Eastern rolls over UC Davis, 59-20 in top-10 showdown
CHENEY, Wash. — With Big Sky title implications on the line, the Eastern Washington Eagles take down the undefeated UC Davis Aggies by 39 points in Cheney.
The Aggies took a 10-nothing lead in the first quarter behind a field goal and a 46-yard run from Ulonzo Gilliam, but the Eagles responded with rushing touchdowns from each of their three runningbacks, first Antoine Custer Jr. (1-yd), then Sam McPherson (3-yd), followed by Tamarick Pierce (3-yd).
Right before half, UC Davis ripped off a 69-yard run by Tehran Thomas to get back within 4 points.
Nzusi Wesbter sparked the Eastern crowd to start the third quarter, however, intercepting Aggies quarterback Jake Maier and taking it 45 yards to the endzone for a pick-six, and a 28-17 lead.
The Eagle defense only allowed one more field goal, holding UC Davis to 20 points and 395 yards of total offense while Eastern racked up 669 yards.
Eastern quarterback Eric Barriere was 16/30 for 285 yards, 1 touchdown and no interceptions. Custer Jr., McPherson and Pierce had two touchdowns each.
EWU’s defense forced five turnovers, with interceptions from Webster, Josh Lewis and Brad Alexander
With the win, Eastern moved into a tie for first with UC Davis and Weber State awaiting the results of Idaho State vs Cal Poly.
Eastern needs to beat Portland State next week, and for Idaho State to win out in order to clinch the Big Sky title, as they now have the tiebreaker over the Aggies. If Weber State wins out, the title would be theirs.
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