Last week’s matchup
Eastern Michigan University is coming off a heartbreaking 31-30 overtime loss to the University at Buffalo Bulls. The key mishap during overtime was a failed two-point attempt, particularly a fumble from Eagles quarterback Noah Kim.
“Yeah, it slipped out — we would've gotten the shovel [pass] off to Josh Long,” Eastern Michigan Head Coach Chris Creighton said.
Dontae McMillan was once again the key weapon in the Eastern Michigan offense. McMillan led the Eagles with 117 rushing yards and a touchdown, while also posting two catches for 46 yards and a receiving score.
Senior wide receiver Nick Devereaux, a Michigan native, was also an explosive threat during the game. Devereaux ended the day with three receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown.
The defense was able to limit the Buffalo running back room, which did not score any touchdowns during the contest.
Eastern Michigan struggled with one player in particular, that being wide receiver Victor Snow. The Mid-American Conference Player of the Week had six receptions for 136 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. Snow also ran the ball once for a nine-yard gain and a touchdown.
Creighton has talked about not letting up explosive plays before, and it seems like there is still some work to do, as Snow managed to make a big 75-yard reception.
When asked how the team will try to finish out the season, defensive lineman Carter Evans said the team is still hopeful and hardworking.
“It's going to require more from each and every person on this team — we’re not throwing in the towel. If anything, we’re hitting the gas and going harder,” Evans said.
This week’s matchup
Week Seven is a home game for Eastern Michigan. The Northern Illinois University Huskies, a 1-4 Mid-American Conference team, will be traveling to take on the Eagles in Rynearson Stadium.
NIU is a run-first offense that has a total of 709 rushing yards this season. They have two main running backs, Chavon Wright and Telly Johnson Jr., who have nearly identical production to each other, with Johnson being the slightly more efficient back.
One receiver for the Huskies has over half of their receiving yards, and that is DeAree Rogers. Rogers has 25 receptions for 264 yards and one touchdown.
When asked if the defense will prioritize shutting him down, Creighton said, “That's being decided right now — there’s always give and take. He has proven it with his production, he demands that conversation.”
The Huskies have a well-rounded defense. The defense is currently third in the MAC for yards allowed, averaging 328.4 yards per game, compared to Eastern Michigan's 476.7. The defense is sitting at seven total sacks and three interceptions, with a bulk of their success coming from their linebackers.
“They play a really good defense. I think, philosophically, with the ability to run the football, but keep you honest throwing it and having production there, with a really good defense, it's a formula for success,” said Creighton.
While the NIU defense is rated much higher than Eastern Michigan’s, their offense is rated much lower. NIU is averaging only 242.8 total offense yards per game, while Eastern Michigan is averaging 377.5.
It seems to be a classic game of offense versus defense, and the team that will come out on top will be the team that plays a more balanced game.
According to ESPN, the Eagles are currently 1.5-point underdogs on the betting line.
Where to watch
Viewers can tune into ESPN+ at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, to watch the Eastern Michigan Eagles take on the Northern Illinois Huskies in Rynearson Stadium.
