Observations on the first half with Central Michigan, 35-6

Offense has been strong despite two turnovers with pass interceptions. Gardner was 8 of 13 for 100 yards and a TD plus ran 7 times for 52 yards and two more TDs. Fitzgerald Touissaint ran 10 times for 44 yards with a TD; his longest was a 20 yarder. Dennis Norfleet took a reverse 38 yards. Michigan had 12 first downs, 243 net yards, and almost a minute time of possession advantage with only 33 offensive plays. Gallon has 4 catches for 47 yards.

Defense was a little disappointing on the line with litte pass rush, but overall we created two turnovers and held the Chippewas to only 139 net yards in 35 plays with 68 on the ground. We also forced them into four punts. Two field goals in two red zone trips was also excellent. Desmond Morgan led the defense with 6 tackles. Ramon Taylor, Blake Countess, Josh Furman, and Jarrod Wilson had 4 tackles each. We put Zurlon Tipton and Cody Kater out of the game, and Lavalli has 45 yards on 7 carries with Niznak completing 4 of 12 for 58 yards. The Chips have 7 first downs.

A big punt block by Dymonte Thomas led to the first score from Joe Reynolds. No punts on the day, and 7 extra points. The kickoff coverage has been good. Norfleet fumbled the first punt inside the 10, and Delano Hill recovered. Several freshman on the kickoff team including Hill and Channing Stribling.

Second Half should be a chance to play a lot more players.