ECU Returns Home With Matchup Against NWOSU
ADA, Okla. – The East Central University Tigers (1-2) are back home for the second time this season. This time the Tigers face longtime rival Northwestern Oklahoma State University (0-3). Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Koi Ishto Stadium.
The Tigers won in 2021 with a 20-17 victory in overtime ending a four-game losing streak to the Rangers in Alva.
Head Coach
Kris McCullough and his staff have momentum on their side as ECU enters having played its best game of the season last week beating Southern Nazarene 44-21 on the road.
"We played a solid 4 quarters of football last week focusing on our responsibilities and not beating ourselves. We cut out the penalties and turnovers that had cost us the week before," McCullough said. "We are sticking to that script. Northwestern is a very fast team! Their offense has weapons everywhere and they can score in one play at any time in the game."
Quarterback
Kenny Hrncir continues to improve each week. He has completed 57-of-102 passes for four touchdowns and only two interceptions. He has completed passes to 12 different receivers including to himself. Hrncir caught his own batted ball and scored on a four-yard touchdown against SNU.
Hrncir's top target has been
La'Quan Wells who has 12 receptions for 170 yards for three touchdowns. He caught two touchdowns against SNU one of 19 yards and the other of eight.
Other primary receivers have been
Jake Berrey who has caught six passes for 102 yards and Jackson McFarland who has caught nine balls for 60 yards.
ECU continues to use
Miles Davis and
Nemier Herod as its top ball carriers. Herod leads with 149 yards on 30 carries while Miles has added 108 yards on 26 carries.
Defensively, the Tigers have been among the conference's best at creating turnovers. In just three games, ECU has forced seven fumbles by its opponent.
Cody Alexander has two recoveries including a 56 yard return.
Alexander tops the team in tackles with 22 with
Devon Roush (18) and
Michael Onwuzurike and
Cameron Jones tied for third with 15 stops.
"Northwestern is a very fast team," McCullough said. "Their offense has weapons everywhere and they can score in one play at any time in the game."
