Location: Rynearson Stadium — Ypsilanti, Michigan
Kickoff: Saturday, August 29 at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+
DraftKings line: Eastern Michigan -8.5
Over/under: 52.5
The Setup
Sacramento State’s first game as an FBS member is immediately a MAC conference game. The Hornets enter with first-year head coach Alonzo Carter and a signing class containing 44 newcomers.
Eastern Michigan offers far more offensive continuity, beginning with returning quarterback Noah Kim.
What I’m Watching
Can Sacramento State make Eastern Michigan respect the pass?
The Hornets have a proven running back in Rodney Curtis, but expected quarterback Carson Conklin struggled to push the ball downfield last season. EMU’s defensive plan should begin with loading the box and making Conklin prove he can beat single coverage.
Three Stats to Know
1. Curtis enters with 3,214 career rushing yards.
That is the second-highest total among active Division I players. He also owns 17 career 100-yard games.
2. The deep ball disappeared for Conklin.
According to the PFF charting referenced in the video, he completed none of his 14 deep attempts last season.
3. EMU finally returns its primary quarterback.
Kim started every game in 2025, making this the first time in a decade that Eastern Michigan enters a season with the same primary starting quarterback. He threw for 2,817 yards and 18 touchdowns.
How the Game Is Decided
Eastern Michigan can control the game by taking away Curtis and forcing Sacramento State’s rebuilt offense into obvious passing situations. The Hornets need to create room for Curtis without becoming completely predictable. If Conklin cannot connect downfield, EMU will be able to commit more defenders to the run.
Prediction
This will not receive much national attention, but it is a real conference game with immediate standings implications. North Dakota State will get a lot of the moving-into-FBS attention, but don’t forget the Hornets. Still, this seems like a tough opener for a team new to FBS. EMU has Kim back and continuity on offense. I don’t love -8.5, but I could see Eastern winning by 10. Full picks will be on my social channels this week.