Rapid Reaction: UVA 49, CMU 35
After falling behind 28-0 to Virginia on Saturday, Central Michigan scored 28 unanswered points in the second and third quarter to tie the game, but ran out of momentum in the fourth.
The Chippewas (3-1) allowed three touchdowns in the final quarter to lose 49-35.
Virginia's win extended CMU's losing streak against the Atlantic Coast Conference to 14 games. CMU has never defeated an ACC opponent.
Senior quarterback Cooper Rush came into the contest coming off of a record-setting performance against UNLV, passing for six touchdowns in a 44-21 victory. He completed 25-of-42 passes for 402 yards, two touchdowns and an interception Saturday.
How it happened
Seeking its first win of the season, Virginia started hot, scoring 28 points in the first half.
CMU showed some life during the second quarter, scoring two touchdowns on a run from freshman running back Johnathan Ward and a pass from Rush to junior wide receiver Corey Willis.
The Chippewa defense appeared to settle in during the second and third quarters, but gave up 21 points in the fourth quarter. It was the most points allowed in a fourth quarter under head coach John Bonamego.
An interception from Rush late in the fourth quarter sealed the Chippewas' fate, as the Cavaliers went on to score on the following play.
Virginia quarterback Kurt Benkert had a career day, setting the school's single-game record with 421 yards to go along with five touchdown passes.
What's next
The Chippewas will have to rebound quickly, as they head into their matchup against rival Western Michigan next week at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
WMU could come into the contest with an undefeated record pending the results of its game today, and the Broncos have defeated two Power Five opponents.
Injuries
CMU was hit with the injury bug this week, as the team played without junior wide receiver Mark Chapman and senior safety Tony Annese. During the game, the team also lost junior offensive lineman Derek Edwards, junior wide receiver Eric Cooper and senior wide receiver Jesse Kroll.
