FINAL: Western Michigan hangs on vs. Central Michigan, 21-14, retains Victory Cannon Trophy
The Battle for the Victory Cannon comes to Mt. Pleasant on a Saturday for the first time since 2018.
Mt. Pleasant — A 24-team College Football Playoff will never dilute the matchup coming to Kelly/Shorts Stadium at 1:30 p.m. today, as Western Michigan visits Central Michigan in the Battle for the Victory Cannon.
It’s one of the most intense backyard grudge matches in college sports, one that featured Western Michigan winning a 24-21 decision in Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo last year in the first game in the rivalry for CMU head coach Matt Drinkall. WMU head coach Lance Taylor is 2-1 in three tries in this game.
It’s also a big MAC matchup, with the Broncos 2-0 in the league and Chippewas at 1-1. A loss could be crippling to CMU’s hopes to contend for a spot in the MAC title game.
Weather is expected to be cool, crisp and clear, with a large crowd expected at Kelly/Shorts Stadium as the rivalry returns to a Saturday in Mt. Pleasant for the first time since 2018.
Follow along here for live updates.
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FINAL: Western Michigan 21, Central Michigan 14
The Victory Cannon will spend another year in Kalamazoo.
Western Michigan (5-2, 3-0 MAC) flexed its muscle in an eventual 21-14 win over Central Michigan (3-4, 1-2 MAC) on Saturday at Kelly/Shorts Stadium, winning for the second-straight year over its major rival and keeping itself undefeated in conference play.
The Broncos rolled out to a 21-0 lead over the first 40 minutes of the game, as Central Michigan drives moved effectively and fizzled out while the visitors found the end zone on three-straight drives through the middle portions of the game.
Western Michigan’s rush offense rolled on the ground, with Jalen Buckley dominating via 24 carries for 150 yards and two touchdowns on a day the Broncos had 272 total yards of offense.
The Chippewas managed a few last-gasp efforts to make the result more respectable — a last-minute touchdown and subsequent onside recovery to apply plenty of game pressure, but the result on Saturday wasn’t in much doubt most of the day.
And now WMU gets to enjoy another year being on top of the bitter MAC rivalry.
Onside recovery under review
After MSU's controversial onside recovery last week, we've got another, but the call on the field is upheld.
CMU recovers onside, at WMU 48
This is improbable, but CMU, down 21-0 with around five minutes remaining in the third quarter, has now recovered an onside with :41 to play and down, 21-14.
Touchdown, CMU — Glasser bullies in from the 2
It's now 21-14, Western Michigan, with :44 left in the game. CMU onside coming as the Chippewas have no timeouts.
Glasser appears to be in line to finish out the game, though it doesn't appear Flores is officially ruled out.
Flores banged up for CMU late, Pope called for targeting
As the Chippewas are pushing to try for a miraculous comeback late, Angel Flores is slow to get up and walks off under his own power after staying down. He's in evident discomfort.
The play, which was an inside quarterback run that Flores churned out for extra yardage before taking a massive hit at the end, appeared to also involve a fumble, but the refs ruled his forward progress down prior to the ball being out. The play is now under review for targeting, and WMU head coach Lance Taylor seems to be upset with the refs about the play, too.
The targeting holds up on Joey Pope, which is a notable loss for WMU. Sets up CMU for 1st and goal at the WMU 6, with 1:08 to play. Jadyn Glasser is in at QB for CMU.
Two minute warning: Western Michigan 21, Central Michigan 7
The Chippewas will have 2nd and 2 at the WMU 36 after the stoppage and still need two touchdowns and two PATs to tie. A touchdown would need to come shortly with a successful onside to follow for CMU to mount an improbable comeback.
Last gasp time for CMU
The Chippewas came up with a stop and are taking over on offense down 21-7 with just more than four minutes left in the game.
Broncos stop Chippewas on 4th down
Facing 4th and 5 at the WMU 25, Central Michigan completed a pass across the middle for four yards but Jaden Allen got tackled immediately after catching the pass from Angel Flores.
Western Michigan takes over at the 21 with 4:36 to play, leading 21-7.
Central Michigan still has all three timeouts.
Western Michigan defense engineers stop, CMU recovers muffed punt
The WMU defense came up with a needed stop, benefitting from a personal foul on CMU. The Broncos were about to take over near midfield after a punt with about eight minutes left and a 21-7 lead.
Instead punt returner Kordell Gouldsby muffed the punt off Declan Duley's right foot and a plethora of Chippewas dove on it, with linebacker Brett McCalla coming up with the recovery.
It sets up CMU just across midfield with a chance to cut this margin to a touchdown.
Chippewas come up with stop with 11:28 left
Despite a free kick out of bounds costing field position, Central Michigan came up with exactly what it needed: A three and out from WMU.
The Broncos went run, run, and then tried to pass but Broc Lowry went down via a sack for the first time today. Punt is fielded at the nine, where Justin Ruffin Jr. is tackled immediately.
Still a big hole for CMU to climb out of here, trailing 21-7 with 11:28 left.
Touchdown, CMU — Flores connects to Allen
Angel Flores took a shot from KJ Burley and Jarvarius Sims to stand in and deliver a strike of a touchdown to tight end Jaden Allen, but the 32-yard connection gets Central Michigan on the scoreboard and breathes some life into the game early in the fourth quarter.
Western Michigan leads 21-7, with 13:52 to play.
It was a 94-yard touchdown drive for CMU, with most of the damage done on two passes: 32 yards from Flores to Allen for the TD, and 44 yards from Flores to Langston Lewis on the final play of the third quarter.
Some lopsided stats through three quarters
Beyond just the scoreline, CMU is struggling to keep up with WMU is some key regards.
The Broncos have run 47 plays for 269 yards to 36 for 166 by the Chippewas. WMU is 7-of-11 on third downs and CMU is 2-of-8. And in time of possession, WMU leads 26:56 to 18:04.
End of 3: Western Michigan 21, Central Michigan 0
Western Michigan punted for a second time all game just before the quarter ended, and CMU hit a big pass in the final seconds.
The Broncos got just across midfield but couldn't complete a shot play down the left side on 3rd and 8. Ryan Millmore's punt gets downed at the CMU 6.
But on 2nd and 8, Angel Flores dropped back and completed a deep shot down the middle to Langston Lewis, and it'll be 1st and 10 CMU at the WMU 47 after the quarter break.
The Chippewas badly need a touchdown this drive to have a shot at a fourth quarter comeback.
CMU turns it over on downs just across midfield
Angel Flores scrambled for around 12 yards on 3rd and 15 and had CMU in a spot to go for it on 4th and short from just across midfield.
But for the second time this game, WMU comes up with a fourth down stop in short yardage. Head coach Lance Taylor was among the most fired up people coming off the Broncos bench to celebrate as the defense ran off the field.
Touchdown, WMU — Buckley gets No. 2
This one might be more or less sewn up as Western Michigan goes up 21-0 on its first drive of the second half, after a CMU three and out to open the half. And it's once more Jalen Buckley powering WMU ahead.
He finished off the drive with a touchdown run of seven yards. He carried seven times for 39 yards on the drive. He's up to 19 carries for 141 yards and two touchdowns.
WMU leads 21-0 late in the third quarter.
Western Michigan's run game is rolling
Much like the first half, Central Michigan's defense doesn't have much by way of answers for the Western Michigan offense, particularly the run game.
WMU ran it six straight times to get close to midfield on its latest drive before a swing pass to Emazon Littlejohn for a short gain. Then Jalen Buckley, who is dominating, goes for another chunk through the middle.
Buckley is up to 134 yards on 18 carries so far.
Central Michigan opens 2nd half with 3 and out
Not the start CMU needed, or wanted.
A first down keep by Angel Flores went for no gain, and he overthrew Braylen Naves on a go ball down the right side on 2nd and 10. A completion to Nasir Williams on 3rd and 10 didn't get enough yardage, and CMU punts.
Declan Duley nukes the punt, though, to flip the field. WMU takes over at the 14, where the ball went out of bounds after Duley's 64 yard punt.
HALF: Western Michigan 14, Central Michigan 0
The Chippewas aren't playing terribly poorly, but all three drives in the first half, despite going into WMU territory, have netted zero points. CMU got turned over on downs on the first drive, got backed up in to a punt on the second, and missed a field goal from 46 yards on the third.
Western Michigan, meanwhile, after going three and out to start, put together back-to-back touchdown marches to take a 14-0 lead. Those touchdown drives took 22 plays to cover 152 yards.
The run game and in particular Jalen Buckley have led the way for WMU. Buckley has 13 carries for 102 yards and a touchdown at the half. Broc Lowry is a perfect 4-for-4 with 43 yards and a wide open touchdown pitch and catch on a 4th and 1 to Nate Levicki.
CMU settles for 46 yard field goal, no good
Caden VanHuis seemed to hit it fat, and the slicing kick got stood up by the wind and fell well short.
CMU is averaging 3.78 yards per play, not exactly great, but enough to have some points. Instead it's getting shutout with less than a minute until halftime.
Two minute warning: Western Michigan 14, Central Michigan 0
The Chippewas are currently three-for-three on drives moving into WMU territory and looking solid, but the Chippewas also didn't manage any points on either of its first two drives.
And after an opening three and out, WMU has gone back-to-back on finding the end zone. CMU, which has 1st and 10 at the WMU 33, will need to get some points out of this, and could have a chance at a double score getting the ball after halftime.
Angel Flores is up to 12 carries and has 58 yards. Jalen Buckley is having a dominant day for Western Michigan, with 13 carries for 102 yards and the opening touchdown.
Touchdown, WMU — Broncos find end zone on 4th and 1 at CMU 10
Instead of taking a field goal to go up 10-0, Western Michigan rolled Broc Lowry right with two tight ends breaking out. The short route got covered, but Lowry probably could've run for the gain. Instead: A wide open pitch and catch to Nate Levicki as WMU takes a 14-0 lead.
There's 6:32 to halftime, but CMU does start the second half with the ball. A long drive and a score here can stabilize things for the Chippewas, while WMU is steering this game to some deep waters currently.
Western Michigan quickly into scoring range again
A chunk Jalen Buckley run and now Broc Lowry completing a pass down the right sideline that Aveion Chenault mini-moss'd Jaion Jackson on has WMU at the edge of field goal range.
Central Michigan defense needs a bend but not a break here.
Scoop Gardner Jr. blows up CMU drive
On 2nd and 7 out of the quarter stoppage, WMU edge Scoop Gardner Jr. broke into the backfield and got Angel Flores to pull the ball from the running back, who Gardner was about to tackle. Then Gardner just tackled Flores for a loss, and CMU came up incomplete on third and long.
It does appear the officials missed a clear facemask call on Gardner on the tackle of Flores on second down.
Punt is fair caught at the CMU 11, where WMU will take over.
End of 1: Western Michigan 7, Central Michigan 0
Western Michigan just powered down the field with nine-straight runs, seven of them by Jalen Buckley, to score a go-ahead touchdown on its second drive of the game.
And while CMU hasn't scored, the Chippewas are at the WMU 40 with a 2nd and 7 after the quarter break. Both CMU drives in this game so far, including the current one, have crossed the 50. The last drive fizzled out on a 4th and 2 that was stopped by WMU. But down-to-down, CMU has been capable of moving the ball on offense so far, including some solid passing from Angel Flores.
Flores is 3-for-5 for 22 yards, but also gave Langston Lewis a decent chance down the field on a go ball up the right side on the first drive.
Buckley's 62 yards and a touchdown on eight carries leads all players in total yardage.
Touchdown, WMU — Jalen Buckley powers Broncos to lead
Buckley had seven carries for 59 yards and the eventual touchdown as Western Michigan takes a 7-0 lead with 3:08 left in the first quarter. The drive itself was just nine plays for 63 yards, as Buckley and the WMU offensive line did the lion's share of the work.
Buckley's carries went for 6, 3, 8, 19, 10, 4 and 9 yards. The 19 yarder was particularly back breaking, as a CMU defender got into the backfield but couldn't bring him down.
Four straight carries takes WMU into CMU territory
It's the Jalen Buckley show this drive, as he goes for six, three and then eight yards on three straight carries and gets WMU to the CMU 46 yard line, 1st and 10.
Buckley takes a fourth, has a defender get to him in the backfield, but spins out and runs for a gain of 19 down to the CMU 27.
Western Michigan comes up with 4th down stop
CMU tried running Angel Flores for the two-ish yards behind the left side of the line, but got the door slammed in its face as the WMU defensive line came up with a stop after about a yard.
The surge on the right side made it look like CMU got it, but the WMU defense was holding up Flores with the ball on the near side. Broncos fired up on the visiting sideline as a promising opening series for CMU goes up in smoke.
It'll be WMU's ball at the Bronco 38 with 8:26 left in the first quarter.
Chippewas convert 4th and 1, now face 4th and 2
Angel Flores had some sort of pitch read on the play, got the conflict defender to widen out, and turned upfield for the handful of necessary yards.
But just as quickly, another 4th and short has come up, this time at the WMU 38.
CMU eying 4th and 1 just across midfield
Angel Flores nearly had a deep completion to Langston Lewis on 3rd and 1, but good coverage from Josh Franklin raked the ball out late. That had CMU quickly getting to the line in its heavy package to attempt a 4th and 1 at the WMU 48.
CMU was trying to get the play off quickly and snapped what looked like a decent look just as WMU head coach Lance Taylor got a timeout. Both teams will discuss it, and CMU will likely go for it again out of this stoppage.
10:35 left in the first quarter, this is CMU's first possession after WMU's first drive.
CMU forces opening 3 and out
WMU's first play went for a 3-yard gain on an inside run, but then a false start and Justin Taylor and Drew Esper combining on a tackle for loss on a sweep to the field side set up a 3rd and long that WMU couldn't pass out of. Broc Lowry completed to Aveion Chenault but short of the sticks, where he was tackled.
Good punt by Ryan Millmore sets up CMU reasonably deep but Angel Flores connects to Langston Lewis for a chain-moving gain on 1st and 10. It takes CMU out to the 43.
Pregame drum ceremony done, WMU wins toss
The Broncos will start with the football here after the pregame ceremonies — including the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe drum ceremony — and we're set to kick off for the rivalry cannon here.
A snippet of the pregame drum ceremony — pic.twitter.com/hBZ3KPXlrg
— Andrew E. Graham 🗣️ (@AndrewEdGraham) October 17, 2026
WMU in all white, CMU in all maroon, and the gold-clad cannon trophy sits just beyond the back right corner of the north end zone at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
Availability reports
MAC availability reports went up around 12:30 p.m.
The Western Michigan availability report is about as expected, with a handful of players out:
- S Micah Davis
- OL Jeremy Schleicher
- OL Ryan Westrich
- DL August Johanningsmeier
- DL Noah Bishop
It's more pressing for Central Michigan, with the following players listed as out:
- DB Ed Conoran
- LB Victor Earl
- LB Jeremiah Alston
- DB Josiah Booker
- WR Shawn Foster II
- DB Trey Liebhardt
- RB Jayden Clerveaux
- DL James Reinbold
- DB Kameran Hayward
- DL Rory Callahan
- OL Dasan Smith
- OL Talon Smith
- DL Max Van Fleet
CMU also has DL Joey VanWetzinga, WR Tommy McIntosh and DE Hunter Zirkle out for the season.
Pregame reading
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