Central Michigan Chippewas

Chippewas Defeat Alabama 36-22 to Win Fourth Consecutive National Championship

January 7, 2019

Game Report Posted: January 22, 2014 15:49  

The Chippewas entered their game against Alabama looking to continue their dynasty. The Chippewas had a chance to win their fourth consecutive National Championship and cement their legacy as one of the best in the history of college football. The two teams had been #1 and #2 in the country sine week 4 of the season. CMU jumped into the #1 spot for one week before Alabama reclaimed that spot. There was no doubt these were the two best teams in the country, but who would come out victorious was a nationwide debate.

The Crimson Tide were appearing in the first National Championship since 2012. Alabama set the tone early and looked like they would give CMU a run for their money. Alabama would score less than 30 seconds into the game on their opening drive. An Aaron Smith interception would lead to another Alabama TD and the Chippewas found themselves trailing 14-0 less that 1:30 into the game. The Chippewa faithful fell silent hoping for some life from their team. Smith would rebound from his interception and lead CMU down the field to cut the lead to 14-7.

The two teams would struggle to find the endzone until midway through the 2nd quarter. Smith found his WR streaking down the field and hit him with a long pass for the 60 yard TD. Sensing that his team has the momentum, Carlson called for the two point conversion and Smith found the endzone with his legs for two points to put CMU out front 15-14. CMU continued to keep their foot on the gas as they scored 21 more points to pull out to a 36-14 lead. Alabama would add a late 4th quarter TD to cut the lead to 14 at 36-22. A Gatorade soaked Carlson was ecstatic after the win. "This is truly a special moment for everyone at Central Michigan. To win four championships in a row is something I never imagined could happen. These kids give us everything they got all season and it's paid off again. You may think it gets old, but it never does. There's nothing like winning a championship." Many wonder if this may be the year that Carlson leaves for another opportunity. The 5th year coach only has 2 more seasons left on his deal and is yet to sign an extension. His success has led to interest from the NFL and many think it's only a matter of time. The Detroit Lions are one of many NFL teams who are very interested in Carlson's services. The chance to coach at the highest level for your hometown team may be too much to turn down.

Much of the post game attention was focused on Heisman winning QB Aaron Smith. Smith was named the winner of the Heisman Trophy for the 2nd consecutive year and has now won three National Championships with CMU. Smith is highly considered to be the #1 QB if he enters the draft, but Smith was not interested in discussing his next step after the game. "I'm not thinking about that at all. I'm enjoying this win with my teammates. What we did tonight was special and it's never been done before. I'll sit down with my family in a few weeks and decide what's best for my future at that point." It would certainly make sense for Smith to enter the draft as he has accomplished almost everything he can at the collegiate level, but Smith has made it known in the past that he would like to finish his degree before heading to the NFL.

Smith struggled in the pass game as the tough Alabama defense caused some issues for the QB. He finished 14 of 26 passing for 210 yards with 3 TD's and 3 INT's. He was able to make up for the passing game with his legs as he rushed for 153 yards and 2 TD's. Senior WR Jake Harris caught 4 passes for 105 yards and 1 TD. Nick Holley and Ryan Mcrae each caught 1 TD pass as well.

The Chippewas 14-0 (10-0) finish as the #1 team in the country.

Chippewas Beat Down Sooners 71-21 to Win Big 12 Championship

December 8, 2018

Game Report Posted: January 21, 2014 18:57  

Oklahoma entered the game looking to put forth a better performance than what happened in the first meeting between these two, but it wasn't meant to be. It was all Chippewas, all game, as CMU crushed Oklahoma 71-21 to win their third consecutive Big 12 Championship and also lock up their fourth consecutive trip to the National Championship.

The Chippewas held a commanding 43-14 lead at halftime and were eventually ahead 64-14 before Oklahoma scored their only TD of the 2nd half. "It was another game of us just clicking on all cylinders", said Carlson. "We scored a lot of TD's on long plays and explosion plays. We saw some areas we didn't take advantage of in our first meeting when we watched the film, but we did a good job of capitalizing on them today. It certainly helps that Aaron played probably his best game of his career today. We weren't trying to run up the score, but sometimes things are just going your way. Coach Taylor and I are still good friends and he knows we weren't running it up."

QB Aaron Smith certainly locked up the Heisman Trophy as he set school records for passing yards and passing TD's in a game. As well as breaking the single season passing TD record at CMU with 52. Smith finished the game with 509 yards passing on 25 completions and 7 TD's. Smith didn't use his legs much today rushing for 39 yards and 1 TD. RB Larry McPherson finished with 104 yards and 1 TD on 6 carries. It was a field day for the receiving corp as Jake Harris, Mike Lee and John Parker all had over 100 yards receiving. Parker and Nick Holley each had 2 TD's, while Harris, Lee and Duncan each caught 1 TD pass.

The Chippewas improves to 13-0 (10-0) and will face #1 Alabama for the National Championship next month.

Chippewas Finish Season 12-0 with 43-24 Win Over Texas

November 24, 2018

Game Report Posted: January 21, 2014 17:04  

The Chippewas wrapped up a perfect 12-0 regular season on Saturday with a 43-24 win over #16 Texas.

The Longhorns hung around all game, but could never mount a serious threat. CMU lead at the half 22-10. Texas cut the lead to 36-24 in the 3rd quarter, but could not get any closer. "It's always a great accomplishment to finish a season 12-0", said Carlson. "It's a goal we set every season, but we still haven't accomplished all of our goals. Texas hung tough and forced a few turnovers that kept them in the game. That's a quality team we played and we're happy to get the win. We'll enjoy this one and go get ready for Oklahoma next weekend."

QB Aaron Smith has almost certainly sealed up his 2nd Heisman Trophy as he finished with 276 yards passing and 5 TD's while rushing for 90 yards and 1 TD. Mike Lee caught 11 passes for 139 yards and 2 TD's. Nick Holley, Jake Harris and Nate Duncan each had 1 TD as well.

The Chippewas 12-0 (9-0) will face off with Oklahoma for the Big 12 Championship in Dallas. It will be the 2nd meeting off the season between the two. The Chippewas won the first meeting 46-28.

Chippewas Wrap-up Big 12 North with 53-13 Win Over Notre Dame

November 15, 2018

Game Report Posted: January 21, 2014 15:44  

Since joining the Big 12 it has been nothing but Chippewa dominance and CMU is one step closer to continuing that dominance.

It certainly wasn't the prettiest game as the two teams combined for eight turnovers and the CMU offense was out-gained in yardage for the first time this season. Fortunately for CMU, five of those eight turnovers were committed by Notre Dame. CMU would take advantage of the Irish mistakes and held a 32-10 halftime lead. CMU would continue their dominance in the 2nd half outscoring Notre Dame 21-3 to earn the 54-13 win. Carlson wasn't pleased with the performance, but was happy to be heading back to the Big 12 Championship. "It certainly was not our best game of the season. They really moved the ball on us at will, but we were able to force 5 turnovers. Anytime you win the turnover battle you have a chance to win. I though Aaron could have played better, but he's been so good for us over the years that it's easy to forget he's human. We're happy to get the win and seal up the Big 12 North and we're looking forward to taking on Texas next week."

Smith completed 20 of 27 passes for 260 yards and 3 TD's, but also threw 3 INT's. Smith added 113 yards on the ground and 2 TD's. Mike Lee led all receivers with 7 catches for 76 yards. Nick Holley caught 4 passes for 66 yards and 2 TD's. Jake Harris had 56 yards receiving and 1 TD as well.

The Chippewas 11-0 (8-0) wrap-up the regular season at home against #16 Texas.

Chippewas Crush TCU 64-9

November 10, 2018

Game Report Posted: January 21, 2014 15:31  

The Chippewas travelled to Fort Worth looking to take firm control of the Big 12 North division and it was mission accomplished for CMU.

The Chippewas utilized a huge first half, which saw them head to the locker room with a 43-6 lead. An interception returned for a TD on the opening possesion of the 2nd half pushed the lead to 50-6. CMU would get the back-ups some experience as they cruised to the 64-9 victory. "Definitely a strong performance from the guys today", said Carlson. "We jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. We forced three turnovers and scored 21 points off of those turnovers and I think that really took some life out of TCU. Offensively we were clicking and defensively we really got after their QB and made him uncomfortable. It's a big win heading into next week's game against Notre Dame. Hopefully we can carry the momentum." A win next week would seal the Big 12 North for CMU and send them to the Big 12 Championship for the 3rd straight season.

QB Aaron Smith seems to be running away with the Heisman race as he passed for 341 yards and 6 TD's on 28 completions and added 91 yards on the ground and scored 1 TD. WR Mike Lee had 10 catches for 139 yards and 2 TD's. Senior WR Jake Harris caught 6 passes for 84 yards and 1 score. Nick Holley, Kevin White and Joe Porter each had 1 TD catch as well.

The Chippewas 10-0 (7-0) host Notre Dame with a trip to Dallas and the Big 12 Championship on the line.

Chippewas Defeat Lowly Iowa State 55-14

November 3, 2018

Game Report Posted: January 20, 2014 19:06  

After struggling offensively last week, the Chippewas were able to right the ship in their 55-14 win over Iowa State. The Cyclones cut the lead to 27-14 shortly before halftime, but a 96 yard kickoff return allowed CMU take full control of the game with a 34-14 lead. CMU would shut the Iowa State offense down on their way to the 55-14 win. "That kickoff return right before halftime was a huge play", said Carlson. Iowa State had just cut it to two scores and gotten some momentum back. If we don't run that kickoff back and Iowa State scores on the first possession of the half then all of a sudden it's a one score game. That return really turned the table and we took control of the game in the 2nd half."

QB Aaron Smith completed 22 of 27 passes for 380 yards and 4 TD's. Smith had a dominant performance in the run game as well, rushing for 154 yards and 3 TD's. WR Mike Lee caught 8 balls for 120 yards. Jake Harris had 4 catches for 108 yards and 1 TD. Nick Holley caught 5 passes for 80 yards and 1 TD and John Parker caught 4 passes for 62 yards and 2 TD's.

The Chippewas 9-0 (6-0) travel to Fort Worth next weekend to take on TCU.

Chippewas Struggle to 30-7 Win Over Kansas State

October 27, 2018

Game Report Posted: January 20, 2014 18:53  

Through seven games the Chippewas were clicking on all cylinders. It took until game eight for them to look human. CMU held a slim 13-0 lead and held a comfortable 27-0 lead in the 3rd quarter. The game was never in doubt , but after the dominating performances we have seen it was hard to believe the struggles they endured.

Throughout the course of the season a team is bound to struggle and today was that week for the Chippewas. "It was just one of those games where we couldn't run away with it", said Carlson. "Kansas State played us tough and really controlled the ball which limited what we were able to do on offense. Our defense really stepped up their game, which is probably the main reason we were able to get up 27 points even with a sluggish offense."

QB Aaron Smith completed 15 of 28 passes for 226 yards and 3 TD's. Smith added 85 rushing yards and 1 rushing TD. WR John Parker caught 4 passes for 80 yards. Jake Harris, Nick Holley and Ryan Mcrae all caught TD passes for CMU.

The Chippewas 8-0 (5-0) return to Kelly/Shorts Stadium and will host winless Iowa State.

Chippewas Continue Their Dominance in 50-7 Win Over West Virginia

October 20, 2018

Game Report Posted: January 20, 2014 18:07  

The Chippewas are on a roll and it doesn't look like anyone can stop them. Another all around performance allowed CMU to win easily over West Virginia 50-7. In their past 3 games, the Chippewas are outscoring their opponents 154-14. CMU is clearly the team to beat right now.

The Chippewas headed to halftime with a comfortable 22-0 lead. CMU would add 28 2nd half points on their way to the 50-7 win. "It's been a couple of weeks since played a conference opponent, so we stressed how important it was to continue playing well", said Carlson. "We're undefeated right now, but we have a long ways to go in the conference season. We did a good job of taking care of business today and the guys are playing some very good football right now."

QB Aaron Smith continues to be the favorite in the Heisman race. The Junior QB completed 21 of 32 passes for 282 yards and 3 TD's. Smith was a big factor in the run game as well, rushing for 145 yards and 2 TD's. Nick Holley led all receivers with 109 yards on 7 catches and 2 TD's. WR Mike Lee caught 6 passes for 89 yards and 1 TD.

The Chippewas 7-0 (4-0) will be on the road for the 2nd straight week as they travel to Manhattan to take on Kansas State.

Chippewas Take Care of Business Against Florida in 44-7 Win

October 13, 2018

Game Report Posted: January 20, 2014 17:58  

The Chippewas have won three National Championships in a row, something that has never been done in the modern era. Many find it impossible to believe that they could win four in a row, but after Saturday's game, they may do just that.

The Gators struck first scoring on their first possession to make it 7-0. After that, they wouldn't find the endzone again. CMU would enter halftime with a 23-7 lead en route to a convincing 44-7 win. "This was a big time measuring stick for us", said Carlson. "This was the #6 team in the country who plays in one of the toughest conferences in the nation. We knew this game would tell us a lot about where we are as a team. We obviously think we are one of the best teams in the country and I think we proved that today."

Heisman winner Aaron Smith continued his terrific play as he completed 18 of 22 passes for 332 yards and 4 TD's. Smith added 131 yards rushing on 9 carries and scored 2 TD's. WR Jake Harris caught 6 passes for 157 yards and 1 TD. Mike Lee had 84 yards receiving on 6 catches and scored 1 TD and Nick Holley caught 5 passes for 74 yards and 2 TD's.

The Chippewas 6-0 (3-0) finish the non-conference slate with a 3-0 record and return to Big 12 play against West Virginia next weekend.

Chippewas Beat Down Cal 60-0

October 6, 2018

Game Report Posted: January 20, 2014 17:47  

It seems the Chippewas put their bye week to good use as there was no stopping CMU on Saturday. The Chippewas put Cal away early, on their way to a 60-0 shutout.

The Chippewas held a 25-0 halftime lead before taking it to another level with 35 second half points. "This was certainly the best game we have played this year", said Carlson. "It was just one of those days where we put everything together and Cal struggled. Cal is a much better team than that score indicates.Offensively we were able to move the ball effectively and on defense we forced 3 turnovers and held them in check."

QB Aaron Smith had a terrific game, completing 24 of 27 passes for 358 yards and 5 TD's. Smith added 93 yards rushing and one TD as well. HB Ryan Mcrae rushed for 108 yards on 12 carries and scored twice. Mcrae also had 4 catches for 33 yards and one TD. Jake Harris lead all receivers with 5 catches for 128 yards and three TD's. WR Mike Lee caught 8 passes for 97 yards and one TD.

Next week will be a big measuring stick for the Chippewas 5-0 (3-0) as they host the #6 Florida Gators at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.

Chippewas Win First Matchup Against Red Raiders 49-14

September 22, 2018

Game Report Posted: January 14, 2014 16:41  

The Chippewas and Red Raiders had never faced each other on the football field and Texas Tech may never want to face them again. The Chippewas used a 22 point 2nd quarter to enter halftime with a 28-7 lead of Texas Tech. The Chippewas would not let up as the scored 21 2nd half points on their way to the 49-14 win.

The win improved CMU's Big 12 record to 3-0 and Carlson was happy with his teams performance. "I'm not a big fan of having to jump back and forth between conference and non-conference play, but that is what we were faced with this week. I thought the guys practiced hard and were focused on Texas Tech. Aaron continues to impress me every week, although I know he'll be the first to admit he wants both of those INT's back. We're happy to be heading into a bye week with a win and we'll use the time off to get healthy and focus on Cal in two weeks."

The aforementioned Smith completed 21 of 33 passes for 266 yards and 4 TD's. Smith did a lot of damage with his legs as well, rushing for 216 yards and 3 TD's. Mike Lee led all receivers with 9 catches for 104 yards and 3 TD's. WR Nate Duncan caught 4 passes for 68 yards and 1 TD.

The Chippewas 4-0 (3-0) are off next weekend. The Cal Golden Bears will visit Kelly/Shorts Stadium in two weeks.

Chippewas Dominate Rival Broncos 58-10

September 15, 2018

Game Report Posted: January 14, 2014 16:27  

It wasn't long ago that these two schools were fierce rivals in the Mid-American Conference, but it's clear that the Chippewas are now on a whole different level than the Broncos. The Chippewas found themselves trailing 7-6 early in the first quarter before they seized control of the game. CMU would out score WMU 52-3 after trailing by one as they would to a 58-10 win.

CMU head coach Rob Carlson remains undefeated versus the Broncos increasing his record to 5-0. "Even though we are no longer conference foes this is still a game we want to win. It's a game we circle on our calendar. The Battle Cannon has been in Mt. Pleasant since 2013 and we want it to have a permanent home here. Today's win ensured that it will remain with us for one more year."

QB Aaron Smith continued his pursuit towards a 2nd Heisman Trophy as he completed 22 of 30 passes for 361 yards and 3 TD's. Smith would also add 114 yards on the ground and 2 rushing TD's. RB Ryan Mcrae scored 2 TD's and rushed for 84 yards. WR Jake Harris caught 5 passes for 150 yards and 1 TD, while WR Mike Lee caught 6 passes for 70 yards and a score.

The Chippewas 3-0 (2-0) return to Big 12 play next weekend as they host Texas Tech at Kelly/Shorts Stadium..

Chippewas Get Revenge Against Sooners with 46-28 Win

September 8, 2018

Game Report Posted: January 09, 2014 22:25  

There's not a Chippewa player or fan who doesn't remember what happened the last time these two teams met. Under the guidance of Head Coach Rob Carlson, CMU had won 48 consecutive games, an NCAA record. However, former Chippewa Offensive Coordinator Eric Taylor, put an end to that as Oklahoma knocked off CMU 31-28. Fast forward to this season and the Chippewas were looking for payback.

The Chippewas would use a strong first half performance to jump out to a 25-9 halftime lead. Oklahoma would cut the lead to 32-22 in the 3rd quarter, but would not be able to get any closer as CMU increased its lead to 46-22 before winning 46-28. "It feels good to return the favor," said Carlson. "Coach Taylor is a good friend of mine, but the sting of that lost last season is still there. 2017 was obviously a success as we won our 3rd National Championship, but Oklahoma was our lone loss. If we are able to pull that game out, the streak would still be going as we speak. It was a good win and we're happy to start the season off 2-0. We've got a big rivalry game coming up against Western Michigan and we'll get focused on that starting tomorrow."

QB Aaron Smith completed 19 of 21 passes for 262 yards and 1 TD and added 110 yards rushing and 3 TD's. WR. Nate Duncan caught 5 passes for 70 yards and WR Mike Lee hauled in 4 catches for 50 yards. RB Ryan Mcrae got the lone TD pass for the Chippewas.

Central Michigan bumps their record to 2-0 (2-0) and will head to Kalamazoo to take on Western Michigan in the Battle for the Cannon.

Chippewas Start 2018 Season Off with 53-14 Win Over Kansas

September 1, 2018

Game Report Posted: January 09, 2014 22:06  

For the second consecutive season the Chippewas opened play against the Kansas Jayhawks. And for the second consecutive season it was the Chippewas coming away with a big win. CMU used a 28 point 2nd quarter to head into halftime with a 36-7 lead. CMU would add 17 more 2nd half points to earn the 53-14 win. "This was definitely the way we wanted to start the season," said Carlson. "We had a big home crowd and we took care of business in week 1. We have a long season ahead of us, but we'll enjoy this for 24 hours before we get ready for Oklahoma."

Heisman Trophy winning QB, Aaron Smith, picked up right where he left off last season, completing 20 of 27 passes for 276 yards and 4 TD's. Smith added 181 yards and 3 TD's on the ground as well. Junior WR Mike Lee, led all receivers with 10 catches for 159 yards and 2 TD's. RB Ryan Mcrae carried the ball 10 times for 64 yards.

The Chippewas improve to 1-0 (1-0) and will travel to Norman to face Oklahoma next weekend. The Chippewas will be looking to avenge last seasons 31-28 loss that saw CMU's NCAA record 48 game win streak snapped.