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Sep 3, 2015; Mount Pleasant, MI, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas quarterback Cooper Rush (10) looks to sidelines during the second half against Oklahoma State at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. OSU won 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

Miami Beach Bowl: Cooper Rush (QB – Central Michigan)

There aren’t many quarterbacks in the nation who had a more disappointing season than Central Michigan’s Cooper Rush. After being stamped with a mid-round grade entering the season, he’s in danger of not being selected at all by the time the 2017 NFL Draft rolls around in April.

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Poor decision making has been a huge part of Rush’s struggles this season. Whether it’s trying to do too much or simply misreading the defense, Rush has had his fair share of head-scratching moments this year.

Third down has been another issue for Rush and once again it comes down to decision making. While he’s been overaggressive on first and second downs, he all of a sudden becomes conservative on third down. The Chippewas signal caller has completed over 59 percent of his passes on third down this season, however only 41 percent resulted in a first down. Too often he made the mistake of throwing into tight coverage short of the sticks. If the receiver has room to run that’s one thing, however Rush has consistently placed the ball in a spot where his receiver can’t turn up field in time to gain yards after the catch.

Rush did get off to a solid start this season, as he averaged 340 passing yards per game and threw 13 touchdowns to only four interceptions in non-conference play. The issues arose when he took on MAC opponents that were familiar with him. In eight conference games, he averaged just 242 yards per game and threw 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions. The defenses adjusted, but Rush failed to do so.

Against Tulsa, Rush will have one final opportunity on the field before the East-West Shrine Game to prove he’s worth a selection in the 2017 NFL Draft.

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