Central Michigan is no stranger to Ford Field, returning to the 65,000-seat venue for the 12th time in program history.
The latest visit pits the Chippewas against in-state rival Eastern Michigan for Motor City MACtion, a unique two-game series beginning in 2026.
The Eagles will serve as the home team this year, while CMU will be the host for the neutral site in 2027.
“It’s an amazing experience for me because I’ve sat in stands like that, and I’m sure kids on our team have sat in the Detroit Lions’ stadium,” quarterback Jadyn Glasser said. “Now we get to actually play on the field like we talked about as kids.”
It will mark the 104th all-time meeting between the teams, the longest-running rivalry in the Mid-American Conference. CMU holds a 64-32-6 lead in the series.
Entering this matchup, Central Michigan sits at 3-5 on the season and 1-3 in MAC play. The Chippewas have lost three consecutive games, now seeking their first victory since Oct. 3.
Head coach Chris Creighton has led Eastern Michigan to a 4-5 record in his 13th season with the program, as well as a 3-2 record in the MAC.
EMU finds itself in an unusual wrinkle of the schedule, with the showdown against CMU marking its only game in a 24-day span.
Quarterback Noah Kim suffered an undisclosed injury ahead of the Eagles’ 24-20 loss at Ohio, with his status remaining uncertain against CMU. Brogan McCaughey assumed the starting duties in that game, throwing for 197 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Eastern Michigan ranks fourth in the MAC in total passing offense, averaging 213 passing yards per game. Six players have recorded more than 100 receiving yards for the Eagles in 2026, led by tight end Joshua Long along with receivers Harold Mack and Benson Prosper.
Defensively, Quincy Byas leads the team with five sacks, while Caleb Dobbs has found success in the secondary with two interceptions and seven passes defended.
However, Eastern Michigan has struggled with injuries throughout the season, and players with significant roles including wide receiver Nick Devereaux and linebacker Barry Manning each have spent time on the injury report for several weeks.
“I just approach this game like any game week,” CMU linebacker Brett McCalla said. “Normal film routine, normal practice routine. I just treat it like any normal week.”
After suffering a 28-27 defeat to Miami (Ohio), Central Michigan is now a long shot to return to Ford Field and contend for the MAC Championship.
“We obviously came up short, which is devastating,” Glasser said. “But there’s so much to improve on and a lot more work to put in.”
However, the Chippewas’ hopes for a bowl game remain alive, with a must-win game against EMU ahead of them.
Eastern Michigan’s run defense ranks third in the MAC with 135.1 rushing yards allowed per game, yet the passing defense places at 12th. CMU must commit to the passing game to find success against the Eagles.
Glasser finished his game against Miami (Ohio) with 221 yards and a touchdown in the air, a season high in passing yards for the Chippewas in 2026.
Glasser is certain he will be able to effectively operate CMU’s offense as the starter once again.
“I try to give everything I have every play, and I feel like the guys rally behind me,” Glasser said.
The Chippewas enter the week as the second-ranked passing defense in the MAC with 180.1 passing yards allowed per game, setting them up well against an EMU team that has thrived with its passing game.
However, Central Michigan’s defense will now be without Xavier White and James Reinbold. Both will miss the remainder of the 2026 season with injuries
“There’s not much we can do about it because obviously everyone wants to be on the field to play,” McCalla said. “I feel like we’ve done a pretty good job of supporting the ones we have to, then keep moving forward with the people that we can’t.”
Kickoff against the Chippewas’ in-state foe will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4, as CMU continues its search for victory as its season quickly marches toward its conclusion.
Central Michigan (3-5) vs. Eastern Michigan (4-5)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
