Football Plays at No. 9/11 Notre Dame on Saturday

Photo by: Sydney Kline '26 - @sydney.kline.photography

9/12/2023 9:22:00 PM | Football

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Kickoff scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET for game televised on NBC on Peacock Network; Chippewas and Fighting Irish meet for the first time in college football

By: Greg Hotchkiss

GAME THREE • CENTRAL MICHIGAN (1-1, 0-0 MAC) AT NO. 9/11 NOTRE DAME (3-0)
2023 Game Three • Saturday, September 16 • 2:30 p.m. ET
Notre Dame Stadium (80,795) • South Bend, Ind.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON MATCHUP

Television: NBC on Peacock Network (Jac Collinsworth, Jason Garrett, Zora Stephenson; Producer: Matt Borzello).

Chippewa Sports Radio Network: Adam Jaksa, Brock Gutierrez.

Live Stats: visit www.fightingirish.com

CMU Social Media: Twitter (@cmu_football); Facebook (@cmufootball); Instagram (cmufootball); Website: www.cmuchippewas.com.

Coaches: Central Michigan-Jim McElwain, 5th year at CMU (25-22), 11th year overall (69-49), 38th year in coaching. Notre Dame- Marcus Freeman, 2^nd year at Notre Dame (12-4), 2^nd year overall (12-4), 15^th year in coaching.

Series: Central Michigan and Notre Dame meet for the first time in college football.

CENTRAL MICHIGAN GAME NOTES

THE ESSENTIALS

Central Michigan (1-1, 0-0 MAC) plays the third contest of its 122nd season of college football when it travels 200 miles and three hours south to South Bend, Ind. to play No. 9/11 ranked Notre Dame (3-0) on Saturday, Sept. 16. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. ET in Notre Dame Stadium.

WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME

The game will be live streamed on NBC's Peacock Network with Jac Collinsworth, Jason Garrett, and Zora Stephenson calling action. Matt Borzello will handle production.

WHERE TO LISTEN TO THE GAME

Fans can also listen to the Chippewa Sports Radio Network broadcast—presented by Fabiano Brothers. Adam Jaksa (play-by-play) and former Central Michigan/NFL player and CMU Athletic Hall of Famer Brock Gutierrez (color analyst) call action on the seven-station network and Varsity Network app. Coverage begins with a one-hour pre-game show.

TODAY'S TOP STORYLINES

• Central Michigan plays its second NCAA Power-5 opponent of the 2023 season in Notre Dame.
• In No. 9/11 ranked Notre Dame, the Chippewas play their highest ranked opponent in eight years (No. 2 Michigan State on Sept. 26, 2015).
• Notre Dame and Central Michigan meet for the first time in college football.
• Head Coach Jim McElwain has guided the Chippewas to two bowl games (2019 New Mexico Bowl and 2021 Sun Bowl) and two winning seasons in each of the past three full years. He is in his fifth year at CMU.

ABOUT THE CHIPPEWAS

Central Michigan plays its third game of the 2023 season after registering a 45-42 victory over New Hampshire last Saturday in its home opener. CMU dropped its season opener at Michigan State last Friday, Sept. 1, 31-7, in East Lansing.

Placekicker Tristan Mattson converted a field goal as time expired to give the Chippewas their first victory of the year. CMU led the entire game, led 42-28 with nine minutes to play, but New Hampshire battled back with big plays.

Quarterback Bert Emanuel, Jr. was named the MAC West Division Offensive Player of the Week after he was responsible for four touchdowns (2 rushing/2 passing) and finished with 294 total yards. On the day, he ran for 101 yards on 21 carries, threw for a career-high 193 yards while completing seven of 19 passes. His two rushing scores came on a 66-yard touchdown on his second carry of the game and a 5-yard run in the second quarter. Running back Marion Lukes earned MAC West Division Special Teams Player of the Week after he scored on an 86-yard kickoff return. Other Chippewas turning in impressive performances included running back Myles Bailey (21-108 yards, 1 TD), wide receiver Chris Parker (3-124 yards), and defensive back Donte Kent (10 tackles).

The Chippewas are hoping to erase the memory of a 2022 season which saw it finish 4-8 overall and 3-5 in the Mid-American Conference. The Chippewas finished No. 129 in the nation out of 130 teams in turnover margin (-1.50), 128th nationally in turnovers lost (28) and 130th in fumbles lost (18). During the season, the 2022 Chippewas also lost the majority of their playmakers on offense due to injuries, including two of their top wide receivers, an NFL bound tight end (Joel Wilson) and their top three running backs. Still, Central Michigan had an opportunity to become bowl eligible late in the season and had several opportunities to get to six wins.

Central Michigan is attempting to get back to its winning ways against one of the most daunting schedules the school has ever played. Six of the Chippewas' 2023 opponents played in bowl games last season: Notre Dame (Gator Bowl), South Alabama (R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl), Toledo (RoofClaim.com), Eastern Michigan (Famous Idaho Potato Bowl), Buffalo (Camellia Bowl), and Ohio (Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl). The Chippewas only play five home games and seven road contests.

Last season's results were a drastic change from the course that Head Coach Jim McElwain has put the Chippewas on since his arrival in 2019. In his first year guiding the program in 2019, he took over a team that finished 1-11 and 0-8 in MAC play and led the Chippewas to one of the nation's top turnarounds, an 8-6 record, 6-2 in the MAC with a berth in the 2019 New Mexico Bowl. After a COVID-shortened 2020 season, he led CMU to a 9-4 overall, 6-2 MAC record and berth in the 2021 Sun Bowl, where the Chippewas closed the year on a five-game win streak, including a 24-21 Sun Bowl win over Washington State.

Central Michigan returned 14 players who started a significant amount of games in 2022, including five on offense and nine on defense. Several transfers arrive who will play significant roles in the coming season, several players return from injury, and a variety of players have improved over the offseason and are ready to contribute.

CMU HISTORY AGAINST NATIONALLY RANKED OPPONENTS

In Notre Dame, Central Michigan plays its highest nationally ranked team since Sept. 26, 2015 when it played at No. 2/2 Michigan State. Notre Dame will be Central Michigan's third nationally ranked opponent that it will play in the last two years and 13 games.

Historically, the Chippewas have registered two wins over nationally ranked teams: at No. 22/17 Oklahoma State on Sept. 10, 2016 (30-27) and at No. 18/19 Michigan State (20-3) on Sept. 14, 1991.

Here is a record of Central Michigan's last five games against nationally ranked teams:

Date	Opponent	Score
Sept. 24, 2022	at Penn State (14/15)	L, 33-14
Sept. 1, 2022	at Oklahoma State (12/11)	L, 58-44
Sept. 7, 2019	at Wisconsin (17/16)	L, 61-0
Sept. 29, 2018	at Mich. State (20/18)	L, 31-20
Sept. 10, 2016	at Oklahoma State (22/17)	W, 30-27

CMU SUCCESS AGAINST POWER-FIVE OPPONENTS

Since 2009, Central Michigan has won six games against FBS Power-Five opponents. CMU's last victory over a Power-Five team came on December 31, 2021 against Washington State (24-21) in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl. Those victories have come against Washington State, Kansas, Oklahoma State, Purdue, Iowa, and Michigan State.

Here is the list of those victories (most recent to least recent):

Date	Opponent	Score
Dec. 31, 2021	vs. *Washington State	W, 24-21
Sept. 9, 2017	at Kansas	W, 45-27
Sept. 10, 2016	at Oklahoma State (22/17)	W, 30-27
Sept. 6, 2014	at Purdue	W, 38-17
Sept. 22, 2012	at Iowa	W, 32-21
Sept. 12, 2009	at Michigan State	W, 29-27

*Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl

Since Head Coach Jim McElwain took over at Central Michigan in 2019, he has guided the Chippewas to a 1-6 record vs. Power Five opponents with the lone victory coming in the 2021 Sun Bowl vs. Washington State (24-21). Those losses include contests at Wisconsin (61-0), Miami, Fla. (17-12), Missouri (34-24), LSU (49-21), Oklahoma State (58-44), and Penn State (33-14).

CMU IN NATIONAL STATISTICS
After just two games, Central Michigan finds itself ranked among national leaders in several statistical categories. The Chippewas rank:

• No. 13 in kickoff returns (33.33 yards per return).
• No. 24 in time of possession (33:08).
• No. 25 in fourth down conversion percentage defense (25%).
• No. 27 in passing yards per completion (14.3).
• No. 28 in fourth down conversion percentage (75%).
• No. 31 in rushing defense (86.0 yards per game).

In addition, several individuals are ranked among the nation's top in a variety of statistics:

• Marion Lukes, No. 1 in kickoff return touchdowns (1), tied with 9 players
• Marion Lukes, No. 5 in combined kick returns (200).
• Chris Parker, No. 5 in yards per reception (28.40).
• Marion Lukes, No. 6 in kickoff returns (33.33 average).
• Donte Kent, No. 7 in solo tackles (7.0 per game).
• Maurice White, No. 7 in fumbles recovered (1).
• Bert Emanuel, Jr., No. 12 in passing yards per completion (15.56).
• Donte Kent, No. 24 in total tackles (10.0 per game).
• Elijah Rikard, No. 25 in interceptions (1).
• Jacques Bristol, No. 33 in tackles for loss (1.50 per game).
• Kyle Moretti, No. 33 in total tackles (9.5 per game).
• Jake Walrath, No. 34 in punting (42.5).

DEFENSIVE DOMINANCE
• Central Michigan's dominance on defense is nothing new as the Chippewas continue to rank among the nation's top programs in a variety of statistical categories.
• In 2022, Central Michigan ranked among the Mid-American Conference's top five teams in five different defensive statistical categories. The Chippewas rated No. 3 nationally and led the MAC in team tackles for loss (8.2 per game). The Chippewas also ranked among national leaders in third down conversion percentage defense (No. 19 and No. 2 in the MAC at 33.0), red zone defense (No. 23, led the MAC at 77.3 percent), and team sacks (No. 31, ranked No. in the MAC with 2.67 per game).
• In 2021, CMU led the MAC and was 18th nationally in rushing defense (114.6 yards per game), also shared the MAC lead and tied for No. 4 nationally with 43 sacks, ranked No. 1 in the nation with 8.2 tackles for loss per game, and No. 6 in the nation with 106 tackles for loss.
• In addition, CMU's 2021 defense also ranked No. 6 in the nation in third down efficiency defense as it allowed opponents to convert on just 29.8 percent of third downs.

TWO CHIPPEWAS EARN WEEKLY MAC AWARDS

CMU redshirt freshman quarterback Bert Emanuel, Jr. and junior running back Marion Lukes both earned Mid-American Conference football weekly honors this week. Emanuel, Jr. was the MAC West Division's Offensive Player of the Week, while Lukes garnered MAC West Division Special Teams Player of the Week honors following CMU's 45-42 win over New Hampshire.

Emanuel, Jr. surpassed career-highs for touchdowns responsible for (four) and passing yards (193) while also putting together his second career 100-yard rushing day (101 yards on 21 carries). He also ran for a 66-yard TD in the opening minutes, his fourth career run of 60 yards or more.

Lukes registered his second career kickoff return for touchdown on an 86-yarder in the second quarter. It was his second career kickoff return for touchdown as he previously returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown vs. Eastern Michigan on Nov. 26, 2021. Lukes also led CMU in all-purpose yardage with 171. He finished the game with four kickoff returns for 157 yards.

NEW HAMPSHIRE POST-GAME NOTES
• The win gave Central Michigan a 1-1 record on the young season
• The win improved Central Michigan to 15-1 all-time against NCAA Division I FCS opponents since 2006. The Chippewas also won their 15th consecutive game vs. FCS opponents.
• The win improved CMU to 3-0 in games played against FCS power New Hampshire. The other three wins over the Wildcats came in 2003 (40-33) and 2013 (24-21).
• New Hampshire came into the game ranked No. 11 in the FCS national poll.
• Central Michigan finished the day with 45 points. It was the most points scored by CMU since it scored 54 points vs. Kent State on Nov. 10, 2021 (54-30 victory).
• The turnover battle was tied at 2-2. The Chippewas gained two turnovers on the day, one interception and one fumble recovery.
• CMU outrushed New Hampshire 236-45 yards. CMU averaged 4.5 yards per carry (52-236), rushed for three touchdowns.
• Two Chippewas rushed for over 100 yards: running back Myles Bailey (21-108, 1 TD) and quarterback Bert Emanuel, Jr. (21-101, 2 TD).
• The last time Central Michigan had a player surpass 100 yards receiving was on Sept. 24, 2022 when Carlos Carriere finished with 11 catches for 111 yards.
• New Hampshire outgained the Chippewas 538-440 in total offense.
• On defense, Central Michigan made 45 tackles (37 solo), 1.0 sack, 3.0 tackles for loss for seven yards, five pass breakups and three quarterback hurries.
• Placekicker Tristan Mattson's game-winning 47-yard field goal came on his first career collegiate field goal attempt. A Clarkston, Mich. native, Mattson transferred to Central Michigan after spending the previous four seasons at Arkansas State as the kickoff specialist. Mattson finished the day with nine total points after converting 6-6 point after attempts. He also took seven kickoffs with six touchbacks.
• Redshirt freshman quarterback Bert Emanuel, Jr. made his second start of the season. He was responsible for four touchdowns (two rushing, two passes) and finished with 294 total yards. On the day, he ran for two touchdowns and 101 yards on 21 carries and threw for a career-high 193 yards while completing seven of 19 passes.
• Emanuel Jr.'s two rushing touchdowns came on a 66-yard touchdown on his second carry of the game and a 5-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. The 66-yard TD run marked his fourth career run of 60 yards or more and his eighth career rushing touchdown.
• Emanuel, Jr. threw touchdown passes of 31 yards to Tyson Davis in the second quarter and 32 yards to Jesse Prewitt III in the fourth quarter. His long pass covered 56 yards to Chris Parker.
• Running back Myles Bailey ran for a career-high 108 yards (21-108 yards), scored on a 1-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry.
• Running back Marion Lukes registered his second career kickoff return for touchdown on an 86-yarder in the second quarter. He also returned a kickoff 100-yards for a touchdown vs. Eastern Michigan on Nov. 26, 2021. That was the last time CMU scored on a kickoff return. Lukes led Central Michigan in all-purpose yards with 171 (9 rushing, 5 receiving, 157 kickoff returns). He finished the four kickoff returns for 157 yards and also rushed for nine yards on five carries.
• Wide receiver Chris Parker surpassed career-highs for receptions (three) and receiving yards (124). His 32-yard diving reception in the first quarter marked his career-long, then he caught a 56-yard pass from Emanuel, Jr. in the second quarter. He averaged 44.7 yards per catch.
• Wide receiver Tyson Davis caught the first touchdown pass of his career, a 31-yarder from Emanuel, Jr. in the second quarter. He finished with two receptions for 42 yards.
• Wide receiver Jesse Prewitt III made his first career reception, a 32-yard TD from Emanuel, Jr. in the fourth quarter.
• Elijah Rikard made his first career interception in the second quarter. It marked CMU's first interception of the year.
• Defensive lineman Maurice White registered his first career fumble recovery in the second quarter. It marked CMU's first fumble recovery of the season.
• Defensive lineman Jacques Bristol registered his first sack of the year in the third quarter. He now has 3.0 tackles for loss on the year.
• Defensive back Donte Kent led CMU with 10 tackles (10 solo). He also broke up one pass. It marked his second consecutive 10-plus tackle game as he finished with 10 at Michigan State in the season opener.
• Defensive back La'Vario Wiley made a career-high six tackles (five solo).
• Making their first starts of the season were safety De'Javion Stepney and tight end Markus Young. Stepney made his 11th career start at safety and Young earned his sixth career star.