Central Michigan heads to Kent State on November 19, 2025, looking to strengthen its grip on MAC playoff hopes. The Chippewas bring a 6-4 overall record and 4-2 conference mark to Dix Stadium. Kent State sits at 4-6 overall with a 3-3 MAC record. This matchup carries massive weight for both programs’ postseason destinations.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Game time: 7 PM ET Wednesday, Nov. 19 on ESPNU
- Location: Dix Stadium, Kent, Ohio with Senior Day for Golden Flashes
- Central Michigan leads all-time series 25-9 vs. Kent State
- Western Michigan leads the MAC at 6-1 in conference play
- MAC Championship winner gets automatic bowl game bid
What Happened: A Critical MAC Matchup
Central Michigan arrives as the clear favorite in this Week 13 clash. The Chippewas dominate head-to-head history with a 25-9 edge over the Golden Flashes.
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Under first-year head coach Matt Drinkall, Central Michigan has managed a solid campaign. They sit fourth in the MAC standings behind Western Michigan (6-1), Ohio (5-2), and Toledo (4-2).
Kent State enters on Senior Night with fresh leadership. Head coach Mark Carney was promoted from interim to full-time on October 30, 2025. Carney has stabilized the program after former coach Kenni Burns was dismissed earlier this season. The Golden Flashes dropped a close game to Akron 42-35 in overtime on November 11, then fell short again before this matchup.
Why This Matters: Playoff Picture Gets Tighter
The stakes couldn’t be higher for either team right now. MAC Championship scenarios are tightening dramatically with six teams sporting two conference losses.
For Central Michigan, a win keeps them alive in the title race. They need to stay competitive with Western Michigan and maintain distance from the crowded middle. The Chippewas still control their two remaining regular-season games.
Kent State is fighting simply to remain relevant. At 3-3 in league play, they’re still alive mathematically but need wins badly. A Senior Night loss would be devastating to morale heading into the final stretch.
The MAC champion earns an automatic berth to a bowl game (guaranteed by conference contract). This isn’t theoretical—it’s a real path to postseason play for both programs.
Head-to-Head History: Central Michigan’s Dominance
This series tells a story of Chippewas superiority. Central Michigan boasts a commanding 25-9 all-time edge against Kent State.
The most lopsided moment came on September 24, 1994, when Central Michigan demolished Kent State 45-0—still the largest margin in the rivalry. The Chippewas also ripped off a nine-game winning streak against the Golden Flashes from 1977 to 1985.
| Series Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| All-Time Record | Central Michigan 25, Kent State 9 |
| Largest Margin (CMU) | 45-0 (Sept. 24, 1994) |
| Longest CMU Win Streak | 9 consecutive wins (1977-1985) |
| Last Meeting | Nov. 10, 2021 |
Kent State hasn’t defeated Central Michigan since 2011. The Golden Flashes won that matchup 24-21 in dramatic fashion. Since then, it’s been all Chippewas.
Critical Coaching Moments: New Era Tested
Matt Drinkall‘s Central Michigan squad has shown inconsistency this season. They fell to Western Michigan 24-21 on November 1 in a devastating loss, but bounced back with strong efforts against lesser opponents.
Mark Carney faces his biggest test yet as the newly-minted full-time Kent State coach. He’s been interim since April 2025 and finally received the permanent job after showing promise. This Senior Night contest tests whether Carney can move the program forward immediately.
What To Watch For: Key Factors Down the Stretch
- Central Michigan’s offensive consistency—they’ve been streaky all season
- Kent State Senior Night momentum—emotional games sometimes produce surprises
- MAC Championship implications for both programs’ postseason hopes
- Remaining schedules: Who controls their own destiny in the title chase?
- Head-to-head advantage: Central Michigan’s psychological edge in this rivalry
Can Kent State Finally Break Through Against Central Michigan?
Kent State enters as a significant underdog despite Senior Night boost potential. The Golden Flashes haven’t beaten Central Michigan since 2011. That’s 14 years of futility against this opponent.
Central Michigan enters with momentum and historical edge. Under Drinkall‘s system, the Chippewas should dominate the line of scrimmage and control pace. Kent State needs a near-perfect performance from coach Mark Carney’s squad.
The real question for fans: Can home field advantage and Senior Night emotion finally get Kent State a win against this rival? Or will Central Michigan stay dominant and protect their postseason path?
Sources
- ESPN – Game coverage and live statistics
- HustleBelt.com – MAC football analysis and previews
- Sports Reference – Historical records and standings
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.