YPSILANTI, Mich. (AP) -- Jordan Asberry caught a touchdown pass and ran for another as Army topped Eastern Michigan 37-22 on Saturday, as the fourth straight Army win secured bowl eligibility for the third straight season.
"Coach (Jeff) Monken and the staff have turned this program around," said Asberry, a senior who was on a 2-10 team as a freshman. "We worked real hard, but we didn't really see the fruit of our labor.
"That sets the stage for finishing this year strong, but also the next season for the guys that are going to be playing next year."
Army (6-2) took a 16-0 lead at halftime on three field goals by John Abercrombie and Asberry's first score, a 3-yard touchdown run with 18 seconds left in the half. The Black Knights held possession for 23 minutes, 8 seconds of the first half.
Eastern Michigan (4-5) closed the deficit to 16-14 on touchdown passes from Tyler Wiegers to Mathew Sexton and Blake Banham in the third quarter. Wiegers finished 19-of-29 passing for 201 yards.
Asberry's 26-yard touchdown reception from Kelvin Hopkins Jr., and a Kell Walker 2-yard touchdown catch from Hopkins put Army up 30-14.
After Army took a 23-14 lead on Asberry's second touchdown, the Black Knights got the only turnover of the game, as Chandler Ramirez recovered a Wiegers fumble that was forced by James Nachtigal.
Hopkins was 7-of-8 passing for 126 yards and two touchdowns, and rushed 23 times for 105 yards. He returned after missing last week's double-overtime win against Miami (Ohio) with a hip injury.
Banham added a 1-yard touchdown for Eastern Michigan, which was outgained 415-235 in total offense.
Army's Darnell Woolfolk had a 9-yard touchdown run in the game's final minute. He had 89 yards on 24 carries.
Army had 27 first downs compared with 10 for Eastern Michigan.
"We made it a football game, but in the end, just didn't have enough," Eastern Michigan coach Chris Creighton said. "Offensively, we couldn't get a first down."
THE TAKEAWAY
Army: The Black Knights are bowl eligible for the third straight season for the first time in program history. Monken's team is build for bad weather, outgaining Eastern Michigan 289-34 on the ground.
Eastern Michigan: Creighton should have his team's attention as three winnable Mid-American Conference games remain. Two wins would make the Eagles eligible for a bowl game. The Eagles have played in two bowls since joining Division I in 1976.
UP NEXT
Army: Hosts Air Force next Saturday in the first of a three-game home stand. Army has a 10-game home win streak and will defend the Commander In Chief's trophy.
Eastern Michigan: Hosts Central Michigan next Saturday in the second of a three-game home stand. Central Michigan has won seven of the last nine rivalry matchups.
