Eastern Michigan dominates St. Francis (Pa.) with 36-0 shutout
- David Carter Jr. scored a 99-yard fumble return touchdown, giving Eastern Michigan an early lead.
- The Eagles' defense held St. Francis to 154 total yards, showcasing their dominance throughout the game.
- Eastern Michigan secured a convincing 36-0 victory, improving their record to 3-1.
On Saturday, Eastern Michigan faced St. Francis of Pennsylvania in a decisive matchup, showcasing their defensive prowess and offensive efficiency. David Carter Jr. initiated the scoring with a remarkable 99-yard fumble return for a touchdown, setting the tone for the game. The Eagles extended their lead with two field goals from Jesus Gomez, leading 13-0 at halftime. In the third quarter, Eastern Michigan's special teams made a significant impact by blocking a punt, which Kendric Knowling recovered in the end zone, pushing the score to 26-0. This marked a continuation of Eastern's strong performance in special teams, having blocked 25 kicks since 2014 and converting several into touchdowns. The final quarter saw Zyell Griffin score on an impressive 89-yard touchdown pass from freshman quarterback Jeremiah Salem, marking both players' milestones in their respective careers. This play not only highlighted Griffin's capabilities as a graduate transfer but also showcased Salem's potential as a new player in the Eagles' lineup. Overall, Eastern Michigan's defense was dominant, limiting St. Francis to just 154 total yards and recording 26 tackles among various players. The Eagles improved their record to 3-1, while St. Francis fell to 1-3, demonstrating the significant gap in performance between the two teams during this contest.