What: Army at Eastern Michigan

When: 7 p.m., Saturday

Where: Rynearson Stadium, Ypsilanti

Radio: WEMU (89.1 FM)

Series: Army leads, 3-0

Last meeting: Army 27, Eastern Michigan 14 (Sept. 5, 2009)

What Army brings: The Black Knights return quarterback Trent Steelman, who led Army in rushing (706 yards, five touchdowns) while also throwing for 637 yards and two touchdowns. But senior Patrick Mealy provides Army with a serious playmaker on the option. The senior gained 673 yards on the ground last season, which will force Eastern Michigan's defensive challenge twice as daunting.

Eagles' eye: According to Ron English's depth chart, sophomore Alex Gillett has earned the starting nod at quarterback. Gillett has to play a key role in engineering an offense that scored only 16.1 points a game. But the key will be an Eastern Michigan defense that surrendered 38 points a game last year and that must find a way to handle an experienced Army offense that has the potential to give the Eagles fits. Stat of the week: The 2010 EMU roster has 16 seniors, 18 juniors, 23 sophomores and 42 freshmen.

The line: Army is a 9 1/2 point favorite

Links • EMUEagles.com: Notes and updates before the season opener • Times Herald-Record: The Army offensive players to watch