Halftime BTN: Central Michigan 28, Kent State 17


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Senior defensive back Amari Coleman celebrates before the football game against the University of Rhode Island on Aug. 31 in Kelly / Shorts Stadium. 

Behind a 98-yard kickoff return touchdown, the Central Michigan football team is on its way to its fourth straight win. 

At halftime, the Chippewas lead Kent State 28-17 at Dix Stadium. 

While the first few drives were bland for both offenses, the intensity picked up on a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by CMU sophomore Jerrod Davis, giving the Chippewas a 7-3 lead with 6:29 left in the first quarter. 

The return was Davis’ first career touchdown. It was also CMU's first kickoff return for a score since 2013.

Prior to CMU’s touchdown, Kent State found the scoreboard on a 23-yard field goal from sophomore kicker Shane Hynes.

CMU quarterback transfer quarterback Shane Morris made his presence felt on back-to-back strikes for 29 and 30 yards to senior tight end Tyler Conklin and redshirt freshman wide receiver Tony Poljan, who is also the backup quarterback. 

Morris’ two downfield passing plays set up an opportunity for sophomore running back Jonathan Ward. 

Ward took the handoff from Morris, broke loose, and finished a 12-yard score. The touchdown earned the Chippewas a 14-3 lead with 13:17 left in the second quarter. 

CMU increased its lead to 21-3 with 8:12 left in the second quarter on a connection between Morris and senior wide receiver Mark Chapman. 

Morris dropped back and found Chapman, who used his after the catch running abilities to break away from multiple KSU defenders, on a drag route for a 32-yard score. 

The Golden Flashes found the end zone for the first time, as junior quarterback George Bollas connected with sophomore wide receiver Mike Carrigan for a 13-yard score. The touchdown cut Kent State’s deficit to 11 points. 

CMU bounced right back with a touchdown of its own, as Poljan made his way in under center for the Chippewas and scored on a three-yard carry up the middle. 

Poljan’s rushing touchdown was the first of his career and gave his team a 28-10 lead with 3:25 left in the first half. 

With 2:41 left in the first half, KSU earned a big play touchdown, as Bollas found sophomore wide receiver Trey Harrell open downfield for a 66-yard score to cut the Golden Flashes’ deficit to 28-17. 

On the last play of the half, CMU senior kicker Michael Armstrong shanked a 30-yard field goal, keeping the score at 28-17 in favor of the Chippewas. 

Passing Yards: CMU 209, KSU 186

Rushing yards: CMU 88, KSU 117

Total yards: CMU 297, KSU 303

First Downs: CMU 9, KSU 13

Turnovers: CMU 0, KSU 0

Penalties-yards: CMU 2-20, KSU 5-50

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