The first two Maine Black Bear possessions were not a good sign in last Saturday's Football Championship Subdivision football semifinal playoff game at Roos Field.
First, a 46-yard field goal attempt on Maine's opening drive fluttered to a halt short and wide left of the goalposts. Next came the first of two Josh Lewis interceptions, deep in Black Bear territory, that, one play later, resulted in an Eastern Washington touchdown.
The visitors from 3,000 miles away, and champions of the Colonial Athletic Association, saw things unravel quickly after that. Eastern would go on to score on each of its next three possessions for a quick 21-0 lead, while Maine followed with a fumble and a punt.
The Eagles led 28-0 at the half and rewarded a crowd of 7,529 with a 50-19 win and a berth in the FCS title game, Jan. 5, 2019 in Frisco, Texas. Eastern won the 2010 FCS title, 20-19 over Delaware on Jan. 7, 2011 in the first championship game played in Frisco.
"We were happy to get a turnover like that and give the ball to the offense at the 1-yard line," EWU head coach Aaron Best said. "It's not just a huge momentum change, but it's a huge momentum developer."
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