Central Michigan football extinguishes the Golden Flashes
Central Michigan senior linebacker Jordan Kwiatkowski points toward the sky after making a tackle during the CMU versus Bowling Green football game at Doyt L. Perry Stadium, in Bowling Green, OH, on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. Kwiatkowski led CMU with 14 total tackles. (CM-Life | Mark Hoover)
With 5:28 remaining in the game Central Michigan football held a narrow five point lead after a 59-yard punt return touchdown from Kent State's Wayne Harris, allowed KSU to find an avenue back into the game.
That is when CMU running back Brock Townsend ripped off a 10-yard run to put the Chippewas up by 12 with just 4:44 remaining, ultimately allowing the squad from Mount Pleasant to close out the game with a 28-16 victory.
The win puts the squad at 7-4 on the season and 5-2 in the Mid-American Conference, while also keeping the teams hopes of a MAC Championship appearance alive.
The game started with Central Michigan's defense starting strong as it has all season, holding the Golden Flashes to seven total yards on the teams first five plays.
The maroon and gold offense clicked in its first series as well, putting together a long 75-yard 18 play drive that took 10 minutes and 53 seconds off of the clock. The drive was eventually capped off by a quick pass from Joe Labas to Tommy McIntosh for a 1-yard touchdown.
CMU linebacker Jordan Kwiatkowiski forced a fumble on the defenses next series to give the Chippewa's offense the ball at the KSU 34-yard line, allowing the squad from Mount Pleasant to tack on another touchdown on the back of a gritty two yard rush from Brock Townsend.
The Kent State offense found some luck with 4:22 remaining in the first half when Terrell Miller picked off Joe Labas, leading to a Golden Flashes field goal to make the score 14-3 right before halftime.
The third quarter was dominated by both squads defenses, with both teams struggling to cross mid field, but a punt return touchdown for Kent State early in the fourth quarter allowed the squad from Ohio to find points despite the offenses lack of production, making the score 14-9 after a field two-point conversion attempt.
However, CMU sensed the urgency to keep ahead and put together a five minute 57 second touchdown drive to pull back ahead by two possessions.
CMU tacked on another touchdown with 3:07 remaining to make the score 28-9 with little time for a KSU comeback.
Kent State's offense finally found the end zone with a 10-yard rush from Dru DeShields, but it was too little too late and CMU closed the game out 28-16.
Kwiatkowski led the defense with 14 total tackles, four tackles for loss, one forced fumble and one sack.
Michael Heldman also excelled as he has all season, finishing with five tackles, two tackles for loss and two sacks.
The offense, despite having only two touchdowns for most of the game, always seemed to be in control and able to find points when urgency was needed as the squad totaled 174 rushing yards on 43 attempts with a ground game that helped the Chippewas dominate the clock.
CMU football is back in Mount Pleasant to take on Toledo on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 12 p.m. with a potential trip to the MAC Championship on the line.
