Remembering Eastern Michigan's Last 3-0 MAC Start
It's been awhile, to say the least!
Eastern Michigan’s hot start to conference play has been one of the MAC’s most fascinating stories at the season’s midpoint, with their 3-0 start against MAC opponents their best start since 1995. Despite the parallels to the 1995 team, Eastern Michigan hopes to surpass the heights that team ultimately reached.
In 1995, Eastern Michigan beat Akron, Ohio, and Central Michigan to start 3-0 in MAC play for the first time since 1989. The Eagles added a win over UNLV for a 4-1 overall start. Charlie Batch powered the effort, passing for 1,015 of his 3,177 yards in those first three MAC games, including 412 yards against Ohio and 385 against Central Michigan. His top receiver, Steve Clay, also had a significant part in the Eagles’ excellent start, notching 309 of his 999 receiving yards against Akron, Ohio, and Central Michigan.
Unfortunately, Eastern Michigan faltered down the stretch, losing four of its final six games to finish 6-5. A 5-3 record in MAC play was only good enough for fifth in a loaded MAC. The Eagles were predictably shut out of bowl season with the MAC having one bowl spot in the Las Vegas Bowl in that year’s postseason. (Nationally-ranked Toledo beat Nevada 40-37 in overtime.)
While Eastern Michigan wants to avoid the 1995 team’s fate and end its MAC title drought, there are still parallels between the two squads, particularly at quarterback. Charlie Batch burst onto the national scene in 1995, later becoming a second-round NFL draft pick and spending 15 years in the league.
Noah Kim has already established himself as one of the MAC’s best quarterbacks after a 2,817-yard 2025 season. The 3-0 start has likely put Kim on more NFL scouts’ radars. Although Batch’s 15-year career is a lofty goal, Noah Kim can parlay a surprise 2026 season into a serviceable NFL career.
After seven games, Eastern Michigan has done something the program has not done this millennium.
The Eagles’ pursuit of its first MAC title since 1987 has created storylines galore, and this rare 3-0 start is a prime example. With how wide open the MAC seems to be in the 2026 campaign, with four current undefeated teams atop the standings, it could be anyone's trophy by season's end. Hopefully, Eastern Michigan can parlay its hot start into a program-defining season unlike the 1995 team.
