Last week’s matchup
Eastern Michigan University fell to an overall record of 2-6 and a conference record of 1-3 after a 44-30 loss to Miami University.
The Eagles’ defense fell into their old habits against Miami, allowing two passing touchdowns and four rushing touchdowns. Eastern Michigan had no interceptions and recorded only one sack on the day.
It was also a slow day for Eastern’s star running back, Dontae McMillan. McMillan had 11 carries for 37 yards and no touchdowns.
Despite the down day, the senior still leads the Mid-American Conference in rushing yards and should have no problem bouncing back across the coming weeks.
Eagles quarterback Noah Kim had a busy day through the air as he threw for 309 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. The touchdowns were split evenly between senior Nick Devereaux and freshman Harold Mack Jr.
Mack Jr., a true freshman, made his college football debut, and it was electric. Mack Jr. recorded six receptions for 179 yards and two touchdowns. His longest catch of the day was a 51-yard long reception that went on to become the first touchdown reception of his college career.
“We’re excited about the game that he had — he’ll be out there,” said Eagles Coach Chris Creighton after being asked about how Mack Jr. will fit into the offense moving forward.
Kim is also now closing in on the 2,000 passing yards mark as he is currently at a total of 1,792. He has remained in the lead for passing yards within the MAC and is 23rd nationally.
This week’s matchup
This week, the Eagles will be playing at home against the 4-3 Ohio University Bobcats.
Ohio has had a great season so far, with big wins including a 17-10 finish over West Virginia, a team in the Big 12. Two of their three losses came from Big 10 teams, one of them being to No. 1 ranked Ohio State University.
The Ohio offense is led by senior quarterback Parker Navarro. Navarro currently has 1,471 passing yards, placing him third in the MAC. He has great rushing upside as well, proven by his 441 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
Coach Creighton recognizes the talent that Navarro has as an all-around athlete.
“He can do it on the air and on the ground. He's savvy, smart — we think he's really good,” Creigton said of the Bobcats’ dynamic quarterback.
Ohio running back Sieh Bangura is second for rushing yards in the MAC, right behind Dontae McMillan, with a total of 628.
The definite threat on the Ohio offense is Chase Hendricks, a junior wide receiver. Hendricks has 693 receiving yards, which puts him at third in all of college football. He has also brought in four receiving touchdowns. According to Creighton, the Eastern Michigan defensive staff thinks Hendricks is “the most complete receiver we face this year.”
The Ohio defense has a star of its own in Jay Crable. The Bobcats defense has recorded 13 total sacks, and five of them come from Crable. The unit as a whole has also reeled in seven interceptions.
This very well may be Eastern’s toughest MAC matchup of the year. In order for them to win, they need their defense to simultaneously limit Hendricks in the slot, while also shutting down Navarro’s dual-threat capabilities.
According to ESPN, the Bobcats are a 12.5-point betting favorite. EMU is estimated to have a 21.4% chance of winning.
Where to watch
Viewers can tune into CBS Sports Network at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, to watch Eastern Michigan take on the Ohio Bobcats at Rynearson Stadium.
