CMU runs over EMU 35-7 in conference clash at Ford Field
It was wire-to-wire domination for the Chippewas, who didn't punt or give up points until the late fourth quarter.
Ford Field hasn't been kind to the Central Michigan Chippewas in recent years, to say the least.
Last season, a resurgent CMU side under then-rookie head coach Matt Drinkall drew the Northwestern Wildcats in the GameAbove Bowl and were summarily dispatched.
2019's visit to Ford Field under first-year head coach Jim McElwain saw Central lose in heartbreaking fashion to the Miami RedHawks in the MAC Championship Game.
Ford Field served as the background for Central Michigan's clash with the Minnesota Golden Gophers– who made the postseason despite a 5-7 record– in the 2015 Quick Lane Bowl. CMU lost the game on a touchdown and two-point conversion by Minnesota with under five minutes remaining.
In fact, the last time CMU fans experienced the joys of a win in Detroit was all the way back in 2012, when future #1 NFL Draft pick Eric Fisher protected Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl MVP Ryan Radcliffe's blind side in a led the charge in a 24-21 victory over FBS newbie Western Kentucky.
On Wednesday night, the 2026 version of the Central Michigan Chippewas exorcised those past ghosts, snapping a 14-year losing streak in Detroit by dominating cross-state rival Eastern Michigan in a 35-7 blowout victory.
The game was never close, with CMU scoring 35 unanswered points and EMU notching a lone touchdown with 10 seconds remaining.
The Chippewas defense held EMU to 14 plays for 38 yards in the first half, with three forced punts and an interception on four drives. In that time, CMU quarterback Jadyn Glasser would find receiver Nasir Williams for an eight-yard scoring strike and halfback Nick Woodford found the goal line twice, putting the halftime margin at 21-0.
All three of CMU's first-half scoring drives eclipsed the 10-play mark, with the Chippewas dominating time of possession to the tune of 22 minutes and 45 seconds.
Woodford would get a hat trick on the first Chippewa drive of the third quarter, ending a sprawling 16-play, 91-yard drive lasting 8:39, pushing the score to 28-0, and Vaugh Blue captured CMU's fourth rushing TD of the night from one yard out to open the fourth quarter and put the score at 35-0.
Eastern Michigan, with backup QB Brogan McGaughey at the controls, had no answers, not gaining a first down until the 9:49 mark of the fourth quarter on a third-and-five pass to Benson Prosper. Third-string QB Jace Stuckey would connect with Harold Mack in the endzone on a six-yard pass with 10 seconds remaining to prevent the shutout.
The team stats were utterly in Central's favor, outgaining Eastern by a margin of 418 total yards to 177, while holding on to the ball for over 40 minutes and converting not only 7-of-15 third-down conversions, but also an incredible 5-of-5 fourth-down attempts. By comparison, Eastern was 1-of-10 on third-down and 2-of-3 on fourth-down.
Jadyn Glasser looked settled in his second start as quarterback for Central, finishing 14-of-19 passing for 175 yards and a touchdown. Halfback Nick Woodford, a transfer from Morehead College, hit career-high marks in carries (21), yards (123) and touchdowns (three) in the effort. Receivers Nasir Williams (three receptions, 64 yards, TD) and Justin Ruffin (four catches, 51 yards) topped the pass-catching charts.
Linebacker Mayson Hitchens led the Chippewa defense with six tackles, while defensive tackle Jaxon Cherry and defensive back Darrell Bryant Jr. each had a tackle-for-loss. Cornerback Jaion Jackson had his first interception of the 2026 campaign in the early going as well.
Brogan McGaughy struggled immensely in his second game in relief of Noah Kim, who was out with an injury once again. The former Yale QB mustered a 12-of-17 statline for 59 passing yards and an interception. Jace Stuckey came in late in the fourth quarter, completing 5-of-6 passes for 44 yards and a touchdown.
Halfback Amareon Blue had eight carries for 42 yards, while fellow halfback Joey Mattord led the receiving effort with five receptions for 33 yards in addition to his seven carries for 21 yards. Harold Mack (four catches, 25 yards) scored the lone touchdown.
(Mattord was carted off late in the fourth quarter with a pair of crutches, an indication of a lower-body injury; as of publication, it is unknown how long he'll be out.)
Bryce Llewellyn paced the Eagles defense with 11 tackles and a sack from the safety spot, while linebacker Bryce Eiluk notched 10 stops before leaving with an injury late. Caleb Dobbs and Marvell Eggleston each had a pass break-up.
With the win, Central now stands at 4-5 overall and 2-3 in MAC play and snap a three-game losing streak. The Chippewas must now win two of their next three games to qualify for a bowl bid. They'll host Sacramento State next Wednesday night.
Eastern Michigan now enters a rare late-season BYE week, holding a 4-6 overall record, including a 3-3 MAC mark. They must win out to qualify for the postseason. The Eagles next take the field on Tuesday, November 17th, against rival Western Michigan.
