Ian Eriksen ran for 120 yards and the game-winning touchdown that helped Eastern Michigan rally for a 27-24 victory over the Wyoming Cowboys Friday night.

Wyoming (2-2) blew a 17-3 lead in the first half. The Cowboys also had four interceptions and returned two for touchdowns.

Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl said in a release from the university,

“It was a hard fought game and we knew we were evenly matched. We had good things happen, but had also had some things happen that need to be corrected.”

Marcus Epps pick-six of 66 yards gave the Pokes a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter. The Eagles responded with a field goal. Antonio Hull intercepted a pass, and UW added to its lead with a 40-yard Cooper Rothe field goal. Epps’ second interception led to a scoring drive that was capped by Brian Hill’s five-yard run.

Eastern Michigan (3-1) answered with a TD run just over a minute later and added a TD pass just before half, which made it 17-17.

The Eagles added a field goal in the third quarter for their first lead of 20-17.

The Pokes had a field goal blocked and fumbled deep in Eastern Michigan territory. Wyoming’s defense came through again, as Logan Wilson returned an interception 27-yards for a score just two plays after the UW fumble. It put the Pokes ahead 24-20 with 12:45 remaining.

The teams exchanged four punts before the Eagles went on the game-winning march. Eriksen capped a quick four play drive with a 15-yard touchdown run with 1:35 left.

Eastern Michigan rolled up 500 yards of offense, which included 239 on the ground. Eagles’ QB Todd Porter threw for 214 yards and ran for another 61.

The Cowboys were held to 313 yards. Allen went 19-of-29 for 234 yards and an interception. Hill was held to 82 yards. Tanner Gentry had a career-high 12 catches for 127 yards, but also had a pair of fumbles. Lucas Wacha and Andrew Wingard led the UW defense with 11 tackles apiece.

Mountain West action begins next Saturday, Oct. 1 for Wyoming. They play rival Colorado State in Fort Collins. The game is scheduled for an 8:15 p.m. start.

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