Rapid Reaction: Central Michigan 26, Ohio 23
Senior quarterback Shane Morris throws the ball during the football game against the University of Rhode Island on Aug. 31 in Kelly / Shorts Stadium.
Head coach John Bonamego said the Central Michigan football team has been “beating themselves” with their own mistakes this season at practice.
On Saturday, it was Ohio's four turnovers that allowed CMU to spoil the Bobcats homecoming with a 26-23 victory.
CMU (3-3, 1-1 MAC) was able to even up their Mid-American Conference and overall record with the win, while also snapping a three-game losing skid.
How it happened
Both teams opened the game with a scoring drive. Ohio went 75 yards in 10 plays for a one-yard Nathan Rourke touchdown rush. CMU responded with a 10-play, 72-yard scoring drive, finished off with a 16-yard Tyler Conklin touchdown reception.
With the Bobcats leading 14-7 and the half approaching an end, they attempted a 50-yard field goal that CMU blocked and sophomore Sean Bunting returned for a 60-yard score.
The Chippewas missed the extra point, leading to a 14-13 Bobcats lead at halftime.
It didn't take long for CMU to score again.
They opened the second half with one-yard touchdown rush from sophomore running back Jonathan Ward, capping off a 10-play, 65-yard drive to give CMU their first lead of the game.
Following an interception return of 45 yards from senior defensive back Josh Cox, Bonamego elected to go for it on fourth and goal, which resulted in a turnover on downs.
Ohio failed to capitalize, however, as Rourke fumbled for the second time, Trevor Apsey fell on it and gave CMU the ball back late in the third quarter with the 19-14 lead in tact.
Rourke proceeded to fumble for the third time of the game, giving CMU the ball deep in Bobcat territory early in the fourth quarter.
This time, CMU capitalized.
Morris connected with Conklin from 10 yards out for his second touchdown catch of the game, giving CMU the 26-14 lead.
Junior punter Zach Oakley's punt was blocked and it sailed out of the back of the end zone, forcing a safety, moving the score to 26-16 midway through the fourth quarter.
Ohio didn’t stop there as they got the ball back after the safety and scored soon after. Rourke rushed for his third touchdown of the afternoon from 4 yards out, tightening the score to 26-23 CMU.
With under five minutes left in the game, CMU converted three-straight third downs for first downs to put away the game and walk out of Athens with a victory.
Tyler Conklin had a career-game with 10 receptions for 136 yards and two scores. Morris completed 25-of-35 passes for 249 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
Whats next
CMU will head back to Mount Pleasant for its homecoming game against Toledo at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14.
