Buckley runs for two scores as Western Michigan holds off Central, 21-14

Jalen Buckley ran for 150 yards and two touchdowns, and Western Michigan intercepted Central Michigan's final pass to preserve a 21-14 rivalry win Saturday in Mount Pleasant. The Broncos led 21-0 through three quarters before the Chippewas scored twice and recovered an onside kick to threaten a late tie.

Daeh McCullough ended that last chance with an interception in the end zone with two seconds remaining. Western Michigan improved to 5-2 overall and stayed unbeaten in Mid-American Conference play at 3-0. Central Michigan fell to 3-4 and 1-2.

Buckley's 24 carries gave the Broncos most of their 224 rushing yards. Western Michigan attempted only eight passes, but one produced a touchdown: Broc Lowry found Nate Levicki from 10 yards out in the second quarter to extend the lead to 14-0.

The Broncos' first touchdown came on a 9-yard Buckley run with 3:08 left in the first quarter. Lowry's scoring pass followed with 6:32 left before halftime, and Buckley reached the end zone again on a 7-yard run with 5:51 remaining in the third quarter.

Central Michigan had gained ground without getting points through the first three periods. Angel Flores finally broke the shutout with a 32-yard touchdown pass to Jaden Allen with 13:52 left in the fourth quarter. That cut the margin to 21-7 and began a long attempt to catch up.

The Chippewas scored again on Jadyn Glasser's 2-yard run with 44 seconds left. Multiple penalties had extended and pushed back that possession near the goal line, but Glasser eventually brought Central within one touchdown.

Central Michigan then recovered the onside kick. Glasser found Allen for 12 yards to the Western Michigan 36, giving the Chippewas a chance to reach the end zone again. A holding penalty moved them back, and the final sequence included an incompletion broken up by Kouri Crump before McCullough's interception.

Western Michigan won despite being outgained 337-272. The Broncos converted seven of 13 third downs and both fourth-down attempts. Central Michigan went 4 of 15 on third down and converted three of seven fourth downs, leaving several possessions without points.

Flores completed 14 of 25 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown, and carried 31 times for 117 yards. Glasser went 2 of 7 for 17 yards and the late interception. Langston Lewis led Central Michigan with four catches for 74 yards; Allen finished with four receptions for 56 yards and a score.

Lowry completed five of eight passes for 48 yards. Lolo Mataele added 60 rushing yards on 13 carries to support Buckley.