Gophers fend off Chippewas
Associated Press
DETROIT
Cooper Rush was being taken down from behind, so to avoid a sack, he tossed the ball toward a receiver.
“Looking back, probably should have just ate it,” the Central Michigan quarterback said.
Rush’s risky pass was intercepted, and the Chippewas fell 21-14 to Minnesota on Monday night in the Quick Lane Bowl. It was a tough ending to a terrific season for Rush, who set CMU’s single-season record for yards passing.
Central Michigan (7-6) took a 14-13 lead with 11:08 remaining on a 13-yard touchdown run by Romello Ross. Minnesota responded by driving 74 yards in 13 plays, and quarterback Mitch Leidner ran 13 yards for the go-ahead touchdown with 4:26 to play. Leidner then threw to KJ Maye for a 2-point conversion.
CMU drove back into Minnesota territory, but Rush’s ill-advised pass was picked off by Briean Boddy-Calhoun with 2:10 to play.
“We felt like we were right there,” CMU coach John Bonamego said. “Just not enough at the end, a few too many mistakes, but Minnesota had a good plan, they executed it. They definitely deserved the win.”
Minnesota (6-7) ended a trying season on a positive note. Coach Jerry Kill retired in late October because of continued difficulty managing his epilepsy and his job. The Gophers were 5-7 after the regular season but were able to play on because not enough teams reached six wins to fill all the bowls.
“We played by the rules,” said Tracy Claeys, who took over after Kill’s retirement.