Jackson a bright spot on otherwise dim CMU offense
Greg Burghardt
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Coach Mike DeBord voiced his displeasure to senior halfback Terrence Jackson after taking himself off the field in the second quarter Saturday.
“I got after his pride a little bit,” DeBord said. “I was a little disappointed with him. I didn’t want him to come out in that situation.”
While DeBord was challenging Jackson, Isaac Brown was put in the game. Miscommunication between quarterback Derrick Vickers and Brown caused a broken play and DeBord’s ire.
After the pep talk, Jackson returned with a new attitude, wearing down the Bowling Green defense for 123 yards on 28 carries.
“I would say he responded,” DeBord said. “The one thing about Terrence is if you appeal to his pride, he is going to show up. He came back and played a heckuva football game.”
Jackson, who is playing with an injured foot, arm and shoulder, carried an otherwise lackluster CMU offense that compiled 284 total yards. On one third-quarter drive, Jackson carried the ball eight consecutive times, moving the team 53 yards.
“I wanted to leave it out there and do whatever I could to help the team,” Jackson said.
Through the first five games, Jackson has helped to lead a CMU rushing attack, which ranked first in the MAC heading into the BGSU game. The powerful Jackson teamed with freshman Jerry Seymour for a formidable combination. But with Seymour injured for the next three games, Jackson will have increased chances.
“We were a one-two combination and I kind of wish he was still there,” Jackson said. “He compliments me and I compliment his style.”
Against the Falcons, Jackson was able to take advantage of his north and south running, mixing in quick cutbacks against BGSU.
Another key factor in the CMU rushing attack is the play of the offensive line. Although untimely penalties marred the positive outlook of the unit, the sizable Chippewas consistently blew the Falcon defensive line off the ball.
“Their offensive line is one of the most physical ones we faced last year and they are the same this year,” said BGSU linebacker Mitch Hewitt. “They are impressive.”
The starting unit of Adam Kieft, Derek McLauglin, Eric Ghiaciuc, Drew Mormino and Jeff Jenerou average 6-feet-5 inches and 300 pounds.
“They are the best offensive line we’ll play against all year,” said cornerback Keon Newson. “They are big and strong.”
Despite the strong rushing numbers, the Chippewas continued to struggle in the red zone, as penalties and two missed field goals limited CMU to three points.
“We improved a lot, but despite the positives, the game came down to us not being able to take advantage of our opportunities,” DeBord said.
With starting quarterback Jeff Perry out for the season, DeBord said the Chippewas will need Jackson and the offensive line to continue success.
“(BGSU)’s defense is ranked first in the conference,” DeBord said. “For us to be able to run the football like that says a lot for our line and our backs.”
