Eagles prey on Hilltoppers behind Fleming, move to 2-0
YPSILANTI, MI-- The Eagles came into today's game with heavy hearts as despite winning last week's game, they ended up losing Senior Runningbacks Dominique Sherrer (Season) and Corey Welch (8 weeks) for extended parts of their seasons. Redshirt Sophomore Tailback Joe Fleming dedicated this game to his roommate and close friend Sherrer, "Dominique is one of my best friends and he always has been. He's taught me a lot in the three years I've been here and I feel so badly for him in losing his season and the remainder of his career trying to win a game for us. So it's with a heavy heart that I hereby dedicate next week's game against Western Kentucky to my boy Dominique, and to Corey (Welch) as well! EAGLE PRIDE!!!"
Fleming couldn't have picked a better way to get the Eagles fired up for the game today against the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky. You could tell today would be an emotion filled day when, on the first play of the game, Junior Wideout Kinsman Thomas took the end around for a 48 yard gainer and came up screaming to the skies. From there, the dual threat running game of the Eagles took over. It started with Fleming, who came into today with 15 career carries, he well surpassed that as he went for 24 carries, 164 yards, and 2 TDs. After Fleming, there was recently added Freshman Bronson Hill (Hill was originally redshirted for the season, but with the loss of the two HBs, he was called upon to be the backup ball carrier in the offense.) Hill responded, by tallying 11 touches for 97 yards and a score.
On defense, the Eagles gave up some points, but they also scored a total of 3 touchdowns! Two of which, were scored by Senior Corner Marcell Rose. Rose had 2 interceptions which he ran back for touchdowns of 47 and 46 yards. Rose, the 2nd corner on the team to tally a pair of INTs in one game, is the team's best cover guy and considered to be a 6th round project pick for an NFL team. Also intercepting a pass was safety Alex Bellify. The other touchdown was scored by Defensive Tackle Brandon Slater, who picked up a fumbled ball in the end zone for a touchdown.
For the Hilltoppers, Senior Tailback Bobby Rainey led the way for their offense, gaining 118 yards on 15 carries while adding a pair of TD runs to the mix. Junior QB Kawaun Jakes wasn't very good on the day, going 6 of 18 for 163 yards, 2 TDs and 3 INTs. Willie McNeal added a KR touchdown to get the Hilltoppers their 37 points. All in all, the Hilltoppers played inspired and never really gave up all day...but couldn't defeat the emotional and focused Eagles today.
Look to next week's matchup for Eastern Michigan as they take on a Big Ten powerhouse in the University of Michigan at the Big House. Eastern is a 2 touchdown underdog and I wouldn't bet against the Wolverines with Heisman hopeful Denard Robinson on their side.
Offensive Player of the Game
Joe Fleming: 24 carries for 164 yards and 2 TD
Defensive Player of the Game
Marcell Rose: 4 Tackles, 2 INTs, 2 TD