Football Notebook: Defense Delivers Early, Flores Shines in Dominant Win Over Akron

Takes two to win a football game, too. While offense generally generates the highlights and receives the fan adoration, the defense is every bit as critical -- and maybe more -- in the grand scheme.

That importance was never more evident than on Saturday in Central Michigan's 41-17 homecoming victory over Akron at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. CMU's offense sputtered early, with just 10 net rushing yards rushing and one first down in the first quarter.

The Chippewa defense, however, stood tall, holding the Zips in check until the offense came alive in the second quarter. "The defense just came through over and over," CMU coach Matt Drinkall said.

"They really initiated the attack sequence where it just felt like from the jump our defense put them back on their heels and were able to create some negative yardage plays, block a field goal, create some turnovers the whole day." CMU's Jaxon Cherry made a sack on Akron's first play from scrimmage, the Chippewas blocked a first-quarter field goal attempt to keep the game scoreless, and CMU recorded three interceptions and three sacks. Cherry, a junior defensive tackle, was presented the game ball by the team captains in the locker room after the game.

"The defensive line seems like they were just dominating," Drinkall said. Triple Picks Justin Taylor, Coen Ali, and Ty Williams had the CMU interceptions.

It marked the first time a CMU defense has recorded three interceptions since it had three against Toledo on Dec. Turnover Margin The Chippewas did not commit a turnover in the game and they are now plus-1 in turnover margin on the season.

Rare Situation The Chippewas forced Akron to punt in a very rare situation, fourth-and-goal. The Zips, on their second possession of the game, gained a first down at the CMU 9-yard line.

CMU stuffed a first-down run for no gain, and then, on second down, Cherry and Xavier White teamed up for a sack, resulting in a 14-yard loss. Akron was assessed a unnecessary roughness penalty on the play, tacking on 15 yards to the play and putting the Zips back at their own 38.

A third-down pass attempt fell incomplete, and the Zips elected to punt from their own 38, on fourth-and-goal.