Central Michigan’s journey through 2019 was nothing short of miraculous. A 1-win program in 2018, many left the Chippewas for dead heading into the year. With first-year head coach Jim McElwain, Central Michigan claimed its first MAC Championship Game appearance since 2009. The turnaround season came to a bitter end in the mountains, falling 48-11 to San Diego State in the 2019 New Mexico Bowl.
While the game finished as a one-sided blowout, the New Mexico Bowl was full of action from start to finish. Several impressive stats arose from the contest, including notes on Central Michigan’s rushing prowess and San Diego State’s relentless defense.