Akron Claims 17-10 Win over Central Michigan

Saturday, October 27

Akron, Ohio

Noon ET

University of Akron

4-3 , 2-2

Central Michigan

1-8 , 0-5

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

CENTRAL MICHIGAN

Akron

October 27 | Football

Box Score

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AKRON, Ohio – Akron football claimed its fourth win on the season with a 17-10 victory over Central Michigan on a soggy Saturday afternoon at InfoCision Stadium–Summa Field.

The Zips (4-3, 2-2 MAC) utilized 319 yards of total offense despite five turnovers to snap a six-game series win streak by the Chippewas (1-8 overall, 0-5 MAC).

Senior Van Edwards, Jr. (Cape Coral, Fla.) led all rushers with a career-high 112 yards and a touchdown, eclipsing the 100-yard rushing mark for the third time in his career and first time this season. Sophomore QB Kato Nelson (Hollywood, Fla.) went 10-of-27 for 149 yards and a touchdown. Sophomore WR Andre Williams (Orlando, Fla.) was the Zips' leading receiver with five catches for 50 yards.

Defensively, junior LB John Lako (Monroe, Mich.) led all defenders with a career-high 23 tackles, two TFL, a fumble recovery, and a break-up.

For the Chippewas, Romello Ross rushed 22 times for 75 yards. QB Tony Poljan went 19-of-38 for 169 yards, and Julian Hicks was the top receiver with five receptions for 40 yards. Malik Fountain had 15 tackles, including 11 solo stops.

In the first quarter, Nelson connected with senior TE Newman Williams (Akron, Ohio) with a four-yard touchdown pass to put UA on the scoreboard. Gasser completed the extra point for the 7-0 edge.

On CMU's next drive, Akron's Brennan Williams (Akron, Ohio) forced a fumble which was recovered by LB John Lako (Monroe, Mich.). The Zips took advantage of the turnover as senior PK/P Nick Gasser (Liberty Township, Ohio) connected on a 43-yard field goal to open the second quarter. The Zips went ahead 10-0.

Defense turned up the heat with junior DL Davon'te Jest (Ocala, Fla.) and senior DE Walter Brady (Florence, Ala.) recording sacks. UA had four sacks for a loss of 32 yards by halftime.

UA closed out the first half of play with a 20-yard touchdown run by Edwards with 1:01 to go. Gasser completed the three-play, 55-yard drive with the extra point, giving the Zips a 17-0 advantage entering the locker room.

In the third quarter, CMU went three-and-out on its first drive. The Zips then fumbled on their opening drive, giving the Chippewas the ball on the 47. Four plays later, CMU's Tice made a 28-yard field goal. UA led, 17-3.

The Chippewas continued to battle, driving 58 yards over 2:59 for a one-yard rushing touchdown by Tony Poljan, to come within seven, 17-10.

CMU continued to drive, trying to overtake the Zips. Tice attempted a 23-yard field goal with 4:02 to go in the quarter, but it bounced off the left upright.

On the next drive, Akron also attempted a field goal. This time Gasser missed a 26-yard attempt. The Zips held on to a 17-10 lead after three quarters.

The Zips' defense secured a scoreless fourth quarter. With 3:27 to, CMU threatened on a 4^th-and-1 on the five yard-line. Lako recorded a TFL for a loss of one, turning the ball over on downs.

Akron has a short five-day window before hosting Northern Illinois on Thursday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m. at InfoCision Stadium–Summa Field. CBS Sports Network will televise the game.