2008 Woodie Awards
Seniors hope to end careers with BCS-school win
By: Daniel Monson
Issue date: 12/12/07 Section: Motor City Bowl Preview
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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.
Two championships later, this year's football seniors surely have left a revamped attitude surrounding the program, an imprint that won't soon be forgotten.
And one game remains - 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 26 against Purdue in the Motor City Bowl.
The seniors' check-list, already riddled with pen marks, has one space missing - an elusive win against a team from a major conference (a Bowl Championship Series team).
"I'm going to be excited. As my time winds down, I think my legacy has been well-left and real good," said fifth-year senior linebacker Red Keith. "I like to do things special, and I haven't beat a BCS school. I think I will be more focused and excited to have that chance."
Ike Brown, also a fifth-year senior who gained another year of eligibility after a knee injury last season, said it's evident CMU has a different mindset and the seniors want to go out on top, while making history.
"That would be another one for the history books," Brown said. "We went into (Sept. 15's 45-22 loss to Purdue) questioning ourselves. But we know we're capable of beating anybody - all that doubt was left earlier in the season."
But perhaps the most important contribution the seniors provide comes off the field. Each of them spend time as mentors.
"I take a lot of pride in what I do," Keith said. "Working with the freshmen was one of the things I did to try and turn the program around."
A culture of toughness
Fifth-year senior offensive lineman Eric Tunney also will play in his final game Dec. 26 at Ford Field. He missed the Sept. 1 season opener at Kansas, but overcame a knee injury from the spring to start the next 12 games.
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.
Two championships later, this year's football seniors surely have left a revamped attitude surrounding the program, an imprint that won't soon be forgotten.
And one game remains - 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 26 against Purdue in the Motor City Bowl.
The seniors' check-list, already riddled with pen marks, has one space missing - an elusive win against a team from a major conference (a Bowl Championship Series team).
"I'm going to be excited. As my time winds down, I think my legacy has been well-left and real good," said fifth-year senior linebacker Red Keith. "I like to do things special, and I haven't beat a BCS school. I think I will be more focused and excited to have that chance."
Ike Brown, also a fifth-year senior who gained another year of eligibility after a knee injury last season, said it's evident CMU has a different mindset and the seniors want to go out on top, while making history.
"That would be another one for the history books," Brown said. "We went into (Sept. 15's 45-22 loss to Purdue) questioning ourselves. But we know we're capable of beating anybody - all that doubt was left earlier in the season."
But perhaps the most important contribution the seniors provide comes off the field. Each of them spend time as mentors.
"I take a lot of pride in what I do," Keith said. "Working with the freshmen was one of the things I did to try and turn the program around."
A culture of toughness
Fifth-year senior offensive lineman Eric Tunney also will play in his final game Dec. 26 at Ford Field. He missed the Sept. 1 season opener at Kansas, but overcame a knee injury from the spring to start the next 12 games.
