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Central Michigan snapped the Bobcats three game win streak, as the Chippewas defeated the Ohio Bobcats, 26-23 in Athens, Ohio. In the process, Central Michigan ended their own three game losing streak. Central Michigan moves to 3-3 (1-1 MAC), and Ohio falls to 4-2 (1-1 MAC).
Chippewa quarterback Shane Morris comes back with a much better performance. Morris completed 25 of his 35 pass attempts for 249 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. Morris was able to find his receivers, as two of his main targets returned on offense.
Central tight end Tyler Conklin played in his first game back this year and had a career day for CMU. Conklin caught 10 passes for 136 yards and also caught both of Morris’s touchdown passes. Mark Chapman had six catches for 66 yards on the day. Corey Willis was also back for the Chippewas today, but wasn’t able to catch a pass.
Nathan Rourke tried to lead the Bobcat offense back for a comeback win on homecoming, but came up short. Rourke completed 17 of his 31 passes, for 160 yards and an interception. Rourke ran the ball much better, as he rushed for 105 yards on 13 carries with three rushing touchdowns on the day. Brendan Cope led the way for the Bobcat receivers, hauling in six passes for 58 yards on the day.
The Chippewa defense was able to get in the backfield and cause havoc for Rourke all game long. Rourke fumbled three times in this game, and also threw an interception. The Chips were able to block a field goal and return it for a touchdown in the last play of the first half, but missed the extra point due to a sideline interference penalty during the return.
With the Bobcats leading 14-13 at halftime, CMU had some momentum to build on, as they came right out of the locker room and scored a touchdown on a 10 play, 65 yard drive, capped off by a 1-yard touchdown run by Jonathan Ward. The Chippewas took the lead at 19-14 and didn’t give up the lead.
CMU turned a Bobcat fumble into a touchdown from Morris to Conklin to make the score 26-14 late in the third quarter.
The Bobcats were able to force a safety, as they blocked a CMU punt, and then score on the following drive to get the score to 26-23 with five minutes left to go in the game. CMU used a 10 play drive to ice the game and hold on to win the game.
Central Michigan will look to keep their winning ways going, but have a tough test as they host the Toledo Rockets on Saturday, October 14. This will be CMU’s homecoming game, and will start at 3:30. It will be aired on ESPN3.
Ohio looks to shake off this tough loss, as they travel to Bowling Green to take on the struggling Falcons. That game will also be on Saturday, October 14 and start at 3:30. The game will also be aired on ESPN3.