Depth helps Eastern clinch Big Sky title

PORTLAND – The depth of Eastern’s resolve to win a third straight Big Sky Conference football title was tested Friday night by the resolve of its depth.

Consider safety Zach Bruce, a sometime starter but a big-time contributor to the 56-34 win at Portland State that clinched the Eagles’ third-straight Big Sky title. The sophomore from University High came up with the first two interceptions of his career, one a touchdown- saver in the first half and the other a game- clincher in the second half.

Pressed into action last year as a true freshman when the Eagles were depleted by injuries, Bruce moved down the depth chart this year. But with Jordan Tonani sidelined by a concussion, Bruce was on the field almost the entire game at PSU.

“It’s been a pleasure to watch his development,” coach Beau Baldwin said. “He’s a true professional in how he prepares, and he’s constantly in the film room.”

The work paid off Friday: with the Eagles leading 7-0 and PSU driving, Bruce picked off Josh Kraght in the end zone.

“That’s the kind of big situational football that we talk about,” Baldwin said.

On the other side of the ball, running back Jabari Wilson has been hampered by injury for most of his career. Going into the PSU game, Wilson’s season totals were 47 yards on 13 carries.

But with Quincy Forte and Jalen Moore sidelined by injury, Wilson ran 24 times for 132 yards and three scores.

“I didn’t know it was going to happen, but you have to take advantage of the opportunities,” Wilson said.

Waiting and watching

Friday’s win clinched a first-round bye and at least one home game in the upcoming FCS playoffs, but things got get even better on Saturday.

First, Montana upended Montana State 34-7, meaning that Eastern (10-2 overall, 7-1 Big Sky) earned its second straight outright conference title.

On the national scene, top-ranked Coastal Carolina lost to Liberty 15-14, possibly opening the door for fifth-ranked Eastern to move up and garner a home game in the quarterfinals.

The other top teams – No. 2 New Hampshire, No. 3 North Dakota State and No. 4 Jacksonville State – all won Saturday. Seedings and pairings will be announced this morning during the FCS selection show, at 8 a.m. on ESPNU.

“It’s out of our control, but I think it puts us in a really good situation to get a high seed,” Baldwin said Saturday.

A big plus for Eastern

After spending most of the season on the negative side of the turnover margin, the Eagles are positively feasting on opportunities.

Eastern forced a season-high five turnovers at PSU, including safety Tevin McDonald’s 73-yard pick-6 with 1:56 to play.

“That was the dagger – I was so happy for him,” Baldwin said. “He’s jumped a lot of routes and has been right there. For him to finally close one out with a pick-six was great – he earned it.”

In the first half, McDonald forced one fumble and recovered another, helping Eastern improve to plus-8 for the season.