Central Michigan University Athletics
CMU quarterback Angel Flores crosses the goal line on Saturday in the Chippewas' 41-17 win over Akron. Flores ran for 154 yards on 18 carries to spark the Chippewas.
Photo by: Brayden Gallagher
Football Notebook: Defense Delivers Early, Flores Shines in Dominant Win Over Akron
10/4/2026 10:15:00 AM | Football
Chippewa defense makes 3 interceptions, 3 sacks as CMU takes MAC opener
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Takes two to tango. Takes two to win a football game, too.
While offense generally generates the highlights and receives the fan adoration, the defense is every bit as critical -- and maybe more -- in the grand scheme.
That importance was never more evident than on Saturday in Central Michigan's 41-17 homecoming victory over Akron at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
CMU's offense sputtered early, with just 10 net rushing yards rushing and one first down in the first quarter.
The Chippewa defense, however, stood tall, holding the Zips in check until the offense came alive in the second quarter.
"The defense just came through over and over," CMU coach Matt Drinkall said. "They really initiated the attack sequence where it just felt like from the jump our defense put them back on their heels and were able to create some negative yardage plays, block a field goal, create some turnovers the whole day."
CMU's Jaxon Cherry made a sack on Akron's first play from scrimmage, the Chippewas blocked a first-quarter field goal attempt to keep the game scoreless, and CMU recorded three interceptions and three sacks.
Cherry, a junior defensive tackle, was presented the game ball by the team captains in the locker room after the game.
"The defensive line seems like they were just dominating," Drinkall said.
Two Picks
Justin Taylor and Coen Ali had the CMU interceptions.
Turnover Margin
The Chippewas did not commit a turnover in the game and they are now minus-1 in turnover margin on the season.
Rare Situation
The Chippewas forced Akron to punt in a very rare situation, fourth-and-goal.
The Zips, on their second possession of the game, gained a first down at the CMU 9-yard line.
CMU stuffed a first-down run for no gain, and then, on second down, Cherry and Xavier White teamed up for a sack, resulting in a 14-yard loss. Akron was assessed a unnecessary roughness penalty on the play, tacking on 15 yards to the play and putting the Zips back at their own 38.
A third-down pass attempt fell incomplete, and the Zips elected to punt from their own 38, on fourth-and-goal. The punt went for a touchback.
Flores Shines Again
CMU quarterback Angel Flores finished with 154 yards rushing and a touchdown, a 55-yard run that tied the game, 7-7, early in the second quarter and served to swing momentum – permanently – in the Chippewas' favor.
It was Flores' third 100-yard rushing game of the season, and it raised his season rushing total to 474 yards (5.9 yard per carry). He has scored four rushing touchdowns.
Flores, a senior who came to CMU before the 2025 season, went over 1,000 yards rushing for his career. He now has 1,001 and ranks second in program history for career rushing yards by a quarterback behind Dan LeFevour, who ran for 2,948 from 2005-09.
Flores has 12 rushing TDs, which ties for seventh in program history by a quarterback. He shares that spot with Marcelle Carruthers (1984-87) and Bert Emmanuel, Jr. (2022-24). LeFevour tops the chart with 47.
Flores' 55-yard scoring run against the Zips on Saturday ranks as the 10th longest run by a quarterback in program history.
His 163-yard rushing performance in a 24-10 win over Wyoming earlier this season ranks as the third highest total by a quarterback in program history, and his 154 yards effort vs. the Zips is fourth.
Fourth-down success
Flores' TD run came on fourth-and-1, marking the eighth consecutive time CMU has converted on fourth down this season and the fourth time the Chippewas have scored on fourth down.
They converted both of their fourth-down tries against Akron and are 10 for 11 in such situations this season (90.9 percent) and rank in the top 10 nationally in that category.
Potent Offense
The 41 points marked a high for the Chippewas this season, and the most they have scored against a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent under second-year coach Matt Drinkall.
The previous high was 38 and the Chippewas reached that number twice in 2025 (a 38-13 win over UMass and a 38-19 victory over Buffalo).
CMU scored 49 in a victory over Football Championship Subdivision opponent Wagner last season.
First TD Pass
Flores connected with Shawn Foster for a 48-yard touchdown pass play in the second quarter to put the Chippewas up, 14-7.
It was CMU's first TD pass of the season. Jaydn Glasser connected with Langston Lewis for a 71-yard touchdown pass play in the fourth quarter, extending the Chippewas' lead to 41-10.
The Chippewas finished with a season-high 149 yards through the air en route to 481 yards from scrimmage, also a season high.
"Our (receivers) room, we're willing to do whatever it takes to win the football game, but to finally get (a touchdown pass), it does mean a lot," said Foster, who last scored a touchdown in 2023 as a freshman at NCAA Division III Hope College. He played at Michigan State in 2024-25.
Run Based
The relatively modest success of the pass game, which is critical to the offense's overall ability to control the game, notwithstanding, the Chippewas' bread and butter remains the run game.
CMU finished with 337 yards on the ground against the Zips, its second highest total of the season behind the 339 it rolled up in the victory over Wyoming.
Jayden Clerveaux finished with 82 yards on 12 carries, while Nick Woodford had 42 on just five. The Chippewas averaged 7.4 yards per carry, and Clerveaux and Woodford were two of the six Chippewas who scored TDs in the game.
On both of their TD runs – Clerveaux's covered 23 yards, Woodford's 27 – they hit the line, cut to the outside, and then broke tackles en route to the goal line.
"That's our identity," Clerveaux said. "You know, we're tough, physical, relentless. Like, we're going to give you everything start to the end."
Clerveaux was one of six Chippewas to carry the ball in the game. CMU had just 10 rushing yards after the first quarter; it had more than 300 entering the fourth.
"They're all getting touches as well as me," Clerveaux said. "And that wears the defense out, having multiple backs that are all physical, that are all downhill runners. It builds on the run game and our identity of being relentless, tough.
"We're going to outwork you every single play. You might know the play, but we're still going to run the play and dominate you, essentially."
A Legend Speaks
Coaches are infamous for pointing out areas where improvement is necessary, even when their team wins in blowout fashion.
Drinkall is no exception. He pointed in his postgame press conference to a speech legendary CMU coach Herb Deromedi made to his troops earlier this season.
"Coach Deromedi came and spoke to our team," Drinkall said, "and he said a good thing that we talk about all the time: 'As good as you are, you can always be better.'
"He just said it very matter-of-factly, and it's just like, yeah, even as great as today went or the offense looked, and that's great, we've got to get on the tape tomorrow and find a way to get better."
Homecoming crowd
The announced attendance for Saturday's game was 20,102 and Mother Nature delivered a picture-perfect day for football: sunny skies and temperatures in the low 60s.
Drinkall and the players, one and all, took note of the crowd.
"The fans definitely bring it for sure," defensive end JJ Douglas said. "I'm not sure how many we had today, but it sounded like a whole lot. I love the screaming, the fans yelling 'Fire Up Chips' and the (public address) 'move them chains' and everything -- the cannon going off (after a CMU score).
"I just love it. And it's not just Mount Pleasant, it's like people from all over, families coming to town for the game, people from Alma, from Clare, or wherever. It's like they're our family. I just really appreciate all that they do for us."
Homecoming Success
Saturday's game marked CMU's 100th homecoming game. The Chippewas are 63-35-2 in such games with victories in five of their last seven. They are 3-0 vs. Akron on homecoming.
Series vs. Akron
The Chippewas extended their advantage in the series with Akron to 20-11-1 and avenged a bitter 28-22 loss at Akron last season.
Against the Zips, CMU has won 11 of its last 13 and is 12-4 with five consecutive wins at home.
Next
The Chippewas go to Ohio for a MAC game on Saturday, Oct. 10 (3:30 p.m.). The Bobcats have won 15 consecutive home games.
Ohio opened MAC play with a 13-10 win at Kent State on Saturday and is 3-2 overall.
The Chippewas are 27-7-2 all time against the Bobcats, but has lost the last two meetings, 27-25 at home in 2024, and 34-20 in 2023 in Athens. Prior to that, CMU had defeated Ohio six consecutive times.
While offense generally generates the highlights and receives the fan adoration, the defense is every bit as critical -- and maybe more -- in the grand scheme.
That importance was never more evident than on Saturday in Central Michigan's 41-17 homecoming victory over Akron at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
CMU's offense sputtered early, with just 10 net rushing yards rushing and one first down in the first quarter.
The Chippewa defense, however, stood tall, holding the Zips in check until the offense came alive in the second quarter.
"The defense just came through over and over," CMU coach Matt Drinkall said. "They really initiated the attack sequence where it just felt like from the jump our defense put them back on their heels and were able to create some negative yardage plays, block a field goal, create some turnovers the whole day."
CMU's Jaxon Cherry made a sack on Akron's first play from scrimmage, the Chippewas blocked a first-quarter field goal attempt to keep the game scoreless, and CMU recorded three interceptions and three sacks.
Cherry, a junior defensive tackle, was presented the game ball by the team captains in the locker room after the game.
"The defensive line seems like they were just dominating," Drinkall said.
Two Picks
Justin Taylor and Coen Ali had the CMU interceptions.
Turnover Margin
The Chippewas did not commit a turnover in the game and they are now minus-1 in turnover margin on the season.
Rare Situation
The Chippewas forced Akron to punt in a very rare situation, fourth-and-goal.
The Zips, on their second possession of the game, gained a first down at the CMU 9-yard line.
CMU stuffed a first-down run for no gain, and then, on second down, Cherry and Xavier White teamed up for a sack, resulting in a 14-yard loss. Akron was assessed a unnecessary roughness penalty on the play, tacking on 15 yards to the play and putting the Zips back at their own 38.
A third-down pass attempt fell incomplete, and the Zips elected to punt from their own 38, on fourth-and-goal. The punt went for a touchback.
Flores Shines Again
CMU quarterback Angel Flores finished with 154 yards rushing and a touchdown, a 55-yard run that tied the game, 7-7, early in the second quarter and served to swing momentum – permanently – in the Chippewas' favor.
It was Flores' third 100-yard rushing game of the season, and it raised his season rushing total to 474 yards (5.9 yard per carry). He has scored four rushing touchdowns.
Flores, a senior who came to CMU before the 2025 season, went over 1,000 yards rushing for his career. He now has 1,001 and ranks second in program history for career rushing yards by a quarterback behind Dan LeFevour, who ran for 2,948 from 2005-09.
Flores has 12 rushing TDs, which ties for seventh in program history by a quarterback. He shares that spot with Marcelle Carruthers (1984-87) and Bert Emmanuel, Jr. (2022-24). LeFevour tops the chart with 47.
Flores' 55-yard scoring run against the Zips on Saturday ranks as the 10th longest run by a quarterback in program history.
His 163-yard rushing performance in a 24-10 win over Wyoming earlier this season ranks as the third highest total by a quarterback in program history, and his 154 yards effort vs. the Zips is fourth.
Fourth-down success
Flores' TD run came on fourth-and-1, marking the eighth consecutive time CMU has converted on fourth down this season and the fourth time the Chippewas have scored on fourth down.
They converted both of their fourth-down tries against Akron and are 10 for 11 in such situations this season (90.9 percent) and rank in the top 10 nationally in that category.
Potent Offense
The 41 points marked a high for the Chippewas this season, and the most they have scored against a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent under second-year coach Matt Drinkall.
The previous high was 38 and the Chippewas reached that number twice in 2025 (a 38-13 win over UMass and a 38-19 victory over Buffalo).
CMU scored 49 in a victory over Football Championship Subdivision opponent Wagner last season.
First TD Pass
Flores connected with Shawn Foster for a 48-yard touchdown pass play in the second quarter to put the Chippewas up, 14-7.
It was CMU's first TD pass of the season. Jaydn Glasser connected with Langston Lewis for a 71-yard touchdown pass play in the fourth quarter, extending the Chippewas' lead to 41-10.
The Chippewas finished with a season-high 149 yards through the air en route to 481 yards from scrimmage, also a season high.
"Our (receivers) room, we're willing to do whatever it takes to win the football game, but to finally get (a touchdown pass), it does mean a lot," said Foster, who last scored a touchdown in 2023 as a freshman at NCAA Division III Hope College. He played at Michigan State in 2024-25.
Run Based
The relatively modest success of the pass game, which is critical to the offense's overall ability to control the game, notwithstanding, the Chippewas' bread and butter remains the run game.
CMU finished with 337 yards on the ground against the Zips, its second highest total of the season behind the 339 it rolled up in the victory over Wyoming.
Jayden Clerveaux finished with 82 yards on 12 carries, while Nick Woodford had 42 on just five. The Chippewas averaged 7.4 yards per carry, and Clerveaux and Woodford were two of the six Chippewas who scored TDs in the game.
On both of their TD runs – Clerveaux's covered 23 yards, Woodford's 27 – they hit the line, cut to the outside, and then broke tackles en route to the goal line.
"That's our identity," Clerveaux said. "You know, we're tough, physical, relentless. Like, we're going to give you everything start to the end."
Clerveaux was one of six Chippewas to carry the ball in the game. CMU had just 10 rushing yards after the first quarter; it had more than 300 entering the fourth.
"They're all getting touches as well as me," Clerveaux said. "And that wears the defense out, having multiple backs that are all physical, that are all downhill runners. It builds on the run game and our identity of being relentless, tough.
"We're going to outwork you every single play. You might know the play, but we're still going to run the play and dominate you, essentially."
A Legend Speaks
Coaches are infamous for pointing out areas where improvement is necessary, even when their team wins in blowout fashion.
Drinkall is no exception. He pointed in his postgame press conference to a speech legendary CMU coach Herb Deromedi made to his troops earlier this season.
"Coach Deromedi came and spoke to our team," Drinkall said, "and he said a good thing that we talk about all the time: 'As good as you are, you can always be better.'
"He just said it very matter-of-factly, and it's just like, yeah, even as great as today went or the offense looked, and that's great, we've got to get on the tape tomorrow and find a way to get better."
Homecoming crowd
The announced attendance for Saturday's game was 20,102 and Mother Nature delivered a picture-perfect day for football: sunny skies and temperatures in the low 60s.
Drinkall and the players, one and all, took note of the crowd.
"The fans definitely bring it for sure," defensive end JJ Douglas said. "I'm not sure how many we had today, but it sounded like a whole lot. I love the screaming, the fans yelling 'Fire Up Chips' and the (public address) 'move them chains' and everything -- the cannon going off (after a CMU score).
"I just love it. And it's not just Mount Pleasant, it's like people from all over, families coming to town for the game, people from Alma, from Clare, or wherever. It's like they're our family. I just really appreciate all that they do for us."
Homecoming Success
Saturday's game marked CMU's 100th homecoming game. The Chippewas are 63-35-2 in such games with victories in five of their last seven. They are 3-0 vs. Akron on homecoming.
Series vs. Akron
The Chippewas extended their advantage in the series with Akron to 20-11-1 and avenged a bitter 28-22 loss at Akron last season.
Against the Zips, CMU has won 11 of its last 13 and is 12-4 with five consecutive wins at home.
Next
The Chippewas go to Ohio for a MAC game on Saturday, Oct. 10 (3:30 p.m.). The Bobcats have won 15 consecutive home games.
Ohio opened MAC play with a 13-10 win at Kent State on Saturday and is 3-2 overall.
The Chippewas are 27-7-2 all time against the Bobcats, but has lost the last two meetings, 27-25 at home in 2024, and 34-20 in 2023 in Athens. Prior to that, CMU had defeated Ohio six consecutive times.
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