CMU vs. WMU football clash in Mount Pleasant

The regular season has come to an end for the Central Michigan Chippewas with a tough 32-20 loss to their in state rivals Western Michigan Broncos.   Both teams came into the game with outside hopes of moving into a tie for the West Division title in the Mid American Conference.   Western Michigan was 5-1 and Central Michigan was 4-2 in the West.  Both teams were bowl eligible for the with 7 victories each. 

Central Michigan came out like gang busters building a quick 14-0 lead in the first quarter.  However they would watch the Broncos come roaring back with 22 points in the 2nd quarter to take a 22-17 lead into the locker room.   CMU starting quarterback Cooper Rush would have a decent day with 22 out of 45 passing and 248 yards with 2 td's.   The Central Michigan offense would go cold for the last 3 quarters of the game getting only two field goals. 

Western Michigan quarterback Zach Terrell would pass for 228 yards and 3 touchdown passes.   Star receiver Corey Davis would have two touchdown catches on the day.  Central Michigan had its chances late in the 4th quarter but would drop a punt and Western Michigan would recover on the 2 yard line.   Then two late interceptions from Cooper Rush put a damper on the day for the 17,265 fans in attendance.  

Star running back for CMU Thomas Rawls would have an average day rushing for 76 yards on 19 carries but left the game late in the 4th quarter with what looked like an injured knee.  The loss dropped CMU to 7-5 on the season and a chance to go to a bowl game.  The Mid-American Conference has an automatic tie in with 5 Bowl Games.   WMU improved to 8-3 and now still can end up tied for the West Division title with Toledo.