Three things we learned about the Central Michigan football team during Week 1
Junior running back Martez Walker looks for a hole Sept. 3 against Oklahoma State. He finished with 25 yards in the season opener.
Not totally successful, but not terrible either.
That's how players and fans of the Central Michigan University football team view the Chippewas 24-13 loss to Oklahoma State on Thursday night at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. CMU entered the game as a heavy underdog, yet kept the contest close until the fourth quarter.
With one game in the books, here are three things we learned about the Chippewas during Week 1:
1. Cooper Rush is still Cooper Rush
The Chippewas junior quarterback threw an interception on his very first pass attempt of the season.
“It was a tough little read," Rush chuckled after the game. "I can't throw that one."
Verbally holding yourself accountable is one thing, but Rush's actions on the next drive are what proved his worth. The Charlotte native led his team down the field 63 yards for a field goal and got the three points his turnover caused right back.
It was a small moment early in what turned out to be a loss in the season opener. But the message it sent to his team reassured them of Rush's composure in the face of trying times.
2. If allowed time to operate, the CMU defense should be solid
Without senior defensive end Blake Serpa in the lineup, the Chippewas held the Oklahoma State running game hostage for most of Thursday night's contest. CMU's blitz packages looked sharp and penalties were kept to a minimum.
The line's performance took pressure off CMU's secondary, which played much better than most fans expected against OSU's athletic receivers.
If it can keep its aggression levels high, Serpa's return should provide a jolt to an already well-equipped tackling force.
3. Ground Control
CMU has issues in the backfield. Anytime your quarterback is your leading rusher, eyebrows should be raised. It has been clear from the beginning of training camp a No. 1 back might not emerge on this team until late in the season, but for now Martez Walker and Devon Spalding need to work together to move to ball consistently in order to balance out CMU's offense. The two men combined for 32 yards on 17 carries during Thursday night's loss.
The absence of Thomas Rawls is painfully evident. And the Chippewas need to find a solution if they are going to make a Mid-American Conference title run.
