After a 28-0 lead for the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday, CMU football looked for any chance at a shift in the game. As Michigan freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood looked for his receivers, he was met by CMU corner Brenden Deasfernandes for an interception.

That interception ended in a field goal which wasn’t enough to knock the Wolverines down as the final score was 63-3. In front of a roaring crowd of 110,740 at Michigan Stadium, the Chippewas arrived for their first trip to Ann Arbor since 2013.

“All the credit in the world to Michigan,” first-year head coach Matt Drinkall said. “They’re an incredibly talented and well-coached team who executed very well and played outstanding today.”

Michigan’s five-star freshman quarterback Underwood threw for 235 yards and a touchdown while adding 114 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. Behind him, the Wolverines racked up 616 yards of total offense, including 381 rushing.

The first half for CMU started rough as Michigan was up 14-0 just before the end of the first quarter.

“Some negatives and things to work on for sure is we learned the hard way, if you are not consistent against a very consistent and talented team, they will make you pay for it right away,” Drinkall said. “I really thought Michigan were the aggressors the entire game in all three phases.”

The Chippewas’ offense struggled overall, managing just 139 total yards and eight first downs. Michigan’s defensive front consistently pressured CMU’s quarterbacks, sacking Joe Labas three times and forcing a fumble in the fourth quarter from quarterback Angel Flores.

CMU’s lone points came late in the first half when kicker Cade Graham drilled a 22-yard field goal to cap off a 14-play, 81-yard drive. Flores led that series with his legs, finishing the day as CMU’s most effective quarterback. Flores rushed nine times for 76 yards, averaging 8.4 per carry, and added 24 passing yards.

“Just taking it one week at a time,” Flores said. “Just not being able to go day by day and not looking too forward ahead. Our coaches do a great job putting us in positions to be successful.”

The biggest wonder all season has been the three-quarterback rotation. With CMU unable to make it past the 30 for majority of the game, we did not see any action from Jadyn Glasser who was not dressed.

“We found out definitively on Friday that his knee was banged up and it sounds like … rest is going to be the best thing for it right now, and then figure out what to do from there," Drinkall said. "So obviously whatever Jadyn decides to do, … we’re going to support him like crazy.”

Defensively, safety Elijah Gordon and linebacker Elijah Rikard each tallied eight tackles, while defensive back Deasfernandes had one interception, one of the few bright spots for CMU.

“First off, glory to God to allow myself to be in a position like this,” Gordon, the transfer from Saginaw Valley said. “It’s a different environment. It’s obviously a lot of hard work … but at the end of the day, it’s just football and playing with my brothers. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be but here.”

Still, the Wolverines scored in every quarter, piling up touchdowns from six different players. Running backs Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall combined for three rushing scores, while receiver Semaj Morgan caught a 32-yard touchdown in the first quarter.

For CMU, running back Trey Cornist was bottled up for 16 yards on nine carries after a breakout game the week prior against San Jose State. Wide receiver Justin Ruffin Jr. led Chippewa receivers with 23 yards on two catches.

“One thing I really like about our team is that they’re over moral victories,” Drinkall said. “They’re ready to start making some results. Obviously, our goal is to be a very, very good program.”

Central Michigan, now 1-2 overall, finally returns back to its home field next Saturday at 1 p.m. to take on Wagner.

CMU football falls in a battle at The Big House

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