Preview: CMU football looks towards final away game
Central Michigan University redshirt senior Micheal Heldman leads the band in the fight song at Kelly/Shorts Stadium on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. As part of the CMU tradition, after every home win, a player takes a position where the drum majors conduct to sing the fight song with the band one last time. (CM Life | Jasmine Brookins)
Central Michigan football has reached the final road trip of the regular season, with high stakes coming ahead.
The Chippewas, who are 6-4 overall and 4-2 in Mid-American Conference play. CMU is fresh off clinching bowl eligibility for the first time since 2021 and will travel to Kent State for a Wednesday night matchup.
With the MAC standings jammed in a five-way tie for second place, CMU enters the week knowing its path to Detroit is still alive. To stay in contention for the MAC Championship Game, the Chippewas must win out.
Meet the opponent
Kent State enters Wednesday night in a similar position to CMU a few weeks ago, fighting to stay alive in the MAC and searching for late-season momentum under a first-year head coach, as Mark Carney took over the program last winter.
Sitting 4-6 overall and 3-3 in MAC play, Kent State is currently at the bottom half of the MAC standings. For the Flashes, they are coming in off a 42-35 win over Akron, a team CMU lost to 28-22.
The Flashes opened the year with a win over Merrimack, then endured a brutal stretch against Texas Tech, Florida State and Oklahoma. However, once MACtion began, Kent State started to look more competitive. Kent State took wins over UMass and Bowling Green while showcasing an offense capable of moving the ball.
Offensively, the Golden Flashes rely on balance and tempo more than star power. Their passing game has been the main part of their attack. The Flashes have struggled to slow opponents for much of the season, particularly against rush-heavy teams.
Keys to victory
The Chippewas are playing their best football of the season, having won five of their last seven. Last week’s win over Buffalo showcased a season-high five forced turnovers, two defensive touchdowns and a 247-yard, two-touchdown performance from quarterback Joe Labas.
Defensively, CMU continues to be one of the MAC’s strongest units, holding opponents under 20 points in all six wins this season. Linebacker Jordan Kwiatkowski and defensive lineman Michael Heldman, who recently earned MAC defensive player of the week, have anchored a defense ranked top-10 nationally in turnovers gained and turnover margin.
Central also carries strong momentum offensively. Wide receiver Langston Lewis has posted back-to-back 100-yard performances, including a 75-yard touchdown against Buffalo. Labas, who has completed over 70 percent of his passes this season, has found a rhythm with the Chippewas’ passing game.
CMU averages 177.9 rushing yards per game, against a Kent State defense allowing 181 per game; the Chippewas have an opportunity to control possession.
The Flashes are more comfortable throwing than running, and CMU’s secondary has been a productive group, with 12 interceptions. If the Chippewas keep Kent State’s passing in check, the Flashes may struggle to score.
CMU is 6-1 when leading at halftime and has built early two-score leads in nearly all its wins. Against one of the weakest defenses in the league, jumping ahead early would put pressure on a Kent State offense that has averaged just 20 points.
Central Michigan (6-4) vs. Kent State (4-6)
Time: 7:00 ET
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 19
Stadium: Dix Stadium
Location: Kent, Ohio
TV: ESPNU
