News & Notes: Chippewas Play at Buffalo on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on ESPNU

Wednesday, November 18

Buffalo, N.Y./UB Stadium

7:30 p.m.

Central Michigan University

Buffalo

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Photo by: Katrina Shammami - @mediabykat

11/15/2026 3:53:00 PM | Football

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Postseason at stake as Central Michigan needs one more win in its last two games to reach bowl eligibility.

By: Greg Hotchkiss

GAME 11: CENTRAL MICHIGAN (5-5, 3-3 MAC) AT BUFFALO (7-3, 5-1 MAC)
QUEST FOR BOWL ELIGIBLITY
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 • 7:30 p.m. ET • Buffalo, N.Y. • Broadview Stadium (25,000)

MACTION WEDNESDAY MATCHUP

Television: ESPNU (Matt Schick, play-by-play; Ryan Cavanaugh, color analyst; Jeff Graham, producer)

Chippewa Sports Radio Network: Adam Jaksa, play-by-play; Brock Gutierrez, color analyst; spotter: Steve Powers; hosts: Nathan Arbaugh, Kyle Sandel.

Live Stats: visit https://cmuchippewas.com/sidearmstats/football/summary

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

Coaches: CMU- Matt Drinkall, 2nd year at CMU (12-11), 7th year overall (54-28), 23rd year in coaching. Buffalo- Pete Lembo, 3rd year at Buffalo (21-14), 18th year overall (133-79).

Series: Central Michigan and Buffalo meet for the 14th time. Central holds a 9-4 advantage in the series which began in 1999. The Chippewas have won two of the series' last three games, including a 38-19 win in Mount Pleasant on Nov. 12, 2025. In games played in Buffalo, CMU is 5-3, but the Bulls have claimed each of the last two matchups.

CENTRAL MICHIGAN GAME NOTES

BUFFALO, N.Y.– Central Michigan (5-5, 3-3 MAC) travels to Buffalo, N.Y. to take on Buffalo (7-3, 5-1 MAC) in its third MACtion game at UB's Broadview Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET for an ESPNU national broadcast.

With two games remaining, Central Michigan needs one victory to secure a postseason bowl berth for a second consecutive season under Head Coach Matt Drinkall. The last time Central Michigan made back-to-back bowl game appearances was in 2016 and 2017. The Chippewas close out the 2026 season by traveling to both Buffalo (Nov. 18) and Ball State (Nov. 28).

In MAC play, the Chippewas enter Wednesday night's contest with three wins (28-7 vs. Sacramento State, 35-7 vs. Eastern Michigan, and 41-17 vs. Akron) and three losses (31-14 at Ohio, 21-14 vs. Western Michigan, and 28-27 to Miami, Ohio). CMU's three MAC losses are to teams with a combined 14-4 MAC league record and comprise three of the league's top 5 teams in the standings.

Central Michigan plays its final two games without a large group of its starters out including Angel Flores, Xavier White, Langston Lewis, Korver Demma, James Reinbold, Hunter Zirkle, and Max VanFleet. The Chippewas have stepped up in a variety of positions and those players are thriving. Players have stepped up in key positions and have created a bit of a midseason renewal for the CMU program. Quarterback Jadyn Glasser has blossomed, along with runnng back Nick Woodford, who has emerged within an outstanding running back group.

Riding a two-game win streak for the second time this season, Central Michigan is playing outstanding football and has dominated each of its last two opponents. In the last two games, the Chippewas have outgained their opponents 421.0-194.0, outrushed them 277.0-91.0, finished with 25.0 first downs to 9.5, and have dominated time of possession by nearly 70 percent of the games.

Central Michigan is coming off a 28-7 win over Sacramento State last Wednesday night in its final home game. Two running backs rushed over 100 yards including Nick Woodford (119 yards) and Jayden Clerveaux (100 yards) as the Chippewas jumped out to a 14-7 halftime lead, then shut out the visiting Hornets in the second half. For the second straight game, CMU totaled over 400 yards of offense, outgaining Sac State 424-211 and rushed for 319 yards. Quarterback Jaydn Glasser was efficient, completing 11 of 19 passes for 105 yards. CMU's defense generated one turnover and limited the Hornets to 211 yards, 10 first downs, and only 108 rushing yards. CMU also converted 3-4 fourth downs.

Central Michigan registered a dominating 35-7 victory over Eastern Michigan at Ford Field in Detroit on Nov. 4. CMU dominated and led 35-0 before the Eagles finally scored with 10 seconds left. Central Michigan held advantages in total yardage (418-177), first downs (26-9), rushing yards (235-74), turnovers (1-0), and time of possession (40:56-19:04). All five CMU touchdown drives went 10 or more plays and 50 or more yards. The Chippewas also converted all five of their fourth down conversions and threw for 183 yards. Running back Nick Woodford was the star as he scored three rushing touchdowns of 11, 2, and 1 yard and finished with career-highs of 123 yards on 21 attempts. Quarterback Jadyn Glasser completed 14 of 19 passes for 175 yards and a touchdown. Glasser gave CMU a 7-0 when he found Nasir Williams for an 8-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. Woodford scored touchdowns on back-to-back possessions in the second quarter to give the Chippewas a 21-0 halftime lead. From there, the Chippewas coasted to the win. The victory snapped a three-game losing streak for the Chippewas.

Central Michigan concluded nonconference play with a 2-2 record for the fourth consecutive season.

With seven wins in 2025, Central Michigan advanced to a bowl game for the first time in four seasons (since the 2021 season). The Chippewas made their 16th all-time bowl game appearance at the GameAbove Sports Bowl against Northwestern at Ford Field in Detroit. With seven victories, the Chippewas won more games than they did in each of the previous three seasons (4 in 2022, 5 in 2023, and 4 in 2024). CMU's seven wins were its most since it went 9-4 in 2021. In all seven wins, Central Michigan limited its opponents to 20 points or less. CMU was 7-2 when leading at halftime, 6-3 when leading at the end of the first quarter, 6-2 when leading time of possession, and 4-1 in home games.

Ranked as one of the nation's top-40 winningest FBS programs of all time, Central Michigan placed 12 players on preseason 2026 National Football League rosters.

WEDNESDAY'S TOP STORYLINES

Central Michigan needs one more win to become bowl eligible for a second straight season under head coach Matt Drinkall. Two games remain: at Buffalo (Nov. 18) and at Ball State (Nov. 28).
The last time CMU appeared in back-to-back bowls was in 2016 and 2017.
Central Michigan enters the contest on a two-game win streak affter capturing back-to-back MAC games by an average of 24.5 points per game.
Central Michigan is attempting to win its first road game of the year.
Central Michigan is coming off a 2025 campaign in which it finished 7-6 overall, 5-3 in the MAC, and advanced to a bowl game for the first time in four years (since 2021).

DOMINANT LAST TWO GAMES

In each of CMU's last two wins over both Eastern Michigan and Sacramento State, the Chippewas have dominated their opponents, not only on the scoreboard, but in a variety of statistical categories. Here is a look at that edge:

Statistic	CMU-Opp.	Advantage
Scoring	63-14	+24.5 ppg.
Total Offense	842-388	+227.0 ypg.
Rushing Yards	554-182	+186.0 ypg.
First Downs	50-19	+15.5 pg
Turnovers Gained	2-1	+1
Time of Poss.	80:44-39:16	67%

BOWL ELIGIBILITY

With five wins, Central Michigan needs one more victory to become bowl eligible for a second consecutive season. The last time Central Michigan was bowl eligible in two straight seasons was in 2016 and 2017. The Chippewas actually appeared in four straight bowls from 2014-17. Those bowls included the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl (2014), Quick Lane Bowl (2015), Miami Beach Bowl (2016), and Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (2017).

Should CMU become bowl eligible, head coach Matt Drinkall would become the first coach to lead CMU to bowl eligibility in each of his first two seasons since John Bonemego in 2015 and 2016. Bonamego led CMU to three stright bowl appearances from 2015-17.

TOUGH SCHEDULE

Central Michigan's five losses are to teams who are a combined 37-13. Miami, Fla. is the No. 5/6 ranked team in America, New Mexico is the top team in the Mountain West and is ranked No. 23 and No. 25. Ohio, Miami (Ohio), and Western Michigan are three of top five teams in the MAC standings.

Rank	Opponent	W-L
No. 5/6	Miami, Fla.	9-1
No. 23/25	New Mexico	8-2
	Ohio	5-1 MAC, 7-3
	Western Michigan	5-1 MAC, 7-3
	Miami (Ohio)	4-2 MAC, 6-4

WINNING TRENDS

Over the first two seasons under coach Matt Drinkall (2025 and 2026), Central Michigan has won 12 of its 23 games. Here are some statistical trends during that time:

In all 12 wins, Central Michigan has held all of its opponents under 20 points.
In 11 of the 12 wins, Central Michigan jumped out to early first half leads. The Chippewas have registered one come-from-behind victory as they rallied from a 10-0 halftime deficit vs. Colgate (Sept. 12, 2026).
In 11 of the 12 wins, Central Michigan outrushed its opponent.
In all 12 wins, Central Michigan won the turnover battle or was at least even with its opponent. It has not won a game where it lost the turnover battle.
When leading at halftime, Central Michigan is 11-2 under Drinkall.

SERIES VS. BUFFALO

Central Michigan and Buffalo meet for the 14th time in series history. CMU plays at Buffalo for the first time since Oct. 7, 2023. For the second straight season, the two schools meet in a crucial late-season football game. Last year, Central Michigan forced five Buffalo turnovers, scored two defensive touchdowns, and defeated the Bulls 38-19 in Mount Pleasant. Here are some facts surrounding CMU's Buffalo series:

Give Central Michigan a 5-5 overall record and 3-3 MAC record after 10 overall games.
Central Michigan holds a 9-4 advantage in the series which began in 1999.
The Chippewas have won two of the series' last three games, including a 38-19 win in Mount Pleasant on Nov. 12, 2025.
In games played in Buffalo, CMU is 5-3, but the Bulls have claimed each of the last two matchups.
Buffalo has won each of the last two matchups played in Buffalo: 43-20 on Oct. 26, 2019 and 37-13 on Oct. 7, 2023. The last time CMU won a game at Buffalo was on Oct. 25, 2014, a 20-14 at UB Stadium.

A WIN OVER BUFFALO WOULD…

Give Central Michigan a 6-5 overall record and 4-3 MAC record following 11 overall games and heading into its season finale at Ball State (Nov. 28).
Give Central Michigan bowl eligibility for a second consecutive season.
Give Central Michigan its third consecutive victory. The last time Central Michigan won three straight was in 2021 when it closed out the year with five consecutive wins.
Give Central Michigan six or more wins for the second consecutive season under Matt Drinkall. The last time CMU registered back-to-back six-win regular seasons was in 2016 and 2017. It won six or more games six straight seasons from 2013-17.
Snap a two-game losing streak to Buffalo in games played in Buffalo. The last time CMU won at Buffalo was on Oct. 25, 2014.

FOURTH DOWN SCHOOL RECORD

Central Michigan has converted a school record 21 of its 30 fourth down attempts for a 70 percent efficiency. The Chippewas set the season record for most fourth down conversions in a season when it converted 3-4 vs. Sacramento State and now has 21 conversions on the year with two games to play. It currently has tied the record with a 70 percent efficiency rate.

CMU is also approaching the season record for most fourth down attempts, which is 34 set in 2022. The Chippewas currently have 30 attempts.

Here is where the 2026 season currently ranks among all-time best CMU seasons:

MOST FOURTH DOWN CONVERSIONS-SEASON

No.	Conversions-Attempts	Year
21	21-30 (70%)	2026
18	18-34 (53%)	2022
17	17-29 (58%)	2021
17	17-30 (57%)	2019
16	16-23 (70%)	2023
16	16-27 (59%)	2010
15	15-26 (58%)	2025
15	15-26 (58%)	2014

FOURTH DOWN PERCENTAGE

Pct.	Conversions-Attempts	Year
70%	21-30	2026
70%	16-23	2023
69%	9-13	1998
62%	10-16	2015
59%	17-29	2021
59%	16-27	2010

CMU AMONG WINNINGEST G5 TEAMS

Central Michigan currently ranks No. 7 nationally among the winningest Group of Five teams in the all-time wins rankings category (source: CFB Home). Here is where CMU currently ranks on the list:

Rk.	Team (2026 W-L)	Wins
1.	Navy (3-6)	762 wins
2.	Army (5-4)	750 wins
3.	Miami (Ohio) (6-4)	746 wins
4.	Delaware (5-5)	744 wins
5.	Appalachian State (6-4)	681 wins
6.	Fresno State (5-5)	665 wins
7.	Central Michigan (5-5)	663 wins
	Louisiana Tech (8-2)	663 wins
9.	Tulsa (6-4)	661 wins
10.	Marshall (5-5)	648 wins
11.	Jacksonville State (7-3)	638 wins
12.	Western Kentucky (4-6)	636 wins

CMU IN NATIONAL STATISTICS

Through 10 games, Central Michigan is ranked among the nation's top 35 in 12 statistical categories:

No. 9 in passing yards allowed (164.7)
No. 12 in fourth down conversions (70.0).
No. 18 in passes intercepted (10)
No. 25 in team passing efficiency defense (117.80).
No. 26 in kickoff returns (24.33).
No. 27 in turnovers gained (15).
No. 28 in kickoff return defense (17.38).
No. 28 in rushing offense (190.8)
No. 30 in red zone offense (90.00).
No. 32 in time of possession (31:30)
No. 33 in passes had intercepted (5).
No. 34 in total defense (325.8).

In addition, several individuals were ranked among the nation's top 35 in two statistical categories:

Justin Taylor, No. 8 in interceptions (4).
Justin Taylor, No. 9 in interceptions per game (0.40).

SACRAMENTO STATE POST GAME NOTES

The Central Michigan Win

Improves the Chippewas to 5-5 overall and 3-3 in the MAC after 10 games.
Puts Central Michigan in position to earn a postseason bowl berth as it would need just one more victory to get to six overall wins. CMU plays at Buffalo (Nov. 18) and at Ball State (Nov. 28).
Give Central Michigan a second consecutive victory for the second time this season. The Chippewas defeated both Colgate (Sept. 12) and Wyoming (Sept. 19) in back-to-back games earlier this year.
Concludes Central Michigan's season with a 4-2 record in six home games.
Gives Central Michigan its first-ever victory over Sacramento State.

Team Notes

Central Michigan improved to 11-2 when leading at halftime under head coach Matt Drinkall.
Central Michigan won its 12th game under head coach Matt Drinkall when holding an opponent to 20 points or less.
For the second consecutive game, Central Michigan scored on its first offensive drive.
Central Michigan set a school record for most fourth down conversions in a season. It went 3-4 tonight and now has 21 fourth down conversions on the season. It needed just one to set the record of 18 set in 2022.
Central Michigan had a 97-yard scoring drive, its longest in terms of yards this season. It ties for the ninth longest scoring drive in school history.
For the third time this season, Central Michigan rushed for over 300 yards. It finished with 319 yards and four rushing touchdowns on 56 carries.
For the second straight game, Central Michigan rushed for four touchdowns.
Central Michigan outgained Sacramento State 424-211 in total yardage, 24-10 in first downs, outrushed the Hornets 319-108 and finished with 39:48 to 20:12 in time of possession.
Central Michigan registered back-to-back 400-yard games of total offense.
Central Michigan's time of possession of 39:48 ranked as the No. 6 all-time among top in school history.
Central Michigan turned the ball over on a fumble in the third quarter. It was the Chippewas' first turnover in two and a half games and 10 quarters.
Two CMU running backs rushed for over 100 yards on the night (Nick Woodford, 119 yards, Jayden Clerveaux 100 yards). The last time two players rushed for over 100 yards in the same game was vs. Eastern on Sept. 27, 2025 when Angel Flores (134 yards) and Nahree Biggins (113 yards) achieved the feat. The last time two running backs rushed for over 100 yards in the same game was on Nov. 27, 2020 vs. Eastern Michigan when Lew Nichols (29-195) and Kobe Lewis (18-106) achieved that feat.
Central Michigan shutout Sacramento State 14-0 in the second half. That feat marks the second time the Chippewas have shutout an opponent in the second half this season (Ohio, 14-0 in October).

Player Notes

Quarterback Jadyn Glasser completed 11 of 19 passes for 105 yards with a long pass of 52 yards to Nasir Williams. Glasser made his third consecutive and third start of the season. Glasser, who finished with six carries for a career-high 33 yards, rushed for the longest gain of his career, a 27-yard scamper in the third quarter.
With a game-high 119 yards rushing on a career-high 23 carries, running back Nick Woodford led CMU in rushing for the second straight game. The last time a CMU player finished with back-to-back 100-yard rushing games was Angel Flores earlier this year (122 vs. Colgate, 163 vs. Wyoming). The last time a CMU running back notched back-to-back 100-yard rushing games was Marion Lukes in 2024. Woodford also led the Chippewas with 119 all-purpose yards.
Running back Jayden Clerveaux finished with a career-high 100 yards rushing on a career-high 19 carries and one touchdown. He scored his third rushing touchdown of the season on a 27-yard scamper in the first quarter. He also caught one pass for one yard and had a career-high 101 all-purpose yards.
Running back Vaughn Blue scored his third rushing touchdown of the year on an eight-yard run right before halftime. He rushed three times for nine yards. Blue caught a career-high four passes for 19 yards.
Running back Brock Townsend tied a career-high with two rushing touchdowns of 40 and six yards. He scored his third and fourth rushing touchdown of the season. It marked his 11th and 12th career touchdowns. Townsend finished with 58 yards rushing on five carries (11.6 average). Townsend also registered 83 all-purpose yards (58 rushing yards, 25 kickoff returns).
Wide receiver Nasir Williams tied a career-high with 57 receiving yards and three receptions. He caught the longest reception of his career, 52 yards in the second quarter from Jadyn Glasser.
Defensive back Justin Taylor intercepted a team-leading fourth pass of the year in the first quarter for a two-yard return. He finished with two tackles.
Defensive back Jaion Jackson made five tackles (three solo), 1.0 sack, 1.0 tackle for loss, and one pass breakup.
Linebacker Antonio Cherry, Jr. finished with a career-high two quarterback hurries.
Punter Declan Duley punted twice and placed two inside the 20-yard line.

Miscellaneous

The game marked the first-ever football game between Sacramento State and Central Michigan.
Central Michigan wore maroon jerseys and gold pants.

Game Captains and Coin Toss

Central Michigan won the coin toss and elected to receive elected to kickoff.
Representing Central Michigan at the coin toss was Darrell Bryant, Jr., Ed Conoran, Jaion Jackson, and Martin Koivisto.