Nick Woodford scores three touchdowns as the Chippewas control the rivalry from start to finish at Ford Field.
DETROIT, Mich. — Central Michigan arrived at Ford Field looking to end a three-game losing streak. By the time Wednesday night’s Motor City MACtion showdown ended, the Chippewas had delivered one of their most convincing performances of the season.
Central Michigan defeated Eastern Michigan 35–7 on November 4, dominating the in-state rivalry before 12,656 fans in Detroit.
Sophomore running back Nick Woodford led the way with 123 rushing yards and three touchdowns as Central Michigan improved to 4–5 overall and 2–3 in Mid-American Conference play.
Eastern Michigan fell to 4–6 overall and 3–3 in the MAC.
Central Michigan Takes Control Early
The Chippewas wasted little time establishing momentum.
Quarterback Jadyn Glasser connected with Nasier Williams on an eight-yard touchdown pass to complete Central Michigan’s opening possession.
That early score set the tone for an offense Eastern Michigan struggled to contain throughout the night.
Central Michigan led 7–0 after the first quarter and extended its advantage to 21–0 at halftime.
The Chippewas added touchdowns in both the third and fourth quarters, building a 35–0 lead before Eastern Michigan finally reached the end zone.
Glasser finished with 175 passing yards and a touchdown, while Woodford powered a rushing attack that consistently moved the chains.
Woodford Leads Dominant Ground Game
Central Michigan’s rushing performance was the difference.
The Chippewas totaled 235 rushing yards on 53 attempts, compared with just 74 rushing yards for Eastern Michigan.
Woodford’s three touchdowns highlighted a performance in which Central Michigan controlled possession and kept Eastern Michigan’s defense on the field.
The Chippewas finished with 418 total yards of offense, more than doubling Eastern Michigan’s 177.
Central Michigan also controlled the football for 40 minutes and 56 seconds, leaving Eastern Michigan with just 19 minutes and four seconds of possession.
Those numbers illustrate just how thoroughly Central Michigan dictated the game.
Eastern Michigan’s Offense Never Finds Its Rhythm
Eastern Michigan struggled to sustain drives throughout the evening.
The Eagles managed just nine first downs and converted only one of their 10 third-down opportunities.
Central Michigan, meanwhile, recorded 26 first downs and converted all five of its fourth-down attempts.
Eastern Michigan avoided a shutout in the final seconds when quarterback Jace Stuckey connected with Harold Mack Jr. on a six-yard touchdown pass.
The score completed a 15-play, 85-yard drive and marked Stuckey’s first career touchdown pass.
But by then, the outcome had long been decided.
Bowl Eligibility Remains in Play
The result carries significant implications for both programs.
Central Michigan now sits at 4–5 and needs two more victories to reach the traditional six-win benchmark for bowl eligibility.
Eastern Michigan, at 4–6, faces a much narrower path and must win its final two regular-season games to reach six victories.
The Chippewas also gained momentum in the MAC standings while handing Eastern Michigan a costly conference defeat.
For Central Michigan, the victory represents an opportunity to reset its season after three consecutive losses.
For Eastern Michigan, the performance raises serious questions about offensive consistency heading into the final stretch.
MCSN Analysis: Central Michigan Owned the Motor City
This was supposed to be an opportunity for two Michigan programs to showcase themselves on a nationally televised stage in Detroit.
Central Michigan made sure the spotlight belonged to the Chippewas.
The rushing attack was effective, the offense stayed on schedule, and the defense prevented Eastern Michigan from establishing any meaningful rhythm.
The MCSN Take: Central Michigan didn’t simply win this rivalry game. The Chippewas controlled nearly every aspect of it.
Woodford’s breakout performance gives the offense something to build around, while the victory keeps Central Michigan’s bowl hopes alive.
Eastern Michigan now faces a difficult finish. With only two games remaining, the Eagles cannot afford another performance like Wednesday’s.
For one night at Ford Field, Central Michigan was clearly the better team.