Central Michigan University opens the season with Victory

Central Michigan University opened the 2012 college football season with a victory over Division 1-AA opponent Southeast Missouri State 38-27.  The Chippewas opened the 2012 campaign with high hopes in front of 15,250 fans at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.   CMU fell behind the  Redhawks early in the 2nd quarter 24-10 to come roaring back to tie the score at 24 -24 heading into the halftime. 

Third year starter Ryan Radcliff would lead the Chips two quick touchdowns in the last 5:29 of the 1st half with a Zurlon Tipton 48 yard touchdown run.  The backup tailback Anthony Garland plowed in from 2 yards out to tie the score at 24-24 for the halftime score.   Junior running back Zurlon Tipton would have a career night with 180 yards on the ground and three touchdowns in the nationally televised game.  

The Chippewas head into the 2012 season with high hopes after coming off two (3-9) seasons.   Third year Head Coach Dan Enos will face a very challenging schedule with 2 Big Ten teams over the next weeks.  Michigan State will invade Kelly/Shorts next Saturday and then going on the road to play Iowa.  CMU Athletic Director Dave Heeke sees the program going in the right direction.  He stated "that we need to get through the tough part of the schedule with a couple of wins."  

The CMU offense was running all out tonight with a balanced attack with over 300 yards on the ground.  The defense will have to improve for the next game against the highly ranked Spartans.   New seats have been added in the South End Zone for the big game and new this year on the East Sidelines are several suites for groups to use during the home football games.  Things will get very interesting in Mount Pleasant this season and the Chippewas might make a run for the Mid-American Conference title.