After scoring with just 45 seconds left on the clock, Central Michigan recovered an onside kick after failing on the two-point conversion, and stormed down the field for an eventual 47-yard field goal by kicker David Harman to stun Iowa with a late, come-from-behind victory, 32-31.
Central Michigan Vs. Iowa Final Score: Chippewas Upset Hawkeyes In Final Seconds, 32-31
With the Hawkeyes leading by eight and just over two minutes remaining, Central Michigan took the ball 64 yards in just 1:33 as Ryan Radcliff found Titus Davis for their second touchdown of the game. Following missing on the two-point attempt, Iowa recovered the ensuing onside kick. The attempt would be re-taken though, as CMU had let the play clock expire before making the kick. It worked in their favor, as they recovered the second.
A big personal foul would get the Chippewas into the Hawkeye end of the field, and Radcliff would run the ball to the Iowa 30 yard line before using the Chippewas’ last time out. One Radcliff incompletion later, Harman came onto the field for what was the game winner.
The game got off to a quick start for heavily favored Iowa. The Hawkeyes received the opening kickoff, and took the game's first drive down the field to open the scoring. James Vandenberg connected with Kevonte Martin-Mandley to put the Hawkeyes up 7-0. Central Michigan answered immediately, as Zurlon Tipton punched it in from eight yards out on the Chippewas' first possession. CMU added a field goal before Mark Weisman ran one in from 34 yards out to close the scoring in the first quarter with Iowa up, 14-10.
The second quarter saw Radcliff find Davis for their first scoring connection to put CMU back on top, 17-14. They added a pair of field goals in the last two minutes of the half to increase their lead heading into halftime, 23-14.
Iowa kicked off to start the second half, and after a quick defensive stop, they started to cut the deficit. Weisman scored his second rushing touchdown of the game to cut the CMU lead to just two, 23-21. That would be the only scoring in the third quarter. The Hawkeyes finally retook the lead in the fourth on a field goal before Weisman rushed for his third touchdown of the game to put Iowa up 31-23.
It would prove not to be enough though, as CMU would march down the field for a score before the game’s events eventually led to a chance for them to pull off the upset off the toe of the game’s hero, David Harman.
Box Score Hero: Iowa’s Mark Weisman had a fantastic game in a losing effort, rushing for 217 yards and a trio of touchdowns. Ryan Radcliff threw for 283 yards and a pair of touchdowns to lead CMU’s offense.
Rankings Ramifications: Neither team was ranked before the game, and neither team will be in the discussion after the Central Michigan victory.
But Did They Cover? Iowa was favored by 14.5 points, but they didn’t win the game. The over/under had been set at 50 points, so those taking the over are smiling. All of the lines from Saturday’s games can be found here.
For More On This Game: For more on Central Michigan football, visit MAC blog Hustle Belt. For more on Hawkeyes football, visit Iowa blog Black Heart Gold Pants, plus Big Ten blog Off Tackle Empire.
Next Week's Schedule: The Hawkeyes will be in action again on Sept. 29 when they host the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Central Michigan will also be in action next Saturday, hitting the road to play Northern Illinois.
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