Previews - Saturday, 9-10-22 games
All times are Eastern
-- Ohio at Penn State - Noon
-- South Alabama at Central Michigan - 1 p.m.
+ Western Michigan at Ball State 2 p.m.
-- Akron at No. No. 14 Michigan State 4 p.m.
-- Eastern Kentucky at Bowling Green 4 p.m.
-- Holy Cross at Buffalo - 6 p.m.
-- Robert Morris at Miami - 6 p.m.
-- Eastern Michigan at Louisiana - 7 p.m.
-- UMass at Toledo - 7 p.m.
-- Northern Illinois at Tulsa - 7 p.m.
-- Kent State at No. 7 Oklahoma - 7 p.m
-- Ohio at Penn State - Noon
-- South Alabama at Central Michigan - 1 p.m.
+ Western Michigan at Ball State 2 p.m.
-- Akron at No. No. 14 Michigan State 4 p.m.
-- Eastern Kentucky at Bowling Green 4 p.m.
-- Holy Cross at Buffalo - 6 p.m.
-- Robert Morris at Miami - 6 p.m.
-- Eastern Michigan at Louisiana - 7 p.m.
-- UMass at Toledo - 7 p.m.
-- Northern Illinois at Tulsa - 7 p.m.
-- Kent State at No. 7 Oklahoma - 7 p.m
Ten of the MAC's 12 teams continue their non-conference schedule Saturday. Among that group, Akron and Kent State will tangle with Top 25 competition. The Zips are at No. 14 Michigan State, while No. 7 hosts KSU.
Meanwhile, Western Michigan and Ball State will draw first blood in conference play.
Ohio at Penn State - Noon
Beaver Stadium -- University Park, PA
ABC
PENN STATE (1-0)
After leading 21-10 at intermission, the Nittany Lions held off hosting Purdue in an early Big Ten battle. The Boilermakers scored two third quarter TDs to grab a 24-32 lead. Both teams traded fourth quarter TDs before Sean Clifford hit Keyvone Lee with a 10-yard TD strike with 57 secnds left to give PSU the victory.
Clifford completed 20-of-37 passes for 282 yards and four TDs (to four different receivers) with one pick. The Nittany Lions had just 98 yards rushing, averaging 3.1 ypc.
OHIO BOBCATS (1-0)
Ohio opened its 2022 campaign on a winning note last week as the Bobcats edged Florida Atlantic 41-38 in Athens. Offensive yardage and first downs were nearly equal, but Ohio was able to take advantage of two turnovers by FAU. The Bobcats totaled 35:41 of possession time.
Florida Atlantic did most of its damage through the air, registering 364 passing yards and five receiving TDs off the arm of N'Kosi Perry.
Ohio QB Kurtis Rourke came close to duplicating that, throwing for 345 yards and four scores. He also ran for one more. Sieh Bangura was the Ohio ground workhorse, carrying 23 times for 114 yards. James Bostic paced the Green and White receiving corp with six catches totaling 136 yards with one TD. Senior Sam Wiglusz scored two touchdowns among five receptions.
-- South Alabama at Central Michigan - 1 p.m.
Kelly Shorts Stadium - Mount Pleasant, MI
ESPN+
SOUTH ALABAMA (1-0)
Former Toledo quarterback Carter Bradley toss three touchdowns and ran for another as the Jaguars blasted FCS-member Nicholls 48-7 last week.
Overall, Bradley completed 17-of-25 passes totaling 260 yards. Jaley Wayne grabbed two TD catches, including a second quarter 52-yard bomb. Caullin Lacy grabbed six receptions for 72 yards.
USA's totaled 332 passing yards and another 176 on the ground. La'Damian Webb led the Jaguars with 18 carries for 98 yards.
Nichols managed just 165 yards of offense (59 rushing) and committed two turnovers.
CENTRAL MICHIGAN (0-1)
The Chippewas were tied with No. 12 Oklahoma State midway through the first quarter last week. However, the Cowboys erupted for 30 straight points on the way to a 58-44 victory.
CMU scored four of the game's last five TDs, but they were unable to catch the hosts.
Quarterback Daniel Richardson had a career day, completing 36-of-49 pass attempts, good for 424 yards with four TDs and one pick.
Six Chippewa receivers owned at least five catches. Jalen McGaughy led the way with six receptions for 126 yards ands two TDs. His longest went for 54 yards.
Lew Nichols III, who ran for 1,848 yards and 16 TDs in 2021, had 72 yards rushing, 2 touchdowns and six catches for 26 yards.
+ Western Michigan at Ball State 2 p.m.
Scheumann Stadium - Muncie, IN
ESPN+
WESTERN MICHIGAN (0-1)
After scoring 10 third quarter points to pull within eight , the Broncos fell to of No. 15 Michigan State 35-13. Freshman Jack Salopek completed 21-of-35 attempts, good for 193 yards. Three WMU receivers combined for 14 catches and 146 yards. Junior Sean Tyler averaged 5.2 ypc, carrying 13 times for 68 yards and a score.
Palmer Domschke's 42-yard field goal trimmed MSU's lead to 21-13 late in the third stanza, but the Spartans added two more touchdowns to pull away.
BALL STATE (0-1)
Tennessee rolled up 569 yards of offense (218 rushing, 351 passing) while cruising past Ball State. The Cardinals managed 343 yards of offense but committed three turnovers.
BSU junior John Paddock completed 27-of-43 passes, good for 269 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Jayshon Jackson (5 catches, 5 yards),Yo'Heinz Tyler (5 catches, 62 yards) and Amir Abdur-Rahman (5 catches, 42 yards) led Cardinal receivers. Carson Steele carried 11 times for 27 yards as Ball State had just 74 yards on the ground. Jack Blanko's nine tackles led the defense.
-- Akron at No. No. 14 Michigan State 4 p.m.
Spartan Stadium -- East Lansing, MI
BTN
AKRON (1-0)
The Zips ended a six-game losing streak and gave new head coach Joe Moorhead his firrst UA win last week, squeezing out a 30-23 overtime victory against Saint Francis (PA). After Akron took a 23-16 lead at 5:42 of the final period, SFU tied the game on its next posession.
After Cam Wiley tallied on a 1-yard run to start overtime, St. Francis moved into position for its own score. However, CB Tyson Durant intercepted a Red Flash pass in the end zone to thwart SFU and seal the Akron win.
D.J. Irons completed 22-of-37 passes for 286 yards and two TDs. He was sacked six times.
Shockey Jacquest-Louis led Akron receivers with eight grabs for 122 yards and a touchdown. Wiley logged 21 carries for 84 of UA's 98 rushing yards. The Zips averaged 3.0 ypc.
MICHIGAN STATE (1-0)
The Spartans open their 2021 season with back-to-back games against MAC opponents. Last week, they defeated Western Michigan 35-13. After giving up an early field goal, MSU scored three unanswered TDs before halftime. After the Broncos scored the third quarter only points, pulling to withing 21-13, Michigan State put the game away with two fourth quarter touchdowns.
Payton Thorne completed 12-of-24 for 233 yards with four TDs and one pick. Jalen Berger averaged 7.5 yards while contributing 120 yards and one touchdown to lead MSU's ground game. Four Spartan defenders recorded double-digit tackles and MSU sacked Western Michigan's quarterback seven times.
-- Eastern Kentucky at Bowling Green 4 p.m.
Doyt L. Perry Stadium -- Bowling Green, OH
ESPN3
EASTERN KENTUCKY (0-1)
After falling behind Eastern Michigan 35-17 with 11:00 remaining in the fourth quarter, EKU scored 17 of the game's final 24 points. The visiting Colonels actually outgained EMU 492-395 overall and had six more first downs.
Parker McKinney completed 35-of-51 attempts for 351 yards with three TDs and one interceptions. He also carried seven times for another 49 yards. Eastern Kentucky totaled 141 yards on the ground.
Both teams recorded two turnovers, but the Colonels hurt their own cause with 12 penalties for 108 yards.
BOWLING GREEN (0-1)
BGSU jumped out to a 17-7 lead last week at the Rose Bowl, but UCLA tallied the game's final 38 points. Overall, Bowling Green was outgained 626-162. The Falcons were held to 37 yards rushing and averaged 1.5 ypc. as UCLA recorded nine tackles for loss. Matt McDonald completed 17-of-34 passes totaling 125 yards with one TD. That went to Christian Sims, who had a team-high four catches for 33 yards and the score. Davion Daniels and Joseph Sipp Jr. each recorded 10 tackles to lead the defense.
-- Holy Cross at Buffalo - 6 p.m.
UB Stadium -- Buffalo NY
ESPN+
BUFFALO (0-1)
The Bulls hope to get their first win Saturday after falling at Maryland 31-10 last week. Al-Jay Henderson's 19-yard TD run at 3:03 of the second quarter kept UB in the game, but Maryland added two more touchdowns before Buffalo closed with an Alex McNulty 34-yard field goal at 6:07 (4th).
Cole Snyder connected on 18-of-35 pass attempts for a total of 160 yards. Justin Marshall led receivers with four catches for 52 yards. Mike Washington and Ron Cook Jr. combined for 23 carries and 66 of the team's 108-rushing yards.
The Bulls defense registered five TFL. Marcus Fuqua picked off a Bruins third quarter pass.
HOLY CROSS (1-0)
The Patriot League member started 2022 on a winning note as Holy Cross defeated Merrimack 31-17 in Week One. The Crusaders owned 502 yards of offense, while holding their opponent to 280 total yards. Merrimack had 91 yards rushing and averaged 3.4 ypc. Meanwhile, Holy Cross showed a strong run game with 44 carries totaling 243 yards (5.5 ypc). Matthew Sluka, a 6-3, 215-pound junior, was a dual threat. He completed 13-of-22 passes totaling 242 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He also led HC rushing with 13 carries for 102 yards and the team's only rushing TD.
Walter Reynolds and Hunter Burns each recorded an interception. Holy Cross blocked a Merrimack third quarter punt. It tolled ot of the end zone for a safety.
Meanwhile, Western Michigan and Ball State will draw first blood in conference play.
Ohio at Penn State - Noon
Beaver Stadium -- University Park, PA
ABC
PENN STATE (1-0)
After leading 21-10 at intermission, the Nittany Lions held off hosting Purdue in an early Big Ten battle. The Boilermakers scored two third quarter TDs to grab a 24-32 lead. Both teams traded fourth quarter TDs before Sean Clifford hit Keyvone Lee with a 10-yard TD strike with 57 secnds left to give PSU the victory.
Clifford completed 20-of-37 passes for 282 yards and four TDs (to four different receivers) with one pick. The Nittany Lions had just 98 yards rushing, averaging 3.1 ypc.
OHIO BOBCATS (1-0)
Ohio opened its 2022 campaign on a winning note last week as the Bobcats edged Florida Atlantic 41-38 in Athens. Offensive yardage and first downs were nearly equal, but Ohio was able to take advantage of two turnovers by FAU. The Bobcats totaled 35:41 of possession time.
Florida Atlantic did most of its damage through the air, registering 364 passing yards and five receiving TDs off the arm of N'Kosi Perry.
Ohio QB Kurtis Rourke came close to duplicating that, throwing for 345 yards and four scores. He also ran for one more. Sieh Bangura was the Ohio ground workhorse, carrying 23 times for 114 yards. James Bostic paced the Green and White receiving corp with six catches totaling 136 yards with one TD. Senior Sam Wiglusz scored two touchdowns among five receptions.
-- South Alabama at Central Michigan - 1 p.m.
Kelly Shorts Stadium - Mount Pleasant, MI
ESPN+
SOUTH ALABAMA (1-0)
Former Toledo quarterback Carter Bradley toss three touchdowns and ran for another as the Jaguars blasted FCS-member Nicholls 48-7 last week.
Overall, Bradley completed 17-of-25 passes totaling 260 yards. Jaley Wayne grabbed two TD catches, including a second quarter 52-yard bomb. Caullin Lacy grabbed six receptions for 72 yards.
USA's totaled 332 passing yards and another 176 on the ground. La'Damian Webb led the Jaguars with 18 carries for 98 yards.
Nichols managed just 165 yards of offense (59 rushing) and committed two turnovers.
CENTRAL MICHIGAN (0-1)
The Chippewas were tied with No. 12 Oklahoma State midway through the first quarter last week. However, the Cowboys erupted for 30 straight points on the way to a 58-44 victory.
CMU scored four of the game's last five TDs, but they were unable to catch the hosts.
Quarterback Daniel Richardson had a career day, completing 36-of-49 pass attempts, good for 424 yards with four TDs and one pick.
Six Chippewa receivers owned at least five catches. Jalen McGaughy led the way with six receptions for 126 yards ands two TDs. His longest went for 54 yards.
Lew Nichols III, who ran for 1,848 yards and 16 TDs in 2021, had 72 yards rushing, 2 touchdowns and six catches for 26 yards.
+ Western Michigan at Ball State 2 p.m.
Scheumann Stadium - Muncie, IN
ESPN+
WESTERN MICHIGAN (0-1)
After scoring 10 third quarter points to pull within eight , the Broncos fell to of No. 15 Michigan State 35-13. Freshman Jack Salopek completed 21-of-35 attempts, good for 193 yards. Three WMU receivers combined for 14 catches and 146 yards. Junior Sean Tyler averaged 5.2 ypc, carrying 13 times for 68 yards and a score.
Palmer Domschke's 42-yard field goal trimmed MSU's lead to 21-13 late in the third stanza, but the Spartans added two more touchdowns to pull away.
BALL STATE (0-1)
Tennessee rolled up 569 yards of offense (218 rushing, 351 passing) while cruising past Ball State. The Cardinals managed 343 yards of offense but committed three turnovers.
BSU junior John Paddock completed 27-of-43 passes, good for 269 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Jayshon Jackson (5 catches, 5 yards),Yo'Heinz Tyler (5 catches, 62 yards) and Amir Abdur-Rahman (5 catches, 42 yards) led Cardinal receivers. Carson Steele carried 11 times for 27 yards as Ball State had just 74 yards on the ground. Jack Blanko's nine tackles led the defense.
-- Akron at No. No. 14 Michigan State 4 p.m.
Spartan Stadium -- East Lansing, MI
BTN
AKRON (1-0)
The Zips ended a six-game losing streak and gave new head coach Joe Moorhead his firrst UA win last week, squeezing out a 30-23 overtime victory against Saint Francis (PA). After Akron took a 23-16 lead at 5:42 of the final period, SFU tied the game on its next posession.
After Cam Wiley tallied on a 1-yard run to start overtime, St. Francis moved into position for its own score. However, CB Tyson Durant intercepted a Red Flash pass in the end zone to thwart SFU and seal the Akron win.
D.J. Irons completed 22-of-37 passes for 286 yards and two TDs. He was sacked six times.
Shockey Jacquest-Louis led Akron receivers with eight grabs for 122 yards and a touchdown. Wiley logged 21 carries for 84 of UA's 98 rushing yards. The Zips averaged 3.0 ypc.
MICHIGAN STATE (1-0)
The Spartans open their 2021 season with back-to-back games against MAC opponents. Last week, they defeated Western Michigan 35-13. After giving up an early field goal, MSU scored three unanswered TDs before halftime. After the Broncos scored the third quarter only points, pulling to withing 21-13, Michigan State put the game away with two fourth quarter touchdowns.
Payton Thorne completed 12-of-24 for 233 yards with four TDs and one pick. Jalen Berger averaged 7.5 yards while contributing 120 yards and one touchdown to lead MSU's ground game. Four Spartan defenders recorded double-digit tackles and MSU sacked Western Michigan's quarterback seven times.
-- Eastern Kentucky at Bowling Green 4 p.m.
Doyt L. Perry Stadium -- Bowling Green, OH
ESPN3
EASTERN KENTUCKY (0-1)
After falling behind Eastern Michigan 35-17 with 11:00 remaining in the fourth quarter, EKU scored 17 of the game's final 24 points. The visiting Colonels actually outgained EMU 492-395 overall and had six more first downs.
Parker McKinney completed 35-of-51 attempts for 351 yards with three TDs and one interceptions. He also carried seven times for another 49 yards. Eastern Kentucky totaled 141 yards on the ground.
Both teams recorded two turnovers, but the Colonels hurt their own cause with 12 penalties for 108 yards.
BOWLING GREEN (0-1)
BGSU jumped out to a 17-7 lead last week at the Rose Bowl, but UCLA tallied the game's final 38 points. Overall, Bowling Green was outgained 626-162. The Falcons were held to 37 yards rushing and averaged 1.5 ypc. as UCLA recorded nine tackles for loss. Matt McDonald completed 17-of-34 passes totaling 125 yards with one TD. That went to Christian Sims, who had a team-high four catches for 33 yards and the score. Davion Daniels and Joseph Sipp Jr. each recorded 10 tackles to lead the defense.
-- Holy Cross at Buffalo - 6 p.m.
UB Stadium -- Buffalo NY
ESPN+
BUFFALO (0-1)
The Bulls hope to get their first win Saturday after falling at Maryland 31-10 last week. Al-Jay Henderson's 19-yard TD run at 3:03 of the second quarter kept UB in the game, but Maryland added two more touchdowns before Buffalo closed with an Alex McNulty 34-yard field goal at 6:07 (4th).
Cole Snyder connected on 18-of-35 pass attempts for a total of 160 yards. Justin Marshall led receivers with four catches for 52 yards. Mike Washington and Ron Cook Jr. combined for 23 carries and 66 of the team's 108-rushing yards.
The Bulls defense registered five TFL. Marcus Fuqua picked off a Bruins third quarter pass.
HOLY CROSS (1-0)
The Patriot League member started 2022 on a winning note as Holy Cross defeated Merrimack 31-17 in Week One. The Crusaders owned 502 yards of offense, while holding their opponent to 280 total yards. Merrimack had 91 yards rushing and averaged 3.4 ypc. Meanwhile, Holy Cross showed a strong run game with 44 carries totaling 243 yards (5.5 ypc). Matthew Sluka, a 6-3, 215-pound junior, was a dual threat. He completed 13-of-22 passes totaling 242 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He also led HC rushing with 13 carries for 102 yards and the team's only rushing TD.
Walter Reynolds and Hunter Burns each recorded an interception. Holy Cross blocked a Merrimack third quarter punt. It tolled ot of the end zone for a safety.
AVEON SMITH -- Robert Morris at Miami - 6 p.m
Yager Stadium -- Oxford, OH
ESPN3
MIAMI REDHAWKS (0-1)
The good news is that Miami is playing at home. The bad news is that the RedHawks will be missing quarterback Brett Gabbert … and at least a couple other offensive cogs -- when they face Robert Morris Saturday night.
>> With the junior QB out indefinitely, Cincinnati and Northwestern await in the wings. All-important MAC conference play begins after that, MU can use a week against somebody who … let’s just say …WASN’T in a bowl game last year! The Colonials are an FCS team currently playing football as an associate member of the Big South Conference.
>> Freshman Aveon Smith will be at the helm for Miami. Through spring and fall work, he has shown himself to be a skilled runner, and head coach Chuck Martin said Smith has made progress in passing and other facets of the game.He cannot, however, match Gabbert’s skill/knowledge/experience set at this time.
>> It is what it is with the RedHawks offense, which last Saturday also lost TE Jack Coldiron for at least a couple weeks and offensive tackles Sam Vaughn -- possibly for the season.
>> For what it’s worth, Miami was able to move the ball early against Kentucky and scored its only touchdown of the evening off the first drive. Tyre Shelton finished that trip with a 22-yard run. Overall, the RedHawks totaled 111 yards running and 179 through the air. Gabbert, who left midway though the final period, completed 20-of-28 passes on the evening. Smith went 2-for-4 with a couple of short tosses.
>> Mac Hippenhammer led Miami with seven catches for 85 yards, and Martin said Kentucky made some defensive adjustments after the 5-11 senior’s early success.
Despite some key graduation and transfer losses, Miami played pretty well on defense through much of the game while facing a well-respected SEC quarterback. The RedHawks registered four sacks and got a goal line interception from freshman Eli Blakely. They also limited UK to 50 yards on 26 rushing attempts.
ROBERT MORRIS (0-1)
The Colonials are an FCS team that (in football) belongs to the Big South Conference. They went 4-6 in 2021, never winning more than one in a row and never losing more than two straight. In their only game against a MAC opponent, Central Michigan defeated RMU 45-0.
>> Last week, Robert Morris opened its season with a 22-20 loss against Dayton. After leading 14-6 at intermission, the Colonials surrendered 16-straight third quarter points to the Flyers. RMU’s Anthony Purge scored on a 1-yard run with 5:14 remaining in the game, but a two-point conversion try to tie failed.
>> Robert Morris produced 326 yards of total offense, but just 30 of that came on the ground. Junior quarterback Anthony Chiccitt completed 20-of-29 pass attempts, good for 217 yards with one TD and one interception. Dayton, meanwhile, managed just 87 yards passing and earned 217 rushing yards.
Yager Stadium -- Oxford, OH
ESPN3
MIAMI REDHAWKS (0-1)
The good news is that Miami is playing at home. The bad news is that the RedHawks will be missing quarterback Brett Gabbert … and at least a couple other offensive cogs -- when they face Robert Morris Saturday night.
>> With the junior QB out indefinitely, Cincinnati and Northwestern await in the wings. All-important MAC conference play begins after that, MU can use a week against somebody who … let’s just say …WASN’T in a bowl game last year! The Colonials are an FCS team currently playing football as an associate member of the Big South Conference.
>> Freshman Aveon Smith will be at the helm for Miami. Through spring and fall work, he has shown himself to be a skilled runner, and head coach Chuck Martin said Smith has made progress in passing and other facets of the game.He cannot, however, match Gabbert’s skill/knowledge/experience set at this time.
>> It is what it is with the RedHawks offense, which last Saturday also lost TE Jack Coldiron for at least a couple weeks and offensive tackles Sam Vaughn -- possibly for the season.
>> For what it’s worth, Miami was able to move the ball early against Kentucky and scored its only touchdown of the evening off the first drive. Tyre Shelton finished that trip with a 22-yard run. Overall, the RedHawks totaled 111 yards running and 179 through the air. Gabbert, who left midway though the final period, completed 20-of-28 passes on the evening. Smith went 2-for-4 with a couple of short tosses.
>> Mac Hippenhammer led Miami with seven catches for 85 yards, and Martin said Kentucky made some defensive adjustments after the 5-11 senior’s early success.
Despite some key graduation and transfer losses, Miami played pretty well on defense through much of the game while facing a well-respected SEC quarterback. The RedHawks registered four sacks and got a goal line interception from freshman Eli Blakely. They also limited UK to 50 yards on 26 rushing attempts.
ROBERT MORRIS (0-1)
The Colonials are an FCS team that (in football) belongs to the Big South Conference. They went 4-6 in 2021, never winning more than one in a row and never losing more than two straight. In their only game against a MAC opponent, Central Michigan defeated RMU 45-0.
>> Last week, Robert Morris opened its season with a 22-20 loss against Dayton. After leading 14-6 at intermission, the Colonials surrendered 16-straight third quarter points to the Flyers. RMU’s Anthony Purge scored on a 1-yard run with 5:14 remaining in the game, but a two-point conversion try to tie failed.
>> Robert Morris produced 326 yards of total offense, but just 30 of that came on the ground. Junior quarterback Anthony Chiccitt completed 20-of-29 pass attempts, good for 217 yards with one TD and one interception. Dayton, meanwhile, managed just 87 yards passing and earned 217 rushing yards.
-- Eastern Michigan at Louisiana - 7 p.m.
Cajun Field - Lavayette, LA
NFL NET
After holding off Eastern Kentucky 42-34 last week, EMU seeks to make in two straight this week when it travels to Lafeyette, LA, where the Eagles will face a stiff road test. The Louisiana Ragin Cajuns went 13-1 last year and continued their winning ways with a victory over Southeast Louisiana to open the 2022 season last week.
LOUISIANA (1-0)
>> The Ragin' Cajuns have been a program on the rise in recent years, and their only setback in 2021 was to No. 21 Texas (38-18 in Week One). Among its subsequent 13 victories was a 49-14 win over Ohio.
>> Louisiana scored in a variety of ways - one pass, one run, one punt return and one field goal.
>> Chandler Fields and Ben Wooldridge combined to complete 20-of-31 passes, totaling 241 yards and a pair of TDs. Eleven Cajuns caught at least one pass, and Johnny Lumpkin led the way with five receptions for 72 yards and two touchdowns. No other player had more than two catches.
>> Terrence Smith and Chris Smith accounted for 22 carries and 105 of UL's 233 rushing yards. Louisiana averaged 3.5 ypc.
>> The Ragin Cajuns defense allowed just one TD and limited SE Louisiana to 260 yards of total offense.
>> Along the way, UL's defense created two turnovers. Amir McDanel and Eric Garror each intercepted a Lions pass.
EASTERN MICHIGAN (1-0)
>> The Eagles led 35-17 early in the fourth quarter. Hassan Beydoun's 22-yard touchdown reception helped hold off a late Colonels rally. Overall, EKU outgained the hosts 492-395 and held a 29-23 edge in first downs.
>> Senior Taylor Powell connected on 21-of-30 passes, good for 271 yards with three TDs (and one interceptions).
>> Dylan Drummond led EMU receivers with four catches totaling 62 yards. Tanner Knue had two TDs among his four receptions.
>> Samson Evans averaged 5.9 ypc, contributing 89 yards and two TDs while leading the Eagles rushing attack.
>> Chase Kline led Eastern Michigan deenders with nine tackles. Blake Bogan picked off one Colonels pass.
Cajun Field - Lavayette, LA
NFL NET
After holding off Eastern Kentucky 42-34 last week, EMU seeks to make in two straight this week when it travels to Lafeyette, LA, where the Eagles will face a stiff road test. The Louisiana Ragin Cajuns went 13-1 last year and continued their winning ways with a victory over Southeast Louisiana to open the 2022 season last week.
LOUISIANA (1-0)
>> The Ragin' Cajuns have been a program on the rise in recent years, and their only setback in 2021 was to No. 21 Texas (38-18 in Week One). Among its subsequent 13 victories was a 49-14 win over Ohio.
>> Louisiana scored in a variety of ways - one pass, one run, one punt return and one field goal.
>> Chandler Fields and Ben Wooldridge combined to complete 20-of-31 passes, totaling 241 yards and a pair of TDs. Eleven Cajuns caught at least one pass, and Johnny Lumpkin led the way with five receptions for 72 yards and two touchdowns. No other player had more than two catches.
>> Terrence Smith and Chris Smith accounted for 22 carries and 105 of UL's 233 rushing yards. Louisiana averaged 3.5 ypc.
>> The Ragin Cajuns defense allowed just one TD and limited SE Louisiana to 260 yards of total offense.
>> Along the way, UL's defense created two turnovers. Amir McDanel and Eric Garror each intercepted a Lions pass.
EASTERN MICHIGAN (1-0)
>> The Eagles led 35-17 early in the fourth quarter. Hassan Beydoun's 22-yard touchdown reception helped hold off a late Colonels rally. Overall, EKU outgained the hosts 492-395 and held a 29-23 edge in first downs.
>> Senior Taylor Powell connected on 21-of-30 passes, good for 271 yards with three TDs (and one interceptions).
>> Dylan Drummond led EMU receivers with four catches totaling 62 yards. Tanner Knue had two TDs among his four receptions.
>> Samson Evans averaged 5.9 ypc, contributing 89 yards and two TDs while leading the Eagles rushing attack.
>> Chase Kline led Eastern Michigan deenders with nine tackles. Blake Bogan picked off one Colonels pass.
- UMass at Toledo - 7 p.m.
Glass Bowl -- Toledo, OH
ESPN+
After pitching a 37-0 shutout over Long Island U. last week, the Toledo Rockets go for win number two Saturday when they host UMass. The one-time Mid-American Conference football associate member will meet three MAC teams this season while playing an independent schedule.
UMASS (0-1)
>> The Minutemen lost 11-of-12 games last year, but did manage to pull off a 27-13 win over rival UConn in Week Five. Among the setbacks was a 42-28 loss to Eastern Michigan and 45-7 defeat at the hands of Toledo.
>> The Minutemen committed three turnovers last week while losing to Tulane 42-10. The only UMass touchdown was Gino Campiotti's 4-yard run early in the seecond quarter. That tied the game at 7-7. Tulane led 21-10 at the half and added three third period TDs. Neither team scored in the fourth quarter.
>> The Minutemen threw just 11 passes, completing four to their own players and three to the opposition. UMass registered 17 yards passing and 200 on the ground.
>> UMass punted five times, averaging 25.8 yards per boot.
>> Twenty-five different Minutemen players were credited with in on at least one tackle.
>> Don Brown re-joined UMass football after sreving as defensive coordinator for the Arizona Wildcats last year. It is the second head coaching stint at UMass for Brown. He was previously HC from 2004-2008, during which his teams went 29-11 and twice appears in Division I post-season tournaments.
TOLEDO (1-0)
>> The Rockets dominated their opener, holding Long Island to a paltry 113 yards of total offense and seven first downs. Meanwhile, UT had 442 yards of offense and moved the chains 21 times. It was a well-balanced effort, with 216 yards passing and 226 on the ground.
>> Sophomore QB Dequan Finn completed 21-of-28 passes with two touchdowns and one interception. He also ran 12 times for a team-high 64 total yards with one score. Jacquez Stuart and Peny Boone combined for 20 carries and 105 yards.
>> Jamal Turner (69 yards) and Jerjuan Newton (40 yards) scored on long TD receptions.
>> Dallas Gant led UT defenders with 10 tackles. Zachary Ford picked off one Sharks pass, returning it 11 yards.
>> Thomas Cluckey had a perfect night, hitting all four PATs and three field goals (long of 43 yards).
Glass Bowl -- Toledo, OH
ESPN+
After pitching a 37-0 shutout over Long Island U. last week, the Toledo Rockets go for win number two Saturday when they host UMass. The one-time Mid-American Conference football associate member will meet three MAC teams this season while playing an independent schedule.
UMASS (0-1)
>> The Minutemen lost 11-of-12 games last year, but did manage to pull off a 27-13 win over rival UConn in Week Five. Among the setbacks was a 42-28 loss to Eastern Michigan and 45-7 defeat at the hands of Toledo.
>> The Minutemen committed three turnovers last week while losing to Tulane 42-10. The only UMass touchdown was Gino Campiotti's 4-yard run early in the seecond quarter. That tied the game at 7-7. Tulane led 21-10 at the half and added three third period TDs. Neither team scored in the fourth quarter.
>> The Minutemen threw just 11 passes, completing four to their own players and three to the opposition. UMass registered 17 yards passing and 200 on the ground.
>> UMass punted five times, averaging 25.8 yards per boot.
>> Twenty-five different Minutemen players were credited with in on at least one tackle.
>> Don Brown re-joined UMass football after sreving as defensive coordinator for the Arizona Wildcats last year. It is the second head coaching stint at UMass for Brown. He was previously HC from 2004-2008, during which his teams went 29-11 and twice appears in Division I post-season tournaments.
TOLEDO (1-0)
>> The Rockets dominated their opener, holding Long Island to a paltry 113 yards of total offense and seven first downs. Meanwhile, UT had 442 yards of offense and moved the chains 21 times. It was a well-balanced effort, with 216 yards passing and 226 on the ground.
>> Sophomore QB Dequan Finn completed 21-of-28 passes with two touchdowns and one interception. He also ran 12 times for a team-high 64 total yards with one score. Jacquez Stuart and Peny Boone combined for 20 carries and 105 yards.
>> Jamal Turner (69 yards) and Jerjuan Newton (40 yards) scored on long TD receptions.
>> Dallas Gant led UT defenders with 10 tackles. Zachary Ford picked off one Sharks pass, returning it 11 yards.
>> Thomas Cluckey had a perfect night, hitting all four PATs and three field goals (long of 43 yards).
-- Northern Illinois at Tulsa - 7 p.m.
Chapman Stadium - Tulsa, OK
ESPN+
After posting its first "one score" win of 2022, the Northern Illinois Huskies will meet a team that fell in its own close game last week. Wyoming edged Tulsa 40-37 in two overtimes during Week One action.
TULSA (0-1)
>> After finishing regulation at 34-all, both Wyoming and Tulsa kicked field goals in the first overtime. John Hoyland added a 30-yarder to put Wyoming back in front and the Cowboys then forced Tulsa to try a 43-yard field goal of its own. That boot missed, giving UT the win.
>> Hoyland hit all four PATs and four-of-five field goal attempts. The only miss -- a 44-yarder -- bounced off an upright with seven seconds left in regulation. However, he made a 55-yard effort earlier in the period and nailed the game-winner during the second OT period.
>> Tulsa averaged just 1.9 yards per rush, picking up a total of 61 yards on the ground.
>> Senior quarterback Davis Brin was busy, throwing 52 passes and connecting on 30. UT had 460 passing yards and three TDs through the air. Brin was sacked four times.
>> Three Hurricane receivers scored a touchdowns and had over 100 receiving yards: Keylon Stokes (11 catches, 169 yards), Malachai Jones (6 catches, 103 yards) and JuanCarlos Santana (7 catches, 102 yards).
>> Senior linebacker Justin Wright (6-2, 244) recorded 13 tackles.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS (1-0)
>> The Huskies opened a 28-6 lead through the first 39 minutes of the
game before EIU battled back in the final quarter. There were still 42 seconds left when the Panthers started one more drive. However, NIU's defense stalled the visitors, who ran out of time while still 36 yards away from the Huskie goal line.
>> Eastern Illinois had more total yards (441-379) and first downs (25-19). However, they committed the game's only two turnovers.
>> NIU used a balanced offense, running for 187 yards and passing for 192 yards. Three of four TDs, came on the ground.
>> Quarterback Rocky Lombardy completed 14-of-22 passes. Shemar Thornton caught six balls for 81 yards. Liam Soraghan's 13-yard catch was the only receiving touchdown.
>> Harrison Waylee and Antario Brown combined for 27 carries, 153 yards and two of three NIU rushing scores.
>> Daveren Raynar shined for the Huskie defense, recording 14 tackles with four solos. Eric Rogers snatched two inteceptions.
>> John Richardson converted all four PATs and made two-of-three field goals. His long went through from 43 yards out.
Chapman Stadium - Tulsa, OK
ESPN+
After posting its first "one score" win of 2022, the Northern Illinois Huskies will meet a team that fell in its own close game last week. Wyoming edged Tulsa 40-37 in two overtimes during Week One action.
TULSA (0-1)
>> After finishing regulation at 34-all, both Wyoming and Tulsa kicked field goals in the first overtime. John Hoyland added a 30-yarder to put Wyoming back in front and the Cowboys then forced Tulsa to try a 43-yard field goal of its own. That boot missed, giving UT the win.
>> Hoyland hit all four PATs and four-of-five field goal attempts. The only miss -- a 44-yarder -- bounced off an upright with seven seconds left in regulation. However, he made a 55-yard effort earlier in the period and nailed the game-winner during the second OT period.
>> Tulsa averaged just 1.9 yards per rush, picking up a total of 61 yards on the ground.
>> Senior quarterback Davis Brin was busy, throwing 52 passes and connecting on 30. UT had 460 passing yards and three TDs through the air. Brin was sacked four times.
>> Three Hurricane receivers scored a touchdowns and had over 100 receiving yards: Keylon Stokes (11 catches, 169 yards), Malachai Jones (6 catches, 103 yards) and JuanCarlos Santana (7 catches, 102 yards).
>> Senior linebacker Justin Wright (6-2, 244) recorded 13 tackles.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS (1-0)
>> The Huskies opened a 28-6 lead through the first 39 minutes of the
game before EIU battled back in the final quarter. There were still 42 seconds left when the Panthers started one more drive. However, NIU's defense stalled the visitors, who ran out of time while still 36 yards away from the Huskie goal line.
>> Eastern Illinois had more total yards (441-379) and first downs (25-19). However, they committed the game's only two turnovers.
>> NIU used a balanced offense, running for 187 yards and passing for 192 yards. Three of four TDs, came on the ground.
>> Quarterback Rocky Lombardy completed 14-of-22 passes. Shemar Thornton caught six balls for 81 yards. Liam Soraghan's 13-yard catch was the only receiving touchdown.
>> Harrison Waylee and Antario Brown combined for 27 carries, 153 yards and two of three NIU rushing scores.
>> Daveren Raynar shined for the Huskie defense, recording 14 tackles with four solos. Eric Rogers snatched two inteceptions.
>> John Richardson converted all four PATs and made two-of-three field goals. His long went through from 43 yards out.
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