Central Michigan University Athletics
Players Mentioned

Photo by: Lauren Verellen
Chippewas Host Toledo for Senior Day, Final Regular Season Game on Saturday
11/26/2025 1:12:00 PM | Football
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Kickoff is at noon for an ESPN+ broadcast; Chippewas to honor 23 seniors in pre-game ceremony; Central Michigan enters game with undefeated 4-0 record.
GAME 12: TOLEDO (7-4, 5-2 MAC) at CENTRAL MICHIGAN (7-4, 5-2 MAC)
Senior Day/Youth Day/Final Regular Season Game
Saturday, November 29, 2025 • 12:02 p.m. ET • Mount Pleasant, Mich. • Kelly/Shorts Stadium (30,255)
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SATURDAY MATCHUP
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Television:Â ESPN+ (Michael Reghi, play-by-play; Je'Rod Cherry, analyst; Gene Winters, 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://cmuchippewas.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 (7-4), 6th year as a head coach (49-21), 22nd year in coaching. Toledo-Jason Candle, 10th year at Toledo (80-44), 10th year overall (80-44).
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Series: Central Michigan and Toledo meet for the 54th time in series history dating back to Oct. 13, 1928. Toledo holds a 30-20-3 all-time advantage in the series. CMU is 13-12-1 vs. Toledo in Mount Pleasant. The Rockets have claimed each of the last three games and won the last matchup played in Mount Pleasant 32-17 on Nov. 24, 2023.
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CENTRAL MICHIGAN GAME NOTES
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MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.–Bowl eligible Central Michigan (7-4, 5-2 MAC) plays its final regular season game and celebrates 2025 Senior Day and Youth Day when it hosts Toledo (7-4, 5-2 MAC) on Saturday at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Kickoff is at noon ET for a contest broadcast on ESPN+.
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WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME
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The game will be streamed on ESPN+ with Michael Reghi (play-by-play) and Je'Rod Cherry (color analyst) calling action. Gene Winters 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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SATURDAY'S TOP STORYLINES
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*Saturday marks Senior Day for Central Michigan as the Chippewas will honor 23 seniors in a pre-game ceremony prior to their final home game.
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*With a 7-4 overall record, Central Michigan is bowl eligible for the first time in four years and first time since 2021.
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*Central still has a chance to earn a MAC Championship berth. The Chippewas must defeat Toledo and receive help.
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*With a 4-0 record at home, Central is attempting to complete an undefeated season at home for the first time since it went 6-0 in 2019. CMU has won five straight and eight of its last 10 games at home.
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GAME NOTES
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MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.—On a two-game win streak and winners of six of its last eight games, bowl eligible and second-place Central Michigan (7-4, 5-2 MAC) plays its final regular season game when it hosts second-place Toledo (7-4, 5-2 MAC) for Senior Day on Saturday, Nov. 29 at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Kickoff is at 12:02 p.m. ET for an ESPN+ national broadcast.
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The contest is pivotal for both teams. Central Michigan and Toledo enter the game in a four-way tie for second place in the MAC standings. Western Michigan is in first place with a 6-1 record, followed by Central Michigan, Ohio, Toledo, and Miami, Ohio with identical 5-2 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 seven 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 seven 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 one regular season game remaining, CMU's seven wins are its most since it went 9-4 in 2021.
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The Chippewas are just nine points away from being undefeated in MAC play. They lost by six points at Akron (28-22) and by three points at Western Michigan (24-21).
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Central Michigan has an outside opportunity to earn a berth in the 2025 MAC Championship Game. The Chippewas would need to defeat Toledo 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 seven wins this year, Central Michigan has limited opponents to 20 points or less. CMU is 7-1 when leading at halftime, 6-2 when leading at the end of the first quarter, 6-1 when leading time of possession, and an undefeated 4-0 in home games.
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With a current 4-0 home record, Central Michigan is attempting to complete a season with an undefeated home record for the first time since it went 6-0 in 2019.
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Central Michigan is coming off a 28-16 win at Kent State last Wednesday that gave the Chippewas their seventh victory of the 2025 season. Joe Labas threw two touchdown passes, Brock Townsend scored two rushing touchdowns, and Central Michigan's defense dominated all night long with a season-high 11.0 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks, led by a 14-tackle, 4.5 tackle for loss performance by linebacker Jordan Kwiatkowski as the Chippewas claimed their fourth win in their last five games.
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The Chippewas went up 14-0 and led 14-3 at halftime. CMU set a school-record for longest scoring drive (10:53) as it drove 18 plays and 75 yards ending in a 1-yard pass from Labas to Tommy McIntosh for a 7-0 lead. Kwiatkowski forced a fumble that was recovered by Lawai'a Brown and set up a 2-yard touchdown run by Brock Townsend in the second quarter.
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After Kent State responded with a 59-yard punt return for touchdown, CMU drove 75 yards in 10 plays and took a commanding 21-9 lead on a 10-yard touchdown run by Townsend. CMU added an insurance score when Labas hit DeCorion Temple for a 19-yard touchdown pass and commanding 28-9 lead.
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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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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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CMU CELEBRATES SENIOR DAY
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In its annual senior day ceremony, Central Michigan will honor its 23 seniors prior to Saturday's game against Toledo.
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Those seniors include DL Daniel Bennett, RB Nahree Biggins, DB Maddix Blackwell, LB Lawai'a Brown, LB Dakota Cochran, DB, Brenden Deasfernandes, DL Jonathan Decker, DL Malik Denkins, TE Henry Dryden, DL Dylan Fisher, DB Eljiah Gordon, DL Michael Heldman, OL John Iannuzzi, LB Jordan Kwiatkowski, QB Joe Labas, OL Luis Martinez, LS Ben Pratt, LB Cairo Rhodes, DB Elijah Rikard,  OL Blake Schlegel, DB Aakeem Snell, and DB Caleb Spann.
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HOME, SWEET, HOME
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On a five-game home win streak and with a perfect 4-0 record this year, Central Michigan enjoys a tremendous home field advantage at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Since 2019, the Chippewas are a combined 26-10 (.722 win percentage) within the confines of Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The Chippewas have won eight of their last 10 and 12 of their last 15 home contests.
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On Saturday, Central Michigan will attempt to complete its season with a 5-0 record and end aÂ
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The last time CMU completed a season with an undefeated home record was when the Chippewas went 6-0 in 2019 at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The last several seasons, CMU went 1-2 in 2020, 5-1 in 2021, 2-4 in 2022, 4-1 in 2023, 3-2 in 2024, and 4-0 in 2025.
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Since 1950, CMU has registered 13 undefeated seasons at home: 1953 (4-0), 1954 (4-0), 1955 (4-0), 1956 (4-0), 1967 (4-0), 1970 (4-0), 1977 (5-0), 1979 (5-0), 1980 (6-0), 1994 (5-0), 1998 (5-0), 2009 (5-0), and 2019 (6-0).
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Since Kelly/Shorts Stadium opened in 1972, Central Michigan is 188-89-4 in 280 games played for a .669 win percentage. In MAC games, the Chippewas are 143-69-4.
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KWIATKOWSKI WINS MAC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK FOR SECOND TIME
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For the second time this season, linebacker Jordan Kwiatkowski was named the MAC Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, Nov. 24.
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In Central Michigan's 28-16 win at Kent State, Jordan Kwiatkowski led the Chippewas with 14 tackles, a career-high 4.5 tackles for loss for 24 yards, a forced fumble and a sack for 12 yards. His 4.5 tackles for loss ranks tied for No. 11 all-time in school history. He registered his second forced fumble in as many games and it marked his 10th career 10-plus tackle game. The 14 tackles were also one shy of Kwiatkowski's career high, when he made 15 vs. Ball State on Sept. 21, 2014.
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In each of Central's last two games against Buffalo and Kent State, Kwiatkowski has totaled 23 tackles (13 solo), 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, two forced fumbles, and a quarterback hurry.
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FIRST-YEAR SUCCESS
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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.
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A win vs. Toledo on Saturday would give Drinkall his 50th career victory.
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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 seven wins this season, Central Michigan has limited its opponents to 20 points or less. In seven MAC games, opponents are averaging just 17.0 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 seven wins this year. When Central Michigan leads at halftime, it is 7-1 on the year. Western Michigan handed Central its first loss when leading at halftime.
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Last Wednesday, Central got off to a 14-0 lead in the second quarter against Kent State en route to a 28-16 victory.
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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.
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 11 games, Central Michigan has a +8 turnover margin, which ranks No. 1 in the MAC and No. 15 in FBS (19 turnovers gained/11 turnovers lost). The Chippewas also rank No. 18 nationally and No. 2 in the MAC in turnovers gained (19), and No. 27 nationally and No. 3 in the MAC in turnovers lost (11). 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 74 of its 283 points off turnovers and has outscored its opponents 74-34 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 11 games this season.
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On Nov. 19 at Kent State, CMU forced and recovered a fumble but threw an interception. On Nov. 12 vs. Buffalo, Central Michigan forced five turnovers (three fumble recoveries, two interceptions) and scored two defensive 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.
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 11 times in 11 games this season. It has surrendered just six turnovers in seven MAC games. Earlier in the season, 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 11 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. 10 nationally, No. 1 in the MAC, 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.
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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 TOLEDO WOULD…
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•Possibly give Central Michigan a chance to earn a MAC Championship Game berth. The Chippewas would need a win vs. Toledo and help.
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•Give Central Michigan an 8-4 regular season record. The eight 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 six wins in MAC play for the first time since 2021 when it won six games.
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•End Toledo's three-game win streak in the series.
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CENTRAL MICHIGAN-TOLEDO SERIES
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Central Michigan and Toledo meet for the 54th time since the series began on Oct. 13, 1928. The two schools have met each year for the last 51 consecutive years. Consider the following:
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•Toledo holds a 30-20-3 all-time advantage in the series. The Rockets have won four of the last six matchups dating back to 2019.
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•Central is 13-12-1 vs. Toledo in Mount Pleasant, though Toledo won the last matchup played at CMU, a 31-17 decision on Nov. 24, 2023.
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•Toledo has won each of the last three matchups vs. Central Michigan. The last Central won was on Oct. 1, 2022, in Mount Pleasant, a 26-23 overtime victory.
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CMU IN NATIONAL STATISTICS
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Through 11 games, Central Michigan is ranked among the nation's top 35 in 16 statistical categories.
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The Chippewas rank:
•  No. 9, fourth down conversion percentage (71.40).
•  No. 10, team passing efficiency (162.14).
•  No. 10, defensive touchdowns (3).
•  No. 12, passes had intercepted (5).
•  No. 13, fourth down conversion percentage defense (38.10).
•  No. 15, turnover margin (0.73).
•  No. 15, completion percentage (68.30).
•  No. 16, red zone defense (76.30).
•  No. 18, turnovers gained (19)
•  No. 19, passes intercepted (12).
•  No. 22, time of possession (32:03).
•  No. 25, fumbles recovered (7).
•  No. 26, sacks allowed (1.36).
•  No. 27, turnovers lost (11)
•  No. 27, passing yards per completion (12.88).
•  No. 32, team passing efficiency defense (119.01).
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In addition, four individuals were ranked among the nation's top 35 in several statistics:
•  Dakota Cochran, No. 9, fumbles recovered (2).
•  Michael Heldman, No. 10, sacks (0.86).
•  Cade Graham, No. 26, field goal percentage (86.7).
•  Jordan Kwiatkowski, No. 27, total tackles (8.7).
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Senior Day/Youth Day/Final Regular Season Game
Saturday, November 29, 2025 • 12:02 p.m. ET • Mount Pleasant, Mich. • Kelly/Shorts Stadium (30,255)
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SATURDAY MATCHUP
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Television:Â ESPN+ (Michael Reghi, play-by-play; Je'Rod Cherry, analyst; Gene Winters, 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://cmuchippewas.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 (7-4), 6th year as a head coach (49-21), 22nd year in coaching. Toledo-Jason Candle, 10th year at Toledo (80-44), 10th year overall (80-44).
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Series: Central Michigan and Toledo meet for the 54th time in series history dating back to Oct. 13, 1928. Toledo holds a 30-20-3 all-time advantage in the series. CMU is 13-12-1 vs. Toledo in Mount Pleasant. The Rockets have claimed each of the last three games and won the last matchup played in Mount Pleasant 32-17 on Nov. 24, 2023.
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CENTRAL MICHIGAN GAME NOTES
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MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.–Bowl eligible Central Michigan (7-4, 5-2 MAC) plays its final regular season game and celebrates 2025 Senior Day and Youth Day when it hosts Toledo (7-4, 5-2 MAC) on Saturday at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Kickoff is at noon ET for a contest broadcast on ESPN+.
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WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME
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The game will be streamed on ESPN+ with Michael Reghi (play-by-play) and Je'Rod Cherry (color analyst) calling action. Gene Winters 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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SATURDAY'S TOP STORYLINES
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*Saturday marks Senior Day for Central Michigan as the Chippewas will honor 23 seniors in a pre-game ceremony prior to their final home game.
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*With a 7-4 overall record, Central Michigan is bowl eligible for the first time in four years and first time since 2021.
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*Central still has a chance to earn a MAC Championship berth. The Chippewas must defeat Toledo and receive help.
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*With a 4-0 record at home, Central is attempting to complete an undefeated season at home for the first time since it went 6-0 in 2019. CMU has won five straight and eight of its last 10 games at home.
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GAME NOTES
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MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.—On a two-game win streak and winners of six of its last eight games, bowl eligible and second-place Central Michigan (7-4, 5-2 MAC) plays its final regular season game when it hosts second-place Toledo (7-4, 5-2 MAC) for Senior Day on Saturday, Nov. 29 at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Kickoff is at 12:02 p.m. ET for an ESPN+ national broadcast.
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The contest is pivotal for both teams. Central Michigan and Toledo enter the game in a four-way tie for second place in the MAC standings. Western Michigan is in first place with a 6-1 record, followed by Central Michigan, Ohio, Toledo, and Miami, Ohio with identical 5-2 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 seven 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 seven 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 one regular season game remaining, CMU's seven wins are its most since it went 9-4 in 2021.
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The Chippewas are just nine points away from being undefeated in MAC play. They lost by six points at Akron (28-22) and by three points at Western Michigan (24-21).
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Central Michigan has an outside opportunity to earn a berth in the 2025 MAC Championship Game. The Chippewas would need to defeat Toledo 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 seven wins this year, Central Michigan has limited opponents to 20 points or less. CMU is 7-1 when leading at halftime, 6-2 when leading at the end of the first quarter, 6-1 when leading time of possession, and an undefeated 4-0 in home games.
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With a current 4-0 home record, Central Michigan is attempting to complete a season with an undefeated home record for the first time since it went 6-0 in 2019.
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Central Michigan is coming off a 28-16 win at Kent State last Wednesday that gave the Chippewas their seventh victory of the 2025 season. Joe Labas threw two touchdown passes, Brock Townsend scored two rushing touchdowns, and Central Michigan's defense dominated all night long with a season-high 11.0 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks, led by a 14-tackle, 4.5 tackle for loss performance by linebacker Jordan Kwiatkowski as the Chippewas claimed their fourth win in their last five games.
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The Chippewas went up 14-0 and led 14-3 at halftime. CMU set a school-record for longest scoring drive (10:53) as it drove 18 plays and 75 yards ending in a 1-yard pass from Labas to Tommy McIntosh for a 7-0 lead. Kwiatkowski forced a fumble that was recovered by Lawai'a Brown and set up a 2-yard touchdown run by Brock Townsend in the second quarter.
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After Kent State responded with a 59-yard punt return for touchdown, CMU drove 75 yards in 10 plays and took a commanding 21-9 lead on a 10-yard touchdown run by Townsend. CMU added an insurance score when Labas hit DeCorion Temple for a 19-yard touchdown pass and commanding 28-9 lead.
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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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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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CMU CELEBRATES SENIOR DAY
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In its annual senior day ceremony, Central Michigan will honor its 23 seniors prior to Saturday's game against Toledo.
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Those seniors include DL Daniel Bennett, RB Nahree Biggins, DB Maddix Blackwell, LB Lawai'a Brown, LB Dakota Cochran, DB, Brenden Deasfernandes, DL Jonathan Decker, DL Malik Denkins, TE Henry Dryden, DL Dylan Fisher, DB Eljiah Gordon, DL Michael Heldman, OL John Iannuzzi, LB Jordan Kwiatkowski, QB Joe Labas, OL Luis Martinez, LS Ben Pratt, LB Cairo Rhodes, DB Elijah Rikard,  OL Blake Schlegel, DB Aakeem Snell, and DB Caleb Spann.
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HOME, SWEET, HOME
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On a five-game home win streak and with a perfect 4-0 record this year, Central Michigan enjoys a tremendous home field advantage at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Since 2019, the Chippewas are a combined 26-10 (.722 win percentage) within the confines of Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The Chippewas have won eight of their last 10 and 12 of their last 15 home contests.
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On Saturday, Central Michigan will attempt to complete its season with a 5-0 record and end aÂ
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The last time CMU completed a season with an undefeated home record was when the Chippewas went 6-0 in 2019 at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The last several seasons, CMU went 1-2 in 2020, 5-1 in 2021, 2-4 in 2022, 4-1 in 2023, 3-2 in 2024, and 4-0 in 2025.
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Since 1950, CMU has registered 13 undefeated seasons at home: 1953 (4-0), 1954 (4-0), 1955 (4-0), 1956 (4-0), 1967 (4-0), 1970 (4-0), 1977 (5-0), 1979 (5-0), 1980 (6-0), 1994 (5-0), 1998 (5-0), 2009 (5-0), and 2019 (6-0).
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Since Kelly/Shorts Stadium opened in 1972, Central Michigan is 188-89-4 in 280 games played for a .669 win percentage. In MAC games, the Chippewas are 143-69-4.
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KWIATKOWSKI WINS MAC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK FOR SECOND TIME
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For the second time this season, linebacker Jordan Kwiatkowski was named the MAC Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, Nov. 24.
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In Central Michigan's 28-16 win at Kent State, Jordan Kwiatkowski led the Chippewas with 14 tackles, a career-high 4.5 tackles for loss for 24 yards, a forced fumble and a sack for 12 yards. His 4.5 tackles for loss ranks tied for No. 11 all-time in school history. He registered his second forced fumble in as many games and it marked his 10th career 10-plus tackle game. The 14 tackles were also one shy of Kwiatkowski's career high, when he made 15 vs. Ball State on Sept. 21, 2014.
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In each of Central's last two games against Buffalo and Kent State, Kwiatkowski has totaled 23 tackles (13 solo), 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, two forced fumbles, and a quarterback hurry.
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FIRST-YEAR SUCCESS
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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.
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A win vs. Toledo on Saturday would give Drinkall his 50th career victory.
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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 | 7-4 | 1+ games left |
DEFENSE WINS GAMES
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In all seven wins this season, Central Michigan has limited its opponents to 20 points or less. In seven MAC games, opponents are averaging just 17.0 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 | 7 of 10 (1+ game left) | 22.8 |
| 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 seven wins this year. When Central Michigan leads at halftime, it is 7-1 on the year. Western Michigan handed Central its first loss when leading at halftime.
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Last Wednesday, Central got off to a 14-0 lead in the second quarter against Kent State en route to a 28-16 victory.
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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.
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 |
| at Kent St. | 14-0 lead in 2nd Q | W, 28-16 |
TURNOVER MARGIN TURNAROUND
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Through 11 games, Central Michigan has a +8 turnover margin, which ranks No. 1 in the MAC and No. 15 in FBS (19 turnovers gained/11 turnovers lost). The Chippewas also rank No. 18 nationally and No. 2 in the MAC in turnovers gained (19), and No. 27 nationally and No. 3 in the MAC in turnovers lost (11). 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 74 of its 283 points off turnovers and has outscored its opponents 74-34 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 11 games this season.
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On Nov. 19 at Kent State, CMU forced and recovered a fumble but threw an interception. On Nov. 12 vs. Buffalo, Central Michigan forced five turnovers (three fumble recoveries, two interceptions) and scored two defensive 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.
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 | 19/11 |
| +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 11 times in 11 games this season. It has surrendered just six turnovers in seven MAC games. Earlier in the season, 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 11 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. 10 nationally, No. 1 in the MAC, 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.
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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
| 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 TOLEDO WOULD…
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•Possibly give Central Michigan a chance to earn a MAC Championship Game berth. The Chippewas would need a win vs. Toledo and help.
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•Give Central Michigan an 8-4 regular season record. The eight 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 six wins in MAC play for the first time since 2021 when it won six games.
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•End Toledo's three-game win streak in the series.
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CENTRAL MICHIGAN-TOLEDO SERIES
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Central Michigan and Toledo meet for the 54th time since the series began on Oct. 13, 1928. The two schools have met each year for the last 51 consecutive years. Consider the following:
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•Toledo holds a 30-20-3 all-time advantage in the series. The Rockets have won four of the last six matchups dating back to 2019.
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•Central is 13-12-1 vs. Toledo in Mount Pleasant, though Toledo won the last matchup played at CMU, a 31-17 decision on Nov. 24, 2023.
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•Toledo has won each of the last three matchups vs. Central Michigan. The last Central won was on Oct. 1, 2022, in Mount Pleasant, a 26-23 overtime victory.
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CMU IN NATIONAL STATISTICS
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Through 11 games, Central Michigan is ranked among the nation's top 35 in 16 statistical categories.
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The Chippewas rank:
•  No. 9, fourth down conversion percentage (71.40).
•  No. 10, team passing efficiency (162.14).
•  No. 10, defensive touchdowns (3).
•  No. 12, passes had intercepted (5).
•  No. 13, fourth down conversion percentage defense (38.10).
•  No. 15, turnover margin (0.73).
•  No. 15, completion percentage (68.30).
•  No. 16, red zone defense (76.30).
•  No. 18, turnovers gained (19)
•  No. 19, passes intercepted (12).
•  No. 22, time of possession (32:03).
•  No. 25, fumbles recovered (7).
•  No. 26, sacks allowed (1.36).
•  No. 27, turnovers lost (11)
•  No. 27, passing yards per completion (12.88).
•  No. 32, team passing efficiency defense (119.01).
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In addition, four individuals were ranked among the nation's top 35 in several statistics:
•  Dakota Cochran, No. 9, fumbles recovered (2).
•  Michael Heldman, No. 10, sacks (0.86).
•  Cade Graham, No. 26, field goal percentage (86.7).
•  Jordan Kwiatkowski, No. 27, total tackles (8.7).
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Jordan Kwiatkowski Post-Game Interview at Kent State
Friday, November 21
Michael Heldman Post-Game Interview at Kent State
Thursday, November 20
Matt Drinkall Post-Game Interview at Kent State
Thursday, November 20
Players Football Insider - 11.18.25
Tuesday, November 18



































