Last week’s matchup
Last week, Eastern Michigan University’s football team was able to secure a conference win over Bowling Green State University, a victory that ended with a final score of 27-21.
It was a big day for running back Dontae McMillan. McMillan rushed for 100 yards, scored a touchdown and was able to gain 30 receiving yards on three receptions. McMillan now has over 1,000 all-purpose yards on the season, sitting with a total of 1059 yards.
Running back Tavierre Dunlap was also able to rush for a touchdown, which puts him at four on the season.
Through the air, quarterback Noah Kim threw for 210 yards and a touchdown to wide receiver Nick Devereaux.
Devereaux has become a crucial weapon in the Eagles' offense. Over the past three games, the former walk-on has stepped up in Terry Lockett Jr.’s extended absence, posting 253 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
On defense, Eastern Michigan was able to bring the same energy that they did against Ohio University on Oct. 25, 2025. The unit recorded two sacks from Sterling Miles and Ronn Hardin and an interception from Barry Manning.
“He’s got a great football mind — and has really been a huge part of our defense,” Eagles Coach Chris Creighton said when asked about the interception by Manning.
The defense has been looking much better in the second half of the season and will have another chance to show their growth against Ball State University this week.
This week’s matchup
This week, the Eastern Michigan Eagles will be traveling to Scheumann Stadium to take on the Ball State Cardinals. Ball State has an overall record of 4-5 and a conference record of 3-2.
The Ball State offense is led by senior quarterback Kiael Kelly. Kelly is a dual-threat quarterback that has 162 carries this season, which is 55 more than the Cardinals’ leading running back. Kelly has rushed for 470 yards and procured five rushing touchdowns. Through the air, he has 1,155 yards, eight touchdowns and five interceptions.
“They’ve got a very dynamic, very dangerous quarterback who can throw it and who can run it — he makes things happen,” Creighton said of Kelly’s capabilities.
The lead running back for Ball State is Qua Ashley. Ashley has rushed for 525 yards on 107 carries and has four rushing touchdowns. Kelly and Ashley are the only rushers for Ball State that have scored rushing touchdowns this season.
Ball State’s main threat on defense is Nathan Voorhis, a senior defensive end. Voorhis currently has 11 sacks, which puts him second in the nation.
Along with Voorhis, the Cardinals have three other players that have 1.5+ sacks so far.
Offensively, Eastern has a big advantage over Ball State. Eastern is averaging 24.4 points per game, while Ball State is at 16.4 points. The tighter battle is on defense, where the Eagles are allowing 31.7 points and the Cardinals 27.9 points.
According to ESPN, Eastern Michigan is a 2.5-point favorite and has a 53.4% chance to win. If the defense maintains its recent intensity, the Eagles could have the edge against Ball State.
Where to watch
Viewers can tune into ESPN+ at 12 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, to watch Eastern Michigan take on the Ball State Cardinals at Scheumann Stadium.
