Central Michigan Chippewas 2010 Preview
July 18th, 2010 by Nick Gerogosian
The Chippewas have been by far the most dominate team in the MAC over the past four seasons putting together a resume of a national ranking (2009), two bowl wins (2006 & 2006), four straight bowl games (2006-2009) and a combined record of 38-17 with three MAC titles. Losing a four-year starting QB (Dan LeFevour) and a coaching staff means that this year may be a transition year for Central. CMU returns just eleven starters overall but has recruited well under the previous coaches Brian Kelly and Butch Jones so the cupboard is not bare. Former Michigan State assistant coach Dan Enos takes over the program now.
The Team
QB Ryan Radcliff looks to be the starter this fall and he has the ability to make all of the throws. The big change may be the offensive philosophy itself; gone is the spread offense and in is using more plays under center and mixing in a stronger running game. Central loses it’s top two rushers from a year ago, QB LeFevour (graduation) and RB Bryan Schroeder (left the program). Fear not Chip fans, this team is loaded with running back talent in Carl Volny, Paris Cotton, Kevin King, Ben Brown and Zurlon Tipton. Expect this team to rush on average for nearly 200-yards per contest this fall. The top two receivers need to be replaced but there is still talent at wide out led by WR Kito Poblah and TE David Blackburn. The offensive line is solid with Jake Olson, Jeff Maddux, Colin Miller and Rocky Weaver. Two of the MAC’s top linebackers are Matt Berning and Nick Bellore, both finished with well over 100 tackles last season. Sean Murnane and John Williams lead a very active front four the secondary needs to be totally replaced. Central ranked 66th in the nation in pass defense in 2009, expect that ranking to fall in 2010. More work is needed on special teams units.
The Verdict
Dan LeFevour departs as one of the most successful QBs in MAC history; his big-play abilities, leadership and calm demeanor cannot be replaced. Losing Antonio Brown early to the draft didn’t help either which could be part of the reason for change in offensive philosophy from pass heavy to run heavy. Central ranked 13th in the nation in scoring offense last year (34 PPG) and will not match that output this fall. Defensively they were solid and gave up just 19 PPG and that too will not happen. Bottom line, this is still a very good football team but no longer championship caliber.
2010 Schedule & Prediction
Sept 2 Hamtpon W
Sept 11 at Temple L
Sept 18 at Eastern Michigan W
Sept 25 at Northwestern L
Oct 2 Ball State W
Oct 9 at Virginia Tech L
Oct 16 Miami (O) W
Oct 23 at NIU L
Oct 30 BGSU W
Nov 5 Western Michigan W
Nov 13 at Navy L
Nov 26 at Toledo L
6-6 Overall; 5-3 MAC
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