Rapid Reaction: CMU 27, Ohio 20
For the third consecutive season, Central Michigan football will be bowl eligible after defeating Ohio 27-20 on senior night in Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
The Chippewas improve their record to 6-5 and 3-4 in Mid-American Conference play, while Ohio drops to 7-4 and 5-2 in conference games.
Junior tight end Tyler Conklin made an acrobatic one-handed touchdown grab with 5:51 remaining in the game to give CMU a 27-20 lead, his second touchdown of the game.
After the defense forced a turnover on downs, the Chippewas fumbled on its ensuing drive near midfield to give Ohio a chance to tie the game.
Freshman Sean Bunting intercepted a pass in the end zone with 34 seconds remaining to seal the victory for CMU.
Senior quarterback Cooper Rush completed 25-of-32 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns. His first touchdown pass to Conklin moved his career total to 89, fifth all-time in MAC history.
Junior wide receiver Corey Willis led the way for CMU's receivers, catching eight passes for 109 yards.
The Chippewas' defense was able to hold the Bobcats in check until the second half, when they took their opening drive down the field to score a touchdown on a 16-yard pass, cutting CMU's lead to 17-10.
Ohio went on to tie the game 20-20 after making a field goal in the third quarter and scoring a one-yard touchdown run set up by a 53-yard pass to open the fourth quarter.
Senior running back Jahray Hayes scored his eighth touchdown of the season on a one-yard run in the second quarter. Hayes finished the game with 24 carries for 47 yards and a touchdown.
Senior kicker Brian Eavey connected on two field goals in the game, making him 7-for-15 this season.
CMU will travel to Eastern Michigan on Nov. 22 for its final game of the regular season.
