Central Michigan Chippewas

Chippewas Out Duel Buckeyes 42-28 to Win Their First National Championship

January 7, 2016

Game Report Posted: December 09, 2013 00:35  

The Chippewas entered the game looking to become the first school from a Non-AQ conference to win a National Championship. Much to the joy of everyone involved with Central Michigan University, that is exactly what they did. The Chippewas shocked the college football world by knocking off the Ohio State Buckeyes 42-28.

The Chippewas looked like they may be in for a long game just a few minutes in. Ohio State forced a CMU three and out on the first possession and quickly turned around and scored the game's first TD on a 30 yard TD run. However, CMU did not blink as Cooper Rush hit WR Anthony Rice down the sideline on the next play for a 70 yard TD which tied the game 7-7. The Chippewas turned up the defensive pressure on OSU's next drive. CMU looked to have recovered a fumble only to have it overturned. Two plays later, CMU picked off an errant Buckeye pass for the games first turnover. CMU would use the short field to their advantage as Maurice Shoemaker finished off the drive punching it in from the 2 yard line to give CMU the 14-7 lead.

The Buckeyes bounced right back. Less than one minute later RB Bri'onte Dunn busted a 62 yard run for his 2nd score of they day to tie the game 14-14. The Chippewas would score the next two TD's of the game as Anthony Garland and Saylor Lavallii each found the endzone from two yards out. With only 11 seconds left and a 28-14 lead, the Chippewas looked poised to enter halftime with a comfortable 14 point lead. Ohio State had other ideas. Bri'onte Dunn broke through the secondary and was off to the races as time expired in the half. The 75 yard TD run was the third of the game and cut CMU's lead down to 28-21 at halftime.

The Buckeyes received to start the 2nd half and utilized another quick drive capped off by a 21 yard Bri'onte Dunn score to tie the game 28-28. The score was Dunn's 4th TD of the game. It was hard not to wonder if the Chippewas had finally run out of steam against the big bad Buckeyes. CMU showed they still had some fight left. Cooper Rush led CMU right back down the field and capped off the drive with an 8 yard pass to RB Anthony Garland to put CMU back in front 35-28. The Chippewa defense was able to force a three and out on the next drive and gave the ball back to red hot CMU offense. Cooper Rush once again took over, leading CMU down the field before finding TE Ben McCord from 8 yards out late in the 4th quarter to increase the Chippewa lead to 42-28. Ohio State would be unable to answer as CMU picked off the Buckeyes for a 2nd time and were able to run the clock out to earn the schools first ever National Championship.

"I can't even begin to describe what we are feeling right now," said a jubilant Carlson. "No one gave us a shot to come in here and win this game. We went 14-0 and won a BCS game last season and yet none of the polls ranked us in the pre-season Top 25. That provided even more motivation to an already hungry group. We knew after last year we were capable of achieving some great things and we've reached the top of the mountain by winning a National Championship!"

QB Cooper Rush had a prolific day passing the ball. Completing 28 of 32 passes for 404 yards and 3 TD's. Andrew Flory lead all receivers catching 9 passes for 113 yards and 1 TD. Saylor Lavallii rushed for 71 yards on 20 carries and scored 1 TD.

The win was CMU's 34th consecutive win a feat that is simply unheard of in college football today. The win also improves Carlson's record to 39-3 through three seasons. Carlson always mentioned that he would not leave CMU until he won a National Championship. He has achieved that goal in three short years, it will be interesting to see if his Alma Mater can entice him to stay. I imagine Athletic Director Dave Heeke will be working the phones to see if a new conference may be willing to add the Chippewas. With the ever changing landscape of football and fresh off a National Championship win, it seems anything is possible.

Chippewas Destroy RedHawks 49-7, Lock Up Spot in National Championship

December 4, 2015

Game Report Posted: December 08, 2013 04:01  

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.

Chippewas Take Care of UMass 47-17, Finish Season 12-0

November 21, 2015

Game Report Posted: December 08, 2013 03:45  

The Chippewas headed into their final regular season game of the 2015 season trying not to look ahead. The Chippewas found themselves ranked #2 in the country and in the driver seat for a National Championship appearance after a Virginia Tech loss. The Chippewas took advantage of a big first half that saw them head to the locker room with a 35-3 lead. CMU put it in cruise control in the 2nd half on their way to the 47-17 win. "We tried to preach to the guys to not look ahead," said Carlson. "We didn't want to see that number next to our name and lose focus. We still had work to do this week and then again next week in Detroit. Once we take care of that business we will look ahead, but not now." It seems like the message got through to the players as they never gave UMass a chance.

QB Cooper Rush completed 23 of 32 passes for 274 yards, 4 TD's and 1 INT. With the game wrapped up Carlson gave some time to Senior QB Alex Niznak. Niznak completed all 4 of his passes for 52 yards and 1 TD. WR Eric Cooper caught 6 passes for 85 yards and 1 TD. Andrew Flory caught 5 passes for 65 yards and 1 TD. Saylor Lavallii carried the ball 12 times for 68 yards and 1 TD.

The #2 Chippewas finish the regular season 12-0 (8-0) and will head to Ford Field to face Miami (OH) for the MAC Championship. A win against Miami will likely seal CMU's trip to the National Championship.