Western Michigan brings a 2-0 MAC record to Mount Pleasant, where Central Michigan is unbeaten at home and Angel Flores carries the offense
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — The Victory Cannon sits in Kalamazoo. Central Michigan wants it back.
Western Michigan (4-2, 2-0 MAC) visits Central Michigan (3-3, 1-1) at 1:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+ in the latest chapter of the state's MAC rivalry. Western won last year's game 24-21 and leads the all-time series 54-40-2. In the Victory Cannon trophy era, the Broncos lead 11-7.
The Broncos are rolling. They've won three of their last four, including a 38-7 win over Kent State last week. Quarterback Broc Lowry has completed 95 of 139 passes for 996 yards, with seven touchdowns and only one interception. Jalen Buckley has run for 392 yards and five scores. Dillon Moore leads the defense in tackles (39) and sacks (2.5). Lance Taylor, in his fourth season, has built a steady team.
Central Michigan's offense has one engine: quarterback Angel Flores. He leads the team in rushing with 501 yards and four touchdowns, and he has thrown for 313 yards. Langston Lewis is the top receiver. Matt Drinkall, in his second season, has the Chippewas 3-0 at Kelly/Shorts Stadium, though they lost 31-14 at Ohio last week.
ESPN's Football Power Index ranks Central's offense 131st in efficiency, against a Western defense ranked 80th. Western's offense ranks 82nd, against a Central defense ranked 99th. Western is the more complete team, but rivalry games don't always follow the numbers. Central's defense will need Jaxon Cherry, who has three sacks, and Mayson Hitchens, who leads the team with 41 tackles, to have big afternoons. Western needs Lowry to keep protecting the football the way he has all season.
Western Michigan claims MAC titles in 1966, 1988, 2016 and 2025. Al Molde and P.J. Fleck are among its best-known coaches. Central Michigan has won seven MAC titles, plus a 1974 Division II national championship.
The forecast is dry and 52 degrees, with gusts near 16 mph. Western's Micah Davis is a game-time decision. Neither team has a key starter ruled out.
The winner gets the cannon and a big step in the MAC race. Western visits Toledo next week, and Central hosts Miami (Ohio).
Western's steadier passing and a defense built to contain Flores are the difference, though the home crowd should keep it close.
Our call: Western Michigan 25, Central Michigan 16.