The team was led by head coach Jeff Genyk, who was released at the end of the season.

Despite the strong start, Eastern lost 4 straight after the opener, and was never close in any of them.

Then they pulled off a road upset of Bowling Green, who had beaten BCS member Pittsburgh earlier in the year.

After a loss to Temple on November 22, 2008, Eastern Michigan fired coach Jeff Genyk, but would allow him to coach the Eagle's final game of the season against rival Central Michigan.

Schmitt finished 58/80 for 516 yards (school record), threw 5 TDs, and ran for one more.