The old adage in college football is that November is for contenders.
On this particular November weeknight, the contender who emerged to keep their Mid-American Conference championship dreams alive was the Central Michigan Chippewas (7-4, 5-2 MAC), who claimed a vital victory over the hosting Kent State Golden Flashes (4-7, 3-4 MAC) by a final score of 28-16.
The Chippewas established dominance early on both sides of the ball, forcing a three-and-out on defense and then executing the longest drive
by time of possession in program history, swallowing 10:38 of game clock over an 18-play, 75-yard drive before capping it off with a one-yard passing score from Joe Labas to Tommy McIntosh.
A fumble on Kent State’s ensuing drive was converted into a Brock Townsend touchdown run from two yards out to double the score at 14-0 at the start of the second quarter, putting the homestanding Flashes in an early hole.
The Flashes defense would answer the call near the end of the first half, as Terrell Miller picked off an errant Joe Labas pass to set the offense up at the KSU 18-yard line. Will Hryszko would trot on to kick a 35-yard field goal to get Kent State on the board, trailing 14-3 with 53 seconds remaining in the first half.
Defense defined the third quarter, with the Flashes forcing three punts and the Chippewas nabbing a turnover-on-downs and a punt in the first five possessions of the frame. Kent State was finally able to find some footing on their last possession of the quarter, marching downfield for a long drive— but a seven-yard loss on a run by Gavin Garcia on first-and-10 from the Central Michigan 16-yard line presented a complication.
The Flashes were eventually forced to settle for a 36-yard field goal try to attempt to get within eight points three plays later. Will Hryszko’s kick sailed wide left of the mark, giving CMU possession of the ball after a fallow 13-play, 79-yard drive.
Central faced their own adversity on the next drive, as offensive tackle Martin Koivisto was called for a false start on the first play of the new drive, forcing the Chips into a first-and-15 situation deep in their own territory. The punting unit would trot on three plays later, with Declan Dooley booting the ball away in the direction of returner Wayne Harris.
Harris would catch the ball at his own 41-yard line along the sideline, then cut to the middle of the field upon noticing CMU’s over-pursuit on a pinch coverage. The seas opened up for Harris, who managed to evade multiple tackle attempts en route to a 59-yard punt return touchdown to get Kent State within a score at 14-9. The two-point conversion attempt fell behind the endzone, keeping the gap at five points.
CMU looked to be stalling out again after a false start on the first play of the new series, but a 10-yard run by backup QB Marcus Beamon on third down and a second-and-12 conversion to tight end Henry Dryden for 23 yards helped to set up Brock Townsend’s second rushing touchdown of the day— this one from 10 yards out— to put CMU up 21-9 with 4:44 remaining in the game.
The game would be put on ice two possessions later, as JJ Douglas pulled Dru DeShields for a 10-yard sack on fourth-and-seven at the KSU 34-yard line and Decorion Temple scored a walk-in touchdown from 19 yards out to put the score at 28-9 just over a minute later.
Dru DeShields worked his way downfield to score on a 10-yard touchdown to pretty up the scoreboard with 1:28 remaining, and CMU would recover the onsides kick to end the contest.
Joe Labas finished 11-of-21 for 121 yards, two touchdowns and an interception to lead the Central offense, with backup Marcus Beamon rushing for 42 yards on nine carries— including several fourth-down conversions. Nahree Biggins led the rushing effort with 12 carries for 61 yards, while Brock Townsend (six carries, 27 yards) scored both rushing touchdowns. DC Temple (three catches, 34 yards, TD), Langston Lewis and Henry Dryden (two catches, 29 yards each) led the receiving effort.
EDGE rusher Michael Heldman added to his incredible run of form from last week, with two sacks, two tackles-for-loss and a QB hurry on top of five tackles. Entering the game, he was tied for 12th in the NCAA in sacks. Jordan Kwiatkowsi led the unit in tackles (14), solo tackles-for-loss (four) and assisted tackles-for-loss (one). Dakota Cochran and Jaion Jackson both had a pass break-up.
Kent State struggled for offense on the day, scoring their lone touchdown in the last minute of the contest.
Dru DeShields finished 14-of-28 for 185 yards and a rushing touchdown, getting sacked four times and fumbling twice. Gavin Garcia was the leading rusher with 77 yards on 15 carries. Terik Mulder led the Flashes with four catches for 30 yards, while Wayne Harris (56 yards) and DaShawn Martin (53 yards) each had three catches.
Linebacker Mason Woods added to a banner year, with a team-leading 11 tackles and two tackles-for-loss. Terrell Miller hauled in the team’s lone interception and pass break-up, while three Flashes tied for a QB hurry each.
With the win, CMU keeps their Detroit dreams alive. They’ll need help next week, namely from Buffalo and Ball State, but a home win against Toledo to end the season would go a long way in aiding their chances. Kickoff for the game is scheduled for Saturday, November 29th at noon Eastern time.
With the loss, Kent State is no longer assured a postseason bid, as they best they can finish is 5-7. There’s still a lot to play for, however. With a win next week over Northern Illinois, the Flashes can secure their best record since 2021. Kickoff is scheduled for Friday, November 28th at noon Eastern time.
