Cruise control: CMU shuts out Alcorn State 48-0

The last tune-up before Mid-American Conference play lasted less than one half.

In Saturday’s 48-0 win against Alcorn State, the football team was able to pull its starters in the middle of the second quarter.

After what coach Butch Jones called a sluggish start on offense, junior wide receiver Antonio Brown and the special teams unit took over. Brown, on the second punt he fielded, found space and cut upfield for a 55-yard punt return touchdown with 5:56 remaining in the first quarter.

The Chippewas got going after that.

“Our special teams really got us jump-started with the big return by Antonio (Brown),” Jones said. “We needed a spark, and I thought he sparked us.”

Prior to the return, CMU managed a field goal through the first two drives.
Jones said things still need to be ironed out on the offensive side of the ball despite putting up 48 points.

“We need to be more consistent on offense,” Jones said. “Maintaining a rhythm, getting in a flow of the game, establishing the run a little bit more.”

A new face

Senior quarterback Dan LeFevour had little time to find his rhythm. After completing 10-of-12 passes for 92 yards and adding two rushing touchdowns, redshirt freshman Ryan Radcliff took over. CMU led 31-0 at the time.

“The butterflies just kept building a little bit,” said Radcliff, before getting the call from his coach. “I was ready to go. It was nice to get that opportunity today.”

Radcliff got support from a productive running game. Junior running back Carl Volny, who received the bulk of the carries in the second half (18), led the Chippewas with 101 yards rushing and his first two touchdowns of his collegiate career. Freshman running back Tim Phillips ran the ball six times for 40 yards and a touchdown. All five touchdowns for CMU were rushing.

CMU outgained Alcorn State 319 yards to 136 in total offense. Brown added 113 return yards on three punt returns.

Conference play looms

With Akron next on the schedule, junior linebacker Matt Berning put a premium on MAC games.

“Our main goal in the season is winning the MAC and going to a bowl game and winning it this year,” he said. “If we don’t get Top 25 votes and we still win the MAC, that’s all we want.”

Jones said MAC competition will raise the importance of each game.

“The stakes now become higher, because the more you win, the more that’s at stake,” he said. “The Mid-American Conference is maybe as competitive as it may be in the history of our conference.”