Eastern University Football (6–1, 5–1 MAC) heads down the Blue Route this Saturday for a short trip to Chester to take on the Widener University Pride (3–4, 2–4 MAC) in another pivotal MAC clash. Riding a three-game winning streak and sharing the conference lead with Misericordia, the Eagles look to continue their surge against a Widener team that has rebounded from a difficult September with improved play on both sides of the ball.

Eastern's 28-21 win at Misericordia last week put the Eagles in a tie atop the standings in the program's third full MAC season. Led by a 13-for-13 passing performance from Brett Nabb and a two-touchdown day from Izayah Guy-Bruton the Eagles scored a touchdown in each quarter.

The defense continued to deliver when the moment tightened. Linebacker Jason Bateman came up with a critical strip-sack to end the final Misericordia drive. Nabb and Jeremiah Avrilien combined for 197 and a pair of touchdowns on the ground. 

The Eagles enter Saturday's game with a balanced attack that has found success in the pass when teams load the box to thwart the runners. Eastern leads the league in rushing offense (243.6 ypg) Nabb has generated 1,568 yards of offense and has thrown for six touchdowns and run for six more. Avrilien leads the MAC with 11 rushing scores and averages 109 yards per game.

Eastern's defense has also played a critical role in the team's rise. Bateman (50 tackles, 6.5 TFL) and Salif Nikiema (8 TFL, 4 sacks) power a front that holds opponents to 3.4 yards per carry. In the secondary, two-time All-MAC safety Gashawn Moody Jr. anchors a unit that has surrendered just five passing touchdowns all season. Tahjere Jackson-Alston and Jamauri James have combined for 15 pass break-ups. The Eastern defense did not give up a passing touchdown in October. 

Eastern's special-teams edge has also been decisive. John Westfield averages 41.5 yards per punt with six inside the 20, and John Nolek has connected on 7-of-10 field goals, including a 45-yarder at Misericordia, and has been nearly perfect on PATs (23-of-24). After dropping four of its first five, Widener steadied its season with wins over FDU-Florham and Alvernia.

The Pride's offense, which averages 227 yards per game, relies on quarterback Caiden Leszczynski and receiver Khylil Jones to generate rhythm. Leszczynski has thrown for 500 yards and two touchdowns, while Jones leads the team with 18 catches for 290 yards and two scores.

The Pride's defense remains its strength. Linebacker Luke Shimko ranks among the MAC leaders with 57 tackles, 3.5 TFL, and two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown. End Michael Miller adds interior pressure with three sacks, and Widener's secondary has produced 10 interceptions, tied for most in the league.

With a win on Saturday, the Eagles can take an important step forward for the program. Including a 42-10 win in 2023, Widener has won both match-ups since Eastern started competing. Widener threw 41 times in that lopsided win. Widener claimed a 27-13 win at Radnor Street Road last fall. 

The Eagles will likely need a win to keep pace with Misericordia. The Cougars, the only other one-loss team in the league, are at winless FDU-Florham before finishing the season with a pair of tough home tests against Delaware Valley and King's. Lebanon Valley is at Stevenson, Delaware Valley is at Alvernia, and  King's hosts Albright. 

Should Eastern and Misericordia both win out, the Eagles would own the first tie-breaker for the MAC Championship. 

Kick-off is scheduled for 1:00 pm. Fans unable to travel will be able to listen live to the crew from Jakib Media or watch on MAC TV.