Central Michigan University Athletics
Wednesday, November 19
Kent, Ohio/Dix Stadium
7:00 PM
Central Michigan University
at
Kent State
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Photo by: Lauren Verellen '26 - @laurenverellen_photography
Chippewas Play at Kent State in Key MACtion Game Wednesday Night at 7 p.m.
11/16/2025 2:23:00 PM | Football
MACtion contest to be televised nationally on ESPNU; Chippewas remain in the hunt for a MAC Championship Game berth.
GAME 11: CENTRAL MICHIGAN (6-4, 4-2 MAC) at KENT STATE (4-6, 3-3 MAC)
MACtion Wednesday Night
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 • 7:02 p.m. ET • Kent, Ohio • Dix Stadium (25,319)
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WEDNESDAY NIGHT MATCHUP
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Television:Â ESPNU (Jack Kizer, play-by-play; Ryan Cavanaugh, analyst; David Tasca, producer).
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Chippewa Sports Radio Network:Â Adam Jaksa, play-by-play; Brock Gutierrez, color analyst; spotter: Steve Powers; hosts: Nathan Arbaugh, Kyle Sandel.
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Live Stats: visit https://kentstatesports.com/sidearmstats/football/summary
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CMU Social Media:Â Twitter (@cmu_football); Facebook (@cmufootball); Instagram (cmufootball); Website:Â www.cmuchippewas.com.
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Coaches: Central Michigan-Matt Drinkall, 1st year at CMU (6-4), 6th year as a head coach (48-21), 22nd year in coaching. Kent State-Mark Carney, 1st year at Kent State (4-6), 1st year overall (4-6).
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Series: Central Central Michigan and Kent State meet for the 37th time and first time since Nov. 10, 2021. CMU holds a 25-11 all-time advantage in the series dating back to 1948. Central visits Kent State for the first time in eight years and since Nov. 14, 2017. CMU has won each of the last two overall meetings and has won two straight at Kent State.
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CENTRAL MICHIGAN GAME NOTES
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KENT, Ohio–Bowl eligible Central Michigan (6-4, 4-2 MAC) plays its second weeknight MACtion game when it plays at Kent State (4-6, 3-3 MAC) on Wednesday at Dix Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:02 p.m. ET for a nationally televised contest on ESPNU.
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WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME
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The game will be nationally televised on ESPNU with Jack Kizer (play-by-play) and Ryan Cavanaugh (color analyst) calling action. David Tasca will produce.
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WHERE TO LISTEN TO THE GAME
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Fans can also listen to the CMU Chippewas Sports 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 the action on the network which can be accessed on www.cmuchippewas.com, on the 98.5-FM WUPS website, or on the Black Diamond broadcasting app. Coverage begins with a one-hour pre-game show.
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WEDNESDAY'S TOP STORYLINES
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*Second place Central Michigan (4-2) travels to Kent State (3-3) for a pivotal MAC road game. CMU enters the game in a five-way tie for second place in the MAC standings.
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*With a 6-4 overall record, Central Michigan is bowl eligible for the first time in four years and first time since the 2021 season.
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*Central still has a chance to earn a MAC Championship berth. The Chippewas must win each of their last two games and receive help.
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*CMU and Kent State meet for the first time since 2021 and first time in eight years at Kent (Nov. 14, 2017).
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GAME NOTES
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KENT, Ohio—As winners of five of its last seven games, bowl eligible and second-place Central Michigan (6-4, 4-2 MAC) plays its second weeknight MACtion game, seventh Mid-American Conference game and 11th overall contest of the 2025 season when it travels to Kent State (4-6, 3-3 MAC) on Wednesday at Dix Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:02 p.m. ET for an ESPNU national broadcast.
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The contest is pivotal for both teams. Central Michigan enters the game in a five-way tie for second place in the MAC standings. Western Michigan is in first place with a 5-1 record, followed by Central Michigan, Ohio, Toledo, Buffalo, and Miami, Ohio with identical 4-2 records. The top two teams will advance to the 2025 MAC Championship Game, set for Saturday, Dec. 6 at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich. Kickoff for that game is at noon.
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With six wins, Central Michigan is bowl eligible for the first time in four seasons and since the 2021 season when it won a 24-21 decision over Washington State in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl. Central Michigan has made 15 bowl game appearances. With six victories, the Chippewas have already won more games than they did in each of the last three seasons (4 in 2022, 5 in 2023, and 4 in 2024). With two games remaining, CMU's six wins are its most since it went 9-4 in 2021.
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Central Michigan could earn a berth in the 2025 MAC Championship Game. The Chippewas would need to win each of their last two regular season games and receive help from several other teams. CMU has made four appearances in the MAC Championship Game (2006, 2007, 2009, and 2019) and is 3-1 in those games.
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In all six wins this year, Central Michigan has limited opponents to 20 points or less. CMU is 6-1 when leading at halftime, 5-2 when leading at the end of the first quarter, 5-1 when leading time of possession, and an undefeated 4-0 in home games.
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Central Michigan claimed its fourth home win, sixth overall win of the season and gained bowl eligibility following a 38-19 win over Buffalo on Nov. 12. The Chippewas forced a season-high five turnovers, recovered three fumbles, intercepted two passes, scored two defensive touchdowns (48-yard interception return, 85-yard fumble return) and the defense totaled a season-high 5.0 sacks.
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The Chippewas took a 7-3 lead on a 48-yard interception return for touchdown by linebacker Jordan Kwiatkowski in the first quarter. After Buffalo scored on a 55-yard pass play, the Chippewas grabbed a 14-10 halftime lead following a 71-yard, eight play touchdown drive ending in a 1-yard run by quarterback Marcus Beamon.
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After the teams traded field goals, quarterback Joe Labas hit Langston Lewis over the middle for a 75-yard touchdown pass, then linebacker Dakota Cochran picked up a fumble forced by linebacker Korver Demma and returned it 85 yards for a touchdown and 31-13 fourth quarter lead.
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On offense, Central Michigan was led by Labas' 247-yard, two-touchdown passing performance while completing 18 of 24 passes and Langston Lewis' six-catch, career-high 118 yards, one touchdown day. Lewis became the Central Michigan receiver to notch back-to-back 100-yard receiving games for the first time in 10 seasons. Defensive lineman Michael Heldman had a monster game with two sacks, two pass breakups, and two quarterback hurries, along with four tackles, Kwiatkowski led the Chippewas with nine tackles (seven solo), 1.0 tackle for loss, one forced fumble and an interception for 48 yard touchdown, and linebacker Dakota Cochran had five tackles and his key 85-yard fumble return for touchdown.
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On Saturday, Nov. 1, Central Michigan dropped a close 24-21 decision at rival Western Michigan. The Chippewas led most of the game and took a 21-14 lead at the start of the fourth quarter on a 33-yard pass from quarterback Marcus Beamon to Tyson Davis. But Western Michigan scored the game's final 10 points on a 46-yard field goal and 7-yard touchdown pass after an 11-play, 70-yard drive with 2:08 to go. WMU outgained CMU 327-240 in total offense, CMU finished with just 55 yards rushing on 35 carries, and Western won the time of possession (33:42-26:18) and turnover battles (2-1). CMU was led by wide receiver Langston Lewis, who totaled a career-high 111 yards receiving on four receptions, including a 77-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Joe Labas, and Labas, who completed 8-11 passes for 152 yards and a touchdown. On defense, the Chippewas were led by Dakota Cochran (career-high 11 tackles, 2.5 TFL), Jordan Kwiatkowski (nine tackles), and Lawai'a Brown (eight tackles), and Jaion Jackson, who recorded a career-high eight tackles, 1.0 sack, and forced a fumble.
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Central Michigan's Matt Drinkall is in his first year as the school's head coach. Drinkall became the first coach at CMU since Jim McElwain in 2019 to guide the Chippewas to bowl eligibility in his first season. Drinkall was named the 30th football coach at Central Michigan on Dec. 9, 2024, after serving the previous six seasons on staff at Army. His 2024 Army offensive line won the Joe Moore Award for top offensive line unit in the nation and helped lead the Black Knights to a 12-2 record, No. 22 national ranking in the College Football Playoff poll, and the American Athletic Conference title in the program's first year in the league.
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In his first 12 months with Central Michigan, Drinkall has initiated a culture change with numerous improvements to the student-athlete experience. With a 3.2 grade point average, the Chippewas put together their best-ever academic semester in spring 2025. The Chippewas now have consistent top-notch meals provided at their facility by CMU Dining Services, have turned rooms into areas for player use such as the VIP Lounge which was converted into a player lounge, the practice schedule has been revamped, and the team took a team-building trip to amusement park Cedar Point in the summer. Those are just a few of the many changes that he has made since his arrival.
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In defeating San Jose State 16-14 on Aug. 29, Drinkall became the first coach at Central Michigan to win a debut game on the road since Bill Kelly led CMU to a 34-13 victory at Southern Illinois on Sept. 22, 1951. Drinkall also became the first coach at CMU since Herb Deromedi in 1978 to win his first road game and his first home game in his debut season.
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Ranked as one of the nation's top-40 winningest FBS programs of all-time and with eight players currently in the National Football League, Central Michigan is coming off three consecutive sub-.500 seasons for the first time since 2002-04. The Chippewas went 4-8 last season and 2-6 in the MAC.
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SUCCESS IN FIRST YEAR
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Head Coach Matt Drinkall becomes the fifth coach to lead Central Michigan to bowl eligibility in his first season as head coach. Butch Jones (2007) and Jim McElwain (2019) both had the unique distinction of leading their first teams at CMU to the MAC Championship Game. Here is a list of first-year coaches to lead the Chippewas to bowl eligibility in their first year as head coach:
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DEFENSE WINS GAMES
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In all six wins this season, Central Michigan has limited its opponents to 20 points or less. In six MAC games, opponents are averaging just 17.2 points per game, which ranks No. 3 in the league in conference only games.
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The last time Central Michigan held as many teams under 20 points in a season was in 2009, when the Chippewas held seven of their 14 opponents to 20 points or less.
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Here is a look at the best defensive seasons in the last 25 years of Central Michigan football:
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FAST STARTING CHIPPEWAS
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Fast starts and early leads have helped Central Michigan claim each of its six wins this year. When Central Michigan leads at halftime, it is 6-1 on the year. Western Michigan handed Central its first loss when leading at halftime.
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The Chippewas took the lead right before halftime against Buffalo and grabbed a key 14-10 advantage and momentum heading into halftime on a 1-yard Marcus Beamon touchdown following a 71 yard, eight play drive.
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Against UMass, the Chippewas jumped on top 7-0, then 21-7 with three rushing touchdowns in the first quarter. It led 24-10 at halftime, then tacked on two Joe Labas touchdown passes.Â
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At Bowling Green, Central Michigan scored 17 straight points to take a 17-3 lead in the second quarter. It used a Jordan Kwiatkowski interception and 26-yard return to set up its first touchdown, used a 63-yard pass from Joe Labas to Collin Payne to set up its second touchdown, then stopped a fake punt by BGSU on fourth down to set up a field goal.
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In each of its other two home wins (Wagner, EMU), Central Michigan started fast and accumulated 14-0 first quarter leads. Against Wagner, it was CMU's defense that made the plays early as Dakota Cochran picked off a pass and rambled 30 yards for touchdown. On Wagner's second possession, CMU's Michael Heldman forced a fumble that was picked up by Cochran and the Chippewa offense scored on a run for a 14-0 lead.
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Against Eastern Michigan, it was Central Michigan's offense that gave the Chippewas an early 14-0 first quarter lead. The Chippewas took their first drive 75 yards in nine plays and scored on a 1-yard pass from Angel Flores to Brock Townsend. On its next drive, CMU went up 14-0 when running back Nahree Biggins burst through the middle for a 49-yard touchdown run.
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At San Jose State, Central Michigan used three turnovers to take an early 13-0 lead. San Jose State battled back to take a 14-13 lead, but CMU answered with a Cade Graham field goal and held off the hosts the rest of the way.
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Here is a look at Central Michigan's first half leads and the results of each game:
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TURNOVER MARGIN TURNAROUND
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Through 10 games, Central Michigan has a +8 turnover margin, which ranks No. 1 in the MAC and No. 12 in FBS (18 turnovers gained/10 turnovers lost). The Chippewas also rank No. 14 nationally and No. 1 in the MAC in turnovers gained (18), and No. 24 nationally and No. 2 in the MAC in turnovers lost (10). The +8 turnover margin currently ranks as the best mark at Central Michigan in 35 years since 1990 when the Chippewas registered a +8 (29 gained/21 lost).
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CMU has scored 67 of its 255 points off turnovers and has outscored its opponents 67-31 in points off turnovers. Last year, CMU was ranked No. 133 in turnover margin (-17) and tied a school record for worst turnover margin in a season.
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The Chippewas have registered at least one turnover in each of their 10 games this season.
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On Nov. 12 vs. Buffalo, Central Michigan forced five turnovers (three fumble recoveries, two interceptions) and scored two defenisve touchdowns on a 48-yard interception return and 85-yard fumble return. It marked the first time CMU forced five turnovers since it forced five vs. Eastern Michigan on Nov. 27, 2020.
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In the season opener at San Jose State, Central Michigan forced three first half turnovers including two interceptions and a fumble recovery. The Chippewas scored their first 13 points off those turnovers. CMU also limited San Jose State to just 74 yards rushing on 17 carries. The two interceptions by Brenden Deasfernandes and Elijah Rikard equaled Central Michigan's interception total from the entire 2024 season. Last year, CMU totaled just five turnovers (2 interceptions/3 fumble recoveries).
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At Pitt, Central Michigan registered one interception as Jordan Kwiatkowski stepped in front a pass and returned it 18 yards.
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At Michigan, Brenden Deasfernandes registered an interception in the second quarter and turned it into three points.
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Versus Wagner, Central Michigan turned two turnovers into a 14-0 lead in the first few minutes of the game. On Wagner's first possession, Dakota Cochran intercepted a tipped pass by Jordan Kwiatkowski and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown. On the next drive, Michael Heldman forced a fumble which was picked up by Cochran. The Chippewas scored on a 2-yard run by Angel Flores.
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Central Michigan's Maddix Blackwell snatched an interception in the fourth quarter which ended an EMU drive.
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At Akron, Caleb Spann intercepted a pass. At Bowling Green, Jordan Kwiatkowski and Jaion Jackson both intercepted passes. Kalen Carroll intercepted CMU's 10th pass of the year vs. UMass.
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The Chippewas recovered a fumble right before halftime at Western Michigan.
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Best Turnover Margin (Since 1990)
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TURNOVER FREE CMU
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Central Michigan has turned the ball over just 10 times in 10 games this season. It has surrendered just five turnovers in six MAC games. Previously, Central Michigan went 15 quarters without turning the ball over from the Eastern Michigan game through the fourth quarter of the UMass game.
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Of the 10 turnovers, six have been committed with the game already decided.
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Central has had four games this season where it did not turn the ball over (at San Jose State, Eastern Michigan, at Akron, and at Bowling Green).
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DEFENSIVE TOUCHDOWNS
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On the year, Central Michigan has scored three team defensive touchdowns, a mark that currently ranks No. 8 nationally and ranks tied for No. 3 in school history for a season. Dakota Cochran has scored two of those on a 30-yard interception return and 85-yard fumble return, while Jordan Kwiatkowski has a 48-yard interception return.
   The Chippewas scored two defensive touchdowns in one game vs. Buffalo on Nov. 12. It marked the first time Central scored on two defensive touchdowns since it scored two at Toledo on Oct. 6, 2006 (31-yard INT return by Doug Kress and 32-yard fumble return by Dan Bazuin).
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Most Defensive Touchdowns-Season
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CMU's 2+ Defensive TDs Games (since 1960)
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A WIN OVER KENT STATE WOULD…
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*Increase Central Michigan's chances to earn a MAC Championship Game berth. The Chippewas would need a win vs. Toledo and help.
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*Give Central Michigan a 7-4 record. The seven wins would be the most since the 2021 season when the Chippewas went 9-4 and won the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl with a 24-21 victory over Washington State.
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*Give Central five wins in MAC play for the first time since 2021 when it won six games.
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*Give Central Michigan its third straight victory over Kent State and third straight win over the Golden Flashes in games played at Kent.
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CMU-KENT STATE SERIES
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Central Michigan and Kent State meet for the 37th time since the series began on Oct. 16, 1948. The two schools meet for the first time in four years and for the first time in Kent in eight seasons. Consider the following:
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*Central Michigan is 25-11 all-time vs. Kent State with victories in each of the last two meetings. Central Michigan has won six of the last nine meetings between the two schools.
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*The Chippewas are 12-4 all-time vs. Kent State in games played in Kent, including wins in each of the last two meetings. The last road meeting vs. Kent State was on Nov. 14, 2017, a 42-23 CMU victory.
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*Central Michigan won the last meeting, a 54-30 home victory on Nov. 10, 2021.
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CMU IN NATIONAL STATISTICS
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Following its first 10 games, Central Michigan is ranked among the nation's top 35 in 15 statistical categories.
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The Chippewas rank:
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•  No. 6, team passing efficiency (167.08).
•  No. 8, completion percentage (70.1).
•  No. 8, defensive touchdowns (3).
•  No. 9, passed had intercepted (4).
•  No. 12, turnover margin (0.80).
•  No. 14, turnovers gained (18).
•  No. 12, passes intercepted (12).
•  No. 14, fourth down conversion percentage defense (38.9).
•  No. 19, red zone defense (77.1).
•  No. 20, passing yards per completion (13.1).
•  No. 24, turnovers lost (10).
•  No. 26, time of possession (31:55).
•  No. 28, fourth down conversion percentage (64.7).
•  No. 34, fumbles recovered (6).
•  No. 34, team passing efficiency defense (120.18).
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In addition, four individuals were ranked among the nation's top 35 in several statistics:
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•  Dakota Cochran, No. 7, fumbles recovered (2).
•  Michael Heldman, No. 13, sacks (0.75).
•  Jordan Kwiatkowski, No. 29, interceptions (3).
•  Cade Graham, No. 31, field goal percentage (86.70).
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MACtion Wednesday Night
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 • 7:02 p.m. ET • Kent, Ohio • Dix Stadium (25,319)
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WEDNESDAY NIGHT MATCHUP
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Television:Â ESPNU (Jack Kizer, play-by-play; Ryan Cavanaugh, analyst; David Tasca, producer).
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Chippewa Sports Radio Network:Â Adam Jaksa, play-by-play; Brock Gutierrez, color analyst; spotter: Steve Powers; hosts: Nathan Arbaugh, Kyle Sandel.
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Live Stats: visit https://kentstatesports.com/sidearmstats/football/summary
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CMU Social Media:Â Twitter (@cmu_football); Facebook (@cmufootball); Instagram (cmufootball); Website:Â www.cmuchippewas.com.
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Coaches: Central Michigan-Matt Drinkall, 1st year at CMU (6-4), 6th year as a head coach (48-21), 22nd year in coaching. Kent State-Mark Carney, 1st year at Kent State (4-6), 1st year overall (4-6).
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Series: Central Central Michigan and Kent State meet for the 37th time and first time since Nov. 10, 2021. CMU holds a 25-11 all-time advantage in the series dating back to 1948. Central visits Kent State for the first time in eight years and since Nov. 14, 2017. CMU has won each of the last two overall meetings and has won two straight at Kent State.
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CENTRAL MICHIGAN GAME NOTES
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KENT, Ohio–Bowl eligible Central Michigan (6-4, 4-2 MAC) plays its second weeknight MACtion game when it plays at Kent State (4-6, 3-3 MAC) on Wednesday at Dix Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:02 p.m. ET for a nationally televised contest on ESPNU.
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WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME
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The game will be nationally televised on ESPNU with Jack Kizer (play-by-play) and Ryan Cavanaugh (color analyst) calling action. David Tasca will produce.
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WHERE TO LISTEN TO THE GAME
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Fans can also listen to the CMU Chippewas Sports 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 the action on the network which can be accessed on www.cmuchippewas.com, on the 98.5-FM WUPS website, or on the Black Diamond broadcasting app. Coverage begins with a one-hour pre-game show.
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WEDNESDAY'S TOP STORYLINES
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*Second place Central Michigan (4-2) travels to Kent State (3-3) for a pivotal MAC road game. CMU enters the game in a five-way tie for second place in the MAC standings.
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*With a 6-4 overall record, Central Michigan is bowl eligible for the first time in four years and first time since the 2021 season.
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*Central still has a chance to earn a MAC Championship berth. The Chippewas must win each of their last two games and receive help.
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*CMU and Kent State meet for the first time since 2021 and first time in eight years at Kent (Nov. 14, 2017).
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GAME NOTES
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KENT, Ohio—As winners of five of its last seven games, bowl eligible and second-place Central Michigan (6-4, 4-2 MAC) plays its second weeknight MACtion game, seventh Mid-American Conference game and 11th overall contest of the 2025 season when it travels to Kent State (4-6, 3-3 MAC) on Wednesday at Dix Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:02 p.m. ET for an ESPNU national broadcast.
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The contest is pivotal for both teams. Central Michigan enters the game in a five-way tie for second place in the MAC standings. Western Michigan is in first place with a 5-1 record, followed by Central Michigan, Ohio, Toledo, Buffalo, and Miami, Ohio with identical 4-2 records. The top two teams will advance to the 2025 MAC Championship Game, set for Saturday, Dec. 6 at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich. Kickoff for that game is at noon.
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With six wins, Central Michigan is bowl eligible for the first time in four seasons and since the 2021 season when it won a 24-21 decision over Washington State in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl. Central Michigan has made 15 bowl game appearances. With six victories, the Chippewas have already won more games than they did in each of the last three seasons (4 in 2022, 5 in 2023, and 4 in 2024). With two games remaining, CMU's six wins are its most since it went 9-4 in 2021.
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Central Michigan could earn a berth in the 2025 MAC Championship Game. The Chippewas would need to win each of their last two regular season games and receive help from several other teams. CMU has made four appearances in the MAC Championship Game (2006, 2007, 2009, and 2019) and is 3-1 in those games.
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In all six wins this year, Central Michigan has limited opponents to 20 points or less. CMU is 6-1 when leading at halftime, 5-2 when leading at the end of the first quarter, 5-1 when leading time of possession, and an undefeated 4-0 in home games.
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Central Michigan claimed its fourth home win, sixth overall win of the season and gained bowl eligibility following a 38-19 win over Buffalo on Nov. 12. The Chippewas forced a season-high five turnovers, recovered three fumbles, intercepted two passes, scored two defensive touchdowns (48-yard interception return, 85-yard fumble return) and the defense totaled a season-high 5.0 sacks.
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The Chippewas took a 7-3 lead on a 48-yard interception return for touchdown by linebacker Jordan Kwiatkowski in the first quarter. After Buffalo scored on a 55-yard pass play, the Chippewas grabbed a 14-10 halftime lead following a 71-yard, eight play touchdown drive ending in a 1-yard run by quarterback Marcus Beamon.
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After the teams traded field goals, quarterback Joe Labas hit Langston Lewis over the middle for a 75-yard touchdown pass, then linebacker Dakota Cochran picked up a fumble forced by linebacker Korver Demma and returned it 85 yards for a touchdown and 31-13 fourth quarter lead.
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On offense, Central Michigan was led by Labas' 247-yard, two-touchdown passing performance while completing 18 of 24 passes and Langston Lewis' six-catch, career-high 118 yards, one touchdown day. Lewis became the Central Michigan receiver to notch back-to-back 100-yard receiving games for the first time in 10 seasons. Defensive lineman Michael Heldman had a monster game with two sacks, two pass breakups, and two quarterback hurries, along with four tackles, Kwiatkowski led the Chippewas with nine tackles (seven solo), 1.0 tackle for loss, one forced fumble and an interception for 48 yard touchdown, and linebacker Dakota Cochran had five tackles and his key 85-yard fumble return for touchdown.
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On Saturday, Nov. 1, Central Michigan dropped a close 24-21 decision at rival Western Michigan. The Chippewas led most of the game and took a 21-14 lead at the start of the fourth quarter on a 33-yard pass from quarterback Marcus Beamon to Tyson Davis. But Western Michigan scored the game's final 10 points on a 46-yard field goal and 7-yard touchdown pass after an 11-play, 70-yard drive with 2:08 to go. WMU outgained CMU 327-240 in total offense, CMU finished with just 55 yards rushing on 35 carries, and Western won the time of possession (33:42-26:18) and turnover battles (2-1). CMU was led by wide receiver Langston Lewis, who totaled a career-high 111 yards receiving on four receptions, including a 77-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Joe Labas, and Labas, who completed 8-11 passes for 152 yards and a touchdown. On defense, the Chippewas were led by Dakota Cochran (career-high 11 tackles, 2.5 TFL), Jordan Kwiatkowski (nine tackles), and Lawai'a Brown (eight tackles), and Jaion Jackson, who recorded a career-high eight tackles, 1.0 sack, and forced a fumble.
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Central Michigan's Matt Drinkall is in his first year as the school's head coach. Drinkall became the first coach at CMU since Jim McElwain in 2019 to guide the Chippewas to bowl eligibility in his first season. Drinkall was named the 30th football coach at Central Michigan on Dec. 9, 2024, after serving the previous six seasons on staff at Army. His 2024 Army offensive line won the Joe Moore Award for top offensive line unit in the nation and helped lead the Black Knights to a 12-2 record, No. 22 national ranking in the College Football Playoff poll, and the American Athletic Conference title in the program's first year in the league.
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In his first 12 months with Central Michigan, Drinkall has initiated a culture change with numerous improvements to the student-athlete experience. With a 3.2 grade point average, the Chippewas put together their best-ever academic semester in spring 2025. The Chippewas now have consistent top-notch meals provided at their facility by CMU Dining Services, have turned rooms into areas for player use such as the VIP Lounge which was converted into a player lounge, the practice schedule has been revamped, and the team took a team-building trip to amusement park Cedar Point in the summer. Those are just a few of the many changes that he has made since his arrival.
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In defeating San Jose State 16-14 on Aug. 29, Drinkall became the first coach at Central Michigan to win a debut game on the road since Bill Kelly led CMU to a 34-13 victory at Southern Illinois on Sept. 22, 1951. Drinkall also became the first coach at CMU since Herb Deromedi in 1978 to win his first road game and his first home game in his debut season.
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Ranked as one of the nation's top-40 winningest FBS programs of all-time and with eight players currently in the National Football League, Central Michigan is coming off three consecutive sub-.500 seasons for the first time since 2002-04. The Chippewas went 4-8 last season and 2-6 in the MAC.
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SUCCESS IN FIRST YEAR
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Head Coach Matt Drinkall becomes the fifth coach to lead Central Michigan to bowl eligibility in his first season as head coach. Butch Jones (2007) and Jim McElwain (2019) both had the unique distinction of leading their first teams at CMU to the MAC Championship Game. Here is a list of first-year coaches to lead the Chippewas to bowl eligibility in their first year as head coach:
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| Year | Head Coach | W-L | Bowl, W-LÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â |
| 1994 | Dick Flynn | 9-3 | Las Vegas, L |
| 2007 | Butch Jones | 8-6 | Motor City, L |
| 2015 | John Bonamego | 7-6 | Quick Lane, L |
| 2019 | Jim McElwain | 8-6 | New Mexico, L |
| 2025 | Matt Drinkall | 6-4 | 2 games left |
DEFENSE WINS GAMES
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In all six wins this season, Central Michigan has limited its opponents to 20 points or less. In six MAC games, opponents are averaging just 17.2 points per game, which ranks No. 3 in the league in conference only games.
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The last time Central Michigan held as many teams under 20 points in a season was in 2009, when the Chippewas held seven of their 14 opponents to 20 points or less.
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Here is a look at the best defensive seasons in the last 25 years of Central Michigan football:
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| Year | Opp. held under 20 points | PPG |
| 2025 | 6 of 10 (2+ games left) | 23.5 |
| 2009 | 7 of 14 | 18.9 |
| 2006 | 6 of 14 | 22.3 |
| 2005 | 5 of 11 | 23.6 |
FAST STARTING CHIPPEWAS
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Fast starts and early leads have helped Central Michigan claim each of its six wins this year. When Central Michigan leads at halftime, it is 6-1 on the year. Western Michigan handed Central its first loss when leading at halftime.
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The Chippewas took the lead right before halftime against Buffalo and grabbed a key 14-10 advantage and momentum heading into halftime on a 1-yard Marcus Beamon touchdown following a 71 yard, eight play drive.
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Against UMass, the Chippewas jumped on top 7-0, then 21-7 with three rushing touchdowns in the first quarter. It led 24-10 at halftime, then tacked on two Joe Labas touchdown passes.Â
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At Bowling Green, Central Michigan scored 17 straight points to take a 17-3 lead in the second quarter. It used a Jordan Kwiatkowski interception and 26-yard return to set up its first touchdown, used a 63-yard pass from Joe Labas to Collin Payne to set up its second touchdown, then stopped a fake punt by BGSU on fourth down to set up a field goal.
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In each of its other two home wins (Wagner, EMU), Central Michigan started fast and accumulated 14-0 first quarter leads. Against Wagner, it was CMU's defense that made the plays early as Dakota Cochran picked off a pass and rambled 30 yards for touchdown. On Wagner's second possession, CMU's Michael Heldman forced a fumble that was picked up by Cochran and the Chippewa offense scored on a run for a 14-0 lead.
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Against Eastern Michigan, it was Central Michigan's offense that gave the Chippewas an early 14-0 first quarter lead. The Chippewas took their first drive 75 yards in nine plays and scored on a 1-yard pass from Angel Flores to Brock Townsend. On its next drive, CMU went up 14-0 when running back Nahree Biggins burst through the middle for a 49-yard touchdown run.
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At San Jose State, Central Michigan used three turnovers to take an early 13-0 lead. San Jose State battled back to take a 14-13 lead, but CMU answered with a Cade Graham field goal and held off the hosts the rest of the way.
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Here is a look at Central Michigan's first half leads and the results of each game:
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| Game | Key Lead | Final Score |
| at SJSU | 13-0 lead in 1st Q | W, 16-14 |
| Wagner | 14-0 lead in 1st Q | W, 49-10 |
| EMU | 14-0 lead in 1st Q | W, 24-13 |
| at BGSU | 17-3 lead in 2nd Q | W, 27-6 |
| UMass | 21-7 lead in 1st Q | W, 38-13 |
| Buffalo | 14-10 lead in 2nd Q | W, 38-19 |
TURNOVER MARGIN TURNAROUND
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Through 10 games, Central Michigan has a +8 turnover margin, which ranks No. 1 in the MAC and No. 12 in FBS (18 turnovers gained/10 turnovers lost). The Chippewas also rank No. 14 nationally and No. 1 in the MAC in turnovers gained (18), and No. 24 nationally and No. 2 in the MAC in turnovers lost (10). The +8 turnover margin currently ranks as the best mark at Central Michigan in 35 years since 1990 when the Chippewas registered a +8 (29 gained/21 lost).
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CMU has scored 67 of its 255 points off turnovers and has outscored its opponents 67-31 in points off turnovers. Last year, CMU was ranked No. 133 in turnover margin (-17) and tied a school record for worst turnover margin in a season.
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The Chippewas have registered at least one turnover in each of their 10 games this season.
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On Nov. 12 vs. Buffalo, Central Michigan forced five turnovers (three fumble recoveries, two interceptions) and scored two defenisve touchdowns on a 48-yard interception return and 85-yard fumble return. It marked the first time CMU forced five turnovers since it forced five vs. Eastern Michigan on Nov. 27, 2020.
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In the season opener at San Jose State, Central Michigan forced three first half turnovers including two interceptions and a fumble recovery. The Chippewas scored their first 13 points off those turnovers. CMU also limited San Jose State to just 74 yards rushing on 17 carries. The two interceptions by Brenden Deasfernandes and Elijah Rikard equaled Central Michigan's interception total from the entire 2024 season. Last year, CMU totaled just five turnovers (2 interceptions/3 fumble recoveries).
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At Pitt, Central Michigan registered one interception as Jordan Kwiatkowski stepped in front a pass and returned it 18 yards.
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At Michigan, Brenden Deasfernandes registered an interception in the second quarter and turned it into three points.
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Versus Wagner, Central Michigan turned two turnovers into a 14-0 lead in the first few minutes of the game. On Wagner's first possession, Dakota Cochran intercepted a tipped pass by Jordan Kwiatkowski and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown. On the next drive, Michael Heldman forced a fumble which was picked up by Cochran. The Chippewas scored on a 2-yard run by Angel Flores.
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Central Michigan's Maddix Blackwell snatched an interception in the fourth quarter which ended an EMU drive.
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At Akron, Caleb Spann intercepted a pass. At Bowling Green, Jordan Kwiatkowski and Jaion Jackson both intercepted passes. Kalen Carroll intercepted CMU's 10th pass of the year vs. UMass.
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The Chippewas recovered a fumble right before halftime at Western Michigan.
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Best Turnover Margin (Since 1990)
| Margin | Year | Gained/Lost                              |
| +8 | 2025 | 18/10 |
| +8 | 1990 | 29/21 |
| +7 | 2006 | 29/22 |
| +6 | 2007 | 30/24 |
| +5 | 2005 | 15/10 |
| +5 | 1996 | 34/29 |
| +5 | 1994 | 21/16 |
TURNOVER FREE CMU
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Central Michigan has turned the ball over just 10 times in 10 games this season. It has surrendered just five turnovers in six MAC games. Previously, Central Michigan went 15 quarters without turning the ball over from the Eastern Michigan game through the fourth quarter of the UMass game.
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Of the 10 turnovers, six have been committed with the game already decided.
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Central has had four games this season where it did not turn the ball over (at San Jose State, Eastern Michigan, at Akron, and at Bowling Green).
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DEFENSIVE TOUCHDOWNS
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On the year, Central Michigan has scored three team defensive touchdowns, a mark that currently ranks No. 8 nationally and ranks tied for No. 3 in school history for a season. Dakota Cochran has scored two of those on a 30-yard interception return and 85-yard fumble return, while Jordan Kwiatkowski has a 48-yard interception return.
   The Chippewas scored two defensive touchdowns in one game vs. Buffalo on Nov. 12. It marked the first time Central scored on two defensive touchdowns since it scored two at Toledo on Oct. 6, 2006 (31-yard INT return by Doug Kress and 32-yard fumble return by Dan Bazuin).
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Most Defensive Touchdowns-Season
| Total TD | Year | Breakdown                            |
| 5 | 2006 | 4 INT/1 FR |
| 4 | 2016 | 4 INT/0 FR |
| 3 | 2025 | 2 INT/1 FR |
| 3 | 2013 | 3 INT/0 FR |
| 3 | 2018 | 0 INT/3 FR |
| 3 | 2017 | 1 INT/2 FR |
CMU's 2+ Defensive TDs Games (since 1960)
| Game, Date | 2+ Def.  TDs                          |
| NIU, Nov. 15, 1975 | 2 (49-INT/0-FR) |
| Miami, Sept. 29, 1990 | 2 (47-INT/29-INT) |
| at Toledo, Oct. 6, 2006 | 2 (31-INT/32-FR) |
| Buffalo, Nov. 12, 2025 | 2 (48-INT/85-FR) |
A WIN OVER KENT STATE WOULD…
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*Increase Central Michigan's chances to earn a MAC Championship Game berth. The Chippewas would need a win vs. Toledo and help.
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*Give Central Michigan a 7-4 record. The seven wins would be the most since the 2021 season when the Chippewas went 9-4 and won the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl with a 24-21 victory over Washington State.
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*Give Central five wins in MAC play for the first time since 2021 when it won six games.
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*Give Central Michigan its third straight victory over Kent State and third straight win over the Golden Flashes in games played at Kent.
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CMU-KENT STATE SERIES
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Central Michigan and Kent State meet for the 37th time since the series began on Oct. 16, 1948. The two schools meet for the first time in four years and for the first time in Kent in eight seasons. Consider the following:
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*Central Michigan is 25-11 all-time vs. Kent State with victories in each of the last two meetings. Central Michigan has won six of the last nine meetings between the two schools.
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*The Chippewas are 12-4 all-time vs. Kent State in games played in Kent, including wins in each of the last two meetings. The last road meeting vs. Kent State was on Nov. 14, 2017, a 42-23 CMU victory.
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*Central Michigan won the last meeting, a 54-30 home victory on Nov. 10, 2021.
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CMU IN NATIONAL STATISTICS
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Following its first 10 games, Central Michigan is ranked among the nation's top 35 in 15 statistical categories.
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The Chippewas rank:
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•  No. 6, team passing efficiency (167.08).
•  No. 8, completion percentage (70.1).
•  No. 8, defensive touchdowns (3).
•  No. 9, passed had intercepted (4).
•  No. 12, turnover margin (0.80).
•  No. 14, turnovers gained (18).
•  No. 12, passes intercepted (12).
•  No. 14, fourth down conversion percentage defense (38.9).
•  No. 19, red zone defense (77.1).
•  No. 20, passing yards per completion (13.1).
•  No. 24, turnovers lost (10).
•  No. 26, time of possession (31:55).
•  No. 28, fourth down conversion percentage (64.7).
•  No. 34, fumbles recovered (6).
•  No. 34, team passing efficiency defense (120.18).
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In addition, four individuals were ranked among the nation's top 35 in several statistics:
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•  Dakota Cochran, No. 7, fumbles recovered (2).
•  Michael Heldman, No. 13, sacks (0.75).
•  Jordan Kwiatkowski, No. 29, interceptions (3).
•  Cade Graham, No. 31, field goal percentage (86.70).
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Langston Lewis Post-Game Press Conference vs. Buffalo
Thursday, November 13
Michael Heldman Post-Game Press Conference vs. Buffalo
Thursday, November 13
Jordan Kwiatkowksi Post-Game Press Conference vs. Buffalo
Thursday, November 13
Joe Labas Post-Game Press Conference vs Buffalo
Thursday, November 13