SEATTLE, Wash. – The Eastern Michigan University football team was unable to overcome a formidable University of Washington squad, falling 30-9 on the road at Husky Stadium on Saturday, September 7. Despite the loss, kicker Jesus Gomez (Puebla, Mexico/Prepa Tec Puebla) provided the highlight of the game for the Eagles (1-1), scoring all nine of their points, including a school-record 57-yard field goal.
Game Recap:
Eastern Michigan struck first late in the opening quarter when Gomez drilled a 57-yard field goal, breaking his own program record and giving the Eagles an early 3-0 lead. The kick, the second-longest in the nation this season, also ranks as the second-longest ever made at Husky Stadium.
However, the No. 25 Huskies (2-0) responded swiftly in the second quarter, scoring on a 41-yard touchdown pass to take a 7-3 lead. Gomez kept the Eagles within striking distance with a 29-yard field goal, making it 7-6. Washington soon took control of the game, adding two more touchdowns to extend their lead to 21-6 by halftime.
In the third quarter, Washington continued their offensive onslaught, scoring twice more to make it 27-6, though Eastern’s Sterling Miles (West Bloomfield, Mich./West Bloomfield/Cincinnati) blocked the extra point—his second career block. Gomez once again provided a bright spot for the Eagles, hitting his second long-distance field goal of the game, this time from 50 yards. The successful attempt made him the first kicker in Eastern Michigan history to connect on multiple 50+ yard field goals in the same game.
Washington added a late field goal in the third quarter, cementing their 30-9 victory.
Key Highlights:
- Jesus Gomez’s Record-Setting Performance: Gomez was perfect in all three of his field goal attempts, including his record-breaking 57-yard kick, which surpassed his previous school record of 55 yards. His two 50+ yard field goals also marked a first in program history. His 57-yard make ranks as the second-longest field goal in the country this season and the longest in the MAC since 2023.
- Defensive Stands: Eastern Michigan’s defense forced a crucial punt on Washington’s opening drive, which was partially blocked by David Carter Jr. (Ecorse, Mich./River Rouge), setting up the Eagles’ offense with excellent field position. Additionally, defensive lineman Peyton Price (Lafayette, Ind./Jefferson) forced a fumble, recovered by Jordan Toney (Decatur, Ga./Hapeville Charter), marking Eastern’s first takeaway of the season.
- Special Teams Success: In addition to Gomez’s historic performance, Sterling Miles blocked a Washington PAT, making it the second blocked kick of his career and the second blocked kick of the game for the Eagles.
- Takeaway on the Road: The matchup marked a homecoming for several Eastern Michigan players and coaches, including Head Coach Chris Creighton, who attended nearby Roosevelt High School, as well as four players from Washington state. Despite the loss, the Eagles are now 3-41 all-time against Big Ten Conference opponents, with recent victories over Illinois, Purdue, Rutgers, and Arizona State.
Looking Ahead:
Eastern Michigan will look to bounce back from the defeat as they return home to face their next opponent. Despite the setback, Gomez’s performance and the team’s resilience offer hope as they continue their 2024 campaign.
