The Michigan Wolverines did not get the cupcake win they were expecting, but they nevertheless left Saturday's game with a 28-24 win over the Akron Zips.
Michigan vs. Akron 2013 final score: Wolverines withstand upset bid, 28-24
The Zips were one yard away from winning the game, but the Wolverines held on to survive.
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The Wolverines opened the game with a touchdown less than five minutes in, but Akron came back with 10 straight points to take a 10-7 lead in the third quarter. It looked like Michigan had settled things down with two straight touchdowns -- a 36-yard Devin Gardner run and a 33-yard touchdown pass to Jehu Chesson -- en route to a 21-10 lead into the fourth quarter ... but the Roos didn't roll over.
Justin March returned a Devin Gardner interception for a touchdown to make it 21-17, and nearly took the lead before Kyle Pohl was intercepted in the end zone. Akron later got the ball back and it appeared that they took the lead on a 40-yard pass from Pohl to L.T. Smith, but the latter man was ruled down at the one. Three plays later, Pohl would hit Terrell Goodman for a one-yard touchdown pass to retake the lead with 4:10 remaining.
The lead wouldn't last long though, as the Wolverines marched down the field in 1:21 for the eventual game-winning touchdown on a Fitzgerald Toussaint touchdown run. The Zips took the ball all the way to the Michigan one-yard line late, but weren't able to get the touchdown they needed in the waning seconds.
Upset bids happen, so maybe it’s foolish to look too much into this, but take a look at Bill C.‘s preview for a thorough examination of how bad people expected Akron to be this season.
Box Score Hero: It wasn’t the prettiest game, but Devin Gardner still produced numbers. Gardner completed 16 of his 30 passing attempts for 248 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. He also ran for 103 yards on 10 carries.
Rankings Ramifications: Even with the win, the Wolverines probably won’t be climbing in the standings unless multiple teams ahead of them take a tumble. Akron will remain unranked.
But Did They Cover?
Michigan was favored by a massive 35.5 points at kickoff ... so yeah, they did not cover the spread.
For More On This Game:
For more on Michigan, check out Maize n Brew.
For more on Akron and all things MAC, head over to Hustle Belt.
Next Week’s Schedule:
Michigan: 9/28, at Connecticut
Akron: 9/28, vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
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