2013 Week 8

All was right in the world for the Chippewas during the last five weeks and than they stepped on the field against NIU and were knocked down a peg... Or five. In what has been a problem for CMU throughout the season, the turnover bug reared its ugly head once again. The Chippewas committed six turnovers including five interceptions from its QB's. Unlike Hawaii, who let CMU stick around despite the turnovers, NIU took full advantage of the mistakes. "I'm sure it's obvious, but when you turn the ball over six times and your opponent turns it over once, it's certainly going to be tough to win that game. I would say the 45-14 score makes that pretty apparent" said Carlson. "Maybe we needed this as a team. We had gone on a run here and beat some good teams, but NIU and BSU are the class of the West and it showed today." Arguably even more startling than the score, is the fact that NIU inflicted this type of damage without starting and Heisman hopeful, QB Jordan Lynch who was out with an injury.

Cooper Rush showed that he is still learning on the job, making some errant throws that lead to 4 INT's. Down 38-14 and needing a spark, Carlson turned to Kater, and the results were not any better as Kater was picked off on his only drive. NIU scored off that turnover to rub salt in the wound. "Cooper has been excellent for us, I don't think we are where we are right now without his play, but much like the Hawaii game, I thought we needed a change so we gave Cody a shot. Cooper is our starting QB next game." And what a next game it will be. The Chippewas will travel to Muncie, IN to face the one loss Ball St. Cardinals. It's pretty clear that it is a three team race in the West. CMU, NIU and BSU all have a shot to win the division. CMU did themselves no favors with their loss to NIU, but NIU also has one conference loss. CMU will need to beat BSU and hope for BSU to beat NIU if they want to represent the MAC West at Ford Field. It will certainly be a tough task for CMU, but they will have 16 days to prepare for their mid-week battle with BSU.

Leading CMU offensively was WR Titus Davis, who had another stellar game catching 10 passes for 97 yards. The impressive Zurlon Tipton had 21 carries for 75 yards and 2 TD's and also added 6 catches for 75 yards.

CMU falls to 5-3 (3-1) and will be off until Wednesday, November 6th.