CMU-Ohio: Postgame Notes

ATHENS, Ohio - In a continuation of last season, CMU somehow squeaked out another MAC win. It was the fourth consecutive regular-season conference game that was decided by 3 points or less for Central. And really, Ohio could've had this game in the bag had it not been for quarterback Boo Jackson's fumble in the end zone, which a touchdown could've given Ohio a 35-31 lead with just minutes to play.

But, in the end, CMU starts the MAC season 1-0. How it really happened:

• Holding the rope. This is a line used frequently in CMU's locker room. Despite the defense's struggles early and late, it held together when it counted, doing just enough for the Chippewas to maintain the lead. Fumble recoveries by linebacker Matt Berning and defensive tackle Sean Murnane were huge. They kept their heads together and took advantage of the few mistakes Ohio made.
• Antonio Brown comes up big. Some of his kick and punt returns early in the season were skittish, whether it was his feetwork slipping up or his own linemen getting in his way. But his 75-yard punt return in the third gave CMU its first lead, which it never relinquished. That spark was what Central needed to get past Ohio, which had a fairly large crowd for a MAC school (18,268) supporting it.
• Big third down plays. CMU put up two quick scores in the 4th quarter thanks to big third-down plays. LeFevour connected with wideout Bryan Anderson for 24 yards on a third down, setting up a three-yard Ontario Sneed touchdown run to make the score 24-14. Later, after Ohio made it 24-21, LeFevour found Jean Pitts for 27 yards on third down that brought CMU to the 2-yard line. That set up CMU's final score.
• Buuut... the defense got exposed. Today was really the first time this season CMU's secondary let up. Boo Jackson threw for 365 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. A third of those yards came on two long TD's, 45 yards and 77 yards to tailback Chris Garrett. On both of those plays, Jackson had more time than usual to throw the ball and Garrett found holes in the coverage. CMU needs to keep its eyes on all parts of the field, even on the running back out of the backfield.
• A good win to take into Purdue. A loss here would've put CMU in a possible 1-3 scenario to start the season, possibly worse because of how good Buffalo is playing. A good, emotional win could be just what Central needs to take into West Lafayette, Ind., next week to face a Purdue team it's eager to finally beat. (Although they are playing Oregon well at the moment... currently tied at 20 in the third quarter)

I'll definitely have more coverage for you tomorrow and Monday, as well as stories in Monday's CM Life and currently on cm-life.com. I'm back on the road for now, hopefully getting into Mount Pleasant at 1:30 a.m. if I'm lucky. Take care!