Recap: Central Michigan thrashing Eastern Michigan, 35-7, at Ford Field
The Eagles and Chippewas are both clawing to make a bowl down the stretch and open MACtion with an in-state rivalry matchup at Ford Field.
DETROIT — MACtion, of the Motor City variety, is here.
Eastern Michigan (4-5, 3-2 MAC) hosts Central Michigan (3-5, 1-3 MAC) as the home team for the first edition of what’s been dubbed Motor City MACtion, a promotion with the two schools moving their annual rivalry game to Detroit.
Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. on ESPN2, and Mitten Football will have plenty of live updates throughout from Ford Field.
FINAL: Central Michigan 35, Eastern Michigan 7
The Chippewas come to Ford Field and deliver a decisive blow to the Eagles, taking a 7-0 lead on the opening drive of the game and never looking back.
Jadyn Glasser shined in his second start at quarterback this season, going 14-of-19 for 175 yards and a touchdown while taking just one sack and leading all five of CMU's touchdown drives. Tailback Nic Woodford headed up the rushing effort with three touchdowns.
And the CMU defense smothered and hemmed in an EMU offense down a few starting linemen and playing backup quarterback Brogan McCaughey. EMU finished with fewer than 200 yards of total offense and didn't pick up its second first down of the game until about 10 minutes remained in the game.
With the win, Central Michigan moves to 4-5 overall and kept its path to bowl eligibility fairly well open, as Eastern Michigan falls to 4-6 and needs to win its final two games, at Western Michigan and vs. Kent State, to get to 6-6 and automatic bowl eligibility.
EMU does eventually score
The Eagles converted the 4th down and then Jace Stuckey ran around for about seven seconds on the next play to get Harold Mack enough time to get open in the end zone.
35-7, with :10 to go.
Challenge successful, 4th down
EMU is going for it with :23 to play, 4th and 2. It's 35-0, again, and a shutout is the real stakes here.
Eastern Michigan scores with :23 to play, CMU challenges
Backup quarterback Jace Stuckey laid out a fade to Nick Devereaux that the senior went and got through a bunch of contact, getting EMU into the end zone for a garbage time score.
Matt Drinkall is challenging the call, presumably on the grounds that Devereaux was bobbling and didn't have control until he was out of bounds.
What a shutout would mean
With a shutout win, Central Michigan would have its first shutout win since a 2022 beatdown of Bucknell. It's the first time Eastern Michigan's been shutout since 2023.
And it's the first time this matchup has featured a shutout since.... 1962, a 24-0 win for Central Michigan.
Score is currently 35-0 with EMU in possession, under four minutes to play.
Marcus Beamon in at QB for CMU
Beamon takes over for Jadyn Glasser after the junior went 14-of-19 for 175 yards and a touchdown, sizzling for some downfield completions that helped set the tone early.
EMU had taken a drive across midfield but got stopped on fourth down.
Central Michigan makes it 35-0
A Vaughn Blue rushing score with 11:07 to go after a raft of Eastern Michigan penalties is enough that the smattering of EMU fans still hanging around are probably ready to hit the road.
EMU still has just one first down.
End 3: Central Michigan 28, Eastern Michigan 0
Central Michigan has run 63 plays for 384 yards. Eastern Michigan has 2o plays for 52 yards. That is your margin, right there.
CMU also has the lone takeaway, has been a machine converting fourth downs, and has given up one first down in three quarters tonight.
Central Michigan converts on a 3rd and 19 run
And as an added twist of the knife for Eastern Michigan, Bryce Eliuk is injured on the play. He ends up walking off under his own power, though.
It was Brock Townsend marauding for the conversion for the Chippewas, salvaging a drive that was about to get scuttled because of a 14-yard sack Jadyn Glasser took, the first of the day for either team.
Instead it'll be 1st and 10 for CMU at the EMU 32.
Central Michigan piles on as Woodford gets his third
The Chippewas nearly had it the play prior, as Jadyn Glasser got out in front and did his best Jared Goff impersonation, lead blocking for his back on a TD run at Ford Field.
Woodford initially was given the score on that play at the pylon in front of the CMU band, but review took it off the board and he powered ahead for a 1 yard touchdown on the next play, instead.
It's 28-0, with 5:13 left in the third quarter, and this one feels like it's matter of CMU preserving the shutout.
Central Michigan finally punts, but EMU penalty negates it
Jadyn Glasser threw a risky field out route that's nearly intercepted — the second dropped pick of the day for EMU — on third down and Declan Duley comes out to punt for CMU on 4th and 4 from the minus 29.
The punt is downed at the EMU 18, but a penalty for illegal formation on EMU — a player lined up over the long snapper — gives CMU the five yards to keep the series alive.
It's about the last thing EMU needed after finally forcing a stop.
EMU opens 2nd half with three and out
Central Michigan's defense has played lights out tonight, but a strong punt from Daniel Hull plus a hold on the return starts the Chippewas out at the minus 10.
HALF: Central Michigan 21, Eastern Michigan 0
The Eagles did mange a first down in the first half, one in the final minutes of the half. Then the Eagles punted for the third time in four first half drives. The fourth ended on a turnover.
All told, Central Michigan dominated by running 41 plays for 263 yards and not being taken off the field by the Eastern Michigan defense. The Chippewas went 5-of-10 on third downs and nullified four of those with a 4-for-4 rate at converting fourth downs in the first half — including a fourth and short in its own end, one of two on the second touchdown drive of the half for CMU.
Quarterback Jadyn Glasser, making his second start this season for CMU, went 9-of-12 for 141 yards and a touchdown, opening hot and hitting some chunk plays through the air. Nic Woodford and his 75 yards on 13 carries, plus two touchdowns, paced a rushing game that went for 121 net yards for the Chippewas in the first half.
Eastern Michigan, meanwhile, couldn't get anything going with Brogan McCaughey starting at quarterback, as he finished the first half going 7-of-9 for 33 yards and an interception. EMU ran for five yards in the first half.
And the real problem was how CMU took control of the game via possession. CMU had 41 plays for 263 yards; EMU ran 14 for 38. Time of possession favored CMU 22:45 to 7:15 in the first half.
Perhaps the lone bit of good news for EMU, down 21 at the half and looking lifeless, is it gets the ball back to start the second half.
A quick health note on EMU
EMU left tackle Tyler Brumfield appears to not be out there, with Tyler McMillan in his place. Cole Dellinger also appears to be a no-go for another week, as Dennis Strey Jr. is at right guard.
Jason Marshall has not been back in the game on defense since he appeared to hurt his right hand/wrist.
CMU takes 21-0 lead on Woodford's 2nd score
Nic Woodford has a first half two-piece of rushing touchdowns as CMU is rolling, up 21-0 on EMU in a clinical first half showing.
The Chippewas have three touchdowns on four possessions, and all four went into EMU territory, while the Eagles have run nine plays with 1:48 left in the half. Exactly the sort of shrunk game script CMU wants to play in, especially with a big lead.
2 minute warning: Central Michigan 14, Eastern Michigan 0
The Chippewas have run 38 plays to the Eagles' nine. CMU has first and goal at the EMU 7.
Another EMU 3 and out, minus the punt
Count it as an arm punt for Brogan McCaughey, who tried to get a go ball to connect down the left sideline. And connect it did: With CMU corner Jaion Jackson.
It'll be CMU ball at the Chippewas' 49 yard line with 8:46 to go until halftime. EMU has run nine offensive plays for 18 yards and the turnover.
Central Michigan takes 14-0 lead on Nic Woodford run
The Chippewas have been incisive on offense, and get into the end zone for a 14-0 lead on a Nic Woodford touchdown run from just outside the 10.
14-0 CMU after this Nic Woodford run https://t.co/xI5gOSic43 pic.twitter.com/W8iwOnmMJW
— Andrew E. Graham 🗣️ (@AndrewEdGraham) November 5, 2026
Woodford earlier caught a swing pass on 4th and 4 to keep the series moving for CMU, the second fourth down conversion on that drive for the Chippewas.
Three drives have now gone for two touchdowns and a missed field goal for CMU. Jadyn Glasser is 9-of-12 for 141 yards and a touchdown and the Chippewas have 71 rushing yards on 16 carries. Woodford leads the way with 8 for 47.
It's 14-0 CMU, with 10:26 to halftime.
Marshall banged up for EMU
The game has gone to a full media timeout as EMU medical staff and trainers address an injury to defensive back Jason Marshall, who appeared to be holding his right wrist and forearm gingerly.
He had it held up by his waist and didn't move it much as he walked to the sideline.
It's actually 4th down for CMU
A review during the quarter break showed Jayden Clerveaux was a smidge short of the line to gain, but the Chippewas opt to keep the offense on the field on 4th and short from their own 34 and get it easily on a Jadyn Glasser keeper.
End 1: Central Michigan 7, Eastern Michigan 0
Even with ESPN2 and linear cable TV timeout schedules, this first quarter clipped along. CMU will have 1st and 10 at its own 34 to start the second quarter.
During the quarter intermission, CMU legends Tyler Conklin and Eric Fisher competed vs. EMU legends Charlie Batch and TJ Lang to fire up the respective fan bases.
So far, the CMU fans have had more to cheer about, with the Chippewas playing at a solid offensive clip, particularly quarterback Jadyn Glasser starting 6-of-8 for 98 yards with two chunk plays and a nice touchdown pass on third down. The defense has been lights out to start, too, forcing a pair of EMU three and outs.
EMU offense goes 3 and out on first two series
The Eagles have three carries for a net of 0 yards and McCaughey, while 3-for-3, has 11 yards. Daniel Hull's punt pins CMU at the 14, and a flag caused some hope but it was running into the kicker on 4th and 8, so EMU declined it.
The Chippewas have been all over McCaughey on defense so far.
CMU settles for field goal, misses
A 52-yard attempt from Caden VanHuis falls just a bit to the right — and might've been short, as well. It was too long for a realistic go-for-it call, and letting VanHuis try for a long one makes more sense than punting.
CMU nearly got burned on 2nd and 8 a few plays prior, as Glasser threw a pass to the field on a screen look that Tylan Boykin should've intercepted and returned for six. Glasser then couldn't connect on a scramble drill on third down, setting up the long field goal.
Still 7-0, CMU, as the Eagles take over at their 33ish yard line. 4:17 left in the first quarter.
CMU takes another aerial chunk
Jadyn Glasser is dialed to start, this time hitting Nasir Williams on a deep crossing route for a 33 yard gain into EMU territory. The Eagles safety to the field side got dragged down by an underneath route to leave a big chasm for Glasser to throw into.
CMU OC Jim Chapin and his quarterback are clearly simpatico to start.
Jacob Booth in at LT for CMU
Listed as questionable in the pregame availability report, Booth has been in for both of CMU's drives to start this game.
CMU scores to take 7-0 lead on Glasser TD pass
The Chippewas take a 7-0 lead after Glasser calmly stepped around an inside rush on 3rd and 8 from the EMU 9 yard line, reset himself in the pocket, and found Nasir Williams in the back left corner of the end zone for a touchdown.
It was some picturesque quarterbacking from Glasser on the play, who went 4-for-4 for 57 yards and the TD on the opening series.
Chippewas bailed out on forward progress in red zone, EMU takes timeout
Eastern Michigan looked like it managed to punch the ball out from Jayden Clerveaux as he got roped down in the middle of the line — the ball was clearly out before Clerveaux was even close to being down — and EMU recovered.
Refs ruled on the field that Clerveaux was down by forward progress, a pretty generous decision on CMU's behalf, and one Chris Creighton appeared to challenge, but the play isn't reviewable so he's just charged the timeout.
It's 3rd and 8 for CMU at the EMU 9, with 9:23 left in the first quarter.
CMU takes big chunk through the air early
The Chippewas took the opening kickoff for a touchback, ran for a first down on the first play of the game, then quickly got into a 3rd and 3.
CMU ran Justin Ruffin out to the right side and the Eagles busted the coverage, and Jadyn Glasser delivered an easy throw for a chunk gain to the wide-open Ruffin. The play gained 34 yards and took CMU to the EMU 32 yard line.
Eastern wins toss, defers
CMU will receive to start.
Backup QBs take center stage
With Noah Kim out for a second straight week and Angel Flores out indefinitely after an ankle surgery, it'll be Brogan McCaughey and Jadyn Glasser starting under center for EMU and CMU, respectively.
Both QBs made their first starts in 2026 in Week 8, with McCaughey leading a near-upset of Ohio, 24-20, and Glasser pushing CMU to a close loss, 28-27, to Miami (OH).
McCaughey went 27-of-39 for 197 yards for a touchdown and an interception in that loss to Ohio, while rushing for 23 yards on six non-sack carries.
Glasser went 18-of-31 for 221 yards and a touchdown against the RedHawks.
Andrew Graham
Andrew Graham
Jacob Booth appears to be dealing with a hand issue
During warmups, Booth was readily taking time with CMU athletic training staff to get his right hand examined or for the tape/wrap on it to be adjusted.
Russell has played with a club warp previously in his CMU career, but this is a lighter wrap.
Availability reports
Notably, Noah Kim is out again for EMU, meaning it'll be Yale transfer Brogan McCaughey at quarterback for the Eagles.
Starting left tackle Tyler Brumfield is also questionable, as is linebacker Zach Mowchan. Both of them have recently played with questionable designations. Right guard Cole Dellinger is questionable and could return after being out since Week 2.
Defensive end Ronn Hardin is also listed as questionable.
For Central Michigan, starting left tackle Jacob Booth is questionable. Defensive end Korver Demma is also out.
Langston Lewis, suspended from the team for an OWI arrest on Friday, is also out for CMU.
See the full report here.
CMU availability:
- LT Jacob Booth — questionable
- DE Korver Demma — out
- DB Ed Conoran — out
- QB Angel Flores — out
- LB Xavier White — out
- WR Langston Lewis — out
EMU availability:
- LB Zach Mowchan — questionable
- LT Tyler Brumfield — questionable
- RG Cole Dellinger — questionable
- DE Ronn Hardin — questionable
- QB Noah Kim — out
- LB Barry manning — out
- DB Jaivian Norman — out
- DB Caleb Coley – out
- TE Jackson Holt — out
- DB Davontey Oliver — out
- DB Antonio Solares-Vitti — out
- DB Jabari Monds — out
- TE Payton Kokaly — out
- LB Kadin Bailey — out
- TE Brady Shelton — out
- OL Adham Abouraya — out
- OL Joshua Anderson — out
- OL Samuel Adjin — out
- OL Nily Taylor — out
- OL Cole Powell — out
- OL Jackson Higgins — out
- DL Jefferson Adam — out
- DL Brandon Simmons Jr. — out
- DL Jahbarri Frost — out
Pregame reading
Andrew Graham
Andrew Graham
Andrew Graham
Andrew Graham
