KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Zahir Abdus-Salaam showcased a stellar performance by scoring two touchdowns, leading Western Michigan to a 26-18 victory over Eastern Michigan on Saturday. This win not only marked the end of a three-game losing streak but also secured bowl eligibility for the Broncos.

Abdus-Salaam’s first touchdown came with a 22-yard run, pushing Western Michigan ahead 23-8 during the third quarter. In an exuberant celebration, he jumped into a snowbank beside the end zone, celebrating the significant play.

The Broncos (6-6, 5-3 Mid-American Conference) managed to block a punt that resulted in a safety, setting off a scoring spree of 16 points within a span of four minutes. Abdus-Salaam contributed with a 31-yard screen pass touchdown, and soon after, Joey Pope recovered a fumble from the ensuing kickoff, leading to Jalen Buckley’s 15-yard touchdown run just 19 seconds before halftime.

On the other hand, Delmert Mimms II from Eastern Michigan responded with two touchdowns in the third quarter. The fourth quarter saw both teams exchanging field goals, contributing to the game’s final score.

As time dwindled, Eastern Michigan regained possession with 2:18 left on the clock. However, disaster struck on their first play as Bilhal Kone intercepted a pass that had been tipped, sealing the game’s outcome. Eastern Michigan wrapped up the season with a disappointing five-game losing streak, finishing at 5-7 (2-6 in the conference).

Abdus-Salaam finished the game with impressive stats, rushing for 135 yards, while Buckley also had a notable performance with 103 yards on 19 carries. Quarterback Hayden Wolff added to the score by throwing for 126 yards and recording a touchdown, along with 40 receiving yards for Abdus-Salaam. On the other side, Mimms rushed for 127 yards on 18 attempts, while Cole Snyder managed a challenge in the passing game, completing only 7 of 22 attempts for 91 yards.