Despite UVA loss, CMU football still in good shape
The Chippewas dropped their first game of the season 49-35 to a winless Virginia team last weekend.
It could’ve been a lot worse, but Central Michigan was able to rally and tie the game before the score got away from them late.
It was a sloppy performance by the defense, who allowed the Cavaliers to score four straight touchdowns in the first half and three touchdowns in the fourth quarter after rallying to tie the game. Although CMU didn’t return home 4-0, it still has a chance to do what it set out to do before the season began. It starts against in-state rival Western Michigan on Saturday.
The Chippewas start Mid-American Conference play at home against the Broncos in a game many were hoping to see the "College GameDay" crew at. That was never going to happen and that extremely optimistic dream officially died along with CMU’s undefeated season on Saturday in Charlottesville.
It was unrealistic to expect the Chippewas to finish the year undefeated. Even if they did, they weren’t headed to the College Football Playoff.
However, a trip to Ford Field in Detroit for the MAC Championship on Dec. 2 is still a possibility.
It won’t be easy, but it’s possible.
Senior quarterback Cooper Rush is still tearing it up and junior receiver Corey Willis and junior tight end Tyler Conklin have emerged as reliable threats in the passing game.
The defense was torched against Virginia, who came into the game averaging just 18.7 points per game, but there were also moments when the defense buckled down and made stops when it counted.
Two things will determine CMU’s fate during MAC play: The running game and defensive pressure.
It’s no secret CMU struggles to run the ball. It’s been that way since Thomas Rawls.
If the Chippewas can find a way to be more consistent in the running game, defenses have to play honest and not focus solely on stopping Rush.
Rush can't be expected to drop back and throw the ball on every down. That’ll lead to turnovers or worse — an injury to Rush.
On the defensive side, CMU’s defensive line doesn’t create enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which is why they struggled against Virginia. The Cavs' quarterback threw for over 400 yards and five touchdowns.
If CMU can create pressure, it’ll lead to more turnovers and possessions for Rush and the offense.
Yes, Saturday was a setback. But it didn’t end CMU's season. Finishing the nonconference schedule 3-1 is nothing to be ashamed about.
Now the Chippewas have to regroup and regenerate for a showdown with the boat rowers from Kalamazoo in Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
An undefeated season would’ve been nice, but I’m sure CMU wants nothing more than to end WMU’s undefeated season.
It was a tough loss, but it’s not time to panic just yet in Mount Pleasant.
