Central Michigan enjoyed the thrill of victory once again after conquering Akron for the school’s 100th Homecoming game, yet must now prepare for a test on the road against the Ohio Bobcats.
Ohio has enjoyed a high level of success within the walls of Peden Stadium, as the program finds itself on a 15-game home winning streak. Aside from a loss against Miami (Ohio) on Oct. 28, 2023, the Bobcats have been victorious in 25 of their last 26 home games.
“Their new head coach, I know him some, he’s doing a tremendous job,” head coach Matt Drinkall said. “Coach Cronin [Sean Cronin], our defensive coordinator, those two know each other really well. He raved about him prior to him becoming the head coach. That’s how you know they’re a well-coached outfit.”
Despite renewed energy from the win, CMU refuses to slow down ahead of its upcoming challenge.
“We tasted success, but nobody here is satisfied with what we just did. What we did last week was what we expected to do,” defensive lineman Max Van Fleet said. “To get to where we want to go, we’ve just got to take it one day at a time, one game at a time.”
Head coach John Hauser has taken full control of Ohio after serving as the interim during the 2025 Frisco Bowl. Under his leadership, the Bobcats have begun the 2026 season 3-2, opening Mid-American Conference play with a 13-10 victory over Kent State.
Starting quarterback Nick Poulos suffered a head injury against Jacksonville State, keeping him off the field for the previous three games. Backup quarterbacks Matt Vezza and Levi Davis have rotated in his place, with Vezza currently leading the team in passing yards and touchdowns.
Running backs Victor Rosa and Duncan Brune lead the Ohio ground game, while wide receiver Riley Neer has hauled in 338 yards and four touchdowns on the season.
Defensively, linebacker Michael Molnar commands the Bobcats’ defense with 44 tackles, one sack and one interception, while defensive end Ike Ackerman has been disruptive up front with 3.5 sacks through five games.
“They keep talking about Athens, Ohio, they’ve got 25 of the last 26 home games they’ve won,” Van Fleet said. “They said it’s a hard place to play and I look forward to that challenge.”
Along with the existing home win streak, Ohio has also won the previous two matchups over Central Michigan, despite the Chippewas leading the all-time series 27-7-2.
Ohio quarterback Poulos returned to practice ahead of the Bobcats’ game against Kent State, leaving the door open for him to return against CMU.
“Regardless of who’s in, it doesn’t change much for us,” Van Fleet said. “One thing I like to say is ‘We dictate, they don’t dictate.’ I’m going to be ready for all three of them.”
“We hope we get their best on Saturday.”
Van Fleet and the rest of the Central Michigan defense must be able to limit Ohio’s time of possession. The Bobcats average 26.8 points per game, tied for third in the conference in terms of scoring offense, yet they are 1-2 when possessing the ball for under 30 minutes.
On the other side of the ball, maintaining offensive momentum will be crucial for the Chippewas, who recorded 481 yards and six touchdowns in their MAC opener. CMU’s offensive identity remains with its run game, yet the team recorded season highs with 149 yards and two touchdowns in the air.
“It’s not new to me, I already knew it was going to come. It was delayed but never forgotten,” wide receiver Langston Lewis said of the increased production in the passing game. He logged his first receiving touchdown of the year against Akron.
Ohio ranks sixth in the conference in average yards allowed per game, giving Central Michigan flexibility with their offensive strategy.
“Just play our brand of football, it’s violent, disciplined and relentless,” Lewis said. “If we can go out there and execute all our plays, we’ll be totally fine.”
Kickoff at Peden Stadium is set for 3:30 p.m. Saturday, with the team setting their goals higher each passing week.
“Every kid in our program expects to win,” Drinkall said. “They’re super tough and they will die before they ever tap out, ever. It is in their DNA.”
Central Michigan (3-2) vs. Ohio (3-2)
