CMU starts off fast, with Andrew Aguila kicking a 40-yard field goal on the first drive of the game. After defensive back Eric Fraser intercepts a Boo Jackson pass on Ohio's first drive, quarterback Dan LeFevour throws an 8-yard pass to Bryan Anderson to make it 10-0 CMU after one quarter.
Ohio fullback Mitch Morsillo opens up the second quarter with a one-yard touchdown run to put the Bobcats on the board. CMU halts another Ohio drive with an Eric Fraser interception. Aguila later kicks a 20-yard field goal as time expires in the first half to make the score 13-7 Chippewas at halftime.
The third quarter is rather quiet, except or one scoring drive. LeFevour connects again with Anderson on a two-yard touchdown pass, putting Central ahead 20-7 after three.
After a 52-yard field goal by Aguila in the fourth that bounced in through the left crossbar, making the score 23-7, the Bobcats mounted a comeback. Quarterback Boo Jackson, who threw three interceptions in the first three quarters, connects with wideout LaVon Brazill for a 21-yard scoring strike, then throws a 10-yard touchdown to Taylor Price. But the Chippewas recover the onside kick and get a first down to preserve the win.
CENTRAL MICHIGAN 23, OHIO 21
Interestingly, the game predicts a defensive battle, with CMU winning in total offense 248 to 242. LeFevour finishes 22-for-29 for 222 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. The running game, however, didn't get going at all. Sneed rushed for just 19 yards on 13 attempts, but did catch 7 balls for 70 yards as the game's leading receiver. No other receiver really got going on either side of the ball.
A few more notes before tomorrow's game:
- Boo Jackson is actually quite relieved to start his first game - he said he's not as anxious, since he's not waiting on the sideline just incase he has to go in. Having the game of experience against Ohio State may make CMU seem refreshing for him. What CMU has to watch out for is his legs - neither Bodie Reeder nor Matthew Stafford were real threats running the ball, but both quarterbacks have made big scrambles against the defense. The Chippewas have to be on their toes if they want to contain Jackson.
- One thing that had to have upset CMU fans last week ... if you watched the Georgia game, you would remember CMU's kickoffs in the second half. Very short, sometimes low kicks away from the returner, allowing a special teamer further up the field get the ball to around their 40- or 45-yard line. Central cannot do that against the Bobcats, even with Donte Harden back there. Harden's already returned a kick 100 yards for a TD, but there are times where they're going to have to kick to him and hope they can hold him behind the 30-yard line. Don't give up sure field position just to avoid that possibility of a TD.
- One key for Ohio: Try to hold CMU to under 30 points. The Chippewas have lost six straight since 2006 when held under 30 points. Unfortunately for the Bobcats, though, the winning team in each of CMU's last 23 games scored 30 points or more.
The big trip's almost here... just a matter of hours, actually. Our trip takes us 7.5 hours, including through downtown Columbus, so hopefully traffic is okay. I will see you guys from the game!
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