MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Interstat) — A dominant ground attack and a stifling defensive effort propelled Central Michigan to a 24-13 victory over in-state rival Eastern Michigan on Saturday at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.

The Chippewas (2-2, 0-0 Mid-American Conference) leaned heavily on a dynamic rushing performance, particularly from quarterback Angel Flores, to control the clock and secure the win. The Eagles (1-3, 0-0 MAC) struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm against a swarming Central Michigan defense.

Central Michigan set the tone early, marching 75 yards on the game’s opening drive. The Chippewas efficiently mixed runs and short passes, culminating in a 1-yard touchdown pass from Joe Labas to Brock Townsend to take a 7-0 lead.

After forcing a punt, Central Michigan quickly struck again. On the first play of their second possession, Nahree Biggins broke free for a 49-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 14-0 midway through the first quarter.

Eastern Michigan responded with a methodical drive but stalled in the red zone, settling for a 41-yard field goal from Rudy Kessinger to get on the board at the end of the first quarter.

The Chippewas answered with another long, time-consuming drive in the second quarter. They converted multiple third downs before Flores connected with Langston Lewis on a 2-yard touchdown pass, pushing the advantage to 21-3.

The Eagles showed signs of life just before halftime. Quarterback Noah Kim engineered a 13-play drive, moving Eastern Michigan from its own 12-yard line to the Central Michigan 20. The drive stalled, but Kessinger nailed a 38-yard field goal as time expired in the half, cutting the deficit to 21-6.

Eastern Michigan carried that momentum into the third quarter. Kim capped a 69-yard drive with a 14-yard touchdown run, bringing the Eagles within a single score at 21-13 and injecting new life into the contest.

The comeback bid was short-lived, however, as Central Michigan’s defense tightened. A critical interception by defensive back Maddix Blackwell in the third quarter halted an Eastern Michigan drive, and the Chippewas’ offense embarked on a marathon, 16-play drive that consumed over eight minutes of clock in the fourth quarter. The possession ended with a 22-yard field goal from Cade Graham, sealing the game at 24-13.

Eastern Michigan had a final opportunity to make it a one-score game, driving to the Central Michigan 23-yard line, but a missed 40-yard field goal attempt by Kessinger with just over four minutes left effectively ended the threat.

Flores was the engine of the Central Michigan offense, rushing for 134 yards on 22 carries. Biggins added 113 yards and a touchdown on 14 rushes. Labas was efficient through the air, completing 14 of 16 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown.

For Eastern Michigan, Kim completed 17 of 28 passes for 175 yards and added a rushing touchdown. Running back Dontae McMillan was a bright spot, gaining 71 yards on the ground and adding 33 receiving yards.

Defensively, Central Michigan was led by Dakota Cochran with eight tackles, while Elijah Gordon and Caleb Spann each added seven. Michael Heldman recorded 1.5 sacks. Eastern Michigan’s Bryce Llewellyn had a game-high 12 tackles.

The result defied the pregame betting lines, which had installed Eastern Michigan as a 3.5-point favorite. The combined 37 points fell well under the over/under line of 55.5.

Central Michigan opens MAC play on the road next Saturday at Akron. Eastern Michigan also begins its conference schedule, traveling to face Buffalo.