Last week’s matchup
Prior to last week's farewell for Eastern Michigan University’s football team, the program had a thrilling matchup against the Ohio University Bobcats which ended in a 28-21 loss for Eastern.
Nick Devereaux led the team in receiving stats which included five receptions for 121 yards and two touchdowns. Eastern Michigan began to open their playbook up in a search for more “explosive” plays. Another example of this is wide receiver Mekhi Fox, who had one reception for 51 yards.
While the Eagles found success through the air, the squad had a slow day on the ground. Running backs Dontae McMillan and Tavierre Dunlap combined for a total of 82 rushing yards and no touchdowns.
The defense stepped up its play and was able to procure two interceptions, split between defensive backs Juan Salas and Tyrell Deener.
The improvement of the defensive line may have been the most noticeable aspect across the entire game. The defensive line was able to pressure Ohio quarterback Parker Navarro, recording a total of two sacks in the game.
Although the Eagles were not able to come away with a win, the team had a promising showing against the reigning Mid-American Conference champions. If the Eagles can continue to play like they did against Ohio, then it is possible for them to get a few more wins before the season ends.
This week’s matchup
This week the Bowling Green State University Falcons, who have a record of 3-6, will be coming to Rynearson Stadium to play the Eastern Michigan Eagles.
The Falcons have a run-heavy offense. Bowling Green runs the ball on 59% of their offensive snaps, and the carries are split across three running backs, with junior Chris McMillian leading the pack.
The Bowling Green quarterback, Drew Pyne, is a player that has played at multiple schools during his college career. The most notable year for Pyne was in 2022 when he had over 2,000 passing yards for Notre Dame, along with 22 touchdowns and only six interceptions. Pyne has been less productive at Bowling Green, having only 882 passing yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions this season.
The Falcons defense has a star linebacker, Gideon ESPN Lampron. Lampron, who’s middle name is ESPN on his birth certificate, is currently ranked eighth in tackles across the nation, and is someone that the Eagles staff have in mind.
“We’re going to have to find a way to not only get to him, but block him and keep him blocked, because he has a great motor,” said Chris Creighton, the Eagles head coach.
Along with the Bowling Green defense being formidable, Eastern Michigan is also missing a key wide receiver, Terry Lockett Jr, and he is still questionable to play this week.
“It really comes down to him and how he’s feeling,” said Creighton on Lockett Jr.'s status.
The matchup is shaping up to be a close one. ESPN Analytics are estimating Eastern to have a 50.8% chance of winning. The Eagles are also 2.5-point betting favorites.
To secure the victory, Eastern needs to match the level of energy that they showed in their game against Ohio. They need to get turnovers, pressures and to stay disciplined. If the team can mimic that performance, then they will have great chances at winning this game.
Where to watch
Viewers can tune into ESPN+ at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, to watch Eastern Michigan take on the Bowling Green Falcons at Rynearson Stadium.
