Eastern Michigan Athletics
Saturday, September 23
Rynearson Stadium
2 p.m.
Eastern Michigan University
2-1 , 0-1
20
vs
27
Ohio
3-1 , 1-0
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
OT
OT
F
Ohio
3
7
3
0
7
7
27
Eastern Michigan
3
3
0
7
7
0
20
Photo by: Steve King/KingStudios
Eagles Edged in Double Overtime by Bobcats
9/23/2017 6:51:00 PM | Football
Eastern Michigan is now 2-1 on the season
Postgame Press Conference.
Photo Gallery.
Game Highlights.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – The Eastern Michigan University football team fell in double overtime to Mid-American Conference East Division favorite Ohio University, 27-20, Saturday afternoon, Sept. 23, at "The Factory" inside Rynearson Stadium. It was the first multi-overtime game for EMU since a four-overtime affair in 2004.
Defense once again anchored the Eagles' (2-1, 0-1 MAC) effort, with the Green and White holding the potent Bobcats (3-1, 1-0 MAC) offense to 373 total yards, while forcing two turnovers.
Sophomore defensive back Brody Hoying (Coldwater, Ohio-Coldwater) led the EMU defensive charge with 10 total tackles, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. Senior Luke Maclean (Grand Blanc, Mich.-Grand Blanc (Pittsburgh)) finished the game with a career-high two sacks and two and a half tackles for loss. He was also responsible for three quarterback hurries. Senior Chris Hendricks (Fruitport, Mich.-Fruitport) collected two tackles-for-loss, the best single-game mark of his career.
On offense, senior quarterback Brogan Roback (Maumee, Ohio-Toledo St. John's Jesuit) orchestrated the attack with 271 passing yards to 12 different receivers. Senior Sergio Bailey II (San Diego, Calif.-Olympian (Grossmont)) led EMU in receptions with seven and had 82 yards and a score. Roback's overtime TD to Bailey II marked the 40th of his career, making him just the third quarterback in EMU history to throw 40 touchdowns.
Ohio drove 46 yards on the game's opening drive, but was forced to settle for a 41-yard field goal when Maclean came up with a third-down sack that stalled the Bobcats' possession.
EMU struck back two drives later, capping off a 10-play, 39-yard drive with a sophomore Paulie Fricano (Rochester, N.Y.-Churchville-Chili) 41-yard field goal, tying the score at three. The 41-yarder was the farthest of the season for Fricano.
Eastern Michigan's key first half moment came with 5:07 remaining, when Hoying forced and recovered a fumble and then returned it for 45 yards. The defensive play set up EMU's offense with terrific field position, but the Eagles were forced to settle for three points yet again. Fricano's second field goal of the day, this one from 31 yards out, put the Green and White ahead 6-3 with 1:25 to go in the first half.
The Eagles looked poised to take a lead into the half, but the Bobcats seized the momentum just before the break, as they intercepted a Roback pass with 10 second left, and returned it for a touchdown to take a 10-6 lead at the halftime horn.
Ohio added to its lead on its first possession of the second half, putting the first points of the half on the scoreboard with a 44-yard field goal to push its lead to 13-6.
Eastern Michigan knotted the score at 13 with just under 11 minutes to go in the final period, when junior Ian Eriksen (Clarkston, Mich.-Clarkston) punched in a one-yard run to cap off a seven-play, 69-yard drive with a touchdown. After Roback turned in back-to-back completions for 12 and eight yards, respectively, the Green and White reached into its bag of tricks. Facing second-and-two, Roback threw a screen pass to sophomore wide receiver Isaac Holder (Tampa, Fla.-Sickles), who then fired a 34-yard pass to senior Johnnie Niupalau (San Mateo, Calif.-San Mateo (College of San Mateo)). The 34-yard reception was the longest of the season for Niupalau, and set the Eagles up for Eriksen's one-yard leap into the endzone, his third touchdown of the season.
On Ohio's first play from scrimmage following the EMU touchdown, Hoying forced his second fumble of the day, and sophomore Kevin McGill (Waldorf, Md.-Westlake) recovered it to give the Eagles the ball. Unfortunately, for the Green and White, the offense was unable to find its groove, keeping the score knotted.
After back-to-back three and outs, Ohio started a possession at the 6:30 mark, and began to march down the field. Chewing up two minutes of clock, the Bobcat drive stalled in EMU territory, forcing a 47-yard field goal. The kick sailed wide left, keeping the 13-all tally intact. Both teams wound having one more possession before the end of regulation, but neither drive resulted in points, forcing overtime.
In the first OT session, Eastern Michigan wasted no time to start its scoring, as Roback connected with Bailey II on the first play from scrimmage with a 25-yard strike to put the Eagles ahead.
The Bobcats struck right back with an eight-yard pass and catch, tying the score up at 20. On the ensuing possession for OU, quarterback Nathan Rourke connected with Cameron Odom on third down to put the visitors back ahead, 27-20. With its back against the wall, the EMU offense was stuffed on its last possession, gaining just eight yards and seeing a fourth down pass attempt flutter high and over the head of its intended receiver in the endzone, ending the game, 27-20, in favor of Ohio.
The contest was also Hall of Fame Day, as eight former EMU student-athletes were honored for their outstanding careers. The E-Club Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2017 includes: Brian Bixler (Baseball), Walter Church (Football), Lauren Clark (Softball), William DuLac (Football), Jessica Hupe (W. Soccer), Robin Loheide (W. Gymnastics), Lela V. Nelson (W. Track & Field), and Tiberia T. Patterson (M. Track).
Eastern Michigan now begins a three-game roadtrip next weekend, Sept. 30, in Lexington, Ky. when it dips back into non-conference play against the University of Kentucky. Kickoff between the Eagles and Wildcats is set for 4 p.m and will be broadcast on the SEC Network and WatchESPN.
Photo Gallery.
Game Highlights.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – The Eastern Michigan University football team fell in double overtime to Mid-American Conference East Division favorite Ohio University, 27-20, Saturday afternoon, Sept. 23, at "The Factory" inside Rynearson Stadium. It was the first multi-overtime game for EMU since a four-overtime affair in 2004.
Defense once again anchored the Eagles' (2-1, 0-1 MAC) effort, with the Green and White holding the potent Bobcats (3-1, 1-0 MAC) offense to 373 total yards, while forcing two turnovers.
Sophomore defensive back Brody Hoying (Coldwater, Ohio-Coldwater) led the EMU defensive charge with 10 total tackles, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. Senior Luke Maclean (Grand Blanc, Mich.-Grand Blanc (Pittsburgh)) finished the game with a career-high two sacks and two and a half tackles for loss. He was also responsible for three quarterback hurries. Senior Chris Hendricks (Fruitport, Mich.-Fruitport) collected two tackles-for-loss, the best single-game mark of his career.
On offense, senior quarterback Brogan Roback (Maumee, Ohio-Toledo St. John's Jesuit) orchestrated the attack with 271 passing yards to 12 different receivers. Senior Sergio Bailey II (San Diego, Calif.-Olympian (Grossmont)) led EMU in receptions with seven and had 82 yards and a score. Roback's overtime TD to Bailey II marked the 40th of his career, making him just the third quarterback in EMU history to throw 40 touchdowns.
Ohio drove 46 yards on the game's opening drive, but was forced to settle for a 41-yard field goal when Maclean came up with a third-down sack that stalled the Bobcats' possession.
EMU struck back two drives later, capping off a 10-play, 39-yard drive with a sophomore Paulie Fricano (Rochester, N.Y.-Churchville-Chili) 41-yard field goal, tying the score at three. The 41-yarder was the farthest of the season for Fricano.
Eastern Michigan's key first half moment came with 5:07 remaining, when Hoying forced and recovered a fumble and then returned it for 45 yards. The defensive play set up EMU's offense with terrific field position, but the Eagles were forced to settle for three points yet again. Fricano's second field goal of the day, this one from 31 yards out, put the Green and White ahead 6-3 with 1:25 to go in the first half.
The Eagles looked poised to take a lead into the half, but the Bobcats seized the momentum just before the break, as they intercepted a Roback pass with 10 second left, and returned it for a touchdown to take a 10-6 lead at the halftime horn.
Ohio added to its lead on its first possession of the second half, putting the first points of the half on the scoreboard with a 44-yard field goal to push its lead to 13-6.
Eastern Michigan knotted the score at 13 with just under 11 minutes to go in the final period, when junior Ian Eriksen (Clarkston, Mich.-Clarkston) punched in a one-yard run to cap off a seven-play, 69-yard drive with a touchdown. After Roback turned in back-to-back completions for 12 and eight yards, respectively, the Green and White reached into its bag of tricks. Facing second-and-two, Roback threw a screen pass to sophomore wide receiver Isaac Holder (Tampa, Fla.-Sickles), who then fired a 34-yard pass to senior Johnnie Niupalau (San Mateo, Calif.-San Mateo (College of San Mateo)). The 34-yard reception was the longest of the season for Niupalau, and set the Eagles up for Eriksen's one-yard leap into the endzone, his third touchdown of the season.
On Ohio's first play from scrimmage following the EMU touchdown, Hoying forced his second fumble of the day, and sophomore Kevin McGill (Waldorf, Md.-Westlake) recovered it to give the Eagles the ball. Unfortunately, for the Green and White, the offense was unable to find its groove, keeping the score knotted.
After back-to-back three and outs, Ohio started a possession at the 6:30 mark, and began to march down the field. Chewing up two minutes of clock, the Bobcat drive stalled in EMU territory, forcing a 47-yard field goal. The kick sailed wide left, keeping the 13-all tally intact. Both teams wound having one more possession before the end of regulation, but neither drive resulted in points, forcing overtime.
In the first OT session, Eastern Michigan wasted no time to start its scoring, as Roback connected with Bailey II on the first play from scrimmage with a 25-yard strike to put the Eagles ahead.
The Bobcats struck right back with an eight-yard pass and catch, tying the score up at 20. On the ensuing possession for OU, quarterback Nathan Rourke connected with Cameron Odom on third down to put the visitors back ahead, 27-20. With its back against the wall, the EMU offense was stuffed on its last possession, gaining just eight yards and seeing a fourth down pass attempt flutter high and over the head of its intended receiver in the endzone, ending the game, 27-20, in favor of Ohio.
The contest was also Hall of Fame Day, as eight former EMU student-athletes were honored for their outstanding careers. The E-Club Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2017 includes: Brian Bixler (Baseball), Walter Church (Football), Lauren Clark (Softball), William DuLac (Football), Jessica Hupe (W. Soccer), Robin Loheide (W. Gymnastics), Lela V. Nelson (W. Track & Field), and Tiberia T. Patterson (M. Track).
Eastern Michigan now begins a three-game roadtrip next weekend, Sept. 30, in Lexington, Ky. when it dips back into non-conference play against the University of Kentucky. Kickoff between the Eagles and Wildcats is set for 4 p.m and will be broadcast on the SEC Network and WatchESPN.
Team Stats
OHIO
EMU
Total Yards
368
350
Pass Yards
197
305
Rushing Yards
171
45
Penalty Yards
31
85
1st Downs
19
15
3rd Downs
9
5
4th Downs
0
0
TOP
30:56
29:04
1st Quarter
OHIO 3, EMU 0
OHIO - Zervos, Louie 41 yd field goal 10 plays, 46 yards, TOP 4:14
OHIO 3, EMU 3
EMU - FRICANO, Paulie 41 yd field goal 10 plays, 39 yards, TOP 3:22
2nd Quarter
OHIO 3, EMU 6
EMU - FRICANO, Paulie 31 yd field goal 9 plays, 17 yards, TOP 3:42
OHIO 10, EMU 6
OHIO - Ellis, Bradd 46 yd interception (Zervos, Louie kick)
3rd Quarter
OHIO 13, EMU 6
OHIO - Zervos, Louie 44 yd field goal 6 plays, 55 yards, TOP 2:35
4th Quarter
OHIO 13, EMU 13
EMU - ERIKSEN, Ian 1 yd run (FRICANO, Paulie kick), 7 plays, 69 yards, TOP 2:29
OT Quarter
OHIO 13, EMU 20
EMU - BAILEY, Sergio 25 yd pass from ROBACK, Brogan (FRICANO, Paulie kick) 1 plays, 25 yards, TOP 0:00
OHIO 20, EMU 20
OHIO - Cope, Brendan 8 yd pass from Rourke, Nathan (Zervos, Louie kick) 3 plays, 25 yards, TOP 0:00
OHIO 27, EMU 20
OHIO - Odom, Cameron 7 yd pass from Rourke, Nathan (Zervos, Louie kick) 6 plays, 25 yards, TOP 0:00
Game Leaders
Passing Leaders
Players Mentioned
WR
/ Football
RB
/ Football
K
/ Football
DL
/ FootballWR
/ Football
DB
/ Football
DL
/ Football
DB
/ Football
WR
/ FootballQB
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