Game-by-game breakdown of 2009 season

Senior Reporter John Evans breaks down the Central Michigan football team’s 2009 season:

Sept. 5, 2009 – CMU @ Arizona
After a 45-minute lightning delay, the Chippewas began their 2009 campaign on the road against a tough Pac-10 opponent in Arizona. Despite scoring just one touchdown, the Wildcats outgained CMU 246 to 74 yards rushing as the Chippewas fell 19-6 in the season opener. Linebacker Nick Bellore led the team with 10 tackles including 8 solo tackles. Quarterback Dan LeFevour threw for 108 yards and an interception in the loss.

Sept. 12, 2009 – CMU @ Michigan State
A day that will never be forgotten in CMU football history, the Chippewas traveled to East Lansing to take on the Spartans, looking for their first win of the year and an upset victory over their in-state rival. Kicker Andrew Aguila connected on a 42-yard field with eight seconds remaining to give the Chippewas a 29-27 victory against MSU. LeFevour threw for 328 yards and three touchdowns, surpassing Byron Leftwich on the Mid-American Conference’s total offensive yards list.

Sept. 19, 2009 – Alcorn State @ CMU
Riding a high after beating Michigan State, the Chippewas were fired up for their first home game of the season and earned their first shutout since 1996 in a 48-0 win over Alcorn State. Receiver Antonio Brown had a 55-yard punt return for a touchdown to put CMU up 10-0 in the first quarter. Running back Carl Volny had 102 yards on the ground and two touchdowns to go along with LeFevour’s two rushing scores leading CMU to victory.

Sept. 26, 2009 – Akron @ CMU
Quarterback Dan LeFevour accounted for six of Central Michigan’s seven touchdowns and 337 yards of total offense as the Chippewas won their conference opener against Akron, 48-21. The Chippewas improved to 3-1 on the season with the win and took it to Akron right from the beginning. CMU blocked a field goal on the first drive and scored a touchdown on just four plays in their second possession. Antonio Brown had 89 yards and two touchdowns receiving leading CMU to victory.

Oct. 3, 2009 – CMU @ Buffalo
With just 2:45 remaining in the game, defensive back Josh Gordy intercepted a pass to help preserve a 20-13 victory over Buffalo improving the Chippewas record to 4-1 and a perfect 2-0 in the MAC. Defense was the story of this game as the offense struggled in the bad weather. The game saw delays for hail and extreme conditions but CMU outlasted the weather, and the Bulls, on their way to another win. LeFevour threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns while throwing one interception. Antonio Brown scored twice helping CMU escape with a win.

Oct. 10, 2009 – Eastern Michigan @ CMU
The Eagles traveled to Mount Pleasant to take on CMU for the annual homecoming game. Wide receiver Kito Poblah had a game-high 126 receiving yards and a touchdown, helping CMU to its fourth consecutive 3-0 start to conference play. LeFevour scored six touchdowns in the 56-8 win against EMU, the largest margin of victory over a conference team since 1981. The win got the Chippewas off to their first 5-1 start since 1988.

Oct. 17, 2009 – CMU @ Western Michigan
The Chippewas won their fourth consecutive game against rival Western Michigan and retained the Victory Cannon once again. The Chippewas scored twice in the final 1:20 of the first half to go on to a 34-23 win in Kalamazoo. Antonio Brown ran for 91 yards and caught a touchdown pass in the win. LeFevour threw for 238 yards and two touchdowns, helping improve the Chippewas record to 6-1 and 4-0 in the conference.

Oct. 24, 2009 – CMU @ Bowling Green
The Chippewas remained undefeated in conference play with a 24-10 victory over Bowling Green. The offense totaled 406 yards as LeFevour passed for 147 yards and two scores while also rushing for 128 yards. CMU improved its record to 7-1, (5-0 MAC).

Oct. 31, 2009 – CMU @ Boston College
The Chippewas took a 3-0 lead midway through the second quarter but a 17-point third quarter from Boston College helped lead the Eagles to a 31-10 win against CMU. The loss was the second of the season, as redshirt freshman quarterback sophomore Ryan Radcliff scored on an 11-yard run with 35 seconds left in the game.

Nov. 11, 2009 – Toledo @ CMU
Turnovers turned into points for the Chippewas as they scored 49 unanswered points in a 56-28 victory against Toledo. LeFevour scored four rushing touchdowns, helping improve the Chippewas record to 8-2 overall and 6-0 in conference play.

Nov. 18, 2009 – CMU @ Ball State
LeFevour passed for 344 yards to become the Mid-American Conference all-time leader in passing yards. He was a part of five touchdowns, pacing the Chippewas to a 35-3 victory against Ball State. The win kept CMU undefeated in conference play at 7-0.

Nov. 27, 2009 – Northern Illinois @ CMU
Wide receiver Bryan Anderson set the NCAA’s all-division record of 52 consecutive games with a catch as the Chippewas beat the Huskies 45-31. Anderson caught a touchdown from Lefevour to put the Chippewas up 38-10, the touchdown was the 146th of LeFevour’s career tying him for most touchdowns in a Bowl Subdivision career.

Dec. 4, 2009 – Ohio @ CMU (MAC Championship Game)
A 20-10 victory over the Bobcats gave CMU its third MAC title in four seasons. LeFevour passed for 255 yards and two touchdowns, adding to his record and helping the Chippewas improve to 11-2 overall.

Jan. 6, 2009 – CMU vs. Troy (GMAC Bowl)
The Chippewas went down to Mobile, Ala., to take on Troy in the GMAC Bowl. Antonio Brown returned a kickoff for 95 yards and a touchdown, and rushed for a touchdown earning. offensive Most Valuable Player honors. A 44-41 double overtime victory gave the Chippewas a 12-2 overall record, reaching the Top 25 for the first time in school history.