NIU routs EMU; Akron wins first game of season
Staff Reporter Matt Firsht recaps the weekend games in the Mid-American Conference:
(at) Kent State 28, Ohio 6 Ohio’s seven-game winning streak came to an abrupt end at a rather inopportune time. The Bobcats (8-4, 6-2 MAC) failure to win Saturday cost them their second consecutive Mid-American Conference East Division title. Quarterback Boo Jackson was unable to get anything started for his offense, throwing two interceptions. Kicker Matt Weller kicked two field goals for Ohio, accounting for the team’s only points. Kent State (5-7, 4-4 MAC) found all the offense they would need in the first quarter, following Luke Batton’s fumble return for a touchdown. The Golden Flashes offensive attack was lead by Spencer Keith, Eugene Jarvis and Andre Flowers, who each scored a rushing touchdown.
Northern Illinois 71 (at) Eastern Michigan 3 Northern Illinois (10-2, 8-0) won by its largest margin of victory this year to remain undefeated in the MAC. The Huskies scored 10 touchdowns on their way to victory. Quarterback Chandler Harnish, running back Chad Spann and receivers DeMarcus Grady and Jordan Lynch each accounted for two touchdowns, while Jasmin Hopkins and Ricky Crider each scored a single touchdown. For the first time of the season, Eastern Michigan (2-10, 2-6) was held to only a field goal during their game. Nothing went right for the Eagles, who had trouble scoring. Quarterback Alex Gillett had a day to forget, going 4-of-9 for just 11 yards. NIU outgained EMU 646-160.
Western Michigan 41 (at) Bowling Green 7 Western Michigan (6-6, 5-3 MAC) managed to finish its regular season on a high note with its third consecutive win. Quarterback Alex Carder continued his impressive play, accounting for four of the team’s five touchdowns. He finished the day with 251 passing yards and no interceptions. Tevin Drake scored the teams lone rushing touchdown. Bowling Green’s (2-10, 1-7 MAC) loss is its third consecutive loss. A 19-yard connection from quarterback Matt Schliz to receiver Kamar Jordan was the team’s only offense of the day.
(at) Akron 22, Buffalo 14 Akron jumped out to a 12-0 lead at the end of the second quarter and never looked back as Buffalo (2-10, 1-7 MAC) ended its season with seven consecutive losses. Akron’s Alex Allen had a game-high 106 yards rushing on 32 carries to lead the Zips to their first win of the season. Bulls quarterback Jerry Davis went 19-of-34 for 268 yards and two touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions.
