Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan faced off in a crucial matchup that had bowl eligibility hanging in the balance. With both teams eager to secure a spot in postseason play, the stakes couldn’t have been higher.
Western Michigan secures bowl eligibility
In a game filled with grit and determination, Western Michigan emerged victorious with a final score of 26-18. The Broncos established a commanding 16-0 lead by halftime, thanks to a combination of strong defense and effective offensive plays. This win not only brought Western Michigan to a .500 record but also marked a significant milestone for second-year coach Lance Taylor, who led the team to its first bowl eligibility since 2021.
Meanwhile, Eastern Michigan, under the guidance of veteran coach Chris Creighton, saw its streak of three consecutive bowl appearances come to an end. With a final record of 5-7 and a 2-6 mark in the MAC, the Eagles now face an uncertain offseason.
Game highlights and key moments
The game started slowly, with neither team able to score until the second quarter. A pivotal moment came when a blocked punt set the stage for Western Michigan’s first points of the game. Quarterback Hayden Wolff then connected with Zahir Abdus-Salaam on a 31-yard touchdown pass, followed by a 15-yard touchdown run from Jalen Buckley just before halftime, extending the Broncos’ lead to 16-0.
Eastern Michigan responded after halftime with a determined drive, culminating in a 10-yard touchdown run by Delbert Mimms III. The Eagles’ two-point conversion attempt brought them within eight points at 16-8. However, the Broncos quickly countered with a 22-yard touchdown run from Abdus-Salaam, pushing the lead to 23-8. Eastern Michigan continued to fight back, with Mimms scoring again, but Western Michigan’s defense held firm, allowing them to maintain their advantage.
Game statistics and player performances
The statistics from the game highlighted the physical nature of MAC football. Western Michigan’s rushing attack was particularly impressive, with both Jalen Buckley and Zahir Abdus-Salaam surpassing the 100-yard mark. Buckley finished with 103 yards and a touchdown, while Abdus-Salaam added 135 yards and a touchdown, showcasing their ability to grind out tough yards.
On the other side, Eastern Michigan’s Delbert Mimms III was a standout performer, rushing for 127 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Despite his efforts, the Eagles struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm, particularly in the first half.
Eastern Michigan passing stats
| Player | Comp | Att | Yards | Pass TDs |
| Cole Snyder | 7 | 22 | 91 | 0 |
Western Michigan passing stats
| Player | Comp | Att | Yards | Pass TDs |
| Hayden Wolff | 12 | 17 | 126 | 1 |
Key plays of the game
The game featured several key plays that shaped the outcome. Here’s a quick rundown of the scoring summary:
- Western Michigan: Safety, punt blocked through end zone, 2-0, 3:41 remaining in 2nd quarter
- Western Michigan: 31-yard TD pass to Zahir Abdus-Salaam from Hayden Wolff (Zurak XPT), 9-0, 1:50 remaining in 2nd quarter
- Western Michigan: 15-yard TD run by Jalen Buckley (Zurak XPT), 16-0, 0:19 remaining in 2nd quarter
- Eastern Michigan: 10-yard TD run by Delbert Mimms III (two-point conversion from Snyder to Reese), 16-8, 12:02 remaining in 3rd quarter
- Western Michigan: 22-yard TD run by Zahir Abdus-Salaam (Zurak XPT), 23-8, 6:04 remaining in 3rd quarter
- Eastern Michigan: 1-yard TD run by Delbert Mimms III (Gomez XPT), 23-15, 2:16 remaining in 3rd quarter
- Western Michigan: 25-yard field goal by Luka Zurak, 26-15, 11:33 remaining in 4th quarter
- Eastern Michigan: 32-yard field goal by Jesus Gomez, 26-18, 7:52 remaining in 4th quarter
Looking ahead
With this victory, Western Michigan has not only secured bowl eligibility but also set the stage for what could be an exciting postseason. The Broncos will be looking to build on this momentum as they prepare for their upcoming bowl game. On the other hand, Eastern Michigan will need to regroup and reassess as they head into the offseason, aiming to return to bowl contention next year.
This matchup was a classic display of MAC football, showcasing the heart and determination of both teams. As the season comes to a close, fans can only hope for more thrilling moments in the bowl games ahead.
