RICHMOND, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University football team fell short against Dayton, 17-14, on Saturday night at CG Bank Field at Roy Kidd Stadium.
Eastern Kentucky (1-3) totaled 426 yards of offense, including 278 through the air, but was held scoreless through the first three quarters before scoring twice in the fourth. Dayton improved to 3-0 with the win.
Senior quarterback Jordyn Potts made his first start of the season in the loss, completing 23-of-36 passes for 273 yards and a touchdown while adding 40 yards on the ground.
Junior running back Brady Hensley led the Colonels' rushing attack with 93 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries. Senior tight end Caeleb Schlachter caught four passes for 65 yards, including a 54-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Neither team found the scoreboard in the opening quarter. EKU put together an 11-play, 56-yard drive on its second possession but missed a 41-yard field goal attempt.
Dayton also missed a field goal early in the second quarter before the Colonels drove into Flyer territory late in the half. EKU's drive ended on downs at the Dayton 30-yard line with 1:22 remaining, and the Flyers responded with a seven-play, 70-yard drive. Bryce Schondelmyer connected with Michael Mussari for a four-yard touchdown with one second remaining to give Dayton a 7-0 halftime lead.
The Flyers extended their advantage late in the third quarter when Luke Hansen scored from one yard out to make it a 14-0 lead.
Eastern Kentucky answered with a nine-play, 75-yard drive that carried into the fourth quarter. Hensley finished the possession with a two-yard touchdown run on the opening play of the final period, cutting the deficit to 14-7.
Dayton responded with a 23-yard field goal before the Colonels struck again. Potts connected with Schlachter for a 54-yard touchdown with 8:18 remaining, pulling EKU within three at 17-14.
The EKU defense forced Dayton to turn the ball over on downs on each of its final two possessions, giving the Colonels opportunities to complete the comeback.
After taking possession at its own 25-yard line with 1:47 remaining, Eastern Kentucky drove 70 yards to the Dayton 5-yard line. A potential game-tying 22-yard field goal attempt missed as time expired, allowing the Flyers to hold on for the 17-14 win.
Eastern Kentucky returns to action on Oct. 3 hosting North Alabama in its United Athletic Conference opener. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET.
