by Akron’s offense fired on all cylinders against a Central Michigan team that prides itself on team defense and a slow run game that can hit the deep ball. It took a few drives for either side to warm up. Akron’s offense played three of the best quarters they have ever played as an offense as they defeated the Chippewas on homecoming weekend, 28 to 22.
Both teams opened up the game with field goal attempts. Central Michigan was successful in its attempt, while Akron trailed by three to start the game after failing the field goal attempt.
Akron then took its first lead of the game when it scored off a 22-yard touchdown pass from Ben Finley to Kyan Mason. Finley had his best game so far this year with three touchdown passes. Central Michigan responded fast when Angel Flores rushed for 28 yards and waltzed into the endzone. This would be the last time the Chippewas obtained a lead over the Zips.
The next three scores came from a loaded Zips offense that had a rusher attack that was just as good as its passing attack. The run game has had its moments in the Joe Moorehead era in Akron. A decent run of running backs has walked through the doors of Akron despite it being a new group each year.
The running attack opened up the passing attack from Finley as they brought the corners in on curl routes, then opened up the passing attack with deep shots over the middle of the field.
Finley started this attack and regained the lead after a Finley 16-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Gant. This gave Akron a 13 to 10 lead, and the closest Central Michigan would come to the lead.
Finley then helped lead the Zips to the goal line, to then get subbed out for Michael Johnson Jr, who was inserted at QB for run packages. Despite his game plan to run with Johnson Jr, he decided to throw up a pass that was more comparable to a jump shot.
The next Akron score came from Finley on a third down and a pass up the middle to a wide-open Conner Cravaack. This was the last score for Akron; Central Michigan still fought and almost got back into the game.
Central Michigan kicked a field goal, then ran a touchdown in after the Akron interception on their own side of the field. The Chips then emptied all their timeouts to bring the score within a touchdown with 1:36 left to play.
They weren’t able to complete the comeback as they failed to recover the onside kick after their late score.
The Zips’ win may not have been four quarters of domination, but it was enough for the Zips to take home their first conference win this season.
