Adams returns to spark Eastern Washington past Montana

Cheney, WA (SportsNetwork.com) – He’s baaack.

Oh, how ever.

Eastern Washington quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. returned to the lineup for the first time since being injured on Oct. 3, passing for 399 yards and four touchdowns to help the fifth-ranked Eagles defeat No. 11 Montana, 36-26, before 11,339 in a key Big Sky Conference game on Saturday.

Adams broke two metatarsal bones in his right foot and missed four straight games.

With the redshirt junior again guiding Eastern Washington’s high-powered offense, the Eagles (9-2, 6-1) built a 33-10 lead midway through the third quarter.

Just like last year’s matchup at Montana, the Grizzlies (6-4, 4-2) rallied back into the game, pulling within 33-26 before EWU put the win away on Tyler McNannay’s 34-yard field goal with 28 seconds left. The Eagles have sole possession of first place in the crowded Big Sky race.

Adams completed 24-of-36 pass attempts. Cooper Kupp (eight receptions, 134 yards), Shaq Hill (seven receptions, 103 yards), Nic Sblendorio and Kendrick Bourne all caught receptions.

Linebacker Ronnie Hamlin had nine tackles to give him 440 in his career, a new EWU record.

Montana quarterback Jordan Johnson was 29-for-50 for 447 yards and three interceptions and two interceptions. Jamal Jones caught nine passes for 139 yards and a touchdown.

Categorized in: NCAA Football