COLUMN: Game against Western Michigan chance at redemption for CMU
Forget all about the loss to Bowling Green on Saturday.
Forget about the six-game losing streak and forget about the 2-7 overall record.
It’s Western week.
This is a week where the Chippewas have an opportunity to forget about this season and focus on their rival. One last chance to show the fans there is still hope for the future.
Since coming to CMU as a freshman in 2006, I have not lost to Western Michigan in football. I have been a student for four years, and for four years I got to see Dan LeFevour mercilessly pound the Broncos and bring home the Cannon trophy year after year.
The faces and names may be different on the CMU jerseys, but the rivalry and traditions do not change. On a chilly November night this Friday, something is going to have to change in order for the Chippewas to keep the winning streak going against WMU.
CMU is going to have to find some way, some how, to get things done on the gridiron. The season has been lost and although the fans are still upset, a win against the donkeys from Kalamazoo can help people forget.
It could help people forget about the heartbreaking losses, especially the most recent ones against Ball State, Miami (OH), and Saturday’s last-minute defeat at the hands of Bowling Green.
As bad as Saturday’s loss was, I simply do not have enough paper space to list the reasons why CMU should have beaten the Falcons.
So let’s look ahead.
It is a short week at practice for CMU this week, with the game being on Friday night. The short week is something I feel can help the team get over the loss. The players won’t need any motivation they know how important this game is.
Not to mention this is the last home game of the season. Until next fall, this is what CMU fans will have a lasting memory of. What better way than to go out with a win over your biggest rival, on a Friday night?
A win would put a lot of fans at ease about this entire disappointing season. But what about a loss to Western Michigan on Friday night?
A loss just pours more salt into the wound. It would be the first loss to the Broncos since the 2005 season. A loss would kind of sum up this season for the Chippewas.
And so the opportunity waits.
Head coach Dan Enos, here is your chance to show the fans what direction you want to take this program. Quarterback Ryan Radcliff, here is your chance to show the fans you can lead this team and that there is hope for the future.
Forget about everything else and take it to the Broncos.
