Radcliff struggles with consistency in loss to Michigan State

Senior Ryan Radcliff attempts to throw the ball downfield while being pressured by MSU defensive lineman William Gholston. Radcliff was 17 of 38 for 173 yards and two interception, the Chippewas lost 41-7. (Chuck Miller/Staff Photographer)

The last time Central Michigan had a senior quarterback starting against Michigan State, Dan LeFevour led the Chippewas to a last-second 29-27 victory in 2009.

But this year, senior Ryan Radcliff did not fare as well.

The Sherwood, Ohio native finished 17-38 passing with 173 yards in MSU’s 41-7 rout over the Chippewas Saturday.

He struggled early, completing just one of his first nine passes.  His fourth attempt was intercepted by safety Isaiah Lewis.

“He was high on his first four throws,” head coach Dan Enos said.  “Those killed us.”

Radcliff was not made available for comment following Saturday’s game.

The senior quarterback bounced back following the turnover, converting his next four passes, but the drive was halted at the MSU 45-yard line when the Chippewas failed to convert on a third-and-nine.

After MSU took a 21-0 lead with 1:32 remaining in the first half, Radcliff threw another interception — this time to cornerback Johnny Adams.

“Sometimes, when your adrenaline gets going, you’re out of sync a little bit,” Enos said.  “By the time he got back in sync, we’re throwing into 17-18 mph winds.”

Saturday marked Radcliff’s second start against the Spartans.  In last year’s 45-7 loss to MSU at Spartan Stadium, he had just 87 passing yards and two interceptions.  He was replaced by back-up AJ Westendorp in the second quarter, but later re-entered.

Enos said he contemplated bringing in redshirt freshman Alex Niznak or sophomore Cody Kater, but did not find a fitting time in the second half.

“We talked about it a little bit,” Enos said.  “Actually, in the fourth quarter, if we were going to get the ball back there (in the last minute), we were going to bring one of those guys in or bring them both in, and let them play a little bit.  But in the second half we didn’t have the ball very much.”

Despite his performance, receiver Cody Wilson said he believes Radcliff will bounce back.

“I think he’d say he missed a few throws and missed a few guys, but I know Ryan,” he said.  He’s going to bounce back; he’s going to keep working really hard — that’s just the kind of kid he is.  We believe in him and I know he’s going to come back and be stronger.”