Eagle football picks up national honors

January 02, 2008 02:52 pm

— MOREHEAD, Ky. – The 2007 Morehead State University Football Eagles have won two NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision National Statistical Championships. As a team, MSU won the championship in rushing defense. Individually, junior defensive back David Hyland won the championship for most interceptions per game.
The Eagle rushing defense allowed only 53.9 yards per game. MSU allowed over 100 yards rushing in only two games (San Diego and Western Kentucky). The opposition scored only five rushing touchdowns all season long. On three occasions (Robert Morris, Butler and Drake), Morehead State held opponents to minus net rushing yardage.
As a team, MSU also held the following other rankings in the FCS statistics (116 teams):
•10th in total defense
•15th in sacks
•19th in scoring defense
•23rd in pass efficiency defense
•33rd in turnover margin
Hyland (Woodstock, Ga.) had eight interceptions in nine games played (.89 per game). His eight interceptions in 2007 established an MSU school record. With one season left to play in his career, he already owns the Eagle career record with 17 interceptions. His three interceptions against Jacksonville this season tied the MSU single-game record.
Senior defensive back Bryan Gray tied for sixth nationally in interceptions per game. He also tied the MSU record with three interceptions against Drake.
Senior quarterback Brian Yost tied for 40th in total offense and for 42nd in pass efficiency.
Junior return specialist Nick Feldman, a former national statistical champion in punt return average, finished 42nd in that category this season.
Senior linebacker Brett Mazzaro tied for 44th in sacks per game.
Junior Mason Webb ranked 50th in punting.
The 2007 Eagles finished with a 7-4 record. MSU was 5-2 in the Pioneer Football League. One of the league victories came over NCAA FCS Mid-Major National Champion Dayton and was the Flyers’ only loss of the season.