Charleston, W. Va – The five-time reigning Mountain East Conference Champions came to the Capital City to face the undefeated Golden Eagles on Saturday. The Golden Eagles had only won just one game in the last seven matchups with Notre Dame, making this an always anticipated matchup as a Charleston fan. 
 
The Basics
Location: University of Charleston Stadium
Score: UC 52, NDC 27
Records: UC 6-0 (5-0 MEC), NDC 4-3 (3-3 MEC)
 
How it Happened
Sophomore punter Hayden Pack was nowhere to be seen on Saturday, but for a good reason: 
 
Charleston didn't punt a single time all day long. 
 
The Golden Eagles would match an opening touchdown from the Falcons with one of their own on a 13-yard pass from Javonte Howard to Tae Marrero to tie the game at 7-7 early in the first quarter. Charleston would then take their first lead of the afternoon on a 21-yard touchdown pass to Damon Mouzon for his first receiving touchdown of the year and the 14-7 advantage. 
 
In the second quarter, the Charleston defense would limit the Falcons to a 29-yard field goal from Cam Shirkey, but maintained the lead at 14-10. Chavon Wright would move the Charleston lead to two scores with an electrifying 25-yard run into the endzone for the 21-10 lead. Notre Dame would march down the field on the ensuing drive and match Wright's rushing score with a Krys-Riley Richardson touchdown on a 13-yard run to cut the lead back to four points. As the halftime horn sounded, the two teams would sprint into the locker room as a quick power-wash from mother nature had made its way to Laidley Field. 
 
In the second half, Charleston would pick up right where they left off as Tae Marrero would score on another pitch-and-catch from 46 yards to extend Charleston's lead to 28-17. 
 
Shirkey would connect on a 47-yard field goal for the Falcons on their drive that took just under five minutes off the clock, but it would be matched with a 37-yard field goal from Tim McCutchen to maintain the 11-point lead. 
 
Notre Dame continued to put up a fight on offense as they turned a five-play drive into six points from Tyshawn Lighty on a double-reverse play from 27 yards out, but this would be the final score from the Falcons. 
 
The Golden Eagles put on a clinic in the fourth quarter as they would begin the final period with a 24-yard rushing touchdown from Wright once again to give Charleston their 11-point lead back. 
 
Charleston's defense forced a crucial three-and-out from the Falcons and allowed for their offense to cash in for more points as Wright would find his third rushing touchdown of the day, jogging into the endzone untouched for the 45-27 advantage. 
 
Despite a 51-yard rush from the Falcons on their next drive, the Golden Eagles would prevail on defense deep in their own territory as Willie Floyd and Ra'Shaad Morris would bring down Riley-Richardson short of the first down marker on a 4^th and 1 to give Charleston the ball with 6:04 remaining. 
 
Head Coach Quinn Sanders asked his squad for one more touchdown to put the game on ice, and the offense opened up their freezer. Marching downfield, a five-play drive would be all the Golden Eagles needed for Alex Brink to find his way into the endzone to give Charleston a 52-27 lead over the visitors. Notre Dame would not be able to produce on their last drive, and Charleston would secure the victory over the Falcons at home. 
 
Chavon Wright finished the day with a career-high 276 rushing yards and three touchdowns, averaging 9.2 yards per carry. Yves Bosmans would play a vital role for Charleston with seven catches and 102 receiving yards. 
 
Up Next
The Golden Eagles will be on the road this Saturday to face the Fairmont State Falcons at Duvall-Rosier Field. The last time these two teams met, it would have to be decided in four overtimes. Kickoff is set for October 21^st at 1:00 PM.