SCHEDULE, PREVIEWS -- SATURDAY, OCT 4 GAMES
# OHIO AT BALL STATE (NOON, CBSSN)
# WESTERN MICHIGAN AT UMASS (2:30 P.M., ESPN+)
# CENTRAL MICHIGAN AT AKRON (3:30 P.M., ESPN+)
# EASTERN MICHIGAN AT BUFFALO (3:30 P.M., ESPN+
# KENT STATE AT NO. 5 OKLAHOMA (4 p.m., SEC)
# MIAMI AT NORTHERN ILLINOIS (3:30 P.M., ESPN+)
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# WESTERN MICHIGAN AT UMASS (2:30 P.M., ESPN+)
# CENTRAL MICHIGAN AT AKRON (3:30 P.M., ESPN+)
# EASTERN MICHIGAN AT BUFFALO (3:30 P.M., ESPN+
# KENT STATE AT NO. 5 OKLAHOMA (4 p.m., SEC)
# MIAMI AT NORTHERN ILLINOIS (3:30 P.M., ESPN+)
• = Details to come!!!
# = Click Read More for details.
# OHIO AT BALL STATE (NOON, CBSSN)
After finishing non-conference play with a 1-3 record, the Ball State Cardinals have their work cut out for them in Saturday's MAC opener. They will be facing defending champ Ohio, who picked up its first conference win last week against Bowling Green.
The Bobcats rank second among MAC teams in scoring offense (25.8 ppg) and are seventh in scoring defense (27.2 ppg).
BGSU is seventh in scoring offense (21.2 ppg) and sixth in scoring defense (25.8 ppg).
• • • • • BALL STATE downed New Hampshire 34-29 three weeks ago for the Cardinals only win. The losses wee to Purdue, Auburn and UConn.
• BSU trailed throughout against UConn, which owned a 10-0 lead after one quarter and led 10-7 at intermission. A final Cardinals TD (and 2-point conversion) with nine seconds left closed the final gap to six points.
• Kiael Kelly completed 17 of 24 passes for 209 yards with one TD and one INT.
• Seven BSU receivers caught passes. Donovan Hamilton led the way with seven catches for 61 yards. Qua Ashley rushed for 86 yards (1 TD) on 18 trips as the Cardinals totaled 176 yards rushing.
• Ashley leads the MAC in all-purpose yards (128.0 yards per game)
• The Cardinals are coming off of a bye week.
• • • • • OHIO has won two straight since falling at No. 1 Ohio State (37-9) Sept. 13.
• The 'Cats hit the road this week after two straight home wins. After defeating Gardner Webb 52-38, Ohio beat Bowling Green 35-20 last Saturday.
• Ohio led the Falcons 21-13 at intermission and traded touchdowns before adding a final TD at 6:20 of the final stanza.
• Parker Navarro completed 17 of 25 pass attempts (208 yards, 2 TDs 1 INT). He also ran 11 times for 66 yards and a pair of TDs.
• Navarro leads the MAC in total offense (279.8 ypg)
• Sieh Bangura led the Ohio ground attack against BGSU, carrying 18 times for 115 yards. The senior ranks third among MAC rushers (82.8 ypg).
• Chase Hendricks tops MAC receivers with an average of 96.2 yards per game. He has four receiving TDs.
After finishing non-conference play with a 1-3 record, the Ball State Cardinals have their work cut out for them in Saturday's MAC opener. They will be facing defending champ Ohio, who picked up its first conference win last week against Bowling Green.
The Bobcats rank second among MAC teams in scoring offense (25.8 ppg) and are seventh in scoring defense (27.2 ppg).
BGSU is seventh in scoring offense (21.2 ppg) and sixth in scoring defense (25.8 ppg).
• • • • • BALL STATE downed New Hampshire 34-29 three weeks ago for the Cardinals only win. The losses wee to Purdue, Auburn and UConn.
• BSU trailed throughout against UConn, which owned a 10-0 lead after one quarter and led 10-7 at intermission. A final Cardinals TD (and 2-point conversion) with nine seconds left closed the final gap to six points.
• Kiael Kelly completed 17 of 24 passes for 209 yards with one TD and one INT.
• Seven BSU receivers caught passes. Donovan Hamilton led the way with seven catches for 61 yards. Qua Ashley rushed for 86 yards (1 TD) on 18 trips as the Cardinals totaled 176 yards rushing.
• Ashley leads the MAC in all-purpose yards (128.0 yards per game)
• The Cardinals are coming off of a bye week.
• • • • • OHIO has won two straight since falling at No. 1 Ohio State (37-9) Sept. 13.
• The 'Cats hit the road this week after two straight home wins. After defeating Gardner Webb 52-38, Ohio beat Bowling Green 35-20 last Saturday.
• Ohio led the Falcons 21-13 at intermission and traded touchdowns before adding a final TD at 6:20 of the final stanza.
• Parker Navarro completed 17 of 25 pass attempts (208 yards, 2 TDs 1 INT). He also ran 11 times for 66 yards and a pair of TDs.
• Navarro leads the MAC in total offense (279.8 ypg)
• Sieh Bangura led the Ohio ground attack against BGSU, carrying 18 times for 115 yards. The senior ranks third among MAC rushers (82.8 ypg).
• Chase Hendricks tops MAC receivers with an average of 96.2 yards per game. He has four receiving TDs.
# WESTERN MICHIGAN AT UMASS (2:30 P.M., ESPN+)
The Broncos go for three straight this week when they visit UMass. Meanwhile, the Minutemen are still looking for their first victory of 2025.
WMU ranks sixth among MAC teams in scoring (19.4 ppg) and is third in scoring defense (24.3 ppg). UMass is 12th in both scoring (14.3 ppg) and scoring defense (36.7 ppg).
• • • • • MASSACHUSETTS is coming off a 42-6 loss to No. 20 Missouri.
• The Tigers led 21-6 after two quarters and added another 21 over the final two periods.
• The only UMass points came on a 2-yard AJ Hairston pass to Max Dowling. The PAT was blocked.
• Dowling completed just 11 of 31 pass attempts, good for 75 yards with one touchown and one INT.
• Jacquon Gibson topped Minutemen receivrs with six catches for 30 yards.
• UMass ran 16 times, totaling 19 yards.
• The Minutemen defense recorded four sacks and six TFL.
• • • • • WESTERN MICHIGAN surrendered seven points eartly exploded for 28 second quarter points on the way to a 31-7 halftime advantage over Rhode Island last week. The Broncos added 13 unanswered third quarter points before finishing off a 47-14 final.
• Broc Lowry connected on 15 of 20 pass atempts, good for 143 yards and one TD.
• Three players had at least 52 yards rushing as Ofa Mataele, Devin Miles and Lowry combined for 166 of WMU's 216 yards (with five TDs) on the ground.
• The Broncos defense recorded seven sacks and nine TFL
• Talique Williams leads Western Michigan receivers on the year with 12 catches totaling 217 yards.
• The Broncos have just two receiving touchdowns on the year. However, they have recorded eight scores via runs.
• Palmer Domschke earned Player of the Week honors after hitting three field goals, including a long of 49, against Rhode Island.
The Broncos go for three straight this week when they visit UMass. Meanwhile, the Minutemen are still looking for their first victory of 2025.
WMU ranks sixth among MAC teams in scoring (19.4 ppg) and is third in scoring defense (24.3 ppg). UMass is 12th in both scoring (14.3 ppg) and scoring defense (36.7 ppg).
• • • • • MASSACHUSETTS is coming off a 42-6 loss to No. 20 Missouri.
• The Tigers led 21-6 after two quarters and added another 21 over the final two periods.
• The only UMass points came on a 2-yard AJ Hairston pass to Max Dowling. The PAT was blocked.
• Dowling completed just 11 of 31 pass attempts, good for 75 yards with one touchown and one INT.
• Jacquon Gibson topped Minutemen receivrs with six catches for 30 yards.
• UMass ran 16 times, totaling 19 yards.
• The Minutemen defense recorded four sacks and six TFL.
• • • • • WESTERN MICHIGAN surrendered seven points eartly exploded for 28 second quarter points on the way to a 31-7 halftime advantage over Rhode Island last week. The Broncos added 13 unanswered third quarter points before finishing off a 47-14 final.
• Broc Lowry connected on 15 of 20 pass atempts, good for 143 yards and one TD.
• Three players had at least 52 yards rushing as Ofa Mataele, Devin Miles and Lowry combined for 166 of WMU's 216 yards (with five TDs) on the ground.
• The Broncos defense recorded seven sacks and nine TFL
• Talique Williams leads Western Michigan receivers on the year with 12 catches totaling 217 yards.
• The Broncos have just two receiving touchdowns on the year. However, they have recorded eight scores via runs.
• Palmer Domschke earned Player of the Week honors after hitting three field goals, including a long of 49, against Rhode Island.
# CENTRAL MICHIGAN AT AKRON (3:30 P.M., ESPN+)
The Chippewas could make it three straight this week with a win at Akron.
The Zips picked up their first win two weeks ago with a 51-7 drubbing of Duquesne, but they were on the other end last week when Toledo rolled to a 45-3 victory.
Central Michigan ranks sixth among MAC teams in scoring (21.8 pg) and is eighth in scoring defense (29-5 ppg). The Zips are 10th in scoring (16.4 ppg) and ninth in scoring defense (32.2 ppg).
• • • • • AKRON ranks last among MAC teams in offensive efficiency. It is 10th in defensive efficiency.
• The Zips were out-gained last week by Toledo 545-148. Akron had 69 yards rushing and 79 passing.
• UA converted just 2 of 15 third down opportunities and went 2 of 3 on fourth down gambles.
• QB Ben Finley has completed 47.0 percent of his passes (694 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INT) this year.
• Jordan Gant has averaged 5.9 ypc this year (51 carries/300 yards, 3 TDs).
• Israel Polk has a team-high 179 receiving years and has scored two of UA's four receiving touchdowns.
• • • • • CENTRAL MICHIGAN opened is MAC schedule last week with a 24-13 win over Eastern Michigan. The Chippewas never trailed, jumping out to a 14-0 lead and holding a 21-6 edge at intermission.
• Joe Labas completed 14 of 16 pass attempts totaling 138 yards with a TD.
• The Chippewas had two 100+-yard rushers. Angel Flores totaled 134 yards on 22 carries, while Mahree Biggins ran 14 times for 113 yards on a score.
• Maddix Blackwell recorded an interception against EMU. Central Michigan has six interceptions in five games - second among all MAC teams.
The Chippewas could make it three straight this week with a win at Akron.
The Zips picked up their first win two weeks ago with a 51-7 drubbing of Duquesne, but they were on the other end last week when Toledo rolled to a 45-3 victory.
Central Michigan ranks sixth among MAC teams in scoring (21.8 pg) and is eighth in scoring defense (29-5 ppg). The Zips are 10th in scoring (16.4 ppg) and ninth in scoring defense (32.2 ppg).
• • • • • AKRON ranks last among MAC teams in offensive efficiency. It is 10th in defensive efficiency.
• The Zips were out-gained last week by Toledo 545-148. Akron had 69 yards rushing and 79 passing.
• UA converted just 2 of 15 third down opportunities and went 2 of 3 on fourth down gambles.
• QB Ben Finley has completed 47.0 percent of his passes (694 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INT) this year.
• Jordan Gant has averaged 5.9 ypc this year (51 carries/300 yards, 3 TDs).
• Israel Polk has a team-high 179 receiving years and has scored two of UA's four receiving touchdowns.
• • • • • CENTRAL MICHIGAN opened is MAC schedule last week with a 24-13 win over Eastern Michigan. The Chippewas never trailed, jumping out to a 14-0 lead and holding a 21-6 edge at intermission.
• Joe Labas completed 14 of 16 pass attempts totaling 138 yards with a TD.
• The Chippewas had two 100+-yard rushers. Angel Flores totaled 134 yards on 22 carries, while Mahree Biggins ran 14 times for 113 yards on a score.
• Maddix Blackwell recorded an interception against EMU. Central Michigan has six interceptions in five games - second among all MAC teams.
# EASTERN MICHIGAN AT BUFFALO (3:30 P.M., ESPN+
Eastern Michigan goes after its first MAC win of 2025 Saturday when it visits Buffalo. The Bulls, who are 2-3 overall, already have one MAC win. They edged Kent State 31-28 back on Sept. 13.
The two teams are both scoring an average 24.0 ppg -- third among MAC teams. However, UB is second in scoring defense (19.6 ppg), while the Eagles have yielded 36.6 ppg. (11th, MAC).
In last year's meeting, Buffalo downed EMU 37-20 during the Eagles' five-game losing streak to close 2024. Two late Bulls touchdowns put the game away after Eastern Michigan closed to within three (23-20) midway through the final period.
• • • • • EASTERN MICHIGAN defeated Louisiana 34-31 Sept. 20 for its only 2025 win thus far. The Eagles are coming off a 24-13 loss to Central Michigan last Saturday.
• The Eagles trailed CMU 21-6 at intermission. EMU scored its only TD in the third period on a Noah Kim 14-yard run, but could not score again, Central Michigan added three more in the fourth quarter.
• Eastern Michigan was gashed for 331 yards rushing. However, two of three Chippewa TDs came through the air.
• Kim completed 17 of 28 passes for 175 yards with one interception.
• Dontae McMillan ran 13 times for 71 of the Eagles 123 yards rushing.
• EMU leads MAC teams in third down conversion percentage (40.6%). It is third in first downs (20.0 per game).
• • • • • BUFFALO has dropped two close games since defeating Kent State on Sept. 13. The hosting Bulls lost to Troy 21-17 and were edged by UConn 20-17 last Saturday.
• Buffalo tied the game 17-all with 1:04 remaining, but the Huskies drove 49 yards in 10 plays before kicking a game-winning field goal with 11 seconds left.
• UB quarterback Gunnar Gray connected on 17 of 29 throws (1 TD) totaling 125 yards.Victor Snow caught seven balls for 58 yards.
• Lamar Sperling led UB rushing with 106 yards on nine trips. One run went 63 yards for a second quarter touchdown.
• The Bulls have allowed a MAC-low three sacks and are second in sacking opponents (17).
Eastern Michigan goes after its first MAC win of 2025 Saturday when it visits Buffalo. The Bulls, who are 2-3 overall, already have one MAC win. They edged Kent State 31-28 back on Sept. 13.
The two teams are both scoring an average 24.0 ppg -- third among MAC teams. However, UB is second in scoring defense (19.6 ppg), while the Eagles have yielded 36.6 ppg. (11th, MAC).
In last year's meeting, Buffalo downed EMU 37-20 during the Eagles' five-game losing streak to close 2024. Two late Bulls touchdowns put the game away after Eastern Michigan closed to within three (23-20) midway through the final period.
• • • • • EASTERN MICHIGAN defeated Louisiana 34-31 Sept. 20 for its only 2025 win thus far. The Eagles are coming off a 24-13 loss to Central Michigan last Saturday.
• The Eagles trailed CMU 21-6 at intermission. EMU scored its only TD in the third period on a Noah Kim 14-yard run, but could not score again, Central Michigan added three more in the fourth quarter.
• Eastern Michigan was gashed for 331 yards rushing. However, two of three Chippewa TDs came through the air.
• Kim completed 17 of 28 passes for 175 yards with one interception.
• Dontae McMillan ran 13 times for 71 of the Eagles 123 yards rushing.
• EMU leads MAC teams in third down conversion percentage (40.6%). It is third in first downs (20.0 per game).
• • • • • BUFFALO has dropped two close games since defeating Kent State on Sept. 13. The hosting Bulls lost to Troy 21-17 and were edged by UConn 20-17 last Saturday.
• Buffalo tied the game 17-all with 1:04 remaining, but the Huskies drove 49 yards in 10 plays before kicking a game-winning field goal with 11 seconds left.
• UB quarterback Gunnar Gray connected on 17 of 29 throws (1 TD) totaling 125 yards.Victor Snow caught seven balls for 58 yards.
• Lamar Sperling led UB rushing with 106 yards on nine trips. One run went 63 yards for a second quarter touchdown.
• The Bulls have allowed a MAC-low three sacks and are second in sacking opponents (17).
# KENT STATE AT NO. 5 OKLAHOMA (4 p.m., SEC)
The Flashes face their third Top-25 team in three weeks Saturday when they visit No. 5 Oklahoma in Norman. Not only are the Sooners 4-0 this year, they already have recorded victories over two Top-25 teams -- No. 15 Michigan and No. 22 Auburn.
• • • • • OKLAHOMA is averaging 31.3 ppg (59th FBS) and 430.3 ypg (50th in FBS).
• The Sooners passing game is alive and well, providing 305 ypg (17th FBS). Meanwhile, OU has rushed for an average of 125.3 ypg.
• Junior QB John Mateer has completed 67.4 percent of his passes (1,215 yds, 6 TDs, 3 INT). He is also the leading rusher, logging 43 carries for 190 yards and five touchdowns.
• Tight end Jaren Kanak has 18 receptions for a total of 307 yards. Isaiah Sategna III and Deion Burks have combined for 45 catches, 549 yards and three scores.
• The Oklahoma defense ranks second (FBS) in total defense (207.5 ypg) and third (FBS) in scoring defense (9.0 ppg)
• • • • • KENT STATE is coming off a 66-10 loss at No. 7 Florida State. The Flashes only touchdown came on a second quarter 75-yard pass play from Dru DeShields to Dashawn Martin.
• FSU out-gained Kent State 775-206. Most (498 yards) of the Seminoles yardage came on the ground.
• Dru DeShields completed 9 of 18 passes for 129 yards with one TD and one pick. Nolan Good connected on 4 of 9 for a total of 34 yards.
• Kent State netted 43 yards on the ground. Gavin Garvia carried 14 times for a total of 40 yards.
• CJ Young recorded an interception.
• Charlie Durkin punted seven times, averaging 43.7 yards per boot (long of 63).
• The Flashes rank ninth among MAC teams in scoring (18.3 ppg) and are last/13th in scoring defense (44.0 ppg).
• Kent State is fourth (MAC) in passing offense (204 ypg) but 12th in pass defense (285.5 ypg).
The Flashes face their third Top-25 team in three weeks Saturday when they visit No. 5 Oklahoma in Norman. Not only are the Sooners 4-0 this year, they already have recorded victories over two Top-25 teams -- No. 15 Michigan and No. 22 Auburn.
• • • • • OKLAHOMA is averaging 31.3 ppg (59th FBS) and 430.3 ypg (50th in FBS).
• The Sooners passing game is alive and well, providing 305 ypg (17th FBS). Meanwhile, OU has rushed for an average of 125.3 ypg.
• Junior QB John Mateer has completed 67.4 percent of his passes (1,215 yds, 6 TDs, 3 INT). He is also the leading rusher, logging 43 carries for 190 yards and five touchdowns.
• Tight end Jaren Kanak has 18 receptions for a total of 307 yards. Isaiah Sategna III and Deion Burks have combined for 45 catches, 549 yards and three scores.
• The Oklahoma defense ranks second (FBS) in total defense (207.5 ypg) and third (FBS) in scoring defense (9.0 ppg)
• • • • • KENT STATE is coming off a 66-10 loss at No. 7 Florida State. The Flashes only touchdown came on a second quarter 75-yard pass play from Dru DeShields to Dashawn Martin.
• FSU out-gained Kent State 775-206. Most (498 yards) of the Seminoles yardage came on the ground.
• Dru DeShields completed 9 of 18 passes for 129 yards with one TD and one pick. Nolan Good connected on 4 of 9 for a total of 34 yards.
• Kent State netted 43 yards on the ground. Gavin Garvia carried 14 times for a total of 40 yards.
• CJ Young recorded an interception.
• Charlie Durkin punted seven times, averaging 43.7 yards per boot (long of 63).
• The Flashes rank ninth among MAC teams in scoring (18.3 ppg) and are last/13th in scoring defense (44.0 ppg).
• Kent State is fourth (MAC) in passing offense (204 ypg) but 12th in pass defense (285.5 ypg).
MIAMI AT NORTHERN ILLINOIS (3:30 P.M., ESPN+)
It's finally MAC football time for Miami and Northern Illinois. Both teams emerged from non-conference play owning 1-3 records.
With NIU football departing for the Mountain West Conference next year, this could be the last meeting between the two schools - at least as conference mates.
Miami has won the last four meetings, but three of those matchups were one-score decisions. A number of factors suggest this year's contest will once again be a close, hard-fought game.
It also wouldn't be . . . CONTINUE
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