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Postgame Press Conference Video.

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – The Eastern Michigan University football team played host to the University of Massachusetts, Saturday, Nov. 14, in their last home game of the 2015 season at "The Factory" at Rynearson Stadium. Starting out strong, the Eagles (1-10, 0-7 MAC) faded eventually falling, 28-17, at the hands of the Minutemen (2-8, 1-5 MAC) in the final home game for 10 EMU seniors.

Redshirt sophomore Brogan Roback (Toledo, Ohio-St. John's Jesuit) led the Eagles balanced passing attack, completing 26-of-42 passes for 260 yards and two touchdowns. Senior Dustin Creel (Industry, Pa.-Western Beaver) caught a team and season-high 10 receptions, totaling 97 yards and a touchdown while freshman Eddie Daugherty (Mentor, Ohio-Mentor) hauled in three catches for 39 yards and a score. Senior Darius Jackson (Sparta, Ill.-Sparta) led the Eagles' run game, recording 15 carries for a total of 55 yards, bringing his season total to 996 yards.

Defensively, senior Great Ibe (Philadelphia, Pa.-Meade) recorded a team-high 21 tackles (9 solo, 12 assists), highlighted by two tackles for a loss, as well as a sack. With 21 total tackles, Ibe tied a career-high in his final game at home. Redshirt freshman Kyle Rachwal (Lapeer Mich.-Lapeer East) added a career-high 14 tackles (6 solo, 8 assists) of his own, including 2.5 tackles for a loss.

Forcing the Minutemen into a three-and-out on their first possession, the Eagles took over with good field position. Beginning their first drive of the game from their own 40-yard line, the Green and White relied on the run game. Four carries and a 10-yard reception by Creel put the Eagles well within senior Dylan Mulder's (Saline, Mich.-Saline) range. Facing fourth and long, Mulder trotted out and split the uprights from 51.-yards out to put Eastern Michigan in front, 3-0.

UMass opened their next drive with a 47-yard pass down the sideline, putting the Minutemen in the redzone. Despite a strong stance from the EMU defense, a fourth-down conversion put UMass inside the 10-yard line with a fresh set of downs. Inching their way towards the endzone, UMass' Marquis Young ran it in from two yards out, giving the Minutemen a 7-3 edge with just over seven minutes to play in the first half.

A four-yard sack by Rachwal on third down and long halted the Minutemen on their next drive. The stellar defensive play by Rachwal left UMass with a field goal attempt that ultimately hooked wide of the uprights.

Opening the second quarter of play inside EMU territory, UMass' Blake Frohnapfel completed a 39-yard touchdown pass to Tajea Sharpe, making the score 14-3 in favor of the Minutemen.

Following a three-and-out by the Eagles on the next possession, a 43-yard rush put the Minutemen in striking distance once again. Dropping back in the pocket, Frohnapfel looked to the endzone but instead of connecting with his own receiver, EMU freshman Devon Russell (Elkton, Md.-Eastern Christian) pulled down the first interception of his career.

Russell's interception in the endzone kept the Minutemen from extending their lead and more importantly, shifted momentum in favor of the Green and White. Looking to cash in on the UMass turnover, the Eagles drove down the field thanks to a balanced attack. Jackson turned in timely rushes, setting up Roback for success in the air. Fittingly, a four-yard rush by Jackson placed the Eagles at the UMass 10-yard line on second down. With the run game going strong, a play-action pass by Roback to Daugherty gave the Eagles their first touchdown of the afternoon. The 10-yard touchdown reception, brought the Eagles within four, 14-10 with 6:45 to go in the second quarter.

Roback and the aerial attack of the Green and White fueled the Eagles on their next drive. On the cusp of the redzone, Roback completed a pass to junior Sam Browning (Escondido, Calif.-Escondido), capping a 7-of-10 drive by the Toledo, Ohio product. Pulling down the catch in traffic, the ball was knocked loose and recovered by the Minutemen, bringing the Eagles' promising drive to an abrupt halt.

Coming out of halftime trailing 14-10, the Eagles received the kickoff but failed to move the chains.

UMass drove down field on their first possession of the half, punching it in from one yard out to extend their lead to 21-10 with 7:42 to play in the third quarter. Redshirt freshman Blake Banham's (St. Paul, Minn.-Cretin) 33-yard kickoff return allowed the Eagles to start their ensuing drive from their own 38-yard line. A six yard rush by Jackson was followed by a seven yard reception by Creel moved the Eagles across midfield. Unable to move the chains and notch another first down, Head Coach Chris Creighton sent Mulder out to attempt a 44-yard field goal. Kicking into the wind, Mulder pushed the kick wide to the right. Coming away without points, the Eagles faced an 11 point deficit with 4:23 to play in the third quarter.

Despite a strong goal-line stand by Eastern Michigan, the Minutemen elected to go for it on fourth down from the one-yard line where Jamal Wilson carried it into the endzone. The rushing touchdown extended the UMass lead to 28-10 with 13:03 to play.

Banham continued to shine in the return game, taking the ensuing kickoff out to the EMU 35-yard line, his second return of 30-or-more yards in the game. Fueled by the arm of Roback, the Eagles' offense was rolling before an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against EMU killed their momentum. Facing fourth and long, the Eagles elected to attempt a 49-yard field goal but the kick missed wide left.

The Eagles pushed their point total to 17 with 2:58 to play in the game after Roback and a balanced passing game moved the chains down field. Completing passes to five different receivers, Roback capped the drive with his second touchdown pass of the game. Stepping away from pressure, Roback fired a pass through traffic to Creel in the back of the endzone. The touchdown pulled the Eagles within two scores, 28-17, with less than three minutes left in the game.

UMass recovered the Eagles onside kick attempt before running out the clock and handing the Eagles a 28-17 setback.

Closing out the home portion of the 2015 schedule, Saturday afternoon's contest marked both Senior Day and Fan Appreciation Day at Rynearson. In total, the Eagles celebrated and recognized the careers of 10 seniors.

Additionally, Eastern Michigan University provided EMU students the opportunity to win free tuition for an academic year. Two participants, represented by Green Swoop and White Swoop took part in "Tuition Toss". Sophomore Hayli Shopshire and the White Swoop came out on top, 13-3, winning the Monroe, Mich. native a free year's with of tuition.

Following 11 consecutive weekends in which the Eagles have played in games, Eastern Michigan has found it on its bye week. The Green and White will recharge the battery before heading to Mount Pleasant, Mich. for a Black Friday contest with Central Michigan University Friday, Nov. 28, at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.