If it weren't for a couple of interceptions that led to two field goals, this game would be a total loss for Central Michigan. As it is, the Chippewas goal in the second half will be to merely make this contest respectable.
Michigan leads Central Michigan at halftime, 35-6.
After CMU turned Devin Gardner's second interception into another field goal, the Wolverines went on a six-minute drive that covered 76 yards over 11 plays. The drive was helped immensely by a Central Michigan personal foul on Louis Palmer that gave Michigan an automatic first down after a failed third down try. Seven plays after that penalty, Gardner threw a 14-yard pass to Jeremy Gallon for a touchdown and a 28-6 lead.
The Chippewas took over with 2:04 left in the half and, three plays later, were at Michigan's 45 yard line. Alex Niznak proceeded to throw an interception to Raymon Taylor, who returned the ball 54 yards to the CMU 12. After a false start to begin their possession, Michigan scored in three plays when Gardner ran into the end zone from four yards out. The extra point gave UM the current 35-6 margin.
Michigan has outgained CMU 243-139. Gardner is 8/13 for 100 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. Niznak is 4/12 for 58 yards and an INT. CMU's Cody Kater also played and is 2/6 for 13 yards. Gardner leads Michigan rushers with 52 yards, while Fitzgerald Toussaint has 44. CMU's Saylor Lavallii has seven carries for 45 yards. Zurlon Tipton had four carries for ten yards before leaving with a leg injury. For receivers, Gallon has 47 yards on four catches while Drew Dileo also has 43 yards for Michigan. For CMU, Titus Davis has two catches for 28 yards, both coming at the end of the half.