RICHMOND, Ky. — The Eastern Kentucky University football team claimed its first win of the 2024 season over West Georgia, 26-7, in Saturday night's home and United Athletic Conference opener.
 
EKU's defense made a statement in the win, allowing just seven points, the fewest since a 20-3 victory against Tarleton State in 2021.
 
"Very proud of our football team," said head coach Walt Wells. "Proud of their resiliency and their ability to play through adversity tonight."
 
The Colonel offense found its rhythm against the Wolves, as quarterback Matt Morrissey threw for 277 yards and two touchdowns.
 
Field position proved critical throughout the game, with EKU dominating that battle. West Georgia's average starting position was its own 19-yard line.
 
After jumping out to a 10-0 lead in the first half, EKU's defense stifled West Georgia's offense, which had been averaging 31 points per game entering the contest.
 
The Colonels shut out UWG in the second half, with a defensive effort led by linebacker Kyle Kelly, who recorded 11 tackles.
 
The defense also forced a fumble in the third quarter, courtesy of linebacker Jacquez McGowan, which was recovered by Braden Sullivan. They preserved the second-half shutout with a fourth-and-one stop at the EKU 7-yard line late in the fourth quarter.
 
Punter Jacob Baker had his best performance of the season, with five punts for 196 yards, three of which were downed inside the Wolves' 20-yard line.
 
The Colonels now prepare for in-state rival Morehead State on Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. at CG Bank Field at Roy Kidd Stadium.
 
How It Happened
EKU struck first on its opening drive, going 56 yards on seven plays to set up Patrick Nations for a 47-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead.
 
Forty-six of those yards came on a short pass to running back Jalen Montgomery, who raced down the sideline to put EKU in scoring position.
 
Later in the drive, Morrissey was sacked, forcing a 52-yard field goal attempt from Nations, which missed. However, an offsides penalty on UWG gave Nations a second chance, and he converted.
 
On the ensuing drive, West Georgia moved into the red zone before stalling and attempting a field goal. However, a delay of game penalty pushed the Wolves back five yards, and the 36-yard attempt was no good.
 
In the second quarter, EKU's offense gained momentum again, with a balanced attack. A 37-yard reception by wide receiver Dequan Stanley set up EKU in the red zone.
 
A few plays later, running back Joshua Carter broke through the UWG defense for a 9-yard touchdown run, putting EKU up 10-0 with 11:38 left in the first half.
 
West Georgia responded on its next drive, going 85 yards on 12 plays. Running back Rajaez Mosley capped the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run to close the gap to 10-7.
 
Later in the half, EKU put together an impressive two-minute drive, advancing to UWG's 16-yard line. Two penalties, one of which nullified a touchdown pass to Carter, forced the Colonels to settle for a 35-yard field goal. Nations converted the kick with 20 seconds remaining.
 
Neither team found much success offensively during the third quarter, with both punting on their first two possessions.
 
EKU broke through on its third possession of the second half. Jalen Montgomery set the offense up in the red zone with a 22-yard punt return.
 
On third-and-seven from the 19-yard line, Morrissey scrambled to his right and found Caeleb Schlachter for a 19-yard touchdown. EKU went for two but failed to convert, leaving the score at 19-7.
 
With the defense shutting down West Georgia in the second half, the Colonel offense delivered the final blow in the fourth quarter. They orchestrated a 14-play, 75-yard drive, culminating in a 15-yard touchdown pass from Morrissey to wide receiver Jakob Dixon.
 
Leading 26-7, the defense sealed the win with a fourth-and-one stop at the EKU 7-yard line.