MACtion Heats Up: A Look at Michigan’s Trio of MAC Teams
Mitten MACtion: Western Soars, Central Seeks Redemption, Eastern Grits for the Road
As the calendar flips deeper into November, the familiar glow of midweek stadium lights means one thing — MACtion is officially in full swing. For Michigan’s three Mid-American Conference contenders, this week represents a critical stretch: rivalry trophies have been claimed, championship hopes hang in the balance, and the final few games will separate the contenders from the pretenders.
Let’s take a spin around the state and check in on the Western Michigan Broncos, Central Michigan Chippewas, and Eastern Michigan Eagles as of November 12, 2025.
Western Michigan: Riding High with Cannon and Trophy in Tow
Kalamazoo is buzzing — and for good reason. The Western Michigan Broncos are coming off a gritty stretch that’s put them atop the MAC standings and firmly in the bowl conversation.
It started with a thrilling 24–21 rivalry win over the Central Michigan Chippewas back on November 1. The victory didn’t just deliver bragging rights; it brought home both the Victory Cannon Trophy and the Michigan MAC Trophy — a clean sweep for the Broncos. Western has now won seven of the last ten meetings in the rivalry, and that stat doesn’t sit too well up in Mount Pleasant. But hey, that’s life in MAC country.
Graduate transfer Tailique Williams was the hero of the day, hauling in a career-high seven catches, including the game-winning touchdown — a seven-yard strike from Broc Lowry with just over two minutes to play. On defense, senior end Marshawn Tucker wreaked havoc with six tackles and a strip-sack, earning his second MAC Defensive Player of the Week honor this season.
With two trophies already in the case, Western (now 6–4 overall, 5–1 MAC) rolled straight into a Tuesday-night ESPN2 showdown with Ohio, a game that carried massive conference implications. In a defensive slugfest, the Broncos emerged with a 17–13 victory, clinching bowl eligibility and seizing sole possession of first place in the MAC. Lowry and running back Jalen Buckley each punched in rushing touchdowns, while the defense once again sealed the deal late — a hallmark of this team’s November toughness.
Central Michigan: A Shot at Redemption
Up the road in Mount Pleasant, the mood is more determined than discouraged. After that heartbreaking rivalry loss, the Central Michigan Chippewas are in regroup-and-respond mode. Sitting at 5–4 overall (3–2 MAC), they still have a shot at the MAC title — but the margin for error is gone.
Head coach Matt Drinkall and staff used Monday night’s Central Michigan Football Coaches Show to hit reset and rally the fanbase. Joined by special teams coordinator Keith Murphy, offensive lineman Jacob Russell, and linebacker Korver Demma, the group shared insight on leadership and accountability heading into a must-win stretch.
That starts tonight, as CMU hosts Buffalo in a pivotal Wednesday MACtion battle. With Buffalo sitting just a game behind Western, the stakes couldn’t be higher — and the Chippewas know it. A win keeps them in the race. A loss, and the road to Detroit gets a lot steeper.
Eastern Michigan: Fighting for Finish and Pride
Meanwhile in Ypsilanti, the Eastern Michigan Eagles are trying to close out the year with some pride — and maybe play spoiler along the way. Sitting at 3–7 overall (2–4 MAC), it’s been a tough ride, but the Eagles have shown flashes of grit and identity.
Last week’s 27–21 win over Bowling Green was exactly what this group needed — a reminder that when they execute, they can hang with anyone. Running back Dontae McMillan led the charge again, continuing a stellar season that’s included four 100-yard games, ranking him 14th nationally in that category. On defense, linebacker Bryce Llewellyn continues to be a rock, averaging 8.7 tackles per game, good for 32nd nationally.
The challenge now? Turning that home energy into results on the road. The Eagles head to Ball State on Saturday, Nov. 15, facing a Cardinals team that’s undefeated at home. Eastern hasn’t won a road game since September 2024 — a streak they’re desperate to snap.
If McMillan and Llewellyn can repeat their performances and the Eagles find a way to finish drives, this could be the statement win they’ve been chasing all season.
That’s A Wrap
As MACtion grips November, Michigan’s trio is writing three very different stories. Western Michigan is peaking at the right time, fueled by toughness and a bowl game in hand. Central Michigan still has everything to play for — it’s gut-check time in Mount Pleasant. And Eastern Michigan may be out of the title hunt, but they’re far from done, playing with pride and plenty left to prove.
Have you been following your favorite MAC team? Is Western the premier MAC football team in the state? Join the conversation in the In-State Colleges Forum — where MAC loyalists break down every matchup, every trophy, every stat.
Info gathered from team reports, MAC pressers & trusted Michigan outlets — the way we always do it at Mitten Sports Talk.
