Defense keys EWU’s sixth victory
CHENEY - A.J. Jimerson rushed for 100 yards and the Eastern Washington defense forced three key turnovers in a 17-7 victory over Northern Colorado on Saturday.
Matt Nichols threw for one touchdown and Dale Morris rushed for another for the Eagles (6-3 overall, 4-2 Big Sky).
David Woods’ 102 yards rushing led the Bears (1-9, 1-5), who were seeking their first back-to-back wins in almost four years.
With EWU trailing 7-3 midway through the third quarter, Shane Eller took Nichols’ short pass and ran 29 yards for the go-ahead score.
UNC took the ensuing kickoff to Eastern’s 25, but Dominic Breazeale’s pass was intercepted by Ryan Kelley at the 2-yard line.
Eastern’s next possession resulted in a punt, but the Eagles’ Nicholas Ramos recovered a fumble on the return at the UNC 31.
Nichols then hit Aaron Boyce for 29 yards, setting up Morris’ short plunge that put the Eagles up 17-7.
Nichols had 172 yards on 14-of-23 passing. Boyce had five catches for 87 yards.