The first game against Purdue on Sept. 15 was anything but memorable for the CMU football team.

The offense struggled early. The defense could not contain quarterback Curtis Painter. And before they knew it, the Chippewas found themselves behind 38-0 in the third quarter.

Senior Reporter Brian Manzullo breaks down Dec. 26’s Motor City Bowl in Detroit.

QUARTERBACKS

Sophomore Dan LeFevour earned Mid-American Conference Championship MVP honors, passing for 185 yards and rushing for 170 in Dec. 1’s 35-10 win against Miami University.

For the second straight year CMU heads to downtown Detroit to play in the Motor City Bowl. If you’re going down to the game it is important to know everything that comes along with the experience of going to Ford Field, and the opportunities the city of Detroit offers to have a good time before, during and after the game.

Frank Zombo wasn’t always as comfortable with his starting role at defensive end this season.

After starting the year with nine tackles at Kansas, the redshirt sophomore from Sterling Heights had only eight in his next three games combined.

But as the season progressed, Zombo transitioned into one of the most valuable elements of CMU’s defense.

Four years have passed – five for some – since they first arrived at CMU.

With a 3-9 record in 2003 and a 4-7 record in 2004, it didn’t start well for the seniors.

But after being a part of the school’s first winning season in seven years in 2005 (6-5), there was a sense the program could turn around.

There’s no better way to learn how to win than to experience it first-hand.

And for the last two freshman classes, success has come in the form of a Mid-American Conference Championship.

Coach Butch Jones said the winning culture is crucial for success.

“I think our freshmen are able to see all the work that goes into winning a championship,” Jones said.

Nick Bellore was among the 25,413 in attendance as a recruit for CMU’s season-opener against Boston College last season.

He watched as the Chippewas competed with the Eagles until the end, coming up just short on a potential game-tying drive and losing 31-24.

Sept. 1: Kansas 52, CMU 7

In coach Butch Jones’ first game, CMU was outscored 35-0 in the first half and didn’t score until the fourth quarter. Central’s only touchdown came five seconds into the fourth when Bryan Anderson scored on a pass from Dan LeFevour from 16 yards out.