Football Drops Overtime Thriller at Toledo, 37-34

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TOLEDO, Ohio. (EMUEagles.com) – The Eastern Michigan University football team fought from 21-points down in the third quarter to force overtime with the University of Toledo Saturday, Oct. 26, in Mid-American Conference action at the Glass Bowl. Despite taking a three-point lead in the extra session, 34-31, the Eagles were unable to hold on for victory, dropping the contest, 37-34. The 47th all-time matchup between the squads, was the first that needed overtime to decide the winner.

A tie game at the half, Toledo (5-3, 2-2 MAC) scored three unanswered touchdowns to open up a 21-point advantage, 31-10, with 9:21 remaining in the third quarter. Undiscouraged, Eastern (4-4, 1-3 MAC) came charging back. Down seven, 31-24, with 2:25 on the clock, senior running back Shaq Vann (South Bend, Ind.-John Adams) busted a 27-yard touchdown run, stunning the fans that were left in the rain-drenched Glass Bowl. Chad Ryland's (Lebanon, Pa.-Cedar Crest) extra point tied the game at 31-all.

After the EMU defense recovered a fumble in the ensuing UT possession, the Eastern offense had one final chance to clinch the game in regulation. With 1:59 left, Glass and the offense positioned the field goal unit with a 33-yard field goal attempt, which ultimately missed.

EMU continued to prove its resilience in the extra period. Unable to find the endzone, Ryland redeemed his earlier miss, this time drilling a 24-yard attempt, and giving Eastern its first lead of the game, 34-31.

Needing a defensive stop to win the game, the Rocket offense came through in the clutch. On third-and-10, UT quarterback Eli Peters threaded a perfect 15-yard touchdown pass to the Drew Rosi, ending the game, 37-34.

After compiling just 26 yards in the first quarter, the EMU offense found its stride in the remainder of the game. Senior quarterback Mike Glass III (St. Louis, Mo.-Hazelwood Central (Southwestern College)) finished his day 21-of-37, for 268 yards, and two total touchdowns. He added 43 yards on the ground as well. Pacing a receiving corps that had five players register two-or-more receptions, sophomore Quian Williams (Oklahoma City, Okla.-Southmoore) hauled in a career-best nine receptions, for 87 yards. Vann finished his effort with 110 total rushing yards, a season-best.

Defensively, a season-best 18 Eagles recorded multiple tackles. Freshman Mikey Haney (Maumee, Ohio-Maumee) and senior captain Vince Calhoun (Middletown, Ohio-Middletown) led the way with 10 tackles each.

Back on the gridiron, and healthy, for the first time since Oct. 12, Glass found passing rhythm in the second quarter after a slow first frame. Down ten, 10-0, with 9:46 on the clock, the St. Louis native fired a 41-yard bullet to sophomore Williams, kicking off EMU's best drive of the half. After finding Williams twice more in the ensuing three plays, Glass found senior Arthur Jackson III (Oakland, Calif.-Wood (American River College)) on a 24-yard strike in the back of the endzone. A well placed ball was met with Jackson's incredible hands, as the California native corralled the pass with just one hand as he used the other to brace a dive across the endzone.

After the EMU defense forced a quick three-and-out, the offense marched back down the field. This time, Glass orchestrated a seven-play, 63-yard drive that ended with a 29-yard, game tying, Ryland field goal, his ninth of the season.

With the rain still coming down at the beginning of the second half, Toledo took advantage of its first possession. The Rockets needed just three plays and 1:22 to break the 10-all tie, as they went 44 yards for a touchdown, regaining the lead, 16-10.

After two more Rocket touchdowns, Glass was able to lead an 11-play, 75-yard drive, capped off by a four-yard TD by the senior QB. A failed two-point conversion left the Eagles down 15, 31-16, but kick started an unbelievable second-half breakthrough.

With Neal Neathery's defensive unit playing stout, the Eagle offense regained possession and took advantage of the momentum it had built. With 8:18 left in the fourth quarter, Vann capped a 12-play, 74-yard drive with a three-yard touchdown run. After a two-point conversion, EMU found itself down just one score, 31-24.

With just over two minutes remaining in the game, it was Vann who struck again with his 27-yard carry.

Although the Eagles were unable to win the game in overtime, their valiant effort did not go unnoticed.

Eastern is back on the field Saturday, Nov. 2, for a 12 p.m. against MAC East foe, the University at Buffalo. The game will be played at "The Factory," insider Rynearson Stadium, and is earmarked as "Celebrate America," day in Ypsilanti. The game will pay tribute to all first responders, and military veterans by offering free tickets to each individual and family that shows proper identification. For more details, visit EMUEagles.com

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Team Stats

Mike Glass III

Players Mentioned

Vince Calhoun

Mike Glass III

Mikey Haney

Arthur Jackson III

Chad Ryland

Shaq Vann

Quian Williams

Players Mentioned

Vince Calhoun

Mike Glass III

Mikey Haney

Arthur Jackson III

Chad Ryland

Shaq Vann

Quian Williams

Eastern Michigan Athletics