Nichols passes for 286 yards as E. Washington tops W. Oregon 35-14

E. Washington tops W. Oregon 35-14

CHENEY, Wash. — Matt Nichols threw three touchdown passes and Taiwan Jones rushed for two scores in Eastern Washington’s 35-14 victory over Western Oregon on Saturday.

The Eagles (1-0) entered the game ranked No. 17 in the NCAA Division I-Football Championship Subdivision coaches’ poll.

Western Oregon quarterback Josh Riddell kept the NCAA Division II Wolves (0-1) close through three quarters, throwing for 190 yards and a pair of TD passes. He had pulled Western Oregon to within 21-14 in the third quarter on a 3-yard scoring toss to John Breza.

After forcing an Eastern Washington punt, Western Oregon had the ball deep in its own territory when Riddell’s pass ricocheted off two players before being scooped up by Kevin Hatch at the Wolves’ 28-yard line with 1:03 left in the third quarter. Two plays later, Nichols fired a 20-yard scoring pass to tight end Nathan Overbay for a 28-14 Eastern Washington lead.