WEEK 14 GAME SCHEDULE
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Toledo Rockets vs Akron Zips 7p.m. EST
TOLEDO-AKRON SERIES
Toledo leads the series with Akron, 13-9. Toledo won the last game, 49-14, in the regular-season finale at the Glass Bowl in 2021. The two teams met twice in 2017, with Toledo winning both times, a 48- 21 triumph in Toledo and 45-28 win in the MAC Championship Game. Toledo and Akron rarely played from 1997-2023 as they were in opposite divisions, having met just eight times in the last 27 seasons. Toledo leads the series, 11-3, since Akron joined the MAC in 1992.
Toledo Rockets Notes
Toledo enters its final game of the regular season at Akron on Tuesday, Nov. 26 (7:00 p.m./ESPN2) with a chance to win its eighth game and enhance its resume for a bowl game. The Rockets, who have a 15-year bowl eligibility streak, have played in the post-season seven times under Head Coach Jason Candle, including in each of the last three seasons. Toledo (7-4, 4-3 MAC) is coming off a 24-7 loss to Ohio that knocked it out of contention for its third straight trip to the MAC Championship Game. The Rockets led the Bobcats 7-0 at halftime but Ohio scored 24 points in the second half to claim the victory. Junior quarterback Tucker Gleason finished 9-of-17 for 136 yards and a touchdown, completing a score to Anthony Torres. Junior running back Willie Shaw returned to the backfield and led Toledo with 30 yards on six carries. Senior Jerjuan Newton finished with four catches for a team-high 45 yards. Defensively, senior Maxen Hook recorded a career-high 16 tackles and added a goal-line interception. Senior Daniel Bolden added eight tackles and led Toledo with 1.5 tackles for loss on the evening. Akron (3-8, 2-5 MAC) is coming off a 38-17 win at rival Kent State on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Despite their record, the Zips have played several close games against some of the top tier schools in the MAC. They lost by 11 points or fewer to Bowling Green (27-20), Western Michigan (34-24) and Buffalo (41-30).
Rocket Launches
• Toledo leads the series with Akron, 13-9. Toledo won the last meeting, 49-14, in the regular-season finale at the Glass Bowl in 2021. The two teams met twice in 2017, with Toledo winning both times, a 48-21 triumph in Toledo and 45-28 win in the MAC Championship Game. • Toledo and Akron rarely played from 1997-2023 as they were in opposite divisions, having met just eight times in the last 27 seasons. Toledo leads the series, 11-3, since Akron joined the MAC in 1992. • Toledo’s win over CMU on Nov. 12 clinched its 15th consecutive season without a losing record, the fifth-longest streak in the FBS. • Jason Candle (72-39) needs one win to tie Gary Pinkel (73-37-3 from 1991-2000) as Toledo’s all-time leader. • Toledo is second in the MAC in passing offense (242.3) and passing efficiency (141.52). • Toledo leads the MAC in punt return average (13.9) and is second in kickoff return average (24.8). • Toledo has four seniors who have been invited to post-season all-star games: – Senior Bowl: DL Darius Alexander, S Maxen Hook – Hula Bowl: WR Jerjuan Newton, TE Anthony Torres – East-West Shrine Game: DL Darius Alexander, S Maxen Hook
ROCKET UPDATE
• Toledo is 7-4, 4-3 MAC coming off a 24-7 loss to Ohio on Nov 20. • The loss to Ohio knocked Toledo out of contention for its third straight trip to the MAC Championship Game. • Toledo led at halftime 7-0 but failed to score in the second half. • Tucker Gleason finished 9-of-17 for 136 yards and a touchdown, completing a score to Anthony Torres. •Junior running back Willie Shaw returned to the lineup and led Toledo with 30 yards on six carries. • Defensively, senior Maxen Hook recorded a career-high 16 tackles and added a goal-line interception. • Despite the loss, Toledo is bowl-eligible for the 15th- consecutive season, the eighth-longest streak in the nation and second-longest among G5 schools behind Boise State (27 years).
LAST TIME VS. AKRON
Toledo sent its seniors out in style with a dominating 49-14 victory over Akron at the Glass Bowl in its final regular season game in 2021. Redshirt freshman Dequan Finn threw for 257 yards and four touchdowns in the victory, with junior Bryant Koback pacing the Rockets on the ground with 135 yards and two touchdowns.
ROCKETS CONTINUE BOWL ELIGIBILITY STREAK IN 2024
With its win over Eastern Michigan on Nov. 2, Toledo became bowl eligible for the 15th consecutive season, the eighth-longest streak in the FBS and the second-longest among “Group of Five” schools
Akron Zips Notes
SCOUTING TOLEDO
Toledo currently sits 7-4 overall and 4-3 in MAC play. The Rockets average 27.82 points per game on 357.5 total yards of offense per game. The Rockets attack averages 242.27 yards through the air and 115.3 yards on the ground. Defensively, opponents average 21.36 points on 354.7 yards per game, allowing 242.27 yards in the air and 141.5 on the ground. QB Tucker Gleason leads the offense, completing 176 of 291 attempts with seven INT’s for 2,168 yards (216.8 avg) and 20 touchdowns. Connor Walendzak and Tucker provide the bulk of the work on the ground, averaging 3.6 and 3.5 yards per carry, respectively. Walendzak carried the ball 103 times for 388 yards (33.64 yds/g) with one TD, while Tucker scored six touchdowns on 387 yards (27.10/g) with 77 attempts. Jerjuan Newton leads the receiving corps with 868 yards on 56 catches and 10 TDs (78.91 yds/g and 15.50 yards/reception), followed by Junior Vandeross III (62-279 yds-61.73 yds/g-4 TDs). Defensively, UT generated 79.0 tackles for loss of 268 yards with 26 sacks (156 yds). Maxen Hook paces the defense with 103 tackles and 1.0 TFL for three yards. Daniel Bolden follows with 83 tackles and a team-high 7.0 TFL for 19 yards. Anthony Dunn, Jr. is tied in the TFL category with seven (45 yards) and leads the squad in sacks with 4.0 for 40 yards of loss.
ZIP TIDBITS
• Simmons and Kellom all rushed for over 100 yards for the Zips. • Akron outgained Kent State 527-281, including a 277-52 advantage on the ground. • Akron had their highest scoring quarter in the third period, when they put up 15 points. • Akron converted 8 of 15 third downs while Kent State was successful on 1 of 11. • Smith knocked through three field goals for the Zips with a long of 43 yards. • Akron won the time of possession battle 36:32 to 23:28. • The Zips have had a player record 10 or more tackles in nine games this season. • The Zips recorded their first blocked punt and blocked punt for a touchdown since doing both against Bowling Green at home on Dec. 12, 2020. • McCoy has recorded 10 or more tackles in a game five times this season. • Akron converted 6 of 18 third downs while Northern Illinois was successful on 2 of 12. • The Zips had two players with eight or more tackles. McCoy led the way with 11 and Lewis III had eight. • The Zips had three players with more than eight tackles in the ballgame led by McCoy, who had 11. • Redshirt junior Ben Finley matched his career high of four touchdowns. • Sophomore Adrian Norton hauled in six catches for 98 yards and two scores while junior Ahmarian Granger recorded five receptions for 95 yards and one touchdown. • Freshman Kyan Mason recorded his first career touchdown on his first career reception on a 28-yard strike from Finley. • Akron tallied 23 points in the fourth quarter, accounting for 76.7% of their total score. • Akron converted 6 of 14 third downs while Buffalo was successful on 3 of 13. • Nathan Kapongo is fifth in the NCAA for fumbles recovered (2) • Ben Finley is 40th in the NCAA for passing yards (1,955) • Finley is 55th in the NCAA for passing touchdowns (12) • Avery Book is 21st in the NCAA in punting (44.7) • Adrian Norton is 21st in the NCAA for receiving touchdowns (6) Norton is 31st in the NCAA for receiving yards (667) • Bryan McCoy is 14th in the NCAA in tackles per game (9.4) • The Zips are 6th in the MAC for Fumbles Forced (4) • The Zips are tied for 4th in the MAC for Fumbles Recovered (5) • Akron is 4th in the MAC for recovered fumbles (5) • Jordan Simmons is 13th in the MAC with 318 total rushing yards and • Simmons is 14th in the MAC with 45.4 yards per game • Jordan Simmons is tied for first for the longest rush in the MAC with a 73 yard run • Ben Finley is 7th for completion percentage (60.6) in the MAC • Finley is 4th in the MAC for total completions with 134 • Finley is 5th in the MAC for total passing yards with 1,456 • Finley is 6th in the MAC for passing yards per game with 208.0 • Finley is 8th in the MAC for passing TDs with seven • Adrian Norton is 8th in the MAC for receiving TDs with three • Norton is 4th in the MAC for total receiving yards with 541 • Norton is 3rd in the MAC for Yards per catch with 19.3 • Norton is 4th in the MAC for Average Yards per game with 77.3 • Norton is tied for 10th in the MAC for receptions with 28 • Bobby Golden is 19th in the MAC for total receiving yards with 277 • Golden is 20th in the MAC for receiving TDs with one • Golden is 6th in the MAC for Yards per catch with 15.4 • Golden is 20th in the MAC for Yards per game with 39.6 • Golden is tied for 23rd in the MAC for receptions with 18 • Avery Book is 1st punts of 50 or more yards (18) and average punt yards per game (45.6) • Book is 2nd in the MAC for punting yards (1823) and 4th in punts inside the 20 (12) • Book is 3rd in the MAC for longest punt (61 yards) • The Zips recorded a season-high 75 tackles at South Carolina. • Senior Antavious Fish and junior Bryan McCoy led the defense with 16 combined tackles with eight each at South Carolina. • Three players (D. Lewis 12, McCoy (9), Paul Lewis III (9) had at least nine tackles against Colgate • Akron recorded 416 yards on offense while holding Colgate to 243. • Golden set a career-high for longest reception with a 56-yard catch for a TD from Finley. • Golden’s 56-yard reception was the longest since Alex Adams had a 54-yard and 61-yard reception against Eastern Michigan on November 8, 2022. • Akron featured a pair of 100-yard receivers as Norton (125) and Golden (119) both hauled in over 100 yards. The pair were the first Zips to both have a 100-yard game since November 1, 2023, when the Zips defeated Kent State for the Wagon Wheel. • Jordon Simmons recorded the TD longest run from scrimmage (73 yds) since 2015 • Jordon Simmons collected 109 yards rushing, averaging 12.1 yards per carry • Daymon David INT marked the Zips first takeaway and appearance of the turnover tire in 2024 • Adrain Norton scored the Zips first TD in 2024 32 yd pass from Ben Finley • McCoy (11) and Fish (10) combined for 21 tackles vs Rutgers •Garrison Smith converted on two field goals of 48 and 49 yards, marking longest since 2015 for Akron (Robert Stein, 50 yards (11-14-15)
THE LAST TIMEOUT
The Akron Football team claimed the Wagon Wheel for the second straight season after defeating rival Kent State 38-17 at Dix Stadium Tuesday evening. Akron’s rushing attack helped the Zips roll past the Golden Flashes with 277 yards gained on the ground. Redshirt junior Jordon Simmons led the ground game with 113 yards and 10.3 per carry. Redshirt sophomore Charles Kellom also cracked the century mark with 104 yards rushing and one touchdown. Redshirt junior Tahj Bullock rushed for two touchdowns and 35 yards. Sophomore Adrian Norton recorded over 100 receiving yards against the Golden Flashes, posting 107 yards on five receptions and 21.4 yards per catch. Kellom added 44 yards receiving to his rushing performance while redshirt junior Jarvis Rush recorded his first NCAA touchdown reception on a 36 yard strike from redshirt junior Ben Finley. Finley threw for 250 yards (14- 29-0) and one touchdown when he found Rush. Redshirt junior Garrison Smith was perfect on night kicking, going 3-for-3 after hitting 43,27 and 26 yard field goals. The Zips racked up 527 total yards on offense, 277 on the ground and 250 through the air, while averaging 6.8 yards per play and out-gaining Kent State.
Kent State Golden Flashes vs Buffalo Bulls 7:00 p.m. EST
Series History
• Kent State is 14-15 all-time against Buffalo. • The Bulls recorded a 24-6 victory inside of Dix Stadium last season to retake the series lead. • The Golden Flashes are 7-6 in trips to Buffalo, most recently erasing a 14-point deficit to start the fourth quarter to win in overtime, 30-27, in the 2022 finale. • After holding UB to a field goal on its possession, Tommy Ulatowski connected with Devontez Walker from 7 yards out for the walk-off winner.
Kent State Golden Flashes Notes
The Opening Kick
• Kent State seeks to end year two of the #KentGRIT era under the direction of head coach Kenni Burns with a victory #MACtion game Tuesday night against Akron. • QB Tommy Ulatowski is the FBS leader in yards per completion (17.05) and has completed four throws of 60 or more yards this season. • Kent State has been among the most disciplined teams in the country, ranking sixth among FBS teams in fewest penalty yards per game (35.36) and 21st in fewest penalties per games (5.00). • WR Chrishon McCray caught his 9th TD of the season during last week’s game against rival Akron. McCray is tied for 5th on Kent State’s all-time receiving TDs list with 13 in only 21 career games. • Redshirt sophomore Mason Maddox has played on both sides of the line of scrimmage this season and recorded a career-high three tackles in hist first start at DT for last week’s rivalry game. Maddox has made three starts at LG for an offensive line that has used eight different starting units in 11 games. • S Josh Baka is tied for 15th nationally in solo tackles per game (5.0). Baka is one of only nine FBS players who have recorded 12 or more solo stops in a game this season.
Buffalo Bulls Notes
STORYLINES
• A victory over Kent State would give the Bulls six MAC wins for just the third time in program history. The Bulls went 7-1 in 2018 and 6-2 in 2013. • The Bulls are in search of their eighth win for the fifth time in program history. UB won 10 games in 2018 and had eight wins in 2008, 2013 and 2019. • Pete Lembo is the first UB head coach to win seven games in his first season since C.W. Dibble won seven games in 1897. No UB head coach has ever won eight games in their first season. • Linebackers Shaun Dolac (146) and Red Murdock (135) rank first and second in the nation in tackles, respectively. • J.J. Jenkins is coming off back-to-back 100-yard receiving games. He is the first UB receiver to have consecutive 100-yard receiving games since 2021 when Quian Williams had 134 yards against Old Dominion and 119 yards against Western Michigan. Jenkins has had 22 catches for 365 yards and three touchdowns over the last four games. • After averaging 125 yards passing over the first six games, quarterback C.J. Ogbonna has averaged 260 passing yards over the last five games, including a career-best 309 yards against Western Michigan. He has thrown 11 touchdown passes over that same five-game stretch. • Running back Al-Jay Henderson has averaged 139 yards of total offense over the last six games. • The Bulls are looking to end the regular season with four straight wins for the first time since the 1986 season.
Bulls are Bowl Eligible
Buffalo is bowl eligible for the eighth time in program history. The Bulls have gone to six bowl games in their history, most recently winning the 2022 Camellia Bowl. Buffalo’s bowl history includes the 2008 International Bowl (L, UConn), 2013 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (L, San Diego State), 2018 Dollar General Bowl (L, Troy), 2019 Bahamas Bowl (W, Charlotte), 2020 Camellia Bowl (W, Marshall) and 2022 Camellia Bowl (W, Georgia Southern).
November Reign
Buffalo is 3-0 in the month of November. A win over Kent State would be their fourth and mark just the second time in their FBS era the Bulls won four games in the 11th month. 2020 was the only other season they had four November wins and due to a delayed start to that season because of COVID, those were the first four games of the season. Prior to this season, Buffalo hadn’t won a game in November since the 2020 campaign.
Turnover Margin of Victory
The Bulls forced a season-high four turnovers in their win at Akron (three fumbles/interception). Buffalo is 6-0 on the season when it wins the turnover battle. UB is a +7 on the year in turnover margin to lead the MAC. Red Murdock has played a big role in turnovers as he leads the MAC and is tied for first in the nation with five forced fumbles on the year. He is one shy of the program record for forced fumbles in a season. He has nine career forced fumbles to rank second in program history. The record is 16 held by Khalil Mack which is also the NCAA record for career forced fumbles.
Friday, November 29, 2024
Ball State Cardinals vs Ohio Bobcats 12:00 pm EST
INSIDE THE SERIES:
• The Bobcats are riding their longest winning streak in the series history, as they come into Friday’s matchup with four-consecutive victories against the Cardinals. • Ball State defeated Ohio in the MAC Championship game in 1989, which stands as one of the most historic campaigns in the program’s lifespan. The year not only featured a conference title, but the Cardinals’ first Div. 1A bowl appearance. • Peden Stadium has not particularly favored either team in the 49-year series history, as the squads have split the 14 games played in Athens. • The last meeting between Ball State and Ohio came on a Tuesday night in 2022, with Ohio winning 32-18. Four of the last five matchups have been weeknight affairs; the Bobcats have won three of those contests.
Ball State Cardinals Notes
CARDINALS BATTLE BOBCATS TO CLOSE REGULAR SEASON IN FIRST VISIT TO OHIO SINCE 2018
• Ball State closes the 2024 season at Ohio on Black Friday, Nov. 29, when the Cardinals travel to Athens, Ohio to face the Bobcats. Ball State hopes to play spoiler while the Bobcats contend for a bid to the MAC title game. The Cardinals have not won in Athens since 2011. • Nine-year head coach Mike Neu ended his tenure as the leader of Ball State’s football program following the Cardinals’ overtime defeat at Buffalo on Nov. 12. Since Nov. 16 when sixth-year offensive line coach and running game coordinator Colin Johnson was named as interim head coach, the Cardinals dropped a 38-13 decision to Bowling Green. A 2003 Ball State graduate and former center and team captain for the Cardinals, Johnson takes the reigns Friday for his second game as a college head coach. • Ball State trailed the Falcons 10-7 at halftime last Saturday, but faltered 28-6 in the second half as Bowling Green added a win to its MAC ledger while battling Ohio and Miami for the MAC’s regular season title. Kadin Semonza threw for 211 yards and two TDs, including a 51-yard strike to running back Vaughn Pemberton who nabbed the longest reception of his career. Defensively, the Cardinals were led by George Udo’s 11 tackles. Keionte Newson had seven tackles, and Riley Tolsma contributed six stops with a pair of sacks. • Tanner Koziol’s 84 catches this season are the most ever by a Ball State tight end. He needs six grabs to eclipse Darius Hill’s mark of 158 catches, the most in a career by a Cardinals’ tight end, from 2005 to 2008. • Koziol already is the first TE in Ball State history with over 70 catches and 700 yards, and he needs just 49 yards to reach 80 & 800. His 84 grabs rank seventh in Ball State history by any receiver, and they are the most by a Cardinal since Willie Snead’s record season with 106 grabs in 2013. He is 175 yards shy of the Cardinals’ single-season mark for receiving yards – 926 by Hill in 2007. 8 Koziol is a national semifinalist for the John Mackey Award, presented to the country’s most outstanding tight end. Darius Hill, in 2008, is the only other Ball State player to receive that distinction. • The 100th anniversary of Ball State’s first season in 1924 coincides with the 100th season on the field, given that the Cardinals didn’t field a team in 1943 due to World War II. Season-long celebrations of the 100th season will be displayed at Scheumann Stadium this season. Similarly, it is the program’s 50th season in the MAC — formally joining the league in 1973 and playing its first football games in 1975.
Ohio Bobcats Notes
THE OPENING KICK
The Ohio football team (8-3, 6-1 MAC) concludes the 2024 regular season on Friday, Nov. 29 when the Bobcats host Ball State (3-8, 2-5 MAC) for a Black Friday afternoon matinee at Frank Solich Field at Peden Stadium. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. ET and can be seen on CBS Sports Network with Chris Lewis and Donte Whitmer on the call. The Bobcats’ matchup can also be heard on the Ohio Sports Network from Learfield, presented by Holzer Health System. Veteran Ohio radio personality Marty Bannister is stepping into the 2024 play-byplay role and will be joined by Rob Cornelius, who has been a part of the broadcasts for two decades. SERIES HISTORY VS. BALL STATE The Bobcats and the Cardinals have met 27 times since 1975, posting a 12-15 record. The two teams last met in 2022 when Ohio won their sixth of seven consecutive games en route to their first 10-win season since 2011. SCOUTING BALL STATE The Cardinals are currently 3-8 overall and 2-5 against MAC opponents and are coming off a 38-13 loss to Bowling Green on Saturday. Ball State was led by redshirt freshman quarterback Kadin Semonza, who finished the day 19- for-37 on 211 yards. Eight receivers contributed, two of who scored. As a team, Ball State averages 25.73 points per game on 108.4 rushing yards and 237 passing yards. Their opponents average 39.91 points per game. Semonza is 246-for-380 on 2,571 yards over 11 games, throwing 22 passing touchdowns and 10 interceptions. On the ground, senior running back Braedon Sloan leads the way with 140 touches and four touchdowns on 566 yards. Sloan is a triple threat, logging one receiving touchdown on 29 catches as well as one 22-yard passing touchdown. Redshirt junior running back Vaughn Pemberton and wide receiver Cam Pickett each have two rushing touchdowns on the season. Additionally, Pickett is among the team’s top receivers, recording 40 catches and two touchdowns on 409 yards. The receivers are led by junior tight end Tanner Koziol, who’s responsible for seven of the Cardinals 23 receiving touchdowns. On the season, Koziol has 84 catches on 751 yards. Redshirt junior wide receiver Qian Magwood and junior wide receiver Justin Bowick trail with four and three touchdowns, respectively. Bowick has 20 catches on 383 yards so far this season. On the defensive side of the ball, senior linebacker Keionte Newson and graduate student defensive back George Udo lead the team with 67 tackles apiece. They have 32 and 38 solo stops, respectively, while redshirt junior linebacker Joey Stemler trails with 55 total tackles, 29 solo tackles and a team-best two interceptions. Senior linebacker Brandon Berger leads the team in tackles for loss (9.5) while graduate student defensive lineman Riley Tolsma has a team-best 5.5 tackles for loss. Sophomore kicker Jackson Courville is currently the Cardinals’ leading scorer, responsible for 60 points so far this season. Courville is currently 27-for-28 on PATs and 11- for-13 on field goals, with his longest registering at 52 yards.
SCOUTING OHIO
The Bobcats are currently 8-3 overall and 6-1 against MAC opponents. They average 27.27 points per game on 205.1 rushing yards and 181.82 passing yards per game. In the air, graduate student quarterback Parker Navarro is 149-for-229 on 1,765 yards with seven touchdowns. Navarro is also a threat on the ground, recording 121 carries for 766 yards and 11 touchdowns. Notably, Navarro broke his single-game rushing yards record against CMU (176) and is the fourth quarterback in program history to score four rushing touchdowns in a game (Nov. 13 vs. .EMU). Redshirt junior Nick Poulos made his Bobcat debut against Morgan State (Sept. 14) and his first start against Kentucky (Sept. 21). He is currently 20-for-45 with one interception on 235 yards in the air while recording 134 rushing yards on 25 attempts. Graduate student running back Anthony Tyus III solidified himself as a force to be reckoned with, finishing the game against Syracuse with 203 rushing yards, marking the first time since 2021 a Bobcat passed the 200-rushingyards-mark in a single game. On the season, Tyus has 171 carries on a team-leading 851 yards and nine touchdowns (eight rushing, one receiving). Redshirt freshman running back Rickey Hunt Jr. has made appearances in 10 games for the Bobcats, recording 352 yards and two touchdowns on 66 attempts. Hunt owns the longest rush of the year (59 yards). Freshman running back Duncan Brune net 84 rushing yards on 26 carries so far this season, scoring his first collegiate touchdown against Central Michigan (Oct. 12). Graduate student wide receiver Coleman Owen leads the team with 890 yards and five touchdowns on 56 catches. Additionally, Owen scored his first rushing touchdown as a Bobcat against Buffalo (Oct. 26). Chase Hendricks
Miami-Ohio Redhawks vs Bowling Green Falcons 12:00 pm EST
THE SERIES:
• Miami (OH) leads the all-time series with BGSU, 47-25-5. • Since 2000, Bowling Green is 5-1 against MU when the Falcons hold the RedHawks below 300 yards of total offense. • Since 2000, Bowling Green is 3-2 against MU when the Falcons accumulate 400+ yards of total offense. • Since 2000, Bowling Green is 6-2 against MU when the Falcons win the turnover battle. They are 1-5 when they don’t and are 0-4 when the turnovers are the same.
Miami-Ohio Redhawks Notes
MAC TITLE HOPES ON THE LINE VERSUS BOWLING GREEN
The Miami University football team, winners of six-straight, travel to face the Bowling Green Falcons on Friday, Nov. 29 at 12 p.m. A win would send Miami to their third MAC Championship Game in six years.
ABOUT MIAMI
• Miami football ranks first all-time in the Mid-American Conference in wins (731), conference wins (323), MAC Championships (17) and bowl wins (8). • Historically, Miami’s 731 career wins are third all-time among Group-of-Five programs, behind just Navy (744) and Army (735). • Miami was 4-14 in Coach Martin’s first 18 Mid-American Conference games. Since then, the RedHawks are 48-18 in their last 66 games versus schools from the MAC. • Miami captured its second MAC Championship in the last five years, defeating Toledo 23-14 last season. Chuck Martin won his first MAC Championship back in 2019. • With seven wins this season, Miami is bowl eligible for the seventh-straight year and eight of the last nine seasons. From 2006-15, Miami was bowl-eligible just twice. • Since Oct. 15, 2016, Miami has lost back-to-back conference games just twice in that span (2017, 2022). Miami is 16-3 following a conference loss, dating back to midway through the 2016 campaign.
ABOUT BOWLING GREEN
Bowling Green, winners of five straight, enters Friday’s action at 7-4 overall and 6-1 in conference play. Quarterback Connor Bazelak has thrown for 2,453 yards and 15 touchdowns this season, while Harold Fannin Jr. has 92 grabs for 1,295 yards and nine touchdowns from the tight end position. Joseph Sipp Jr. is tops on the team with 72 tackles and six sacks for the BGSU defense.
LAST MEETING VERSUS THE FALCONS
Miami defeated Bowling Green 27-0 back on Oct. 7, 2023. Brett Gabbert completed 83% of his passes (15-18), throwing for 170 yards and two scores, and averaged better than five yards per carry. Miami held Bowling Green to 135 yards of total offense (63 rushing, 72 passing).
SMASHING PUMPKINS
Miami is 47-25-5 against Bowling Green in the all-time series. The RedHawks have won four of the past five contests but dropped a 17-13 decision back in 2022 at Doyt Perry Stadium. In three career starts versus BGSU, Brett Gabbert has thrown for 622 yards and seven touchdowns and Matt Salopek has 22 tackles and 1.0 TFL in his career versus the Falcons.
SLOW STARTS
Slow starts are nothing new for Miami football, mostly due to the tough non-conference schedule the team plays every year. Since 2016, Miami has continued to improve as the season moves forward. In the months of Aug./Sept. Miami is 13-23. In October, Miami is 19-14 and by the time they reach November, the RedHawks are 21-5 under Coach Martin.
WE’RE GOING STREAKING
A win on Friday versus the Falcons would give Miami a seven-game win streak, their longest during the Martin era. The last time Miami won at least seven games in a row … 2003 when the RedHawks won 12-straight contests. During the six-game win streak Miami trailed for just 10:27 of 360 minutes of play.
MONSTERS OF THE MAC
In conference games, Miami’s defense ranks near the top in neither every statistical category. The RedHawks rank second in scoring (15.4), second in total defense (278.4), second in rush defense (98.6), fourth in pass defense (179.9), second in sacks (21) and first in interceptions (10). • Over the past four weeks, Miami’s defense has allowed just five touchdowns. • Opponents are averaging 2.8 yards pur rush over the past four games (381 yards on 138 carries) • Miami has forced seven turnovers and has recorded 14 sacks over the past month
Bowling Green Falcons Notes
FALCONS AND REDHAWKS TO MEET FRIDAY
• Bowling Green State University hosts a monumental MAC home game on Friday at Doyt Perry Stadium when the Falcons welcome the Miami RedHawks to town. The winner secures a spot in the MAC Championship game in Detroit on Dec. 7. • It is the 78th meeting between the Falcons and the RedHawks. • It is BGSU’s first “Black Friday” game since hosting Ohio in 2021.
FIVE TOP STORYLINES
• A win on Friday will give the Falcons their first appearance in the MAC Championship in Detroit since going to three straight from 2013-15. • TE Harold Fannin Jr. leads the nation in receiving yards with 1,295. He leads the nation’s tight ends in 21+ offensive categories, including receptions (92), yards after catch (719), first downs (62), broken tackles (29), and receiving touchdowns (9). According to Pro Football Focus, Fannin has the nation’s highest overall grade (97.0) and ranks No. 1 in pass routes grade (97.2) among all receivers. Nationally, he is additionally ranked No. 2 in receptions, T-No. 1 in broken tackles, No. 2 in first downs, and No. 1 in yards after catch. Fannin is a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award and the John Mackey Award. • Fannin ranks third all-time in FBS history for single-season receiving yards by a tight end. He needs just 58 yards to surpass the FBS record of 1,352 yards, set by Texas Tech’s Jace Amaro in 2013. With 92 receptions this season, Fannin is third all-time in single-season catches by a tight end. He needs 20 more receptions to break the record held by Rice’s James Casey, who totaled 111 in 2008. • WR Rahkeem Smith had 129 all-purpose yards, including 81 receiving yards, last time out against Ball State. He scored two receiving touchdowns, one rushing touchdown, and blocked a punt, all coming in the second half. He was named MAC Co-Offensive POW for his efforts. • ILB Brock Horne and S Patrick Day are set to break the program record for career games played with 56 on Friday, passing former Falcon OL Alex Huettel (2011-15).
A PROGRAM ON THE RISE
• BGSU is 16-7 in MAC play since the start of the 2022 season. • Only Toledo, Ohio, and Miami (OH) have better records in conference play over that period. Miami (OH) is 16-6 during that span, while Ohio is 18-4 and Toledo is 17-5. • In the previous 16-game MAC window, BGSU was 2-14. • The gains during Scot Loeffler’s tenure began to take root in 2021, and by 2022, Bowling Green was back in a bowl game for the first time since 2015, participating in the Quick Lane Bowl. • Bowling Green was one of four FBS programs in 2022 whose win totals improved by 4+ games from 2020 to 2021 and then by 2+ more games from 2021 to 2022. Joining BGSU on this list were Kansas State, Oregon State, and Tennessee. • The Falcons are the only program in the nation to have improved their win totals by 4+ games from 2020 to 2021, followed by +2 wins from 2021 to 2022, and then by +1 from 2022 to 2023. • BGSU secured the program’s 300th all-time victory in league play on Oct. 5 at Akron. The Falcons rank No. 3 all-time in the MAC with 304 wins
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Eastern Michigan Eagles vs Western Michigan Broncos 1:30 pm EST
THE SERIES:
Western Michigan holds a 35-22-2 lead in the all-time series, however, Eastern Michigan has rattled off four wins in the last five tried against the Broncos, including a 45-23 decision in Kalamazoo, Oct. 8, 2022. The Broncos lead, 21-9-1, when playing in Kalamazoo but have dropped the last two decisions in the series. EMU has never won three consecutive contests at Waldo Stadium.
Eastern Michigan Eagles Notes
The stage is set for a historic clash as Eastern Michigan University and Western Michigan University face off in what could be the most meaningful encounter in the 112-year history of the rivalry. On Saturday, Nov. 30, the stakes could not be higher—bowl eligibility, the coveted Michigan MAC Trophy, and a chance to rewrite the narrative of their seasons. Both teams enter Waldo Stadium with identical records of 5-6 but carrying very different burdens. For Eastern Michigan, the weight of a four-game losing streak looms large. The Eagles, once brimming with promise after a 5-2 start, now find themselves needing a win to keep their postseason streak alive. Last week’s 37-20 home defeat to Buffalo highlighted the urgency, and now the Eagles must rally to break their skid. On the other sideline, Western Michigan is fighting its own battle against adversity. The Broncos, riding a three game losing streak, are coming off a heart-wrenching 16-14 loss to archrival Central Michigan. They, too, stand on the precipice of bowl eligibility, knowing that a win would salvage their season after a 4-0 start to conference play. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m., with live coverage on ESPN+, WEMU (89.1 FM), and The Varsity Network app.
MICHIGAN MAC TROPHY ON THE LINE
Whose trophy case will be a little fuller this off-season – Eastern’s or Western’s? Saturday’s contest will decide the Michigan MAC Trophy. Given annually to one of the Michigan-based, Mid-American Conference institutions (EMU, WMU, CMU), the trophy is awarded to the team which has the best head-to-head record against each other. It is one of just two regularly-awarded trophies between three teams (the other is the Commander-in-Chief’s trophy between Army, Navy, and Air Force). Originating in 2005, EMU has claimed ownership five times (2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2022). EMU has already defeated CMU, 38-34, in Ypsilanti, while the Chippewas edged WMU, 16-14, just last week in Mount Pleasant. With a victory, EMU will earn the trophy as the outright winner, however, a WMU triumph keeps the trophy in Kalamazoo since there would be no outright champion in the three-way series.
TO BOWL OR NOT TO BOWL
Saturday’s contest is an elimination game with the winner-securing bowl eligibility, while the loser begins off-season preparations. One of just two games around the country with such high stakes, Eastern and Western have faced each other in regular-season finales eight times since 1975. The Broncos hold a 6-1-1 advantage in those contests, most recently claiming a 28-0 victory in the 2000 finale at Waldo. The two programs closed the 1979-85 seasons against one another, including memorable moments such as a 3-3 tie in 1982 and a 24-14 victory for Eastern in 1984.
QUICK HITTERS
• Eastern Michigan will finish the regular season on a Saturday for the first time since 2002. • This year’s postseason features 82 spots across 41 bowl games. As of Nov. 24, 77 teams have secured eligibility. Two more teams are guaranteed to join them in upcoming 5-6 matchups: Eastern Michigan vs. Western Michigan and Virginia vs. Virginia Tech. Depending on the results, up to three 5-win teams could receive bowl invitations, or as many as nine eligible teams might be left out. Bowl announcements will be made Sunday, Dec. 8. • Saturday’s contest will decide the Michigan MAC Trophy. With a victory, EMU will earn the trophy as the outright winner, however, a WMU triumph keeps the trophy in Kalamazoo since there would be no outright champion in the three-way series. • A total of 12 players are playing in their final regular season contest: Blake Bustard, David Carter Jr., Blake Daniels, James Djonkam, Jere Getzinger, Justin Jefferson, Trey Laing, Delbert Mimms III, Peyton Price, Dylan Shelton, Cole Snyder, and Joey Zelinsky. • Since 2016, Eastern Michigan has posted the fifth most victories of any team in the Mid-American Conference. • Chris Creighton has 57 wins during his time in Ypsilanti, which makes him the 20th coach in the history of the MAC to record 50+ wins at a MAC school. His 33 MAC wins are the most of any EMU coach in program history. • After a generous $1 million donation from former Eagle standout and current Las Vegas Raider/NFL All-Pro, Maxx Crosby and his wife Rachel Crosby to the EMU Athletics Department, Eastern’s new gray turf was dubbed “Crosby Field” and was unveiled to the public with Maxx and Rachel back in Ypsilanti, June 21.
FAMILIAR TERRITORY
Eastern Michigan is no stranger to having to post a win in its final game to secure a postseason position. Last year, EMU needed to wins its final two games en route to a 68 Ventures Bowl appearance – posting a 30-27 double overtime win versus Akron and a 24-11 road win at Buffalo. During the 2018 campaign, Eastern had to win in final three games and then hope for an eventual selection to the Camellia Bowl when there were more bowl eligible teams than openings.
GOING BOWLING?
With a win versus WMU, the Eagles would become bowl eligible at 6-6. It would mark the fourth year in a row- and sixth consecutive when taking out the COVID season of 2020 -that the Eagles would become bowl eligible. It also would mark the seventh time EMU has been bowl eligible under Chris Creighton in his 11 years with the program.
LAST MEETING WITH WMU
Jalen Buckley ran for 138 yards and two touchdowns and the Western Michigan defense added a pair of safeties and a touchdown and the Broncos beat Eastern Michigan 45-21, at Rynearson Stadium, Oct. 28, 2024. Buckley scored on a pair of short runs, sandwiched around a 20-yard scoring connection between Hayden Wolff and Blake Bosma to give the Broncos a 21-0 lead. Samson Evans scored on a 15-yard run to put the Eagles on the board late in the second quarter. A holding penalty on an EMU pass attempt from the end zone in the opening minutes of the third quarter upped the Bronco lead to 23-7, and a sack in the end zone on the last play of the third quarter made it 25-13. Evans scored his second touchdown between the sacks and Austin Smith connected with Jaylon Jackson for a 68-yard TD early in the fourth quarter to make it 32-19. Aardon Wofford had two interceptions for the Broncos.
Western Michigan Broncos Notes
THIS WEEK
Western Michigan wraps up the 2024 regular season hosting rival Eastern Michigan on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are on-sale at www.wmubroncos. com/tickets. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ and the Bronco Media Network.
THE MICHIGAN MAC TROPHY
On the line in Saturday’s game is the Michigan MAC Trophy. The Michigan MAC Trophy was created in 2005 by the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. The trophy is awarded to the team with the best head-to-head record between WMU, Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan. In the event of each team going 1-1, the previous holder retains the trophy. The Broncos are the current holders after going 2-0 last season against both the Eagles and the Chippewas. Western Michigan has held the trophy eight times, the most among the three schools.
THE QUEST FOR 12
Also on the line in Saturday’s game is bowl eligibility for Western Michigan. A win would push WMU to six on the season and the chance to go to the program’s 12th bowl game. The Broncos’ last trip to a bowl was back in 2021, a 52-24 win over Nevada at the Quick Lane Bowl played at Ford Field in Detroit. The win was just the second bowl victory in program history and the first since a 45-31 win at the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl over Middle Tennessee State.
BALL HAWK
Against Central Michigan, senior safety Tate Hallock picked off his fourth pass of the season. It’s the most interceptions by a Bronco since Keni-H Lovely had four in the 2022 season. Hallock’s interception, which was returned 78 yards for a touchdown, was also the first pick six for the Broncos since Delano Ware took one back during the 2022 season. Combined with his four pass breakups, Hallock has a career-high eight passes defended on the season.
Central Michigan Chippewas vs Northern Illinois Huskies 3:30 pm EST
THE SERIES
The Huskies have played Central Michigan 59 times since 1939, more than any other current NCAA FBS team. The Chippewas lead the all-time series 33-25-1 and are 21-17 versus NIU in 38 games as MAC opponents, including a 37-31 win in Mount Pleasant last year. NIU owns a 15-13-1 edge in series games played in DeKalb, although CMU has won the last two meetings in Huskie Stadium, in 2020 and 2022.
Central Michigan Chippewas Notes
Top Storylines
• Head Coach Jim McElwain will coach his final game at Central Michigan. He announced his retirement last Wednesday, one day after CMU’s 16-14 win over rival Western Michigan. • Central Michigan and Northern Illinois close out the 2024 regular season on Saturday in Dekalb. Central Michigan has won each of the last two meetings and four of the last five. The Chippewas have won two straight in DeKalb. • Central Michigan enters Saturday’s season finale looking to end a nine-game road losing streak. • This matchup marks the final game for Central Michigan’s 21 seniors.
THE ESSENTIALS
Central Michigan (4-7, 2-5 MAC) travels to DeKalb, Ill. to take on Northern Illinois (6-5, 3-4 MAC) in the season finale for both teams Saturday afternoon at Huskie Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. CT on CBS Sports Network.
ABOUT THE CHIPPEWAS
Central Michigan (4-7, 2-5 MAC) plays its season finale when it travels to DeKalb, Ill. to take on Northern Illinois (6-5, 3-4 MAC) on Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. CT at Huskie Stadium for a CBS Sports Network nationally televised game. The game represents the final contest for head coach Jim McElwain. The CMU coach announced his retirement last Wednesday after 40 years in the coaching profession and six years at Central Michigan. McElwain will serve as CMU’s head coach until a new coach is hired. He will move into a new position as Special Assistant to the Athletic Director and will assist the department in this new era of college athletics. The game also marks the final contest for 21 Central Michigan seniors. Those seniors were recognized in a pre-game ceremony before CMU’s 16-14 win over Western Michigan. Central Michigan snapped a five-game losing streak with a 16-14 victory over rival Western Michigan last Tuesday night at Kelly/ Shorts Stadium. With the win, CMU earned the right to the keep the Victory Cannon Trophy in Mount Pleasant. With a spectacular defensive effort that limited Western Michigan to 184 yards of total offense and 10 first downs and a ball control offense that kept the ball for a season-high 36:17 minutes, Central Michigan built a lead and held off the Broncos for the win. For the first time in three years, Central Michigan shut out an opponent in the first half and held a commanding 13-0 halftime advantage. Quarterback Jadyn Glasser hit Solomon Davis on a 55-yard pass which setup a six-yard touchdown run by B.J. Harris for a 7-0 first quarter lead. The Chippewas then added field goals of 36 and 47 yards by Tristan Mattson for a 13-0 halftime lead. Western Michigan cut the deficit to 13-7 on a 78-yard interception return by Tate Hallock, but CMU kept possession of the ball throughout the entire third quarter. Following a 17-play, 50-yard drive which spanned 10:17 of time, Central Michigan added a 30-yard field goal by Mattson which gave the Chippewas a 16-7 lead. WMU added a touchdown run by Jalen Buckley. CMU’s defense stopped the Broncos on another possession and the Chippewas ran out the clock for the win. Central Michigan is down to its fourth-string quarterback, while five of its top wide receivers are out for the season with injuries. In addition, three offensive lineman are out who all saw significant playing time in the early-going this year. The Chippewas have also suffered numerous other injuries on offense. Prior to the season, Central Michigan returned 17 players who started a significant number of games in 2023, including eight players on offense and nine on defense. Several transfers were added in who have played significant roles in 2024, several players returned from injury, and a variety of players improved over the offseason and were ready to contribute. The Chippewas entered the year a bit older across the board with a majority of their talent returning. Last year, CMU narrowly missed advancing to a bowl game as it entered its season finale against No. 23 Toledo needing one more win to become bowl eligible. CMU dropped a 32- 17 decision. Combining the last three seasons (2022-24), CMU has accumulated a 13-22 record and the Chippewas are coming off back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 2010 and 2011 when they went 3-9 in consecutive years. These seasons are a drastic change from the course that Head Coach Jim McElwain put the Chippewas on since his arrival in 2019. In his first year guiding the program in 2019, he took over a team that finished 1-11 and 0-8 in MAC play and led the Chippewas to one of the nation’s top turnarounds, an 8-6 record, 6-2 in the MAC with a berth in the 2019 New Mexico Bowl. After a COVID-shortened 2020 season, he led CMU to a 9-4 overall, 6-2 MAC record and berth in the 2021 Sun Bowl, where the Chippewas closed the year on a five-game win streak, including a 24-21 Sun Bowl win over Washington State.
A WIN OVER NIU WOULD…
• Give Central Michigan a 5-7 overall record and 3-5 MAC record. • Snap a nine-game road losing streak. The last time CMU won a game on the road was at Northern Illinois on Nov. 2, 2022 (35- 22), the last time the Chippewas played in DeKalb. • Give Central Michigan its third straight victory over Northern Illinois dating back to Nov. 2, 2022. • Give Central Michigan its third straight road win over Northern Illinois.
ROAD GAME WOES
Central Michigan will enter its upcoming final regular season game at Northern Illinois on a nine-game road losing streak. CMU’s last road victory was a 34-30 win at South Alabama on Sept. 23, 2023. Five of those losses were to MAC teams. The last time CMU won a MAC road game was at Northern Illinois on Nov. 2, 2022 (35-22). The nine-game streak ranks tied for the third longest in school history. Here is a list of the longest road losing streaks in school history.
WESTERN MICHIGAN NOTES
The Central Michigan win… • Improved Central Michigan to 4-7 overall and 2-5 in the MAC. • Snapped a five-game Central Michigan losing streak. • Ended a two-game Central Michigan losing streak in home games. • Gave Central Michigan possession of the Victory Cannon Trophy for the first time since Nov. 3, 2021. • Snapped a six-game home losing streak to Western Michigan. The last time CMU defeated WMU at home was on Nov. 5, 2010. • Improved CMU to 17-7-1 vs. WMU in home games since it joined the MAC in 1975. • Gave Central Michigan a victory on Senior Day. Twenty-one seniors were honored in a pre-game ceremony. Team Notes • Central Michigan outgained Western Michigan 307-184 in total yardage, outrushed WMU 167-50 and out-passed the Broncos 140-134. • Central Michigan led the time of possession battle 36:17 to 23:43. • Central Michigan rushed for 167 yards, one touchdown on 49 carries. • Central Michigan limited Western Michigan to 184 yards of total offense and 3.6 yards per play. Western Michigan managed just 50 yards rushing on 25 carries and 134 yards passing. • Central Michigan held Western Michigan scoreless at halftime and led 13-0. The last time CMU shutout an opponent in the first half was on Sept. 7, 2022 when it led 7-0 vs. Bucknell. • The last time CMU led at halftime was the Ball State game on Sept. 21, 2024 (23-17). • Western Michigan registered a 78-yard interception return by Tate Hallock in the third quarter. It was the third pick-6 against CMU this season and second in as many games. • CMU’s 17-play, 50-yard, and 10:17 time of possession scoring drive that ended in a 30- yard field goal by Tristan Mattson was CMU’s longest scoring drive in terms of plays (17) and time of possession (10:17). • Central Michigan had possession of the ball for the entire third quarter with the exception of the interception returned for touchdown.
Northern Illinois Huskies Notes
DOG TREATS
• The NIU Huskies wrap up the 2024 regular season with a Thanksgiving Saturday home game versus long-time foe Central Michigan. • NIU will honor a school record 30 seniors prior to Saturday’s game. The group includes 20 players who have spent their entire careers as Huskies with four sixthyear players and 10 whose NIU careers began in 2020. Twenty-seven seniors are listed on the NIU two-deep this week. • Ten current Huskies have played in 50 or more games at NIU while the defense features eight players with at least 100 career tackles, led by senior Jaden Dolphin’s 204 stops. • NIU is bowl eligible for the 19th time this century and has played in 14 bowls games since 2003, more than any other Mid-American Conference team. • NIU and Central Michigan meet for the 60th time as the Huskies have played the Chippewas more than any other opponent. CMU leads the series 33-25-1 and has won four of the last five and eight of the last 10 games between the teams. • The Huskies rank first in the MAC in both total offense (388.1 yards/game) and total defense (288.0 yards/game). NIU has not held opponents to less than 288 yards per game since 1972. • NIU is coming off a 20-9 loss at Miami (Ohio) on Tuesday, November 19 in Oxford. The Huskies fell behind 17-0 in the first half and were unable to mount a comeback despite holding Miami to four first downs and just 74 yards in the second half. • Senior defensive tackle Devonte O’Malley has recorded a sack in six of NIU’s last seven games, giving him eight on the season, the highest total by a Huskie since Sutton Smith’s 15 in 2018. O’Malley’s 21 career sacks are sixth at NIU all-time. • NIU has held 19 of its last 24 opponents over the last two seasons to 25 points or less, including 10 of its 11 2024 foes with Western Michigan the only team to surpass 25 points this season. • The Huskies lead the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in third down conversion percentage defense with opponents converting just 25.9 percent of their third down chances in 2024. • NIU has not allowed a 100-yard rusher in its last 15 games, dating back to the 2023 game at Central Michigan. • The NIU running back duo of true freshman Telly Johnson Jr. and senior Gavin Williams has ably filled in for Antario Brown with three 100-yard rushing games over the last three games. Williams leads NIU in rushing with 676 yards. • Senior Trayvon Rudolph needs 50 yards to reach 2,000 for his career and already ranks in NIU’s Top 10 for receiving and all-purpose yards.
THE LAST MEETING:
After falling behind 24-3 at halftime and 37-11 with 6:32 to play, NIU staged a furious second half comeback on a snowy Halloween night at Central Michigan, cutting a 26-point lead to six, before a late interception allowed the Chippewas to hold on and defeat NIU, 37-31. Antario Brown scored on a 61- yard run and Trayvon Rudolph caught a 72-yard touchdown pass in the second half before Dane Pardridge’s touchdown catch pulled NIU within six with 3:27 to play. Brown gained 167 yards on 22 carries and quarterback Rocky Lombardi completed 20-of-35 passes for a season best 298 yards and three touchdowns, while Rudolph finished the game with a season high 172 yards on eight catches as the Huskies totaled more than 500 yards of total offense in the loss.
LAST TIME OUT:
Miami scored the first 17 points of the game, led 17-3 at halftime and held on for a 20-9 win over NIU in Oxford on Tuesday, November 19. The Huskie defense rebounded from a slow start to record four quarterback sacks and hold Miami to four first downs and just 74 yards in the second half, while the RedHawks’ defense sacked NIU quarterback Ethan Hampton four times and held the Huskies to 128 rushing yards on 40 carries and just one touchdown.
HUSKIES IN THE MAC:
In 38 seasons as a member of the Mid-American Conference, the Huskies are 168-122-2 all-time. The Huskies own a winning percentage of .633 (138-80) versus MAC foes since re-joining the league in 1997. Since 2010, NIU is 81-36 (.692) against the MAC with three undefeated campaigns, two one-loss seasons and eight division championships, including a run of six-straight (2010- 15). NIU originally competed in the MAC from 1975-85.
HOME SWEET HOME:
NIU has won nearly 70 percent of its games played in Huskie Stadium since 2003 with an 84-39 (.683) record at home in 21-plus seasons. During that stretch, the Huskies have had 15 winning records at home and five undefeated seasons in DeKalb (2003, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013). NIU’s all-time record at Huskie Stadium is 186-119-2 for a .609 all-time winning percentage.
AT HOME IN THE MAC:
In 38 seasons of MAC play dating back to 1975, NIU is 90-55-1 (.620) all-time at home in league games, including a 72-35 (.673) mark in Huskie Stadium versus league opponents since rejoining the league in 1997. In 55 MAC home games since 2009, the Huskies are 44-18 (.710).
CLOSE CALLS:
Five of NIU’s 11 games this season have been decided by one score or less with a difference of three points or fewer in three games. That is less than the eight (of 13) NIU one-score games of a year ago. Since the start of the 2016 season, NIU’s 60 one-score games played leads all FBS teams, with Eastern Michigan and Texas next in line. In 67 games under Thomas Hammock, 39, including 26 MAC contests, have been decided by one score. Included in those 39 games are four overtime games.
BOWL ELIGIBLE:
NIU secured bowl eligibility with its win over Akron on November 13th in Huskie Stadium. The Huskies are bowl eligible for the third time in the last four seasons and in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2017-18. NIU’s 14 bowl appearances since 2003 (not including 2024) lead all MAC teams. The Huskies have won six games or more 19 times this century
2 MINUTE DRILL
• Akron claimed the Wagon Wheel for the second-straight season after defeating rival Kent State, 38-17, at Dix Stadium Tuesday evening. Akron’s rushing attack helped the Zips roll past the Golden Flashes with 277 yards on the ground. Jordon Simmons led the ground game with 113 yards, while Charles Kellom also cracked the century mark with 104 rushing yards and one touchdown. Tahj Bullock rushed for two touchdowns and 35 yards. Adrian Norton recorded over 100 receiving yards, posting 107 yards on five receptions and 21.4 yards per catch • B.J. Harris ran for a touchdown and Tristan Mattson kicked three field goals as Central Michigan defeated rival Western Michigan 16- 14 on Thursday night to capture the Victory Cannon Trophy. Central Michigan held the Broncos to 10 first downs, 2-of-12 on third downs and 184 yards while controlling the ball for over 36 minutes. • Miami scored on three-straight possessions in the first half and went on to defeat Northern Illinois, 20-9, Tuesday night. Reggie Virgil made four catches for 107 yards and a touchdown for the RedHawks (7-4, 6-1 MAC), who won their sixth game in a row. Defensively, four differ- ent RedHawks made double-digit tackles in the game: Matt Salopek (13), Ty Wise (season-high 11), Eli Blakey (10) and Silas Walters (10). • Ohio defeated the Toledo Rockets Wednesday night (Nov. 20), 24-7, for the Bobcats’ first win at the Glass Bowl since 2016. Parker Navarro finished the game 11-for-19 for 129 yards through the air. On the ground, Navarro was a force to be reckoned with, scoring two touchdowns on 18 carries and 104 yards. Anthony Tyus III led Ohio’s rushers, netting 125 yards on 33 touches with one touchdown. • Buffalo won their third-straight game on Wednesday night, defeating Eastern Michigan, 37-20, at Rynearson Stadium. Shaun Dolac finished with nine tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and two interceptions, highlighted by a pick six late in the fourth quarter. Fellow linebacker Red Murdock also had nine tackles and a tackle for loss in the game. Offensively, C.J. Ogbonna paced the Bulls, throwing for 260 yards and three touchdowns. J.J. Jenkins had five catches for 120 yards and a score. Al-Jay Henderson rushed for 86 yards and a touchdown and added a 75-yard receiving touchdown. • Bowling Green handled business at Ball State on Saturday, Nov. 23, as the Falcons defeated the Cardinals, 38-13. Rahkeem Smith led the way with three total touchdowns, and Harold Fannin Jr. posted 125 receiving yards on nine catches, including a score. The Falcons handled Ball State in the run game, as the unit allowed a season-low 43 yards on the ground. They also registered four sacks.
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
MAC Football Co-Offensive Players of the Week
Parker Navarro, Ohio, QB Graduate Student, Tempe, Ariz. (Desert Vista)
After a slow first half, Navarro led the offense to a 24-point second half, defeating the Toledo Rockets, 24-7. The graduate student was responsible for half of those points, recording two of the three rushing touchdowns on the evening. On the day, he finished with 104 rushing yards on 18 touches. In the air, Navarro went 11-for-19 on 129 yards
Rahkeem Smith, Bowling Green, WR Junior, Baltimore, Md. (Calvert Hall)
BGSU’s Rahkeem Smith played a pivotal role in securing the Falcons’ win against Ball State, racking up 81 yards receiving and three total touchdowns. After a narrow 10-7 lead at halftime, Smith rushed for a touchdown late in the third quarter to extend the lead to 21-7. Following a defensive stop, Smith caught a pass from Connor Bazelak, juked two defenders, and sprinted 66 yards for the longest receiving touchdown of the season by a Falcon. He continued to excel on special teams by blocking a punt on the first play of the fourth quarter. Smith capped off the scoring with his second receiving touchdown of the game, as Bowling Green outscored Ball State 28-6 in the second half to seal the victory.
MAC Football Co-Defensive Player of the Week
Shaun Dolac, Buffalo, LB Graduate, West Seneca, NY (West Seneca East)
Shaun Dolac had nine tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and two interceptions in Buffalo’s win at Eastern Michigan. He helped lead a defense that held the Eagles to just 70 yards rushing in the game. His second interception of the game resulted in a pick six as he weaved his way through Eastern Michigan players for 60 yards and a touchdown to ice the game.
James Djonkam, Eastern Michigan, LB Senior, Springfield, Va. (West Springfield)
Djonkam recorded 22 tackles, including eight solo tackles, and a career-high two tackles for loss in the game with Buffalo. The 22 stops rank as the most in a single game in the FBS this year, surpassing the previous high of 20 set by Isaac Smith (Mississippi State) and Colin Ramos (Navy) earlier this season. Djonkam, who ranks third all-time in EMU’s single-game tackles total (since 1998) behind only Blake McCall (29 vs. Ohio, Oct. 16, 1999) and Chase Koline (23 vs. Akron, Nov. 14, 2023), entered the game with a career-best 13 tackles, which he recorded in the opener at UMass, Aug. 31. He surpassed her career high with 14 stops in the first half alone against the Bulls to record his fourth game with double-digit tackles this season.
MAC Football Special Teams Players of the Week
Tristan Mattson, Central Michigan, Placekicker Senior, Clarkston, Mich. (Clarkston H.S.)
Placekicker Tristan Mattson tied a career-high with three field goals of 36, 47, and 30 yards and finished the game with 10 points. He is now 15-17 on the year. With his performance, Mattson moved into first place on CMU’s season field goal percentage list (88.2, 15-17) and seventh place into CMU’s season field goals made list (15). He moved into 12th place on CMU’s all-time career field goals list with 22.
