Central Michigan handles Maine 17-5 in Lazzaro's first start

Sep 23, 2018, 04:12 am

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. -- Tommy Lazzaro had a touchdown pass and ran for a score in his first career start to lead Central Michigan to a 17-5 victory over Maine on Saturday.

Lazzaro replaced sophomore starter Tony Poljan after the offense struggled in the Chippewas' 0-3 start. Lazzaro ran it in from 5 yards out in the first quarter and connected with JaCorey Sullivan for a 5-yard TD in the fourth that put Central Michigan (1-3) up two scores.

The Black Bears (2-1) scored on Kenny Doak's 36-yard field goal in the third quarter and a fourth-quarter safety when Richard Carr blocked a punt that rolled out of the CMU end zone.

The Chippewas had just 177 yards of offense, but they managed to rush for 95 yards against Maine, which came into the game allowing just 13.5 yards on the ground -- tops in the FCS.

Maine was penalized 11 times for 113 yards.