I've always said if CMU wanted to be a consistent "Top 25-ranked going to a bowl game every year"-type program (which I feel it should be) it had to beat non-conference mid- to high-level Division I teams regularly. Last Saturday, the Chippewas (2-0) soundly defeated host Kansas (1-1) 45-27, displaying a high-powered offense and stingy, hard-hitting defense that showcased a roster filled from top to bottom with former Michigan high school football standouts. CMU needs to play with the same discipline, execution, passion and poise this weekend against another mid- to high-level D-I program in Syracuse. These are the games (Syracuse, Kansas type) the Chippewas need to consistently win to take that next step up to a consistent Top 25 program nationally. I know they can do it.
Here are some CMU individual highlights from last Saturday's win over Kansas --
Offensively, grad transfer QB Shane Morris (Warren DeLaSalle) had a phenomenal game, finishing 28-of-37 passing for 467 yards and five TDs, while rushing for 38 yards on eight attempts. For his efforts, Morris was named MAC West Offensive Player of the Week. Senior WR Mark Chapman (6-0, 180, Port Huron) ended up with eight receptions for 168 yards and three touchdowns, while fellow classmate senior WR Corey Willis (5-10, 175, Holland) also had eight catches for 140 yards and one TD and junior TE Logan Hessbrook (6-3, 240, Ithaca) four receptions for 61 yards and one TD for the Chippewas. Defensively, junior LB Alex Briones (6-2, 240, Ishpeming) led CMU with 10 tackles, while senior CB Amari Coleman (5-11, 190, New Lothrop) added five tackles and one TFL.
Also, it was pretty interesting to see former Saline stars CMU sophomore WR Cameron Cole (6-0, 185) and Kansas junior DB Tyrone Miller (6-1, 185) going against each other multiple times during last Saturday's match-up.
One really cool thing about CMU is how the Chippewas recruit the small towns in Michigan. There is so much Division I college football talent playing high school football in Michigan's small towns it's incredible. Starting for CMU from smaller towns in the Great Lakes State against Kansas were sophomore OG Logan Slaughter (6-3, 290, Mendon), senior DE Joe Ostman (6-3, 260, St. Ignance), Hessbrook, Briones and Coleman. Plus, there are many more Chippewas from small towns and rural cities contributing and part of the playing rotation every week -- it's a fact, at least to me, that bodes very well for the future success of the CMU program. Heck, Chippewa head coach John Bonamego is from Paw Paw, a small southwest Michigan town itself. I love it.
Look for more Michigan college football standouts and NFL stars in my next blog installment.
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