- EASTERN MICHIGAN 42, EASTERN KENTUCKY 34
East Lansing, MI -- Although he was just 12-of-24 on passing attempts (for 233 yards), junior QB Payton Thorne tossed four TD passes to lead No. 15 Michigan State past Western Michigan Friday at Spartan Stadium.
Freshman Jack Salopek connected on 21-of-36 passing attempts (193 yards) for the Broncos, but WMU’s only touchdown of the season opener was Sean Tyler’s 4-yard touchdown third quarter TD run. The junior averaged 5.2 ypc, gaining 58 yards on 13 carries. Western Michigan totaled 141 rushing yards on the night.
The Broncos struck first, with Palmer Domschke hitting a 27-yard field goal at 6:31 of the first period. Michigan State responded with Thome TD passes (44-, 14- and 41-yards) on its next three possessions.
WMU posted 10 third quarter points to pull within eight, but the hosts added 14 fourth quarter points to seal a Spartan victory.
NOTES:
► Both teams had two turnovers. The Broncos lost two fumbles, while MSU registered one interception and a lost fumble.
► Western Michigan was penalized eight times for 76 yards. Michigan State drew two flags for a total of 30 yards.
► Overall, MSU rushers averaged 6.2 ypc (297 total yards). The Broncos managed 3.8 ypc (141 rushing yards).
► Keni-H Lovely owned WMU’s interception.
Ypsilanti, MI -- Senior Taylor Powell tossed three touchdown passes in his Eastern Michigan debut as the Eagles downed Eastern Michigan 42-34 Friday at Rynearson Stadium.
Powell completed 21-of-30 passes overall, contributing 271 yards. He was picked off once. Hassan Beydoun (1) and Tanner Knue (2) collected TD passes for EMU, while Dylan Drummon had a team-high 62 receiving yards on four catches.
Samson Evans (15 carries, 89 yards, 2 TDs) led an Eagles rushing attack that totaled 124 yards and three scores.
Eastern Kentucky out-gained the hosts overall, 492-395. Most of tEMU’s progress came through the air as Parker McKinney completed 25-of-51 for 351 yards and three TDs and one interception.
Neither team scored in the first period, and the Eagles owned a 14-10 halftime edge. Two Eastern Michigan touchdowns increased the lead to 28-10 midway through the third stanza. EKU was unable to get closer than eight points after that.
NOTES:
► Eastern Kentucky was penalized 12 times for 108 yards and had two turnovers -- one lost fumble and one interception. The Eagles registered six penalties for 59 yards -- also losing one fumble and one interception.
► Russell Vadin IV was credited with the EMU fumble recovery. Blake Bogan came up with the interception.