Victory Cannon Trophy returns to Kalamazoo following 49-10 rout
Junior tight end Tyler Conklin attempts to break a tackle after making a catch during CMU's 49-10 loss to Western Michigan at Kelly/Shorts Stadium on Oct. 1.
John Bonamego would rather go through eight weeks of chemotherapy again than lose to Western Michigan the way Central Michigan did Saturday night.
Following CMU's 49-10 blowout loss, the second-year head coach said he has a bad taste in his mouth and went on to apologize to CMU fans for the way his team played.
"Don't give up on our football team," he said.
In one of the most anticipated matchups between the rival schools in years, the Chippewas failed to live up to the hype in front of the 30,411 fans who packed Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
WMU takes the Victory Cannon Trophy back to Kalamazoo following a game it dominated in every facet from the start.
CMU (3-2) has lost its last three games against WMU (5-0). Tonight's game had the largest margin of victory in the rivalry since 1970, when WMU won 41-0.
"We have to wear this one," Bonamego said. "We'll look at every single man on every single play and decide what we need to do."
The Broncos' offense proved to be too much for CMU's defense to contain, tallying 22 first downs and 424 yards of total offense.
After giving up a field goal on CMU's opening drive, the Broncos' defense did not allow CMU to score until midway through the third quarter, when junior wide receiver Mark Chapman caught a 37-yard touchdown pass.
WMU immediately responded to the first quarter field goal with a 13-play, 74 yard touchdown on a connection from senior quarterback Zach Terrell to senior wide receiver Michael Henry. Western did not relinquish the lead after that.
Trying to gain some momentum coming out of halftime down 21-3, CMU attempted an onside kick, but was unsuccessful.
"I felt like we needed a spark and I felt like it was a good gamble," Bonamego said. "I would have done it again and I wouldn't change one thing about it."
Broncos running back Jarvion Franklin had a big day, amassing 132 yards rushing and two touchdowns. He was the leading rusher for an offense that gained 254 yards on the ground.
"(WMU's offense) was doing what they usually do," senior defensive lineman Jabari Dean said. "They do it a lot and do it well. They just did a good job."
The Broncos' offense outgained the Chippewas by 147 yards, scoring touchdowns on seven of its nine possessions.
CMU's offense was limited to 277 yards and 10 points by a WMU defense that came into the game ranked 20th in the country in points allowed.
Senior quarterback Cooper Rush was held to 17-of-29 passes completed for 178 yards, one touchdown and an interception. The third quarter interception was returned 85 yards for a touchdown.
Rush was sacked eight times during the game, one of which resulted in a lost fumble.
"(The offensive line) did alright," Rush said. "I have to get rid of the ball quicker to help them out. Those guys did fine."
WMU senior receiver Corey Davis, brother of former CMU player Titus Davis, set the Mid American Conference and WMU record for all-time receiving yards and tied the WMU record for career touchdowns with 39.
CMU looks to rebound as Ball State (3-2) comes to Kelly/Shorts Stadium for CMU's homecoming game next Saturday.
