Oct. 29, 2005

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MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (AP) - Kent Smith threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score as Central Michigan beat Toledo 21-17 on Saturday.

Toledo's Nick Moore, who caught nine passes for 101 yards and a touchdown, had a pass go off his fingertips in the back of the end zone on the last play of the game as the Chippewas defense held the Rockets for the victory.

The win is Central's first over Toledo in 11 tries, and it puts the Chippewas (5-3, 4-1) even with the Rockets (6-2, 4-1) at the top of the Mid-American Conference West Division standings.

Smith connected with Damien Linson for a 17-yard score and Justin Harper for an 11-yard score. Smith also ran in from 1 yard out for his other touchdown. He completed 20 of 36 passes for 189 yards and also ran 23 times for 89 yards.

Toledo quarterback Bruce Gradkowski was 28-of-45 for 262 yards and two touchdowns. Gradkowski connected with Moore on an 18-yard score and Andrew Hawkins for a 7-yard TD. Toledo also had a 32-yard field goal from Jason Robbins.

The Chippewas trailed 14-7 at halftime but scored 14 straight points to take the lead.

Central has now won four straight games for the first time since 1994, which was the last time the Chippewas won the conference title.