COLUMN: Win against Western Michigan much needed
If only CMU could play against Western Michigan every week.
In a win that some would call more gratifying than any win during the past couple of years, the Chippewas found their identity once again in Friday’s 26-22 win at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
The news conference afterword was a joyous occasion as players and coaches had smiles on their faces. In the almost five years I have been a student here at CMU, the Chippewas have not lost to the Broncos. Five years in a row.
That is rare for any type of rivalry and now this senior class is 4-0 against the Broncos — certainly something to celebrate with the season turning out to be such a disappointment. This game gives the team something to hold on to, it gives them confidence going forward to finish the season and it lets the seniors go out the best way possible.
After being on the wrong end of so many close games, it seemed like the story was going to continue as the Broncos were looking to score from the 3-yard line with the clock ticking.
But it just was not meant to be for WMU, not this time, not on a Friday night in Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
The defensive line pinched down, the linebackers made their reads and junior Armond Staten came through with a great tackle. Head on the ball, he wrapped up Broncos running back Brian Fields, forcing a fumble which sophomore Joe Kinville recovered to help seal the win.
CMU has been looking for a play like that all season and it finally came, and it could not have come at a better time.
Sophomore receiver Cody Wilson had a career day with 185 yards and a touchdown and sophomore quarterback Ryan Radcliff finished with 300 yards and two touchdowns. They were back on the same page hooking up for 12 completions.
During the team meeting the night before, the seniors said that the underclassmen pledged to do everything they could to get the seniors the win and they made plays all night.
But this was a game in which the seniors were honored before the game. The senior’s last chance to step onto the home turf. Their last game against rival Western Michigan ever.
From kickoff you could see the emotion and adrenaline running through the players. Seniors Nick Bellore, Matt Berning and Vince Agnew combined for 35 tackles and two forced fumbles.
Senior running back Carl Volny had 91 rushing yards and a touchdown and fellow senior receiver Kito Poblah caught the game winning touchdown.
So make no mistake, this was senior night.
It has been a dreadful season full of heartbreak and disappointment. But when the Chippewas look and see those trophies, they will remember the battle they had with the Broncos and how they came out victorious.
As the snow fell and the band played, an unfamiliar feeling set in over the stadium. Snapping a six-game losing streak with a win against your arch rival will do that though.
As for the rest of the season, many would say it doesn’t really matter. CMU is not going to make a bowl game and is out of contention for a MAC championship.
But knowing this team, and these seniors, they feel like they still have some unfinished business.
