Burkett-Calwise 3 TDs Power EKU Past UCA 34-13

**Eastern Kentucky Rolls Past Central Arkansas 34-13, Burkett-Calwise Duo Shines in UAC Victory**

**CONWAY, Ark. – October 19, 2024** – The Eastern Kentucky University football team delivered a dominant performance on Saturday, securing a decisive 34-13 United Athletic Conference (UAC) victory over Central Arkansas at Estes Stadium. Quarterback Myles Burkett and wide receiver Marcus Calwise Jr. proved to be an unstoppable force, connecting for three touchdowns to lead the Colonels’ high-powered offense.

The win improves Eastern Kentucky’s record to 4-3 overall and 2-1 in UAC play, keeping them firmly in contention for the conference title. Central Arkansas falls to 3-5 (1-3 UAC) with the loss.

Burkett and Calwise wasted no time establishing their rhythm, kicking off EKU’s scoring on the opening drive. The duo capped an impressive 11-play, 75-yard march with a 13-yard touchdown pass, putting the Colonels up 7-0. Their connection continued early in the second quarter, as they linked up again for a 19-yard score, extending EKU’s lead. Not long after, running back Cornelius Brown IV punched it in from the 1-yard line, giving Eastern Kentucky a commanding 21-0 advantage with 8:32 left before halftime.

Central Arkansas managed to get on the scoreboard less than three minutes later when quarterback Will McElvain found Sam Franklin for a 6-yard touchdown, cutting EKU’s lead to 21-7. However, Burkett and Calwise extinguished any hopes of a UCA comeback in the third quarter, completing their hat-trick with a 20-yard touchdown pass that further solidified EKU’s lead. Kicker Patrick Nations also contributed significantly for Eastern Kentucky, nailing a 36-yard field goal in the second quarter and a 42-yarder in the fourth, in addition to converting all four extra points.

“I’m incredibly proud of our team’s execution and focus on the road against a tough Central Arkansas squad,” said EKU head coach Walt Wells after the game. “Myles and Marcus have been building that chemistry all season, and it really paid off today. Our offensive line gave Myles time, and our defense played lights out, holding them to minimal yards.”

Burkett finished the day completing 22 of 33 passes for 251 yards and the three touchdowns. Calwise Jr. was his primary target, demonstrating exceptional route-running and hands. Running back Cornelius Brown IV led the ground attack with 101 rushing yards on 18 carries, including his crucial one-yard score.

The Colonels’ defense was a major factor, stifling Central Arkansas’s offense and holding them to just 206 total yards. McElvain completed 14 of 28 passes for 122 yards and one touchdown, but the Bears struggled to sustain drives against EKU’s relentless pressure and tight coverage.

“Marcus made my job easy out there,” Burkett commented. “He was getting open, and the offensive line gave me all the time in the world. This was a complete team effort from start to finish.”

For Calwise Jr., the big day was a culmination of hard work. “Myles and I put in a lot of extra time on our timing, and it’s great to see it translate to the field,” he said. “Every catch was for the team, and it feels good to get a big conference win.”

Next week, Eastern Kentucky returns home to Roy Kidd Stadium to host North Alabama on Saturday, October 26th, for another crucial UAC matchup. Central Arkansas will hit the road to face Tarleton State.

For full game statistics and additional information, visit the official athletics websites:
[https://ekusports.com](https://ekusports.com)
[https://ucasports.com](https://ucasports.com)