RICHMOND, Ky. — In a decisive game on Saturday, Joshua Carter showcased his exceptional talents by rushing 31 times for 167 yards and scoring two touchdowns, leading Eastern Kentucky to a 28-17 victory over Utah Tech, which has yet to win this season.

Carter’s performance marked his eighth touchdown recorded in the last six games, underlining his significant contribution to the team.

In an impressive defensive play, Maddox Marcellus returned a fumble 23 yards, establishing a 14-3 lead for Eastern Kentucky at the halftime mark. This score was noted as the first “scoop-and-score” for the Colonels since Jeremiah Bailey accomplished it during the previous season’s finale against Stephen F. Austin.

Utah Tech, which had struggled to find the end zone, went three full quarters without a touchdown, finally scoring with just over four minutes left in the third quarter, bringing the score to 21-10.

The game remained scoreless until late in the fourth quarter when Carter scored again from the six-yard line, further extending EKU’s lead. Although Utah Tech quickly responded with a touchdown pass from freshman Bronson Barben, they did so in just 74 seconds, the Colonels managed to maintain control by recovering the onside kick and successfully running out the remaining time.

Throughout the game, six different rushers for EKU combined to total 55 carries, amassing 287 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Matt Morrissey contributed minimally to the passing game, throwing for just 75 yards. Meanwhile, kicker Patrick Nations successfully made four point-after attempts, inching closer to the school’s all-time career record of 285 points held by Taylor Long from 2005 to 2008.

For Utah Tech, Barben completed 22 of 39 passes for 231 yards and tossed two touchdown passes. Josh Rillos also had a standout performance, receiving seven passes for 72 yards.

This victory marked coach Walt Wells’ fifth consecutive homecoming win with the Eastern Kentucky Colonels, adding to his impressive coaching record, which includes a notable double-overtime triumph against Tarleton State last season.