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MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (AP) Cooper Rush threw six touchdown passes and Central Michigan pulled away in the second half to beat UNLV 44-21 on Saturday.

UNLV sophomore running back Lexington Thomas led the Rebels offense with 17 carries for 113 yards and a touchdown.

Rush was 20 of 33 for 352 yards, and his six scoring throws was a Kelly/Shorts Stadium record. Corey Willis had six receptions for 108 yards and two touchdowns, and Mark Chapman finished with five catches for 80 yards and two scores. Jesse Kroll and Brandon Childress also had TD catches.

Central Michigan lead 28-21 at halftime, and its defense had a safety and an interception in the second half. Rush added throwing scores of 31 and 42 yards.

The Chippewas travel to face ACC-member Virginia with a shot a starting 4-0 for the first time since 1985.