Rush, Conklin lead football to bowl eligibility
Before the season began, many expected Cooper Rush to lead the Central Michigan football team offensively. But not many fans knew Tyler Conklin would have a breakout year for the Chippewas.
Rush and Conklin helped CMU claim a 27-20 win against Ohio on senior night last Tuesday at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
Although Rush only found Conklin, a transfer tight end from Northwood University, for two receptions, both catches were touchdowns. The pair connected for the go-ahead score that gave CMU the lead late in the fourth quarter.
“I had to throw it. It was one-on-one and the (Ohio defender) played it pretty well actually, but he made an unbelievable catch,” Rush said. “That’s what great players do. They make plays for their teammates.”
With an Ohio defender draped on him, Conklin stretched out with his left hand and snagged the ball out of mid-air for a catch. The play snapped a three-game losing streak, made CMU bowl eligible and led ESPN’s SportsCenter Top 10 plays that night.
Football becomes bowl eligible with win against Ohio
On a night where seniors played their final game on the turf at Kelly/Shorts Stadium and former players Derrick Nash and Zirlon Tipton were honored, the Central Michigan football team got back to its winning ways.
The Chippewas became bowl eligible and snapped a three-game losing streak to knock off Mid-American Conference East Division leader Ohio, 27-20, on senior night.
“My phone is blowing up right now,” he said Tuesday night. “I’m happy about it.”
Rush and Conklin have combined for 37 completions for 514 yards and six touchdowns during the 2016 season. Conklin said his performance this season has been in large part due to his relationship with Rush.
“(Our chemistry) has developed a lot,” he said. “I’m sick (Rush) is going to be gone (next season). We do a lot of stuff together and being around each other, that’s really the key.”
Rush said with each week, he gained more and more faith in his tight end.
“He’s a guy when I look back, I’ll be able to say he was one of my favorite players to play with,” Rush said. “Because of his work ethic, attention to detail and because he wants to get better every day. We definitely developed a nice relationship.”
Conklin has made plays for his teammates all season. He entered the 2016 campaign with little production at tight end.
While Rush was leading the Chippewas to a 7-6 record in 2015, Conklin sat behind former tight end Ben McCord. Through 13 games last season, Conklin had only caught six passes for 95 yards.
Though the star quarterback from Charlotte may have had all eyes on him coming into the season, the junior tight end from L’Anse Creuse North High School has turned heads with dazzling one-hand grabs and acrobatic catches such as the one from Tuesday.
“Tyler’s a great athlete,” said head coach John Bonamego. “He’s his own harshest critic. He’s got a tremendous work ethic and he’s trying to get better every day. He’s a matchup problem for people and he has a bright future in this game.”
The tandem of Rush to Conklin is guaranteed at least one final game to add to their bid for All-MAC honors next Tuesday against Eastern Michigan at Rynearson Stadium in Ypsilanti.
