Moving up after Miami

It's hard to be picky after ending a losing streak.

It could even be called idiotic to nit pick and search for the wrong amongst all the right, but that's not going to stop me from pointing out some of the major flaws in the Chippewas win over the Miami Redhawks this past weekend.

Don't get me wrong here, I was very happy to see the Chippewas right the boat, stop the bleeding, pick up all the sticks, etc. Use whatever cliche term you want, it was a much needed win for a team that was starting to take a quick downward spiral.

I watched the whole game, start to finish, even stood by through the lightning delay,(which is more than could be said for some of the Miami faithful) and I thought Central did a lot of things well.

We're going to break this game down using a compliment sandwich. I'm going to say something the Chippewas did well, followed by something they need to improve on, and finish, of course, with another positive.

Positive number 1: The Chippewas ran the ball very well, accounting for 184 team rushing yards on the day. Saylor Lavalli led the Chippewas with 151 yards, while backup Maurice Shoemaker-Gilmore ran for 50 yards on ten carries. Lavalli scored his 4th and 5th touchdowns of the year, and further reinforced the idea that when Lavalli is doing well, the Chippewas are doing well.

 Don't believe me?

Here are Lavalli's numbers on the year when the coaching staff has let him run outside of the tackles.

98 carries, 505 yards, 5 TD's

And the one game where he was repeatedly sent straight up the middle?

14 carries, 16 yards 1.1 YPC

To put it in Easy A terms, who would you believe?

 

Now, since everyone loves some good constructive criticism, let me point out one of the obvious flaws of this football team.

The play of freshman quarterback Cooper Rush, and going along with it, the struggle with ball security. Cooper threw yet another pick in Saturday's game, as well as losing a fumble, bringing his turnover total in the past four games to 12. Rush actually made it to the Chippewas's third offensive play before throwing an interception, an improvements from last week's game where he threw a pick on the 2nd offensive play.

Rush needs to improve. It's obvious, and cliche, but it needs to happen. His Achille's heel is his tendency to try and make the big play, try and force the game changing throw too early. He functions much better with short, crisp passes and dump-offs to a half back. This was evident during the 3rd and 4th quarter, when he led CMU on two scoring drives primarily using short passes.


Positive number 2: Hello, defensive line, it is so good to see you...here...finally. The D-line was visibly ready to play Saturday, registering four sacks, several additional QB hits and shutting down the run game for Miami.  Leterious Walton showed up in a big way, with seven tackles, 3 for loss and also forcing a fumble. Blake Serpa also showed flashes of potential, which is a good sign for future depth at the position.

Now, did you all enjoy your sandwich?

While a somewhat sloppy road win at a winless Miami squad is hardly a momentous achievement, the win nonetheless gives Enos his 15th win as a Chippewas coach and will (somewhat) relieve some of the pressure on him, at least for now.

Looking forward, the Chippewas will run the gauntlet of top tier MAC teams, facing Ohio, Northern Illinois and finally Ball State. If the Chippewas make it through those three games, they will be rewarded by three very winnable games against Western, UMass and Eastern Michigan, the latter two of which will be at home. Hopefully that leaves at least a marginally sweet taste in the mouths of the CMU faithful.


Deeply entranced by what you've read here? Suddenly hungry for a real, tangible sandwich? I can help you with one of those needs. This is just one tasty little morsel in a series of morsels that I have written about the CMU football team, and I've love for you to check out. Also, for all of you who may not be season ticket holders of CMU football, I try to periodically post articles of a non-dedicated nature. So please, continue to read, bear with me through the thick and thin, and I promise to give you all my best child-bearing years in return.