A week after a season-opening loss at Michigan, the Chippewas barely escaped an 0-2 start in a 40-33 home opener victory against Division I-AA New Hampshire.

“I thought we could move the ball offensively,” UNH Head Coach Sean McDonnell said. “We scrambled with a purpose and ran the option well.”

The Wildcats gained 361 total yards including two long drives at the end of each half.

CMU bounced back from a halftime deficit to take a 40-26 lead midway through the fourth quarter, but the Wildcats engineered a late-game rally.

Quarterback Mike Granieri connected with David Bailey for a 48-yard touchdown pass to close the gap to 40-33 with 1:27 left.

New Hampshire recovered the ensuing onside kick at its own 48-yard line, then Granieri led his team downfield for a chance to tie the game.

After working the ball to CMU’s 24-yard line with five seconds left, Granieri hit Aaron Brown, whose lateral attempt was foiled by linebacker Anthony Tyus, Jr.

Despite the close score, DeBord was happy with his team’s second half effort.

“There are going to be some people who wondered why this game was so close, but I’m not so sure we would have won that game in the past,” DeBord said. “I’m not so sure we would have had an attitude to finish. We finished and we didn’t get down at halftime.”

Central’s offense racked up 524 total yards, 364 of which came on the ground.

“I was very worried about what they would do offensively,” McDonnell said. “My worst nightmare came true in the second half when they just wore us down.”

The game featured the Kelly/Shorts debut of true freshman Jerry Seymour. The shifty 5’6” tailback carried 27 times for 168 yards and three touchdowns, wearing down the Wildcat defense.

“This team has really rallied around him and they should after his performance,” DeBord said. “What a performance.”

Senior Terrence Jackson added 84 yards on 26 carries, while senior Kenan Lawhorne had a 45-yard gain before leaving the game with an injury.

DeBord is excited about his depth at the running back position.

“The backs are going to be banged up so we need a multiple amount.” DeBord said. “If a guy is hot, we’re going to go with him.”

View more pictures from Central's win against New Hampshire.

The Chippewas struggled defensively in the first half, falling 23-19 heading into the locker room. Adjustments showed in the third quarter, as CMU forced New Hampshire to punt in four of its first five possessions in the second half.

“I didn’t tell (defensive coordinator Bob Bartolomeo) how to adjust it, I just told him to adjust it,” DeBord said. “Other than one play, our defense was unbelievable in the second half. That’s an offense that is hard to defend.”

DeBord said the team must shore up its special teams for Saturday’s game against Eastern Kentucky. A muffed punt by returner Justin Harper led to a second quarter UNH touchdown. Kicker Connor McCormick and punter Josh Polgar also pinned the Chippewas deep into their own zone on numerous occasions.

Jeff Perry started his first game at Kelly/Shorts Stadium, completing 19-of-28 passes for 172 yards and a touchdown.

Free safety James King followed up a 19-tackle performance against Michigan with 11. Tyus added 15 stops from the middle linebacker position.

The Chippewas host EKU 1 p.m. Saturday.