The summary of Saturday night would simply be that EKU defense plays well, offense struggles. The Eastern Kentucky Colonels came off their bye week to host Sam Houston State University. Coach Walt Wells was looking for his team to come out playing aggressively and building off of their win before the off week. Facing an opponent that has been very good in recent years but coming in with less luster this season, EKU needed to play focused football. The EKU defense played solid, but the offense struggled to find its stride
First Quarter
For the third time this season, EKU was held scoreless in the first quarter. The offense only had one and a half possessions in the first quarter, as SHSU was able to control the ball and the clock. SHSU rushed for 82 yards and led at the end of one, 10-0.
Second Quarter
EKU hit a bomb to start the quarter when Parker McKinney found Jyran Mitchell wide open, but Mitchell fumbled while trying to hurdle a defender and gave the ball back to SHSU. The Colonel Defense responded, forcing the Bearkats into a quick three-and-out.
The offense finally hit a big play to Jayden Higgins as McKinney scrambled, but it was called back due to a penalty. The typically high-scoring offense looked stuck in the mud. Thankfully the defense stood their ground and continued to give the offense good field position. The offense finally took advantage and scored on a 24-yard TD pass from McKinney to Mo Edwards Jr.
The Maroon Doom EKU D showed up big in the second quarter holding Sam Houston to a three-and-out on three of their four possessions. The EKU offense was able to tie it up before halftime.
Third Quarter
The offense stalled out on the first drive of the half and attempted a 51-yard field goal attempt. The snap was low, the kick was low, and the struggles for LS Jonathan Duff continued. The D picked up where they left off by holding SHSU and forcing a turnover on downs. Then the cycle continued. The offense stalls, and the defense holds. The offense stalls… the defense gives up a field goal. Down three after three quarters, it was time for the EKU Offense to wake up.
Fourth Quarter
The quarter started the same as the previous quarters, with the offense punting and the defense playing really well. EKU would make a nice play, then have to punt three plays later. With 10 minutes to play in the game, I was starting to wonder if either offense wanted to win this game. The EKU offense had several drops and could not find any rhythm. Then something finally clicked! Parker McKinney hit Jayden Higgins for 23 yards. McKinney then found Cornelious McCoy for 12 yards. McKinney scrambled for 11 yards., which set up Braedon Sloan’s 24-yard run. Finally, Parker hit Higgins for the touchdown in the left corner of the endzone! EKU took their first lead in the game with 1:01 to play. The lead did not last long, as SHSU drove down and hit a field goal to retake the lead with :03 left. A disappointing end to a disappointing game.
Game Notes
- EKU Defense plays well and forced seven three-and-outs
- Joseph Sewell came into the game with two catches in his four-year career. He ended this game with two catches doubling his career stat line.
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