The Eastern Michigan University football team soared to Mount Pleasant, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 30, in search of their first win inside Kelly Shorts Stadium since 2011.
The Chippewas had other plans, as operation search and destroy will have to be put on hold for the Eagles after they suffered a tough 26-23 loss, with the Michigan MAC title possibly finding a new home this year.
Turning point
The turning point came with 7:55 left to play as CMU junior running back Marion Lukes found the endzone for the Chippewas on a 24-yard run to give CMU a 26-23 lead over the Eagles.
The Eagles would march back on offense as they produced a 14-play, 50-yard offensive drive that found them inside CMU’s 30-yard line with a field goal lined up to attempt to tie the game at 26, all with 51 seconds left to play, but junior kicker Jesus Gomez (Puebla, Mexico) would miss the opportunity as the Chippewas would hold on to win the ballgame.
Unsung hero
The unsung hero award goes to junior quarterback Austin Smith (Ellenwood, Ga.) as he led the Eagles in their win on Saturday.
Smith would cap off a very efficient effort as he completed 20 of his 26 passes, for 186 passing yards, and one passing touchdown, finally getting the EMU passing attack back on track as they’ve struggled through the air all year.
The Georgia native also displayed his ability of mobility as he rushed for 71 yards, on 19 carries, and one rushing touchdown. Smith would lead the Eagles in both passing and rushing yards on the day.
History in the making
EMU running back Samson Evans (Crystal Lake, Ill.) would make history on Saturday as he officially tied Eagles legend Gary Patton for most career touchdowns in school history.
Evans would find the endzone for the 31st time in his career, as he rushed for a two-yard touchdown in the third quarter to edge his name next to Patton’s.
Along with the touchdown, Evans finished the game with nine carries for 22 rushing yards, as well as three receptions, for 15 receiving yards.
Check it out: Evans ties Patton for all-time career touchdown record.
