In four seasons, Eastern Michigan coach Jim Harkema had the Hurons rise from 1–10 to 2–7–2 to 4–7 to 6–5.
San Jose State was a 17½ point favorite coming into this game.
Despite having winning seasons the following two years, the Hurons weren't invited to a bowl game.
Even though they finished 6–6 in 2011, the Eagles' two wins over FCS squads resulted in them not being invited to a bowl.
Eastern Michigan and San Jose State would meet once more in the 2022 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, with the now-Eagles prevailing again, 41–27.