Carnegie Mellon Ends A Winner in ECA Bowl Game

By: HSSN Staff
Sunday, November 22, 2015 | 7:29 PM

In the ECAC Legacy Bowl at Central Connecticut State, Carnegie Mellon defeated Bridgewater State 48-13 to pick up their third win in four bowl game appearances. Sophomore RB Sam Benger became the 21st player in D-III history to rush for more than 2 thousand yards in a season.

Benger ran for 190 yards and 4 touchdowns in the win, he was named the game’s Most Outstanding Player. He opened the scoring on a 2 yard run. The Bears answered with a Danny Higgins 15 yard pass to Michael Viola. Chris Herrera gave CMU the lead for good with a 88 yard return of the ensuing kickoff and a 14-7 lead after one. Herrera scored his 2nd touchdown on a 50 yard pass from Andrew Hearon and Benger added a 1 yard run to extend the advantage at the break.

Higgins hit Travis Bassett for a 68 yard touchdown two plays into third. Benger scored his 3rd td on a yard run and Graham Schilling(Franklin Regional) caught a 14 yard pass from Hearon. Benger added a 2 yard score with 2:53 remaining to close out the day.

Benger carried 34 times in the win, Hearon was 14-22 for 280 yards. John Prather had 6 catches for 112 yards. CMU finishes 8-3. Bassett had 5 catches for 111 yards for the Bears, wgo end at 7-4.

And Duquesne learned their playoff opponent. The Dukes won the NEC Title and automatic FCS bid with a 30-20 victory over Saint Francis.

William & Mary will host the Dukes on Saturday at 3:30. The Tribe were the tri-champions of the CAA and made the field as an at large team. Both teams are 8-3 entering the playoffs.