Central Michigan Athletics
Central Michigan battled to within a score midway through the third quarter, but Pitt pulled away late to hand the Chippewas a 45-17 loss on Saturday afternoon at Acrisure Stadium.
The defeat dropped CMU to 1-1 on the season while the Panthers improved to 2-0.
How It Happened
Pitt struck first, grabbing a 7-0 lead on its opening drive, before CMU answered with a 41-yard field goal from Cade Graham. After the Panthers extended their advantage to 24-3, quarterback Jadyn Glasser capped a short field with a 2-yard rushing touchdown just before halftime to pull CMU within 24-10 at the break.
The Chippewas came out firing in the second half, using an 11-play, 63-yard drive to cut the deficit to 24-17 when Joe Labas connected with tight end DeCorion Temple for a six-yard score — Temple’s first career touchdown reception.
Momentum was short-lived, however, as Pitt answered with a 47-yard kickoff return followed by a 48-yard touchdown strike to regain control at 31-17. The Panthers tacked on two more rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
By the Numbers
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Pitt outgained CMU 464-217, including a 340-177 edge through the air and 124-40 on the ground.
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Central Michigan controlled the clock, holding possession for 36:43 compared to Pitt’s 23:17.
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The turnover battle was even at 1-1, with linebacker Jordan Kwiatkowski snagging an interception in the second quarter — his second career pick.
Chippewa Standouts
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QB Joe Labas: 11-of-14 for 89 yards and one touchdown.
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QB Jadyn Glasser: 7-of-9 passing for 78 yards and a rushing TD.
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TE DeCorion Temple: First career touchdown reception, three catches for 14 yards.
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LB Jordan Kwiatkowski: Team-high eight tackles, one interception, and 0.5 TFL.
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P Declan Duley: Career-long 71-yard punt in the first quarter, tied for the 12th-longest in CMU history and the longest punt ever by a visiting player at Acrisure Stadium.
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K Cade Graham: Hit a career-long 41-yard field goal in the second quarter.
Notes
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The meeting marked the first-ever game between CMU and Pitt.
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The Chippewas are opening the season with three straight road games for the first time since 1972.
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CMU wore white jerseys with maroon pants, a new uniform combo unveiled earlier in the week.
About the Author
Dalton Tinklenberg is the Founder and Media Director of The Scouting Depot, where he leads comprehensive coverage of college and professional football. He is an active member of some of the most respected organizations in sports journalism, including the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA), Maxwell Football Club, Online News Association (ONA), National Football Foundation (NFF), and the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE).
Before launching The Scouting Depot, Dalton worked with Blue HQ Media, where he covered major sporting events such as the Indianapolis 500, the College Football Playoff, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Through his professional affiliations and on-the-ground experience, Dalton combines deep knowledge of the game with recognized standards of storytelling, editorial excellence, and authenticity in sports coverage.
