 Tim Hiller's four passing TDs against EMU left him three short of a MAC record with one regular season game remaining. (File Photo) YPSILANTI, MI. - Tim Hiller threw four TD passes and Western Michigan erupted for 21 second-quarter points on the way to a 35-14 win over Eastern Michigan Saturday at Rynearson Stadium. Hiller entered the contest seven touchdowns shy of the MAC career passing touchdowns mark and will get another shot next week in the Broncos season finale at home against Ball State (1-9, 1-5 MAC).
That encounter also provides WMU with a shot at a sixth win, which would even its regular season record at 6-6.
Eastern Michigan, meanwhile, fell to 0-10 (0-6 MAC) with a loss that was facilitated by six Eagle turnovers.
"I was trying so hard to figure out a way to help the team win that until I got in the locker room, I didn't realize it was six turnovers," EMU head coach Ron English said. "You're not going to win a football game if you turn it over six times."
"A lot of their young kids are playing better now," Cubit said. "They moved the ball. They did a nice job,(but) the six turnovers kind of hurt them."
Initially, it looked as though turnovers might favor the hosting Eagles. On the game's third play from scrimmage. EMU's Chris May picked off a Hiller pass at midfield and returned it to Western Michigan's 15-yard line. Four plays later, Alex Gillet took it into the end zone from four yards out. Joe Carithers added the PAT kick.
"We came out ready to play," English said. "The seniors really wanted to get a win in their final home game. I thought we did a good job early."
Western Michigan (5-6, 4-3 MAC) responded with an 11-play, 59-yard scoring drive. Hiller hit Matt Stevens on a one-yard pass for the TD. It was the 95th touchdown pass of Hiller's career and extended his streak of at least one TD pass in a game to 39 consecutive contests.
Hiller added passing touchdown No. 96 early in the second period when he hit Chad Baliko with a two-yard pass.
Brandon West's one-yard run and the PAT made it a 21-7 game at 3:08. Hiller then added an eight-yard TD pass to Stevens with 1:09 left.
"I think in the second quarter, we just didn't get off the field on third down," English said. "The reality is right now we don't do enough things in the proper manner on a consistent basis, and, therefore, we're struggling to win."
Eastern Michigan needed something to stem the tide, and they got it from quarterback Alex Gillett. The freshman, who had 105 yards on 26 rushes against WMU, picked up a critical first down on a 17 yard run. Two plays later, Gill found Tyrone Burke on a 45-yard pass play. After a time out, Gillett completed the drive with a 12-yard pitch to Kinsman Thomas. Carithers' kick with 28 seconds left made it a 28-14 game at intermission.
After combining for 42 points in the first 30 minutes - 28 in the second period - the two offenses combined for three fumbles, seven points and seven points in the second half.
"I think we played a little sloppy in the second half offensively,"Cubit said. "We left a some points out there."
Eastern Michigan may have left some points out there, as well. Anthony White's fumble at the WMU 23 ended the Eagle's best drive of the half. "We had a chance to make it a seven-point game, and we didn't do that, and the game got away from us," English said.
Western Michigan began its final scoring drive of the day following White's fumble. After two Brandon West rushes, Hiller hit Robert Arnheim with a 65-yard TD pass. It was the ninth time in Hiller's career that he has thrown four touchdowns in a game.
Hiller completed 21 of 31 passes for 275 yards with the four TDs and one interception.
West led the Broncos rushing attack, picking up 140 yards on 25 rushes and scoring one touchdown.
Gillett completed 15 of 26 for 186 yards for the Eagles with one touchdown and three interceptions. He was also the leading rusher with 105 yards.
Despite the final spread of 21 points, Cubit felt the game reflected the tough contest he expected. "Every time we play Eastern, it is a dogfight. You've got to go out there ... and play hard," Cubit said. "Even at 35-14, they bowed up, and they don't want to let us in the end zone (again)."
He continued, "I've got great respect for Ron and his kids. Those kids went out there and they battled."
Eastern has two more contests left on its schedule - both on the road. The Eagles will be at Toledo Friday, Nov. 20. The finale is Nov. 27 at Akron.
"We have to stay focused on improvement," English said. "I'm not getting distracted (with the record).... My motivation is to turn this program around. It is not one game or one season. It is to turn this program around for good, and that is what we are going to do."
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