MONTGOMERY, AL -- Shai Werts’ 29-yard run on a 4th-and-10 play in the final two minutes set up a 40-yard Tyler Bass field goal as time expired, giving Georgia Southern a 23-21 victory over Eastern Michigan Saturday in Raycom Media Camellia Bowl action.
Eastern Michigan, which trailed much of the game, fought back and took a 21-20 lead with a big fourth down play of its own with 3:33 remaining. It was fourth-and-four at the GSU five when when Mike Glass found Arthern Jackson II in the back of the end zone. Chad Rylan’s PAT put Eastern Michigan in front 21-20.
Although Georgia Southern was able to drive for the winning points on its next possession, it was Eastern Michigan’s defense which paved the way for the green-shirted Eagle’s comeback.
The high-powered, option-attack attack of GSU led 17-10 after Bass kicked a 50-yard field goal as time expired in the first half. But Eastern Michigan would not give up another TD and surrendered just six points after intermission. It was the last three that decided the outcome.
NOTES:
➤➤ It was a game of Eagles vs Eagles as both teams claim the same nickname.
➤➤ Georgia Southern registered 364 total yards to 301 for Eastern. As usual, GSU rode its run game, passing just seven times and completing four for 33 yards.
➤➤ EMU completed 17-of-26 passes for 204 yards..
➤➤ Neither team had a turnover and both teams were penalized four times for 25 yards each.
➤➤ Sophomore Willie Parker led Eastern Michigan rushers with nine carries for 44 yards. EMU totaled 97 rushing yards.
➤➤ Wesley Kennedy III topped all rushers with 107 yards on just nine carries. He had a long of 46. Senior Wesley Fields was the workhorse, carrying 23 times for 91 yards. Werts chipped in 91 yards on 23 totes. His 29-yard scramble late in the game set up the Eagles winning field goal.
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