Eastern Michigan Athletics
Saturday, October 6
Kalamazoo, Mich.
12 p.m.
Eastern Michigan University
2-4 , 0-3
24
at
27
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Western Michigan
4-2 , 2-0
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
F
Eastern Michigan
0
10
7
7
24
Western Michigan
7
7
0
13
27
Photo by: Walt Middleton Photography
Missed Opportunities Too Much to Overcome at Western Michigan
10/6/2018 4:02:00 PM | Football
A late fourth quarter score was not enough to push Eagles past Broncos
Postgame Audio.
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – A touchdown catch by senior Blake Banham (St. Paul, Minn.-Cretin-Durham) with 20 seconds to go brought the Eastern Michigan University football team within three, 27-24, but the Eagles could not recover the ensuing onside kick at Western Michigan University Saturday afternoon, Oct. 6, at Waldo Stadium.
Eastern Michigan's defense held the high-scoring Bronco offense 10 points below its season average, but overall the Eagles (2-4, 0-3 MAC) were unable to capitalize on short field position in the first half. Four Eagles paced a balanced defensive showing for the Eagles in the Mid-American Conference affair, as junior Vince Calhoun (Middletown, Ohio-Middletown) and seniors Kyle Rachwal (Lapeer, Mich.-Lapeer East), Jaylen Pickett (Zephyrhills, Fla.-Zephyryhills), and Justin Moody (Richmond, Va.-Monacan) finished with six tackles apiece. Pickett was all over the box score, as the linebacker also intercepted a pass and forced a fumble.
Leading EMU's comeback effort, junior Mike Glass III (St. Louis, Mo.-Hazelwood Central (Southwestern College)) was once again strong in relief. He finished the day with 101 yards on the ground and his fourth rushing score of the season, as he became the first Eagle quarterback to rack up 100+ yards rushing since Reginald Bell ran for 101 yards against Ball State Nov. 22, 2014. Glass III was also a weapon in the air, completing 15-of-24 passes for 155 yards and a touchdown.
Five Eagles hauled in passes, with junior Arthur Jackson III (Oakland, Calif.- Wood) leading all EMU receivers with 62 yards on six receptions, while freshman Dylan Drummond (Cleveland, Ohio-Cuyahoga Heights) tallied 59 yards on five catches. Tight end Gunnar Oakes (Swanton, Ohio-Swanton) and Banham caught EMU's two TD passes, with Oakes' being the first of his career.
On the special teams front, reigning MAC West Division Special Team Player of the Week Jake Julien (Barrie, Ontario, Canada-Barrie North Collegiate) recorded five punts for a total of 242 yards and pinned WMU inside its own 20 on four times. Julien registered a career-long 73-yard boot, the longest by an Eagle since Nick Avondet recorded a 74-yarder against NIU in 1998.
Western Michigan scored on its opening drive, a 14-yard rushing touchdown by Levante Bellamy, to take a 7-0 lead with just under 10 minutes to go in the opening period. From there, Eastern's defense was locked in, forcing two punts, a fumble, and an interception over the next 18 minutes.
EMU leveled the score at seven as Wiegers led the Green and White on a seven-play, 58-yard drive that ended with a 16-yard touchdown strike to Oakes.
Western scored with 1:19 to go in the half on a one-yard run, but a 39-yard field goal by freshman Chad Ryland (Lebanon, Pa.-Cedar Crest) as time expired brought the Eagles within four, 14-10, at halftime.
The Eagles shutdown second-half defense came out in full swing in the third period, holding the Broncos off the scoreboard. It marked the fifth straight matchup in which EMU's defense has held an opponent scoreless in the third frame.
Meanwhile, the Eagles took their first lead of the game, 17-14, as Glass III ran into the endzone for his fourth rushing touchdown of the season, a four-yard score with 7:36 to go in the third quarter.
With Eastern owning a 17-14 lead through three frames, Western rattled off 13 unanswered points to open up the game, 27-17, and takes its largest lead of the game with 9:24 to play.
A 16-play, 84-yard drive ended with a field goal attempt for the Eagles, but the kick sailed wide, giving WMU the ball with a 10-point lead and 3:26 remaining on the clock.
EMU had one more opportunity to spoil Western's homecoming after a three-and-out by the defense. Driving down the field in a 12 play, 85 yard drive, culminating with a 13-yard TD by Banham, EMU's chances hinged on an onside kick attempt with 20 ticks left on the clock. Ultimately, the kick was recovered by WMU, sealing the 27-24 defeat.
Eastern Michigan returns to the field next Saturday, Oct. 12, for the Band Day, against the University of Toledo. In addition, it is the inaugural "Made in the Mitten" game , which will feature businesses that were founded in the state. Kickoff is set for noon at "The Factory" at Rynearson Stadium.
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – A touchdown catch by senior Blake Banham (St. Paul, Minn.-Cretin-Durham) with 20 seconds to go brought the Eastern Michigan University football team within three, 27-24, but the Eagles could not recover the ensuing onside kick at Western Michigan University Saturday afternoon, Oct. 6, at Waldo Stadium.
Eastern Michigan's defense held the high-scoring Bronco offense 10 points below its season average, but overall the Eagles (2-4, 0-3 MAC) were unable to capitalize on short field position in the first half. Four Eagles paced a balanced defensive showing for the Eagles in the Mid-American Conference affair, as junior Vince Calhoun (Middletown, Ohio-Middletown) and seniors Kyle Rachwal (Lapeer, Mich.-Lapeer East), Jaylen Pickett (Zephyrhills, Fla.-Zephyryhills), and Justin Moody (Richmond, Va.-Monacan) finished with six tackles apiece. Pickett was all over the box score, as the linebacker also intercepted a pass and forced a fumble.
Leading EMU's comeback effort, junior Mike Glass III (St. Louis, Mo.-Hazelwood Central (Southwestern College)) was once again strong in relief. He finished the day with 101 yards on the ground and his fourth rushing score of the season, as he became the first Eagle quarterback to rack up 100+ yards rushing since Reginald Bell ran for 101 yards against Ball State Nov. 22, 2014. Glass III was also a weapon in the air, completing 15-of-24 passes for 155 yards and a touchdown.
Five Eagles hauled in passes, with junior Arthur Jackson III (Oakland, Calif.- Wood) leading all EMU receivers with 62 yards on six receptions, while freshman Dylan Drummond (Cleveland, Ohio-Cuyahoga Heights) tallied 59 yards on five catches. Tight end Gunnar Oakes (Swanton, Ohio-Swanton) and Banham caught EMU's two TD passes, with Oakes' being the first of his career.
On the special teams front, reigning MAC West Division Special Team Player of the Week Jake Julien (Barrie, Ontario, Canada-Barrie North Collegiate) recorded five punts for a total of 242 yards and pinned WMU inside its own 20 on four times. Julien registered a career-long 73-yard boot, the longest by an Eagle since Nick Avondet recorded a 74-yarder against NIU in 1998.
Western Michigan scored on its opening drive, a 14-yard rushing touchdown by Levante Bellamy, to take a 7-0 lead with just under 10 minutes to go in the opening period. From there, Eastern's defense was locked in, forcing two punts, a fumble, and an interception over the next 18 minutes.
EMU leveled the score at seven as Wiegers led the Green and White on a seven-play, 58-yard drive that ended with a 16-yard touchdown strike to Oakes.
Western scored with 1:19 to go in the half on a one-yard run, but a 39-yard field goal by freshman Chad Ryland (Lebanon, Pa.-Cedar Crest) as time expired brought the Eagles within four, 14-10, at halftime.
The Eagles shutdown second-half defense came out in full swing in the third period, holding the Broncos off the scoreboard. It marked the fifth straight matchup in which EMU's defense has held an opponent scoreless in the third frame.
Meanwhile, the Eagles took their first lead of the game, 17-14, as Glass III ran into the endzone for his fourth rushing touchdown of the season, a four-yard score with 7:36 to go in the third quarter.
With Eastern owning a 17-14 lead through three frames, Western rattled off 13 unanswered points to open up the game, 27-17, and takes its largest lead of the game with 9:24 to play.
A 16-play, 84-yard drive ended with a field goal attempt for the Eagles, but the kick sailed wide, giving WMU the ball with a 10-point lead and 3:26 remaining on the clock.
EMU had one more opportunity to spoil Western's homecoming after a three-and-out by the defense. Driving down the field in a 12 play, 85 yard drive, culminating with a 13-yard TD by Banham, EMU's chances hinged on an onside kick attempt with 20 ticks left on the clock. Ultimately, the kick was recovered by WMU, sealing the 27-24 defeat.
Eastern Michigan returns to the field next Saturday, Oct. 12, for the Band Day, against the University of Toledo. In addition, it is the inaugural "Made in the Mitten" game , which will feature businesses that were founded in the state. Kickoff is set for noon at "The Factory" at Rynearson Stadium.
Team Stats
EMU
WMU
Total Yards
384
387
Pass Yards
206
235
Rushing Yards
178
152
Penalty Yards
31
67
1st Downs
23
18
3rd Downs
5
4
4th Downs
2
2
TOP
32:03
27:57
1st Quarter
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EMU 0, WMU 7
WMU - BELLAMY, L 14 yd run (PEDDIE, GAVIN kick), 7 plays, 61 yards, TOP 2:42
2nd Quarter
EMU 7, WMU 7
EMU - OAKES, Gunnar 16 yd pass from WIEGERS, Tyler (RYLAND, Chad kick) 7 plays, 58 yards, TOP 2:38
EMU 7, WMU 14
WMU - BOGAN, JAMAURI 1 yd run (PEDDIE, GAVIN kick), 12 plays, 38 yards, TOP 4:44
EMU 10, WMU 14
EMU - RYLAND, Chad 39 yd field goal 8 plays, 52 yards, TOP 1:19
3rd Quarter
EMU 17, WMU 14
EMU - GLASS, Mike 4 yd run (RYLAND, Chad kick), 4 plays, 39 yards, TOP 1:32
4th Quarter
EMU 17, WMU 21
WMU - WASSINK, JON 1 yd run (PEDDIE, GAVIN kick), 7 plays, 91 yards, TOP 2:34
EMU 17, WMU 27
WMU - BELLAMY, L 15 yd pass from WASSINK, JON (PEDDIE, GAVIN kickblocked) 8 plays, 69 yards, TOP 3:46
EMU 24, WMU 27
EMU - BANHAM, Blake 13 yd pass from GLASS, Mike (RYLAND, Chad kick) 12 plays, 85 yards, TOP 2:22
Game Leaders
Passing Leaders
CMP
15
TD
1
YDS
155
INT
0
CMP
3
TD
1
YDS
51
INT
0
Players Mentioned
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