SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Cade Graham kicked the go-ahead field goal with 4:13 left and Central Michigan Chippewas tipped aside San Jose's field goal attempt with just under three minutes left to earn a 16-14 win in the season opener for both teams Friday night.

The victory made first-year coach Matt Drinkall a winner in his debut as Central Michigan's head coach. The former Army assistant was hired to replace the retired Jim McElwain in December. The loss snaps San Jose State Spartans's run of five straight wins in season openers at home.

Trailing 16-14, the Spartans drove to the Chippewas' 11-yard line, but the drive stalled and Denis Lynch's 33-yard field goal attempt was tipped at the line of scrimmage and sailed wide. San Jose State had one last drive and Lynch attempted a career-long field goal from 56-yards out, but it also sailed wide as time ran out.

Central Michigan built a 13-0 lead after Trey Cornist capped an eight-play, 80-yard drive with a 29-yard run in the first quarter and Graham kicked field goals fro0m 34- and 28-yards out. Walker Eget answered with an 11-yard touchdown to Leland Smith in the second quarter to make it 13-7 at the half, then hit Danny Scudero for a 45-yard score early in the third quarter to take a 14-13 lead.

Nahree Biggins led Central Michigan with 103 yards on 18 carries and Cornist added 13 carries for 99 yards and a score. The Chippewas had 51 total carries for 236 yards.

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Western Michigan opened the 2025 season on the road Friday night, falling 23–6 to Michigan State at Spartan Stadium.

The Spartans built a 23–0 advantage by halftime, but the Broncos responded with a determined second-half effort. WMU’s defense held Michigan State scoreless over the final two quarters, highlighted by senior safety Tate Hallock’s interception return for a touchdown in the closing minutes. Hallock finished with nine tackles to go along with his 32-yard pick-six, providing a spark for the Broncos late in the contest.

On the offensive side, Western Michigan was limited to 29 rushing yards and 197 yards through the air. Quarterbacks Brady Jones and Broc Lowry shared time under center, while wide receiver Talique Williams led the way with six receptions for 74 yards.

Western Michigan will now shift its focus to the home opener at Waldo Stadium on Friday, Sept. 5, when the Broncos host North Texas.