RICHMOND, Ky. –  The 2025 home slate ended in a loss for the Eastern Kentucky University football team on Saturday night, falling to No. 18 Abilene Christian, 17-10.
 
11 unanswered points by ACU late in the fourth quarter proved to be the difference with a game-winning touchdown set up by a recovered fumble in EKU territory.
 
"Obviously disappointed with the finish in the game," said head coach Walt Wells. "I thought our young men fought all night and played with passion … both sides of the ball and special teams. We got the game to be where we need it to be … but we can't turn the ball over there at the end … we needed to finish the game the right way."
 
The loss sees EKU drop to 4-7 on the season on the season, while ACU improves to 7-4 and 6-1 atop the United Athletic Conference
 
How It Happened
 
The Wildcats struck first with a 30-yard field goal with 6:28 remaining in the first quarter following a methodical 15-play, 74-yard drive.
 
The EKU defense came up big on the next ACU drive, as linebacker Gabe Stephens came in on a clear shot on the quarterback, recording a sack fumble that was recovered by Jeremiah Bailey at EKU's own 47-yard line at the end of the first quarter.
 
The Colonels were able to get three points off the turnover as Buzz Flabiano drilled a 41-yard field goal with 12:28 in the second quarter to tie the game at three.
 
Neither offense generated much momentum, battling winds in excess of 30 miles per hour, with each team punting on its remaining drives (three for EKU, four for ACU) as the Wildcats produced the only two first downs the rest of the half.
 
ACU took the lead with 4:20 remaining in the third quarter with a 21-yard field goal after the Wildcats started their drive on EKU's 41-yard line after Jacob Baker's punt was knocked down by the north blowing wind.
 
On the Wildcats' next possession, ACU was able to drive down to the Colonels' 28-yard line, but with strong winds in their face, the Wildcats went for it on fourth-and-10 and came up half a yard short as EKU forced a turnover on downs.
 
The Colonel offense capitalized on the opportunity as quarterback Myles Burkett found wide receiver Jackson House down the middle for a 55-yard gain to the Wildcats' 10-yard line.
 
Two plays later, running back Brayden Latham powered his way in for a three-yard touchdown run to put EKU up, 10-6, with 9:13 left in the game.
 
ACU then pulled within one after converting on a 25-yard field goal, capping off a 7-play, 67-yard drive with 6:37 left.
 
On EKU's first play of the ensuing drive, Burkett lost the ball while being sacked as the Wildcats recovered the loose ball, setting themselves up at EKU's 11-yard line.
 
Three plays later, the Wildcats took the lead with a six-yard touchdown pass and a two-point conversion to go up 17-10 with 4:08 remaining.
 
EKU went three-and-out on its next drive before ACU was able to milk 2:59 off the clock before pinning the Colonels on their own-16 with 17 seconds remaining.
 
The Colonels were unable to complete a pass on their last drive, with the game ending 17-10.
 
Up Next
 
EKU's 2025 season will end next Saturday, November 22, at Utah Tech with kickoff at 4 p.m. ET.