Ypsilanti, Michigan – In front of a lively home crowd at Rynearson Stadium, Eastern Michigan University celebrated a milestone victory. Freshman quarterback Noah Kim accounted for three touchdowns, leading the Eagles to a 28-17 triumph over Sacramento State in the Mid‑American Conference opener on Saturday night.
Kim’s breakout performance
Kim completed 27 of 38 passes for 279 yards. He connected on a 40‑yard strike to Santonyo Isaac for the first score and later delivered a 31‑yard pass to Nick Devereaux that sealed the win in the fourth quarter. In addition to his passing production, Kim scrambled for a 5‑yard rushing touchdown early in the game, giving the Eagles a 21‑3 lead before halftime.
Team effort and key moments
The Eagles’ defense forced a turnover when Sacramento State quarterback Carson Conklin, who finished 25‑for‑46 for 221 yards, was intercepted by Jason Marshall deep in EMU territory on the Hornets’ final possession. Sacramento State’s only response came from a 37‑yard run by Isaiah Ene, narrowing the gap to 28‑17, but the Eagles held firm.
Eastern Michigan’s special teams also contributed, with Xavier Williams returning a fumble 29 yards for a Hornets touchdown after Kim was sacked later in the second quarter. Despite that play, EMU entered halftime with a comfortable 21‑10 lead.
Milestones and upcoming games
The win marked the 500th victory in Eastern Michigan football history as the program entered its 135th season. Sacramento State made its debut in the Football Bowl Subdivision and introduced Alonzo Carter as its new head coach, but the Hornets fell short against a seasoned MAC opponent.
Looking ahead, the Eagles will host San Jose State on Friday, while Sacramento State travels to Mississippi Valley State on Saturday.
Community impact
The game underscored the importance of college athletics to the Ypsilanti community, drawing families, alumni, and local supporters to the stadium. The victory not only adds to the university’s storied legacy but also provides a morale boost for students and residents who value tradition, teamwork, and the spirit of competition.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
