CMU Looks to Maintain Momentum at Purdue

The Central Michigan University football program defeated the University of Toledo this past weekend, 52-31, in a pivotal Mid-American Conference game. Saturday, the Chippewas travel to Purdue University for a nationally televised game against the Boilermakers on ESPN2.

Butch Jones won his first game as Central Michigan University's head football coach last Saturday at Kelly/Shorts Stadium againt MAC West rival Toledo, 52-31.

It was a great win for the Chippewas (1-1, 1-0 MAC), who totaled 462 yards of offense against the Rockets after opening the season with a disappointing 52-7 loss at the University of Kansas Sept. 1.

"Any time you can win a conference game, especially against a great team like Toledo, it's a great win," Jones said. "What's important now is that we continue to improve as a football team."

It doesn't get any easier this weekend as CMU plays at Purdue University (2-0 overall) Saturday. The Boilermakera have scored 52 points in each of their first two games, including a 52-24 win at Toledo to open the season. Purdue runs a spread offense in which it has averaged more than 510 yards per game this season.

"This week wil be a great challenge for our football team," Jones said. “Purdue is extremely explosive on offense with a great group of receivers and a talented quarterback. They are certainly one of the top teams in the Big 10.”

If CMU is to have any chance against the Boilermakers, the difference could be in special teams play, where true freshman wide receiver Antonio Brown has emerged as a playmaker for the Chippewas.

"He's lightning in a bottle," Jones said. "He brings a certain level of excitement to the game. Antonio's still learning. He's going to get better and better."

In two games, Brown has returned three punts for 56 yards with a long of 42 yards against Toledo. Brown has also returned five kicks for a total of 109 yards, including a long of 37 yards.

CMU running back Ontario Sneed could be a difference-maker against Purude too. Sneed was named MAC West Division Offensive Player of the Week after rushing 29 times for 168 yards and a career-high three touchdowns against the Rockets last Saturday.

Purdue is led by quarterback Curtis Painter, who was named co-Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week after completing 38 of 49 passes for 348 yards and six touchdowns in the Boilermakers 52-6 win against Eastern Illinois last weekend

Kickoff for tomorrow's game at Purdue is scheduled for noon. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN2.