Mid-American Conference Preview: Central Michigan

Central Michigan Chippewas 

2015 Results: 7-6 (6-2, T1st in West)
Lost to Minnesota in Quick Lane Bowl 

Returning Starters: 7 OFF, 7 DEF, 1 SP 

2016 Schedule:

September:

1st PRESBYTERIAN

10th at Oklahoma State

17th UNLV

24th at Virginia

October:

1st WESTERN MICHIGAN

8th BALL STATE

15th at Northern Illinois

22nd at Toledo

29th KENT STATE

November:

4th at Miami (OH)

15th OHIO

22nd EASTERN MICHIGAN

Head coach John Bonamego is returning for his second season and has a solid team to back him up. NIU got the bid to represent the West in the MAC title game, but they couldn't handle the Chippewas back in the regular season. A 4 team tie for the top spot in the division didn't fall the way they needed it to and they had to sit back and accept that. They have the core group back and will be a threat to run the West again this year.

On the offensive side of the ball, they are an easy team to profile, but a tougher team to stop. They're going to throw the ball. Plain and simple. They ranked 19th nationally last season and they return their top 3 receivers and a stud quarterback. Care to guess the game plan for this season? THEY'RE GOING TO BE THROWING THE BALL! Quarterback Cooper Rush is in the hood for his final hoorah and is looking to build on his 3,848 yard season with 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He's got everything he needs to succeed and he's going to do some damage.

Defensively, they are BEASTS! Top 30 in all three main categories and returning nearly all of their key players. This defense is going to be stronger than last season and provide the offense with the support they need to be great. As long as some unforseen issue doesn't present itself, the defense will be able to anchor the load and allow the offense to be the passing machine that it previously has been.

Player to watch: Cooper Rush

This goofy son of a b is the trigger man who is going to guide the Chippewas to glory! He has the golden arm that will carry his fellow man and put them in the position to dominate the West this season.

If you only watch them once, watch: 9/24 at Virginia

I'm not sure they're able to go to Virginia and knock off the Cavaliers, but it wouldn't surprise me if they did. They are that talented. This Chippewas team is a sneaky good team that has a goofy mascot and is deceptive. Don't sleep on them or else you'll get slapped.

Prediction: 8-4 (6-2, MAC)

All my love,

@corbeech