Week 11: EOU vs. College of Idaho

LA GRANDE, Ore. – The Eastern Oregon University football team will look to split its two-game tilt with College of Idaho for the 2015 campaign, as the Mountaineers square off against the Yotes on Saturday at noon.

The Opponent
College of Idaho enters Saturday's contest with a 3-6 record overall and a 3-5 mark in Frontier Conference play.

The Yotes dropped a four-point (27-23) heartbreaker to then-ranked No.16 Montana Western on Oct. 31 in Caldwell, Idaho.

Despite the loss, College of Idaho saw record-breaking performances from Teejay Gordon and Tyler Higby. While Gordon broke the school record for pass completions (27) in a game, Higby mustered the most receiving yards (168) at College of Idaho since 1969.

Last Time Out
The Mountaineers fell to then-ranked No. 10 Montana Tech, 42-24, on Oct. 31 in Butte, Mont.

Junior quarterback Zach Bartlow tossed a career-high 395 yards passing on 27 completions for the Navy and Gold, including three touchdowns. Sophomore wide receiver Joshua Richards caught a career-high 12 passes for 113 receiving yards, while sophomore wide receiver Calvin Connors caught a pair of touchdown passes for the Mountaineers.

Defensively, senior linebacker Gary Posten amassed 10 tackles (3 solo, 7 assists), one fumble recovery, and one interception returned for 30 yards in the second quarter.

After digging an early 16-point hole, EOU cut Montana Tech's lead to five (29-24) after sophomore wide receiver Brenden Kelly hauled in a 35-yard touchdown pass, but the Orediggers closed the game on a 13-0 run to seal the victory.

Series History
The Mountaineers are 10-26-1 all-time against the Yotes. EOU took both games last season with ease, claiming a 47-7 triumph at Community Stadium on Oct. 4, 2014, followed by a 45-21 victory in Caldwell, Idaho, on Nov. 8, 2014.

College of Idaho's football program returned to the gridiron last season for the first time since 1977.

Last Meeting
EOU never led in its season-opening loss to College of Idaho on Aug. 29 in Caldwell, as the Navy and Gold fell to the Yotes, 40-28.

Bartlow went 15-for-26 and amassed 97 rushing yards on nine carries, including a pair of touchdowns (one passing, one rushing), while junior wide receiver TJ Esekielu caught three passes for 50 yards.

Posten paced EOU's defensive effort with 18 tackles (11 solo, seven assists). In addition, junior linebacker Tucker Stanley tallied four tackles, a sack, and one tackle for loss.

After senior defensive back Byron Benson picked off Gordon's pass and returned it for a touchdown to pull EOU within six (20-14), the Mountaineers forced a 3-and-out to end the first half. However, the Yotes notched a defensive stop of their own and a touchdown to start the third quarter, and EOU never recovered. 

Pacing the Frontier and the Country
Senior running back Jace Billingsley leads the conference and the nation in all-purpose yards (1,701), and he also ranks second in the league in scoring (72).

Posten is first in the conference and eighth in the NAIA in tackles per game (12.3), while Bartlow leads the Frontier and is seventh in the nation in total offense (2,513).

Third Times a Charm
On Monday afternoon, Bartlow earned his third Frontier Conference Offensive Player of the Week award for his performance against Montana Tech.

The Nevada native has snagged five player of the week honors throughout his career. On the season, Bartlow is averaging 232.3 passing yards per contest.

Game Time
Kickoff on Saturday at Community Stadium is set for 12 p.m.

ROTC/Military Day
Saturday's game will be ROTC/Military Day at Community Stadium. Retired and/or active military receive free admission, while family members accompanying these individuals earn $3 off their admission.

Live Video
While live stats are free on the Mountaineer website, fans can pay ($7.95) to watch the game on www.eousports.com.

Live Audio
Fans can tune into NewsTalk 103 or listen online at www.myeasternoregon.com to listen to Saturday's contest. Once again, Ken Kennedy (play-by-play) and Rich Kennedy (color) will be the commentators for the Mountaineers this weekend.

Follow EOU Athletics
Fans can follow Mountaineer athletics on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EOUsports, on Instagram via "EOUsports," or follow the teams on Twitter via @EOUsports.