LA GRANDE, Ore. – The Eastern Oregon University football team will be shooting for its ninth victory over MSU-Northern in the last 10 tries, as the Navy and Gold travels to Havre, Mont., to square off against the Lights on Saturday afternoon.
Week Nine – EOU vs. MSU-Northern
The Opponent
MSU-Northern's winless season continued last weekend following a 40-0 defeat at the hands of then-ranked No. 13 Montana Tech.
Although Montana Tech was held to only two offensive touchdowns, the Orediggers capitalized on a pair of Skylight miscues, scoring two pick-six touchdowns en route to the shutout victory.
Despite the ugly result, Zach McKinley was one of the few bright spots for MSU-Northern, as he tallied 132 yards on 29 carries. Meanwhile, Tucker Dunn paced the Skylight defense with 12 tackles, one sack, and two tackles for loss.
MSU-Northern has averaged only seven points and 229.9 yards per contest thus far; however, the Lights are 18th in the country in total sacks (18) on the season.
Series History
The Mountaineers own a 12-6 advantage all-time against the Lights.
Last Meeting
EOU registered its highest offensive output since 2008 when the Mountaineers toppled the Lights, 70-21, on Oct. 25, 2014, in La Grande.
The Mountaineers led by 42 at the break – the second-largest halftime lead in program history under eighth-year head coach Tim Camp.
To watch highlights of last year's meeting, click here.
EOU's Last Timeout
EOU dropped a 30-23 decision to then-ranked No. 22 Montana Western last weekend in La Grande.
Senior running back Jace Billingsley rushed in the for the go-ahead touchdown with 7:17 on the clock, but five minutes later, Dakota Wainright blocked EOU's punt and scooped it up for the 36-yard return for the TD to give the Bulldogs a 30-23 advantage.
Junior quarterback Zach Bartlow completed 25 of 34 passes for 204 yards, while Billingsley tallied 93 yards on the ground on 22 carries. In addition, sophomore wide receiver Joshua Richards registered a career-best 104 receiving yards on five catches.
Defensive Specialist
Following his 17-tackle (5 solo, 12 assists) performance against Montana Western, senior linebacker Gary Posten notched Frontier Conference Defensive Player of the Week accolades for the second time this season.
Posten ranks fourth in the country in tackles per game (13.1), and he also has two interceptions on the year.
Pacing the Frontier & the Country
Billingsley continues to make a lasting imprint in his final year as a Mountaineer. The Winnemucca, Nev., native ranks second in the country and leads the Frontier Conference in all purpose yards (1,357), and he is also second in the league in both scoring (54 points) and receptions (39).
With 12 punt returns for 149 yards, sophomore wide receiver Calvin Connors leads the Frontier Conference in punt return yardage.
Bartlow ranks third in the league in total offense (243.1 yards/game), and he's tossed 11 touchdowns so far this season.
Game Time
Kickoff at Blue Pony Stadium on Saturday is set for 1 p.m. MT.
Live Audio
Fans can tune into NewsTalk 103 or listen to Saturday's contest online at www.myeasternoregon.com.
Live Video
To watch Saturday's Frontier Conference matchup, click here.
Follow EOU Athletics
Fans can follow Mountaineer athletics on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EOUathletics, on Instagram via "EOUsports," or follow the teams on Twitter via @EOUsports.
