McMahon sparks McNeese to 29-15 win over Eastern Illinois

Updated Nov. 5, 2022 11:18 p.m. ET

Associated Press

LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) — Running back Deonta McMahon ran for 213 yards and a score and threw a touchdown pass to propel McNeese to a 29-15 victory over Eastern Illinois on Saturday night.

Garrison Smith kicked a 39-yard field goal and McMahon tossed a trick-play 33-yard touchdown pass to Jon McCall to give McNeese (2-7) a 10-0 lead after one quarter and the Cowboys never looked back.

Ryan Roberts completed 13 of 20 passes for 177 yards for McNeese, which snapped a four-game skid. Roberts hit Mason Pierce for a 32-yard touchdown and a 19-7 lead at halftime.

McMahon carried the ball 26 times for the Cowboys. He scored on a 3-yard run in the third quarter to push the McNeese lead to 26-7. Pierce finished with eight catches for 145 yards.

Dom Shoffner passed for 187 yards with one interception for Eastern Illinois (2-7) in the nonconference matchup. He had touchdown throws to Jay Vallie and Justin Bowick.

McNeese piled up 512 yards of offense, while yielding 319.

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