Cent. Michigan 38, SE Missouri 27

Published Aug. 31, 2012 4:17 a.m. ET

foxsports

Zurlon Tipton ran for a career-high 180 yards and three touchdowns Thursday night as Central Michigan opened the season with a 38-27 victory over Southeast Missouri.

The junior ran for touchdowns of 32 and 48 yards in the first half, racking up 120 yards on eight carries. The Chippewas had 324 yards on the ground in the game.

Central Michigan trailed 27-24 when it took the lead on a 20-yard touchdown pass from Ryan Radcliff to Jarrett Fleming, and added another score in the fourth on a 1-yard run by Tipton.

After a 24-24 tie at the half, Southeast Missouri took the lead on a 40-yard field by Drew Geldbach.