Oklahoma State University Athletics
Know The Opponent - Central Michigan
August 25, 2015 | Cowboy Football
STILLWATER, Okla. - Oklahoma State opens the season away from home for the third-consecutive year, as the Cowboys hit the road to take on Central Michigan on Sept. 3. OSU took down Mississippi State in Houston in the 2013 season opener and pushed top-ranked Florida State to the brink in 2014, leaving the Cowboys eager to kick off the upcoming season back in the win column.
After a narrow loss to Western Kentucky in last season's Bahamas Bowl, Central Michigan switched things up at the head of the coaching ladder, bringing John Bonamego in as the 28th head coach in program history. It should be noted, though, that a good chunk of the coaching staff remains from last year's squad, which won three of its last four regular season games and nearly recorded its first bowl victory since 2012.
Offensively, the Chippewas return seven starters and a majority of their overall talent, including quarterback Cooper Rush. The gun-slinging junior finished amongst the MAC's top three in numerous offensive categories, those of which include completions (243), touchdowns (27) and passer rating (149.5). The squad's toughest challenge will be replacing Titus Davis, a four-time All-MAC selection and the school's all-time leader in receiving yards.
The D-line highlights CMU's defensive unit, as Bonamego's squad returns three starters on the line alone. Joe Ostman, Blake Serpa and Jabari Dean each return after helping produce the MAC's top-ranked defense last season. The Chippewas defensive unit is also aided by a strong secondary, which finished 29th among the nation's leaders with 14 interceptions in 2014.
CMU's specialists remain entirely intact from last year's squad, as kicker Brian Eavey and punter Ron Coluzzi each step into their junior seasons. Eavey connected on eight of nine field goal attempts last season, while Coluzzi averaged just under 38 yards per punt.
Overall, Central Michigan looks to continue its late-season stride from 2014, which saw the Chippewas win five of their last seven regular season contests. With talent returning on both sides of the ball, CMU looks to be a strong test for Oklahoma State's season-opening matchup.Â
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After a narrow loss to Western Kentucky in last season's Bahamas Bowl, Central Michigan switched things up at the head of the coaching ladder, bringing John Bonamego in as the 28th head coach in program history. It should be noted, though, that a good chunk of the coaching staff remains from last year's squad, which won three of its last four regular season games and nearly recorded its first bowl victory since 2012.
Offensively, the Chippewas return seven starters and a majority of their overall talent, including quarterback Cooper Rush. The gun-slinging junior finished amongst the MAC's top three in numerous offensive categories, those of which include completions (243), touchdowns (27) and passer rating (149.5). The squad's toughest challenge will be replacing Titus Davis, a four-time All-MAC selection and the school's all-time leader in receiving yards.
The D-line highlights CMU's defensive unit, as Bonamego's squad returns three starters on the line alone. Joe Ostman, Blake Serpa and Jabari Dean each return after helping produce the MAC's top-ranked defense last season. The Chippewas defensive unit is also aided by a strong secondary, which finished 29th among the nation's leaders with 14 interceptions in 2014.
CMU's specialists remain entirely intact from last year's squad, as kicker Brian Eavey and punter Ron Coluzzi each step into their junior seasons. Eavey connected on eight of nine field goal attempts last season, while Coluzzi averaged just under 38 yards per punt.
Overall, Central Michigan looks to continue its late-season stride from 2014, which saw the Chippewas win five of their last seven regular season contests. With talent returning on both sides of the ball, CMU looks to be a strong test for Oklahoma State's season-opening matchup.Â
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