Check out the highlights, final score and more from Monday afternoon’s Miami Beach bowl between Central Michigan and Tulsa.
Monday afternoon’s Miami Beach Bowl between Central Michigan and Tulsa looked to be an even matchup, but the first 30 minutes said otherwise. The Golden Hurricane stomped on the Chippewas through the first half, 27-3, and were hoping to do more of the same in the second.
However, the Chippewas kicked things off in the third quarter with a surprise onside kick. Central recovered and it seemed like a serious momentum changer. However, the Chippewas squandered the opportunity and turned the ball over on downs in Tulsa territory. After that, it was all Golden Hurricane.
Tulsa piled on throughout the third quarter, taking a 48-3 lead and the Chippewas were all but defeated.
It was 55-3 before Central Michigan finally reached the end zone thanks to senior running back Jahray Hayes’ 13-yard touchdown run.
Central Michigan quarterback Cooper Rush was one of the players who I believed needed to play well in order for the Chippewas to come out on top, but he struggled mightily. He was missing open receivers all day long and it was a frustrating performance for him. He finished with 242 yards and three interceptions.
On the other hand, the scorching-hot offense of Tulsa, which averages over 500 yards per game, maintained momentum in this one. Dane Evans played well, throwing five touchdown passes without an interception.
Tulsa definitely proved itself as one of the premier Group of Five teams in the country.
Highlights
Three Stars
Dane Evans was easily the top performer. The Tulsa quarterback passed for 304 yards and five touchdowns on 28-of-38 completions.
James Flanders proved why he was considered the top running back in the AAC. He rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown on just 17 carries.
Senior receiver Josh Atkinson had a good season, but his best performance may have come against Central Michigan. He finished with 12 catches for 131 yards and a touchdown.
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Next Season
Central Michigan will open its 2017 season with a home game on Aug. 31 against Rhode Island. Tulsa, on the other hand, will have a tough contest on the road against Oklahoma State in Week 1 of the season.