EMU quarterback Brogan Roback threw for two TDs and ran for another. (MVSmith/MRO) BY MIKE SMITH
OXFORD, Ohio -- A week after throwing five interceptions in a loss to Central Michigan, Brogan Roback looked anything but a turnover machine Wednesday at Yager Stadium. The senior combined with classmate Sergio Bailey twice on touch passes for third quarter TDs that paved the way to Eastern Michigan’s 27-24 win over Miami.
On the night, Roback completed 15 of 27 passes for 269 yards with . . .
OXFORD, Ohio -- A week after throwing five interceptions in a loss to Central Michigan, Brogan Roback looked anything but a turnover machine Wednesday at Yager Stadium. The senior combined with classmate Sergio Bailey twice on touch passes for third quarter TDs that paved the way to Eastern Michigan’s 27-24 win over Miami.
On the night, Roback completed 15 of 27 passes for 269 yards with . . .
. . . one interception and the two scores. He also ran for one touchdown.
Along the way, he broke a school record for career total offense. Roback now has 8,811 yards of total offense, eclipsing Walter Church’s 8,628.
Along the way, he broke a school record for career total offense. Roback now has 8,811 yards of total offense, eclipsing Walter Church’s 8,628.
Ian Ericksen breaks loose on a 71-yard run. His 112 yards on 18 carries led EMU rushing. (MVSmith/MRO) With the win, Eastern Michigan raised its record to 4-7, 2-5 MAC. Miami fell to 4-7, 3-4 MAC.
The RedHawks came into Tuesday’s senior night game needing two more victories to finish 6-6. That would have made MU bowl eligible. It now joins EMU on the outside looking in as far as bowl participation goes.
The Eagles threatened on very their first possession thanks to a 71-yard burst by Ian Erickson. After reaching the RedHawks one, however, the Eagles were stuffed on third and fourth down.
It proved to be only a temporary reprieve for the hosts, who could not make a first down and were forced to punt.
Eastern Michigan, which did not punt in the first half, used nine plays to reach the end zone. Roback went wide on a 3-yard scamper for the score.
The RedHawks came into Tuesday’s senior night game needing two more victories to finish 6-6. That would have made MU bowl eligible. It now joins EMU on the outside looking in as far as bowl participation goes.
The Eagles threatened on very their first possession thanks to a 71-yard burst by Ian Erickson. After reaching the RedHawks one, however, the Eagles were stuffed on third and fourth down.
It proved to be only a temporary reprieve for the hosts, who could not make a first down and were forced to punt.
Eastern Michigan, which did not punt in the first half, used nine plays to reach the end zone. Roback went wide on a 3-yard scamper for the score.
NOTE --CLICK ANY PHOTO TO ENLARGE. RIGHT CLICK TO SAVE
Kenny Young provided Miami's first two touchdowns and gained a team-high 85 yards. (MVSmith/MRO) Miami followed with a 12-play drive that resulted in Sam Sloman’s 27-yard field goal. Eastern then matched that with a Paulie Fricano 36-yarder to make 10-3 game in favor of the Eagles.
Gus Ragland found Ryan Smith down the middle for 45 yards to set up the Miami’s first touchdown. Kenny Young scored the first of his two touchdowns with a six-yard run on the next play.
An odd fumble/recovery set up Miami’s next score. Roback hit Jaron Johnson for 10 yards before Heath Harding stripped the ball. It spurted into the arms of Brad Koenig, who was also near the sideline.. It took a while to sort out who was in bounds. A review confirmed Miami’s possession, and the RedHawks scored six plays later on Young’s five-yard run.
That gave MU a 17-7 lead, which was cut to 17-13 when Fricano squeezed in a 34-yard field goal just before halftime.
Gus Ragland found Ryan Smith down the middle for 45 yards to set up the Miami’s first touchdown. Kenny Young scored the first of his two touchdowns with a six-yard run on the next play.
An odd fumble/recovery set up Miami’s next score. Roback hit Jaron Johnson for 10 yards before Heath Harding stripped the ball. It spurted into the arms of Brad Koenig, who was also near the sideline.. It took a while to sort out who was in bounds. A review confirmed Miami’s possession, and the RedHawks scored six plays later on Young’s five-yard run.
That gave MU a 17-7 lead, which was cut to 17-13 when Fricano squeezed in a 34-yard field goal just before halftime.
Maxx Crosby brings down Miami quarterback Gus Ragland. Crosby registered three sacks on the night. (MVSmith/MRO) Eastern Michigan quickly sized momentum after intermission. Seven plays into the Eagles opening drive, they scored on a 32-yard pass from Roback to Bailey. That put the visitors in front, and they soon used a Miami turnover to add to their advantage.
The turnover came when Matt Crosby hit Ragland just prior to getting off a pass. Crosby notched three sacks on the day and also added pressures. Dion Dawson recovered and Roback hit Bailey for 10 yards and a score on the next play..
Now up 27-17, the Eagles turned up their defensive pressure on Ragland and the RedHawks offense. When MU finally scored – this time on a 11-yard Ragland to Smith pass – there were just two minutes left and MU lacked time outs. After EMU successfully handled the onside kick, it simply ran out the clock.
Eastern Michigan gained 454 yards overall, while Miami totaled 392 yards.
The turnover came when Matt Crosby hit Ragland just prior to getting off a pass. Crosby notched three sacks on the day and also added pressures. Dion Dawson recovered and Roback hit Bailey for 10 yards and a score on the next play..
Now up 27-17, the Eagles turned up their defensive pressure on Ragland and the RedHawks offense. When MU finally scored – this time on a 11-yard Ragland to Smith pass – there were just two minutes left and MU lacked time outs. After EMU successfully handled the onside kick, it simply ran out the clock.
Eastern Michigan gained 454 yards overall, while Miami totaled 392 yards.
Sergio Bailey gets a celebratory lift after a third quarter touchdown. (MVSmith/MRO) For Eastern, it was an effective blend of run and pass: 185 yards rushing and 269 passing. Juniors Ian Erickson and Shaq Van combined for 171 of the rushing yards.
Bailey led the Eagles receiving corps with just three catches for 69 yards, but two went for touchdowns. Mathrew Sexton and Antoine porter also had three receptions apiece, adding 96 yards to the cause.
Young (13 carries, 85 yards 2 TDs) and Alonzo Smith (15 carries, 65 yards) spearheaded the Miami ground game.
Ragland completed 22 of 32 pass attempts for 251 yards with one TD and interception. Tight end Ryan Smith led the receivers with five catches for 73 yards. Standout James Gardner, one of the MAC receiving leaders, was held to one reception for 13 yards.
Bailey led the Eagles receiving corps with just three catches for 69 yards, but two went for touchdowns. Mathrew Sexton and Antoine porter also had three receptions apiece, adding 96 yards to the cause.
Young (13 carries, 85 yards 2 TDs) and Alonzo Smith (15 carries, 65 yards) spearheaded the Miami ground game.
Ragland completed 22 of 32 pass attempts for 251 yards with one TD and interception. Tight end Ryan Smith led the receivers with five catches for 73 yards. Standout James Gardner, one of the MAC receiving leaders, was held to one reception for 13 yards.
NOTE --CLICK ANY PHOTO TO ENLARGE. RIGHT CLICK TO SAVE
QB Gus Ragland is swarmed by Eastern Michigan defenders. (MVSmith/MRO)
 Gus Ragland gets off a first down pass to Jared Murphy. |  Kevin McGill (4) strips away a pass intended for James Gardner, who finished with just one catch on the night. (MVSmith/MRO) |
Luke Mayock holds on to his reception as EMU defenders arrive. Juan Giraldo was in on the stop. (MVSmith/MRO)
RSS Feed