The Eastern Michigan University football team will host the University at Buffalo tomorrow, Wednesday, Nov. 20, at Rynearson Stadium for its final home game of the 2024 season.
With kickoff set for 7 p.m., this Senior Day matchup marks the conclusion of the Eagles’ #MACtion slate before they wrap up the regular season on the road.
Eastern Michigan (5-5, 2-4 MAC) is fighting to snap a three-game losing streak and secure bowl eligibility with a crucial sixth win. Most recently, the Eagles fell 35-10 to Ohio University on Nov. 13
Buffalo (6-4, 4-2 MAC), on the other hand, has already earned bowl eligibility after a thrilling 51-48 overtime win against Ball State on Nov. 12.
Fans can catch the game live on ESPNU, with Justin Kutcher and Rene Ingoglia on the call. WEMU (89.1 FM) and The Varsity Network app will provide local radio coverage featuring Tom Helmer, Rob Rubick, and Greg Steiner.
Under Head Coach Chris Creighton, the Eagles boast a 13-7 record in #MACtion games, including five wins in their last seven contests. A victory over Buffalo would mark EMU’s fourth straight bowl-eligible season and its seventh under Creighton’s leadership.
Before kickoff, EMU will honor 16 seniors, including 12 players and four support staff members, during a Senior Night ceremony at 6:30 p.m.
“It's gone by fast," Creighton said. "It always does. Seeing Peyton [Price] in here right now … knowing that this was going to be senior night, just thinking back to when we first met recruiting process, welcome day, you know, when guys were freshmen and just going through it all. And it's some of those things you know, are a long time ago, but it does go by fast. It ends up being an emotional week for me. I know that.”
Creighton emphasized the unity of the team.
“We are a team," Creighton said. "We are a program. And it's going to mean something, you know, for Peyton Price to be in his last home game, and not just to him or the other last year guys, it's going to mean a lot to all of us for them and for all of us as a program.”
Creighton expressed Buffalo’s offense’s significant challenge, highlighting their versatility and creativity. With a wide array of schemes, formations, and personnel groupings, Buffalo has consistently found ways to score throughout the season.
Their quarterback presents a dual-threat challenge, excelling both through the air and on the ground, while their talented running backs add another dimension to their attack. Creighton noted that EMU’s defensive staff is working extensively to develop a game plan capable of countering Buffalo’s dynamic offense and minimizing their opportunities to exploit mismatches on the field.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Creighton also highlighted his team's resilience and mental toughness. He described their ability to stay focused and determined regardless of the obstacles they faced, expressing confidence in the unbreakable spirit of his players.
This unwavering mindset has been a defining characteristic of the team throughout the season, enabling them to approach adversity with grit and determination. Despite recent setbacks, Creighton expressed pride in his team’s ability to stay focused and move forward.
“When you think about the accumulation and the post-game, I think our team has done an awesome job at flushing good games and bad games," Creighton said. "Moving forward, it's hard for me. You know, the Akron game just obviously didn't get off to a great start.”
Historically, Eastern Michigan leads the all-time series against Buffalo, 7-4. The Eagles secured a 24-11 win in their most recent meeting in 2023, which earned them a postseason berth. However, Buffalo claimed the last matchup at Rynearson Stadium in 2022 with a dominant 50-31 performance.
As the Eagles take the field for their final home game, they aim to leverage their strong #MACtion track record and capitalize on this pivotal opportunity to extend their season: the fans' energy and Senior Night's motivation promise to make this a memorable evening in Ypsilanti.
