Eastern Michigan University staged an unforgettable comeback during its Homecoming game against rival Central Michigan University, turning an 18-point deficit into a thrilling 38-34 victory Oct. 19 at Rynearson Stadium.
Trailing 34-16 with just over 10 minutes left in the game, the Eagles rallied in front of an energized crowd. Quarterback Cole Snyder (Lakewood, New York/Southwestern/Rutgers/Buffalo) led the charge, throwing two touchdown passes to wide receiver Terry Lockett Jr. (St. Paul, Minnesota/Minnehaha Academy/Michigan State) and scoring the game-winning touchdown himself on a one-yard run with 1:42 left in regulation.
Reflecting on the critical turning point of the game, Head Coach Chris Creighton said, "The way our defense came out, and our sideline responded to the turnover, you know, sudden change. And it's a decision to take the momentum back... Our defense was electric, and we got the ball right back. It was almost like a do-over, then we went down and scored."
Creighton highlighted how the defense’s ability to respond to adversity helped shift the momentum, setting the stage for the comeback.
The game began with EMU taking control early. Snyder connected with Markus Allen (Dayton, Ohio/Northmont/Wisconsin/Butler CC) for a 15-yard touchdown pass to open the scoring, followed by a 22-yard field goal by kicker Jesús Gómez (Puebla, México/Prepa Tec Puebla), giving the Eagles a 10-0 lead after the first quarter. Gómez extended the lead to 13-0 with a 41-yard field goal before CMU responded with a 22-yard touchdown pass and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown, giving the Chippewas a 14-13 lead. Gómez quickly answered with a 48-yard field goal, putting EMU back ahead 16-14 at halftime.
After the break CMU seemed to take control, scoring 20 unanswered points including a 56-yard field goal and a touchdown early in the fourth quarter to build a commanding 34-16 lead. But EMU wasn’t finished.
"You got to believe first before it happens," Creighton said. "Even when plays aren’t being made, that’s the foundation. The third quarter wasn’t good for us, was not good… Then, at the very end of the third, beginning of the fourth, there was a play that was made, and the feel wasn’t like this craziness… But you could just feel that everybody was still in."
He emphasized the team's resilience and belief in their ability to turn the game around despite struggling in the third quarter.
Snyder’s first touchdown pass of the quarter, a 49-yard strike to Lockett, brought the Eagles within 11 points. Three minutes later, Snyder found Lockett again for a 30-yard touchdown, cutting CMU’s lead to 34-31. A critical defensive stand by EMU forced a CMU punt, setting up the game-winning drive. Snyder capped it off with a one-yard touchdown, securing the Homecoming victory.
"When you have a rivalry game, part one of the Michigan MAC, homecoming, both programs coming off of tough losses. You knew that this was going to be what it always has been, just a war between two programs, and we are sure grateful that we came out on top," Creighton said.
Creighton acknowledged the intensity of the rivalry and the significance of securing the victory in such a high-stakes game.
Allen had a standout performance, recording 140 receiving yards on seven catches, including his first touchdown as an Eagle. Lockett also shined, tallying 100 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Snyder finished the game with 300 passing yards, three touchdown passes, and one rushing score.
Legendary coach Jim Harkema, who addressed the team before the game, reflected on its ability to rise above adversity: "It'd be easy to say, 'Oh no, we're doing it again,’ but they didn't do it again. They took it to them and made plays. It wasn't like Central screwed up. We made plays, and making plays is what it's all about."
Harkema praised the Eagles for their playmaking and determination to win instead of relying on CMU's mistakes.
Defensively, Trey Laing (Tallahassee, Florida/Godby/Indiana/Southern) played a pivotal role in the fourth quarter, contributing to crucial stops that helped seal the win. EMU’s defense, led by Laing and James Djonkam (Springfield, Virginia/West Springfield/Independence CC/Arizona State), held firm in the final minutes, with Djonkam registering a critical sack on fourth down to stop CMU’s last drive.
The win improved Eastern Michigan’s record to 5-2 overall and 2-1 in the Mid-American Conference. It also brought Head Coach Chris Creighton his 33rd MAC victory, surpassing Harkema's record, the most in program history.
Eastern Michigan is back on the road next weekend. The Eagles will travel to Akron, Ohio, to take on the University of Akron on Saturday, Oct. 26. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. and will be available on ESPN+. For more updates on Eastern Michigan football and other sports, follow The Eastern Echo.
