CMU Brings Local Talent To Spartan Stadium

There will be a special aura about Spartan Stadium this weekend as Central Michigan comes to town to face Number-2 ranked Michigan State. The weather is expected to be perfect. Spartan fans will be reeling in the glory of its team's highest national ranking in 40 years. And, they better bring every bit of vim and vigor with them to the stands. You can be sure that the visiting squad will have more than its fair share of support.

The Chippewas will make the short 72 mile trip south, and I'm sure there will be plenty of student supporters making their way down to East Lansing to bask in the glorious party scene. They're pretty good at tailgating in their own rights in Mount Pleasant, after all. Expect to see a lot of CMU parents as well, with 75 players on their roster from the State of Michigan. 10 of those 75 players hail from the Lansing Area, 4 of them are starters.

Central Michigan's offense is led by Lansing Catholic grad Cooper Rush (Junior) at quarterback. Rush has completed over 70 percent of his passes in CMU's first three games, compiling 983 yards (more than any other CMU quarterback in history through three games), 5 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. Kicker Brian Eavey (Junior), a Grand Ledge product, is a perfect 8 for 8 on PAT attempts, and has connected on 5 of 6 field goal attempts, missing only on a 41 yarder last week against Syracuse. Protecting QB Rush up front are two local products, left guard is held down by Waverly product Ramadan Ahmeti, a 6'7", 294 pound Senior, and at right guard is Holt grad Kenny Rogers, a 6'6", 300 pound Senior. The Chippewas will be well represented by the area for some time to come with Freshman tight end Austin Ervin (St. Johns), Freshman quarterback Jake Johnson (DeWitt), Sophomore defensive lineman Donny Kyre (Olivet), Freshman linebacker Chase McGill (Olivet), and Freshman defensive back Justice Shankel (DeWitt).

Former Mason standout Saylor Lavalli was expected to be the team's returning rushing leader. But, an injury forced him out of the line up for his Senior campaign and has transitioned into a student assistant coach.