Chippewas rout UNLV, Rush moves up in record books
The Central Michigan football team is looking to go 4-0 this week at Virginia — something the program hasn't done since 1985.
Despite a slow start Saturday, the second-year head coach said his team wasn't living in the past following the 30-27 victory over Oklahoma State a week ago.
"I don't think (the slow start) was due to our hangover," he said. "They practiced very well. They came in focused and they were prepared. Everyone knew what to do, but just came out a little slow."
With its latest win, a 44-21 beating on UNLV, the Chippewas have outscored its first three opponents 123-51 — 29 points more than what the 2002 team outscored its opponents.
In what began as a back-and-fourth game Saturday, the Chippewas pulled away in the second half, scoring 16 unanswered points and blanking the Rebels' offense.
The Chippewas' defense ranks second in the Mid-American Conference in total and scoring defense, allowing 777 yards this season. The secondary, anchored by senior safety Tony Annese, leads the conference in passing defense efficiency, allowing opposing offenses to complete 53 of 107 passes for 501 yards and four touchdowns while snagging five interceptions.
Senior quarterback Cooper Rush completed 20 of 33 passes for six touchdowns and 352 yards through the air. His six touchdown passes Saturday were a Kelly/Shorts Stadium record.
"I did not realize (it was a record)," Rush said. "It just shows the great guys we got — a lot of play makers. We spread it all around and it was a combination of hard work and great talent."
The Charlotte native became the 12th quarterback in MAC history to surpass 10,000 career passing yards. Rush moved to second as CMU's all-time passing yards leader, passing Ryan Radcliff 9,917 yards. Rush still trails Dan LeFevour (12,905 yards).
After tallying 255 yards against Presbyterian, CMU's rushing game has been lackluster, causing the offense to appear pass heavy. CMU has passed 104 times and ran 98 times this season, gaining 950 yards through the air and 459 on the ground.
Bonamego said he was happy with his team's 34 carries for 147 yards Saturday.
"Everyone of these is different," he said. "Every team is going to play you differently. Some teams will try to shut down your running game and dare you to beat them in the air. Others will try to stop your pass and take their chances with the run. I wouldn't say we were poor in the running game."
With 19,922 fans at Saturday's game at Kelly/Shorts Stadium, Bonamego said the atmosphere on campus is starting to feel how he recalled.
"I was really pleased with the crowd that showed up. The student section was outstanding," he said. "This place is starting to look like how I remember it. That makes me feel good. I'm really pleased with that."
The undefeated Chippewas travel to Charlottesville on Friday to take on Virginia (0-3) on Saturday.
"I don't know anything about them," Bonamego said. "I know their colors are orange and blue. They have a V on their helmet and two cross-swords and that's it. I haven't watched one play on them yet."
