Eastern Michigan Rolls Past UMass 38-14, Opens MAC Play 2-0

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Eastern Michigan University delivered one of its strongest performances of the season Saturday, defeating previously unbeaten Massachusetts 38-14 at McGuirk Alumni Stadium in Amherst. The road victory moved the Eagles to 3-3 overall and 2-0 in Mid-American Conference play. It also marked the first time Eastern Michigan has opened its MAC schedule 2-0 since 2005. Five different Eagles scored touchdowns as Eastern combined a balanced offense with a defense that repeatedly disrupted the Minutemen.

Quarterback Noah Kim threw for 219 yards as Eastern Michigan established control early and pulled away after halftime. Kozy Isaac, returning to the lineup, caught a 27-yard touchdown from Kim to complete a 13-play, 80-yard opening drive. The Eagles led 14-7 at halftime before scoring 14 unanswered points in the third quarter. Eastern finished the afternoon with points from multiple contributors while limiting a UMass team that entered the game without a loss.

The victory gives Eastern Michigan consecutive wins after its 29-3 home victory over Lindenwood on Sept. 26. The Eagles now sit unbeaten in conference play as the MAC portion of their schedule begins to take shape. Eastern travels to Akron on Oct. 10 for another conference matchup before returning to Ypsilanti the following week. The Oct. 17 home game against Toledo will serve as Eastern Michigan's Homecoming contest at Rynearson Stadium.

Homecoming week is scheduled for Oct. 12-17, culminating with a 3:30 p.m. kickoff against Toledo. Eastern has won five consecutive Homecoming games, adding another storyline to a matchup that could carry added weight if the Eagles maintain their early conference momentum. With Saturday's win in Amherst, Eastern has put itself in position to build on a 2-0 MAC start that the program has not experienced in more than two decades. The next test comes on the road against Akron as the Eagles look to keep that conference streak intact.

Sources

Eastern Michigan University Athletics: EMU Dominates Previously Unbeaten UMass 38-14, Now 2-0 in the MAC; 2026 Football Schedule; The Oct. 17 Homecoming Game Set for 3:30 p.m.