Who’s Playing
Central Michigan @ Western Michigan
Current Records: Central Michigan 4-4; Western Michigan 5-3
What to Know
The Central Michigan Chippewas have been on the wrong side of a one-way rivalry with the Western Michigan Broncos and are hoping to record their first win since Nov. 1 of 2017. CMU and WMU will face off in a Mid-American battle at 7 p.m. ET next Wednesday at Waldo Stadium. If the game is anything like the Broncos’ 52-44 victory from their previous meeting in November of last year, the scorekeeper will be kept real busy.
CMU scored first but ultimately less than the Northern Illinois Huskies in their contest last week. CMU had victory within their grasp but couldn’t quite capture it as the team lost 39-38 to NIU. That makes it the first time this season the Chippewas have let down their home crowd. They might have lost, but man — RB Lew Nichols III was a total machine. He rushed for two TDs and 192 yards on 22 carries. One of the most memorable plays of the matchup was Nichols III’s 66-yard touchdown rush in the first quarter. Nichols III’s sharp performance set his single-game rushing touchdown high for the season.
Meanwhile, the Broncos received a tough blow last week as they fell 34-15 to the Toledo Rockets. QB Kaleb Eleby put forth a good effort for the losing side as he accumulated 232 passing yards in addition to punching in one rushing touchdown.
The Chippewas are now 4-4 while WMU sits at 5-3. A pair of defensive numbers to keep in mind before kickoff: CMU is stumbling into the contest with the 214th most passing touchdowns allowed in the nation, having given up 13 on the season. WMU has experienced some passing struggles of their own as they are 232nd worst in the nation in passing touchdowns allowed, with 15 on the season. It’s possible one of these Achilles’ heels will wind up tripping the losing team up.
How To Watch
- When: Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET
- Where: Waldo Stadium — Kalamazoo, Michigan
- TV: ESPN University
- Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Follow: CBS Sports App
Series History
Western Michigan have won five out of their last six games against Central Michigan.
- Nov 18, 2020 – Western Michigan 52 vs. Central Michigan 44
- Sep 28, 2019 – Western Michigan 31 vs. Central Michigan 15
- Oct 20, 2018 – Western Michigan 35 vs. Central Michigan 10
- Nov 01, 2017 – Central Michigan 35 vs. Western Michigan 28
- Oct 01, 2016 – Western Michigan 49 vs. Central Michigan 10
- Oct 10, 2015 – Western Michigan 41 vs. Central Michigan 39
