After hitting four of his five field goals last week, Temple kicker Brandon McManus came through with a game-winning kick in overtime to give the Owls a 13-10 victory against Central Michigan.
“Both teams really fought hard, real competitive game.” Temple coach Al Golden said via the Mid-American Conference teleconference. “We made a lot of mistakes and we got to get better in those departments, but I was glad our guys finished it and we came out with the win.”
Chippewa quarterback Ryan Radcliff threw for 299 yards but was intercepted twice.
Offense was prevalent in the contest between Gardner-Webb and Akron. The Zips came up short in overtime, 38-37.
Gardner-Webb gained 391 yards of offense, and Akron gained 389. Akron running backs Nate Burney and Alex Allen rushed for 119 and 110 yards, respectively. Allen also added three touchdowns.
Miami, too, used the ground game to help overcome Eastern Michigan. Thomas Merriweather led the rushing attack with 105 yards and supplemented quarterback Zac Dysert in the 28-21 victory.
Kent State lost to Atlantic Coast Conference opponent Boston College, 26-13. Kent State stayed close to BC, but the Eagles pulled away in the third quarter on two touchdown passes from Dave Shinskie.
“(I’m) really proud of the way our players played, we got into the fourth quarter with Boston College with a chance to win the game in spite of five turnovers,” coach Doug Martin said. “Our defense played outstanding. Four times in short field they were able to hold Boston College to a field goal.”
Tulsa outlasted Bowling Green, 33-20. Quarterback G.J. Kinne threw for 356 yards and two scores for the Golden Hurricanes. Falcon quarterback Matt Schilz threw three interceptions.
Baylor handled Buffalo, 34-6. The Bulls’ defense could not contain Baylor’s dual-threat quarterback, Robert Griffin III. He led the Bears’ attack with four total touchdowns.
A 17-point third quarter did not provide enough momentum for Ball State to overcome an early deficit, and the Cardinals fell 27-23 to Liberty.
Wrapping up MAC play, Western Michigan responded to last week’s drubbing at the hands of Michigan State by beating up on Nicholls State, 49-14.
Alex Carder continued to play well and threw five touchdown passes replacing star Tim Hiller.