YPSILANTI, Mich. — On a chilly autumn Saturday afternoon at Rynearson Stadium, an almost perfect day for college football, Eastern Michigan bested in-state rival Central Michigan, 17-7. The campus was celebrating ‘America Day’ honoring those that served in the Military.
Fifth year head football coach Chris Creighton is aiming to make the Eagles bowl eligible (5-5) with one more win. EMU hosts Akron next Saturday at noon in a conference game. It is the last home game of the season.
The Eagles forced four turnovers while holding the CMU offense to just 138 yards. The Chippewas fall to 1-9.
Eastern Michigan opened the scoring on its opening possession as Shaq Vann scored on a 26 yard run. The teams went into the half-time break at 7-7. Senior EMU wide-out Blake Banham led all receivers with 99 yards on seven receptions. Senior linebacker Kyle Rachwal had a 10-tackle day. Vann rushed for 114 yards on 13 carries and quarterback Tyler Wiegers threw for 150 yards and one touchdown pass.
Cathy Sielicki-Steiner was chosen as the faculty/staff honorary coach for the game and she addressed the EMU team beforehand. She is an Event Coordinator on campus and the wife of Greg Steiner, EMU Sports Information Director and Associate AD.
The MAC Commissioner, Jon Steinbrecher, Ph.D, spoke about the Marathon MAC Football Championship to be held Friday, November 30, at Ford Field in Detroit. “We are anxious to learn who will be participating. Glad to be back on a Friday night. We will have strong local and even international interest,” said Steinbrecher.
Also, as a special attraction in the kid’s zone there were three custom EMU bounce houses. The 2018-19 Men’s Basketball Team were signing posters for those that were interested. The basketball squad starts the season November 6, at home against Rochester. EMU is looking for banner senior seasons from James Thompson IV and Elijah Minnie. Eastern Michigan is the pre-season favorite in the Mid- American Conference West.
