On Oct. 3, 2026, the Eastern Michigan University Eagles traveled to Amherst, Massachusetts, to face a surging University of Massachusetts football team. Heading into Week 5, UMass was one of college football's most compelling turnaround stories. Following an 0-12 record during the previous season and a last-place selection in the Mid-American Conference preseason poll, the Minutemen shocked analysts by racing out to a 4-0 start. This early-season surge earned UMass widespread media attention, culminating in the ESPN College GameDay crew unanimously picking UMass to win and oddsmakers listing them as 6.5-point home favorites.
Physicality and trench control
Despite the external hype surrounding UMass, Eastern Michigan established total control at the line of scrimmage. EMU head coach Chris Creighton noted that his squad brought its signature blue-collar toughness and played true complementary football across all three phases. Backed by a healthy offensive line, EMU dominated physical execution, controlling the tempo through long, methodical scoring drives. EMU controlled the clock for 34:35 compared to UMass’s 19:22, while accumulating 26 first downs to UMass’s 18. Crucially, Eastern Michigan converted 11 of 14 third downs, keeping the chains moving all afternoon.
First-half execution
Eastern Michigan opened the scoring in the first quarter at the 5:38 mark. Quarterback Noah Kim orchestrated a 13-play, 80-yard drive that consumed 7:16 off the clock, finishing with a 27-yard touchdown pass to Kozy Isaac. EMU doubled its lead in the second quarter when Braydon Bennett capped a 13-play, 64-yard march with a 2-yard touchdown run at 01:55. UMass responded just before halftime with a 7-play, 75-yard drive, as William Watson III connected with Max Dowling for a 34-yard touchdown pass with 28 seconds remaining, cutting EMU’s lead to 14-7 at the break.
Third-quarter surge
The Eagles pulled away decisively in the third quarter, scoring 14 unanswered points. EMU opened the second half with a 10-play, 75-yard drive, ending in a 2-yard touchdown pass from Kim to Joshua Long. On the ensuing stretch, EMU’s defense forced a takeaway — one of two turnovers forced on the day against a UMass offense averaging over 36 points per game. Taking over at the UMass 9-yard line, Amareon Blue sprinted into the end zone on a 9-yard touchdown run just two plays later, extending the cushion to 28-7.
Fourth-quarter finish
EMU maintained control in the fourth quarter. Joey Mattord broke free for a 25-yard touchdown run at 14:13, capping a 10-play, 61-yard drive. Kicker Rudy Kessinger added a 26-yard field goal at 04:07 following an 8-minute drive to push the score to 38-7. UMass added a late score with 01:02 remaining on a 3-yard touchdown run by Curtis Kimmons IV, bringing the final score to 38-14.
By the numbers
- Total Offense: EMU outgained UMass 411 total yards to 316 yards.
- Rushing Attack: EMU rushed for 192 net yards and 3 touchdowns on 39 attempts, led by Bennett, Blue, and Mattord. UMass managed 106 rushing yards on 25 carries.
- Passing Efficiency: Noah Kim was highly efficient, completing 21 of 30 passes for 219 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. William Watson III completed 20 of 27 passes for 210 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception for UMass.
- Red Zone & Turnovers: EMU went 5-for-5 in the red zone with zero turnovers, while UMass finished 1-for-2 in the red zone with two turnovers: one interception, one lost fumble.
Looking ahead
With the victory, Eastern Michigan improves to 3-3 overall and 2-0 in MAC play, securing its first 2-0 start in conference play since 2005. UMass drops to 4-1 overall (1-1 MAC). Postgame, Noah Kim credited the offensive line for creating run lanes and protection, emphasizing that the team must stay grounded as they prepare for their next MAC matchup against Akron.
