Hart, Wolverines too much for Central

ANN ARBOR — Not even an hour-long rain delay could slow down No. 10 Michigan and tailback Mike Hart Saturday.

Hart carried the ball 19 times for 116 yards and three touchdowns as Michigan beat CMU 41-17 before 108,712 fans at Michigan Stadium.

The Wolverines led 7-0 after a Hart touchdown, but the game was stopped with 3:30 remaining in the first quarter because lightning touched ground in the area.

It was the first time in Michigan Stadium history a game was suspended because of the weather.

"You have to be mentally tough to play this sport, especially my position," said freshman quarterback Dan LeFevour about staying focused during the delay. "It's no excuse. You have to be ready whenever the bell has rung."

U-M scored on the first possession after the delay on another Hart touchdown run to take a 14-0 lead. The Wolverines then made it 21-0 on a 3-yard touchdown run by Kevin Grady.

The Chippewas got on the board with 10:23 remaining in the second quarter on a 38-yard touchdown pass from LeFevour to junior receiver Justin Gardner.

Michigan led 24-10 at the half, behind 195 yards of total offense, including 117 rushing.

"I didn't feel our defense was playing as physical as we did last week," said CMU senior linebacker Doug Kress. "You won't beat many teams giving up 200 yards rushing, let alone Michigan."

The Chippewas had a chance to cut the lead to seven on their first possession of the third quarter, but senior receiver Damien Linson dropped what would have been a touchdown pass from LeFevour.

They turned the ball over on downs two plays later, and Michigan scored on the ensuing possession to take a 31-10 lead and put the game out of reach.

Central added a fourth quarter touchdown pass from LeFevour to Linson to close its scoring.

"You can't come out and beat Michigan without playing your very best," said coach Brian Kelly.

The Chippewas had three turnovers in the game, two fumbles and an interception.

Sophomore tailback Ontario Sneed fumbled in the first half, equaling his total of all of last season.

Michigan gained 386 yards of total offense to CMU's 204. The Wolverines gained 252 of those yards via the running game.

LeFevour finished the game 17-of-36 for 153 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

"LeFevour played well," said U-M coach Lloyd Carr. "Central did some good things in the passing game."