2015 Week 16

The Chippewas entered the MAC Championship as the new #1 team in the nation. Texas suffered a defeat last week that allowed CMU to move up to the #1 spot. CMU knew that a National Championship appearance was in their sights if they could take care of business against the RedHawks, and that is exactly what they did. CMU picked up right where they left off last week. CMU jumped out to a 28-7 lead before heading to halftime up 35-7. CMU put it in cruise control and gave their starters some rest as they cruised to the 49-7 win for the 3rd consecutive MAC Championship.

It was a jubilant locker room as the Chippewas knew that the win meant that they would be playing in the schools first National Championship game. "It's an amazing feeling," said Carlson. It's been a long road here since I took over 3 years ago. I knew we had the staff and ability to play for a National Championship. We're finally getting that opportunity so it's up to us to prove that we belong. I'm just ecstatic for all of these kids. To see how hard they worked and for them to now have this opportunity I just can't describe it." The Chippewas will likely face Ohio State for the National Championship. The Buckeyes will need to beat Northwestern to lock up their spot, but they already defeated the Wildcats once this season.

CMU was led by QB Cooper Rush who completed 20 of 24 passes for 287 yards and 4 TD's. Andrew Flory caught 8 passes for 105 yards and 2 TD's. Eric Cooper caught 6 passes for 117 yards and 2 TD's. RB Saylor Lavallii rushed for 56 yards on 14 carries and scored 2 TD's before being rested early in the 3rd quarter.

#1 Central Michigan will head to the National Championship game with a 13-0 (9-0) record. CMU has now won three consecutive MAC Championships.