Football gunning for first 3-0 start to season since 2002
After upsetting No. 22 Oklahoma State on Saturday, the Central Michigan football team has been a nationally trending topic.
Head coach John Bonamego said the team is back to business as usual preparing for its next opponent, UNLV, who comes to Mount Pleasant Saturday with a 1-1 record.
"We have a game to play and win this week in our stadium against a very good opponent," he said. "All of our focus and attention is on UNLV."
CMU traveled to Las Vegas in 2013 and lost to the Runnin' Rebels, 31-21. The Chippewas had a 21-point lead at one point in the game before allowing 31 unanswered points.
Last time the two teams met, senior quarterback Cooper Rush made his first career start. Nearly 10,000 yards passing and over 70 touchdowns later Rush will be under center against UNLV one last time.
The Chippewas are favored to win by 13 points. A win would give CMU its first 3-0 start since 2002.
In order to win the game, Bonamego said his team will need to be sound defensively, especially against UNLV's running game.
The Runnin' Rebels enter the matchup coming off a 175-yard rushing effort against UCLA. UNLV has averaged over 200 yards rushing per game this season.
"We're going to get eight, nine or 10 guys in the box if we can," defensive coordinator Greg Colby said. "We've got to be gap sound, get off the ball up front, play downhill with our linebackers and recognize their formation tendencies."
CMU's defense is currently ranked fourth in the country against the run, allowing 47 yards per game. It is tenth in total defense, allowing 232 total yards per game.
When asked what has made CMU's defense so stingy, Bonamego gave praise to each position group's play.
"We've got a great group of skilled athletes to work with," he said. "Coverage is aided by a good, coordinated pass rush. We have a good, coordinated and skilled defense."
CMU compiled 57 yards rushing against OSU after gaining over 200 against Presbyterian in the season opener. Nevertheless, Bonamego said he isn't concerned about the lack of yardage.
"We got behind early and had to start throwing the ball," he said. "We had some really good runs in there. It was one of those games where it was difficult to lock in."
CMU will look to get the running game back on track and continue its winning ways.
Kickoff against UNLV is 3 p.m. Saturday at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
