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.