MSU scored with ease on its two touchdown drives, but the Chippewas’ defense has played well for the rest of the game.

Offensively, CMU looks much-improved when compared to last week’s performance at Arizona. 

The offense already has 12 first downs, compared to just two first downs at the half in Tucson.

CMU coach Butch Jones made two gutsy calls. One came on fourth-and-two inside the red zone. LeFevour barely got the first down on a designed quarterback run.

The other call came on an Antonio Brown pass to Dan LeFevour. Brown came in motion across the line, took the hand off going left, and threw to LeFevour, who turned up field, for a 24-yard gain. 

It led to a 6-yard touchdown pass and the first CMU lead of the game (13-10).

After a Dan LeFevour pooch punt that pinned Arizona inside its own 1-yard line, the Wildcats drove into field goal range and increased its lead to 16-0.

LeFevour just connected with Poblah for CMU’s second third down conversion of the game.

True freshman running back Tim Phillips got a few carries at the end of the third quarter, and he showed the explosion every one has been hearing about.

CMU’s offense has moved the ball much better this half, but has no points to show for it.

Halftime:

CMU failed to gain a first down until the final drive. The offense finally got moving, but stalled at the 22-yard line. Aguila missed a 39-yard FG attempt.

Jake Olson has played well along the line against defensive end Brooks Reed.

When Arizona has the ball, its offensive line seems to be dominating the point of attack and opening enough holes for Keola Antolin and Nic Grigsby. However, the defense looks vastly improved from last year and it has played aggressive and fast.

Nick Bellore continues to stand out.

Post first quarter:

Arizona leads 6-0 at the end of the first quarter. CMU has yet to gain a first down, but its defense has looked fast and has only yielded a couple of big plays.

The last field goal happened after an Antonio Brown fumble on a punt return. Arizona started the drive at the 28-yard line, failed to get a first down, but converted the field goal.

LeFevour had an intereption on a tipped pass on the first drive. CMU recovered a fumble on the ensuing drive, however.

Nick Bellore and John Williams have been prominent on defense. For Arizona, Keola Antolin has been the most dangerous player with the ball in his hands.

In one series, he had two straight runs of about ten yards (11 yards and 9 yards)

Arizona has just entered back on the field, the student section is at its feet and a small fireworks display accompanied the team’s entrance. 

The Chippewas have yet to enter the field.

Each time lightning strikes in the area, it is a 30-minute delay. A 15 minute warmup will take place after the 30 minutes is up.

Considering lightning just struck again, we are looking at about 45 minutes until kickoff at the earliest.

Apparently, it’s a small, fast-moving storm cell, but it continues to stick around. 

Stay tuned.

The tailgate area behind the scoreboard was filled and festive, but it gives enough room for people to comfortably walk through. It included a decent amount of alumni participation and the band playing in the background. 

Speaking of alumni, CMU has a decent showing of support at the stadium.

As far as conditions, it is about 90 degrees and dry at the moment. There is a thunderstorm in the distance, but it is heading away from the stadium. I’ve been told it will be dark or very close to dark by kickoff at 7 p.m. local time (10 p.m. EDT).

Tune in and als0 join CM-Life’s live chat on the main page.

We will also host a live chat on the Web site, and be sure to follow us on Twitter using #CMUArizona.

Coverage will start around a little before game time, around 8:30 p.m. EDT.