The Eastern Michigan University football team’s 2024 season came to a bittersweet end on Saturday, Nov. 30, as the Eagles fell to Western Michigan University, 26-18, in a snowy Mid-American Conference matchup at Waldo Stadium. The loss dashed Eastern Michigan’s postseason hopes and handed the Michigan MAC Trophy to their in-state rivals.
EMU (5-7, 2-6 MAC) was led by senior running back Delbert Mimms III (Indianapolis, Indiana/Ben Davis/NC State), who delivered a stellar performance with 127 rushing yards and two touchdowns, marking his second 100-yard game of the season. However, the Broncos (6-6, 5-3 MAC) capitalized on special teams plays and key turnovers to secure the victory.
After a scoreless first quarter dominated by defensive stops, Western Michigan broke the deadlock in the second quarter with a blocked punt that resulted in a safety. The Broncos followed with two touchdowns before halftime, building a commanding 16-0 lead as snow fell steadily.
The Eagles showed signs of life in the third quarter. Mimms powered his way into the end zone with a 10-yard run, and quarterback Cole Snyder (Lakewood, New York/Southwestern/Rutgers/Buffalo) connected with receiver Max Reese for a two-point conversion, cutting the deficit to 16-8. Western Michigan responded with another touchdown to extend their lead, but Mimms struck again with a one-yard touchdown run, narrowing the score to 23-15 entering the fourth quarter.
Both teams traded field goals in the final period. Still, EMU’s comeback hopes were thwarted by a late interception and Western Michigan’s ability to control the clock in the closing minutes. The Broncos leaned on their rushing attack to secure the win, denying the Eagles a chance to mount a final drive.
After the game, Head Coach Chris Creighton reflected on the team’s efforts and the individual performances that stood out, particularly Mimms. “Del can’t do anything by himself, and when everybody else is doing their job, then a guy like that can really flourish and take off,” Creighton said. “And so I’m super proud of him. He’s going to be, he is, an incredibly young man. He’s just going to be super special and successful in this life.”
Special teams proved pivotal in the contest, with Western Michigan’s blocked punt late in the second quarter as a turning point. It marked the first time this season that EMU allowed a blocked punt, a surprising blow to a unit that had been consistent all year. Additionally, the Broncos’ ability to capitalize on turnovers and maintain ball control made the difference in a closely contested game.
The loss ends Eastern Michigan’s season at 5-7, denying the Eagles a bowl berth for the first time since 2018. It also marks another chapter in a frustrating rivalry, as EMU now trails 22-36-2 in the all-time series against Western Michigan and 9-22-1 when playing in Kalamazoo.
Despite the disappointing conclusion to the season, Creighton spoke about the relationships and camaraderie built within the team. “I just feel as though I let them down,” he said. “But I love those guys in the locker room, and they love each other. It’s a great group.”
As the Eagles shift their focus to recruiting and offseason preparation, the contributions of players like Mimms and linebacker James Djonkam (Springfield, Virginia/West Springfield/Independence CC/Arizona State), who led the defense with 17 tackles, provide a foundation of talent and resilience for the program to build upon. National Signing Day on Dec. 4 offers an opportunity for EMU to begin shaping the future as they aim to return to bowl contention in 2025.
Though bitter, Eastern Michigan's loss to Western Michigan underscores the MAC's competitive challenges and the small margins that define a season. It reminds Eastern Michigan of what can be achieved when all the pieces come together and what it must work toward in the seasons ahead.
