Chippewas Claim 56-8 Homecoming Win Over EMU

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - Dan LeFevour accounted for six touchdowns in Central Michigan's 56-8 homecoming victory over Eastern Michigan Saturday as the Chippewas recorded their largest win over a Mid-American Conference team since 1981.

The Chippewas, who are off to their first 5-1 start since 1988 and their fourth straight 3-0 start to MAC play, got out of the gate early and often, scoring touchdowns on every possession except one—a turnover on downs midway through the second quarter.

Antonio Brown broke several tackles on his way to a 70-yard touchdown catch on the Chippewas' first possession, capping an 8-play, 96-yard drive. After forcing the Eagles (0-5, 0-2) to a three-and-out, Central Michigan took over near midfield and used back-to-back 20-yard completions to get inside the 5-yard line. Dan LeFevour rushed in from 1 yard out for his first of three rushing touchdowns on the day, giving the Chippewas a 14-0 lead at the 3:58 mark.

Another three-and-out by the Eagles again gave the Chippewas good field position, this time at their own 32-yard line, and another 1-yard run by LeFevour 11 plays later put Central up 21-0.

The Chippewas added a fourth touchdown when Brown returned an Eastern Michigan punt for a career-long 75 yards and his second punt return touchdown of the season.

The offense took over at its own 8-yard line for its final possession of the half, and drove 92 yards on just seven plays in 1:42 to take a 35-0 lead into the locker room. LeFevour was 5-of-6 for 79 yards on the drive, including an 11-yard touchdown pass Bryan Schroeder.

While the Central Michigan offense racked up 337 total yards by halftime, the defense held Eastern Michigan to just 88 yards, 75 of which came on nine passes.

The Chippewas continued to roll in the third quarter, scoring on a 25-yard touchdown pass from LeFevour to Kito Poblah on the first drive and a 5-yard rush by LeFevour on the second, going up 49-0 with just under two minutes remaining in the quarter.

LeFevour, who entered today's game leading the nation in completion percentage (71.62 percent), completed 16 of his 22 passes for 318 yards and three scores. He ran the ball 11 times for 44 yards and three touchdowns, playing just three quarters. The Chippewas had two receivers over 100 yards - Poblah who caught five passes for a game-high 126 yards and Brown who tallied four catches for 110 yards. Both players scored a touchdown.

Central outgained Eastern, 521 to 255, and allowed the Eagles just 127 yards on the ground.

The Eagles prevented Central from recording their second shutout of the season by reaching the end zone early in the fourth quarter. A pass interference penalty on the Chippewas on fourth-and-3 at the CMU 16-yard line kept the drive alive and gave the Eagles first-and-goal at the 10.

The 48-point margin of victory is Central's largest win over a MAC school since a 49-point win over Eastern Michigan on October 3, 1981.