Last Week’s Matchup
Eastern Michigan improved to 4-7 after a decisive 24-9 victory on the road against the Ball State University Cardinals.
The Eagles’ defense has taken a clear step forward in the second half of the season, and it showed against Ball State. Eastern didn’t allow a touchdown, surrendered the fewest points of any game this year, and held the Cardinals to 225 total yards.
Eastern Michigan had a great game statistically. The Eagles recorded four total sacks, which is the most they’ve posted in a game this season. Defensive back Joshua Scott also recorded an interception.
On offense, senior wide receiver Jamarien Wheeler made a big impact by hauling in six catches for 131 yards and a touchdown. Tavierre Dunlap and quarterback Noah Kim each contributed a rushing touchdown as well.
Overall, Eastern Michigan has shown growth across the season, and that has been the goal for Eagles coach Chris Creighton.
“We really set out to play our best ball in November,” Creighton said.
This Week’s Matchup
Eastern will close out its season at home this week, taking on in-state rival Western Michigan University.
The star on offense for Western Michigan is sophomore quarterback Broc Lowry. Lowry may be the most dangerous quarterback in the conference. Through the air, Lowry has 1,472 yards for seven touchdowns and only two interceptions. On the ground, Lowry has 783 yards and 12 touchdowns, which places him third in the Mid-American Conference for rushing yards.
"He's definitely a weapon for them, there's no doubt — whenever you have a guy that can throw it and run it, it's challenging,” Creighton said.
Nadame Tucker, a senior defensive end, is the leader of the defense. Tucker accounts for 11 of the 33 total sacks made by the Broncos. The defense has also secured seven interceptions across the season.
Eastern Michigan is slightly ahead of Western in points per game. Eastern averages 24.4 points per game while Western averages 23. Western has the advantage defensively allowing an average of 18.5 points per game while Eastern is allowing an average of 29.6 points.
“They're having a really good year. They've earned their victories, they are playing really good football,” Creighton said.
The Eagles have been performing much better in recent weeks, and look nothing like they did at the beginning of the season. In order to keep that going they will need to contain Lowry, as he is both the lead passer and the lead rusher for the Broncos offense.
It is going to be a tough matchup for Eastern. Western Michigan has a 66% chance to win, ESPN Analytics report.
Michigan MAC Trophy
The Michigan MAC Trophy goes to the winner of the three-way rivalry between Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan and Western Michigan. The team with the best record in the rivalry games claims the trophy, and in the event of a tie, it is awarded to the previous year’s winner.
This season, Central beat Eastern, and Western defeated Central. With that result, Western is guaranteed to retain the trophy, as a loss to Eastern would create a three-way tie and Western held the trophy last year.
Where to Watch
Viewers can tune into ESPN2 at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, to watch Eastern Michigan take on Western Michigan in a rivalry game at Rynearson Stadium.
