A Day on the Tundra

The game between the Central Michigan Chippewas and the visiting Ball State Cardinals (10-2-2010), reminded me of the Titanic.  The game started out with College bands blazing away, cannon fire, 20,000 plus passionate fans on their feet (some half naked and & a few totally black painted bodies), jubilant cheerleaders, high stepping dancers, a litany of High School Bands, and the Chip’s football team excitingly tipping the banner through smoke on the way to the sidelines. 

The fact that Ohio just got killed by Iowa (45-0) and CMU nearly beat Big 10 Northwestern (30-25) made the situation look like a long day for the Cards.  But no, just as with the Titanic, things started out fine except for the fact the Chips never set sail & sunk. 

A game on a Saturday afternoon in Mt. Pleasant is usually a joy in nice weather.  This weather wasn’t even close. Cold/wet/cloudy/wind that made it felt like 30 degrees takes a lot of fun out of the day. 

When I made the return trip to Saginaw (an hour away), I thought I was Ted Williams in a cryonic state.  Ball State outplayed CMU on both ends of the field.  The result was a 28-3 lead at the three quarter mark and a final 31-17 decision. I couldn’t stand the effort so I left after the 3rd quarter. 

The school honored the 1990 CMU Football team (8-3), and after watching the game, I thought they should have played Ball State.  CMU did fight their way back with two TD’s (to Cody Wilson & David Blackburn) in the 4th, but fell short.  Eric Williams for Ball State was the highlight reel of the day with two touchdowns, 83 yards receiving and 77 yards rushing. 

Ball State causing three turnovers we’re big in the win.  David Brown and Sykes ran up a total of 169 yards and Wenning was 12 of 18 for 130 yards.   CMU’s Ryan Radcliff was no Dan LeFevour (now with Cincinnati in the NFL) but his numbers were good with 295 yards & 25 for 48, but his 3 interceptions hurt.

The Chips Mike Petrucci played awesome, with a career high 10 tackles.  Every dog has its day and I’m sure CMU will not be taking anyone too lightly the rest of the season. 

Rev. Jesse Jackson didn’t make the game because his SUV was stolen in Detroit. 

CMU honored former coach/player Leonard Drake who died at the age of 56.  He was a four-time letter winner and former captain.  All the area High School bands and flag teams did themselves proud.  A day at a CMU football game in Mt. Pleasant is a great entertainment venue – hope to see you soon.