The Independent Collegian

Issue date: 11/8/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Dave Hochanadel Senior linebacker Greg Hay (left) and freshman Rover Drey'Lon Pree look to strip the ball from an Eastern Michigan University running back in Saturday's victory. Hay ranks third on the team with 71 tackles, while Pree has 18.

The Rockets hope to win their fourth-straight game Tuesday when they travel to play Ball State University (5-5, 2-1 MAC). A win would keep UT alive in the race for either the Mid-American Conference Championship or one of three MAC bowl game bids.

In order for UT to win the MAC West Division, Central Michigan, Ball State, Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan all need to finish 3-2 in the West, and Akron needs to defeat Central Michigan. The Rockets (5-5, 2-2 MAC) would also need to win their final two games.

"You have to keep that in the back of your mind," said sophomore quarterback Aaron Opelt. "We have Ball State this week and Bowling Green after that, obviously another big game. We just have to try to finish off the year strong and see where we're at after that."

Opelt had a stellar performance in the Rockets' 52-28 victory over Eastern Michigan University on Saturday, going 17-29 for 279 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.

"We've had great play calling," Opelt said. "We've set up teams with the run-and-play action. We have a good offensive line up front and Jalen running the ball."

Senior running back Jalen Parmele led the rushing attack with 168 of the teams 324 yards on 22 carries and three touchdowns on his way to being named the MAC West offensive player of the week. Parmele has rushed for more than 100 yards in six consecutive games.

"It's a good feeling," Parmele said. "We just have to come out with these next two games we play with the same intensity and emotion we did this last game. "

Sophomore DaJuane Collins added 79 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries.

Wide receivers senior Nick Moore and sophomore Stephen Williams each reached the century mark in receiving yards and teamed up for all but one of the Rockets' receptions. Moore had 10 catches for 119 yards while Williams caught six passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns.

Continued...

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