Rapid Reaction: CMU 30, Oklahoma State 27
Chippewas win on Hail Mary pass with no time left in regulation
STILLWATER -- In front of 52,523 at Boone Pickens Stadium, Central Michigan's Jesse Kroll caught a last-chance Hail Mary pass, lateraled backward to Corey Willis who scampered nine yards into the end zone and shocked the country.
The Chippewas had pulled it off. Again.
No, it wasn't the 2014 Bahamas Bowl. Instead it was CMU knocking off No. 22 Oklahoma State 30-27 on Saturday to improve to 2-0 on the season and claim the program's first win against a Top-25 team since 1991.
After throwing an interception late in the fourth quarter, senior quarterback Cooper Rush finished 30-of-42 for 361 yards and four touchdowns Saturday.
Rush's Hail Mary was only possible due to an intentional grounding penalty on Oklahoma State's quarterback Mason Rudolph as time expired. The penalty gave CMU one free play with no time on the clock.
The unsung hero was junior tight end Tyler Conklin, who finished with seven catches for 96 yards and two touchdowns.
CMU's defense held strong, holding the Cowboys to 288 yards of passing and 57 yards rushing.
What it means:
The win proves the Chippewas are capable of competing, and beating, a Power Five school.
What's next:
The Chippewas return to Kelly/Shorts Stadium next Saturday to host UNLV.
Stay with Central Michigan Life for more on today's shocker in Stillwater.
