CMU-Purdue: Postgame reaction

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - What a game... again.

For the second consecutive game between the two teams, it all came down to the final minute. And for the second consecutive game, it ended in heartbreak for the Chippewas.

Coach Butch Jones made the riskiest call of his young coaching career by going for two with 1:18 remaining when he easily could have tied the game at 24 apiece. I thought he made the right call- go for it and give your team the best chance to win. We all know what happened at the Motor City Bowl last year when CMU elected to tie - quarterback Curtis Painter had his way with the defense and set up Chris Summers' 40-yard field goal to win the game.

Speaking of CMU's defense, it was the best I've seen it in the past two years. To hold Purdue's offense to 25 points (seven came off the interception return) has to be inspiring for that group, especially after all the negativity it gets from the media and the fans. Only 344 yards of offense from the Boilermakers today and a lot of key stops, one on fourth and one, gave CMU a huge chance to win this game.

But- Central finds itself on the losing end for the third time in two years. I've never seen the team as disappointed as it was after the game today. Coach Butch Jones had his head down almost the entire time the media spoke with him, and each of the players had the look on their faces. They know they can beat Purdue, and they showed it. But give the Boilermakers credit for staying on their toes, too.

The bright side of all this: CMU goes back home for almost a month. They open a three-game home stand against Buffalo, which is looking strong early in the season. When it comes down to it, I think they'll feel pretty good after the game today and take a lot heading into next Saturday.

Check this blog for more updates on Sunday and Monday, and be sure to look at our coverage in CM Life's Monday edition!