Wolverines survive Zips, 28-24

9/14/2013
BLADE STAFF
  • UM-Akron

  • Michigan quarterback Devin Garder goes for a pass as Akron defender C.J. James runs in for the tackle today at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.
    Michigan quarterback Devin Garder goes for a pass as Akron defender C.J. James runs in for the tackle today at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.

    ANN ARBOR — The Michigan football team held off a late drive to earn a 28-24 win over Akron today at Michigan Stadium.

    Akron quarterback Kyle Pohl's throw with five seconds left from the Michigan 4-yard line on fourth-and-goal sailed out of the reach of his intended receiver and fell into the end of the end zone, and finished a back-and-forth game.

    Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner finished with 238 yards passing and two touchdowns for the Wolverines (3-0) but was intercepted three times and lost a fumble. Pohl finished with 311 yards passing for the Zips (1-2).

    Michigan senior Jeremy Gallon (21) dodges Akron senior Malachi Freeman (20).
    Michigan senior Jeremy Gallon (21) dodges Akron senior Malachi Freeman (20).

    THIRD QUARTER

    Devin Gardner accounted for two third-quarter touchdowns to help No. 11 Michigan to a 21-10 lead over Akron today at Michigan Stadium.

    Akron took a 10-7 lead five minutes into the third quarter on Zach D'Orazio's 28 yard touchdown catch but less than two minutes later, Gardner's 36-yard touchdown run gave the lead back to Michigan.

    With less than four minutes left in the third, Gardner found redshirt sophomore Jehu Chesson for a 33-yard touchdown reception.

    Gardner leads Michigan with 65 yards and a touchdown on six carries.

    Akron sophomore quarterback Kyle Pohl (16) looks to pass as Michigan senior Jibreel Black (55) runs to attempt a tackle.
    Akron sophomore quarterback Kyle Pohl (16) looks to pass as Michigan senior Jibreel Black (55) runs to attempt a tackle.

    SECOND QUARTER

    Michigan weathered three turnovers in the second quarter to lead Akron 7-3 at halftime of today's game at Michigan Stadium.

    Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner committed two turnovers on successive drives - a fumble and an interception - the second which set up Akron's 10-play drive from its own 25, which ended with Robert Stein's 45-yard field goal attempt banking off the left upright.

    Akron linebacker Justin March intercepted Gardner on the ensuing drive. After three incompletions by Akron quarterback Kirk Pohl, Stein's 55-yard field goal attempt with 12 seconds left went wide.

    FIRST QUARTER

    Devin Funchess' 48-yard touchdown catch has helped No. 11 Michigan take a 7-3 lead over Akron after the first quarter today at Michigan Stadium.

    Akron started its final drive of the first from Michigan's 31-yard-line, the result of a sloppy punt by Wolverines punter Matt Wile. The drive ended with Robert Stein's 45-yard field goal for Akron, which cut Michigan's lead to 7-3 with 2:59 left in the first.

    Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner is 7 for 8 passing with 100 yards and a touchdown.