Snyder throws for 3 TDs, runs for game-winner in Eastern Michigan's 38-34 victory over Chippewas
Cole Snyder threw for three touchdowns but it was his sneak into the end zone late in the game that gave Eastern Michigan a 38-34 win over Central Michigan on Saturday.
The Eagles (5-2, 2-1 Mid-American Conference) scored 22 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to rally from a 34-16 deficit. Snyder threw touchdown passes of 49 and 30 yards to Terry Lockett to get the Eagles within three points and they got the ball back with 1:42 left at their 38. On fourth down from inside the 1-yard line, Snyder powered into the end zone for the go-ahead score. The Chippewas' final possession ended on downs at the EMU 45.
Snyder was 17-of-38 passing for 300 yards and was intercepted once. Markus Allen had 140 yards receiving with a touchdown and Lockett 100 yards. Delbert Mims III rushed for 90 yards on 21 carries, including a 38-yarder on EMU's winning drive.
Marion Lukes rushed for 118 yards on 13 carries for CMU (3-4, 1-2), which led by 18 points early in the fourth quarter after Gavin Harris scooped up teammate Bert Emanuel Jr.'s fumble at the EMU 7 and scored. CMU also scored on a 67-yard fumble return by Jason Williams after a strip-sack of Snyder.
Redshirt freshman Tyler Jefferson made his first start at quarterback for CMU after Joe Labas was lost for the season with an injury last week against Ohio. Labas and Emanuel combined for just 98 yards passing with Emanuel throwing for a score. The two combined for 137 yards rushing, including a score by Emanuel.