COLUMN: CMU vs. Western about more than football
A new chapter in Central Michigan University football’s most heated rivalry will be written this weekend when the Western Michigan University Broncos invade Kelly/Shorts Stadium in hopes of reclaiming the coveted Victory Cannon Trophy.
With Saturday’s forecast calling for temperatures in the low 20s, some might suggest attendance for the Saturday’s game is sure to be low.
There is nothing more beautiful than a gutsy football game being played through a flurry of winter weather. Football in the snow can only truly be appreciated in person.
Players and fans alike will need to layer up in order to make it through an exciting afternoon at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
With multiple turnovers likely and shirtless fraternity brothers in the stands, the climate at Kelly/Shorts Stadium is sure to create excitement both on and off the field.
Here are some major storylines heading into the soon to be latest installment of the biggest event on this campus every other year:
The history
The Chippewas have dominated this rivalry during the last decade. CMU greats like quarterback Dan LaFeavour and wide reciever Antonio Brown have led the men in the maroon and gold to several victories over WMU in recent meetings.
Those of you with parents who attended here can ask them about the “end of the world” parties on Main Street downtown that were ignited by the annual fall clash with WMU.
Win or lose, celebrating our school spirit this weekend will be taking part in a tradition that is decades old.
What’s at stake
The Broncos and Chippewas have nearly identical records. Both teams have impressive non-conference victories notched into the belt they wear through the 2014 season.
Each team is bowl eligible, and a signature win in a rivalry game would absolutely solidify a bowl bid for both teams.
Conversely, a loss would put either team’s bowl hopes in serious danger.
The Broncos pounded Eastern Michigan University last weekend in Kalamazoo. The Chippewas did the same in Ypsilanti the week before.
Senior leaders on both teams have had this one circled on their calendar before the season began.
The Broncos are likely the only thing that stands between the Chippewas and a postseason football game.
The bottom line
Rivalries are the greatest part of college sports. This phenomenon occurs at a mild level in professional sports.
The reason is complex and simple at the same time: this is about us.
This football game symbolizes exaltation and prominence. It is a chance for everyone on this campus to stop what they are doing and focus on 105 men that are trying as hard as they can to make us proud.
Proud to be Chippewas.
