WMU Hands CMU First Loss in Shootout

MT. PLEASANT – D’Wayne Eskridge tallied 212 yards and three touchdowns on four catches to lead Western Michigan to a 52-44 win over Central Michigan in the battle for the Victory Cannon at Kelly/Shorts Stadium on Wednesday.

CMU (2-1, 2-1) jumped out to an early 14-0 with 11:18 remaining in the opening quarter before WMU scored 31 straight points to take a 31-14 lead.

The 96 points put up by both teams Wednesday is the most combined points scored in the rivalry that dates back to 1907.

HERE. WE. GO. 🔥⬆️

The Chippewas take the field as we get ready for kickoff here at Kelly Shorts Stadium for the Battle for the Victory Cannon!

— Joey DeBerardino (@JoeyDeBerardino)

Kaleb Eleby completed 12-of-20 passing for 382 yards, five touchdowns and an interception for the Broncos (3-0, 3-0).

The Chippewas trailed 52-30 early in the fourth quarter but scored twice in the final seven minutes of regulation to cut the deficit to eight.

“That was a really good football team we played, they took it to us in every phase of the game,” CMU coach Jim McElwain said. “Our guys are hurting and I mean, anytime you lose a rivalry game like that, you know, at the same time there’s things we can take from it and build on and that’s what we’re gonna do.”

Kalil Pimpleton had seven rushes for 108 yard and three scores while totaling 42 yards through the air on three receptions for the Chippewas.

FINAL. Western Michigan takes down Central Michigan 52-44 claiming the Victory Cannon Trophy for the third year in a row.

WMU stays undefeated at 3-0 while CMU moves to 2-1. Tough loss for the Chips in a game with 96 total points.

— Joey DeBerardino (@JoeyDeBerardino)

Kobe Lewis led CMU on the ground with 114 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries.

Daniel Richardson was 13-of-19 for 157 yards and a touchdown.

Petoskey native Joel Wilson got the start at tight end for CMU and caught a two-point conversion with 10:50 left in the third quarter to bring CMU to within 38-22.

CMU is back in action at rival Eastern Michigan on Friday, Nov. 27. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.