Eastern Michigan player sparks brawl with South Alabama after 49-point loss – Fox News

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South Alabama earned a 49-point win over Eastern Michigan in the 68 Ventures Bowl on Saturday night, but the action didn't stop when the final whistle blew.

According to AL.com, Eastern Michigan defensive lineman Korey Hernandez appeared to get into an altercation with South Alabama defensive lineman Jamarrien Burt as the Jaguars band was performing for the team. Hernandez hit Burt in the head as the Jaguars players turned toward the band.

Other Jaguars players joined the scuffle, but the fight was broken off after just a few moments.

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Members of the South Alabama Jaguars hold up the 68 Ventures Bowl trophy after defeating the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Hancock Whitney Stadium on December 23, 2023 in Mobile, Alabama. (Michael Chang/Getty Images)

The game initially came to a draw in the second quarter between Hernandez and another South Alabama defender, Brian Dillard. Tensions were apparently running high after the game is over.

“I didn’t see things when they happened,” Eagles head coach Chris Creighton said via the website after the game. “But I definitely saw the intensity of what just happened. We had a really good, long conversation in the locker room afterward.”

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“We want to be first class at all times, no matter the circumstances, no matter what the balance sheet is, no matter what other factors, people, whatever are involved. And to be anything less than first-class doesn't live up to the standard we have in Eastern Michigan football.

“I think it is very important for our boys to perform well. I’m sure we were embarrassed by the way we played and it probably didn’t take too much to get our guys to a place that hopefully they never get to.”

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Desmond Trotter of the South Alabama Jaguars reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Eastern Michigan Eagles in the 68 Ventures Bowl on December 23, 2023. (Michael Chang/Getty Images)

South Alabama coach Kane Wommack promised to investigate the incident and take responsibility for anything that happened on their part.

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“It's a very special game, it's a tough game,” he added. “It's a team game and you do everything you can on the football field to give the best for your teammates. And sometimes things get emotional and passionate, and we ask these guys to play in tune with that emotion and passion.” In every way. Those are never things you want to end a game with.”

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South Alabama won the game 59-10. Burt made it with one tackle. Hernandez didn't count any.

Defensive lineman Jamie Sheriff of the South Alabama Jaguars tackles quarterback Ike Udengwu III of the Eastern Michigan Eagles during the 68 Ventures Bowl on December 23, 2023. (Michael Chang/Getty Images)

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Jaguars quarterback Gio Lopez was 14 of 19 with 192 passing yards and two touchdowns. He added 88 yards on the ground and a touchdown.

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