Kessinger’s 48-yard field goal keeps Eastern Michigan unbeaten in the MAC

Rudy Kessinger gave Eastern Michigan the lead with a 48-yard field goal with 1:50 left Saturday, and Akron missed its own chance to answer as the Eagles held on for a 25-23 road victory. Eastern Michigan improved to 4-3 overall and 3-0 in the Mid-American Conference, its first 3-0 league start since 1995, according to the university’s game report.

Kessinger made all four of his field-goal attempts, accounting for 13 points in a game that repeatedly turned on possessions ending short of the end zone. His winning kick completed an 11-play, 42-yard drive after Akron had taken a 23-22 lead on Brayden Roggow’s 27-yard touchdown pass to Marquese Williams. Both teams failed on their fourth-quarter two-point attempts, leaving a field goal sufficient to change the result.

Akron still moved into position for a 47-yard attempt in the closing seconds. Matthew Schramm’s kick went wide left with 19 seconds remaining, the Eastern Michigan report said. The Eagles then used the final possession to finish their third consecutive victory.

The MAC Digital Network published highlights from Saturday’s game.

Noah Kim completed 26 of 46 passes for 277 yards, with a touchdown and an interception. He also scored on a 1-yard run in the second quarter. His 6-yard touchdown pass to Harold Mack early in the fourth put Eastern ahead 22-17, giving the Eagles their first lead since the second quarter before Roggow answered.

Joshua Long supplied Kim’s most productive target, catching nine passes for 114 yards. Eastern Michigan identified it as Long’s first career 100-yard game and the first by an Eagles tight end since 2014. Joey Mattord added 73 rushing yards on 18 carries and caught three passes for 24 yards, helping Eastern finish with 413 total yards.

The Eagles also needed their special teams to repair a difficult third quarter. After an Eastern Michigan fumble, Eli Lovett blocked an Akron punt and Marvell Eggleston recovered it at the Zips’ 22-yard line. Kessinger converted that opportunity into a 33-yard field goal, cutting Akron’s advantage to 17-16. It was one of several occasions when the Eagles’ defense or kicking game kept the margin manageable.

Roggow threw for 229 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. Marcel Williams caught five passes for 89 yards and two scores, while Jordan Gant rushed for 117 yards on 22 carries. Akron finished without a turnover and took the ball away twice, but those advantages did not produce the closing points it needed.

Eastern Michigan hosts Toledo next Saturday. Akron, now 1-5 overall and 0-2 in the MAC, visits Miami (Ohio).