Eastern Falls to Central in 2019 MAC Opener

Postgame Audio.

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Big plays proved too much for the Eastern Michigan University football team in the 2019 Mid-American Conference opener at Central Michigan University Saturday, Oct. 5, at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The Chippewas tallied three touchdowns of 60-or-more yards en route to 587 yards of offense in the 42-16 decision.

Senior quarterback Mike Glass III (St. Louis, Mo.-Hazelwood Central (Southwestern C.C.)) paced the EMU offense with 206 yards of total offense, throwing for one touchdown, and running for his eighth-career rushing TD. Senior Mathew Sexton (Clinton, Mich.-Clinton) contributed his second touchdown of the season, while junior defensive back Noski LeFleur (Lake Charles, La.-LaGrange (Coffeyville C.C.) recorded his first-career interception.

A first half that saw Eastern (3-2, 0-1 MAC) surrender 354 yards of total offense, Central (3-3, 2-1 MAC) was able to keep the EMU offense in check with just 146 total yards allowed.

Explosive from the start, CMU's offense completed a 37-pass on the game's first play from scrimmage. The Chips went on to complete a seven-play, 75-yard drive with 12:21 left in the opening frame, taking the contest's first lead, 7-0.

Facing a fourth-and-short on its first drive of the game, EMU was unable to move the chains, turning the ball over on downs in its first offensive series. Following a missed 50-yard field goal attempt by CMU, Glass marched the Eagles into CMU territory. Sophomore kicker Chad Ryland (Lebanon, Pa.-Cedar Crest) capped the drive with a 42-yard field goal make, pulling Eastern within four, 7-3.

Following another missed field goal attempt by Central, the Eastern offense took over with a chance to pull the game closer. Facing pressure for the CMU D-line, Glass launched a ball towards the endzone, where a Chippewa defensive back hauled it in for an interception.

Central added two more scores to take a 21-3 lead into the break.

Eastern's offense was unable to build momentum to open the second half, going three-and-out to begin the third frame. After Central extended its lead, 28-3, EMU pieced together a seven-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that was finished-off by a one-yard run from Glass. Ryland tacked-on the extra point to get Eastern within three scores, 28-10.

Eastern's defense brought the Green and White faithful to its feet late in the third quarter. With EMU still down, 28-10, senior defensive lineman Shawn Simeon (Miami, Fla.-Central (Coffeyville C.C.)) batted a CMU pass allowing LeFleur to corral it and give EMU the ball back, inside the redzone. Unfortunately, the Eagles were unable to score, turning the ball over on downs.

Trailing 35-10, just minutes into the fourth, Sexton executed a perfect jet sweep, finding the endzone for the first time on offense since EMU's week-three win over Illinois, Sept. 14. Eastern's two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, keeping the score 35-16.

CMU would add a late touchdown to cap the contest at 42-16.

Eastern is back in action Saturday, Sept. 12, on the gray turf inside Rynearson Stadium, for its homecoming game against MAC West foe Ball State University. For the most up-to-date information on EMU football and 2019 homecoming festivities, visit EMUEagles.com

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Team Stats

Mike Glass III

Players Mentioned

Mike Glass III

Chad Ryland

Mathew Sexton

Shawn Simeon

Players Mentioned

Mike Glass III

Chad Ryland

Mathew Sexton

Shawn Simeon

Eastern Michigan Athletics