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Tipton shines as CMU opens with win |
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Friday, September 02 2011 |
 MOUNT PLEASANT — Central Michigan won its fifth-straight home opener at Kelly/Shorts Stadium Thursday, defeating South Carolina State, 21-6. The Chippewas' (1-0) Zurlon Tipton had a career day, racking up 199 all-purpose yards and a touchdown, while the Maroon and Gold defense held the Bulldogs (0-1) to just 137 yards of total offense, only seven in the second half.
Tipton's touchdown came on the first possession of the second half, capping a 12-play, 53-yard drive that milked 6:37 off the clock. Senior Paris Cotton and Tipton combined for nine carries before a first-down completion from Ryan Radcliff to Jarret Flemming set up Tipton's 1-yard soar over the Bulldogs' (0-1) defensive line for a 21-6 lead. Tipton rushed for 73 yards on 18 carries, caught two passes for 14 yards and returned three kickoffs for 99 yards on the night.
The Chippewas' defense forced six punts by SCSU in the first half, allowing Radcliff to connect on two deep touchdown passes for a 14-3 lead at the break. Radcliff went 3-for-3 on the team's opening drive, connecting with David Blackburn and Deon Butler before finding Cody Wilson on a corner route for a 45-yard score.
The Bulldogs responded with an 11-play, 50-yard drive of their own, capped by a 41-yard Blake Erickson field goal that made it 7-3. Neither team would mount another drive over the next 15:58 of the game, combining for 10 punts, before Radcliff went to the air once again for the Chippewas second touchdown of the half.
Freshman receiver Titus Davis hauled in a strike across the middle from Radcliff midway through the second quarter, dodged two defenders and raced to the pylon for a 67-yard score. The reception was the first of Davis' collegiate career, put Radcliff one touchdown pass shy of moving into ninth in CMU history and gave the Chippewas a 14-3 lead.
Radcliff finished the game 14-for-27 for 168 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, completing a pass to 10 different receivers. Wilson was his favorite target on the night, pulling in four catches for 53 yards and a score.
CMU's defense held strong against the Bulldogs all night, including a fourth quarter in which they held the opposition to negative 19 yards of offense. Steve Winston led the way with seven tackles and a half-sack in the game, while Jahleel Addae, Armond Staten and freshman Cody Lopez each had six tackles.
The Chippewas are back in action next Saturday at noon when they travel to Lexington, Ky., to take on the Kentucky Wildcats for the first of three-straight road games.
Courtesy of CMU Athletics
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