline for the Black Knights, becoming the 36th coach in school history back in December. It has been a tough road for Army over the past few seasons, coming off its third straight 3-9 showing in 2008. In fact, since 1996 the Black Knights have won just 30 games. The Black Knights do own a tremendous 91-25-3 ledger in season opening matchups, but success early in the season has been tough to come by of late, as the team has dropped its last 12 debuts.

As for the Eagles, they have also struggled in recent years and have not posted a winning ledger since 1995, and that includes last year's terrible 3-9 record. The hope is that coach English can change the fortunes of this beleaguered program. English was the defensive coordinator at Louisville last season after spending the previous five years in Ann Arbor under Michigan's former head coach Lloyd Carr.

This will be the third meeting between the two schools on the gridiron. The previous two matchups went in favor of Army, and that includes a 17-13 decision over the Eagles last season.

Army's play offensively in 2008 was not good, as the team failed in its transition to the triple-option, averaging just 14.8 ppg. Usually when only three starters return for a team it is deemed a bad situation, but for coach Ellerson it could be a blessing in disguise. Coach Ellerson comes over from Cal Poly where he was an outstanding triple-option coach. One of the new faces for Army will be the starting quarterback on Saturday, freshman Trent Steelman. The biggest loss from 2008 was fullback Chris Mooney, who set the school's single-season rushing record last season. CeDarius Williams will have some large shoes to fill when he takes the field Saturday. Juniors Patrick Mealy and Jameson Carter will play the roles of the slot backs and hopefully will give the Black Knights the talent needed to make the triple-option work. The offensive line underwent a complete makeover, with Ellerson converting tight ends and even having some defensive players switch sides, hoping to get quicker and more athletic.

Ellerson also brings a different style of defense to West Point, which is more of an attacking defensive scheme. One of his first things was to move starting defensive end, Victor Ugenyi, to defensive tackle. DE Josh McNary won't be going anywhere after leading the team with 12 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. One of last season's starters at defensive tackle, Mike Gann, is fully recovered from knee surgery, and is ready for Saturday's opener. The only returning starter at linebacker is junior Stephen Anderson, who has moved from the weakside to the middle after registering a team-high 82 tackles and five forced fumbles. The secondary is the deepest unit on the defense. Cornerback Mario Hill (team- high six pass breakups) is back, while sophomore Antuan Aaron will take over at the other corner spot. Donovan Travis (64 tackles, two INTs) returns at free safety.

Although the team's 2008 ledger was horrendous, the Eagles play offensively was solid, as EMU posted 25.8 ppg. A repeat performance is definitely within reach, as the team has plenty of talent returning, including starting quarterback Andy Schmitt. Schmitt has the weapons at his disposal as the season approaches, beginning with Jacory Stone, who led the team with 88 receptions in 2008. Last season the Eagles were unable to put forth a consistent effort with their ground game, but there is high hopes for junior Dwayne Priest, who rushed for 478 yards and five scores in '08.

The Eagles were atrocious on defense in '08, but with a defensive-minded coach in English along with eight starters back, the Eagles should soar to new heights in 2009. Brad Ohrman has moved from defensive end to tackle, opening the door for Javon Reese, who should be an excellent complement to Brandon Downs, who will man the other end position. The secondary returns a great deal of talent as well, as the team will have Kevin Long and Ryan Downard back at their respective safety spots. Andre Hacthett, who collected 51 tackles in 2008, returns to the linebacker position, and will be joined by Marcus English and Tom Fort.

Neither team has enjoyed much success over the years, and although the Black Knights have won the only two meetings between the schools, the Ron English should get his stay in Ypsilanti off to a good start.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Eastern Michigan 24, Army 14