Game Recap: Eastern Michigan bowls over Central Michigan

It wasn’t a pretty game but Eastern Michigan was able to defeat the Chippewas by a score of 17-7. The Eastern Michigan offense was able to rush out to a quick start when they were able to score on their first possession. Mike Glass was able to move the offense fairly well on that first drive. But after that both teams exchanged either punts or turnovers until Central Michigan was able to tie it up after Mike Danna recovered a fumble and ran it in for 68 yards with 7 second left to go in the half.

Neither team was able to score until Blake Banham found the end zone after catching a pass from Tyler Wiegers with 7:33 left to go in the 4th quarter. Chad Ryland provided a little insurance after he pushed it through the uprights with 4:33 to go in the fourth quarter.

Kenneth Bailey

But the real star of the game for the Eagles was the defense. They recovered two fumbles and intercepted two passes. They were also able to hold Central Michigan to 77 yards running and 61 yards passing. They also didn’t allow an offensive touchdown to be scored by the Chippewas. They sacked the Central Michigan quarterbacks three times and a couple of those were in the waning moments of the game to seal the deal.

Although it didn’t look like it at the game because it never seemed like the Eagles offense could finish the deal, they were fairly effective in moving the ball. Shaq Vann was able to break 100 yards rushing. He also scored a touchdown while running. Tyler Wiegers was 17 for 25 with 150 yards in the air. He threw one interception and one touchdown. Mike Glass added 37 yards to the rushing total before he was injured.

Anyway, it was a pretty good win for the Eagles even if it was pretty ugly. They will return to Rynearson to host the Akron Zips. Central Michigan gets to host the Bowling Green Falcons next weekend at Kelly-Shorts Stadium.

Kenneth Bailey