YPSILANTI — Trailing 17-6 and redshirt freshman quarterback Daniel Richardson carted off due to a left leg injury, the 98th matchup between Central Michigan and in-state rival Eastern Michigan seemed poised to become the Chippewas second loss of the season.

CMU ultimately outscored the Eagles 25-6 in the final 30 minutes to improve to 3-1 overall and in Mid-American Conference play. EMU fell to 0-4.

With the dust settling on the Chippewas second straight rivalry tilt, here is a look at the key factors and the numbers behind another CMU victory.

First, here’s the rivalry by the numbers:

27 The number of CMU victories in Ypsilanti. The Chippewas now own a 27-15-4 road record against the Eagles.

29 The number of consecutive matchups between CMU and EMU that has not ended in a tie. The two teams tied 14-14 in Ypsilanti during the 1991 season.

62 The number of victories CMU owns over the Eagles. EMU has 30 wins and the teams have tied six times. CMU has defeated EMU more than any other MAC opponent.

118 The number of years since the first rivalry matchup. Central Michigan defeated then Michigan State Normal 10-0 in Mount Pleasant.

NICHOLS LEADS RUSH

With the injury to Richardson during the Chippewas opening drive in the second half, the pressure was bestowed onto the shoulders of the Chippewa run game.

Here is their day by the numbers:

195 The number of net rushing yards by Nichols. Despite a costly red zone fumble in the first half, the redshirt freshman scored twice on the ground off 29 carries. Senior Kobe Lewis added 106 yards off 18 carries while finding the end zone once.

317 The number of rushing yards by the Chippewas. The Eagles allowed 124 yards on the ground in the games final 15 minutes that saw the Chippewas score 25 of the game’s final 28 points.

625 The number of rushing yards by the Chippewas in the last two contests against the Eagles. CMU gained 308 rushing yards off 45 carries in last seasons 42-16 Chippewa victory in Mount Pleasant.

DEFENSE GROUNDS EAGLES

The Chippewa rushing attack was not alone in facing second half adversity. Trailing by 11 points entering the final two stanzas, CMU needed a big performance by their defense, and they came up big.

Here are the numbers behind the Chippewa defense:

3 The number of EMU turnovers forced by the Chippewa defense in the game’s final 4:18. CMU earned five turnovers in Friday’s victory.

9 The number of total rushing yards allowed by the Chippewas in the second half. The Eagles accumulated 65 yards and two touchdowns on the ground in the first half.

11 The number of total tackles by senior Troy Hairston, including a fumble recovery that lead to CMU’s first lead of the game.

56 The number of total yards allowed by the Chippewas in the game’s final 15 minutes. The Eagles mustered only one field goal in the fourth quarter.

HUTCHINSON’S HEROICS FALL SHORT

Junior quarterback Preston Hutchinson seemed poised to carry the Eagles to their first victory of the 2020 season and EMU’s third win over CMU in the last five seasons. Although he fell short, Hutchinson dealt with a heavy workload for the fourth time this season.

Here are the numbers behind his game and season:

13 The number of touchdowns scored by Hutchinson this season. The junior has seven scores through the air and six on the ground.

13 The number of total touchdowns scored by the Eagles this season.

58 The number of rushing attempts by Hutchinson this season.

77 The number of rushing attempts by seven different Eagles.

422 The number of total yards by the Eagles offensive signal caller. Hutchinson scored both of EMU’s touchdowns.

439 total yards of offense by the Eagles in Friday’s loss.

1,274 The Number of total yards by Hutchinson in four games this season.

1,532 yards of total offense this season by the Eagles.