By Neil Rosan / @neilandsports
MT. PLEASANT, Mich. — Freshman Romello Ross’ three third quarter touchdowns supplied the much-needed spark for the Central Michigan Chippewas to overcome a sloppy first half in a 35-28 win over the Eastern Michigan Eagles.
Ross finished with 97 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns in a win that boosted Chippewas to a 7-5 record and a share of the Mid-American Conference Western Division title.
“We didn’t accomplish all of our goals this season, but the team played their butts off every game,” CMU quarterback Cooper Rush said. “We were in every game. We should have won more. We are just excited to go to another bowl and play with these seniors.”
CMU came out looking lethargic after the Black Friday kickoff. The Chippewas ran five plays during the first two drives for a total of 24 yards. Eastern struck first with a 6-yard touchdown pass from Brogan Roback to Sam Browning.
The Chippewas came to life in the second quarter behind the arm of Rush. Following a fumble recovery, Rush stung together three passes for a total of 47 yards to get the Chippewas within striking distance. Ross took care of the rest by taking a handoff five yards to pay dirt to tie the game.
The Eagles were also advantageous following turnovers. Linebacker Kyle Rachwal intercepted Rush for a 35-yard pick six to make it 14-7 Eagles midway through the second quarter.
Turnovers played a key role once again with the Chippewas knocking on the door late in the second quarter. CMU junior running back Jahrey Hayes fumbled on the one-yard line allowing Luke MacLean pick up the loose ball and return it to the CMU 47. Roback found an open Darius Jackson for a touchdown six plays later to extend the lead to 21-7.
CMU came out a different team in the second half.
“We just had to settle down,” CMU head coach John Bonamego said. “We can’t do anything about the second half. We’ve come back from larger deficits against teams with better records. Everyone had to start executing the best they could in the play they were in. There is nothing you can do about the play coming up next or the play you just played. You just have to stay in the moment.”
Rush found Ross in the flat and the illusive back scampered 63-yards to the end zone with the help of some key blocks from his offensive line.
“It’s rare to catch a play that goes perfect like that,” Ross said. “The line went out and did there job. I just read off what they opened up.”
Defensive and special teams plays from Josh Cox and Kavon Frazier allowed Ross to pour on two more touchdowns to give CMU a 28-21 lead late in the third quarter.
Martez Walker accompanied Ross in the rushing attack. Walker led all rushers with 119 yards and was the first 100-yard rusher the Chippewas had this season.
EMU didn’t lose the lead for long. The Eagles responded with a one-play, 49-yard drive from Jackson to tie the game at 28.
CMU responded with one-play drive of it’s own. Rush was once again the hero finding Corey Willis on an out route. Willis did the rest of the work to record a 67-yard touchdown and give CMU the lead for good.
On this play, Rush broke Dan LeFevour’s record for single-season passing yards. Rush’s 391 yards on the afternoon were good enough to eclipse LeFevour’s 3,652 yards in the 2007 season.
“It’s a great company to be in,” Rush said. “Dan is one of the all-time college football greats. It’s pretty cool to be mentioned with him. There were a whole bunch of guys out there making plays. To see that all come together by breaking a record is a cool team thing and for myself.”
CMU now looks towards a bowl game later this season, a game that will benefit the team in many different ways.
“Early bowl practices will be a back to basics approach,” Bonomego said. “We are going to go back to spring training camp and spend a lot of time on the fundamentals with our young guys. The last seven practices will get everyone ready for bowl.”
