Week 12 MAC Football Recap: Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Kent State Golden Flashes

Central Michigan's defense steps up late in the game with seven sacks overall, as the Chippewas seal a bowl birth with their 7th win, defeating the Kent State Golden Flashes 42-23 from Dix Stadium in Kent, Ohio. Central Michigan moves to 7-4 (5-2 MAC) with the victory, and Kent State falls to 2-9 (1-6 MAC) with the loss. This is Central Michigan's first regular season four game win streak since 2009.

Shane Morris completed 14 passes out of 22 attempts for 297 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception for the Chippewas. Morris also ran the ball eight times for 50 yards on the night. Tyler Conklin caught four passes from Morris, for 104 yards. Mark Chapman caught four passes for 85 yards and a touchdown, and Corey Willis caught five passes for 75 yards and a touchdown to help the Chippewa offense.

Jonathan Ward continued to run the ball well for Central Michigan, as he carried the ball 13 times for 80 yards and a touchdown. Ward also caught a pass for four yards, but was able to find a few gaps for some power runs for the Chips.

George Bollas completed 15 passes out of 28 for 310 yards, with two touchdowns and an interception for Kent State. Mike Carrigan caught four passes from Bollas for 83 yards and a touchdown, and Trey Harrell caught two passes for 81 yards and a touchdown.

Justin Rankin carried the ball 21 times for 67 yards on the night. Carrigan ran the ball three times for 62 yards and a touchdown on a 57 yard reverse. Bollas also carried the ball 16 times for 57 yards on the night.

Kent State forced a punt on CMU's first drive, then went down the field to kick a field goal to get the lead early. On the ensuing kickoff, Jerrod Davis took it to the house for a 98 yard touchdown return.

The Chippewas scored 14 more points to move the lead to 21-3 early in the second quarter. The teams then traded touchdowns and Kent State was able to score another before halftime to make the score 28-17 Chippewas at the break.

Both teams traded blows in the latter parts of the game, as the Chippewas defense turned up the heat and was able to disrupt the Kent State passing game. The Chippewas stopped four different fourth down tries from the Golden Flashes.

Kent State was able to out-gain the Chippewas in total yards, 494 to 450, but it wasn't enough to get past the Chippewas.

Central Michigan looks to continue their win streak as they return home to host the Northern Illinois Huskies on Friday, November 24th. Kickoff is still yet to be determined.

Kent State looks to try and end the season on a high note, as they travel to Akron to face the Zips. Kick is set for 7 p.m.