Rushing attack leads Chippewas in season-opening victory over Presbyterian
Chippewas 49, Blue Hose 3
Instead of Cooper Rush and the Central Michigan passing game leading the way, it was the rushing attack that carried the Chippewas during Thursday night’s season opener.
CMU finished with more rushing yards than passing yards and scored five touchdowns on the ground en route to a 49-3 victory over Presbyterian at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
“If you’re running the ball effectively, you don’t need to drop back and throw it as much,” said CMU head coach John Bonamego.
CMU started fast with a 69-yard rushing touchdown by junior running back Devon Spalding on the second play of the game. The Chippewas carried that momentum throughout the contest.
Spalding finished with 135 yards and one touchdown, while senior running back Jahray Hayes found the end zone three times on the ground. Freshman running back Jonathan Ward added 79 yards and a touchdown of his own.
CMU finished the game with 255 rushing yards.
“We got a lot of criticism last year about this not being a running team,” Hayes said. “We took that to heart and went out there with the mindset that we were going to be the best group on the field.”
After taking a 14-3 lead into halftime, the Chippewas continued to control the line of scrimmage, ultimately wearing down the Blue Hose.
“I think when you’re running the ball like that, you’re going to wear them down,” Bonamego said. “…It takes more energy to play defense than offense. When you can keep them on the field and keep the chains moving, it’s demoralizing to a defense.”
Rush finished the game 16-for-26 for 237 yards and one touchdown pass. He threw two interceptions.
CMU blew the game open in the second half with four offensive touchdowns and an interception return for a score from junior cornerback Amari Coleman in the fourth quarter.
“It always feels better to win — that’s what it’s all about,” Bonamego said. “That’s why we’re here and that’s what we’re in it for. Never ever apologize for a win — even if you don’t play well.”
Defensively, CMU held Presbyterian to 126 total yards. The Chippewas tallied two sacks and forced three turnovers.
Coleman said due to the defense’s experience, the Chippewas expect to be stout on that side of the ball.
“(We have) a lot players out there that have played for a little bit," he said. "We’re all comfortable to get out there and we’re excited for the season.”
The Chippewas turn their sights to next Saturday's game at Oklahoma State. The Cowboys defeated CMU 24-13 in last season’s opening game at Kelly/Shorts.
Spalding said regardless of whether the team is favored to win or seen as an underdog, he expects the Chippewas to play their game next Saturday against the No. 21 Cowboys.
“I think we have to appreciate this win first, but we’re excited,” he said. “Each opponent is faceless. It doesn’t matter who we’re playing, or when we’re playing. We’re going to play as tough as we possibly can.”
