Eastern Illinois scored the next 17 points. Then in the fourth quarter, Schondelmyer threw a 67-yard touchdown pass to Cincinnati transfer Michael Mussari.
Eastern Illinois clinched the victory with a 6-yard touchdown run by quarterback Cole LaCrue with 2:15 to play.
Schondelmyer played three seasons at Arcanum High School before transferring to Springfield for his senior year. He helped lead the Wildcats to a state runner-up finish in 2022.
Schondelmyer spent the last two seasons at Youngstown State. He redshirted in 2023 and did not appear in a game in 2024.
Schondelmyer got the start over Drew VanVleet, a redshirt sophomore who started all 11 games last season.
Schondelmyer completed 17 of 31 passes for 261 yards. Lochow caught six passes for 124 yards. Mussari had six receptions for 101 yards.
Eastern Illinois won the game by dominating on the ground. It outgained Dayton 336-31 in rushing yards. It had 25 first down to Dayton’s nine.
LaCrue ran for 193 yards on 26 carries. Charles Kellom gained 133 yards on 30 carries.
Gruden, a former Dayton backup quarterback who now works for Barstool Sports, talked to the Flyers in the locker room before the game.
“I was here a long time ago,” Gruden said. “I don’t want to philosophize. I just want to encourage you guys. Let’s kick this thing off the right way tonight.”
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