CMU-Georgia: Halftime Notes

ATHENS, Ga. - GEORGIA 28, CENTRAL MICHIGAN 7

Five quick snaps from halftime at Sanford Stadium...

• Communication issues. The Chippewas knew it was going to be loud in this place, but it didn't stop them from having problems early on. The team called two of its timeouts early in the first quarter and it just never seemed like they could get anything going. The good news, though, is that CMU was able to drive on Georgia late in the 2nd and get some points before the half. Buuuut...
• The big play haunts CMU again. Right when CMU could've made the score 21-7, a tipped pass to Antonio Brown instead lands in the hands of Demarcus Dobbs, who proceeds to run the other way and make it 28-0 Georgia instead. Even though it wasn't a blatant mistake on LeFevour's part, CMU can't afford to have something like that happen if it wants to stay in the game.
• The defense, despite allowing three touchdowns, is doing better than it looks. The key is to limit the damage that Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno deal, because we know they're going to have good performances. Doing more of the same in the second half, assuming the offense can get it going, may help get Central back into the game. But third-down performances HAVE to get better (7-for-10 for the Bulldogs).
• Dan LeFevour needs to use his feet. The big difference with CMU's last two drives was LeFevour using his running ability. The Chippewas need more of that out of him - that's what makes him such a special quarterback. Ontario Sneed isn't getting anything going and the Bulldogs are harassing wideouts Bryan Anderson and Antonio Brown. Make them worry about Dan's running and that will open things up.
• Start the second half off right. CMU starts the second half on offense. This first drive is absolutely key - make it a 28-14 game and give the defense something to build off of. Don't give up any big plays again and stay focused.

I spent the second quarter on the sidelines to take photos, and I'll probably do it again later in the third or fourth. I'll try to wear the weather for one more half and get you guys some postgame comments and photos, so stay in touch!