YPSILANTI, Mich. — Samson Evans’s incredible performance led Eastern Michigan to a 30-27 double-overtime victory over Akron on Tuesday night. Evans accounted for three touchdowns, solidifying his pivotal role in the team’s success.
Akron’s heartbreaking loss marked their third overtime defeat of the season, adding to the Zips’ tally of five one-score games lost.
The first overtime period saw Evans make a remarkable 11-yard touchdown, while Akron answered with Tahj Bullock’s 2-yard touchdown toss to Jake Newell, followed by an impressive Owen Wiley 36-yard field goal early in the second OT.
The game reached its thrilling conclusion when Austin Smith secured the win for the Eagles with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Jere Getzinger, capping an exhilarating double-overtime clash.
Evans had a standout performance, with 71 rushing yards and two crucial 2-yard scoring runs in the second quarter for Eastern Michigan. Smith’s impressive 20-of-32 passing for 214 yards further solidified the team’s victory, with Jesus Gomez’s game-changing 32-yard field goal forcing overtime tied at 17-all.
Meanwhile, Lorenzo Lingard and Bullock put up a valiant fight for Akron, each contributing a short-yardage TD run in the second quarter, including Wiley’s 23-yard field goal that briefly gave the Zips a 17-14 lead with 8:00 to play. Despite Jeff Undercuffler Jr.’s impressive 19-of-26 passing for 223 yards, the Zips couldn’t hold on for the win.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: College football | Akron Zips lose in OT at Eastern Michigan
Alex Martin is your guide to the global phenomenon of football. With a focus on international leagues and tournaments, he provides match commentary, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of football.
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