The Rivalry
The Western Michigan Broncos and the Central Michigan Chippewas are two of the most storied college football programs in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). The two schools have been rivals for over 80 years, and their annual matchup is one of the most heated in the conference.

The rivalry began in 1937, when Western Michigan defeated Central Michigan 13-7 in Kalamazoo. The two schools have met 81 times since then, with Western Michigan holding a slight edge with a 41-37-3 record.
The rivalry has been particularly intense in recent years, as both schools have been competing for MAC championships. In 2016, Western Michigan defeated Central Michigan 29-23 in the MAC Championship Game. The following year, Central Michigan returned the favor, defeating Western Michigan 35-27 in the MAC Championship Game.
The rivalry between Western Michigan and Central Michigan is sure to continue for many years to come. The two schools are located just 100 miles apart, and their fans are passionate about their teams. The annual matchup is always a sellout, and the atmosphere is electric.
The Schools
Western Michigan University is a public research university located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The university was founded in 1903 and has an enrollment of over 22,000 students. Western Michigan is a member of the MAC and competes in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
Central Michigan University is a public research university located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. The university was founded in 1892 and has an enrollment of over 20,000 students. Central Michigan is a member of the MAC and competes in the FBS.
The Football Programs
The Western Michigan Broncos football program has been a member of the MAC since 1949. The Broncos have won four MAC championships (1967, 1971, 1974, 2016). Western Michigan has also appeared in six bowl games, including the Cotton Bowl in 1949 and the Orange Bowl in 2016.
The Central Michigan Chippewas football program has been a member of the MAC since 1975. The Chippewas have won two MAC championships (2006, 2009). Central Michigan has also appeared in seven bowl games, including the Motor City Bowl in 2006 and the Bahamas Bowl in 2019.
The Rivalry Game
The Western Michigan-Central Michigan rivalry game is one of the most anticipated games on the MAC schedule each year. The game is typically played in Kalamazoo in November. The atmosphere is always electric, and the fans are passionate about their teams.
The rivalry game has been a close one in recent years. Western Michigan has won four of the last six meetings, but Central Michigan won the last meeting in 2020.
The Future of the Rivalry
The Western Michigan-Central Michigan rivalry is sure to continue for many years to come. The two schools are located just 100 miles apart, and their fans are passionate about their teams. The annual matchup is always a sellout, and the atmosphere is electric.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake that fans make is to underestimate the importance of the rivalry game. The Western Michigan-Central Michigan rivalry is one of the most intense in the MAC, and the game is always a sellout. Fans need to be prepared for a loud and passionate crowd.
Another common mistake that fans make is to overindulge in alcohol. The rivalry game is a time to celebrate, but fans need to be responsible. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to bad behavior and injuries.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks for attending the Western Michigan-Central Michigan rivalry game:
- Arrive early. The game is always a sellout, so fans need to arrive early to get a good seat.
- Wear your team colors. The rivalry game is a time to show your support for your team. Fans should wear their team colors and cheer on the Broncos or Chippewas.
- Be respectful. The rivalry game is a heated one, but fans need to be respectful of each other. There is no place for violence or bad behavior.
- Have fun. The rivalry game is a time to celebrate. Fans should have fun and enjoy the game.
Step-by-Step Approach
Here is a step-by-step approach to attending the Western Michigan-Central Michigan rivalry game:
- Purchase tickets in advance. The game is always a sellout, so fans need to purchase tickets in advance.
- Arrive early. The game is played in a large stadium, so fans need to arrive early to get a good seat.
- Wear your team colors. The rivalry game is a time to show your support for your team. Fans should wear their team colors and cheer on the Broncos or Chippewas.
- Be respectful. The rivalry game is a heated one, but fans need to be respectful of each other. There is no place for violence or bad behavior.
- Have fun. The rivalry game is a time to celebrate. Fans should have fun and enjoy the game.
Tables
Year | Winner | Score |
---|---|---|
1937 | Western Michigan | 13-7 |
1938 | Central Michigan | 20-6 |
1939 | Western Michigan | 7-6 |
1940 | Western Michigan | 14-6 |
1941 | Tie | 6-6 |
1942 | Tie | 0-0 |
1943 | No game played | – |
1944 | No game played | – |
1945 | No game played | – |
1946 | Western Michigan | 27-14 |
Year | Winner | Score |
---|---|---|
1947 | Central Michigan | 20-14 |
1948 | Western Michigan | 26-14 |
1949 | Western Michigan | 20-14 |
1950 | Tie | 14-14 |
1951 | Western Michigan | 21-14 |
1952 | Central Michigan | 27-14 |
1953 | Western Michigan | 28-14 |
1954 | Central Michigan | 14-7 |
1955 | Western Michigan | 27-14 |
1956 | Central Michigan | 20-14 |
Year | Winner | Score |
---|---|---|
1957 | Central Michigan | 21-14 |
1958 | Western Michigan | 28-14 |
1959 | Central Michigan | 20-14 |
1960 | Western Michigan | 27-14 |
1961 | Western Michigan | 21-14 |
1962 | Central Michigan | 28-14 |
1963 | Western Michigan | 20-14 |
1964 | Western Michigan | 27-14 |
1965 | Central Michigan | 21-14 |
1966 | Western Michigan | 28-14 |
| Year | Winner |