Four years have passed – five for some – since they first arrived at CMU.

With a 3-9 record in 2003 and a 4-7 record in 2004, it didn’t start well for the seniors.

But after being a part of the school’s first winning season in seven years in 2005 (6-5), there was a sense the program could turn around.

Two championships later, this year’s football seniors surely have left a revamped attitude surrounding the program, an imprint that won’t soon be forgotten.

And one game remains – 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 26 against Purdue in the Motor City Bowl.

The seniors’ check-list, already riddled with pen marks, has one space missing – an elusive win against a team from a major conference (a Bowl Championship Series team).

“I’m going to be excited. As my time winds down, I think my legacy has been well-left and real good,” said fifth-year senior linebacker Red Keith. “I like to do things special, and I haven’t beat a BCS school. I think I will be more focused and excited to have that chance.”

Ike Brown, also a fifth-year senior who gained another year of eligibility after a knee injury last season, said it’s evident CMU has a different mindset and the seniors want to go out on top, while making history.

“That would be another one for the history books,” Brown said. “We went into (Sept. 15’s 45-22 loss to Purdue) questioning ourselves. But we know we’re capable of beating anybody – all that doubt was left earlier in the season.”

But perhaps the most important contribution the seniors provide comes off the field. Each of them spend time as mentors.

“I take a lot of pride in what I do,” Keith said. “Working with the freshmen was one of the things I did to try and turn the program around.”

A culture of toughness

Fifth-year senior offensive lineman Eric Tunney also will play in his final game Dec. 26 at Ford Field. He missed the Sept. 1 season opener at Kansas, but overcame a knee injury from the spring to start the next 12 games.

“I couldn’t be more proud of an individual and more happy for an individual than Eric Tunney,” said coach Butch Jones. “All the adversity and the injuries, he battled back and it’s a true indication of perseverance.”

Tunney has continued the success of last season’s offensive line, which sent Joe Staley and Drew Mormino to the NFL.

“I think he’s brought a culture to our offensive line of toughness,” Jones said. “Just an overall mentality and expectation for the position.”

Tunney has helped mentor redshirt freshmen such as Colin Miller and Jeff Maddux.

“It’s unbelievable because they’re able to see it first-hand,” Jones said. “They’re not just hearing the stories, they’re able to witness it every day, and what (Tunney) brings every day.”

From the heart

The final game of the seniors’ careers could spark unintended emotions, Brown said.

“I’m going to try and not be too emotional knowing that it is my last game with my teammates,” he said. “Just knowing that there’s nothing after this. I just need to stay focused and do my job on the field.”

Jones said it will come down to who wants the win more.

“It’s their final game wearing the maroon and gold and representing the ‘C.’ You always remember your last football game,” he said. “It’s a way to end it very fittingly with a victory – in the game of this magnitude, playing a Big Ten team at Ford Field.”

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E-mail the author: Daniel Monson