Finley throws for 3 TDs as Akron fends off Central Michigan 28–22

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Ben Finley threw three touchdown passes and backup Michael Johnson Jr. added another as Akron held off a late Central Michigan rally for a 28-22 win on Saturday.

Finley connected on a 22-yard touchdown to Kyan Mason early in the second quarter, and found Jordan Gant for a 16-yard strike to give Akron a 14-10 halftime lead.

Johnson extended the Akron lead with a 1-yard touchdown toss to tight end Max Whisner, and Finley capped another long drive with a 2-yard pass to Conner Cravaack, pushing the Zips ahead 28-10 midway through the third.

Cade Graham kept the Chippewas in it, hitting field goals from 35 and 47 yards. Angel Flores added a 2-yard touchdown run early in the fourth to cut the deficit to six, but Akron’s defense held on late.

Finley completed 18-of-29 passes for 252 yards and three touchdowns, while Mason led all receivers with 125 yards for Akron (2-4, 1-1 Mid-American Conference).

Flores rushed for 95 yards and two scores, and Brock Townsend added 108 rushing yards for Central Michigan (3-3, 1-1).

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