Eastern Kentucky 49, Western Carolina 17

Recap

Richmond, Ky. – Western Carolina’s defense forced four turnovers including a 54-yard scoop-and-score by Ricky Palao on a fumble recovery as the Catamounts rallied from an early deficit to lead 10-7 midway through the second quarter. However, Eastern Kentucky, which was playing its ninth game of the season, used big plays and a 28-point fourth quarter to pull away from WCU to win the inaugural Opportunity Bowl, 49-17, over the Catamounts at Roy Kidd Stadium.

Full Recap (Western Carolina) | Box Score

CSJ Team Page: Western Carolina

WCU: Will Jones (127 PASS); Donnavan Spencer (56 RUSH); Clayton Bardall (40 REC);

EKU: VELEZ, Isaiah (310 PASS); BOOTH, Alonzo (178 RUSH); BEERMAN, Jackson (102 REC);